CHICAGO — Avanti Motor Corp., a maker of low-volume specialty cars, appears poised to jump into the sport utility vehicle fray after it unveiled its 2004 Studebaker XUV (Xtreme Utility Vehicle) Thursday at the Chicago Auto Show.

The Studebaker shown today was clearly a preproduction model — the area where window glass normally would have instead held black, shiny plastic. Avanti says interior appointments are still being finalized.



Avanti seems to have taken a page from Hummer’s book with the Studebaker. And why not, with the way Hummer H2s have been leaving dealer lots as of late.

With dimensions close to that of the H2, the Studebaker XUV is a large machine, indeed. Measuring 80 inches wide, 79.6 inches tall and 215.5 inches long overall, the Studebaker is 1.2 inches narrower, 2.4 inches shorter but 25.7 inches longer than an H2 equipped with a roof rack. The body of the intro vehicle is crafted from fiberglass.

The Studebaker shares its underpinnings with the Ford F-250 Super Duty, including two of its engines, according to Gwen Beem, Avanti vice president of sales and marketing. It will be offered with either a 325-horsepower, 6.0-liter turbo-diesel V-8 or a 310-hp, 6.8-liter V-10. The V-10 may be equipped with an optional supercharger, which raises the engine rating to 425 hp. A five-speed-automatic transmission will be offered with both engines. The use of the Ford platform will enable the Studebaker to be serviced by a large, established dealer network. The XUV’s curb weight is 5,900 pounds.

Some of the more interesting features promised on the production version of the Studebaker XUV include power-sliding rear doors and a power-retractable rear roof inspired by the 1963 Studebaker Wagonaire. With the rear section of the roof retracted, large items can be transported vertically in the cargo area.

Optional features will include a GPS navigation system, a DVD entertainment system, heated seats, and offroad bits like a front-bumper-mounted winch and brush guard.

Standard safety features include ABS, front airbags, door beams to protect against side impacts and a rear-facing video camera.

With looks more akin to Hummer’s H1 than its H2, the Studebaker’s exterior exudes ruggedness. Would-be buyers can select any exterior color they like; they’re also able to choose interior trim pieces according to their taste and specify the color of the leather seats. While Avanti has a handful of dealers nationwide, Studebaker will be custom built and custom ordered. Beem says Avanti intends to expand its dealer base.

First-year production numbers for the Studebaker are set at 150 units, with a starting price of $75,000.
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So for way more money you get an uglier version of the Hummer H2 with parts culled from the Ford parts bin instead of the GM one.

 

WTF *shakes head*

 

They've gone mad!!!!!!!

 

Well it appears GM thinks the resemblance is a bit too much as well:

GM Sues Avanti, Claiming 'Studebaker' XUV a Hummer Knockoff

 

:crying: :crying:

 

Sorry to say, but GM is right. It's too close for comfort.

 

Hummers are ugly, why would anyone want to copy it?