Exit Ramp: 2006’s End-Of-The-Line Cars And Trucks
The folks over at BusinessWeek have compiled a list (and one of their inevitable slideshows) of 2006 model-year vehicles that are off to the Great Crusher In The Sky. Some of them we’ll miss dearly (Ford GT, Acura RSX, we’re looking in your direction), some we'll lament because of what could've been (Taurus, anyone?), and others... well... we'll hold the door open for on the way out.
BusinessWeek’s Euthanized List:
- Ford GT
- Ford Taurus
- Hummer H1
- Pontiac GTO
- Dodge Stratus
- Honda Insight
- Acura RSX
- Porsche Carrera GT
- Volkswagen Phaeton
- Saab 9-2x
By the by, BW seems to have forgotten to include at least a few cars, Suzuki’s Verona and Aerio SX, Pontiac's SV6, and Mazda's MPV. Such omissions ought to tell readers all they need to know about the aformentioned models' stature in the automotive world. Did BW miss anything else? Look over the list below, and feel free to leave any oversights, epitaphs, parting shots, or musings in “Comments.
Comments
Jason
Actually, the Carrera GT was gone after the 2005 model year. There was no '06 model in the USA. Several other dead-after-2006 models spring to mind:
*) Chevrolet SSR
*) Infiniti Q45 (rumored)
*) Lincoln LS
*) Mercury Monterey
It remains to be seen whether the Chrysler Crossfire will return for 2007. Its sales halted after a very brief run of '06 Limited Convertibles. Rumors also swirl around the Mazda Tribute and Mitsubishi Montero, both of which have been reported by some sources to be headed for oblivion.
Additionally, several nameplates were replaced by new names on the same product, specifically the Lincoln Zephr (now the MKZ), and the Volkswagen Golf (now the Rabbit). Three other vehicles (the Audi TT, Dodge Viper, and Porsche Cayenne) all skipped the 2007 model year.
mz
Also they have forgotten infiniti q45
taratatira
they forgot about the BMW 325 and 330.
Jason
325 and 330 don't really count as dead to folks in the industry, because the 3-Series is still in production (and that's how BMW regards them, as all being under the 3-Series umbrella). If we started counting discontinued trim levels, we'd be here until Michaelmas. I forgot one other one: the big British GT, the Aston Martin Vanquish S is also said to be dead.
Post new comment