The quest to fill market niches is not over yet: some carmakers are creating new vehicle categories and others are reintroducing classic shapes from the past. Returning from the old times is the four-door fastback, which enjoyed a rather brief period of popularity—mainly in the 1970s. In their heyday, beautiful models like the Rover SD-1 or the Citroën CX were the avantgard alternatives to the more conservative sedans by BMW and Mercedes-Benz.
In the 1980s, most fastbacks faded into oblivion. Saab continued to offer a few quirky models, but everyone else returned to the good old notchback sedan—or, in Europe, to modern station wagons. Now the fastback is returning with a vengeance. The BMW 5-series GT, Porsche Panamera, and the not-for-us Audi A5 Sportback have been launched within a few months. BMW's X6 combines a fastback with SUV proportions, and Honda (Accord Crosstour) and Acura (ZDX) are adding crossover hatchbacks as well.
Specifications
VEHICLE TYPE: front-engine, 4-wheel-drive, 4-passenger, 5-door wagon
ESTIMATED BASE PRICE: $60,000
ENGINE TYPE: turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 24-valve V-6 diesel, iron block and aluminum heads, direct fuel injection
Displacement: 181 cu in, 2967cc
Power (SAE net): 225 bhp @ 3750 rpm
Torque (SAE net): 406 lb-ft @ 1750 rpm
TRANSMISSION: 7-speed dual-clutch automated manual
DIMENSIONS:
Length: 194.9 in Width: 76.0 in Height: 55.1 in
Curb weight (mfr’s est): 4000 lb
PERFORMANCE (C/D EST):
Zero to 60 mph: 6.7 sec
Top speed (governor limited): 152 mph
FUEL ECONOMY (MFR’S EST):
European combined cycle: 40 mpg
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