All Cars, All the Time

Future Product Highlights from Japan

Automotive News has a whole section on future products. Currently it is subscription only, but usually info quickly flows to Autoweek where everything is free. The headline here says Japan, but I've thrown in Hyundai for no extra cost. I've clipped a few highlights that I found interesting:

Honda:
A new Civic-based crossover will be added for the 2009 model year, powered by a four-cylinder engine. A diesel also may be offered. The vehicle would be positioned between the CR-V and the Pilot.

Scion:
xD: Do not be confused by the stretched version of the current xB that has been snapped by spy photographers. That vehicle is a mule for a future Scion vehicle, based on the Corolla platform with more horsepower. The xD likely will be a variation on the Toyota Matrix theme. It will arrive in the 2008 model year. Scion has applied for a trademark on the xD name

Mitsubishi:
Raider: Because of poor sales, production has been drastically cut for this Dodge-based pickup; it debuted last fall. A 2007 model is planned, but the pickup is not expected to be in the Mitsubishi lineup much longer.

Hyundai:
Portico: The Portico will be a Chrysler Pacifica-like vehicle. It is loosely based on the recent Portico concept vehicle. It is expected to ride on a 120.9-inch wheelbase with a 197-inch overall length. That means it would come from the new Sonata/Azera platform. It is expected to arrive in fall 2008. Six- and seven-passenger models are planned. The Portico may be assembled in Alabama.

Infiniti:
X: This crossover is expected to debut as a 2008 model. The five-seat vehicle will be smaller than the FX and offered with two engines: a 2.4-liter four-cylinder and a 3.5-liter V-6. Both rear- and all-wheel-drive models will be offered. The X will be developed on Nissan's FM platform, shared by the Infiniti M and FX and the Nissan 350Z. It will compete against such models as Acura's new RDX and the BMW X3. A hybrid version also may be offered.

Toyota:
Supra: Not going to happen - all the rumors of the two-passenger sports car's return are false.

Corolla: Toyota has delayed the redesign for the United States by one year until spring 2008. A Toyota official blames this on engineering resources being stretched too thin. But sources say the original design and packaging were too plain compared to the Mazda3 and the Honda Civic; it was sent back to the drawing board.

Automotive News will be offering a free preview next week where all content will be offered free of charge. During the event they have a $44 discount on the subscription where you can pick up a year's worth of issues for $105. Still a pretty pricey option for those folks not in the industry and since most content (that is relevant to the enthusiast) is available online at Autoweek there is little incentive. Perhaps if they packaged together a web only version for half the cost or so they might have more takers. They could even split the site, with certain databases/content requiring "premium access" or something. On a side note, many libraries offer free online access to periodicals such as Automotive News. The downside is that the online version that libraries use is usually about a week behind and is text only. Of course with so many great automotive blogs to choose from, you can get all the info you need to have straight from the blogosphere!