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2013 Chevrolet Colorado
Chevrolet has confirmed that a version of the all-new Colorado midsize pickup will be built and sold in the United States. The first version of the truck is launching this month in Thailand, to be followed by other regions around the globe.
“The new Chevrolet Colorado is generating a lot of excitement as we begin its launch in Thailand,” said Chris Perry, vice president, global marketing and strategy for Chevrolet. “We think the design, capability and fuel efficiency of the new Colorado will make it attractive to U.S. customers.”
Product details, timing, pricing and the production location will be announced later. The current-generation Colorado will be produced in Shreveport, La., through the 2012 model year.
The all-new global Colorado builds on Chevrolet’s strong truck DNA and award-winning heritage, and the show truck versions generated significant attention at global auto shows in Thailand, Argentina, Australia and Germany. Thailand is the world’s largest market for midsize pickup trucks.
2012 Chevrolet Colorado (Thailand Version)
In Thailand, the model lineup will include 2WD and 4WD regular, extended-cab and crew cab variants. New 2.5L and 2.8L turbo diesel engines that produce broad torque bands engineered for excellent cargo and towing capability will be offered. Engine availability for U.S. versions will be announced at a future date.
The new Colorado is based on an all-new midsize truck architecture developed by GM do Brasil within GM’s global product development organization. In major markets where the Colorado will be sold, engineers will tailor the truck to meet local needs.
“For example, Chevrolet Colorado Chief Engineer Roberto Rempel and his team lived in Thailand during the Colorado’s development,” said Brad Merkel, global vehicle line executive. “They immersed themselves in the highly competitive truck market and observed how the Thai people use their vehicles and the driving conditions they experience. A similar development process will precede the launch of the truck in the U.S. market,” said Merkel. “We think American customers will be pleased with the results.”
2013 Ford Vehicles
You've probably noticed that Ford has announced early Final Fleet Order Dates for a number of models (if not, take a peek at Fleeting Tidbits). So inquiring minds want to know why the early buildout of these 2012 models and what's coming for 2013. Here's a look at a couple of 2013 models - Ford Taurus and Ford Escape.
2013 Ford Taurus - engine technology is the big news for the 2013 Taurus. The 3.5 liter V6 will be standard in the SE, SEL and Limited models. The 3.5 V6 adds Ti-VCT (twin independent variable camshaft timing) for the 2013 model year. This addition will provide a 27 hp gain over the 2012 MY 3.5 V6 and a 3 percent increase in fuel economy.
The really big news will be the addition of 2.0 liter EcoBoost 4 cylinder with Ti-VCT to the Taurus line-up. This engine is anticipated to deliver 237 hp and 250 lb-ft of torque with a best-in-class fuel economy of at least 31 mpg highway.
The following are some additional highlights of the 2013 Ford Taurus.
2013 Ford Escape - all-new compact SUV with three 4 cylinder engines and no hybrid model. You read that correctly - there will not be a 2013 Escape Hybrid. The engine line-up will include a base 2.5 liter 4 cylinder, a 1.6 liter EcoBoost 4 cylinder (look for this engine to offer mileage similar to the 2012 Escape Hybrid) and a 2.0 liter EcoBoost 4 cylinder. No photos have been released for the 2013 Ford Escape but most auto writers think that the Ford Vertrek concept shown at the 2011 Detroit Auto Show is a dead ringer for the production 2013 Escape.
Fleeting Tidbits
There are some early Final Fleet Order Dates for 2012 MY vehicles. These dates may be subject to change. For the latest information regarding Final Fleet Order Dates, please visit our website under 2012 MY Final Fleet Order Dates.
Ford Motor Company
Ford Mustang - 12/31/11
Ford Taurus - 11/23/11
Ford Escape - 12/16/11
Ford Edge - 11/18/11
Ford Explorer - 11/18/11
Ford Flex - 12/23/11
Lincoln MKS - 11/23/11
Lincoln MKX - 12/2/11
Lincoln MKT - 12/23/11
With early buildout of certain models comes early start up of the 2013 MY vehicles. You can find information regarding when orders can be placed and Job #1 dates at our 2013 MY Start of Production page.
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Subaru of America, Inc. will begin accepting commercial orders for the 2012 model Forester, Legacy, Outback and Tribeca on Tuesday November 1st. Deliveries for these vehicles will begin February 1, 2012.
Taillights Happy Halloween!
10/31/11 | |