02-15-2007, 11:30 PM
Motown Mutation: Midsize SUVs Morph Into CUVs
02-14-2007
DETROIT ââ¬â In the relentless quest to satisfy consumers' conflicting demands for space, utility, comfort, performance and efficiency, two Detroit brands are planning to switch their midsize sport-utility vehicles from their current truck-based, body-on-frame construction to new car-based crossover platforms after 2010.
Inside Line has learned that the Ford Explorer and the Dodge Durango will likely shift to unitized designs in 2010-'11. Suppliers familiar with the manufacturers' plans say the redesigned Explorer and Durango will be roughly the same dimensions as the current models, with three rows of seats and accommodations for up to seven passengers. But as they shed the current body-on-frame layouts, they should be considerably lighter and more fuel-efficient, with better performance and handling.
The next-generation Explorer is expected to share its underpinnings with the new Ford Fairlane crossover that arrives this fall. Ford will differentiate the two vehicles by positioning the Fairlane as a family-oriented people mover and the new Explorer as a more rugged-looking hauler with SUV-like styling cues. Like the Fairlane, the new Explorer is expected to be offered in both front- and all-wheel-drive variants.
A third vehicle on the same chassis, the Ford Freestyle wagon (renamed Taurus X for model-year 2008), may be phased out of production before the new Explorer is introduced, perhaps as early as 2009.
Ford has no plans for a Mercury companion to the new Explorer, suppliers say. The current Mountaineer will likely be dropped from production, with no replacement, in 2008 or 2009.
It is not known if Ford still plans to offer an optional V8 in the new Explorer. A DOHC 3.5-liter V6 and six-speed automatic are expected to be fitted as standard.
At the Chrysler Group, Dodge is planning to shift its new Durango to an updated version of the Jeep Grand Cherokee platform. A companion model for the Chrysler brand will replace the current Aspen. With the impending demise of the Jeep Commander, the next-generation Durango and Aspen could be assembled on the same line as the Grand Cherokee at Chrysler's Jefferson Avenue plant in Detroit.
Chrysler has a range of V6 and V8 engines, including the vaunted Hemi, that will fit the next-generation Durango and Aspen, as well as a Mercedes-sourced 3.0-liter TDI.
The base models will be rear-wheel drive, with all-wheel-drive variants available.
General Motors already has begun its shift away from truck-based SUVs in the midsize segment, with plans to phase out the Chevrolet TrailBlazer and GMC Envoy before the end of the decade, according to suppliers.
There appear to be no direct replacements for TrailBlazer and Envoy. Instead, Chevy will field several midsize crossover vehicles, including a redesigned Equinox, while GMC will anchor the segment with its new full-size Acadia crossover vehicle.
What this means to you: Detroit is moving as rapidly as it can from truck-based SUVs to car-based CUVs ââ¬â but apparently not as quickly as consumers would like.
02-14-2007
DETROIT ââ¬â In the relentless quest to satisfy consumers' conflicting demands for space, utility, comfort, performance and efficiency, two Detroit brands are planning to switch their midsize sport-utility vehicles from their current truck-based, body-on-frame construction to new car-based crossover platforms after 2010.
Inside Line has learned that the Ford Explorer and the Dodge Durango will likely shift to unitized designs in 2010-'11. Suppliers familiar with the manufacturers' plans say the redesigned Explorer and Durango will be roughly the same dimensions as the current models, with three rows of seats and accommodations for up to seven passengers. But as they shed the current body-on-frame layouts, they should be considerably lighter and more fuel-efficient, with better performance and handling.
The next-generation Explorer is expected to share its underpinnings with the new Ford Fairlane crossover that arrives this fall. Ford will differentiate the two vehicles by positioning the Fairlane as a family-oriented people mover and the new Explorer as a more rugged-looking hauler with SUV-like styling cues. Like the Fairlane, the new Explorer is expected to be offered in both front- and all-wheel-drive variants.
A third vehicle on the same chassis, the Ford Freestyle wagon (renamed Taurus X for model-year 2008), may be phased out of production before the new Explorer is introduced, perhaps as early as 2009.
Ford has no plans for a Mercury companion to the new Explorer, suppliers say. The current Mountaineer will likely be dropped from production, with no replacement, in 2008 or 2009.
It is not known if Ford still plans to offer an optional V8 in the new Explorer. A DOHC 3.5-liter V6 and six-speed automatic are expected to be fitted as standard.
At the Chrysler Group, Dodge is planning to shift its new Durango to an updated version of the Jeep Grand Cherokee platform. A companion model for the Chrysler brand will replace the current Aspen. With the impending demise of the Jeep Commander, the next-generation Durango and Aspen could be assembled on the same line as the Grand Cherokee at Chrysler's Jefferson Avenue plant in Detroit.
Chrysler has a range of V6 and V8 engines, including the vaunted Hemi, that will fit the next-generation Durango and Aspen, as well as a Mercedes-sourced 3.0-liter TDI.
The base models will be rear-wheel drive, with all-wheel-drive variants available.
General Motors already has begun its shift away from truck-based SUVs in the midsize segment, with plans to phase out the Chevrolet TrailBlazer and GMC Envoy before the end of the decade, according to suppliers.
There appear to be no direct replacements for TrailBlazer and Envoy. Instead, Chevy will field several midsize crossover vehicles, including a redesigned Equinox, while GMC will anchor the segment with its new full-size Acadia crossover vehicle.
What this means to you: Detroit is moving as rapidly as it can from truck-based SUVs to car-based CUVs ââ¬â but apparently not as quickly as consumers would like.