2013 Chevrolet TrailBlazer Concept Breaks Cover
Chevrolet has already announced it is bringing the TrailBlazer nameplate back to production for 2013 as a global SUV model, and now we can see what the thinly veiled concept version looks like. These images were taken by an outlet in India that was attending a Chevrolet press event.
The new TrailBlazer will be a body-on-frame SUV based off of the new Colorado truck. Armed to do battle with the likes of the Grand Cherokee, Toyota 4Runner, and other capable off-road SUVs, the new TrailBlazer will be available in both rear-wheel and all-wheel-drive models.
We have been told it is not yet decided whether or not the new TrailBlazer will be sold in the United States, but based on the fact that the new Colorado is coming, we would think it is a pretty good bet.
Stay tuned for more updates.
This story originally appeared at The Car Connection
2010 Suzuki SX4 Gains SportBack Model
Either as a five-door hatchback or a four-door sedan, Suzuki's SX4 is a well-packaged, well-equipped small car and surprisingly enjoyable to drive. TheCarConnection.com especially likes its hatchback model, called the SX4 Crossover, and points to its quiet interior, sporty driving feel, and maneuverability as strengths in our Bottom Line on the 2009 Suzuki SX4.
But the SX4 lineup until now has been a bit odd and limited. The conservative-looking sedan is only offered with front-wheel drive, while the sportier-looking hatchback body style is only offered with all-wheel-drive (and its lower fuel-economy numbers), in Outback-style SX4 Crossover trim.
That's due to change for 2010, when Suzuki is bringing out a front-wheel-drive SX4 SportBack model of its SX4. The 2010 Suzuki SX4 SportBack, only offered in Touring trim, brings the sportier tuning and lower ride height of the sedan, and forgoes the roof rack, taking on an Aero body package instead.
Look for a bump up to 150 horsepower for the 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, along with some other more significant powertrain and equipment upgrades, for the entire SX4 lineup. We'll bring the rest on the SX4 along with Suzuki's other 2010 models in just a few weeks.
This story originally appeared at The Car Connection
2010 Ford Taurus SHO vs. 1989 Ford Taurus SHO
For Ford, nothing quite gave its mundane family sedans the spit-and-polish like the Taurus SHO high-performance sedan. The original Taurus SHO debuted as a 1989 model, and its performance (for the day) was stunning. For the record, the initials SHO come from Super High Output.
A comparison between the 2010 and 1989 Taurus SHO models will give you a glimpse of how far cars have developed in two decades:
2010 Ford Taurus SHO 1989 Ford Taurus SHO
Engine: 3.5-liter V-6 with 365 hp 3.0-liter V-6 with 220 hp
Transmission: 6-speed automatic 5-speed manual
Drivetrain: All-wheel drive Front-wheel drive
Brakes: 4-wheel disc with ABS 4-wheel disc
Stability control: Standard Not available
Standard wheel: 19-inch 15-inch
Standard tire: P255/45VR19 P215/65VR15
Wheelbase (in): 112.9 106.0
Overall length (in): 202.9 188.4
Width (in): 76.2 70.8
Height (in): 60.7 54.1
Back in the day, the 1989 Ford Taurus SHO ripped off 1/4-mile times in the low 15-second range and had a top speed of just over 140 mph. The 2010 Taurus SHO with an additional 145 horsepower should dispatch with the quarter in the mid-14 second range. Top speed for the new SHO is unknown, but I expect that it will be electronically limited to something south of 150 mph.
While we're unable to report driving impression on the 2010 Ford Taurus SHO even though we're driving it today (due to a press embargo), you can get a good impression of what's to come by clicking over to my report on driving the 2010 Lincoln MKS Sport with the EcoBoost engine.
While it's been a few years since I've driven a first-generation Taurus SHO (1989-1991), I remember the car vividly. A friend of mine owned several, and we used to trade cars at lapping sessions we attended at road courses around the country. Ford contracted Yamaha to design and build the 3.0-liter V-6, and the engine could rev seemingly forever.
The front-wheel-drive chassis was well balanced, but in the absence of ABS or any type of stability control, the driver was totally responsible for quick lap times and/or accidents.
Certainly, the 2010 Taurus SHO is a more substantial vehicle, just as any contemporary car is larger and better equipped than its equivalent of twenty years ago. It remains to be seen how the new, larger, and heavier Taurus SHO will perform on the road and track, but I hope it responds with the lightness and directness of the original SHO. The original Taurus was a mid-size sedan, while the 2010 Taurus is a full-size vehicle.
Stay tuned for driving impressions on the new SHO, because they're coming soon: June 23.
This story originally appeared at The Car Connection
