Daily Edition: Jan. 4, 2006 - The Car Connection

Multiple Items from Thecarconnection.com:
-SUVS Aren't Safer
-Dodge Challenger Concept Pic
-Chrysler Imperial Concept Pic
-Ford Reflex Pic
-Saturn Sky is Priced

Thecarconnection.com rounded up in a concise form some of the latest news of the auto industry.

First up, a study just came out confirming what I always believed, SUVs aren't safer than cars. The roll-over risk outweighs the inherent weight advantage. When you consider the external risk that the SUVs impose on the lighter vehicles, you can actually say that as far as society goes, they are less safe.

Next up, the Dodge Challenger. DC has circulated pictures of its Dodge Challenger concept car that will be formally unveiled at the Detroit Auto Show next week. It is very faithful to the original in proportions, strikingly so. Since it is based on a shortened version of the 300 platform, it should be easily producible.

Next, the Chrysler Imperial concept. This luxury concept car, also to be unveiled in Detroit, rides on a lengthened version of the 300 platform. It is also producible, although the business case is more suspect. The failure of the VW Phaeton is fresh in everyone's memory.

Next, the Ford Reflex, a hybrid small coupe with solar panels. I don't think you'll see anything like this in the real world, but interesting none the less.

Next, Saturn announced pricing for the Saturn Sky Coupe. Pricing starts at $23,690, more than two thousand dollars more than its close relative, the Pontiac Solstice. The Sky has one thing that the Pontiac doesn't have that may end up attracting buyers to the Sky: a place for a front license plate.





Daily Edition: Jan. 4, 2006 - The Car Connection