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.
Inside Autocade
Chevrolet Corvair. 1965–9 (prod. 387,923 approx. excl. commercial vehicles). 4-door hardtop sedan, 2-door hardtop coupé, 2-door convertible. R/R, 140, 145, 164 in³ (F6 OHV). Far more handsome, and with rear swing axles ditched in favour of double-jointed driveshafts (as on the Corvette). Wagon deleted, while sedan became a pillarless hardtop. Engines mostly carried over, but Corsa featured a 140 hp unit with four single-barrel carburettors and dual exhausts; slightly different turbo still available, with 180 hp. Appealed more to the enthusiast with the Chevy II having taken over compact-fighting duties. However, Nader’s book had an effect, with 1966 sales plunging despite a strong 1965, and at the same time GM pulled the plug on further development, letting the Corvair fade out.
Manufacturing location: USA
Marque: Chevrolet | Model: Chevrolet Corvair | Predecessor: Chevrolet Corvair (1960–4)
Ford Edge (U387). 2007–14 (prod. 130,000 approx. to end of 2007). 5-door wagon. F/F, F/A, 3496, 3731 cm³ (V6 DOHC). Crossover wagon on Mazda Atenza (GG) platform, blending minivan, sedan and off-roader ideas (as with the larger Australian Ford Territory). Soft suspension, but roomy and practical. Vista Roof glass roof optional, with opening section over front seats.
Manufacturing location: Oakville, Ontario, Canada
Marque: Ford | Model: Ford Edge | Successor: Ford Edge Mk II
q.v. Mazda CX-9, Lincoln MKX (U388)
Renault Sandero/Dacia Sandero (B90). 2007 to date (prod. n/a). 5-door saloon. F/F, 999, 1598 cm³ (I4 DOHC), 1390, 1598 cm³ (I4 OHC). Hatchback based on Dacia Logan I but with shortened wheelbase. Renault in South America from December 2007, possibly beating Dacia to market by months. Very safe, but build quality questionable compared to western cars. As with Dacias during the communist era, sold on cheap price in Europe, much like the Renault 4 in its day. Stepway model in South America with 1·6 DOHC with faux SUV appearance, from 2008. Facelift for Renault models in 2011, with corporate grille similar to Mégane III added; Dacia facelift more evolutionary. Discontinued 2015 except in Iran, where Pars Khodro built the Sandero under licence.
Manufacturing locations: Mioveni, Romania; São José dos Pinhais, Brazil; Envigado, Colombia; Ťehrân, Iran
Marque: Renault | Model: Renault Sandero | Successors: Dacia Sandero II, Renault Sandero II
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