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I'm thinking about the XT, SVX, 06 Tribeca, for starters.
Speaking of the SVX, there's one in my parking lot at work. It's a very well maintained pearlescent white one.
-Frank
-Frank
http://usnews.rankingsandreviews.com/cars-trucks/daily-news/090904-Honda-Struggl- es-With-Negative-Reactions-to-Crosstour/
Bob
exactly. Subaru already knows this because they do have a stronger internet presence on nabisco, here, etc. EVERYONE hates ANYTHING new at first. Hated the bugeye. Hated the pignose. Hated the Tribeca. Hated the new age Impreza..... but they didn't get as fazed by it. Honda may be overreacting.
The Pilot has bizarre details, but it's boxy shape is practical, and it's smaller than competitors yet offers very good room inside, i.e. space efficiency.
Same for the Ridgeline, not a pretty face, but cool design details make it an overall good effort.
The thing about the CrossTour is that is sacrifices function for what should be improved style. They ended up with small and ugly. That's not easy to accomplish.
Same for the BMW X6. BMW cheated, though, by offering turbo engines which the X5 does not get, so people might defend it for the upgraded powertrains vs. the X5. But give me an X5 over the X6 any day, even without the turbos.
Automotive News headline:
FINAL ASSEMBLY : Bloggers bad-mouth Honda's new hatchback
I criticized the Tribeca's original D-pillar (poor visibility) and thought the refresh addressed that for the most part, but I didn't mind the grille. For the record I don't really have a problem with the CrossTour's front end, grille and all, it's the pregnant, hump-backed rear that I don't like.
I ended up settling on Paver Base, basically small gravel stones in a clay-like powder. It's meant to go beneath paver stones, but in this case I just filled the pot holes and hope to get the condo to put a layer of gravel on top, eventually.
I spread 30 bags of the stuff (half cubic foot each) and packed it down. That was not enough, so the 2nd day I added 25 more. I pat them down with a 4' pole and a small square piece at the bottom that I made myself. Then I sprayed some water to find the low spots, filled again, pat down, etc. Repeated that a few times.
Some pot holes are not even visible any more, but the big ones I'm sue will come back. Driving over them helped pack it down a bit more, but you could still see subtle tire marks, so I hope it lasts and people are careful and drive slowly there.
That filled in the holes, at least, though there still isn't really a crown to it, and we would need a lot more material to achieve that.
I think this will be a good temporary fix. Cars will no longer fall in to the holes and risk damage, but I'm sure we'll see erosion and if we don't add gravel we'll be back where we started in a couple of years.
We might even need to add dirt to create a crown, then gravel on top of that.
Bob
We drove by Ocean Pines on Saturday night, twice actually. Highway 90 takes you from Ocean Pines to 63rd street, so we're still about 80 blocks north.
We went to the Shorebirds game. They won and we even got fireworks afterwards. It was great.
A bit better looking, and hp raised to 180 (10 more than the Forester).
Bob
180hp is good, no doubt in response to the RAV4's upgrade to its 2.5l engine. Torque is still only 161 lb-ft vs. 170 for the Forester (both at the same rpm).
The PZEV Forester have 175hp, BTW. But HP sells, so Subaru should respond for 2011.
interior door handle design with a rubberized grip handle
I complained about the old one - it was fake-metallic trim and probably a place where the finish would wear off from lots of use.
Nice update, though. Satellite-linked Nav, does that mean it incorporates XM traffic?
Subaru should pay attention.
Subaru and other AWD'ers routinely trounce it in traction and hill climbing tests.
I've not seen anything suggesting Honda has changed CR-V AWD for 2010. If they are serious about surmounting Forester or other Subarus, they need to update it.
Honda actually called them that in press materials.
SH-AWD is nice but it probably costs too much for the CR-V. The RD-X has it but even in that model they changed some of the carbon fiber parts from the RL's system to cheaper steel.
If so, this should interest you: Honda is about to introduce a new VFR1200 sport bike—with a DSG! This is the first-ever sport bike with such a tranny.
http://www.motorcyclistonline.com/newsandupdates/122_0909_2010_honda_vfr1200/ind- - ex.html
There's a video here too, as to how it compares with a traditional motorcycle in terms of usage.
Bob
Still, though, I wonder how many sport bike riders want that sort of isolation?
Also, are there enough Rs in CBR1000RR?
I think both the Fiesta and this are better looking than any current mini-compacts in the US market.
I agree that the Mazda2 could appeal to import buyers, many of which won't even consider a Ford.
They could also sell one only as a 2 door, the other as a 4 door.
To me, if they do that, make the Fiesta a 4 door, the Mazda2 a sportier coupe. That would fit each lineup well.
I wouldn't be surprised if we see all sorts of Fiestas, though.
Dumb.
Bob
Much worse than dumb. Wait till a huge product liability suit comes of it. "You didn't tell me never to do (whatever)" Poor or incomplete instructions probably makes for lots of liability as well as inconvenience.
But what would you expect from Chrysler? :sick:
http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/Drives/FirstDrives/articleId=157626?tid=edm- unds.il.home.photopanel..1.*
Bob
True, but not furnishing the information that could be read by the owner probably wouldn't go over well with a jury in a personal injury case.
The other issue is that they are moving to DVDs for their manuals. Well, a DVD is nowhere as easy to use as a "printed" manual. Not everyone carries a laptop with them. I'd hate to be stuck somewhere in the boondocks, needing car question to be answered, and without a laptop at hand. Finally, if your car won't start, the factory in-dash DVD player may not work.
It's a really dumb idea.
Bob
I really like the sliding rear seat idea! 8" is pretty good movement there and can make for excellent versatility. It looks like space and fuel economy are essentially on par with the Forester, so why not? I'm sure folks will cross-shop them. No mention of a manual transmission though, so Forester still has that edge for people who prefer it.
The smaller manual will still be a good-sized book - 60 to 80 pages depending on the vehicle - and will contain diagrams and full-color pictures. One of the advantages of the DVD will be the inclusion of narrated video... in their testing, Chrysler said the video for the removal and reinstallation of the Jeep Wrangler's soft top was one of the highest rated portions.
Erin left a bit out... the Chrysler press release is more informative about what you actually get.
Chrysler Group LLC is First Automaker to Provide Digital Owners' Manuals
Many of us are enthusiasts and will sit down to read that 500-pager... I do with every new vehicle and have it fully read within 72 hours of delivery. But the general public is a bit lazier -- want a manual transmission? Good luck... even if it's available on the car you want, be prepared to order and wait for it unless it's an exotic/high performance car that comes no other way. Road maps from gas stations? Nahh, people want the convenience of a navigation system to do that work for them. If someone ever develops an automatic gas station where a pump robotically locates and fills the tank, Lazy America will demand its widespread use.
I have the digital version of the factory service manual for my 2005 Ram... it has come in handy several times and I can print pages for tasks that may occur regularly (changing bulbs/fluids/filters). I can accept a digital "full" owner's manual in that same regard.
And besides... you know all the other manufacturers will follow suit anyway.
kcram - Pickups/Wagons Host
Bob
I guess my Sienna came with both, a thick owner's manual in print, plus a DVD.
The best part of the DVD is that it shows you how to remove the 2nd row seats, which is not intuitive. A picture (video in this case) is worth 1000 words.
"According to a report by Japan’s Nikkei Sangyo business daily, Subaru plans on offering continuously variable transmissions (CVTs) throughout its lineup to boost fuel-economy. Subaru has used belt-type CVTs in minicars for the Japanese market since 1987, reports Automotive News . However, the automaker launched CVT in its first big car with the Legacy last spring. “We are thinking about it, but we don’t have an actual plan about which models,” said Masashi Uemura, a spokesman"
Source: http://autoinfonews.org/subaru-to-offer-cvt-transmissions-on-all-models-within-t- wo-years/
When I first saw pictures of the new 4-Runner, I hated it. Now seeing this version, I've changed my mind. I'm glad that Toyota has seen fit to keep the 4-Runner true to its off-road roots, especially with its trick KDSS off-road suspension. I also like the lack of chrome on this Trail Grade trim level. This new 4-Runner makes much more sense than the visibility-challenged FJ Cruiser, which I've heard rumors of being discontinued.
Some may question the sense of this vehicle. I couldn't disagree more. If you want a soft-roader, Toyota has plenty to offer you. If, however, you live in the west, the mountains, any rural area, and are an outdoors person who regularly ventures off the beaten path, this is your ride. Also, remember the is 4-Runner is a "world" vehicle. It's sold all over the globe as the Land Cruiser Prada and other names. Folks in Australia, Africa, Asia, South/Central America, the Mid-East, and 3rd-world countries will really appreciate its capability.
This vehicle will debut at the Texas State Fair, which I believe opens today.
Bob
Yep, Hilux SW4 in Belize and Suriname. SW4 = Station Wagon 4WD.
I LOVE it. I did not like the outgoing model, but I liked the one 2 generations back, and this new one hints more at that more masculine, less ovoid styling.
270hp V6 and it gets 19mpg combined for the 4WD model? That matches the fuel economy of the compact unibody Mitsu Outlander with 50 more horses. They really worked their magic.
24 gallon gas tank means you can drive forever. Hey Subaru, did you get the memo? Big gas tanks mean awesome range. Please fix.
we find it interesting that the stability control isn't very intrusive
Toyota's learning.
The best thing they did was to keep it distinct from the Highlander. This will appeal to an entirely different buyer, and that's very wise.
The funny thing is I'm not even shopping in that segment, and I think it's cool.
The interior isn't as strong as the exterior and powertrain.
The Photo Gallery is busted - I cannot zoom in on any of the photos.
http://www.worldcarfans.com/109091421711/2010-toyota-4runner-photos-leaked/lowph- otos#0
I like the boxy look, it's stronger and more masculine. Best angle is straight on, from the front. Sides are a little too Hummer-ish.
I like that sliding tray, too. Where have I seen that before? Land Rover? Someone else has it.
Nav screen looks tiny!
Too much fake metal trim in the interior, also.
Edmunds is about to launch an all-new Inside Line on 10/1, and Erin indicated that the site has been acting weird lately. This is just one more example.
I don't care so much for the images on this link. I much prefer the more "ruf-and-ready look" of the "Trail Grade" trim with the black grille, etc. Check this link:
http://www.trucktrend.com/roadtests/suv/163_0909_2010_toyota_4runner_trail_editi- on/index.html
The slide-out cargo floor is found on several Euro-wagons.
Bob
Interesting that a "state fair" has become such an important place for car, er, make that "truck" fans. For several years now there have been new model announcements at this venue, this year is no different. The all-new 4-Runner will debut here today, as will the revised 2011 Ford Super Duty pickups with their all-new, in-house engineered, 6.7L diesel. Dodge will be showing their all-new HD Rams as well.
Bob
You're preaching to the choir. Where do I sign up? :shades:
I love it even more now.
Saab - that's where I noticed it first. Saab wagons have that slide-out tray. Neat idea.
http://www.trucktrend.com/roadtests/suv/163_0909_2010_toyota_4runner_trail_editi- - - - - - on/photo_06.html
Note that these 4WD controls are on the ceiling, and not the console or dash!
BTW, the photo links on that IL R-Runner write-up are now working.
Edit:
IL put up a second blog entry, detailing the 4WD system. It sounds pretty impressive for those who off-road.
http://blogs.edmunds.com/straightline/2009/09/is-the-2010-4runner-trail-grade-th- - e-best-4x4-package-sold-in-the-us.html#more
Bob
I really like the front view. The old face was saggy, droopy, this one is aggressive and macho looking. A subtle change goes a long way.
The C-pillar is thicker than it needed to be, but the window behind it is still probably best-in-class for visibility.
This part I don't get:
The transfer cases for both full-time (Limited only) and part-time (both SR5 and Trail Grade 4x4s) models use a Torsen limited-slip center differential that essentially locks up when in 4Hi mode when front and rear driveshafts differences exceed a prescribed limit. With a set of torque-biasing worm gear and clutches, the system is both strong and relatively smooth in its transitions from open to lock. Low-range gearing in 4Lo is a respectable 2.57:1, with an overall crawl ratio (axle gears x First gear x transfer case low range) of 33.7:1, giving it excellent slow-speed control.
A torsen is a limited-slip, how can it also be a locker? And if it can be locked, doesn't that mean it's not a Torsen after all? Is this some new hybrid design?
I'd love to see some photos of that diff to see how it works. Better still, a video.
http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/24/2010-toyota-4runner-debuts-with-four-cylinder- -trail-grade-model/
Bob
I don't like that rear spoiler, it's too bulky.
Hood scoop must be just for show?
Roof is very flat, a bit Hummer-esque in a way. Overall I still like it, though.
I wonder if those up/down arrows on the rear gate/logo make the window go up and down. It's a strange place for buttons.
Front cup holders are bizarre.
Bob
Funny thing is I don't particularly like the FJ. It's overdone, cartoonish in some ways. Visibility is weak, and when it came out it required premium fuel (fixed for this year).
The 4Runner has none of those flaws.
I was watching it on video on Automotive News, you have to register to see it. It's in the Frankfurt coverage section.
They use regenerative braking to charge the regular battery, and therefore don't need an alternator sapping power and efficiency the rest of the time. It also has automatic start/stop for city driving.
You get the benefits of a hybrid without the weight of the massive battery pack. Very smart.
I wonder how much it costs, but future diesels should head in that direction.
Hope all the regulars are good.
-mike
Bob