Ampersand

Revision as of 02:51, 23 June 2011; view current revision
<-Older revision | Newer revision->

Road & Track magazine September 1970, "&" monthly column

&... VARIOUS ITEMS, TECHNICAL & OTHERWISE

New Models

THIS FALL'S PARADE of new offerings is led, of course, by the Pinto and Vega. Meanwhile, the Great Big American cars will keep on getting bigger—their sales will probably decline further—and there are some new variations on the established "compacts" as well as some new import lines. For 1971 all cars sold in California must meet the new limit on emission of oxides of nitrogen—grams per mile—and this is being done generally by extra retardation of ignition at very low car speeds. Also, for 1971 the systems for control of fuel evaporation from fuel tanks and carburetors, required in California in 1970, are mandatory nationwide.

[cut: information about new Mercury Comet]

Datsun's 1-liter car, the Sunny, came out four years ago. The new 1200 is the latest version of it; its completely restyled body bears a family resemblance to the 510. Other body styles are available in the home market and there it's still called Sunny, but for the U.S. market it will be called 1200 and only the 2-door sedan and coupe will be available. Similar in size, style, price and specification to the Toyota Corolla, the 1200 is a front-engine, rear-drive car with an 1171-cc pushrod four developing 69 bhp. Top speed is 90 mph, according to the maker, and prices are $1736 for sedan, $1866 for the coupe. Eventually the Datsun 1200 will be competing with the upgraded and restyled Corolla, described in August R&T.

[cut: information on new, larger 1971 Mercury Cougar]

¤