Section: Sport Utility Vehicles
Written By: Chris Paukert
May 15th, 2008 9:15 PM
.
For some time now, reports and rumors had us believing that a U.S.-market diesel variant of the Volkswagen Tiguan was a done deal. Today at the Boulder, Colorado launch of VW’s new compact softroader, we were reminded that you can’t always believe what you hear—and you can’t always get what you want.
The first 2009 Tigs are rolling into dealerships as you read this, but all of them will be powered by the same 2.0-liter turbocharged four that’s found under the hood of the GTI hot hatch. In U.S.-spec guise, that means an even 200 horsepower and 207 pound feet of torque, yoked to either a 6-speed manual or a 5-speed automatic with a manumatic gear lever. EPA mileage figures range depending on transmission choice and the number of driven wheels, but a front-drive manual S model receives a rating of 19 city / 26 highway. The full-boat SEL with 4Motion and automatic transmission returns 18 city / 24 highway.
(Click through the jump to read on.)
continued →
Written By: Winding Road Staff
May 14th, 2008 11:30 AM
.
So, you want a Porsche Cayenne Turbo, but Stuttgart’s two-row SUV isn’t spacious enough to swallow your clan and its growing impedimenta. What’s a well-heeled enthusiast to do? Allow us to suggest an Audi Q7 augmented with some tender loving performance from the folks at Motoren Technik Mayer.
Continue –>
Written By: Seyth Miersma
May 13th, 2008 2:05 PM
.
Nissan released a statement today regarding the company’s financial position for 2007, as well as outlining a corporate plan for the next five years. In between reporting on the company’s great success in Europe last year (sales up 17.9 percent) and bold declarations for its future products (a leading zero-emissions vehicle by 2012), the release managed to sneak in some broad hints about vehicles we can expect in the coming year.
While some new products like the not-for-North America Qashqai+2, the new Z, and the Cube were already on our radar, Nissan was nice enough to confirm a few rumored vehicles as well. The Infiniti G37 Convertible is said to be a go, though it’s unclear if it’s destined to be a retractable hard top or something more conventional. More intriguing still is the “mini SUV” item, which may be the recently reported “1-series fighter” we’ve been hearing about. Check out the full Nissan press release below the jump and tell us what you think of the five-year plan, in comments.
continued →
Written By: Seyth Miersma
April 30th, 2008 2:00 PM
.
Everyone’s favorite British off-road brand, Land Rover, celebrates its 60th birthday today. The company has come a long way from war wagons, to icons of social status, to a new chapter under Indian owners. We thought we’d help kick off the diamond anniversary party for the storied marque with a few gratuitous Landie galleries. Enjoy them below!
Written By: David Yang
April 21st, 2008 3:00 PM
.
On the eve of the Beijing Auto Show the Audi Q5 made its world premiere at the New Poly Plaza in Beijing.
Developed on Audi’s new MLP platform, the Q5 is the second model in the German carmaker’s Q range after its Q7 sibling. The 9.22 feet wheelbase SUV has three engine options available - one gasoline and two TDI engines – all turbocharged. The most powerful 3.0-liter V-6 diesel takes the Q5 from 0 to 62 mph in 6.5 seconds, kicking out a top speed of 225km/h (139.81 mph).
In addition to Ingolstadt, Germany, Audi’s home town, the new model will also be produced in Changchun, Jilin Province of China. The car is expected to come to the U.S. in 2010.
(Click on the images below to launch a gallery of live Q5 images or through the jump to read Audi’s official press release.)
continued →
Written By: Seyth Miersma
April 21st, 2008 12:00 PM
.
Porsche senses a thirst for senselessly fast SUVs in the Asian and Eastern European markets, and has responded with a new top-dog in the Cayenne range, the 2009 Cayenne Turbo S.
The returned Turbo S, revealed at the Beijing Auto Show, will offer drivers the maniac delights of a 550 horsepower, 553 foot-pounds of torque V-8. The Cayenne includes a six-speed Tiptronic S gearbox, which will help to shepherd speed all the way up to the 174 mph top-end.
The new Cayenne should look every inch the part as well, with 21 inch wheels, quad-tip exhaust, a body colored grille, and a wealth of toys and gizmos inside. Take a look at the new big Porsche in our gallery below or click through the jump to read the official press release.
continued →
Written By: Seyth Miersma
April 19th, 2008 7:00 AM
.
Audi has given up the dirt on its new Q5 SUV set for launch in front of the teaming throngs at the Beijing Auto Show.
To say that the Q5 takes a page from its Q7 older brother would be mildly understating the case. The SUV essentially takes the Q7 and shrinks it to four-fifths scale, retaining the proportions, silhouette and overall demeanor of the lager vehicle.
Audi tells us that the Q5 is ready for U.S. production, offering a 3.2-liter FSI six-cylinder with 265 horsepower and 243 pound-feet of torque. The engine will be hooked up to a six-speed Tiptronic transmission, and will of course make use of Audi’s legendary quattro system.
Take a look at the new Audi Q5 in our gallery below or click through the jump to read the official press release.
continued →
Written By: Seyth Miersma
April 17th, 2008 4:00 PM
.
Indian automaker Mahindra & Mahindra announced that it would be offering a diesel-electric hybrid version of its Scorpio SUV for Indian and Asian markets in 2009.
The powertrain was developed in conjunction with engine specialist FEV and is comprised of a 2.2-liter four-cylinder mated to an electric motor and a six-speed automatic transmission. The combined forces of the diesel and electric motors will make 154 horsepower and 398 pound-feet of torque. A nickel metal hydride battery pack will be used for energy storage. No economy figures for the new hybrid have been announced as yet.
Mahindra & Mahindra distributor Global Vehicles USA claim that the engine will be available in the Scorpio and Appalachian pickup when those vehicles go on sale in North America in 2010. Until then, check out the standard Scorpio in our gallery below.
+ Edmunds Inside Line: Mahindra Unveils Scorpio Diesel Hybrid
If you’ve got an idea for Question of the Day, a funny photo for Caption It, or just want to share a news tip, let us know at windingroadtips@gmail.com
Written By: Kimberly A. Ewing
April 16th, 2008 8:00 AM
.
Our LR2 HSE model had just over 3000 miles on the odometer when it arrived in our fleet, and it was already showing signs of wear. The cover over the driver’s side door handle is supposed to come off in case you need to use the key, but it fell off of our test car and would not go back. We’ve had some problems with build quality on past Land Rovers, and it seems this still hasn’t been completely resolved.
The new LR2 is beautiful, though. This new HSE model features a sportier look due to body-color bumpers and side sills, a rear spoiler, titanium door handles, and nineteen-inch alloy wheels.
(Click through the jump to read the rest of this review and click the images below to open a gallery.)
continued →
Written By: Seyth Miersma
April 14th, 2008 2:00 PM
.
Romanian Renault subsidiary Dacia has long been known for building cars and trucks that sell well primarily because they are supremely inexpensive, without being terrible to drive.
Now Dacia seems ready to enter the playground of small SUVs, with a jacked up version of the Logan. Though this particular mule isn’t representative of what the final product will look like, we can’t help but wishing that it was. The Logan 4×4 has got everything we’ve ever loved about cars like the AMC Eagle or Fiat’s 4×4 Panda, that is to say a silly high ride height, ready-to-pounce stance, and stripper steel wheels.
The spy shooter seems to think that the finished Dacia will be a hot commodity in its own right. Check out the Dacia 4×4 in our gallery below, or read the shooter’s notes below the jump.
continued →
Written By: Seyth Miersma
April 11th, 2008 5:00 PM
.
This tiny little truck is one of the first 4×4 salvos that Suzuki Motors fired into the American market. The tiny progenitor for such popular small SUVs as the Samurai and the Sidekick, the LJ20 had micro power with a go anywhere attitude.
This particular 1972 LJ is in remarkable condition considering its age and propensity for rust, with sound mechanicals and still wearing the shiny (if slightly jaundiced) factory paint. The owner claims that there are only about 25,000 miles on the 358cc two-cylinder motor, making it well able to still reach the dizzying heights of its 55 mph top speed. Despite its small engine we can only imagine that the lightweight, narrow track, and 4×4 setup make this Suzuki an absolute terror off-road.
+ eBay Motors: 1972 Other Makes Suzuki LJ20LV
If you’ve got an idea for Question of the Day, a funny photo for Caption It, or just want to share a news tip, let us know at windingroadtips@gmail.com
Written By: Winding Road Staff
April 11th, 2008 8:00 AM
.
These days it can be awfully hard to remember the workaday origins of the average American sport-utility vehicle. With styling and interior appointments that would shame luxury cars just a decade ago, today’s SUV may retain some of the prowess of its humble precursor, but the package it comes in is amazingly more civilized.
Continue –>
Next >
Diesel with Attitude: The Audi A3 TDI Clubsport Quattro
Report: Volkswagen Working on Driverless Self-Parking System for Production
More Spied Images of New Camaro Interior
Report: Mercedes-Benz to Leverage Aluminum for Next E-class
