Mansory Range Rover Sport tuning program

The Swiss tuning specialist Mansory has revealed its fresh tuning program for the Range Rover Sport entry-premium crossover SUV.

2012 Saab 9-4X officially revealed

2012 Saab 9-4X Crossover SUV

First revealed as a concept vehicle almost three painful years ago, GM's Saab 9-4X mid-size crossover SUV has finally been revealed as a 2012 model year vehicle.

2012 Toyota RAV4 EV to use Tesla Motors' components

It has been officially confirmed that the upcoming electric-powered Toyota RAV4 EV compact crossover SUV, which is expected to arrive sometime in 2012, will have its crucial components --including the battery and the gearbox-- developed by the U.S.-based Tesla Motors company.

2013 BMW X4 rivals the Porsche Cajun

According to a series of recent publications, BMW is working hard on bringing a sportier version of their refreshed BMX X3 compact crossover vehicle. Called the BMW X4, it will share its underpinnings with the 2010MY X3 and will be to the SUV as the X6 is to the family-oriented X5. I.e. it will be most popular among young chicks and guys not burdened with family, kids and a mortgage. It will be the choice of an egoist.

2015 Porsche Cajun to sport 2-door body design

It seems that our speculation as to the 2015 Porsche Cajun's body design has just been proven right. Well, maybe not exactly proven, but, at least, German car magazine AutoBild has just published a small article regarding the upcoming super-compact crossover SUV from the major German brand.

2012 Range Rover Evoque 5-door compact SUV to be revealed in L.A.

The Indian-owned British brand has decided to present a five-door version of the recently presented Range Rover Evoque compact crossover SUV.

The company will officially pull the wraps off the five-door modification (that was clearly inspired by the 2009 Aston Martin Lagonda concept SUV) in November, 2010 at the upcoming international motor show in Los Angeles.

Details are still scarce (to say the least) as to the vehicle's specifications, but, judging by the official photos of the car, the small crossover will be of about the same length as the original tree-door version, i.e. around 4350 mm, which makes it shorter than the new Hyundai ix35 and Audi Q5 compact SUVs.

The car will presumably have to fight its way to customers' hearts against Porsche's upcoming Cajun / Roxster small SUV, but it is going to be a more than trivial task if Range Rover will stick to the current line-up of fuel saving diesels and small-displacement turbocharged petrol engines.

While the claimed fuel efficiency of 48 mpg looks more than stunning to normal motorists, it is almost nothing for those buying a premium-priced SUV, especially if there will be a similarly sized and adequately powered competitor from the German brand that has a reputation of making the most reliable and driver-oriented sports cars in the world.

See also: 2008 Infiniti EX35: ready to get one?

Permalink: 2012 Range Rover Evoque 5-door compact SUV to be revealed in November, 2011

2011 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited 2.8 CRD: Engine Start/Stop Technology and 197hp!

European version of Chrysler's iconic Jeep Wrangler Unlimited four-door compact off-roader will soon be available with a powerful, yet fuel efficient 2.8-liter turbo-diesel engine.

Unlike the current inline-four oil-burner that produces healthy 177 horsepower and 460 @ 2000 rpm of torque while consuming around 12 liters of diesel fuel per 100 km in a combined cycle, the 2001 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited 2.8 CRD will offer 20 more horsepower but will at the same time offer up to 13 percent better mileage.

If equipped with the W5A580 five-speed automatic gear box, the engine will produce the same 460 Nm of torque available in the range of 1600-2600 rpm.

In times when six-speed transmissions are practically standard, while the seven- and even eight-speed gearboxes are nothing new, the five-speed box seems quite archaic. As a matter of fact, it IS archaic, since the W5A580 is a version of the Mercedes-Benz's 5-Gtronic electronically controlled (shift by wire) automatic gearbox that was first presented around 15 years ago.

However, the box is known for its reliability (you can't say the same about the new 7-Gtronic transmissions, can you?) and the "580" in its name stands for the maximum input torque value in Newton-meters meaning that there is a great reserve of durability and, err, upgradeability in case you would want to install a new ECU unit into your Wrangler. Also, retuned versions of the box still work in the Mercedes-Benz S-Class W221, Maybach 57, Dodge Magnum, Dodge Challenger and so on, and so forth.

Those buying the legendary off-roader with six-speed manual transmission will have to live with "only" 410 Nm @ 2000-3200 rpm, but, considering the vehicle's weight, even that is more than adequate in most cases.

In order to achieve better fuel economy, the American engineers have equipped the manual-transmission version of the 4x4 with the notorious Stop/Start technology. The thing shuts the engine down when the driver halts the vehicle, put the gear lever in Neutral and releases the clutch pedal.

In its press release Chrysler doesn't go into particulars, but the Start/Stop functionality probably comes from the European Bosch via its Italian partner Fiat S.p.A. In order to increase the system's life expectancy, Bosch equips it with a much more durable starter designed to withstand significantly greater number of starts. Actual users say that in most cases the Start/Stop system provides absolutely seamless "stop and go" operation.

The same 2.2-liter CRD engine is also available for the normal Jeep Wrangler and the new Jeep Cherokee.

See also: 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee comes with more premium features

Permalink: 2011 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited 2.8 CRD: Engine Start/Stop Technology and 197hp!

2015 Porsche Cajun / Roxster will rival the Range Rover Evoque?

The 2015 Porsche Cajun (not Roxster, folks, sorry) will possibly be built on the Volkswagen Group's MLB / MLP platform and will most clearly set its sights on the recently revealed Range Rover Evoque coupe-shaped compact crossover SUV.

2011 Toyota Highlander Hybrid will start from $37,290

The refreshed 2011 Toyota Highlander Hybrid crossover SUV will be delivered to the U.S. market with a single 3.5-liter V6 gasoline powerplant, four-wheel drive system and a choice of only two trims: Base ($37,290) and Limited ($42,945.)

Choosing between a "normal" and a hybrid-powered Highlander will be a tough thing, especially if you make the choice not only with your wallet (the Highlander SE V6 FWD costs $4140 less than the 4WD Highlander Hybrid Base,) but also with your eyes and heart. The hybrid-powered version of the SUV with its exclusive front fascia looks rather dull and uninspiring, but at the same time offers better mileage in city driving.

According to EPA estimates, the 2011 Toyota Highlander Hybrid, which is equipped with a 270hp 3.5-liter V6 engine and a 10hp high-torque electric motor, will offer around 28 mpg in a city cycle, which is 3 mpg better than a base Highlander with a 187hp 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine can achieve.

The hybrid's "4WD-ness" is a kind of marketing trick, however, since the vehicle's rear wheel is powered only by the electric motor. As many owners of the Lexus RX 450h may witness, this kind of 4WD system often proves ineffective when the vehicle's front wheels are suck in a snow drift or in a particularly nasty mud hole. The electric motor is just too weak to pull the heavy SUV out of the trouble.

However, if you do not plan going off the well-paved roads and live in a warm climate, the Highlander Hybrid may be an interesting choice. While being very fuel efficient and not particularly expensive (especially when compared to the RX 450h that starts from much more impressive $43,235,) the crossover SUV offers a number of pleasantries, including seven-seating capacity, and an optional Leather Package that includes leather-trimmed front seats with front seat heaters, leather-trimmed steering wheel and gear shift knob. The list of features also includes power moonroof, HomeLink, auto-dimming rearview mirror with compass, as well as an engine immobilizer with security alarm.

For some extra money one may also get a Tech Audio package including a USB port, integrated XM Satellite and Bluetooth, a backup monitor with 3.5-inch multi-information display, an eight-way power drivers seat, tonneau cover, engine immobilizer, easy-clean fabric interior, flip-up liftgate window, fog lamps and black roof rails.

See also: 2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid debuts

Permalink: 2011 Toyota Highlander Hybrid will start from $37,290

2008 Infiniti EX35: ready to get one?

Nissan's luxurious brand has officially confirmed that the 2008 Infiniti EX35 crossover SUV is now on sale in the United States. The vehicle is available for order in four trims, namely RWD ($31,300), RWD Journey ($34,850), AWD ($32,700) and AWD Journey ($36,250).


The choice of engines is limited to only one 297 hp 3.5-liter DOHC V6, which is mated to a five-speed automatic gearbox. The automatic may work in both Manual Shift Mode and Drive Sport Mode but the low number of gear ratios is rather disappointing now, when you can get a vehicle with seven- or even eight-speed gearboxes.



Top of the line 2008 Infiniti EX35 Journey trim comes with standard power moonroof, leather-appointed seats, automatic second row seat, auto dimming mirror, HomeLink garage doors and home security systems control system, front and rear sonar, and automatic headlights.



The list of options, company is reporting in its press release, includes the Around Vehicle Monitor (AVM) parking assistance technology, Lane Departure Prevention (LDP) system.








See also: Audi Q7 Hybrid SUV: more info

Volkswagen Tiguan R-Line SUV is in the works

Volkswagen's "special engineering" department VW Individual is reportedly working on an "R-Line" trim for the yet to start selling VW Tiguan compact SUV. Although officially called a design "study", the trim will possibly be available for the SUV's prospective buyers. At least, it would be nice to see the tuning kit installed on otherwise dull and uninspiring Tiguan.



The kit, as you can see on the photos, consists of new front and rear bumpers, 19-inch multispoke wheels, naturally-looking wheel arch extensions and a new grille with chrome parts.



Inside the VW Tiguan R-Line you'll find a multifunction steering wheel and a pair of sport seats for the driver and front passenger.



See also: Toyota RAV4 Cross Sport to be unveiled in Frankfurt

2009 Saturn Vue plug-in hybrid is a go

General Motors is planning to start selling an electric plug-in version of its 2008 Saturn Vue compact SUV sometime "in 2009," Detroit Free Press is reporting citing Saturn's general manager Jill Lajdziak.




Having a powertrain combining lithium-ion batteries and GM's two-mode hybrid system, the electric-powered Vue will be capable of traveling up to 10 miles on a single charge before switching to an internal-combustion engine.



The batteries will possibly be recharged on the go with the help of regenerative braking technologies. There will also be a less convenient option of plugging-in the car to the electric grid via a standard 110-volt household outlet; although the company says nothing about how long will it take to recharge the batteries to full capacity.

There is still no info about the vehicle's price.

See also: Audi Q7 Hybrid SUV: more info

Technorati tags: Saturn, Vue, plug-in, hybrid, GM, SUV

Permalink: 2009 Saturn Vue plug-in hybrid is a go

2007 Mazda CX7 is available in the U.K.

British customers are now able to buy the brand new Mazda CX7 crossover SUV. Formerly available only in Japan and the United States, the sporty crossover has finally come to Europe. The car, it follows from Mazda's press release, will available only in one basic trim and will start at £23,960.




For the money, you'll get a car-based SUV equipped with a noisy 2.3-liter turbocharged engine we've come to know from Mazdaspeed6 and Mazda MPS. It is capable of delivering 260 ps and 380 Nm.



The list of standard equipment includes leather seats, Xenon headlights, 18-inch alloys, air-conditioning, cruise control, parking sensors in front and rear, and a BOSE surround audio system.



See also: Mazda CX-7 is dressing up for Europe

Technorati tags: Mazda, CX7, crossover, engine, Bose, SUV

Permalink: 2007 Mazda CX7 is available in the U.K.

Toyota RAV4 Cross Sport to be unveiled in Frankfurt

At the upcoming motor show in Frankfurt, Toyota will present its new Toyota RAV4 Cross Sport vehicle. Well, it takes a lot of guts to envision a cross-country version of a car that was supposed to be an off-roader for starters.




The last generation of Toyota RAV4 was essentially a city-dweller that only looked like a small SUV. Unfortunately, current model doesn't even sport a SUV-like appearance, looking more like a station wagon with slightly increased ground clearance. No wonder that Toyota's marketing department has eventually decided to introduce a trim with more muscular and SUV-like looks.



The Toyota RAV4 Cross Sport will be powered by a choice of three engines, including a 2.0 liter 152 hp VVT-I and a 2.2 liter D-4D diesel.

The list of equipment includes 17-inch alloys, LED tail-lamps, a DVD navigation system with a 6.5-inch touchscreen, parking assistance and anthracite colored seats.

The car is expected to arrive in European dealerships by the middle of this month.

See also: 2008 Toyota Highlander starts at $27,300

Technorati tags: Toyota, RAV4, Cross Sport, DVD, LED, SUV

Permalink: Toyota RAV4 Cross Sport to be unveiled in Frankfurt

Ford Escape Hybrid flex-fuel vehicles go to Illinois

Ford has delivered first seven out of twenty hybrid-powered Ford Escape SUVs capable of working on E85 flex-fuel. The vehicles have gone to the State of Illinois, Illinois Corn Growers and Commonwealth Edison.




There are more than 140 E85 refueling stations in Illinois so Ford has a good opportunity to field-test its flex-fuel hybrids in real conditions.

First introduced in January at the Washington, D.C. auto show, the Ford E85 Escape Hybrid produces about 25 percent fewer greenhouse gas emissions than a gasoline-fueled Escape Hybrid. Another advantage of the car is that it runs on a completely renewable fuel, helping reroute some money from the Middle East to the Middle West.

See also: Twenty Ford Escape Hybrid E85 SUVs go to six states

Technorati tags: Ford, Escape, hybrid, E85, Illinois, SUV

Permalink: Ford Escape Hybrid flex-fuel vehicles go to Illinois

Audi Q7 Hybrid SUV: more info

Audi has finally provided some more information on the hybrid version of its Audi Q7 SUV currently in the works. Although sharing its 7L platform with Porsche Cayenne and VW Touareg, the Q7 will probably not get the upcoming hybrid drive from the Cayenne and will have to use Audi's own job.




The Audi Q7's hybrid drive, Audi says in its press release, will possibly be combined of VW's current 280hp/375Nm 3.6-liter FSI V6 and a 50hp/285Nm electric motor. To ensure the maximum fuel efficiency, the electric device will be nested between the engine and the torque converter of the automatic gearbox.



Having about 660Nm of combined torque, the Audi Q7 Hybrid will propel itself from zero to 100km/h in just 7.6 seconds and sprint from 60 to 120km/h in 11.9 seconds. In EU combined cycle, the hybrid SUV will consume about 9.8 liters of gas per 100 km (it is around 29 mpg). That's really not bad, considering that the vehicle weighs 2,480 kg (5460 lb) and that the base model drinks has 23 percent worse mileage. And its level of CO2 emissions will also drop from 304 g/km to less frightening 231 g/km.



See also: Audi Q7 SUV may go hybrid

Technorati tags: Audi, Audi Q7, hybrid, VW Touareg, Porsche Cayenne, SUV

Permalink: Audi Q7 Hybrid SUV: more info

2008 Dodge Journey to debut in Frankfurt

Chrysler will use the upcoming IAA motor show in Frankfurt to officially debut its 2008 Dodge Journey crossover SUV. Set to compete against such strong players as the new Mitsubishi Outlander, Subaru Forester, Opel Antara, and the recently introduced 2008 Toyota Highlander, the Journey will definitely have hard time getting to customers' wallets.




The 2008 Dodge Journey, company is reporting in its press release, will be based on the GS platform, used by the 2008 Dodge Avenger, as well as by the aforementioned Mitsubishi Outlander, Jeep Compass, and Dodge Caliber. The platform was stretched by 124 mm, though, to accommodate seven (or, actually, 5 + 2) passengers.



The vehicle will be available in both front- and all-wheel-drive and will be equipped with a choice of at least three engines. The most powerful 3.5-liter V6 powerplant will generate up to 325 hp and 232 lb-ft (314 Nm) of torque. Another engine, a 2.4-liter inline four-pot, will produce only 173 hp and 166ft-lb (224Nm) of torque, while the last powerplant, a 2.7-liter V6, will squeeze out 186 hp and 191ft-lb (259Nm).



There is no info on pricing and general availability yet.



See also: Dodge Nitro UK pricing announced

Technorati tags: Dodge, Journey, Mitsubishi Outlander, Toyota Highlander, crossover, SUV

Permalink: 2008 Dodge Journey to debut in Frankfurt

Phoenix electric SUV to be delayed?

It seems that Phoenix Motorcars company will not be able to start shipping its long-awaited SUVs and SUTs by this fall as it was promised. The company still struggles to work through certification process with ARB, solve problems with financing and set their own production facility. The first vehicles will be shipped to customers in early 2008. So far the company has received 500 orders for the vehicle.



The vehicle in question is based on the Chinese-owned and Korea-produced Ssangyong Actyon SUV and Ssangyong Actyon Sport SUT. The Actyon's internal combustion engine is replaced with an electric motor, which is powered by lithium titanate batteries. Currently, the EV SUV may run about 130 miles on a single charge reaching a top speed of 100 mph.



Produced by Altair Nanotechnologies, lithium titanate batteries have significant advantage over the other types of electric accumulators -- once exhausted, they may be recharged in about half an hour.

See also: 150 Chevrolet Equinox Fuel Cells in the Project Driveway giveaway

Technorati tags: Phoenix, electric, EV, SUT, SUV

Permalink: Phoenix electric SUV to be delayed?

150 Chevrolet Equinox Fuel Cells in the Project Driveway giveaway

Well, it's not exactly a giveaway. General Motors plans to have "up to" 150 experimental Chevrolet Equinox Fuel Cell crossover SUVs to be delivered to a group of select drivers both in the U.S. and Europe. Those lucky ones chosen to participate in the program, will be used as guinea pigs beta-testers of the hydrogen-fueled vehicles. They will also get their H2 fuel for free.




It is reported that the first parties of Equinoxes will be delivered to California, New York and the Washington, DC areas. Another lot of the Chevies will cross the Pond with the HydroGen 4 nameplate installed.







See also: 2008 Mercury Mariner Hybrid SUV will start at $26,620

Technorati tags: Chevrolet, Equinox, fuel cell, H2, SUV, CO2, price

Permalink: 150 Chevrolet Equinox Fuel Cells in the Project Driveway giveaway

BMW X5 E70 will get greener

BMW is reportedly readying a comparatively 'green' version of its latest BMW X5 E70 highway-bound SUV. Trying to save its customers about fifty bucks for every time they enter the City of London (and save its own perishing sales, too,) the German company is working on its green Efficient Dynamics technology.




The British Business Car magazine says that new BMW X5 3.0d and BMW X5 3.0Sd equipped with this fuel-saving technology will feature an impressive drop of CO2 emissions -- to 214 and 216 g/km respectively. This is considerably below the current 225 g/km level set by London authorities.



Now, how will Mr. Livingstone respond?



See also: Eco-friendly 2002 Chevrolet Suburban Mad Max-style

Technorati tags: BMW, X5, E70, Livingstone, SUV, CO2

Permalink: BMW X5 E70 will get greener