Originally Posted by
AquaKnight
http:///forum/post/3030733
Sorry, distracted trying to studying for finals with the stupid internet going out!!
Anyways, the VehiCross was the first car to use ceramic body stamping dies (casts) in it's production process. Ceramic dies are significantly less time consuming and less expensive then traditional cast-iron dies. The VehiCross was one of the fastest cars from concept car stage, to the showroom. The drawbacks were that the cermanic dies wear out fast, but they wore faster then expected. Also they were limited to how complex they could shape the dies, so the really 'curvy parts' are that plastic, with the metal body being a more traditional shape.
To a less degree then the manufacturing process, the VehiCross was slotted as Isuzi's "halo" car, so it got some goodies too, Torque-On-Demand which is a pretty sophisticated 4WD in it's own right, using a separate computer, it constantly monitors and adjust the car, and actually runs through a number of scenarios and 'predicts' certain things like wheel spin. There should be a little gauge in the dash somewhere that displays a TOD readout. The VehiCross is also one of the few production vehicles ever to feature aluminum monotube shocks with external expansion chambers. Very similar to the ones on motocross bikes and monster trucks.
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Great info - thanks! I guess it's safe to assume the ceramic dies wore out at about the 4,000th vehicle mark (but those 4,000 vehicles were spread over a 3-year period during 1999 - 2001).
I do really like the TOD feature and yes, you can watch the dashboard display light up depending on the torque needed and provided during certain circumstances. This vehicle is like a mountain goat in the snow - it gets through ANYTHING. It's also a very heavy vehicle (if memory serves me I believe it's about 4,000 pounds)
Some of the design features probably kept it from becoming more popular - I really wouldn't recommend it for anyone who has to utilize the back seats much - VERY difficult to get in and out of there. I actually had the back seats taken out and use it as a 2-passenger mobile. The Ricaro sport seats are awesome.
Mine is probably going to hit the Vehicross forums and E-Bay in the next few months, though..... I'm ready for some more luxuries and creature comforts than it provides and I usually get antsy for a new vehicle every 3-4 years. I think I'm pushing 5 with this one!
Thanks for the info - I'll definitely be sharing that with other VX lovers.
Sue
