Ford might have been angling to poach buyers who were considering Chevrolet’s Nomad wagon, but it didn’t work out that way. According to the report in Wikipedia, “The impetus for the creation of the Del Rio was Ford’s desire to remain in the two-door sport wagon market started by the Chevrolet Nomad and Pontiac Safari.
“While the Nomad was Chevrolet’s most expensive model, offering a premium vehicle with a show-car-inspired body style, the Del Rio was strictly based on an existing product, the utilitarian two-door Ranch Wagon, Ford’s least expensive station wagon, as part of the Custom 300 series.
“Beginning with the basic body, buyers of the Del Rio were offered a unique two-tone paint scheme (optional), better quality interior and exterior brightwork (including gold anodized aluminum accents) and a higher grade vinyl upholstery. Four-way power seats were available.
“While the Ford sold more Del Rios in 1957 (46,105) than Chevrolet did with its Nomad in its three years of production, Ford terminated the Del Rio program at the end of the 1958 model year after selling only 12,687 of its “sport wagons.”
The current Maserati lineup is comprised of the Ghibli executive sports sedan, the sixth generation of the Quattroporte flagship sedan (center), and the Levante SUV. (Maserati)
Italian marque adds standard equipment, elevates luxury options
Italian luxury vehicle marque Maserati has been a manufacturer of racing and grand-touring cars since it was established on Dec. 1, 1914, in Bologna, Italy. The “House of Trident” will mark a new era for the future of mobility and the relaunch of the Maserati brand in September at “MMXX: The Way Forward,” when it will unveil the MC20 supercar at the special event. Follow the event at 2020 Modena.
The current Maserati lineup of vehicles is comprised of three models: the sixth generation of the Quattroporte flagship sedan, the Ghibli executive sports sedan (the brand’s first midsize sedan) and the Levante SUV. Production of the Gran Turismo coupe ($135,000) and GT convertible ($151,000) ended last year, but cars might still be available at dealerships.
] Here’s a look at what is new for the 2020 model year:
The Levante now has standard soft-close doors, heated leather sport steering wheel and a dual-pane panoramic sunroof. The S GranSport is shown. (Maserati)
Levante SUV
The brand’s first SUV is named for a warm Mediterranean wind that can change from light breeze to gale force in an instant. With near perfect 50/50 weight distribution, the Levante luxury performance SUV is powered by a choice of twin-turbo V-6 or V-8 engines. The two trim levels of V-6 have 345-hp in the base model and 424-hp in the Levante S. The V-8-powered GTS and Trofeo models have 550-hp and 590-hp. Starting prices range from about $75,000 to $170,000.
For 2020, entry models now have standard soft-close doors, heated leather sport steering wheel and a dual-pane panoramic sunroof. The driver assistance package and adaptive LED matrix headlamps are also standard on the Levante GranLusso, GranSport and GTS.
Interiors can be upgraded with the Ermenegildo Zegna PELLETESSUTA woven leather in one of the 50 limited edition GranSport models.
Soft-close doors, heated leather sport steering wheels and the driver-assistance package are among the updates for 2020. A SQ4 GranSport is shown. (Maserati)
Ghibli
The midsize sport sedan takes inspiration from Maserati’s first 2+2 fastback and is named for an African desert wind. The Ghibli is available with a choice of two twin-turbo V-6 engines at 345-hp and 424-hp and available AWD on the 424-hp. Soft-close doors, heated leather sport steering wheels and the driver-assistance package are now standard on all GranSport and GranLusso trims for 2020, plus optional Skyhook Performance suspension on GranLusso trims. Starting prices range from about $71,000 to $80,000.
Column-mounted paddle shifters are offered for the S Q4 and S Q4 GranLusso. (Maserati)
Quattroporte
When it was first introduced in 1963, the Quattroporte was the world’s first luxury sport sedan and created the category, Maserati claims. The full-size flagship sedan has twin-turbocharged V-6 or V-8 powertrains. The 424-hp twin-turbo V-6 is available in rear- or all-wheel drive or in rear-drive only for the 523-hp twin-turbo V-8 model.
For 2020, optional column-mounted paddle shifters are offered for the S Q4 and S Q4 GranLusso. Soft close doors, heated leather and wood steering wheel, power rear sunblind and driver assistance package are all standard. Interiors can be upgraded with the Ermenegildo Zegna PELLETESSUTA woven leather in one of the 50 limited edition GranSport models.
The entrance in 1965 to the Viale Ciro Menotti plant, in Modena. (Maserati)
Maserati vehicles are built at three locations: • The historic plant on Viale Ciro Menotti, Modena, opened in 1939, is currently undergoing major upgrades to accommodate the new MC20 super sportscar. • The Avvocato Giovanni Agnelli Plant in Grugliasco, in Turin, constructs the Quattroporte and Ghibli sedans. • The Levante SUV is produced on its own line in the Turin Mirafiori complex.
The versatile Volkswagen Type 2, known officially as the Transporter, Kombi or Microbus, was available in several body styles, from panel van to single- and double-cab pickups. This camping van was a conversion by Westfalia, fondly referred to as a “Westy” featured an optional “pop up” top.
At Chrysler’s Jefferson Avenue plant, Detroit, Mich. (Chrysler archive)
This “body drop” appears to show an Imperial being mated with a Hemi V-8. According to Wikipedia, the “FirePower” V8 engine was Chrysler’s first-generation Hemi with a displacement of 331 cubic inches (5.4 liters) and developed 250 brake horsepower.
Ihave often thought it would be fun to own a Porsche tractor. Fortunately, my lust for the little red tractor was renewed with the debut of free Porsche coloring pages. The four coloring pages will help children and their parents be obedient lockdown participants.
The Porsche mascots, Tom Targa and Tina Turbo, are intended to influence young people to have fun coloring a Panamera sedan, a 911 police car, the tractor, and a vintage 356 model.
The Porsche-Diesel Super was manufactured by Porsche between 1956 and 1963, according to Wikipedia. It is powered by an air-cooled, four-stroke, 2466 cc, three-cylinder diesel.
Porsche From Home
And there also is a new website, PorscheFromHome.com, that is focused more on North America with an emphasis on social and digital media.
According to the website: “At a time when we need to stay apart, we have the opportunity to get closer together. Check out some ways to stay entertained and connected. #DreamsAreMadeAtHome.
The site has downloadable Porsche coloring pages for the Panamera, Taycan, 718 spyder, Targa, Cayenne, and 911 GT3. And also relevant these days for video conferencing are backgrounds with some of your favorite Porsches.
So, as the website suggests, share some Porsche from home while you are staying safe at home.
Porsche mascots Tom Targa and Tina Turbo urge fans to share some Porsche from home. (Images courtesy of Porsche)
