Besides having an integrated in-dash brake control, this system is hooked into the vehicle's anti-lock braking. This allows (for the first time) the trailer to also have ABS, which is a great safety feature.
It includes what Ford says is the industry’s first factory-installed electronic brake controller. With this setup, the antilock brakes work not only on the truck, but also on the trailer — a real safety improvement.
The innovative system is integrated into the vehicle’s instrument panel. It gives audible and visual warnings if the trailer wiring becomes disconnected. TowCommand will be offered as an option. Ford won’t release pricing until early fall.
I would LOVE to see Subaru offer a light-duty version of this system, with the trailer ABS capability, on all Subies as part of a trailer tow package.
Engine: knock knock knock Sensor: Who's there?... Oh wait, it you Engine. Hey ECU! Engine is knocking! ECU: I'll pipe him down. OK, is Engine still knocking? Sensor: Wait, let me listen... Engine: knock knock Sensor: Ya ECU: Dang this low octane, I'll pipe him down some more. Still knocking? Sensor: No, I don't hear him.
The few dollars you could save would probably go to easing the cost of a engine replacement.
What ever happened to the Hill Holder clutch? My last legacy wagon had it and it was very useful on the steep hills in Seattle. It seems like a simple enough idea- did it get in the way of aggressive driving? (I suppose if you had the clutch in and hit the break hard you could engage it- although it never did)
Anyway, as I contemplate teaching my wife how to drive MT I was thinking how nice the Hill Holder would be.
" think the bottom line is people would like to see just a little more juice from the 2.5l engine. Or an intermediate engine.
If you think about it, the 2.5l made 165hp way, way back in 1997. Here we are nearly a decade later and the power has not increased significantly. Weight has, though.
-juice"
I agree that the 2.5 itself could use an uprating, if only for marketing's sake (the 168hp Legacy actually feels quite peppy enough). It's important to remember that despite the fact it took 8 years for only a 3hp increase, the engine has changed. The SOHC phase II 2.5 released in '99 still managed to produce as much hp as the old DOHC. Obviously there's a lot of potential for a Phase III adding AVCS and a second set of cams to the Phase II engine. 200hp couldn't be out of the question.
Would a DOHC AVCS 2.5l n/a really cost that much more to build? That way there'd only be one type of cylinder head to build for the 2.5l. Economies of scale is Subaru's friend.
Indeed, that looks very sharp for a subcompact, Bob. Peugoet makes some handsome small cars as well. It is possible, though perhaps harder than with bigger cars.
Right now they have a PZEV 2.5l, the regular 2.5l, and the 2.5l that goes into the Legacy and makes 3 more hp. They could perhaps streamline these a bit, perhaps get it down to just 2 engines, both with AVCS.
Thanks Bob. Why did they stop putting it on the other models? I found it to be quite useful, albeit you could do the same with the parking brake. Maybe it's expensive?
It was one of those cool features I could show my friends. Now all I can do is surprise them with how fast my new legacy is! (They don't expect it at all!)
I'm not sure. Actually we (Subaru Crew here at Edmunds) campaigned long and hard to get it reinstated. Last generation Foresters (and all Subies) it was MIA here in North America.
I know previous Subies here had that feature. Unfortunately SOA pulled the plug on that feature as well as the dual-range tranny sometime back in the early – mid-'90s.
I doubt there would only be one type of cylinder head even if the base 2.5L were DOHC AVCS. the ports should be different for turbocharged engines than naturally aspirated. velocity works a lot differently when the intake charge is under pressure.
I do agree, though, that the base 2.5L needs some help and while Subaru's current single cam phasing isn't particularly impressive viewed against what others are doing with variable valve timing and lift, it's a lot better than nothing.
edit: although I would just like to see a 2.0L low-boost turbo as the base engine instead as I mentioned a week or so ago.
That's it, I'm taking the lawn gnome out of my front yard and replacing it with a premium 93octane gas pump. It'll have a special additive called "Super Ultra Max Dynomite", which is actually sugar, but you can bet it will be pre-me-um!!
Who am I kidding, if I get one of these, the guilt will be too much -- I'll be filling up at shell wearing a fake mustache and glasses saying "give me the v-power, and don't tell the subie crew!"
that new super Mazda 6 (276hp AWD), I propose the following:
Offer a Legacy 2.5 & 3.2 GT-S. The 2.5 will be a tweaked Legacy GT and the 3.2 will be an enlarged/tweaked 3.0 H-6. Both cars will get:
• 280 hp engines • 6-speed STi trannys (no autos) • 18" wheels and suspension from the 3.0 Spec-B that's to be sold in Europe • Front seats from the STi
Although, I could just put 18's on my current GT and increase the boost. replacing the 5sp with a 6sp would be a little difficult though.
One thing I wish I had on the GT is wheel mounted radio controls. You can get them on a Mazda 3, 6, Honda Accord, Camry, and Altima. It's really convenient to have (and probably adds a little safety!)
what I'm suggesting is to simply bring the Euro Legacy 3.0R spec.B over here, but give customers a choice of either a slightly larger 3.2L/280hp engine or a tweaked 280hp H-4 turbo.
Bob- any idea how much it costs in Euros? It seems like having the radio controls wouldn't have been too hard to do here. I like the Aluminum pedals and dead pedal, and a 6sp would be nice. I think I would still take the H4 turbo over the H6 though, especially if the H6 weighed a bit more. I don't know, I would have to drive them. But when they come here, sign me up!
Do you think I could order the pedals from Europe? I like them better than the metal and red ones here.
I am fairly certain that the EJ series H4 with turbocharger in fact weighs more than the EZ30 H6, so you can stop fretting about that little piece.
of course, the rest of it is where the meat of the issue is. ...
uh. um. reads again
wow, ok the low-tech nature of vvt implemented on current Subaru 2.5L turbo models that I spoke of yesterday is now addressed with the 3.0R. I can't cut and paste, but I see "Electronic Valve Control, Active Valve Control and Variable Lift Control Systems work together..."
well there you have it. I think Subaru's engine future is secure no matter what path they choose. I like the path they've headed down so far by winning or matching the class output everywhere they compete. doing that and having tasteful interiors, while staying below the premiums commanded by Audi and BMW, they'll be successful.
Is it just me, or does there seem to be a greater interest here recently in Subie owners who have questions regarding towing?
If this is indeed an indication that Subarus are now being considered more as tow vehicles, it would be great if SOA started offering more accessories to make the cars more tow-friendly; starting with 7-plug wires, electric brake controllers, oil coolers, etc.
Is it just me, or does there seem to be a greater interest here recently in Subie owners who have questions regarding towing?
Bob- It's just you :-) Seriously though, I'm sure you'll agree that you're predisposed to focus in on posts memtioning trailers. In contrast, there are far more posts asking about what's a better tire for the Forester but I don't see Subaru going away from the Geolanders anytime soon.
Frank, until recently nobody here was talking about towing except me. Now there are several new folks here asking questions about towing. Could this be the very early stages of a new trend??
I noticed that the sliding front cupholder cover on the new Legacys/Outbacks appears to be of similar engineering of that found on antique roll-top desks. I say that because if it weren't a "roll-top" design, wouldn't the sliding lid interfere with the storage compartment directly behind it? Check Ken's recent post here, and you will see what I'm talking about, and it confirms my thinking about it being of a "roll-top" design:
With that in mind, I wonder if it would be possible to engineer a locking, "roll-top," sliding hard bed cover for the Baja? I know it could be done, my only question is could it be done and still keep the switchback? One other issue is how watertight could such a lid be? My feeling is even if it's not 100% watertight, it would still be a very worthwhile feature.
If so, this would be a great solution to those times when you want a secure and locked bed, as well as for those times you want an open bed and don't have worry about storing the hard bed lid in your garage.
After driving around my '05 Legacy GT Ltd sedan for 3 weeks, this is what I wish it had (not necessarily in order):
1. Auto up windows 2. Memory seat 3. Adjustable pedals 4. Ability to set a single zone for the climate control 5. Sunglass holder 6. Hill holder clutch 7. More storage (for CDs) 8. Accessory jack for MP3 player 9. McIntosh Stereo option (they have it in Japan) 10. Trunk lip spoiler 11. Aluminum WRX pedal covers (I don't want the bright red STi ones) 12. Switch/option to turn off seatbelt chime 13. Larger center armrest or extension 14. Homelink option 15. Japanese model bumper with integrated fog lights 16. rear view camera (frivolous, but neat!) or parking assist 17. 18 in wheel option 18. Steering wheel radio controls (lighted please) 19. I'm less needy of HIDs and Nav, but might be nice
This is a long list, but in reality I'm very happy with the car without any of these things. I think with these additions it becomes more of a luxury sedan- but I suppose it would have a luxury sedan price at that point! But some of the easier to integrate and less expensive things on this list would still make it a little nicer (especially the ones offered in other countries!) and a bigger step up from other japanese cars and more like it's European competitors.
Very cool (should I say kewl?)....Why don't they give it a shot here? America is just so ripe for more bizarre car choices... We have so many choices of lookalike sedans, SUV's, etc... why not this... it's strange and funky but different from a box car Scion or Element so it would have a shot.
So many outer space vehicles in Japan! I saw something called a "Will" that looked like the VW Thing futurized...but it zoomed by me too and since I was only there outside the airport for an hour and half..I could not look into it more.
Orangelebaron,I agree completely. It's high time for Subaru to come back to N. America with a small car. This car looks very much like the Toyota Echo hatch (not sure if it's in the States) and they're all over the place, and were just introduced. My one stipulation; get a boxer in that thing! My 2 cents, Owen
This is using power moonroof technology. If the bed cover were made up of 3-4 pieces of 1-way visible or deep-tinted hard plastic, it could "nested" up against the rear window much like that shown in this '05 Pontiac's sectioned moonroof, with the nesting perhaps a bit more vertical and closer to the rear window. If it were 1-way visible/deep-tinted plastic, the driver could see through the nested panels when looking rearward.
As to costs? Probably in the range of the moonroof pictured here, maybe a little more, since it would be a bit larger. My guess is that this Pontiac moonroof is priced reasonably, otherwise GM wouldn't offer it on this price-conscious mainstream brand. Frankly I'd trade the current standard moonroof for this moonroof-like bed cover solution, if costs were a real issue.
Looks like this company had the same idea I had. Now if they would hook up with SOA, and design a roll top hard bed cover for the Baja, it would be great!
Clicking on the "More Information" link on the left gives a more detailed look at how this system works. It's pretty nifty, if you ask me.
It looks like the roll-top could be engineered into the space above the switchback, and below the rear window. This would most likely have to be part of the engineering plan from the beginning of a Generation-II Baja. I'm not sure if it could easily be engineered into the existing Baja.
I've long felt that the Impreza Outback Sport to be, shall we say... just a bit tacky... with its 2-tone paint/tape treatment. This, I'm sure, will become a marketing issue as Subaru tries to move upmarket. In fact, in our recent car search for our daughter, the 2-tone treatment of the OBS was for my daughter—a major turn-off for her. She liked the car, and it's "content," but just hated the 2-tone treatment of the OBS.
So here's some suggestions on how to improve this model, and still keep much of its character:
• Drop the name "Outback Sport," and call it the "2.5RS-V" ("V" for versatility). In Australia the OBS is marketed as the 2.0 RV. Well, as juice long ago pointed out, "RV" is associated with the 65+ crowd, and driving huge behemoths—not exactly that car's demographic... So I think 2.5RS-V is a good solution. It relates to the youthful RS (good!) and at the same time suggests more versatility (also good!).
• Kill the 2-tone paint/tape scheme.
• Give it the RS's grill, seat/interior trim, and sportier suspension.
• Keep the OBS's unique wheels, roof rack cross bars, rear bumper pad, rubber cargo mat, ambient temp gauge, and include the new OBS SE goodies.
• SOA could save some money by streamlining production. No longer would this model have a different grill, a different interior, and that goofy 2-tone exterior.
• The customer would benefit by having a better looking car, the OBS SE added equipment—and it would probably cost less (because of manufacturing streamlining) than the current OBS SE.
yeah I agree subaru needs to consolidate more of their models/trims.
Anyways, do you remember how you were talking about the Baja being the vehicle equivalent of a swiss army knife? Well what about coming out with a version of what chevy has done to the silverado? It has an onboard generator that runs off the engine with outlets here and there on the vehicle?
I agree with your idea regarding the onboard generator. I made that very same suggestion to Subaru regarding the Baja a few months ago. No reply from SOA.
Maybe I went overboard with my suggestion because I went from the generator with plugs to carrying the "swiss army" concept much further to make it a very utilitarian vehicle. I suggested even having "pockets" (large-ish slots 6-8 inches in diameter by 12 - 18 inches deep) into which various "tools" could be inserted and changed out depending on the job needed. These pockets would be powered by the generator and you could drop in things like a small winch, or small air compressor, air pump, ac/dc power converter. That way they are secure in the "pocket" and not rolling around but have the benefit of the power generated. Let SOA make a few of these "tools" and then let 3rd parties make the rest for specialized industries... a fluid pump, pneumatic pipe cutter, etc.
Kind of a pie-in-the-sky idea that I felt would make the Baja a jack-of-all-trades vehicle and make it much more interesting to DIY people, small business ownders and industries alike. Bring out the big equipment if the job is a big one or send out the Baja appropriately equipped with the various "modules" or "tools" on board to work the job.
Unfortunately, again we are faced with Baja being a low volume vehicle so no $$ gets invested in it to do the kinds of things that could be done to make it a high volume vehicle.
yeah that's a great idea about having more storage. What it really needs also is a full width pass-through with fold flat rear seat and passenger seat in order to accomodate long items.
Or why not make the Baja Sport a regular cab model and make the rest bed space? It would be cheaper and more utilitarian. The back seat is already cramped anyway. Ok Ok I'll come clean I just want a cheap, reliable AWD pickup truck with a flat engine.
But as you said the future of the Baja is uncertain, and with less than stellar sales we'll have to see if FHI spends any more R&D money on it. Hopefully, they will.
Or why not make the Baja Sport a regular cab model and make the rest bed space? It would be cheaper and more utilitarian.
Unfortunately that cab configuration is going the way of the dinosaur, at least for small – mid-size trucks. Several manufacturers are not even offering a regular cab small pickup for '05; Nissan for one.
Comments
Besides having an integrated in-dash brake control, this system is hooked into the vehicle's anti-lock braking. This allows (for the first time) the trailer to also have ABS, which is a great safety feature.
It includes what Ford says is the industry’s first factory-installed electronic brake controller. With this setup, the antilock brakes work not only on the truck, but also on the trailer — a real safety improvement.
The innovative system is integrated into the vehicle’s instrument panel. It gives audible and visual warnings if the trailer wiring becomes disconnected. TowCommand will be offered as an option. Ford won’t release pricing until early fall.
I would LOVE to see Subaru offer a light-duty version of this system, with the trailer ABS capability, on all Subies as part of a trailer tow package.
Bob
http://www.caranddriver.com/article.asp?section_id=30&article- _id=8325
Let's hope the 5EAT will replace the 4EAT on '06 Subies.
Bob
What Colin said.
Engine: knock knock knock
Sensor: Who's there?... Oh wait, it you Engine. Hey ECU! Engine is knocking!
ECU: I'll pipe him down. OK, is Engine still knocking?
Sensor: Wait, let me listen...
Engine: knock knock
Sensor: Ya
ECU: Dang this low octane, I'll pipe him down some more. Still knocking?
Sensor: No, I don't hear him.
The few dollars you could save would probably go to easing the cost of a engine replacement.
-Dave
5 speed auto is much better than the current 4s so yes please phase those out!
-juice
Anyway, as I contemplate teaching my wife how to drive MT I was thinking how nice the Hill Holder would be.
tom
Bob
like this new Mitsubishi Colt CZ3, but obviously with Subie styling cues. Actually, I see a lot of the Subie R1e in this Colt.
Bob
If you think about it, the 2.5l made 165hp way, way back in 1997. Here we are nearly a decade later and the power has not increased significantly. Weight has, though.
-juice"
I agree that the 2.5 itself could use an uprating, if only for marketing's sake (the 168hp Legacy actually feels quite peppy enough). It's important to remember that despite the fact it took 8 years for only a 3hp increase, the engine has changed. The SOHC phase II 2.5 released in '99 still managed to produce as much hp as the old DOHC. Obviously there's a lot of potential for a Phase III adding AVCS and a second set of cams to the Phase II engine. 200hp couldn't be out of the question.
Would a DOHC AVCS 2.5l n/a really cost that much more to build? That way there'd only be one type of cylinder head to build for the 2.5l. Economies of scale is Subaru's friend.
Mike
Right now they have a PZEV 2.5l, the regular 2.5l, and the 2.5l that goes into the Legacy and makes 3 more hp. They could perhaps streamline these a bit, perhaps get it down to just 2 engines, both with AVCS.
-juice
It was one of those cool features I could show my friends. Now all I can do is surprise them with how fast my new legacy is! (They don't expect it at all!)
tom
I'm not sure. Actually we (Subaru Crew here at Edmunds) campaigned long and hard to get it reinstated. Last generation Foresters (and all Subies) it was MIA here in North America.
I know previous Subies here had that feature. Unfortunately SOA pulled the plug on that feature as well as the dual-range tranny sometime back in the early – mid-'90s.
Bob
Bob
I do agree, though, that the base 2.5L needs some help and while Subaru's current single cam phasing isn't particularly impressive viewed against what others are doing with variable valve timing and lift, it's a lot better than nothing.
edit: although I would just like to see a 2.0L low-boost turbo as the base engine instead as I mentioned a week or so ago.
~Colin
Who am I kidding, if I get one of these, the guilt will be too much -- I'll be filling up at shell wearing a fake mustache and glasses saying "give me the v-power, and don't tell the subie crew!"
Jim
Offer a Legacy 2.5 & 3.2 GT-S. The 2.5 will be a tweaked Legacy GT and the 3.2 will be an enlarged/tweaked 3.0 H-6. Both cars will get:
• 280 hp engines
• 6-speed STi trannys (no autos)
• 18" wheels and suspension from the 3.0 Spec-B that's to be sold in Europe
• Front seats from the STi
Bob
Although, I could just put 18's on my current GT and increase the boost. replacing the 5sp with a 6sp would be a little difficult though.
One thing I wish I had on the GT is wheel mounted radio controls. You can get them on a Mazda 3, 6, Honda Accord, Camry, and Altima. It's really convenient to have (and probably adds a little safety!)
tom
Here's the proposed 3.0R spec.B.
http://www.subaru-global.com/topics/ms/2004gen/
Tom, this model does have the steering wheel radio controls.
Bob
Do you think I could order the pedals from Europe? I like them better than the metal and red ones here.
tom
That Legacy is not yet on sale in Europe. I think it's to be released this fall, so no pricing yet. Not sure about the pedals.
Bob
of course, the rest of it is where the meat of the issue is. ...
uh. um. reads again
wow, ok the low-tech nature of vvt implemented on current Subaru 2.5L turbo models that I spoke of yesterday is now addressed with the 3.0R. I can't cut and paste, but I see "Electronic Valve Control, Active Valve Control and Variable Lift Control Systems work together..."
well there you have it. I think Subaru's engine future is secure no matter what path they choose. I like the path they've headed down so far by winning or matching the class output everywhere they compete. doing that and having tasteful interiors, while staying below the premiums commanded by Audi and BMW, they'll be successful.
~Colin
900 ÷ 5 = 180 x 7 = 1260
That would be a good payload if a Halifax-based Baja were to be developed.
Bob
If this is indeed an indication that Subarus are now being considered more as tow vehicles, it would be great if SOA started offering more accessories to make the cars more tow-friendly; starting with 7-plug wires, electric brake controllers, oil coolers, etc.
Bob
~c
Bob
Bob- It's just you :-) Seriously though, I'm sure you'll agree that you're predisposed to focus in on posts memtioning trailers. In contrast, there are far more posts asking about what's a better tire for the Forester but I don't see Subaru going away from the Geolanders anytime soon.
-Frank
Bob
kens "Subaru Crew: 2005+ Subaru Legacy/Outback" Jul 21, 2004 12:34pm
With that in mind, I wonder if it would be possible to engineer a locking, "roll-top," sliding hard bed cover for the Baja? I know it could be done, my only question is could it be done and still keep the switchback? One other issue is how watertight could such a lid be? My feeling is even if it's not 100% watertight, it would still be a very worthwhile feature.
If so, this would be a great solution to those times when you want a secure and locked bed, as well as for those times you want an open bed and don't have worry about storing the hard bed lid in your garage.
Bob
1. Auto up windows
2. Memory seat
3. Adjustable pedals
4. Ability to set a single zone for the climate control
5. Sunglass holder
6. Hill holder clutch
7. More storage (for CDs)
8. Accessory jack for MP3 player
9. McIntosh Stereo option (they have it in Japan)
10. Trunk lip spoiler
11. Aluminum WRX pedal covers (I don't want the bright red STi ones)
12. Switch/option to turn off seatbelt chime
13. Larger center armrest or extension
14. Homelink option
15. Japanese model bumper with integrated fog lights
16. rear view camera (frivolous, but neat!) or parking assist
17. 18 in wheel option
18. Steering wheel radio controls (lighted please)
19. I'm less needy of HIDs and Nav, but might be nice
This is a long list, but in reality I'm very happy with the car without any of these things. I think with these additions it becomes more of a luxury sedan- but I suppose it would have a luxury sedan price at that point! But some of the easier to integrate and less expensive things on this list would still make it a little nicer (especially the ones offered in other countries!) and a bigger step up from other japanese cars and more like it's European competitors.
tom
This is what I saw in yellow:
http://www.subaru.co.jp/r2/special/
Very cool (should I say kewl?)....Why don't they give it a shot here? America is just so ripe for more bizarre car choices... We have so many choices of lookalike sedans, SUV's, etc... why not this... it's strange and funky but different from a box car Scion or Element so it would have a shot.
So many outer space vehicles in Japan! I saw something called a "Will" that looked like the VW Thing futurized...but it zoomed by me too and since I was only there outside the airport for an hour and half..I could not look into it more.
My 2 cents,
Owen
I think that's exactly why the Pleo isn't here-- the US is the wrong market for an inline 3, and Subaru has nothing else to power a small car with.
~c
-Brian
http://autodeadline.com/detail?source=Pontiac&mid=WKA20040730- - - - - - - - 59015&mime=JPG
This is using power moonroof technology. If the bed cover were made up of 3-4 pieces of 1-way visible or deep-tinted hard plastic, it could "nested" up against the rear window much like that shown in this '05 Pontiac's sectioned moonroof, with the nesting perhaps a bit more vertical and closer to the rear window. If it were 1-way visible/deep-tinted plastic, the driver could see through the nested panels when looking rearward.
As to costs? Probably in the range of the moonroof pictured here, maybe a little more, since it would be a bit larger. My guess is that this Pontiac moonroof is priced reasonably, otherwise GM wouldn't offer it on this price-conscious mainstream brand. Frankly I'd trade the current standard moonroof for this moonroof-like bed cover solution, if costs were a real issue.
Bob
I like the rolling cover idea more.
FWIW, the GTO is selling very slowly, people are finding it over-priced.
-juice
I like the rolling cover idea more.
I do too. But I saw this photograph of that moonroof, and it got me thinking... what if...
Bob
http://www.shelfit.com/rolltop.asp
Clicking on the "More Information" link on the left gives a more detailed look at how this system works. It's pretty nifty, if you ask me.
It looks like the roll-top could be engineered into the space above the switchback, and below the rear window. This would most likely have to be part of the engineering plan from the beginning of a Generation-II Baja. I'm not sure if it could easily be engineered into the existing Baja.
Bob
-juice
So here's some suggestions on how to improve this model, and still keep much of its character:
• Drop the name "Outback Sport," and call it the "2.5RS-V" ("V" for versatility). In Australia the OBS is marketed as the 2.0 RV. Well, as juice long ago pointed out, "RV" is associated with the 65+ crowd, and driving huge behemoths—not exactly that car's demographic... So I think 2.5RS-V is a good solution. It relates to the youthful RS (good!) and at the same time suggests more versatility (also good!).
• Kill the 2-tone paint/tape scheme.
• Give it the RS's grill, seat/interior trim, and sportier suspension.
• Keep the OBS's unique wheels, roof rack cross bars, rear bumper pad, rubber cargo mat, ambient temp gauge, and include the new OBS SE goodies.
• SOA could save some money by streamlining production. No longer would this model have a different grill, a different interior, and that goofy 2-tone exterior.
• The customer would benefit by having a better looking car, the OBS SE added equipment—and it would probably cost less (because of manufacturing streamlining) than the current OBS SE.
Bob
How about using unpainted cladding on base or "ruggedised" models (if these are forthcoming), and going monochrome on everything else...??
The 2-tone 05 Outbacks look the worst of all, in my opinion, but the monochrome models look great.
JP
Anyways, do you remember how you were talking about the Baja being the vehicle equivalent of a swiss army knife? Well what about coming out with a version of what chevy has done to the silverado? It has an onboard generator that runs off the engine with outlets here and there on the vehicle?
http://www.chevrolet.com/silverado/hybrid.jsp
Eric
Maybe I went overboard with my suggestion because I went from the generator with plugs to carrying the "swiss army" concept much further to make it a very utilitarian vehicle. I suggested even having "pockets" (large-ish slots 6-8 inches in diameter by 12 - 18 inches deep) into which various "tools" could be inserted and changed out depending on the job needed. These pockets would be powered by the generator and you could drop in things like a small winch, or small air compressor, air pump, ac/dc power converter. That way they are secure in the "pocket" and not rolling around but have the benefit of the power generated. Let SOA make a few of these "tools" and then let 3rd parties make the rest for specialized industries... a fluid pump, pneumatic pipe cutter, etc.
Kind of a pie-in-the-sky idea that I felt would make the Baja a jack-of-all-trades vehicle and make it much more interesting to DIY people, small business ownders and industries alike. Bring out the big equipment if the job is a big one or send out the Baja appropriately equipped with the various "modules" or "tools" on board to work the job.
Unfortunately, again we are faced with Baja being a low volume vehicle so no $$ gets invested in it to do the kinds of things that could be done to make it a high volume vehicle.
If wishes were horses, beggars would ride.
Bob
-juice
Or why not make the Baja Sport a regular cab model and make the rest bed space? It would be cheaper and more utilitarian. The back seat is already cramped anyway. Ok Ok I'll come clean I just want a cheap, reliable AWD pickup truck with a flat engine.
But as you said the future of the Baja is uncertain, and with less than stellar sales we'll have to see if FHI spends any more R&D money on it. Hopefully, they will.
Eric
Unfortunately that cab configuration is going the way of the dinosaur, at least for small – mid-size trucks. Several manufacturers are not even offering a regular cab small pickup for '05; Nissan for one.
Bob