Industry News
Brewing from its strong-selling X5 sport utility, BMW has a smaller X3 vehicle on the drawing board, slated for a 2004 launch. The X3 will be marketed as an off-road leisure car, expected to spend more time driven on the road than off. Based on the BMW 330iX, the X3 will feature a 231 hp, 24-valve, 3.0L engine and an all-wheel-drive system adapted from the X5.
Honda's longtime Isuzu-designed, U.S.-built Passport will most likely reach its production end by 2003 in favor of a less expensive Honda version of the Acura MDX sport utility, which offers a more car-like ride and handling.More from Beemer-ville: BMW plans to recall 22,345 new sedans, sport utes, and high-end sports cars to replace a faulty radiator cooling switch that has resulted in at least four vehicle fires.
Ford cut vehicle production to 930,000 units during its third-quarter production run due to the costly effects of the Firestone tire recall on its Explorer sport utility vehicles. The number ranks 10 percent below levels in the same quarter of last year.
Truckin' Nationals To Rock Firebird Raceway
Attracting more than 23,000 spectators and participants to last year's event, the 2001 Truckin' Nationals promises to be an even larger spectacle, offering a manufacturers' midway, monster truck rides and competition, a rock garden, and the toughest 4x4 competition ever. The event will be held October 13-14, 2001 at the Firebird International Raceway in Phoenix. New to this year's event is the co-sponsorship of yours truly, McMullen Argus Publishing, home to such great magazine titles as 4 Wheel Drive & Sport Utility and OFF-ROAD. This year's Truckin' Nationals will offer the coolest, fastest, and toughest trucks and 4x4s, as well as bitchin' Harleys, and bikini-clad beauties in the crowning of the Miss Truckin' Nationals.
In addition to everything truck related, the Truckin' Nationals will feature the likes of off-road racing legend Ivan Stewart, who will be on hand to hobnob with his fans and sign autographs. Enthusiasts will also have the opportunity to testdrive Toyota trucks, drive go-carts, and witness the first-ever triathalon of truck racing, featuring drag racing, road course racing, and a combination on- and off-road race. Big Foot, Snakebite, and Bounty Hunter monster trucks are booked for the monster truck competition and the Off-Road Ride and Drive will allow participants to testdrive their favorite make and model of vehicle back to back. For more information, call Firebird Raceway at (602) 268-0200 or check out the Web site at www.truckinationals.com; and www.Gr8Ride.com, the title sponsor of the event.