Nissan Pathfinder by Marc Ecko: Urban Warfare style

At a special event held at New York's Splashlight Studios, Nissan and Marc Ecko have jointly unveiled a pair of their new babies: the Nissan Pathfinder and Nissan Armada SUVs customized by Marc Ecko fashion brand.

The Nissan Pathfinder by Marc Ecko has received a glossy urban warfare black-and- gray camouflage paint job with highly-contrasting orange-painted alloy rims. Inside, there is also an orange-painted center console and seamless black leather upholstery and molded wood backs.

Frankly speaking, I do not really dig sport utility vehicles treated by different sorts of fashion houses and French couturiers of questionable gender self-identification. I mean, an SUV is like a tank: it is supposed to crawl from point "A" to point "B", get the job done and return its crew back home safely. A tank is not supposed to make any sort of personal statement. And so is SUV, its utilitarian nature makes all these "personalization" efforts look stupid and lame.

See also: Mitsubishi Outlander gives birth to the Citroen C-Crosser and Peugeot 4007

Technorati tags: Nissan, Pathfinder, Armada, SUV, Marc Ecko, urban, warfare, tank

Permalink: Nissan Pathfinder by Marc Ecko: Urban Warfare style

2007 Saturn Outlook is almost a steal

The latest 2007 Saturn Outlook large crossover has eventually been priced. The entry-level front-wheel-drive Outlook SE trim will come to market at a starting price just under $28,000.

The base model comes equipped with a decent 3.6-liter V6 VVT engine, capable of delivering some 270 hp and 248 lb-ft (336 Nm) of peak torque. The Saturn Outlook SE delivers 18/26 city/highway mileage measured by the EPA. The same model with an all-wheel drive is rated at 17/24 mpg.


The range-topping Saturn Outlook XR gets slightly more powerful engine, featuring 275 hp and 251 lb-ft (340 Nm) of torque. The FWD model will start at $30,290 and the AWD Saturn Outlook XR will set you back for at least $32,290, Inside Line is reporting.

All CUVs come equipped with the same Hydra-Matic 6T75 six-speed automatic gearbox.

It is not yet clear, whether the large eight-seater will be able to substitute the Saturn Relay MPV when the latter will eventually retire, since the Outlook still costs some $6,000 more than the 2007 Relay.

See also: Mitsubishi Outlander gives birth to the Citroen C-Crosser and Peugeot 4007

Technorati tags: Saturn, Outlook, CUV, crossover, Relay, EPA, 2007, VVT

Permalink: 2007 Saturn Outlook is almost a steal

Mitsubishi Outlander gives birth to the Citroen C-Crosser and Peugeot 4007

Well, it was supposed to happen: it's so expensive to develop a new platform that car manufacturers just have to form long-term alliances, buying badge-engineered versions of successful vehicles from their competitors. This time the alliance was formed among the French duo PSA Peugeot Citroen and the Japanese Mitsubishi Motors, which has provided its Outlander SUV for cloning.



As a result, we now see the new Citroen C-Crosser and Peugeot 4007 sport utility vehicles, equipped with part-time four-wheel drive transmission with manual differential lock. Although looking almost identically, they somehow have their own personality, courtesy of employing each respectful company's familiar design cues at the front ends. Otherwise the vehicles look just the same as the Mitsubishi Outlander.



Inside Line is saying that the vehicles will be introduced with only one 2.2-liter, 156hp four-banger diesel from PSA mated to a six-speed manual gearbox. The magazine expects that later on both SUVs will receive Outlander's 2.4-liter gasoline powerplant, capable of producing a maximum of 170 horsepower.



More technical details later.





See also: BMW X5 E70 to get a Double wishbone suspension instead of MacPherson

Technorati tags: Mitsubishi, Outlander, Citroen, Peugeot, C-Crosser, SUV, 4007, diesel

Permalink: Mitsubishi Outlander gives birth to the Citroen C-Crosser and Peugeot 4007

BMW X5 E70 to get a Double wishbone suspension instead of MacPherson

BMW has decided to get rid of the good old MacPherson strut front suspension in favor of less reliable but much more comfortable double wishbone suspension. The new design will be first employed on the new BMW X5 SUV and will later come to the rest of BMW's model range.

BMW has made this decision because it really wants to make the upcoming BMW X5 E70 a seven-seater but the SUV itself lacks the room to put the third row of chairs. To get some additional space, BMW's engineers decided to throw away the spare tire and put the vehicle on run-flats. The problem is that the run-flat tires are known for their harsher ride, which could not be balanced with the MacPherson. So, there came double wishbone aka control arm suspension.

The new suspension has its own disadvantages, such as higher center of gravity, so the company plans to make the upper arm of from cast aluminum and the lower arm of heavy cast iron, since the X5, set to compete against the latest Mercedes-Benz M-Class and Audi Q7 is a pretty heavy piece of gadgetry. Double wishbones for other Bimmers will certainly be made of aluminum alone, Inside Line is reporting.

See also: 2007 Infiniti QX56 gets the price

Technorati tags: BMW, X5, E70, double wishbone, MacPherson, SUV, control arm, suspension

Permalink: BMW X5 E70 to get a Double wishbone suspension instead of MacPherson

2007 Infiniti QX56 gets the price

And the price is good as long as you are ready to pay at least $49,950 and $53,050 for the 2007 Infiniti QX56 with either a two- or a four-wheel drive respectively. Both versions of the SUV come with the same standard 5.6-liter V8 DOHC engine, mated with a five-speed automatic and capable of producing some 320 horsepower, which is 5hp better over the previous iteration of the motor. The peak torque is better too -- it's been increased from 390 to 393 lb-ft (532 Nm).

The 2007 Infiniti GX56, Auto Spectator is reporting, comes with a nice set of standard features, including Infiniti Navigation System, RearView Monitor, Bluetooth Hands-Free Phone System and an IRS with load leveling. There is also a set of xenon headlamps, a Bose premium sound system, which can be accompanied with either XM or Sirius satellite radio, and DVD Mobile Entertainment System.

I guess, that's pretty good a compensation for the Infiniti's dull and bombastic exterior look.

See also: 2008 Volvo XC70 SUV spy photos

Technorati tags: Infiniti, DOHC, QX56, IRS, Sirius, SUV, Bluetooth, Bose

Permalink: 2007 Infiniti QX56 gets the price

2008 Volvo XC70 SUV spy photos

First undisguised photos of the premium segment mid-size SUV show that the next Volvo XC70 will get significantly more powerful and masculine appearance. It will look more like a scaled-down version of the range-topping Volvo XC90 rather than a more brutal variant of a V70 station wagon as it is now. The 2008 Volvo XC70 seems to employ some design clues, first shown on the 2005 Volvo XC70 AT (All Terrain) Concept.

The SUV features an off-road style non-paintable front bumper, fog lights in a silver frame and a cool-looking rail system, which is "starting at the bottom of a windshield following the A-pillar all the way over the roof".

The 2008 XC70 will probably feature a cruise control radar, park-distance control, mirrors with integrated indicators, and tail-pipes hidden beneath the rear bumper. Vehicle's interior will mimic that of the current S80 / V70 with some 'off-road' changes.

The SUV will come with a choice of engines, including the 2.5T with 210 bhp, the 3.2 liter 6-cylinder with 238 bhp and the Yamaha-built V8 with 315 bhp. The engines will supply their power to the latest Haldex 4-wheel drive system.

See also:
Volvo XC90 V8 Sport "redefines the SUV segment"

Technorati tags: Volvo, XC70, XC90, V70, S80, SUV, Haldex, Yamaha, wagon

Permalink: 2008 Volvo XC70 SUV spy photos

Fornasari RR600: the hot Italian SUV

Italy is not the first country that comes to mind when talking about SUVs. The land is better known for pizza its fast and furious sport-cars, while the overwhelming majority of sport utility vehicles come from Germany, Japan and the United States. Now Italians want to make some changes to that stereotype, introducing their own SUV with very strong Italian flavor.

The Fornasari RR600 SUV is built using a lightweight chrome-molybdenum tube chassis put on suspension parts made by Proflex and Ohlins. The SUV is then equipped with a powerful 6.0-liter V8 from Chevy capable of producing some 610 hp of power and stunning 552 lb-ft (748 Nm) of torque. Getting the engine mated with either Hydra-matic 4-speed automatic or Borg Warner 6-speed manual transmission, the Fornasari RR600 delivers more than 174 mph (280 km/h) of top speed and jumps from zero to 60 mph in only 3.8 seconds. Now, that's fast.

Of course, the SUV is built only to order but you can get yours too.

See also:
Volvo XC90 V8 Sport "redefines the SUV segment"

Technorati tags: Fornasari, RR600, SUV, Proflex, Ohlins, Chevy

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Volvo XC90 V8 Sport "redefines the SUV segment"

With the new Volvo XC90 V8 Sport SUV Volvo has made an attempt of winning hearts and pockets of customers who want more driver-oriented 'ute. So, with a set of interior upgrades, the vehicle also comes with more dynamic chassis settings, sport tuned suspension and more responsive steering.

The Volvo XC90 Sport features 311 hp, transversely mounted V8 engine mated to an automatic gearbox. The seven-seater comes equipped with stiffer shock absorbers and anti-roll bars and standard Nivomat self-leveling system.



Inside, the vehicle features sport leather seats with additional lateral cushioning, instrument dials with chronograph watch styling, Dynaudio Sound System, and Sirius Satellite radio.

Outside, there are Active Bi-xenon GDL Headlamps, body color-matched wheel arch extenders, double chromed exhaust pipes and a set of alloy 19-inchers.



See also:
2007 Mitsubishi Outlander tuned by DAMD

Technorati tags: Volvo, XC90, SUV, sport, Nivomat

Permalink: Volvo XC90 V8 Sport "redefines the SUV segment"

2007 Mitsubishi Outlander tuned by DAMD

Although the first Mitsubishi Outlander SUV has had a little bit more than controversial exterior design, the latest 2007 Mitsubishi Outlander looks rather bleak and uninspiring, so the guys from the Japanese DAMD studio really deserve some kudos for the new Outlander's body kit.


DAMD offers local customers a tuning package, consisting of a new front spoiler, side skirts and rear apron. Outlander's new more daring and masculine appearance is underlined by a nice-sounding muffler, made by 5Zigen.

The Mitsubishi Outlander tuning kit is offered in three colors: Black mica, white pearl and silver metallic. New exterior is matched by a set of new 20-inch aluminum wheels and new grille.


The DAMD Mitsubishi Outlander body kit costs ¥156,450 - ¥210,000 ($1325 - $1779) and is officially available to Japanese customers only. But, if European owners of the Outlanders really believe that they deserve something better than the SUV's original styling, they may consider emailing Mr. I Taguchi of DAMD who will make all needed preparations to ship the kits to Europe.

See also:
Holden SS Thunder Ute: for those about to rock

Technorati tags: Mitsubishi, Outlander, SUV, 2007, tuning, 5Zigen

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Holden SS Thunder Ute: for those about to rock

The special edition Holden SS Thunder Ute comes with such extras as 18-inch alloys, which you may be familiar with after the Monaro CV8-R special edition sedan, leather finish on seats and doors as well as painted red brake calipers with Holden logo on the front brakes, Inside Line is reporting.

The Ute's V8 engine can be mated with either a four-speed automatic or a six-speed manual gearbox. The starting price is rather high -- the new Holden SS Thunder Ute truck will set you back for at least $32,400 USD and will get $2,000 USD more weight with all the options included.


See also: Ford Edge crossover-SUV officially launched

Technorati tags: Holden, SS, truck, Thunder, Ute, special, edition, Monaro, V8

Permalink: Holden SS Thunder Ute: for those about to rock

Ford Edge crossover-SUV officially launched

The 2007 Ford Edge will go on sale in November, Mercury News is saying, and will start at humble $26,000. Ford hopes that the crossover will help the company to compensate for the slowing down sales of large SUVs, which market position has been severely damaged by record-high oil prices. Although being much smaller than a real truck, the Edge will offer significantly better mileage.

The Ford Edge crossover will come in two trims.



The basic Ford Edge SE will feature front-wheel drive, rear spoiler, dual exhaust pipe, second-row 60/40 split fold-flat seats, MP3 audio input jack on the central console, and 17-inch painted aluminum wheels. There will also be such standard safety features as AdvanceTrac with RSC, ABS, Safety Canopy with rollover sensor, front- and front seat side-impact air bags, occupant classification system, adjustable head restraints and LATCH system.

Range-topping Ford Edge SEL will offer such additional features as all-wheel drive, chrome tipped dual exhaust, a 6-disc CD changer, body color rear spoiler and fog lamps. Of course, the CUV will be more expensive than the basic trim: expect to pay a minimum of $27,990 for front-wheel drive models and $29,640 for all-wheel drive models.



Both models will share the same 3.5-liter V6, featuring a maximum of 265 hp and 250 lb-ft of torque and married to a six-speed automatic transmission.

See also: Audi Q7 TDI tuned by B&B

Technorati tags: Ford, Edge, crossover, CUV, SUV, RSC, ABS, V6

Permalink: Ford Edge crossover-SUV officially launched

Audi Q7 TDI tuned by B&B

The Audi Q7 TDI large crossover with a diesel engine receives yet another tuning program from a reputable tuner. The German B&B company has presented two tuning sets for both current Audi Q7 3.0 TDI and the upcoming Q7 with a more powerful diesel V8 with a displacement of some 4.2 liters.

Both programs are traditionally divided in two stages. The V6, for example, can be souped-up to 275 hp / 550 Nm or to 300 hp / 550 Nm in the first and second stages respectively. So, the SUV gets powerful enough to jump-start from zero to 62 mph in under 8 seconds and to achieve a top speed of some 230 km/h, that's about 145 mph.

More advanced --but still not available-- Audi Q7 4.2 TDI gets even more impressive power increase, All Car News is reporting. With B&B's help, the vehicle's 4.2-liter V8 can feature up to 360 hp / 760 Nm in stage one and up to 385 hp and 800 Nm is stage two.

The company still doesn't have exact numbers but carefully predicts that the Q7's performance will be comparable to that of a sports car. So, as I understand, the tuned up crossover will lack even those unimpressive off-road skills of the base model.

Well, if you can live with that, B&B will offer you some minor external body styling and a choice of 22- and 23-inchers with will sizes of 315/25-23.

See also: Range Rover SportAR6 Stronger by Arden

Technorati tags: Audi, Q7, tuning, B&B, SUV, crossover, TDI, diesel, V6, V8

Permalink: Audi Q7 TDI tuned by B&B