Autocade is an international car cyclopædia that’s geographically unbiased, carefully edited for enthusiasts and media who want a quick, accurate reference. There is a greater emphasis on models produced after 1970.
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Chrysler Charger (VK). 1975–6 (prod. 20,555 all VK). 2-door coupé. F/R, 3523, 4014, 4342 cm³ (I6 OHV), 5211, 5898 cm³ (V8 OHV). Revised version of short-wheelbase VJ coupés, offered in XL and 770 trims. Valiant model name dropped for this series. Smarter, more formal appearance, with equipment upgrades. Emissions’ regulations meant smallest 215 and largest 360 in³ units dropped at beginning of 1976; further engine changes in July 1976. Small production run, affected by fuel crisis.
Manufacturing location: Tonsley Park, South Australia, Australia
Marque: Chrysler | Model: Chrysler Charger | Predecessor: Chrysler Valiant (VJ) | Successor: Chrysler Charger (CL)
q.v. Chrysler Valiant (VK), Chrysler (CK)
Oldsmobile Omega. 1973–4 (prod. n/a). 4-door sedan, 2- and 3-door coupé. F/R, 250 in³ (I6 OHV), 350 in³ (V8 OHV). Little to distinguish Oldsmobile’s compact from the Chevrolet Nova (1969–74) other than the grille and other cosmetic addenda, usually ordered with more frills. Marketed as a larger, heavier compact with greater refinement and comfort, but considered dull in its day with average reliability.
Manufacturing location: USA
Marque: Oldsmobile | Model: Oldsmobile Omega | Successor: Oldsmobile Omega (1975–9)
BYD was originally founded as a firm making batteries in 1995, before branching out into automotive manufacture in 2003 through acquiring Shaanxi Qinchuan. The initials stand for Build Your Dreams, though its initial models were hardly the stuff that dreams were made of. While BYD claimed its designs are original, there was a strong resemblance to Toyota models, especially in the shape of the doors; while its S8 convertible model took its styling cues from Mercedes-Benz. Unsurprisingly, there was criticism from the west about the apparent piracy, especially by BYD’s F0 model—even the first publicity picture was Photoshopped from a Toyota Aygo (B10) one.
BYD, however, became known for producing the world’s first plug-in hybrid car years before GM could get a single Chevrolet Volt on to the streets, and sold a 10 per cent stake to US investment firm Berkshire Hathaway in 2008. In 2010, Daimler AG and BYD signed a partnership agreement to develop electric cars in China.
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