Powered by a supercharged 4.2L V-8, this newcomer will likely raise the bar amongst titleholders in the luxury SUV segment. With a pavement-churning 390 hp on tap and a whole host of impressive electronic innovations, we expect the new Rover to appeal to the business professional who enjoys long road trips and woodsy weekend getaways. The Range Rover Sport will be priced between the current Range Rover and the new LR3. Expect to see it in showrooms this summer.
The highly anticipated Dodge Power Wagon is now on sale. Much to our surprise, it's priced much lower than we had originally thought. Just how affordable is the winner of Four Wheeler's Pickup Truck of the Year? Try $6,300 over the Ram 2500 model. Not bad, considering what your get. Here's a list of pricing for '04 Power Wagons (all prices include a $850 destination charge).
Regular Cab Manual: $36,660
Regular Cab Automatic: $37,830
Quad Cab Manual: $39,125
Quad Cab Automatic: $40,295
Carroll Shelby International unveiled its new PUV (performance utility vehicle) Ford Expedition as a production-intent concept vehicle at the 2004 SEMA show in Las Vegas. Powered by a 5.4L, four-valve Ford GT engine with a unique supercharger, this hot-rod grocery-getter delivers an outstanding 550 hp and 500 lb-ft of torque. It's equipped with a five-speed automatic gearbox and a Borla performance exhaust system. Its chassis is engineered with Optimum Composite Design structural enhancements and Brembo brakes with 385mm cross-drilled rotors in front, and four-piston, 355mm rear rotors bring the Shelby PUV to a stop with ease. Other features include exterior body accents, graphics and ground effects, a custom interior that includes an Eclipse navigation system, and Accelevision headrest LCD monitors. The Expedition is accented with 22-inch custom SVT-inspired billet-aluminum wheels. If market research proves positive, the Shelby Ford Expedition will be produced as a limited-edition version.
The Jeep Gladiator is a lifestyle pickup with all the capability of the famed Wrangler. It is an authentic statement of Jeep brand heritage, featuring the historic box side-mounted spare of past models. This "Flexible Utility Truck," features an open-air canvas top, a removable truck bed, and a stow-away rear-seat cushion. It's been said that the new pickup would be powered by a 2.8L four-cylinder turbodiesel. No official word yet from DCX as to the feasibility of this concept.
New for 2006, the Mitsubishi Raider rides on a Dakota midsize pickup platform. It's said that the new Raider will be powered by a 3.7L V-6 with 210 hp, or an optional 4.7L V-8 with 230 hp. Watch for the Raider to arrive in dealerships in the fall of 2005.
* According to Mitsui & Company, the only place to get an H2 in Japan, Hummer sales have climbed to 150 units this year. Small change in comparison to the 20,284 units sold in the U.S. during the first nine months of 2004.
* 3.7 million GM pickups built between 2000 and 2004 have been recalled to replace faulty tailgate support cables. So far, 73 cases where the cables failed resulted in some 19 claimed injuries. The affected models include the GMC Sierra, Chevy Silverado and Avalanche as well as the Cadillac Escalade EXTs.
* Porsche may rely on Toyota for the powertrain of a new Cayenne hybrid model. Currently the German automaker is conducting feasibility studies to determine whether or not the gasoline-electric powertrain found in the Lexus RX 400h would work.