The 2011 Volkswagen Touareg

The second-generation of Volkswagen’s mid-size crossover line, the Touareg, starts worldwide sales this April. Let’s see how the 2011 VW Touareg shapes up.

Exterior-wise, the second-gen Touareg reflects the new brand-wide styling cues–the wider grille, flashier LED headlights, and generally some of the more recent elements we’ve seen in such models as the latest Golf GTI. Additionally, this baby packs a milestone: it’s the first car ever to sport a high beam that’s totally glare-free, something the folks over at VW call Dynamic Light Assist.

The new Touareg also sheds a lot of weight (to the tune of around 400 lbs.), which should be a lot of help for improved mileage. Of course, that means the Touareg sacrifices some of its other technological comforts. Of course, it’s still loaded with a ton of advanced features, such as adaptive cruise control and a blind spot monitor.

The 2011 model is available with a Diesel V6 setup. Owners can also opt for a hybrid system. Both have eight-speed automatic transmission systems.

We here at Crossomotive really like the redesign for the second-gen Volkswagen Touareg, and it could probably be heads over the competition like the Acura RDX and the Lexus RX 350.

The Chrysler PT Cruiser

Thanks to the Chrysler PT Cruiser’s declining sales on epic proportions, the company had already said that it will discontinue the retro-styled wagon crossover SUV. However, new Chrysler CEO Sergio Marchionne is keen on keeping the model alive–at least for another year.

Marchionne confirmed that the PT Cruiser will continue production at the Chrysler plant in Toluca, Mexico. That’s good news for many people who are part of the PT Cruiser’s following.

The PT Cruiser started selling back in 2000 and was practically a hit right off the bat. It combined good retro looks with a pocket-friendly price. Chrysler sold over 50,000 PT Cruisers in 2008, but so far in 2009 has only managed to sell 8,591 units, effectively making the model a candidate for cancellation.

VW Tiguan by B&B Tuning

Germany’s B&B Tuning has come up with upgrades to the Volkswagen Tiguan, available for the entire range of the compact crossover SUV.

The range-topping model is boosted to a whopping 300 horsepower. The upgrade range is scaled, from the 190-hp 1.4-liter TSI variant.

As you can see from the image, there are also aerodynamic changes and custom wheels that go with the tuned engine.

The then-unnamed YN spotted during testing back in 2008

One of the vehicles that Kia will unveil at the Geneva Motor Show will be the new Kia concept mini MPV, codenamed the YN. It is the first Kia model designed solely by the company’s design director, Peter Schreyer.

The YN is built on the same platform as the Kia Soul subcompact wagon/mini MPV. A full-length glass roof is just one of the features of this vehicle, which Kia touts as one that reflects the future of the brand.

Schreyer spent 25 years as the head of design at Audi and Volkswagen AG before moving to Kia in 2006. His influence is clear on some of the latest Kia models, including the highly-acclaimed Kia Cee’d family car and the Soul.

The production model of the Kia YN is expected to be released sometime later in 2009. In the meantime, let’s just wait and see the entirety of what the YN offers when it is officially revealed at the Geneva Show.

Source: Autocar

The 2010 Volvo XC60

Volvo USA has just released pricing and detailed information on the all-new 2010 Volvo XC60, promising a healthy combination of state-of-the-art safety and excellent crossover styling.

First and foremost, the XC60 is the first Volvo production car to feature the City Safety technology revealed sometime in 2007. The system has an ability to stop the car to prevent low-speed collisions typical of city driving situations. We will discuss City Safety in more detail in the coming days.

Built on the cross country XC base, the XC60 offers rugged performance while having sleek sedan curves. It has a 3.0-liter turbocharged engine, capable of 281 horsepower at 295 lb.-ft. of torque.

The XC60 also offers a suite of other features, including a SIRIUS satellite radio with the first 6-month subscription free, HD radio, Bluetooth, and power driver’s seat. The optional Panorama monoroof is going to be offered for free in the XC60’s initial offering, so buyers would do well to purchase early if they want to avail of this excellent freebie.

All in all, the XC60 looks really great. It should emerge as one of the top mid-range luxury compact crossovers in 2009.

Source: Lethistorylive

The 2010 Lexus RX

Luxury car brands are confronted with a marketing nightmare thanks to the current global economic crisis. To revive floundering sales, Toyota’s luxury wing, Lexus, has come up with a vehicle that might just become the game-breaking model in the midrange luxury crossover segment.

Perhaps the RX’s most appealing feature is Remote Touch, a tactile response input device that makes it easier to access the central console for navigation and entertainment. The system makes use of intuitive tactile input and thus eliminates the need to look over the console and pay close attention to on-screen interfaces. The system also allows voice commands using phrases with keywords. This way, the driver can focus on driving and keeping his eye on the road while accessing important information.

The Remote Touch System

Interesting as Remote Touch is, other aspects of the RX seem to be lacking. The leather of the interior could be better, and fuel economy is really an issue for this crossover. Of course, you can argue that anyone who can afford a luxury vehicle shouldn’t really be that concerned with mileage and efficiency. That said, the RX still looks like a top dog in the luxury crossover category, alongside the Cadillac SRX.

So we start our North America International Auto Show catch-up series with the details on the 2010 Lincoln MKT luxury crossover, which debuted last week at the ongoing Detroit show.

The 2010 Lincoln MKT Crossover

The concept debuted two years ago at the NAIAS, too, and Lincoln upheld its plan to make the final model by the 2010 production year.

Exterior

When the concept first popped up, we always thought it was going to be one of those love-it-or-hate-it designs. Here comes the production model, and it still leaves us undecided whether to go nuts over the exterior or, well… go nuts.

Let’s just go ahead and say it: The front is HUGE. Naturally, the grille and the headlights are huge, too. Love the stylized grille design, though. As for the rest of the exterior, it’s pretty much run-of-the-mill crossover design, and we daresay it looks even bland. It’s a very sleek design overall, however, with the beveled edges and elegant window framing.

Silver, black, and red colorways were on display at the auto show.

Interior

The interior features true luxury vehicle stuff: seats that are trimmed with genuine leather and equipped with floating armrests, a central console for the second row of seats, and an instrument panel lined with LED detailing. There’s a folding rear bench seat and a refrigerator mounted on the rear console.

Customers can also choose between 7-seat or 8-seat options. There’s also the option to go for the fixe panoramic roof or a power roof.

Technical Specs

The basic MKT package, which starts at $44,995, is a front-wheel drive model with the standard petrol 3.7-liter Duratec V6 engine capable of 268 horsepower and 267 lb-ft of torque.

The $49,995 variant features all-wheel drive and the more powerful EcoBoost powertrain. This setup goes for upwards of 355 horsepower with 350 lb-ft of torque. Lincoln is banking on this v8-comparable output at v6 fuel economy to draw consumer interest.

The MKT also features adaptive cruise control, Ford’s new Active Park Assist system, keyless entry, adaptive headlamps, Blind Spot Information System, reverse camera system, driver preference settings using MyKey, navigation system, and Cross Traffic Alert.  There’s also a new rear suspension system that drastically improves shock absorption. Owners will also enjoy the 5.1 surround sound system, which is equipped with 14 THX II speakers.

Conclusion

The make-or-break element for the 2010 Lincoln MKT is the design. When it debuted last week, reception on the car’s exterior has been mixed. However, the MKT really is a feature-packed luxury crossover targeted at mid-range consumers. It’s got a load of the latest technology in it and, along with added performance and comfort, should be able to provide considerable value for money. Who knows, it might even be able to give its contemporary, the Ford Flex (with which it shares the same platform), a run for its money.

Sources: Motor Authority, Left Lane News

If you were under the impression that the crossover is just a recent fad, think again. This vehicle class has been around for decades, tracing its roots as far back as the late 1950’s. If you find that hard to believe, then take a look at one of the crossovers that started it way back then. This crossover is the Moskvitch 410.

Yes, the name itself means that the Moskvitch 410 is of Russian make. Developed in 1957, this crossover was designed to be a four-wheel drive vehicle. The Moskvitch 410 was initially packed with a 35 horsepower engine, but was later changed to a 410-N engine. So from producing a measly 35 horsepower, the crossover was now able to emit 45 horsepower. Although this amount of horsepower seems small by today’s standards, back then, it was a marked improvement.

As for its gearbox, the early Moskvitch 410 sported a 3×2 speed + 1×2 rear gearbox. This was upgraded to a newer 4×2 speed + 1×2 rear gearbox in the 1960’s. Combined with its engine, this allowed the Moskvitch crossover to reach the maximum speed of 56 mph. Again, a bit sub-par by modern standards, but it was the 1950’s man. Let’s try to give this vehicle some slack, shall we?

The one good thing though about the Moskvitch 410 was its height. This allowed it to plow through almost all types of terrains. From the ground up, the crossover has a vertical clearance of 8.7 inches. It could wade through 11.8 inches of water (almost a foot) and could climb 33 degrees when driven using its first gear.

Thanks to the likes of the Moskvitch 410, the crossover vehicle was firmly established and is now considered one of the popular vehicle classes. So whatever notion you have of the crossover class being just a recent craze, we hope this changes it.

Source: Wikipedia

The 9-4x has just been spotted. In case you’re wondering what the hell we’re talking about, no, it’s not a secret government project of some sort. What we’re referring to is actually Saab’s newest offering to the booming crossover industry.

Based on what we’re seeing, the new Saab 9-4x resembles the Saab BioPower that was released by the company in this year’s Detroit Auto Show. However, the similarity with the BioPower ends with the exterior. Carrying the codename GMT 168, the five-passenger Saab 9-4x crossover is set to be equipped with General Motor’s new TE chassis. It will also carry the same platform as that of the 2010 Cadillac SRX. Aside from that, the 9-4x will also feature Saab’s famed XWD All-Wheel Drive system.

With regards to its engine, Saab gave the 9-4x crossover two engine types. First, there’s the standard gasoline-based engine. The second is a new diesel engine that was created by GM and VM Motor. This diesel engine will allow the Saab 9-4x crossover to produce up to 250 horsepower and 406 ft-lb of torque.

The plans as of the moment are to have the Saab 9-4x Crossover commence production by late 2009 at the company’s Ramos Arizpe plant. However, some reports have been circulating that it might take several months longer for production to start.

Well, even though that’s the case, at least we are certain that the vehicle has been given the go-signal to be produced. Now all we need to do is sit back and play the waiting game. Hopefully, we really don’t have to wait for years to see the Saab 9-4x Crossover be produced.

Sources: AutoBlog, Global Motors, Edmunds, CARBlog