Called the Journey, this design study from GM's studio in Brazil packs three rows of seats into a relatively short overall package with a relatively long wheelbase. So it's all really about relativity. The concept made its formal debut at the Sao Paulo Auto Show this past October and attracted attention throughout all of, we guess, Sao Paulo.
Since no drivetrain was mentioned in GM's promotional materials for the Journey, our assumption is that one wasn't installed. However, GM's commitment to international production-and the fact that the Journey maintains current Chevy truck styling cues like the horizontally split grille-leads us to believe that something like the Journey wouldn't be an unexpected addition to the Chevy lineup here in North American.
We've got nothing against Brazil (it did, after all, invent the thong bikini), but when it comes to cars, here's hoping GM sticks with the Aussies.
Focus On MidgetsKeeping the cost of racing down is virtually every racing sanctioning body's concern. Even the NASCAR Winston Cup Series, where teams could drown in sponsorship dollars, is designed to run "cheaply." But no matter how hard they try, it's still true that nothing makes winning easier than a whole pile of currency.
After a successful debut in California, Ford expanded its support of open-wheel midget racing to Indiana with the formation of the Indiana USAC Ford Focus Midget Car Racing Series. The cars are basically USAC Midget Sprint Cars with a spec Ford Focus, 2.0L DOHC Zetec four under their bull noses. With mechanical fuel injection, the Focus motors make about 178 hp, and the onboard self-starter means the cars don't need to be push-started.
Our bet is that someone in the series will still figure out a way to cheat.
Facts And RumorsFACT: GM has established a "Performance Division" to bring high-performance products to Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, Pontiac, Saturn, and Hummer. This can only be good.
Rumor: Ford is working on a diesel V-6 for the Ranger and F-150.
Fact: Dodge will replace its fullsize Ram van with a version of the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter van after the former leaves production after the '03 model year. Call it "Der Ram Van."
Rumor: The '04 Chrysler 300N sedan will be rear-drive and offer the new 5.7L Hemi V-8 as an option. This would be the first passenger car equipped with the new Hemi, which will be offered in heavy-duty '03 Dodge Rams. Dodge is also rumored to be working on a sport-truck version of the redesigned '04 Dakota built around the Hemi.
Fact: On July 26th, Ford made its last Lincoln Continental sedan. No one cared.
Let's All Move To AustraliaSick of "concept cars" that seem to have been conceived by timid designers working with crummy engines built for an imagined future of diminished expectations? Want something with some brawn that might actually make it into production? Then head to Australia.
At the Sydney International Auto Show, GM's Holden division showed its SSX concept based on the current Commodore sedan (the four-door version of the Monaro that will be next year's Pontiac GTO). Featuring all-wheel drive, the Generation III (i.e., LS1) 5.7L, overhead valves, an all-aluminum V-8, and a four-speed automatic, it promises to perform like a real muscle machine. But it's the five-door body that's most interesting, with the large hatch's opening enlarged by a flip-down tailgate. Considering that it's based on a current vehicle, the chances of a version of the SSX entering production are good. With the GTO coming here next year, there's even a sliver of hope that something like the SSX could make it to our fair shores.
Now exactly why isn't this car already in production in America as a Chevy, Pontiac, or Buick? Heck, if Oldsmobile had been selling tasty stuff like the SSX, maybe they'd still be in business.