Carpocalypse - the environmental commentary

So, as has been reported on all the major news sources (Autoblog, Jalopnik, etc.) and the drive-by media (AP, et al), President Obama has agreed that the states can potentially set their own emissions standards. Now, as a car enthusiast, anything that may result in a limitation on the enjoyment I can get out of a car is not something I am in favor of. Also, I am skeptical of the whole "global warming" concept and the contribution that automobiles make to greenhouse gases, as opposed to naturally occurring GHGs like from volcanoes, geothermal pockets, coal-fired power plants, etc. That being said, there's enough momentum behind the global warming movement that it is unlikely that it can be stopped easily. So I say so be it. Go ahead and let California establish its own standards. But once California has determined and applied its caps, thresholds, assessment criteria, etc., apply them across the nation. The same thing for different "blends" of gasoline. Here in So Cal, we have winter gas and summer gas, all to deal with the different potential for smog and such based on temperature inversions and the like. One unfortunate side effect is that we have artificial price spikes when they shut down the refineries to switch over the processing from Winter to Summer and back. I'm sure that one single set of emissions standards and fuel blends can be created that will address the issue of greenhouse gases uniformly, across the country. The economy, the domestic automakers in particular, are hurting. It doesn't help both the engineering and the desirability of the domestic fleets to saddle them with a bunch of environmental restrictions. So make it easier to comply with by eliminating their need to create several versions of the same vehicles, just for different regions of the country. If the automakers know that they only need to put their resources into one version of the powertrain for their new models, they're probably going to be much more willing to comply with the standards.

Ford - Carpocalypse Lineup

Ford Motor Company

Ford is actually in the best shape of any of the domestics, and frankly they've got a pretty strong lineup. That being said, the realities of the carpocalypse dictate that there must be some tweaking of things. As with my earlier posts on FoMoCo, these lineups don't necessarily reflect changing relationships (i.e. Mazda and Volvo), but logicaly expands on where those relationships are and may be going. Right now Ford is starting their push for the EcoBoost motors, and at this point have put their global RWD platform on hold.

Ford

Full spectrum lineup, value and performance being a focus.

Fiesta - Basically as is proposed with the three and four door models. 1.5L DI 4cyl rated at 135 hp, with a 1.5L dual mode hybrid rated at 140 hp, and a 1.5L ecoBoost 4cyl DI turbo rated at 165 hp for the top models.

Focus - 3, 4, and 5 door models based on European Focus. 1.5L DI 4cyl rated at 135 hp for base model, 1.5L ecoBoost 4cyl turbo rated at 165 hp, 1.5L dual mode hybrid rated at 140 hp, 2.0 ecoBoost 4cyl rated at 220 hp for SVT model.

Fusion - Evolution of recently introduced 2010 model.

Taurus - Evolution of recently introduced 2010 model, including proposed 2011 SHO model.

Mustang - Evolution of recently introduced 2010 model, with revised powertrains. 2.5L ecoBoost DI 4cyl rated at 240 hp for the base Pony. In homage to the revered 5.0LX Mustangs of the late 80s, the Mustang LX would offer the 3.5L ecoBoost 6cyl out of the Taurus SHO. This car would include the suspension enhancements of the GT, but none of the exterior flash. The GT would include a 5.0L DI 8cyl rated at 390 hp. Limited edition SVT models such as the Mach 1, the Bullitt, and the GT/CS and GT 350 would offer the SVT 5.8L eDI 8cyl rated at 440 hp. The ultimate Mustang, the GT 500 KR would offer an SVT 7.0L ecoBoost 8cyl rated at 600 hp, and would hunt Corvettes.

Ranger - This would be heavily revised, and would be based on the recently introduced Euro/South American Ranger. It would offer regular, extended, and crew cab configurations, with short and long beds. Powertrains would consist of the 2.5L 4cyl at 175 hp, a 2.5L ecoBoost-D 4cyl turbo diesel rated at 200 hp, and the 3.5L DI 6cyl rated at 290 hp.

Explorer - This would evolve into the 7 passenger Explorer America CUV concept. 2.5L 4cyl ecoBoost rated at 250 hp for the base motor, with the 3.5L DI 6cyl rated at 290 hp. The Flex would die off.

Escape - Continued evolution of the current model. Powertrain choices would include the 2.5L eDI 4cyl rated at 175 hp, the 2.5L eDI hybrid rated at 185 hp, and the 3.0L eDI 6cyl rated at 275 hp.

Expedition - This would be an evolution of the current model, based on the 2009 F-150. Regular and extended length models would be offered. Powertrains would include the 3.5L eDI 6cyl rated at 300 hp, the 5.0L eDI 8cyl rated at 385 hp, the 5.8L eDI 8cyl rated at 425 hp, and a 4.0L 6cyl ecoBoost-D rated at 295 hp.

F-150 - This would be an evolution of the recently introduced 2009 model. The main difference would be in the powertrain department. These would mimic the choices in the Expedition, and include the 3.5L eDI 6cyl rated at 300 hp, the 5.0L eDI 8cyl rated at 385 hp, the 5.8L eDI 8cyl rated at 425 hp, and a 4.0L 6cyl ecoBoost-D rated at 295 hp.

F-Super Duty - Again, this would be an evolution of the current model. Powertrain options would include the 5.8L eDI 8 cyl rated at 425 hp, the 6.4L 8cyl ecoBoost-D rated at 380 hp, and a 7.0L eDI 8cyl rated at 480 hp.

Econoline - Again, this would be an evolution of the current model. Powertrain options would include the 5.8L eDI 8 cyl rated at 425 hp, the 6.4L 8cyl ecoBoost-D rated at 380 hp, and a 7.0L eDI 8cyl rated at 480 hp.

Lincoln/Mercury

As much as it pains me, I think Mercury as a separate division may not be able to survive. Of the Big 3's weaker divisions (Pontiac, Saturn, etc.), I like Mercury the best, and I think presented a feasible and optimistic view of what should be. That being said, this is the era of the Carpocalypse, and a new reality must be addressed.

Capri - As I noted previously, my intention was for Mercury to become Ford's import brand, stocked with vehicles either inspired by or taken from Ford's international lineups. The Capri would tie itself to the original Ford Capri from 70's Europe, and embody continental sport and luxury leanings in an entry level car. Based on the European Focus sedan and convertible, this would expand Lincoln's lineup to include an easier entry point for what should be a top-notch brand. Powertrains would include the 1.5L ecoBoost 4cyl turbo rated at 165 hp, 1.5L dual mode hybrid rated at 140 hp, 2.0 ecoBoost 4cyl rated at 220 hp for the top sport models.

Mariner - As I noted previously, to fit the "Continental" image I envision for Mercury, the Mariner would depart stylistically from the Escape, and would be based off of the European Ford Kuga CUV. Powertrains would mimic the Escape, though, and would include the 2.5L eDI 4cyl rated at 175 hp, the 2.5L eDI hybrid rated at 185 hp, and the 3.0L eDI 6cyl rated at 275 hp.

MKZ/Zephyr - My naming scheme is changing around, due to the planned absence of the RWD Aussie Falcon in the lineup. That being said, the Zephyr would be an evolution of the current model. Powertrain options, though, would include the 3.5L eDI 6cyl rated at 300 hp or an optional 3.0L eDI hybrid 6 cyl rated at approximately 265 hp.

MKS/Continental - This would be an evolution of the current MKS, and would offer powertrain options consistent with those of the Taurus.

MKT/Aviator - This would be an evolution of the current MKT, and would be a 7 passenger CUV. Powertrains would mimic the MKS/Continental. The MKX would die off.

Navigator - This would be an evolution of the current, Powertrains would mimic those offered in the Expedition, and would include the 3.5L eDI 6cyl rated at 300 hp, the 5.0L eDI 8cyl rated at 385 hp, the 5.8L eDI 8cyl rated at 425 hp, and a 4.0L 6cyl ecoBoost-D rated at 295 hp.

There you have it. The Carpocalypse lineups. Again, these are just my musings, based on current news being reported and spiced up with my own personal wants. Check back, who knows what may happen next.

GM - Carpocalypse Lineup

GM

GM is still too brand-heavy, and as much as it pains me to admit it, one or more brands will have to be eliminated, or at least combined into functional composite divisions. In particular, Pontiac would cease to exist, with the G8 and Torrent models continuing in the surviving divisions. Saturn would die off and the Aura/Insignia would move to another division. Hummer would consolidate into GMC, which would itself merge with Buick. Some product lines (Trailblazer/Envoy) would die off, and others (DTS) would merge with another similar vehicle.

Platforms and powertrains would be evolutions of current and stated future products, to the greatest extent possible. As always, the engineering is blessedly not an issue for me. I’m just the idea guy here. Horsepower ratings and platform compatibility are little more than wishful thinking based on a slight dose of reality. GM has been hitting pretty well on the styling front, so I would generally expect the cars mentioned herein to be largely evolutions of current and proposed models, unlike Chrysler, which needs some serious help. In general, I see a small car/CUV platform with FWD/AWD, a mid-size FWD/AWD platform, and a mid to large RWD/AWD platform. Specialty platforms include the Corvette/XLR, small trucks, and large trucks.

Chevrolet

As always, Chevy is the middle-America full line brand. Subcompact to sports car to full-size van. Pricing would again be a key component to the Chevrolet message...value.

Aveo – This would be an evolution of the current 4 and 5 door models. Styling would incorporate cues from the Cruze and Volt. Engines would consist of the 1.4L DI 4cyl at 130hp and a 1.4L turbo at 150hp.

Cruze – This would replace the Cobalt. It would offer the 1.4L turbo at 150hp, and a 2.0L DI turbo 4cyl at 180hp. An SS variant would offer a High Output 2.0L rated at 220hp.

Volt – as proposed and evolving

Malibu – This would be an evolution of the current model, on the new Epsilon platform. Powertrains would include a 2.4L DI 4cyl rated at 175hp, a plug-in hybrid 2.4L 4cyl with a combined rating of 180hp, and a 2.8L DI 6cyl rated at 240hp. FWD would be standard, and AWD would be optional on non-hybrids.

Impala – The current Impala would be discarded and replaced with an evolution of the current RWD G8, with Chevrolet-specific front and rear clips, and an upgraded interior consistent with GM North American current efforts (i.e. Malibu, CTS). Powertrains would include the 2.8L 6cyl at 240hp, the 3.6L 6cyl at 304 hp, and the 4.5L LS3 8cyl at 340hp for the SS model.

Camaro – Evolution of current on shared CTS/STS/Impala platform. Powertrains would include the 2.4L turbocharged 4cyl at 220hp, and the 2.8L 6cyl, 3.6L 6cyl, and 4.5L 8cyl from the Impala. The SS would offer a 5.5L LS3 8cyl rated at 385 hp, and a possible Z28 model would offer a 6.5L DI 8cyl rated at 425hp.

Vette – Evolution of current. New Corvette Stingray would offer minimal luxury items and be powered by a 3.6L DI 6cyl turbo rated at 375hp. It would be the ultimate tuner/track animal Vette ever, with a combination of Z06 and Z51 chassis tuning. Corvette would offer the 6.5L DI 8cyl rated at 440hp, the Z06 would offer the 7.0L 8cyl rated at 505hp, and the ZR1 would offer a supercharged 7.0L 8cyl rated at 625hp.

Colorado – drop the 8cyl and 5cyl. Use a 2.4L 4cyl (175 hp) and a 3.5L DI 6cyl (304 hp).

Equinox – combined onto the Vue platform, stays 5 passenger CUV. Gets 2.4L 4cyl (175 hp), 2.4L 4cyl hybrid (185 hp), and 2.8L 6cyl (240 hp).

Traverse – evolution of current Lambda, 3.6L 6cyl at 304hp and 3.6L 6cyl hybrid at a combined 300hp.

Tahoe – 4.5L 8cyl standard (340 hp), 4.5L 8cyl hybrid (345 hp), 5.5L 8cyl (385hp). Possible 4.5L 8cyl diesel (275 hp)

Suburban – same as Tahoe

Silverado – same as Tahoe, but with the 3.6L 6cyl as the base.

Cadillac

BLS – based on Saab 9-3 platform to go against the 3, IS, A4, C Class, etc. Powertrains would include the 2.8L 6cyl at 240hp and the 3.6L 6cyl at 304hp.

CTS – evolution of current, including coupe and sportwagen. Positioned more against the 5 series, E class, A6, GS, Infiniti M. Powertrains would include the 3.6L 6cyl at 304 hp, and the 4.5L LS3 8cyl at 350hp. The CTS-V would include a version of the ZR1 Corvette supercharged 7.0L V8, putting out approximately 600 hp.

STS – Cross between most recent DTS and current STS, grows in size to better compete against the 7 series, A8, LS, and S-Class. Powertrains would include the 4.5L LS3 8cyl at 350hp and the 5.5L LS3 8cyl rated at 400hp. The STS-V would include the 7.0L supercharged 8cyl from the ZR1 Corvette, rated at approximately 600hp.

SRX – 5 passenger CUV based on Saab 9-4, itself on the Epislon platform. Powertrains would include the 2.8L 6cyl at 240hp and the 3.6L 6cyl at 304hp.

Escalade – moves to the Lambda platform and evolves to a 7 passenger CUV. It has a 3.6L 6cyl at 304hp, hybrid 3.6L 6cyl at 300hp, and an optional 4.5L LS3 8cyl rated at 350hp. The 5.5L LS3 8cyl rated at 400hp would be exclusive to the Platinum.

XLR – Halo car continues on the Corvette platform, with the 5.5L LS3 8cyl rated at 400hp and the 7.0L 8cyl rated at 505hp from the Z06 Corvette for the XLR-V.

Buick/GMC/Hummer

These would be combined into a joint division for marketing (maybe drop the Hummer brand name, but rebadged them as GMC Hummers), but they would maintain their brand names and none would individually offer a truly full range.

Buick

Entry-level luxury, competing against 2^nd tier luxury brands such as Mercury (as I envision elsewhere in this blog), Volvo, Acura, Volkswagen, etc.

Aura – Upcoming Opel Insignia becomes the Buick Aura. Mid-sized (approx 190 inches), it would go against the Milan, the TL, the Sebring, the Sonata, Passat, etc. 3.6L DI 6cyl (304 hp) and 2.8L DI hybrid 6cyl (combined 230 hp)

LaCrosse – Evolution as intended, with the 3.6L DI 6cyl at 304hp, 2.8L hybrid, and optional 4.5L LS3 8cyl (340 hp) for the Super. Compete against 300, ES, Impala, etc.

Lucerne – based on Lambda platform. 3.6L DI 6cyl at 304hp and 4.5L LS3 8cyl rated at 340hp for the Super.

Enclave – Lambda updates as Escalade with the 3.6L and hybrid 3.6L 6cyls, except instead of the 5.5L 8cyl on the Escalade Platinum, the Super would get the 4.5L 8cyl at 340hp.

GMC

Full spectrum truck and SUV lineup, including medium duty (commercial) trucks and Hummer models. Models, including GMC crossovers would emphasize toughness and off-road capabilities (as Honda does with the Pilot VTM-4 awd system).

Canyon – As with the Chevrolet Colorado, it would be a gentle evolution of the current vehicle, with a serious redo of the interior. Current powertrains would be dropped entirely, and substituted with a 2.4L 4cyl (175 hp) and a 3.5L DI 6cyl (304 hp).

Sierra – see Silverado. Denali trim level would continue as a top-shelf trim with the 5.5L LS3 8cyl standard.

Terrain – Pontiac Torrent revisited, see Equinox. Gets 2.4L 4cyl (175 hp), 2.4L 4cyl hybrid (185 hp), and 2.8L 6cyl (240 hp). Would include Denali trim options, and possibly the 3.6L 304hp 6cyl.

Acadia – See Enclave…Denali trim gets the 4.5L 8cyl at 340hp.

Yukon/Yukon XL – See Tahoe/Suburban, and again would include the Denali option.

Hummer 2 - 4.5L 8cyl standard (340 hp), 4.5L 8cyl hybrid (345 hp), 5.5L 8cyl (375hp) for the Alpha model. Possible 4.5L 8cyl diesel (275 hp).

Hummer 3 – 3.5 DI 6cyl, with the 4.5L 8cyl for the Alpha model. SUT would mimic H3.

Chrysler LLC - Carpocalypse Lineup

Chrysler Corporation

All lines would be combined to single dealership locations, which would allow for consolidation into larger facilities that may have become vacated or abandoned by other sellers. Probably the best scenario is to align Chrysler with Nissan/Renault, and use shared platforms, particularly some of the European ones.

Chrysler

Focus would be primarily on the near luxury aspect of the market. Styling would encompass an amalgam of Nissan boldness and Euro/French organics. Generally, powertrains would be evolutions of current in-house components, with a few joint-efforts with Nissan-Renault.

Sebring - Entry level vehicle would be a sedan and convertible, effectively a mildly rebodied/restyled Renault Laguna, with a size in the 185-190 inch range. Powertrains would encompass a 2.4L DI 4cyl putting out approx. 175hp (base and mid-sedan); a dual-mode hybrid with the 2.4L for a combined rating of 185hp (mid-sedan); a 3.0L DI 6cyl rated at 230hp (mid and top sedan, convertible); 3.5L DI 6cyl rated at 275hp (top sedan, convertible). FWD standard, with AWD optional with the 6cyl motors.

Taos – Luxury 5 passenger CUV based on the Sebring platform. Styled in the vein of the Lexus RX/Lincoln MKX. Powertrains would include the 3.5L DI 6cyl (275 hp) and a 3.0L 6cyl dual-mode hybrid rated at a combined 245hp. FWD standard with AWD optional.

300 – Would compete against Avalon, Taurus, Lucerne, Maxima, etc., sized at approx 195-198 inches. Styling aimed at the current Audi A8, mixed with some CLS/Passat CC. 3.0L DI 6cyl rated at 230hp (base and mid-sedan); 3.0L DI 6cyl dual-mode hybrid rated at a combined 245hp (mid-sedan); 3.5L DI 6cyl rated at 275hp (mid and top sedan); 5.2L (318 ci, in a nod to heritage) hemi 8cyl rated at 345hp (top sedan). A possible SRT-8 variant would utilize a 6.3L (383 ci, again, heritage) hemi 8cyl rated at 450hp. RWD standard, with AWD optional with the 3.5L and 5.2L motors.

Dodge

Solid full lineup. Styling becomes more organic for the cars, picking up on the Mazda styling vein.

Caliber – Evolution of current platform, it would be significantly redesigned into a split sedan/hatchback econocar, competing against the Mazda3 and others, with styling in the sporty vein of the Mazda3. 2.0L DI 4cyl rated at 150hp would be standard, with the 2.4L DI 4cyl rated at 175hp optional. A dual-mode hybrid version of the 2.0L rated at a combined 160 hp would also be optional.

Avenger – Platform mate to Sebring and Taos, it would be fully redesigned to compete against the Fusion, Malibu, etc., and would use a cross between the Mazda6 and Altima as styling targets. Powertrains would encompass a 2.4L DI 4cyl putting out approx. 175hp (base and mid-sedan); a dual-mode hybrid with the 2.4L for a combined rating of 185hp (mid-sedan); a 3.0L DI 6cyl rated at 230hp (mid and top sedan); 3.5L DI 6cyl rated at 275hp (top sedan). FWD standard, with AWD optional with the 6cyl motors.

Journey – Platform mate to the Avenger/Sebring/Taos, it would remain a 7 passenger CUV, but be redesigned to target the CX9. Styling would be less minivan box and more CX9 sleek. Powertrains would include the 3.0L DI 6cyl rated at 230hp from the Sebring/Avenger as a base motor, the 3.5L DI 6cyl (275 hp), and a 3.0L 6cyl dual-mode hybrid rated at a combined 245hp. FWD standard with AWD optional.

Charger – RWD/AWD platform mate to the 300, it would be redesigned to emulate a cross between the current model and cars like the Maxima…organic yet broad-shouldered. Powertrains would mimic the Chrysler 300, and include a 3.0L DI 6cyl rated at 230hp (base and mid-sedan); 3.0L DI 6cyl dual-mode hybrid rated at a combined 245hp (mid-sedan); 3.5L DI 6cyl rated at 275hp (mid and top sedan); 5.2L (318 ci, in a nod to heritage) hemi 8cyl rated at 345hp (top sedan). A possible SRT-8 variant would utilize a 6.3L (383 ci, again, heritage) hemi 8cyl rated at 450hp. As with the 300, AWD would be optional with the 3.5L and 5.2L motors.

Challenger – Gentle evolution of current, to continue to emulate the heritage of the original, maybe a few inches shorter. It would again share a platform with the 300/Charger, and would include the 3.5L DI 6cyl rated at 275hp, and the 5.2L 8cyl hemi in the R/T, with the possible SRT-8 receiving the aforementioned 6.3L hemi 8cyl.

Dakota – Styling would be an evolution of the current model. It would be redesigned to be a touch smaller than the current model, and would be based on a shortened Ram frame. Powertrains would consist of the 3.5L DI 6cyl rated at 250hp, with the 3.0L 200 hp turbodiesel as an option, along with the 5.2L hemi rated at 345hp.

Ram - Evolution of the recently introduced 2009. Powertrains would consist of the 3.5L DI 6cyl rated at 250hp, a 4.5L 8cyl turbodiesel rated at 275hp, along with the 5.2L hemi rated at 345hp, and a 5.9L (360 ci) hemi rated at 385hp.

Sprinter – Evolution of current.

Jeep

All SUV, all off-road credibility.

Patriot - would be an evolution of the current vehicle, and would offer the 2.4L DI 4cyl rated at 175hp, with the 2.4L dual-mode hybrid (185hp) as an option. Platform mate of the Caliber, it would offer standard FWD, with a Trail-Rated AWD setup similar to the current Freedom Drive II setup. The Compass would die off.

Wrangler - Evolution of the current vehicle, with a retuned version of the 3.5L DI 6cyl that was rated at 250hp, but had increased torque. A 3.0L DI turbodiesel rated at 200hp would be optional. Body styles include standard, 4 door unlimited, and Scrambler SUT variants.

Liberty – Becomes a platform mate to the Grand Cherokee. It would grow in size to a little smaller than the current Grand Cherokee, be a significant leap from the current model in terms of styling and interior, but would remain a Jeep. The retuned 3.5L DI 6cyl at 250hp would be standard, and the 3.0L turbodiesel would be optional.

Grand Cherokee – This would be an evolution of the current version and would grow to accommodate a 3^rd row seat. Base engine would be the 3.5L DI 6cyl rated at 250hp, with the 3.0L turbodiesel as an option, along with the 5.2L hemi rated at 345hp.