CONCEPT CARS

New kick for S60
Volvo hopes to make the next S60 a more promising rival to the Audi A4, as previewed in this concept set to star in Detroit next month

MOTORING
- Ah, so the S60 is not dead yet...


There were once rumours that Volvo planned to kill the S60 junior executive saloon, as it was helplessly crammed in between the S40 and S80 brothers. But this concept car suggests otherwise, and Volvo says the second generation S60 will hit the market in 2010 after a public viewing in Detroit next month.

- Will it look like this?

These first official pictures suggest that the new S60 should become the second Volvo to bank on the brand's new design language. The first model to trigger off a move in this direction was the XC60 SUV which has already hit showrooms in Europe but not in Thailand yet.

- What about those "suicide doors"?

You mean the rear-hinged rear doors? We're pretty sure they're only for show; the production version should omit those whacky portals. And since you may wonder further, those wheels and glass roof are also unlikely to make it. But don't discount that good-looking front end inspired by the XC60 - this could make the S60 a really good-looking car against the Audi A4 and even the BMW 3-series.

- The interior is also too showy, right?

Not exactly. The "floating console" concept is about present in every Volvo on sale today, bar the aging XC90. Here, the S60 concept boasts a transparent version of the console which may, or may not, be made. But the basic shape could, panel dials and steering wheel included.

- What are the technical innovations?



One feature it is boasting, where it is claiming to be a world's first, is the ability to detect pedestrians on the road and automatically braking to avoid collision. Active safety has always been a priority for Volvo.

- What about the basic technical credentials?

Expect the obvious like a front-wheel drive platform shared with other Volvos, Fords and Mazdas. But with a little more clout in engineering, the S60 could run the rear-drive 3-series close in terms of chassis dynamics. Let's just say the Volvo could be targeting to make the S60 the safest handler and comfiest car to sit in.

- Will the S60 go green?

Yup, but by maximising on existing technologies rather than new, sophisticated, expensive ones. The engine that Volvo has chosen for the S60 Concept is a 180hp 1.6-litre four-cylinder petrol unit using turbocharged direct-injection, good for 119g/km of CO2 emissions and 20kpl fuel consumption. There's also auto start/stop and dual-clutch automatic transmission. Features that shouldn't make production are the grille shutter to reduce drag and flat underbody panel.

Lincoln MKT: Luxury Crossover Redefined

by Matthew C. Keegan

The crossover vehicle market continues to expand, thanks to just about every automaker getting into this hot segment. Loosely defined, a crossover is a sport/utility type vehicle built on a car platform, a hybridized multi-purpose vehicle that is lighter and much more fuel efficient than an SUV.

The Ford Motor Company has seen much success with its fleet of crossovers which include the Ford Edge and the Ford Flex. That latter model was introduced last summer, a boxy seven passenger wagon like vehicle like nothing else on the road.

With the MKT, Lincoln took the Flex platform and developed a vehicle unique to its needs with forward looking styling, luxurious appointments, a bustle back hump and an opulent interior. The MKT will not be available for sale until late summer 2009 as a 2010 model.

The three row MKT will offer a long list of creature comforts as the vehicle will be positioned to sell against similar luxury models including the Audi Q7. Among the key features of the MKT will be:

* SelectShift six-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifts * Eight-inch, color touch-screen for audio and HVAC control * Rear view camera * 20-GB hard drive for music jukebox music storage * Intelligent Access with Push Button Start * SecuriCode™ Keyless Entry Keypad * Adaptive Headlamps with High-Intensity Discharge (HID) Lamps * Auto High Beams * Rain-Sensing Wipers * Reverse-sensing parking assist system * Power opening / closing rear liftgate * 12-way powered, heated-and-cooled front row seating * Adjustable pedals * Heated second-row seats * Three-zone HVAC * Ambient lighting * Panoramic Vista Roof featuring two large glass panels * 19-inch Premium Painted aluminum wheels * Integrated spotter mirrors * And a comprehensive, complementary list of active and passive safety features designed to help protect both driver and passengers.

Besides standard front wheel drive, an all wheel drive version will also be available. The standard engine will be a 3.7L V6 while its EcoBoost 3.5L V6 will be optional. That latter engine will employ state of the art turbocharger technology to help give the engine power equivalent to a V8 engine, while returning V6 fuel economy numbers.

Starting price for the MKT should come in around $44,995 for the standard model, but closer to $55,000 for the fully loaded EcoBoost powered model.

About the Author

Matthew C. Keegan is a freelance writer who resides in North Carolina. Matt is a contributing writer for Andy's Auto Sport an aftermarket supplier of quality parts including Mercury Mariner grill guards and Mitsubishi Eclipse camshafts.

CJ5 Jeeps Review

by Wilson Snyder
CJ5 jeeps debuted in 1955, and jeep fans know that it is this very jeep that encouraged consumers to turn their attention to off-the-road driving. For Jeep fans who are looking to restore older CJ 5 jeeps really need to know what they are looking for before buying, since not all CJ5 jeeps were created with the same quality. Let's take a look at how some of the CJ 5 jeeps differ from one another, so that restoration hobbyists can draw an understanding of some of the unique differences in CJ5 models.

In the year 1966, CJ5 jeeps were beginning to be manufactured with a V6 motor so that the jeeps could better compete with other, more power packed vehicles on the market. If the hobbyist ventures for a 1966 model or after, he or she may encounter CJ 5 jeeps that have a V6, Buick, Dauntless motor under the hood. In fact, nearly three quarters of CJ 5 jeeps manufactured between 1966 and 1978 have that V6 engine. It will be necessary to seek out parts for the V6 motor, if the motor is to be restored properly. Searching for available parts is therefore recommended before making any CJ5 jeeps purchase.

Dating CJ5 Jeeps visually isn't too difficult if you knows what to look for. Checking the engine can help you get a date range for the CJ5 jeep in question. From 1955 to 1971, these jeeps held the 72 horsepower Hurricane F-head 1-4 beneath the hood. From 1961 to 1965, the engine was offered as a 62 horsepower Perkins diesel motor, and from 1966 to 1970, the V-6 Dauntless mentioned earlier was used: this is seemingly the most preferred engine.

CJ5 jeeps are identifiable by the rounded fenders on the body, and some 603,000+ of these models were manufactured until the early 1980s. The rounded fends softened the body of the vehicles and made them more appealing to civilians who were seeking vehicles with smoother, sleeker trims. The hood of the CJ5 was also lengthened in order to accommodate the newer, rounder, fenders too.

CJ5 jeeps came with a range of different windshields as well, and not every windshield is suitable for every CJ5 model. One will notice that there are windshields available with top-mounted windshield wipers, split windshields, windshields with bottom-mounted windshield wipers, and in 1969 a wider windshield was developed for some models. These differences must also be considered when you looking for CJ 5 Jeeps.

About the Author

Wilson Snyder is a freelance writer. Learn more about "CJ5 Jeeps Review" at JeepMax.com.