Ah, once again Christmas is upon us, and the frenetic last-minute gift shopping is over. So let's take some time to mourn the passing of a few models that didn't make it through the 2007 model year. Here is part one of two, as there are over 20 models that have been sent to the great scrapyard in the sky.
Aston Martin Vanquish S
Replaced by the DBS, the Vanquish wasn't cancelled by its lack of style or power. It's just that the time has come for something new, although looking at the DBS, you might not think it's actually new.
The Vanquish S boasted a 520-hp, 6.0-liter V12 engine which was actually created by welding two Ford Duratec 3.0-liter V6s together. Okay, it was more complex than that.
Buick Rainier
When Oldsmobile bit the dust, Buick inherited the Bravada, which is a high-lux version of the Chevrolet TrailBlazer and GMC Envoy.
With a choice of two engines, a 291-hp, 4.2-liter inline-6 as well as a 302-hp, 5.3-liter V8 with Active Fuel Management, the Rainier didn't sell very well. The new Enclave, with its more aerodynamic shape and more comfortable ride, pushed the Rainier out the door.
Buick Rendezvous
No one ever was quite sure if this vehicle was an SUV or a crossover. Whatever, it did last for 6 years before Buick finally decided it was time to let it go.
The Rendezvous started out in 2002 with a 185-hp, 3.4-liter V6 and ended up in 2007 with a 196-hp, 3.5-liter engine. In 2005 and 2006, GM even tried putting a 245-hp version of their new 3.6, but that didn't last long. Priced from $29K to $40K and more, the Rendezvous just didn't catch on. At least it lasted longer than its twin, the Pontiac Aztek.
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| Aston Martin Vanquish S |
Aston Martin Vanquish S
Replaced by the DBS, the Vanquish wasn't cancelled by its lack of style or power. It's just that the time has come for something new, although looking at the DBS, you might not think it's actually new.
The Vanquish S boasted a 520-hp, 6.0-liter V12 engine which was actually created by welding two Ford Duratec 3.0-liter V6s together. Okay, it was more complex than that.
Buick Rainier
When Oldsmobile bit the dust, Buick inherited the Bravada, which is a high-lux version of the Chevrolet TrailBlazer and GMC Envoy.
With a choice of two engines, a 291-hp, 4.2-liter inline-6 as well as a 302-hp, 5.3-liter V8 with Active Fuel Management, the Rainier didn't sell very well. The new Enclave, with its more aerodynamic shape and more comfortable ride, pushed the Rainier out the door.
Buick Rendezvous
No one ever was quite sure if this vehicle was an SUV or a crossover. Whatever, it did last for 6 years before Buick finally decided it was time to let it go.
The Rendezvous started out in 2002 with a 185-hp, 3.4-liter V6 and ended up in 2007 with a 196-hp, 3.5-liter engine. In 2005 and 2006, GM even tried putting a 245-hp version of their new 3.6, but that didn't last long. Priced from $29K to $40K and more, the Rendezvous just didn't catch on. At least it lasted longer than its twin, the Pontiac Aztek.
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| Buick Rendezvous |