http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do...ticleId=105986

 

The big truck gets an IRS, the ponycar gets a solid axle.

Go figure...........

 

With a name like that - it's going to be huge, litterally.

Hope a diesel will be an option.

 

You undertand you may have just open another Pandora's box of a thread between the striaght liners who swear by 'buggy axles' and those a little more progressive who look foward to turns and the better chassis dynamics an IRS gives you on the average frost heaved road.

You are aware of what you might be starting?

 

Don't know about the "Everest" name, but this is the extended Expedition that will replace the Excursion for 2007.

I discussed this in another thread a couple months back.

Look for diesel power to be available, despite what that article said.
It doesn't have to be a Navistar - there ARE other makers of diesels including Perkins, New Holland, Cummins, Mack, and even Ford themselves.

As for the IRS... well, idunno.
If it's intended to replace the Excursion, they BETTER make some serious allowances for heavy towing. I am under the impression that there will be a "SuperDuty" 1/2-ton situation that will aloow for excessive towing package to be available on the same 1/2 ton body. Diesel and overload springs included. This article, and certainly the picture showing the lower arm on the driver's rear side, seem to say IRS.
I can only hope that this is some kind of early test mule that is based off the existing production Expedition, and is not the last design version, or at least does not represent the only option for the vehicle. Maybe the regular unit is IRS-equipped, and the SuperDuty version comes with a totally different drivetrain and suspension package alltogether. If they make it mandatory IRS, I will be MORE disappointed in the IRS tow vehicle than a live axle Mustang. Regardless, it would be a mistake IMO.

 

The name is just begging for some one liners...

-You'll need a herpa guide just to find the driver's seat.

-It's so tall! Does it come with an oxygen system?

The environmentalists will have some fun with this one.

 

I think that's possible, considering the Explorer with IRS is rated to tow more than the TrailBlazer with a solid rear. I think that's the biggest variable between the trucks, unless the Explorer's V6 and V8 make more torque lower and that could affect tow ratings.

 

I wouldn't hold my breath waiting for 50 state legal diesel power unless this vehicle falls into the 8500+ GVWR weight category.

 

Based on the name - it just may!

 

Hummer H2 is more than 8500 lbs GVWR. Excursion's GVWR is 9200 lbs. I don't see any difficulty with Everest standing tall among these SUVs and coming in at around 9000 lbs.

 

I think you are about to see a huge swing towards diesel engines here in the states. After having spent several weeks in Europe this spring (and going back a few more times this fall too) I was amazed to see what they are accomplishing with diesel power. The Fords, Opels, VW's, Audis, BMW's, and especially the Mecedes' with diesels are amazing. Running a diesel at 4500 rpm on the autobahn is quite revealing too. Our Mercedes E320 rental car was diesel powered with the shuttle-shift option, and despite being dead for 2 seconds after you hit the accelerator from 0km/h, it came on strong once the turbo kicked in, and it ran 120-130mph very freely. I was impressed. Averaging about 35mpg running those speeds, I was even more impressed.

I think US automakers would be best served to introduce diesel engines to the US thru pickups, then SUV's, then into the cars. And with the advantages that diesels offer in load-moving... an SUV like this is the perfect place for them. We'll see in about 2 years...

 

I think the biggest thing holding back diesels here is perception. Basically the perception there the exact opposite of what you just described.

I've heard that low sulfure diesel fuel due in '06 could be the first factor to increase its appeal. Then personally there's the enterprising aspect. Diesels will run off a variety of fuels. I was watching a show on 'Spike' TV over the weekend call 'Trucks' and they were demonstrating a system that lets you make you're own diesel fuel in your garage from used fry fryer grease (from McDonalds and the such), racing methanol, and lye.

When it was all said and done they ran the fuel in their Cummins Diesel. They said makng it themselves cost about $0.70 a gallon, and is basically a 5 step hands off process that takes about 4-5 hours.

It got my enterprising mind rolling.....

 

After a couple more $80-fillups in my Powerstroke, I'll be ready to join you in this new enterprise too!

Want some backing?

 

 

Is that a weight limit specific to SUVs?

Because as far as pickups go, you can buy a <7000lb RCSB HD diesel from any of the Big 2.5 anywhere in the country.