If the shape looks vaguely familiar, it’s because the 2010 MKT is based on the big, boxy, Ford Flex. Engine choices look to be a base 270 HP V6, with the optional 415 HP EcoBoost 3.5 liter V6. If I don’t seem impressed or interested, it’s because I’m not. There’s a new CUV / big wagon thingy seemingly every other day or so. Do we really need a Lincoln Flex? Yet another full-size CUV?
A vigilant spy photographer managed to snap a shot of the 2010 Ford Fiesta sedan for your viewing pleasure. It’s got some neato cladding covering up, well, everything - but it could end up as a good looking car. Let’s hope Ford doesn’t pull a GM and surprise announce that it’s a Euro only model.
The execs at Honda are a smart bunch. They’re well aware of the phrase “fight fire with fire”. It seems that they used this logic when designing their Prius Fighter. In other words, “Fight Prius with Prius”. One glance at these spy shots, and there’s no question where Honda drew the ideas for the outer shape of the car.
To Honda’s credit, the overall shape of the Prius ( and the new Honda Hybrid ) is extremely aerodynamic. The coefficient of drag for the Prius is amazing - which creates less drag, and thus higher fuel economy. If one has to copy a shape, the Prius is about the best out there. On a bad note, it looks like Honda just ripped off the Prius design blatantly - and many people might see it that way. Hopefully Honda can find a way to make their new Hybrid stand out a bit more. Rear wheel covers a la the Insight, anyone?
Source.
Toyota has made the call to axe the Lexus SC convertible due to extremely slow sales. Considering the fact that Lexus only moved 1200 or so SC430’s in the first half of this year, it’s no surprise. They had already pushed back a redesign to 2011 - so an axe really isn’t a surprise. Moving just 200 units a month isn’t going to keep the production lines rolling, unless there’s a bull or prancing horse on the hood.
There are also reports that Toyota is considering the demise of it’s flagship sedan, the Avalon. The plan is to simply replace it with a long wheelbase Camry. That’s essentially what the Avalon is today, though with a different body style. Removing the need for different sheetmetal will reduce costs, while probably not affecting sales in any measurable way.
Full story at Inside Line.
Tundra and Sequoia production will come to a screeching halt - for a whopping 3 months. No one’s buying big trucks and SUV’s - and Toyota is paying attention. Smart business move, not so good for the employees. Reportedly they will get at least partial pay for the downtime, which is something I guess.
On the good side of things, Toyota will be building the 2010 Prius at it’s new plant in Blue Springs, Mississippi. That will mark the first time that the Prius has been built anywhere outside of Japan. I guess that whole failing dollar deal finally caught up with them.
I don’t own a Prius ( I think it’s ugly ), but it’s great to see Toyota building them here in the US. It’s an amazing car, and really a huge step forward in technology.
