New Otomotif Car

First Drive: 2010 Mercedes E-Class Coupe

2009-09-08T17:40:00.000-07:00

A slick and smooth new performer with a bent on safety

The CLK coupe is gone. Long live the new E-Class Coupe. Closely related to the new ninth-generation 2010 E-Class Sedan, this fifth-generation E Coupe — with its flowing lines and lower profile — is aimed at buyers looking for style, performance and handling.

The exclusivity and prestige bestowed by the big, three-pointed star mounted on the car's signature grille doesn't hurt either. Performance and looks aside, the century-old carmaker is also relying heavily on leading-edge safety and convenience technologies to help the new coupe succeed. Plus, Mercedes dropped the price, making it easier for the upwardly mobile to afford.

Model Lineup
Like its 4-door counterpart, the new E-Class Coupe shares core elements such as its newly designed suspension with the current C-Class. Yet it never strays far from the fundamental values that have made the midsize E-Class the heart of the Mercedes-Benz lineup for more than 60 years: luxury, solidity, safety and the promise of great durability. Now you can add value to that list.

The new E-Class Coupe will initially be offered in two versions: E350 and E550, basically defined by the engine size, like the CLK Coupes they replace. The new coupes are powered by the same engines as the last generation of CLKs, albeit with some efficiency gains. The E350 gets a 3.5-liter V6 and the E550 is equipped with a 5.5-liter V8. Unlike the Sedans, there are no plans for all-wheel-drive 4Matic versions of the Coupes, and Mercedes-Benz also believes there is no need for a high-performance AMG version, considering the performance of the E550 Sport model. On the other hand, an E-Class Cabriolet drop-top should be launched in the spring of 2010.

The new E-Class Coupe casts a larger shadow than the last CLK Coupe: Its body is 1.76 inches longer and 1.81 inches wider. It is also lower by a significant 2.89 inches and rides on a 1.76-inch-longer wheelbase, which accentuates its smooth, coupelike profile. European versions have a drag coefficient of 0.24, but the number goes up to 0.28 with the U.S. versions' wider tires. With the gain in size and the addition of several new features and systems, weight is up, but just a bit: The E350 is heavier by 97 pounds and the E550 by 61 pounds.

There is not a single body panel in common between the new E-Class Coupes and Sedans, but they do share a flared arch on their rear fenders that is a nod to the E-Class pioneer, the 1953 Ponton. The coupe's styling is more rakish, with a subtle "V" or arrow theme that is reflected from the grille to the rear fascia outside and in the instrument panel inside. A large 3-pointed Mercedes-Benz star in the grille distinguishes all Coupes from their Sedan cousins.

Ford to Introduce C-Max

2009-09-08T17:39:00.001-07:00

Ford's redesigned C-Max will debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show. The car is expected to hit U.S. showrooms within a couple of years.

Ford's redesigned C-Max is thought to be coming to the U.S. market within a couple of years.

Ford will introduce the redesigned C-Max, which uses the automaker's first global C-segment platform, at the upcoming Frankfurt Motor Show. The C-Max will be launched worldwide in the second half of 2010, with other models to follow on the platform, including the next-generation Focus, also coming in 2010.

The C-Max takes its "kinetic" design cues from the iosis MAX concept car unveiled at this year's Geneva Motor Show, incorporating features such as a coupelike sweeping roofline.

A 1.6-liter Ford EcoBoost direct-injection gasoline engine and a semiautomatic parallel-parking and blind-spot detection system are among the technologies that the C-Max will introduce to Ford models.

Ford reportedly is bringing a version of this C-Max to the U.S. market. So far the company isn't confirming that, but we expect word any day, possibly at the Frankfurt show.

Watch for more details about the C-Max from Ford's Frankfurt press conference on Sept. 15.

Redesigned Volvo C30 to Debut

2009-09-08T17:35:00.000-07:00

Volvo's C30 gets a facelift to reflect its aggressive attitude.

Volvo's nifty hatch, the C30, is getting a light facelift that will be revealed at the Frankfurt Motor Show.

The most significant changes come up front, where the car is fitted with a new honeycomb grille, fenders, headlights and a lower spoiler. The goal is to separate the C30 from other Volvo offerings such as the S40 and the V50.

The front end also gets a larger air intake, and a new color, orange flame metallic, is offered. The C30 was introduced in 2006.

"The new exterior is also a better match for the way the C30 drives — challenging, direct and with a whole lot of attitude," Volvo product manager Daniel Backman said in a statement.

A new interior color package, espresso/blond, is also available and channels Volvo's Scandinavian heritage. A new styling kit aimed at young buyers includes fog lamp décor, skidplates and an engraved logo.

An optional sport package stiffens the springs 30 percent and increases steering response by 10 percent.

The only motor coming to the U.S. market is the turbocharged five-cylinder, 227-hp, 236-lb-ft unit — all of which comes on at 2,300 rpm. A six-speed manual is standard, with a five-speed automatic optional.

With the manual, the car is capable of 21 mpg in city driving and 30 mpg on the highway.

2010 Ferrari's Innovative New V8—the 458 Italia

2009-07-29T17:27:00.000-07:00

A synthesis of style and technology, Ferrari's 458 Italia is a massive leap forward from the its previous mid-rear engined sports cars

The Italia is the latest incarnation of the mid-rear engined Ferrari berlinetta and will be unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September. While it's true that every Ferrari is innovative by definition, it's equally true that in the course of the Prancing Horse's history, certain cars have marked a genuine departure from the current range. This is very much the case with the Ferrari 458 Italia, which is a massive leap forward from the company's previous mid-rear engined sports cars.

The new model is a synthesis of style, creative flair, passion and cutting-edge technology, characteristics for which Italy as a nation is well-known. For this reason Ferrari chose to add the name of its homeland to the traditional figure representing the displacement and number of cylinders.

The Ferrari 458 Italia is a completely new car from every point of view: engine, design, aerodynamics, handling, instrumentation and ergonomics, just to name a few.

A two-seater berlinetta, the Ferrari 458 Italia, as is now traditional for all Ferrari's road-going cars, benefits hugely from the company's Formula 1 experience. This is particularly evident in the speed and precision with which the car responds to driver inputs and in the attention focused on reducing internal friction in the engine for lower fuel consumption than the F430, despite the fact that both overall displacement and power have increased. However, Ferrari's track experience makes its presence felt in the 458 Italia not only in terms of pure technological transfer but also on a more emotional level, because of the strong emphasis on creating an almost symbiotic relationship between driver and car. The 458 Italia features an innovative driving environment with a new kind of steering wheel and dashboard that is the direct result of racing practice. Once again input from Michael Schumacher—who was involved from the very start of the 458 Italia project—played an invaluable part.

The Ferrari 458 Italia's Pininfarina design provides further evidence of the complete departure from the past that this new car hails. The Ferrari 458 Italia has a compact, aerodynamic shape, underscoring the concepts of simplicity, efficiency and lightness that inspired the project. As with every Ferrari, the car's styling has been very heavily influenced by the requirements for aerodynamic efficiency, as can be seen from the downforce of 140 kg at 200km/h generated by the new model. The front features a single opening for the front grille and side air intakes, with aerodynamic sections and profiles designed to direct air to the coolant radiators and the new flat underbody. The nose also sports small aeroelastic winglets which generate downforce and, as speed rises, deform to reduce the section of the radiator inlets and cut drag.

The new 4499 cc V8 is the first Ferrari direct injection engine to be mid-rear mounted. It has a very low piston compression height typical of racing engines which contributed to achieving its compression ratio of 12.5:1. Equipped with the traditional flat-plane crankshaft, the engine delivers 570 CV at 9000 rpm and, with an outstanding power output of 127 CV/litre, sets a new benchmark not only for the whole Ferrari range and the history of company, but also for the entire market segment. Maximum torque is 540 Nm at 6000 rpm, over 80 per cent of which is available from 3250 rpm. Specific torque is a record 120 Nm/litre. However, what is truly extraordinary is the amount of torque available while still maintaining high levels of power at low revs.

The car's soundtrack is also typical Ferrari, with an exciting, powerful growl emerging from the engine before it channels through to the exhaust's three rear tailpipes.

The 458 Italia is equipped with the seven-speed dual-clutch transmission which increases performance whilst providing very smooth shifts even at full throttle. The engineers have developed specific, sportier gear ratios to match the power and torque curves of the new V8, guaranteeing high torque even at lower engine speeds and allowing the car to reach its maximum speed in top gear.

New Model Showcase

2009-07-21T21:00:00.000-07:00

2010 Chevrolet Malibu

Quick Facts

MSRP Price Range:	$21,825 - $26,605
Invoice Price Range:	$20,625 - $25,142
Rebates/Incentives:	Data not available
Expert Rating:	Not Rated
User Rating:	Not Rated

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Suzuki SX4 Gets a Hot Hatch

2009-07-21T20:59:00.001-07:00

Suzuki adds power and style upgrades to its SX4 lineup.

The Suzuki SX4 SportBack

Suzuki will embrace the hot-hatch craze by adding a more street-worthy version of its SX4 compact car.
Also, the entire SX4 lineup will get a more powerful engine and upgraded transmissions.

The basics: The key to boosting the street image of the SX4 SportBack will be increased power from the redesigned 2.0-liter engine — up 7 hp to 150 hp. Also, the manual transmission goes from five gears to six. The automatic gearbox moves from a four-speed to a continuously variable transmission. The CVT version includes steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters to change the gear ratio instantly, similar to the Honda Fit.

The SX4 SportBack has a lower ride height and an aero kit that includes chin spoiler, rear deck spoiler and side skirts. While the existing SX4 crossover version is sold with all-wheel drive, the SportBack will be front-drive only, says Steven Younan, director of product planning and pricing at American Suzuki.

Notable features: The SportBack will be offered in one trim level. But the package will include standard 17-inch wheels; integrated navigation; power windows, mirrors and locks; tilt steering wheel; trip computer; split folding rear seats; rear passenger floor vents; and a four-speaker AM/FM/CD audio system with MP3 jack and XM satellite radio compatibility. Suzuki has cleaned up its once-chaotic center console array, and the car has a new instrument panel design.

For the street-racer crowd, Suzuki has paired with Road Race Motorsports of Santa Fe Springs, Calif., to create a cat-back exhaust and cold-air intake that add about 10 hp. Expect a turbo kit to come soon as well. Road Race also has designed new springs and sway bars for better handling. Suzuki is working on making those pieces available to dealers through their accessories department.

What Suzuki says: Younan sees the SX4 SportBack competing against the VW Rabbit and Mazda3. "The SportBack is more about sporty while the crossover is more about snow," Younan says.

Compromises and shortcomings: The six-speed gearbox is a bit notchy. The interior graining, fitments and color values are a few years behind the segment leaders, and the exterior styling is a bit conservative. A standard navigation system is a nice touch, but its pop-up installation seems tacked-on stylistically.

The market: Suzuki expects the SportBack to represent about 15 percent of SX4 sales. Suzuki didn't have pricing yet.

The skinny: Suzuki is late to the scene, and with such a small percentage of total sales, don't expect much marketing support. The car is a solid competitor in a now-crowded segment.

Wheelbase: 98.4 in.
Length: 162.8 in.
Engine: 2.0-liter, inline-4
Horsepower: 150 @ 6,200 rpm
Torque, lbs.-ft.: 140 @ 3,500 rpm
EPA mpg: Not yet rated
Base price: Not yet priced
On sale: Fall 2009

Volvo C30, Ford Focus Top Crash Tests

2009-07-21T20:57:00.000-07:00

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety gives its highest rating for front and side collisions to the Volvo C30 and the Ford Focus.

The Ford Focus coupe received high marks from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety in crash tests.

Four two-door cars received the highest safety rating in frontal crashes and two received that rating for side collisions in recent testing by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

The institute gave its "good" rating in side crashes to the Volvo C30 and two-door Ford Focus.

Those vehicles, along with the two-door Honda Civic and Chevrolet Cobalt, also received "good" ratings for frontal collisions, the non-profit group funded by auto insurers said. The C30 and two-door Ford Focus received "top safety pick 2009" designations from the Insurance Institute.

"The safety improvements we've seen for four-door vehicles generally appear to be carrying over to two-doors," said David Zuby, the group's senior vice president for vehicle research, in a statement.

The two-door Civic rated one step lower in side crashes than the previously tested four-door version, but the two-door Focus beat its previously analyzed four-door model in that category. The two-door Chevy Cobalt tied its four-door version.

The group also tested the Scion tC. It earned the second-highest safety rating, "acceptable," for both crashes. The two-door Civic and Cobalt had "acceptable" ratings for the side collision tests.

"This is pretty good, considering how demanding the side test is," Zuby said. "It simulates being struck by a pickup or SUV."

In the side test, a barrier moving at 31 mph hits the vehicles. The frontal trials simulate 40 mph offset crashes.

All the two-door cars except the tC received "good" ratings for rear-ender crashes. The tC received a "marginal" rating. That test analyzes the head restraint's height and distance to the back of an average man's head. Vehicles with "good" or "acceptable" head restraints go through a trial that mimics a stationary vehicle's being rear-ended by a vehicle going 20 mph.

In April, the insurance group said the Toyota Yaris, Honda Fit and smart fortwo minicars performed poorly in frontal crash tests with mid-sized vehicles. Upon impact, the three cars all collapsed into the space around the driver dummy.

The Acura ZDX Revealed

2009-07-21T20:54:00.000-07:00

Acura's four-door sports coupe boasts 300 hp, a panoramic moonroof and a six-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters.

2010 Acura ZDX

Acura confirmed specs and released more photos Monday of the new ZDX, which is scheduled to arrive this winter as a 2010 model.

The ZDX is the vehicle being pitched as a "four-door sports coupe" and, as expected, will come with a 3.7-liter V6 engine making 300 hp and 270 lb-ft of torque. That's paired with a six-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters.

The five-passenger vehicle has been captured in multiple spy shots, and features such as the panoramic roof, flared fenders and hidden rear door handles will show up on the production version. It looks similar to the prototype seen at the New York Auto Show in April.

The ZDX will come in three trim levels: a base version, one fitted with a technology package and a premium package.

Standard are 19-inch, seven-spoke alloy wheels, which are the largest standard wheels in the Acura lineup.

Hand-stitched leather highlights the interior. Pricing will be announced later, but Acura says the ZDX will be slotted between the MDX and the RL.Standard are 19-inch, seven-spoke alloy wheels, which are the largest standard wheels in the Acura lineup.

Hand-stitched leather highlights the interior. Pricing will be announced later.

New Model Showcase

2009-06-26T20:06:00.000-07:00

2010 Chevrolet Camaro

Quick Facts

MSRP Price Range:	$22,245 - $33,430
Invoice Price Range:	$21,244 - $31,926
Rebates/Incentives:	Available
Expert Rating:	Not Rated
User Rating:	8.4 out of 10

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Dream, Design, Drive Challenge

2009-06-26T20:02:00.000-07:00

MSN Autos contest winner Jon Sibal talks about his brand-new 2009 Dodge and its radical paint job.

Back in June 2008, MSN Autos threw down a challenge to its readers: Create the ultimate exterior for a Dodge Challenger and the automaker will build it for you. More than 330,000 entries later, a winner was chosen: graphic artist Jon Sibal. A 2009 Challenger R/T was painted to his specifications, and now Sibal and his car are turning heads all over his hometown of Aliso Viejo, Calif.

If you’re a fan of DC Comics, the eye-popping flame job shown here isn’t the first work you’ve seen from Sibal; he’s a freelance graphic artist who does ink work for DC’s popular “Superman” and “Supergirl” titles. MSN Autos caught up with him to talk about his hot paint scheme, SoCal car culture and the looks he gets while cruising around Orange County in his customized muscle car.

Q: How did you come up with the

concept?
A: Well, Dodge being Dodge — with their history of good old-fashioned muscle cars — I figured the main thing I needed was a high-impact, bold design. And that brought to mind the old hot-rod flames, that classic image … but I decided to modernize it, to use real flames, rather than a graphic representation. I like the idea, what it represents, that the engine is so hot the car is literally burning up. It’s very aggressive, and gives the car a lot of “movement,” even when it’s parked. For the hood, I wanted another classic image: a racing stripe. But I thought that maybe it was a bit boring for the challenge, so instead I chose a matte black finish for the body but a glossy black stripe from the hood all the way over the roof and down to the trunk, with the flames following the stripe the whole way.

Q: Did your work as a freelance arti

st give you a leg up?
A: It’s funny — I guess some people may think so, but, really, it was still a big challenge. All the comic work I do for “Superman” and “Supergirl” is manual — I’m talking old-school, big sheets of paper, ink, the works. Car rendering, which I’ve also started doing professionally, is all done digitally, and I tend to enter contests as a way to challenge myself. I enter to win, of course, but it’s mainly for a way for me to learn.

Find more pictures of Jon Sibal's artwork on Bing

Q: What kind of reactions do you get? The car doesn’t exactly blend in …
A: Oh man — it’s CRAZY! People talk to me about it all the time; even some neighbors I don’t know that well will come and talk to me when they see it. I remember one time, driving to Huntington Beach, this guy on a big Harley-Davidson pulled alongside me on the driver’s side, glanced over the car and then did a double-take. He then pulled behind the car to see it from the back and around again to see it from the passenger side. At the next red light, he asked me to roll down my window, but between the noise of his engine and the noise of the Challenger engine, we couldn’t hear each other. So he just ended up giving me thumbs up, and made some excited hand gestures and stuff over the noise.

Q: Any unexpected benefits from your prize?
A: I’m really a lot more into American car culture now. I mean, I’ve always been into cars, but my main project before this was my BMW. (Editor’s note: Sibal has put an impressive amount of customization work into his 1993 BMW 325 — so much so that it is no longer street-legal to drive in California.) I was big into the imports, the European cars. Sure, I had an appreciation for the American cars but wasn’t really in that world. Getting this car really changed all that — I’m now a project coordinator for a Challenger car club with chapters in Orange County and Los Angeles (SoCalChallenger.com). What’s awesome about the Challenger is that it really looks so retro, so much like an old-school muscle car, that people are really into that connection with the car’s history — and, of course, Dodge did a great job giving these really classic-looking cars all the modern amenities. It’s just an awesome car.

Green Wheels: Volvo's ReCharge

2009-05-23T20:29:00.000-07:00

Volvo’s plug-in hybrid concept heralds a wheel-motor revolution.

Volvo's ReCharge features a lithium-polymer battery and four electric motors, one in each wheel. A small flex-fuel engine serves as a backup generator.

Volvo's new concept car looks like a regular C30, but a plug on the front and some very different insides make this a big step forward. Plug-in hybrids will soon change the way we drive, and Volvo's ReCharge concept car foreshadows a handful of technologies that push the envelope.

With the rising cost of fuel and falling cost of batteries, these advanced hybrids seem to become more inevitable with each passing month.

Unlike fully electric cars, plug-in hybrids still retain a small internal combustion engine that serves as a backup generator or power assist. Volvo's ReCharge, which made its public debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show in 2007, pushes beyond other concepts such as the Chevy Volt into even more ambitious territory.

The ReCharge was developed in California at the Volvo Monitoring and Concept Center (VMCC), a focal point for new automotive ideas. Ichiro Sugioka is the science officer at VMCC, and the ReCharge project is his baby. "I'm not a car guy," Sugioka admits. "Actually, I'm a rocket scientist," he says, referring to his Ph.D. in aeronautical engineering.

The ReCharge isn't quite a spaceship, but in some important ways it is breaking apart the traditional notion of how a car works.

Motors Where You Need Them
The ReCharge is the definition of four-wheel drive. Electric motors are housed within each wheel, eliminating the need to deliver power from a central motor through a mechanical driveshaft. Even the backup motor, a small flex-fuel engine, works to charge the battery; it never drives the wheels directly.

According to Sugioka, kicking out the transmission yields a 10 to-15 percent spike in efficiency, meaning the car's battery can be that much smaller, and the car will use that much less electricity. Also, having all components built into each motor pushes their peak efficiency into the 95 percent range.

The maker of these unique motors is PML Flightlink, a British company whose technology is also favored by electric carmaker ZAP. The units are made of layered electromagnets that can be stacked within the wheel's hub like sideways pancakes. Thirty-six of them in a ring were just enough to encircle the ReCharge's hubs, putting 300 volts inside each wheel — more than enough torque to drive and stop the car.

And because electric motors become generators when turned in reverse, Volvo's completed car will have no disc brakes (or wasted energy from braking friction). With wheel motors, close to 100 percent of the energy from slowing the ReCharge is returned to the battery.

Green Behind the Wheels
Currently the only people enjoying the ReCharge are Volvo engineers on the test track in Sweden. But the technologies rolled into this modified C30 are holding up well.

The car can do 0-60 mph in about nine seconds, with a top speed of 100 mph. On a three-hour charge it will go roughly 60 miles. When the remaining battery level hits 30 percent, the gas/ethanol motor starts charging the battery. Drivers also have the option of toggling manually between electric and internal-combustion modes.

As for emissions, the ReCharge releases nothing when running on electric power. When the four-cylinder flex-fuel motor kicks in to recharge the battery, efficiency will step into the 40-mpg range.

When the ReCharge is "used as intended" it will contribute 66 percent lower carbon emissions compared to the best hybrids now available, says Magnus Jonsson, Volvo's senior vice president of research and development.

This will save money as well as greenhouse gasses. Driving on electric power from a home electric outlet is expected to be about 80 percent cheaper per mile than a comparable car running on fossil fuel.

1957 Ferrari Sells for Record $12.1 million

2009-05-23T20:27:00.000-07:00

A 1957 Ferrari 250 Testa Rossa nabbed $12.1 million at a recent event on the company's factory grounds, setting a world record for a car sold at auction.

1957 Ferrari 250 Testa Rossa

A 1957 Ferrari 250 Testa Rossa once again blew away the competition, setting a world record for cars sold at auction when it fetched an eye-popping $12.1 million on Sunday, May 17, at an event on the grounds of the Ferrari factory in Maranello, Italy. The Testa Rossa was one of just 22 produced from 1957 to 1958, and the Scaglietti design is marked by prominent pontoon fenders. The cars also were successful racers, winning 10 of the 19 international races they entered from 1958 to 1961.

The car sold Sunday wears chassis No. 0714TR, and it finished fourth at the Buenos Aires 1,000-kilometer race in 1958 — its debut in competition. The car was then sold to an American collector, who raced it extensively in SCCA events.

View Pictures: Vintage Ferraris

The Testa Rossa, which translates to "red head" in Italian, beat the price set by another Ferrari, the 1961 250 GT SWB California Spider. That car was formerly owned by actor James Coburn and fetched $10.9 million last year.

The Testa Rossa was sold at an auction run by RM Auctions and Sotheby's, called the Leggenda e Passione.

When a Diesel's Not a Diesel

2009-05-23T20:26:00.000-07:00

GM is developing a fuel-saving technology dubbed HCCI that improves fuel economy by 15 percent using a combustion process similar to that in diesel engines -- but one that runs on regular gas.

HCCI is being tested on Saturn Aura mules.

Sometime in the next decade, you might be able to enjoy some of the benefits of a diesel without driving one.

A technology called HCCI improves fuel economy 15 percent and releases fewer emissions by using a combustion process similar to what is used in diesel powerplants.

General Motors continues work on the project, which could be applied across a range of engine sizes and used with other advanced fuel-saving technologies to help the company comply with the proposed new mileage and emissions targets announced Tuesday by President Barack Obama.

The timetable is fairly vague, meaning look for it after the Chevrolet Volt, but before fuel cells. Daimler and Volkswagen also are among the automakers that have been developing the technology.

HCCI stands for "homogenous charge compression ignition." It works by igniting the mixture of air and fuel inside the engine's cylinders without using a spark-generated flame. That's similar to how a diesel works, but HCCI runs on regular gasoline or E85. The combustion process uses less fuel and more air to generate the same power as a regular engine.

GM cleared a major hurdle by getting the technology to work at idle, and its top speed has been boosted from 55 mph to 60 mph. Still, HCCI faces challenges in coming to the market, as controlling the process can be tricky in extreme temperatures and high altitudes. And it requires a traditional spark ignition when the engine is cold.

GM also has to figure out a way to apply it and make consumers aware of its benefits. HCCI could be paired with turbo, hybrid or diesel technologies in an effort to increase fuel savings, said Uwe Grebe, executive director of GM Powertrain advanced engineering. The company also would need to retool existing facilities to accommodate production.

Then there's the name issue. "HCCI" sort off rolls of the tongue, but Grebe admitted it sounds borderline militaristic, and the combustion process isn't exactly Madison Avenue material.

"I think consumer products need to be easy to understand," Grebe said. "I want this to be boiled down for what is relevant for the customer. Fuel consumption — you can feel it in the wallet."

Driving an HCCI vehicle is similar to a car powered by a conventional engine. We took a brief test run in a Saturn Aura mule outfitted with the technology, working with a 2.2-liter Ecotec engine, and it responded agreeably. All told, about two-thirds of our time behind the wheel was spent running in compression ignition.

GM appears to be at the forefront of the technology, but it is far from alone in considering its potential. Daimler developed an engine called "DiesOtto," and it was shown in the Mercedes F700 concept in 2007. VW has also prototypes of a similar engine.

Daimler AG Invests in EV-Maker Tesla

2009-05-23T20:24:00.000-07:00

Building on the companies' collaboration on the first electric Smart car, Daimler takes a 10 percent stake in Tesla Motors, a move that could help bring Tesla's Model S electric sedan into production.

2009 Tesla Roadster

Daimler AG has acquired an equity stake of nearly 10 percent of California electric car maker Tesla Motors Inc., the German automaker said Tuesday.

The two companies have been working together to integrate Tesla's lithium-ion battery packs and charging electronics into the first 1,000 units of Daimler's electric Smart car.

Daimler said its stake in Tesla will allow the companies to collaborate even more closely on the development of battery systems, electric drive systems and in individual vehicle projects.

"Our strategic partnership is an important step to accelerate the commercialization of electric drives globally," said Thomas Weber, Daimler's head of research.

Tesla, based in San Carlos, Calif., is the only production automaker selling a highway-capable electric vehicle in North America and Europe.

Tesla CEO Elon Musk said the lithium-ion pouch-cell battery developed by Daimler is of interest to Tesla.

"We are looking forward to a strategic cooperation in a number of areas including leveraging Daimler's engineering, production and supply chain expertise," Musk said in a statement. "This will accelerate bringing our Tesla Model S to production."

As part of the collaboration, Herbert Kohler, Daimler's vice president of E-Drive and Future Mobility, will get a Tesla board seat.

Tesla's Lineup
Tesla currently sells the Roadster in North America and Europe. The company says it can travel 244 miles per charge with zero tailpipe emissions and has fuel economy equivalent to 256 mpg.

In March, the company unveiled the Tesla Model S, which it says is the world's first full electric sedan.

Tesla plans to produce the car in California starting in late 2011.

Daimler is seeking to be a leader in the industrialization of lithium-ion technology.

In March, the company founded the Deutsche Accumotive GmbH, a joint venture with Evonik Industries AG.

The joint venture will create the first vehicle manufacturer to develop, produce and markets batteries for automotive applications, Daimler said.

The German carmaker has been testing 100 smart fortwo electric cars in London since 2007. Later this year, the smart assembly plant in Hambach, France, will start production of up to 1,000 fortwo cars with electric drive. The cars will be used for testing programs in Berlin and Italy.

Daimler is also starting small-series production later this year of the Mercedes-Benz B-class with a fuel cell drive system. In 2010, the company will introduce its first battery-powered Mercedes-Benz. Starting in 2012, Daimler plans to equip all smart and Mercedes-Benz electric vehicles with its own produced lithium-ion batteries.

Top 5 Picks: Chinese Cars for America

2009-05-07T00:24:00.000-07:00

Great Wall Gwkulla

If you were suddenly dropped onto the floor of the 2009 Shanghai auto show, you would never know the there is a world economic crisis, and that worldwide automotive sales figures have shrunk dramatically over the past 6 months. Although nearly every country in the world is suffering from negative economic growth, China is projected by the World Bank to show a positive 6 percent result this year, up from a superheated run of over 10 percent about a year ago. With all the people crowded in the auto show conventional halls — even expanded this year to accommodate the increased number of cars — it is no wonder China has surpassed the U.S. in year-to-date auto sales.

That said, will cars made in China ever make it to our shores? In the past, American, Japan and European automakers have imported cars into China, and their current joint-ventures have produced locally made vehicles. But as the car-buying market explodes in the home market, it's clear that Chinese car manufactures clearly have an eye toward exporting Chinese-made cars to America.

Are Chinese cars ready for the world stage? Obviously there are many challenges, but the auto shows in China (which alternate yearly between Beijing and Shanghai), show some signs of progress. This year in Shanghai, in addition to the usual copycats, there were a number of cars and concepts that look like they could easily meet the consumer demands in America — sporty cars, SUVs, even electric vehicles. Here are our Top 5 Cars from China that could make it to the U.S.:

Brillance GT

The sporty-looking 2-door compact car is equipped with a 1.8-liter engine rated at 167 bhp and 173 lb.-ft. of torque, mated to a 6-speed manual transmission. This could very easily slot into the sport-compact category in the U.S.

Great Wall Gwkulla

Get past the hard-to-pronounce name and you'll see a stylish electric vehicle weighing 2300 lb. and powered by 50-kW permanent-magnet synchronous DC electric motor using lithium-ion batteries. The range is said to be around 100 miles between charges.

Great Wall Hover H7

SUVs are here to stay, and the Hover H7 Concept is a midsize sport ute with a 3.0-liter V-6, 6-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. The H7 is also laden with high-tech features such as an integrated LCD instrument panel display, night-vision system and integrated climate and multimedia controls.

Roewe MG6

Die-hard MG fans wish the now Chinese-owned brand would bring the British nameplate back to the U.S. But instead of focusing on a low-volume sports car, perhaps the company should consider bringing in the handsome Roewe BG6. This 4-door would work well in the global marketplace, with its sleek styling and aggressive stance.

Roewe N1 Concept

The most striking car at the Shanghai auto show, this midsize sedan has a great-looking front end with sporty headlamps and a flowing profile that's accentuated by a strong crease line connecting the fore and aft fenders. Inside, numerous styling details capture the eye.

2010 Honda Insight

2009-05-04T19:49:00.000-07:00

Pricing Information

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MSRP $19,800

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Pricing Definitions

Estimated Market Price (EMP): Estimated Market Price (EMP) is the estimated price that people are currently paying dealers to buy a specific vehicle. EMP is based on real sales data, and factors in current supply and demand levels as well as information about dealer incentives and profit margins. EMP is calculated at a national level and is quoted at the base trim level, meaning that EMP is not adjusted to specific regional markets, nor does it include any tax, title, or license fees that a dealer is required to charge. Yahoo! Autos receives Estimated Market Pricing from Automotive Information Center (AIC).
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Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP): The Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP), also commonly known as the "Sticker Price", "List Price", or "Window Price", is a price that the vehicle manufacturer suggests that the dealer sell the car for. The MSRP shown for a vehicle includes the base price plus any equipment installed on the vehicle, but excludes fees and taxes, transportation and destination charges that the dealer commonly includes in the final price. It is important to know that a dealer may choose to sell the vehicle above, below, or at the listed MSRP. The MSRP is only a "suggested" or recommended price that the vehicle manufacturer provides to the car dealer.
Total Cost To Own: The Total Cost to Own is an estimate of what it will cost you to own the vehicle over the next 5 years. More detailed Total Cost to Own information is provided at the yearly level (years 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 after purchase) on Yahoo Autos' trim and car comparison pages. The Total Cost to Own uses numerous data elements to calculate the typical price a consumer pays to own the vehicle in a specific market (such as Texas, California, Florida, etc). Included in the Total Cost To Own price are projected depreciation costs, fees and taxes, financing costs, fuel costs, insurance costs, maintenance costs, repair costs, and opportunity costs. The vehicle's market price, destination charge, and current rebates and incentives are factored into the Total Cost to Own price.

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Engine

1.3L I4, 8 valves, 98 hp @ 5800 rpm
VAR speed automatic transmission
40 mpg city / 43 mpg hwy

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3 stars

Trim Rating

Overall 3.7 stars
Appearance 5 stars
Comfort 4 stars
Performance 3.3 stars
Value 4.3 stars

No Diesel for Ford F-150

2009-05-04T19:26:00.000-07:00

ord's previously announced diesel-powered F-150 has been put on hold indefinitely as gasoline prices stay consistently lower than the cost of diesel fuel.

2009 Ford F-150 King Ranch

A diesel engine for the Ford F-150 light-duty pickup is looking dicey.

Ford had said it would sell a diesel F-150 beginning in 2010. Last spring, dealers were shown a 4.4-liter V-8 diesel said to deliver more power and torque than the F-150's 5.4-liter gasoline V-8 and offer a 20 percent fuel savings. But last fall, with diesel and gasoline prices sliding from a summer peak above $4 per gallon, Ford officials said they would delay the introduction.

No new date has been scheduled, Mark Fields, Ford's president of the Americas, told Automotive News late last month.

"We're still looking at the appropriate time to do that," Fields said. "We've put it on the back burner for right now."

With gasoline prices around $2 a gallon — lower than diesel fuel — the business case for the diesel F-150 is diminished. General Motors and Chrysler LLC also have delayed diesel versions of their light-duty pickups, giving Ford less incentive to introduce the diesel F-150.

One industry source familiar with Ford's product plans said the diesel F-150 has officially been delayed until 2013. But it will likely be canceled outright unless diesel prices fall substantially below gasoline for a prolonged period, said the source, who didn't want to be identified.

Some Lenders Object to Chrysler Sale

2009-05-04T19:22:00.000-07:00

A minority group of Chrysler LLC secured lenders says the U.S. Treasury is forcing a Fiat merger that favors junior creditors over senior creditors.

A minority group of Chrysler LLC secured lenders has objected in bankruptcy court to the quick sale of Chrysler to a new corporate entity led by Fiat S.p.A.

The group of about 40 banks and hedge funds holds about $3 billion of the $6.9 billion in secured loans that Chrysler has with the banks. Four major New York banks holding $4 billion of that debt agreed last week to settle for $2 billion in payment for the $6.9 billion owed.

Attorney Peter V. Pantaleo representing JP Morgan Chase Bank, said 90 percent of all secured lenders signed a letter in support of a Fiat hook up before the bankruptcy. But not all followed through to sign onto the settlement agreement. JP Morgan Chase is the lead bank among the New York banks settling for $2 billion.

But the dissident lenders, led by Oppenheimer Funds and Stairway Capital, contend the proposed sale of Chrysler assets favors junior creditors over senior creditors and seeks to improperly channel consideration to specific creditor groups.

The dissenting secured lenders said in their objection that the sale was being "orchestrated entirely by (the U.S.) Treasury and foisted upon the debtors without regard to corporate formalities."

Chrysler's new corporate entity, led by Fiat and its proposed 20 percent stake, would be considered the lead bidder for Chrysler's assets in a bankruptcy court auction.

The automaker asked U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Arthur Gonzalez to set a hearing as soon as May 21 to approve a $2 billion sale of most of its assets out of bankruptcy that would clear the way for a merger with Fiat, according to documents filed with the court.

The court has set a May 15 deadline for competing bids, according to Bloomberg News.

Chrysler also asked the court to approve a $35 million breakup fee for Fiat if the sale falls apart.

Chrysler filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection Thursday to try to complete an alliance with Fiat and qualify for about $6 billion in additional federal loans.

President Obama scolded the dissident lenders in an address Friday Thursday for preventing an out-of-court settlement of Chrysler restructuring.

Fiat would start with a 20 percent stake in the new Chrysler, which would grow quickly to 35 percent.

Fiat CEO Sergio Marchionne is expected to run the merged operations.

2010 Prius Price Set at $22,750

2009-04-22T17:17:00.000-07:00

Toyota's third-generation hybrid vehicle adds a push-button start and seven airbags as standard features.

2010 Toyota Prius

The redesigned 2010 Prius hybrid goes on sale in late May at a base price of $22,750, including freight. Later this year, a stripped-down base model will go on sale for $21,750, including shipping.

The third-generation Prius comes with a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine producing 98 hp. The horsepower increases to 134 with the electric motor, up from a combined 110 hp for the current model.

The Prius comes in five trim levels. Standard equipment on all models includes vehicle stability control and traction control and antilock brakes. The $22,750 trim adds standard features such as push-button start, a six-speaker stereo system, six-way adjustable driver's seat and seven airbags, including a driver's knee airbag.

The most expensive trim level, at $28,020 including shipping, includes Bluetooth, heated front seats, an eight-speaker JBL system and 17-inch alloy wheels.

Maserati North America CEO Resigns

2009-04-22T17:16:00.000-07:00

Chairwoman Marti Eulberg steps down after less than a year at the helm of Maserati's North American operations.

Maserati's North American CEO, Marti Eulberg, has resigned, the company said Tuesday. Shown is the 2009 Maserati GranTurismo S Automatic.

Maserati North America's CEO has stepped down after less than a year in charge, the company said Tuesday.

Marti Eulberg, who also held the title of president, resigned to "pursue other opportunities," Maserati said in a statement. The company's global commercial director, Raffaele Fusilli, will oversee the North American operations on an interim basis.

Eulberg took over for James Selwa, who left after less than three years when his contract expired in February 2008.

Eulberg, a veteran Jaguar executive, assumed the CEO job on June 1, 2008. Before that, she had been executive vice president of sales and marketing for Jaguar North America since 2006. She started her career at Ford Motor Co. in 1986.

Eulberg reported to Fusilli. Maserati is owned by Fiat.

"We deeply value the concrete effort of Marti and the MNA team," Fusilli said in a statement. "During a very challenging time, Maserati was one of the very few automotive players in North America to post a positive result in terms of sales in 2008, thus contributing to the second-consecutive record year achieved by the company worldwide."

Maserati sales have fallen 57.8 percent this year to 247 cars through March.

Ford to Launch Ultimate Family Hauler

2009-04-05T03:54:00.000-07:00

Ford gets set to debut its kid-friendly Transit Connect Family One van at the New York Auto Show.

2010 Ford Transit Connect

Ford has lauded the small-business functionality of its Transit Connect van, but it is now turning its attention to pleasing families.

With feedback from 200 families, Ford designers created the Transit Connect Family One in an attempt to provide the ultimate family carrier.

Set to debut at the New York auto show, the Family One includes entertainment to keep kids happy and tools to help parents stay organized.

For the kids, the second row features a digital media system that projects onto a roof-mounted screen that doubles as a sunshade. People can watch movies and games and use wireless Web browsing though the system.

Up front, parents use an in-dash computer to stay on schedule and remind them of forgotten items. Based on Ford's Works Solutions technology — which debuts in select Ford vehicles this summer — the Family One unit adds radio-frequency identification technology. Radio tags can be attached to anything, such as homework folders or soccer equipment. When parents program their schedule in the computer with a list of required items, the system will notify them when a needed item is not in the vehicle.

The system can also be paired with a smart phone for hands-free calling, used to hold a digital to-do list and to provide reminders.

Rounding out the family-friendly features are whiteboard rear-door panels for kids to doodle on, folding scooters mounted on the rear cargo doors, rechargeable walkie-talkies, an in-floor storage compartment and a roof-mounted slideout canopy at the back of the vehicle.

Power for the Transit Connect Family One comes from a 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder which provides 22 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the highway. Ford's SmartGauge, which debuted on the Fusion hybrid, also is included.

Toyota Slashes Price of Prius

2009-04-05T03:52:00.000-07:00

Storm clouds are brewing on the hybrid front as the top player in the category drops prices to compete with the Honda Insight.

Toyota is setting an aggressively low price on the redesigned Prius in Japan to compete with the new Honda Insight.

Toyota Motor Corp. is going for the jugular with its redesigned Prius, setting a 2.05 million yen starting price ($20,750) in Japan that is on par with the newly released Honda Insight.

Toyota notified Japanese dealers of the cutthroat pricing policy for its redesigned 1.8-liter gasoline-electric hybrid on March 25, dealers in Japan say.

Toyota has not yet officially announced pricing and declined to comment.

The move stokes a high-stakes price war between the Prius and the Honda Insight, which went on sale in the United States in March starting at $20,470, including delivery. The third-generation Prius goes on sale next month and had been expected to start around $24,000.

Aggressive U.S. Pricing Likely
Bringing the starting price down to Insight levels will steal Honda's thunder as purveyor of world's first affordable hybrid vehicle. Toyota's pricing strategy for the Prius in the United States is still unclear. But if Japan is any guide, it will be very aggressive.

In Japan, a bottom-rung Prius at 2.05 million yen ($20,750) would cost the same as a middle-trim Insight. Toyota might use the price to lure buyers and switch them to higher grades.

The best-trim Insight tops out at only 2.21 million yen ($22,370) in Japan. But a fully-loaded new generation Prius will stretch out to 3.27 million yen ($33,100), dealers say.

"It's great news for me, but the dealer margins are lower than ever," one dealer said.

The current generation Prius starts at 2.331 million yen ($23,590) in Japan.

A newer Prius that is also cheaper will be an easier sell against the archrival Insight. It is not only bigger and roomier than the Insight, it boasts much better mileage. The Insight has an EPA rating of 40 mpg city/43 highway, while the Prius gets 51 mpg city/48 highway.

Current Prius Stays On Sale
At the same time, Toyota will continue selling the current generation Prius in Japan alongside the new version, which is expected to hit showrooms here May 18.

Toyota will redesign the interior of the current Prius and knock down its price to 1.89 million yen ($19,130) to match the bottom-trim Insight, dealers say.

Rebadged as the Prius EX, it will target mainly fleet customers.

First Drive Review: 2010 Ford Mustang GT

2009-04-05T03:49:00.000-07:00

Nearly five years after the Mustang's last major redo, fervent fans of Ford's seminal pony car might have been hoping for an all-new 2010 model — especially considering the new Dodge Challenger and Chevy Camaro models with which it will compete. Instead, Ford has launched a thoughtful upgrade, improving the areas that most needed help.

Number one was the interior, which had a retro look but consisted of hard plastic panels pieced together with numerous seams. From behind the wheel, the most obvious change is an instrument panel that stretches from door to door and from the base of the windshield to the top of the center console. This thermoplastic olefin molding feels squishy and looks rich. The twin-cowl theme of the current car continues, but it's upgraded with more metallic trim and less plated plastic, a new instrument cluster with fully round dials, and an optional nav system with a huge, eight-inch screen and the latest version of the Ford/Microsoft Sync telematic system.

Outside, the new model is plainly a face lift rather than an all-new design, bearing a closer resemblance to the '69 Stang than the current car. The four-light grille — the inner two are actually large fog lights — and the kicked-up rear fender lines come straight from the '69 car. Otherwise, the sheetmetal is beveled at both ends, and there's a pronounced hood bulge — the new model looks both more muscular and a bit smaller than the current one, which in some ways seems like a cleaner and more coherent design.

The new skin, in combination with fairings under the engine, reduces drag by seven percent and front lift by 23 percent on the GT models we drove, according to Ford. And in the rear, each of the LED taillights has three separate elements that light up sequentially, as did the turn signals of certain vintage Thunderbirds.

Underneath, the 2010 model is largely carried over, with key additions to improve stiffness and upgrade the ride and handling. Using the current car's Bullitt package as the starting point, the new car gets 17 percent stiffer rear springs, and recalibrated shocks with markedly more compression damping and somewhat stiffer rebound damping. The changes are said to reduce body roll during hard cornering by about ten percent.

The V-8-powered GT now comes standard with 8 x 18-inch wheels (up from 8 x 17s), and the standard rubber is a Mustang-specific 235/50ZR Pirelli P Zero Nero all-season tire, a further development of the 17-inch Neros on the current GT. In Ford testing, these tires perform well in snow and deliver 0.84 g of dry cornering grip. Upgrading to 245/45ZR-19s mounted on 8.5-inch-wide rims raises grip to a claimed 0.90 g. The last GT we tested pulled 0.89 g on all-season Neros.

Ford finally is offering a TrackPack, which includes 255/40ZR-19 P Zero summer tires, stiffer shocks, higher-performance brake pads, a 3.73 axle ratio instead of a 3.31, rear trailing links with stiffer bushings, a strut tower brace, and larger anti-roll bars (the tubular 34mm front bar goes from 5.1 to 5.8 mm wall thickness and the solid rear bar increases from 20 to 24mm). With all of these changes, Ford says maximum grip increases to 0.93 g, while body roll is reduced a further ten percent.

The larger standard wheels and tires add only 15 pounds to the Mustang, which is a good thing because power hasn't gone up much. Thanks to a cold-air system based on that of the Bullitt Mustang, power is up from 300 to 315 horsepower, and torque grows a modest five pound-feet to 325. The redline is also up from 6250 to 6500 rpm, matching the Bullitt's. The cold-air system is said to cut 0-to-60 times by 0.3 second away from a stoplight, when the engine has been heat-soaking while idling at the light. The transmissions are unchanged with a choice of a standard five-speed manual or an optional five-speed automatic.

Driving Impression
We spent a couple of days driving both current and new Mustang GTs around Southern California and at Willow Springs Raceway, and we predict that most people could tell the two cars apart even if blindfolded. The subtle structural improvements, the recalibrated suspension, and the better integrated interior achieve a marked improvement in the car's perceived solidity. The current car is hardly a rattletrap, but the 2010 feels granite-like and is completely unfazed by hard driving or sharp bumps.

Depending on how you drive it, the new model is both quieter and louder than its predecessor. At low revs and light throttle, engine noise is subdued, and reductions in wind and road noise produce a peaceful cabin. Rev the engine, however, and you get the V-8 rap in high fidelity, thanks to something called a "sound induction tube," which connects the engine's intake track to the passenger cabin. There's a tuned membrane in the tube to transmit selected sound frequencies without actually permitting any airflow.

On California's smooth canyon roads, the new Mustang felt perfectly composed and planted. There was plenty of grip for brisk street driving and just enough understeer to encourage charging into corners and hard exits. Though feedback from the front tires is largely nonexistent, the steering itself is perfectly weighted and very accurate.

On the track, the differences among the three tire packages quickly became apparent. In all cases, the new Mustang understeers mildly at the limit but can easily be rotated with a quick throttle lift. But the speed at which this takes place goes up with the optional 19-inch Neros. Switching to the TrackPack yields not only another increase in grip but a chassis that turns in much harder and reacts more quickly to inputs at the limit.

For the first time, the Mustang offers stability control — Ford calls it "AdvanceTrac" — and it's standard. The system allows substantial shenanigans before it decides to shut down the fun. A sport setting is even more permissive. The system on the TrackPack gets special tuning and to go bareback, the system can be switched off.

Unfortunately, there's no switch for bigger brakes. Even with the TrackPack pads, it didn't take many laps before the stoppers started to fade.

We didn't get the chance to drive any V-6 models, but they come with many of the same changes bestowed on the V-8s, with standard stability control and enlarged wheels with 17s standard and optional 18s. The 4.0-liter V-6 is unchanged with 210 hp and 240 lb-ft of torque and the same five-speed manual and automatic transmissions.

As usual, there is a wide range of options, but it's worth noting that prices have hardly increased for the new model. A base 2010 V-6 Mustang will go for $21,845, up $620, while a GT will cost $28,845 — up $840, which is not bad for a car that includes most of the hardware from the $3300 Bullitt package. Expect the Mustang faithful to be standing in line when deliveries start in March. The new convertible will arrive shortly afterwards.

Performance Data
PERFORMANCE (C/D EST, 5-sp man):
Zero to 60 mph: 5.0 sec
Zero to 100 mph: 12.3 sec
Standing ¼-mile: 13.6 sec @ 104 mph
Top speed (drag limited): 151 mph

PROJECTED FUEL ECONOMY (C/D EST):
EPA city driving: 15 mpg
EPA highway driving: 22-23 mpg

GM Cuts Price on 2010 Chevy Equinox

2009-04-05T03:47:00.000-07:00

The restyled and re-engineered crossover also gets a price makeover when it goes on sale in June.

2010 Chevrolet Equinox

The 2010 Chevrolet Equinox will carry a base price of $23,185, including its delivery fee, when the crossover goes on sale in June.

The restyled, re-engineered Equinox will cost $1,800 less than the previous generation, Ed Peper, vice president of Chevrolet, said today in a statement.

General Motors has said it hopes the Equinox will get 30 mpg highway, up from 24 mpg on the base model of the 2009 version. The Equinox's first four-cylinder engine and the addition of a six-speed automatic transmission provide the main boost in fuel economy. Other contributors include low-rolling-resistance tires, electric power steering and improved aerodynamics.

Chevrolet sold 13,226 Equinoxes through March, down 42.5 percent from this time last year. But that percentage decline is better than the brand's 48.5 percent plunge through March, as the U.S. light-vehicle sales rate lingers at quarter-century lows.

Last year Chevrolet sold 67,447 Equinoxes, down from 89,552 in 2007 and 113,888 in 2006. The Equinox was Chevy's fifth-best-selling light truck last year.

Chevrolet to Test New Volt Prototypes

2009-04-05T03:45:00.000-07:00

Optimism abounds as GM works on the next generation of the car's propulsion system.

2011 Chevrolet Volt

Despite General Motors' looming troubles, development of the Chevrolet Volt rolls on, and 80 new prototypes will be built and tested starting this summer.

GM has been testing versions of the Volt for about a year, and now it's about to move beyond the "mule," or more basic stage of prototypes. The car remains on track to arrive in the market in November 2010.

The new test cars will look like the Volt and have its interior — in contrast to current prototypes that use the body of another Chevy compact sedan, the Cruze.

GM is so optimistic about the technology, it's working on the second-generation of the car's propulsion system, called Voltec. It has asked the federal government for an additional $2.6 billion in loans to build hybrids, which would expand the Volt program. Previously, the company announced plans for an Opel version, called the Ampera, and revealed a Cadillac concept, the Converj, at the Detroit auto show.

Still, the Detroit automaker faces challenges with the Volt, including charging the batteries once the car arrives on the market. Most notably, there are few public places for consumers to power up electric cars, and GM says incentives such as free parking and free charging could smooth the adjustment period for consumers.

"We need to accelerate the adaptation rate," said Tony Posawatz, the Volt's vehicle line director.

The car is expected to have a range of 40 miles on electricity — or the distance of most commutes — and then a generator kicks in to extend travel distance up to an additional several hundred miles. It also will have technologies such as low-rolling resistance tires and a sound system that uses less energy to further the Volt's green credentials.

"It's quite conceivable that 70 to 80 percent of people will use no gasoline at all," Posawatz said.

Ironically, therein lies a problem, as there is little infrastructure currently set up to charge electric cars in dense urban areas or at workplaces. Solutions include utility companies stepping in to support public charging, governments offering it as a service, or startups launching to capitalize on a new industry.

"It's very expensive, and it's very complicated," said Mark Duvall, electric transportation director for the Electric Power Research Institute.

Though the infrastructure could pose challenges, experts say the grid can more than handle the additional burden of charging electric cars. The Volt uses roughly the same amount of electricity as three plasma-screen televisions over the course of a year, according to estimates.

Chevrolet Camaro specs

2009-04-03T20:10:00.000-07:00

Engine: 6 liter LS2 V8 400 HP

Unveiled in 2006, the Chevrolet Camaro Concept sports car embodies the best in performance and styling that has made the Camaros, the most sought after cars. The sophisticated design of the 2006 Chevrolet Camaro concept car is sure to take it places. This concept car captures the true spirit of Camaro, one which has made it the most popular coupe of all time.
One thing that is bound to catch your attention immediately with the 2006 Chevrolet Camaro concept car is its long hood. Apart from making a style statement it also shows you the kind of attention that has been paid to the design. The short deck, wide stance and long hood make for greater aerodynamic performance. This is not all; there is a powerful 400 horsepower, six-speed manual transmission engine that is inside this futuristic concept car that can achieve exciting speed.
The sports car is a fifth generation Camaro which will offer both V 6 and V 8 engines. This American sports car will also be available in a choice of automatic as well as manual transmission. The small-bock engine offers serious performance, bound to leave the competition behind. The sports car is pretty long at 186.2 inches. The wheel base is quite large at 110.5 inches. You can find real monstrous 275/30 front and 305/30 rear tires which are designed to take on the power generated from the LS2, V-8 engine. The power-packed engine is capable of reaching speeds up to 300 km/h with ease. When not hurtling along in highways, the sports car is also capable of performing equally well inside cities. Even though designed for achieving high speeds, some of the features in this concept sports car have been carefully thought out for every day use. A good example would be the ´Active Fuel Management´ feature. This latest feature allows for optimum saving of fuel. This is enabled due to the incorporation the latest in cylinder deactivation technology. This in turn means higher fuel economy on long drives.
The lean and mean design is great for highway drives as well as parking in places where space is at a premium. From suburban parking lots to garages in homes, the overall size of the sports car is just about right. The cockpit design has been by those of fighter planes. The instrumental panel is purposeful at the same time being perfectly in sync with the overall aesthetics of the concept car. The luxurious interiors also reflect the same fetish for perfection for which Camaro is famed for. You can still find a hint of the first generation Camaros in the overall execution of the interior. Along with luxury, functionality also has been taken care off in a never before way.
The sports car features progressive rate springs as part of its rear suspension which means no more jarring drives. Ultra-smooth rides are a possibility with these suspensions along with the gas-pressurized dampers which are part of the features of this concept car. Adequate care has also been taken to offer a superior braking system. The four-wheel vented disc brake which comes with 14-inch rotors means that this sports car comes to a full halt even while cruising at high speeds and importantly, under all conditions.

Ferrari GG50 specs

2009-04-03T20:06:00.000-07:00

Engine: V12 540 horsepower

I am just looking at a picture of the Ferrari GG50 concept car in the red design. This is different from any other supercars I have seen before. The concept car has almost a sporty look that separates it from other manufacturers such as Lamborghini or Porsche. The red color I am looking at is also strongly enticing. There are some supercars that you look at and you just think that you have seen it before and it is nothing special and usually all the time these sports cars are in a solid color of red, orange or yellow but with the different paint job of this car it really brings out the stronger themes to this supercar.

The Ferrari is manufactured in Italy so you can be assured that it is of fine quality. Most of the major supercar manufacturers now produce in Italy and it has become apparent over the years that if you want quality, you only buy from Italy. This model of Ferrari car is very expensive apart from similar supercars with the same specifications due to the fact that it has special F1 modifications to make it better and faster and also more reliable. The power unit consists of a V12 engine that can reach high speeds and 540 horsepower. The transmission is also different from other modern cars today and it is disputed wither it is more efficient and whether or not it was a good choice to include this odd sequential mode.

The idea behind this concept car is to mark the 50 year anniversary of Ferrari in the world of supercar design and manufacturing. Just by looking at the model it appears more compact than similar supercars produced by Ferrari. The Ferrari GG50 is a very good looking sports car and it does not disappoint when it comes to performance as well as interior and exterior design. The transmission system is slightly different and the driver has the option to change the gears that are fitted on the steering wheel - a feature used by many F1 drivers.

When summing up this supercar is very well designed and it would not disappoint in any aspect to the potential buyer. Because Ferrari is one of the most trusted name in the sports car industry you can be assured that you are not only receiving the highest quality parts but also world class service. I have heard many people mention the advantages of buying Ferrari but when looking at this model it seems that this is the only supercar. I am totally impressed with this model and have only today realized my passionate feelings for it.

Peugeot 908 RC specs

2009-04-03T19:57:00.000-07:00

The 908 RC concept is powered by Peugeot´s 700 horse power V12 HDi DPFS diesel engine designed specifically for the action in the 2007 "Le Mans Race Series". The abbreviation "RC" in the name of this powerful concept car is used to distinguish Peugeot sports car models from ordinary budget and family cars Peugeot is producing.

Dodge Demon specs

2009-04-03T19:52:00.000-07:00

Engine: 2.4-liter inline-4 172 hp

Come Geneva Auto Show with the excitement of a new 'roadster with attitude.' The sensational 2007 Dodge Demon Concept car is on the way to lure the young car sports enthusiasts with its entry in the Geneva Auto Show scheduled in the early March 2007. Dodge's new sports car comes with a bigger difference- the 2007 Dodge Demon is going to be smaller, cheaper and at the same time potential enough to yield a 172 HP with a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine.

Dodge Demon is an answer to the worrying concerns of the rising fuel price and the environmental hazards. The four-cylinder engine is capable of yielding a six-speed manual transmission.

The elegant interior of the Demon concept car is an inspiration from the old British sports car models. The new roadster promises a lot of fun with its interior modifications suitable for a thrilling driving experience. The cute carbon black cabin is decorated with three-spoke steering wheel and four-gauge cluster. The stitching on the seats has the smooth but contrasting pattern to appeal the eyes; the seams on the dashboard, door panels and seats are done with silver threads.

Unlike the typical cars, the console of the sports car Dodge Demon is not attached to the instrument panel; rather it is controlled by a silver and black manual shift knob. The instrument panel is equipped with all trendy instruments- the gauges, circular AC outlets, radio, etc.- enclosed by a gauzed aluminum bezel. There is a raised plateau at the rear of the console that is provided with a storage bin. The portion of the console under the instrument panel serves as an open storage space.

The exterior of the concept car Demon reminds you of the classic Dodge cars. The brawny lines, the gauzy aluminum grill, and the 19-inch aluminum wheels- all add flavor to the contemporary Dodge Demon. On the other hand, the projector headlamps and the hood add the traditional styles of the British cars.

But why the name 'Demon'? Doesn't it sound a bit evilish? Yes, with the new style and the angry-looking face, it is going to be devilish to its competitors on the road. The small cute body of this sports car offers a new challenge to the so-called muscular Pontiac Solstice and Saturn Sky. The Demon weighs about 250 pounds less than the mentioned sports cars. It makes a huge difference while performing!

Is Mazda Miata, the roadster that ruled the road for the past few years, listening? With the little Demon offering new challenges, the veteran roadster now has a reason to worry and needs to really push hard to reach the finishing line with its 2.0L four-cylinder engine.

Jae Chung, Principal Exterior Designer of Dodge Demon, Chrysler Group, compares the Dodge Demon with the legendary exotic car Viper and says, "While the iconic Dodge Viper is a dream car for many, the Dodge Demon is designed to be an attainable dream car."

With its bold design, with the powerful attitude, and the reasonable price, this young roadster is going to bring success to the company.

Acura Advanced Sports Car Concept specs

2009-04-03T19:23:00.000-07:00

Engine: V10
Concept cars, anyone who sees them are either surprised, even flabbergasted, intrigued, skeptical, all praises, or a combination of all these feelings and maybe even more. That´s the effect concept cars have towards people, and not surprisingly when Acura introduced its 2007 Advanced Sports Car Concept during the 2007 North American International AutoShow it seems that time itself stopped for a minute in surprise.

The Acura concept sports car is supposed to be the successor to the famous Acura NSX. But this dynamically styled concept car is far more than what would expect. Basically created for the exotic supercar category, the 2007 Acura concept car was designed to house a very powerful V-10 engine. Mounted on the front, the engine is expected to create ripples not only in air the surrounds the engine as it revs to its limit but it will send ripples to the whole high-performance car categories. Manufacturers will further realize that the whole car industry is never sedentary and things always move forward.

Aside from that powerful V10, the new Acura also boasts of their new rear wheel driven version of Acura´s Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD). Everything about the 2007 Acura reflects the fusion of advanced technology and passion for absolute performance and quality.

Other features of the concept car are ABS, vented disc/vented disc for braking system, tires for the front are 255/40 R19 and for the rear 295/35 R20, and dimensions were measured to be 181.5 × 78.6 × 48.1 feet.

Not only does the engine, the braking system and the rear wheel drive technology stop you at your tracks, but the outside appearance of this sports car will give you quivers of anticipation. The outside of the 2007 Acura concept car is a dynamic synthesis of technology and emotions. It´s like watching a drama unfolding before your eyes, or something like that. The long hood of the sports car is filled with deep, sculpted lines and is embossed with air vents, an obvious indication of how powerful the engine is below. The same lines and contours run to the side of the sports car´s body, to the arches of rear wheels which suggest fluidity and aggressiveness. But, even if it looks futuristic some of the features of the supercar were actually taken from the 1st generation Acura NSX.

Specs also include a 108.8 inch or 2763mm wheelbase. The concept car will have 19 inch performance front tires and 20 inch ones at the rear. Tires will be mounted on custom made billet-machined, polished wheels made of aluminum that will hide all the power, ventilated disc brakes made of carbon ceramic, as well as the 8-piston calipers.

When you turn the concept sports car over and examine the under chassis, you´re supposed to find a carbon fiber underbody. The door handles are flush mounted to maintain that neat, sleek look. Also another reason is to increase or maximize the supercar´s aerodynamic design. The rear is also finished with assertive looking quad exhaust pipes and well integrated (for higher performance) rear diffusers.

Everything about this sports car is magnificent. The design, engineering and appearance seems to convey that the future is now. Maybe it is.

Audi R-Zero specs

2009-04-03T19:20:00.000-07:00

Top Speed: 286 mph / 460 km/h
0-60 mph: 3 seconds
Engine: Four electric in-wheel motors

Among the major head turners in 2006 car shows was the 2006 Audi R-Zero Concept car. Audi has truly outdone itself with this one. The supercar exemplifies the perfect union of the dynamism of sports car designs and the importance and respect it gives for the environment. How's that you might ask? The Audi R-Zero is an electric car.

So if you think all environmental friendly hybrids and other cars are boring and attractive, the 2006 Audi R-Zero Concept car will definitely change your mind. The original concept was a product of the minds of an ingenious group of students hailing from the International School of Design, ISD France. The R-Zero sports car will be equipped with four electric in-wheel motors as its engine. Each engine will be powered by lithium-ion 800 volts batteries that are capable of releasing great mass of power, not less than 450 watts/kg in fact. The supercar will have an estimated weight of 2.2 tons (4,850 lbs), given that the batteries will weigh around 1,200kg and the four engines around 340kg, plus the body weight and accessories. Torque is expected to reach 2,168 lb-ft while horsepower is set at around 1,091 hp at 12,900 rpm. With individual batteries providing power to each individual engine, the sports car is estimated to go at a top speed of 460 km/h (286 mph), with the fast car capable of going from 0-100 km/h in less the 3 seconds. Now, who's going to say that an environmental friendly, electrical-powered car is sissy?

The great thing about the R-Zero sports car are the engines themselves. Not only do the engines protect the environment by not consuming fossil fuels, the electrical motorization is able to transmit great power to the engine as well as bring out high reactivity.

But the R-Zero has more to offer. Now the Audi R Zero Concept is actually a concept car that has its foundations in the popular two-seater super sports car Audi TT and the Bugatti Veyron. The car itself was made using a superstructure that allows air to flow and cool the motor and the brakes. The airflow creates a steady aerodynamic support as well. These attributes and characteristics, of course, brought forth the supercar's optimum performance.

One of the fast car's major attributes is a front latticed grille with a chrome frame where you can find the Audi emblem. The front headlights are made from LED technology and are divided into three separate parts, each made to serve specific purposes. If you look at the R-Zero's curves and design, you will have a Zen like impression of calmness, but at the same time will be affected by the car's voracious nature appeal.

The electric car's wheels are also unique. The 5-wide-radial wheel discs are basically massive. They have been set in low-profile Michelin tires. The large air-cooled disc brakes with red colored brake stirrups can be clearly seen from the spokes of the radial wheel.

Given its specifications, the 2006 Audi R-Zero Concept car is by far the most revolutionary car that came out in the past years. The technology behind this supercar will be astonishing and accomplishing it will be a great feat, both for man and Mother Nature.

Jaguar C-XF specs

2009-04-03T19:13:00.000-07:00

Top Speed: 155 mph / 250 km/h (limited)
Engine: V8 4.2-liter 420HP Supercharged

Jaguar C-XF concept car is a four-seater that is powered by an enhanced version of a sophisticated and powerful 4.2-liter supercharged V8 engine that is capable of producing 420 horse power and 400 lb-ft of torque. This racing engine accompanied by a 6-speed automatic transmission gearbox (with Jaguar Sequential Shift manual gearchange capability) delivers superb sporting performance. Note that C-XF is a concept car with top speed electronically limited to 155 mph, if it were a production car, it could reach an unrestricted speed of 180 mph without the electronical limitations.

The Vandenbrink GTO is awarded the Good Design Award 2008

2009-04-03T19:09:00.000-07:00

The award is given by The Chicago Athenaeum Museum of Architecture and Design for the best in new design and design innovation for products and graphics.

"We are proud to receive this prestigious award, being recognized by art and industry leaders as a top-level player next to highly esteemed designers like Walter de’Silva. This is a great honour for our young design company" says Michiel van den Brink.

Founded in 1950, the Good Design Award bestows international recognition upon designers and manufacturers for advancing new and innovative product concepts and design.

New concept car is closer to the future

2009-04-03T19:03:00.000-07:00

Several years ago, Will Smith drove a hi-tech sports car in a film titled Robot. This automobile, which had a futuristic design, had a built-in computer with artificial intelligence and could therefore be said to be a smart car. The car had its own sensor just like the five senses in a human being and could make a situational decision while on the road. Sophisticated features such as an autopilot system, GPS, cellular communication, an audio-video system and so forth were built-in to maximize the computer.

The profile of an automobile in the distant future may be like that described above. At that time, what is now a concept car may be common. At present a concept car is made to respond to challenges in society.

SMART CAR: Smart-looking Suzuki’s Kizashi 2 on view at IIMS 2008 in Jakarta under the vendor’s future design concept. The car exhibition also features future concept cars made by different participating brands. (JP/P.J. Leo)

The car must have a higher speed and be more aerodynamic. In addition, it must also be more fuel-efficient, more environmentally friendly and, certainly, more stylish.

At the Indonesia International Motor Show (IIMS) 2008, several carmakers are displaying concept cars. These carmakers have a vision that it is these cars that will be found on the urban streets in future. Not all of these cars look menacing or give the impression of being "jet planes" on land. Take, for example, the Ford Verve. This small American car has an appearance that tends to be "calm", dynamic, elegant and luxurious. This small car adopts the kinetic concept to improve its performance.

Martin Smith, director of executive design of Ford Verve, said: "Ford Verve is the outcome of a study that we have conducted to explore the extent a kinetic design can be applied in a small car, something we call the B-car segment. The design is expressive and highly dynamic, taking all the kinetic design elements to a further level."

This automobile is a four-door notchback. The impression of luxury and masculinity is created from the curved shape of the car. The disappearance of the separating pillar between the front and rear doors makes the side window look unified and gives an elegant dynamic impression. The rear part is made in accordance with the continuous deck lid concept that leads to a strong color and appearance of the car.

The car is designed to stand on 18-inch wheels with 12 spokes. In the front part, we can see artwork that is perfect in detail. Every part is made in high precision and esthetically in a bonnet shape and with the placement of a grill.

Ford gives the toughness of the Ford Human Machine Interface System to the instrument panel, assuring comfort in driving the car. Uniquely, the inspiration on the dashboard panel comes from a cell phone. Using the ergonomic logic of a cell phone, Ford creates neatly and ergonomically arranged panels.

This concept has become the inspiration for the creation of other Ford vehicles. A car derived from the concept of Verve is Ford Fiesta, which was launched in March at the Geneva Motor Show. Everything found in the Verve -- both interior and exterior -- is also found in the Ford Fiesta.

Meanwhile, Toyota has made a concept car that blends the racing concept with that of environmental friendliness. Both concepts are actually opposite to each other. Adopting the racing concept, the car normally uses more fuel to produce power and speed. To be environmentally friendly means to be fuel-efficient.

This concept is realized in the Toyota FT-HS, a car with a very powerful V6 3.5 L engine. To meet the need for energy efficiency, the car has a built-in Toyota Hybrid Synergy Drive, which can produce power equivalent to 400 horsepower. The combination of the two concepts is not a disappointment. The car can reach a speed of 60 kph in just four seconds. According to Chiharu Tamura, concept planner of FT-HS, "Driving this car is like driving a Ferrari with fuel as efficient as in a four-cylinder car."

The Advance Product Strategy Team will develop this concept car into a sports car at a medium price. In this way, Toyota also hopes to be a pioneer for a 21st century sports car. Toyota's vision for its FT-HS is to make it a legendary product like its Kijang in Indonesia.

Toyota has core values that are strongly implanted and expressed in this particular vehicle. The J-Factor, according to Toyota, means the extent of local and global reception in connection with matters inspired by Japanese culture. Then, Vran Clarity is how to activate the J-Factor into the design components and architectural combination.

FT-HS has a futuristic style with an ergonomic architectural design, has big power and is energy efficient as a result of the J-Factor and Vibran Clarity. Also unique is the fact that the car gives different impressions when viewed from different angles. It is this uniqueness that gave birth to the dynamic and flexible impression of this sports car. Calty, Toyota's research center in California, the U.S., refers to it as a future design filled with changes, which is aimed at meeting the changing demands of sports car fans.

The look and trend of future cars can be seen in the concept cars made by the vendors. Several concept cars may have been sold directly to users, but generally these concept cars become an inspiration for the creation of new cars. All stems from the desire of a carmaker to meet the challenges posed by customers and the environment. And it is not unlikely that in future we will be driving a super hi-tech car, the kind that can presently only been seen in Hollywood movies.

10 Motor Cars And New Concept In The World

2009-04-01T17:15:00.000-07:00

Luxury Goes Green

2009-03-31T21:01:00.001-07:00

It looks like the higher end of the auto market has gained a conscience. Could fuel economy and reduced emissions become key selling points for high-ticket sports cars and sedans?

Is the Fisker Karma sedan — a plug-in hybrid with movie-star looks, sports car performance and a 100 mpg conscience — the new face of luxury?

In the world of cars, “sexy” and “socially responsible” have rarely fit in the same garage.

Henrik Fisker wants to change that. The former BMW and Aston Martin designer sees his Fisker Karma sedan as the new face of luxury: a plug-in hybrid with movie-star looks, sports car performance and a 100 mpg conscience.

And Fisker isn’t alone. From Mercedes to Porsche to Cadillac, the world’s luxury automakers are riding the green bandwagon. Skeptics may see that as a response to fuel economy and greenhouse-gas standards that could spell trouble for things like V12 engines and massive horsepower — traditional bragging rights for posh automakers. But whether the car companies are driven by pure hearts or pure business necessity, the results would be the same: a new breed of luxury or sports car that makes high mileage and reduced emissions key selling points.

See more pictures of the Fisker Karma on Live Search

The idea of wrapping good citizenship in fragrant leather is not new. Lexus has built its image in part with hybrid versions of its popular sedans and SUVs. At the Detroit Auto Show in January, the Toyota luxury division revealed the Lexus HS 250h sedan. The first dedicated luxury hybrid — there will be no gas-only version — goes on sale this summer, promising roughly 33 mpg.

What’s different is that virtually every luxury automaker wants a piece of the fuel-saving action. Their crystal balls have gone cloudy, and no one wants to be out of the picture when the mists part.

“Every automaker faces an incredibly uncertain future in fuel economy, in regulation, in market demand,” says analyst Jim Hossack of AutoPacific. “If you’re not looking at every available technology, you risk getting caught off base.”

Unsure of what to order, companies are grazing from every corner of the tech menu. As I’m writing this, I’ve been testing clean-diesel versions of the BMW 3-Series sedan and X5 sport utility. The 335d posted a knockout 37 mpg on the highway, yet is every bit the sports sedan that BMW fanatics expect. Mercedes, Audi and VW have also rolled out high-mileage 2009 diesel models that produce about 20 percent less carbon dioxide than comparable gas models, and are clean enough to meet even California’s strict emissions standards.

But there’s more than the usual diesel suspects. Mercedes will offer the S400 BlueHybrid this fall, a mild hybrid version of its flagship S-Class luxury sedan. Mercedes claims the S400 will deliver roughly 30 mpg with its gasoline V6 and small electric motor. Mercedes will also market a full hybrid version of its ML-Class sport ute, using the “two mode” hybrid system developed by General Motors, BMW and the former DaimlerChrysler.

BMW will fire back with hybrid versions of its X5 and X6 sport utilities. Porsche will offer a V6 hybrid version of its Cayenne S sport utility in 2010, followed by a hybrid offshoot of its new Panamera sports sedan.

MINI Cooper Convertible

2009-03-31T21:00:00.002-07:00

The latest MINI Convertible features a sleeker body and stiffer chassis.

The MINI's top can fully retract in just 15 seconds, and can be operated at speeds up to 18 mph.

It may be hard to tell, but BMW's highly acclaimed remake of the MINI Cooper is now in its second generation, and the convertible version is finally here as well. The roofless version of the nimble compact was a smash hit in its last generation, having sold 164,000 units worldwide. Now based on the slightly sleeker body and stiffer chassis of the latest MINI Cooper, the new convertible is aiming to be just as successful.

Model Lineup
Like every Cooper since its reintroduction in 2001, the new convertible is available in two primary trim levels: the basic Cooper Convertible and the more powerful Cooper S Convertible. Although both have taut suspension and a good chassis, the Cooper S is far and away the performer, thanks to its punchy turbocharged engine. Aside from proprietary badging, the Cooper S can easily be recognized from its hood scoop and center-exit exhaust pipes.

Both convertible trims offer plenty of features, with many former options now standard equipment. They are available with dozens of additional options, accessories and packages, including a navigation system and a $1,500 Sport Package consisting of a traction-control system, 17-inch wheels, hood stripes, fog lights and sport seats, but not the "Sport Suspension" option, oddly enough.

Under the Hood
The engine in the 2009 Cooper Convertible is the same unit found in the solid-roofed Cooper: a 1.6-liter four cylinder capable of 118 horsepower at 6000 rpm, with 114 lb-ft of torque at 4250 rpm. While the convertible does add weight, the engine is still sufficient to get around town and enjoy the breeze. For those looking for a bit more kick, the Cooper S Convertible offers the same turbocharged engine found in the Cooper S. With direct injection and a twin-scroll turbocharger, this one produces 172 horses at 5500 rpm, and 177 lb-ft of torque in a flat plateau starting at just 1600 rpm and lasting until 5000 rpm. Additionally, there is a momentary "overboost" function that increases torque by 15 lb-ft from 1700 to 4500 rpm.

Both trims are offered with either the new 6-speed paddle-shift automatic or a traditional manual transmission, also with six gears. Most would agree that a car like this is best enjoyed with a traditional clutch and shifter, though as automatics go, this one offers crisp shifts and gear ratios that make the most of the available torque.

Gas mileage of the base Cooper Convertible is an impressive 28 mpg city/36 mpg highway with the manual transmission, meaning a theoretical 475 miles out of a single tank will be a blessing to many commuters. Perhaps even more impressive is the mere two mpg penalty of jumping to the Cooper S Convertible, with 26 mpg city/34 mpg highway.

Inner Space
True to the original design, the convertible's interior is much roomier than it appears — and notably more so than the previous generation. While the novelty of its hip and modern interior may be starting to wear off, it's miles from drab and depressing. Bold, rounded shapes abound throughout the cabin, as do contrasting colors and materials. While the buttons and switches do appear a little cheap, they actually feel and operate nicely.

The easy-to-read tachometer is still a plus, and hints at the car's sporty personality. The large, center-mounted speedometer flies in the face of BMW's typical "eyes up" driver theme, but there's a digital readout in the tachometer. One of the most interesting features of the new car is the "Openometer," a gauge to the left of the tachometer, designed solely to log the hours spent driving with the top down. Sure, it's technically a gimmick, but it's bound to be fun for owners, and is the kind of purely playful idea that only MINI would have the guts to realize.

2009 Dodge Ram 1500

2009-03-31T21:00:00.001-07:00

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MSRP Price Range:	$21,520 - $44,285
Invoice Price Range:	$19,390 - $39,445
Rebates/Incentives:	Available
Expert Rating:	8.5 out of 10
User Rating:	9.7 out of 10

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The Legacy Gets a Makeover

2009-03-31T20:59:00.001-07:00

Subaru is giving its longest-running nameplate a new rakish design, more powerful engines and more.

2010 Subaru Legacy

Subaru is cutting a new version of its long-running hit sedan, the Legacy, due in showrooms this summer.

Cutting — or perhaps sharper — is the best way to describe the fifth-generation car, which is redone for 2010 with a rakish design, more powerful engines and claims of a smoother chassis. It will be unveiled at the New York auto show in April and is very close to the concept shown in Detroit.

The Legacy is about an inch longer, and the wheelbase, the height and the width all grow more than three inches from the '09 model. With its bigger headlights and pronounced wheel arches, the car clearly has more of a presence than its predecessors, but still hangs its hat on all-wheel-drive technology and function for outdoor enthusiasts.

Under the hood, the spotlight model is the turbocharged 2.5-liter boxer four-cylinder. Power grows to 265 hp (22 more than the '09) and kicks in faster (5,600 rpm vs. 6,000 rpm), while torque increases 17 lb-ft to 258 lb-ft.

The turbo is said to be 30 percent more responsive thanks to new placement — the unit is now mounted under the motor instead of on top — and it breathes better thanks to a new air dam in the hood scoop. The unit also switches on faster than the previous model's turbo. Zero to 60 mph is estimated to be 5.9 seconds. We haven't driven this car yet, but Subaru execs are optimistic that we can better that time.

The rest of the engine lineup also has been fortified. A four-cylinder is rated at 170 hp, and the six-cylinder offering has been upgraded to 3.6 liters from the last-gen's 3.0-liter unit and makes 256 hp and 247 lb-ft.

A chain-type, continuously variable transmission is also new, and the six-speed manual is fresh for the United States, though it's been used in Europe for more than a year. A five-speed automatic shifts on the higher-end 3.6R model. Both of the automatics can be driven in manual modes.

Fuel economy is expected to be as much as 23 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway for the base car with the CVT, and range increases thanks to an 18.5-gallon tank.

The chassis has been stiffened, though Subaru says the ride is quieter and smoother. In front, the suspension has a MacPherson-type strut setup mounted to the engine cradle. A double-wishbone configuration is mounted to a subframe in the back, and it replaces the multilink configuration used before. This is said to improve stability and handling. Wheels range in size from steel 16-inchers to 18-inch alloys.

Inside, the Legacy has plenty roomy — we did sit in it, and the new version counts 103 cubic feet of passenger room. Everything is within reach, the seats are comfy and it was almost agonizing to be able to grab the shifter — and not do anything. Our visit was to look and touch, but not drive, unfortunately. There also is a three-spoke steering wheel, and it's wrapped in leather in all models but the base car.

There's a new voice-activated GPS, ambient lighting and a 60-40 split fold-down back seat. The electronic parking brake and new "hill-holder" system for parking in uneven places also are worth checking out.

Despite additional features and an obvious increase in size, the Legacy puts on less than 50 pounds, and the base version checks in at 3,379 pounds.

Pricing hasn't been announced, but it's expected to be similar to '09 models.

Chevy Camaro Gets Super-Tuned

2009-03-31T20:57:00.000-07:00

Motor magician John Hennessey increases this new muscle car’s power to 562 horses.

Hennessey Performance HPE550 Camaro

The 6.2-liter V8 in the 2010 Chevrolet Camaro SS cranks out 426 hp or 400 hp, depending on the transmission choice.

But there are some people out there who want more. With a higher-performance Z28 Camaro from the factory on the back shelf as General Motors battles for survival, aftermarket tuners are ready to fill the void.

Among the first out of the gate is Hennessey Performance Engineering of Houston, Texas, with its HPE550 Camaro.

Bolting a Magnuson/Hennessey supercharger and Corsa stainless-steel exhaust system onto GM's LS3 V8 enables Hennessey to crank up the output to 562 hp at 6,200 rpm and 557 lb-ft of torque at 4,200 rpm.

Hennessey says that powertrain will rocket the Camaro from 0 to 60 mph in 3.9 seconds, compared with runs in the 5.0-second range in the stock Camaro SS with a manual transmission. Hennessey says the reworked Camaro will cover the quarter mile in 11.9 seconds with a top speed of 119 mph.
How much damage does this do you to bank account? Hennessey says the parts for the HPE550 Camaro — which include high-flow fuel injectors, air induction, aluminum wheels and an aerodynamics package — will sell for $18,950 plus shipping charges, but that leaves the installation up to you.

Hennessey will create the HPE550 for you for $24,950 plus shipping (plus the $31,000 base price of a Camaro SS.) Buyers also get a half-day class at the Lonestar Motorsports Park drag strip, next door to Hennessey's facility. There also is a menu of upgrade options, which include brake and suspension changes and an automatic transmission. Hennessey plans to build a maximum of 500 units for the 2010 model year.But wait! You say the HPE550 still isn't enough? Then Hennessey will steer you toward dropping in a 705-hp version of the LS9 V8 from the Chevrolet Corvette ZR1. The company hired racer and retired GM engineer John Heinricy as developer and test driver. The LS9 upgrade will set you back a mere $39,500.

And it gets even crazier from there. Hennessey offers 850-hp and 1,000-hp twin-turbo upgrades, for $54,500 and $59,500, respectively.

Review: 2009 Infiniti G37 Convertible

2009-03-30T18:44:00.000-07:00

Chopping the top off a car isn't as easy as it sounds, especially when the fixed roof is replaced with a folding one of the steel variety - the panels and system of motors and hinges add significant weight. Worse, in order to get the whole mess to fit in the trunk, folding hard tops often require a bubbly, arching roofline and an ungainly, long rear deck. If you've had the displeasure of studying a Volkswagen Eos, you know what we're talking about.

Now, Infiniti - which hasn't produced a droptop in ages - has created a hardtop convertible G37 that has lost almost none of its elegant coupe sibling's visual appeal. And although the retractable roof and robust structural bracing add some 450 pounds to the car's mass, the G37's driving experience also has been largely preserved. That means blistering acceleration, brilliant ride and handling, and a cockpit that's among the prettiest in the business.

Even though the G37's chassis is new from the A-pillar rearward, the experience from behind the wheel is identical to that of the coupe. The familiar VVEL 3.7-liter V-6 carries over, but it produces five fewer horses due to a slightly more restrictive exhaust. Transmissions migrate over as well - buyers will choose a six-speed manual or a seven-speed automatic. We prefer the automatic, which dampens much of the V-6's roughness and provides better off-the-line acceleration, thanks to delightfully short gear ratios. A sport package that mirrors the coupe's - although without the limited-slip differential - is available with the automatic (and standard with the stick), but all-wheel drive is not offered.

Lowering the roof requires nothing more than a lengthy thirty-second button press, and air movement is very well controlled inside the cabin, especially with the optional wind blocker. To ensure year-round comfort, you can order heated and cooled seats, and headrest-mounted Bose speakers are available, too.

So what's so difficult about making a convertible, you say? It's the decision about what compromises a manufacturer must make for the sake of beauty. In order to keep the G37's sexy silhouette, Infiniti had to relocate the rear suspension's upper mounting points so the top would fit in the trunk. It does - but it leaves almost no room for cargo. With the top down, you'd be hard-pressed to fit two Ziploc freezer baggies back there. That is, if you can get the trunk open in the first place - the heavy lid lacks any kind of handle and is difficult to open.

Asking rear-seat passengers to hold your luggage will be an exercise in the art of persuasion. They have almost five inches less legroom than they would in the back of a BMW 3-series droptop - so they won't be happy. Just reassure them that they look fabulous in the G37, and drown out their complaints with that trademark Infiniti exhaust song.

On Sale: June
Price: $46,000/ $57,000 (base/as tested, est.)
Engine: 3.7L V-6, 325 hp, 267 lb-ft
Drive: Rear-wheel

2010 Alfa Romeo MiTo GTA

2009-03-18T22:10:00.000-07:00

2010 Alfa Romeo MiTo GTA

While there is an outside chance that Alfa Romeo will return to the U.S. through a deal with Chrysler as early as 2010, it doesn't appear that the 2010 Alfa Romeo MiTo GTA is part of that plan. It's a shame, because this diminutive three-door hatchback is primed to give the likes of the Mini John Cooper Works edition a run for its money.

The stylish MiTo looks every inch an Alfa Romeo from its vertical grille shell to the fender vents that echo those found on the 8C Competizione supercar. The rear of the car features a large diffuser and prominent twin tailpipes. That aggressive look is carried over to the front of GTA, which features larger intakes than the stock model. These openings are needed to feed air to the turbocharged 1.8-liter 4-cylinder engine beneath the hood. That powerplant cranks out 240 bhp, which is delivered to the front wheels.

The MiTo GTA also sports a lower ride height and an active suspension featuring real-time adjustment of shock valving to control body roll and oscillation. Another feature is the Alfa D.N.A. system that has three modes: sport, normal and all weather, which adjust the level of stability and traction control intervention as well as steering feel to match driving conditions.

The sporting nature of the GTA is reflected in its interior design that features aluminum-accented pedals and a scuff plate emblazoned with the GTA logo, plus revised instrument graphics, an ergonomically designed sport steering wheel and rubber floor inserts embossed with the same pattern as the tread on the specially designed Pirelli tires.

Honda FCX concept - Previews

2009-02-25T22:26:00.000-08:00

Behind the wheel of Honda's latest fuel-cell concept car.

If anyone can get fuel-cell technology developed at an affordable price level, Honda looks to be in the running. The company is on its third version of a fuel-cell powertrain, and each one has bumped the performance and range upward, with decreased size and improved efficiency. In the latest form, Honda's FCX features a new V Flow fuel-cell stack with a claimed power-to-volume density increase of 50 percent, and a power-to-weight density improvement of 67 percent. The stack is 20-percent smaller and 30-percent lighter than the current version. The total powertrain mass has been reduced by almost 400 pounds, and the output has jumped from 86 to 100 kilowatts.

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The system is also now more tidily packaged, with the fuel-cell stack residing neatly in the car's central tunnel. That packaging improvement is possible because the stack orientation has changed; now the hydrogen and water flow through the system vertically instead of horizontally. That facilitates faster water evacuation, which is a key to efficient stack operation. The system now operates at a much lower temperature, capable of starting up in ambient temperatures as low as minus 20-degrees F. Coupled to a new lithium-ion storage battery and a 127-horsepower AC synchronous motor, the energy source provides a range of up to 350 miles, according to Honda.

At Honda's Tochigi proving ground, where we drove the new FCX, the only evidence of all this advancement is a futuristic but spacious vehicle that moves off briskly with a whisper of sound, accelerates fairly quickly to highway cruising speeds, and continues on to a top speed of 100 mph. Steering and ride quality seemed to be typical of Honda products, with no sense of large weight or unwieldiness in the admittedly limited confines of a high-speed oval. With all the fuss made about fuel-cell technology, it's easy to forget that vehicles using this energy source are just electric vehicles at heart, with no exciting exhaust note or interesting transmissions to light the enthusiast's flame. Still, having 189 pound-feet of torque available from rest isn't a bad thing, and nor is a quiet powertrain or the all-important zero-emissions operation. Honda is planning to market a vehicle based on this FCX concept in limited numbers in 2008 in Japan and the U.S. Pricing and/or lease arrangements have yet to be decided.

Hybrid Tiger Trucks

2009-02-25T22:22:00.000-08:00

While other manufacturers are outsourcing to China, Tiger Truck LLC in Dallas is going the other way. The company has acquired a 250,000 square foot facility in Jasper, Texas to assemble off-road trucks based on designs from China’s Changan Automobile Group.

Since 1999, Tiger Truck has offered light utility trucks and vans for off-highway use. These include hybrid-electric and flexible-fuel vehicles (FFVs) in addition to gasoline and electric variants. Currently, Tiger Truck imports gasoline and electric trucks from China and modifies them into hybrid and FFV versions at its Dallas facility. The first actual "made in USA" Tiger Truck units will be delivered in early 2008.

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The company’s series hybrids feature a 1.0-liter 4-cylinder gasoline engine producing 58 horsepower. This Changan-built engine’s sole job is to keep the truck’s batteries charged via a generator. The Tiger Truck’s electric motor is powered by six 12-volt lead-acid batteries. The FFV version is the first in its class to receive EPA approval for its E85-compliant engine. Hybrid and FFV powerplants are available in several models. These include two- and five-passenger crew cab pickups plus passenger, cargo, and high-volume vans.

About 80 percent of the trucks manufactured at Jasper will be for export. Initial production will include the Champ 2- and 4-door crew cab models for the U.S. and Canadian off-road markets, the Leopard duelie for on-road use in export markets, and a medium duty-truck for on-road use worldwide. The new facility has abundant expansion capacity for additional models and a single shift capacity of 7500 vehicles annually. The vehicles’ design and assembly floor layout reportedly make it easy to mix configurations on the assembly line, providing additional manufacturing flexibility.

Electric Cars Revived: Behold the Plug-In Hybrid

2009-02-25T22:18:00.000-08:00

Photography by Don Kerkhof/Imagewerks Studio

There is a growing and vocal movement across the country to commercialize plug-in hybrid vehicles, or PHEVs. The reason is simple enough: With these vehicles' extended electric-only driving range of typically 20 to 50 miles, daily driving costs are measured in pennies rather than dollars, just the same as with battery electric cars. Those with limited commutes or around-town driving needs that fall within a PHEV's all-electric range may never visit a gas station again. Even those with more extensive daily driving requirements may find that the combination of electric and gasoline hybrid power used results in more than 100 mpg average fuel economy.

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With its potential for zero-emission motoring and fuel cost savings, the value of a PHEV is without question. That said, there is a rather hefty cost to acquiring these capabilities. Today, it requires over $10,000—sometimes substantially more so—to modify a hybrid like a Toyota Prius into a PHEV. That's quite a financial stretch considering a hybrid already presents buyers with a sizeable incremental cost over conventional models, typically measured in the thousands of dollars.

Another important consideration is that such a conversion could place a new car warranty in jeopardy if it creates problems with the factory powertrain, electronics, or battery system. That's less an issue with fleets that spend substantial sums to gain experience with early advanced technologies and vehicles, and have maintenance staff to deal with issues if they arise. It is a greater concern with individuals dependent on their new car warranty.

Today's high PHEV costs could become a thing of the past once major automakers offer plug-in hybrids at the showroom. Automakers like GM and Ford point to the battery as the real challenge, since the power required for extended all-electric operation requires much more on-board energy than a standard gasoline-electric hybrid's nickel-metal-hydride (NiMH) batteries can typically provide. Thus, commercially viable, mass-production PHEVs will happen once the battery challenge is overcome. The same really holds true for electric cars in general.

In the meantime, there are plenty of serious contenders aiming to come up with the ideal battery to power both plug-in hybrids and electric cars. One of those is A123Systems, a leading supplier of high-power, nanophosphate lithium-ion batteries for automotive applications. This battery technology is being incorporated in A123Systems subsidiary Hymotion's Battery Range Extender Modules (BREMs), which are being used by electric utilities, state government entities, and private companies to create PHEVs for demonstration today. The rationale is that by building a groundswell of support for PHEVs and actually getting units on the road and into production, costs will come down, a market will build, and automakers will be encouraged to focus on PHEVs in a big way. While it could be some time before cost and mass market challenges are overcome, the process has clearly caught the attention of automakers and prompted them to devote substantial resources to exploring PHEVs today.

Wisconsin Public Power Inc. (WPPI), a nonprofit power company serving 48 municipal owned utilities in Wisconsin, Upper Michigan, and Iowa, recently converted a pair of Toyota Prius hybrids into PHEVs using Hymotion's L5 Lithium Polymer conversion pack. WPPI already offers incentives for its member utilities to purchase hybrids and neighborhood electric vehicles, and has expanded its program to include incentives for converting hybrids into PHEVs. Its conversions were done at a contract price of $12,500 each, with Hymotion providing both hard parts and labor.

The update from conventional hybrid to super-efficient PHEV took just over two hours for Hymotion's technicians to complete...an amazing feat. Cost is the next challenge, and plenty of people are waiting breathlessly for that breakthrough to occur.

PHOTOS

Prius wiring is adapted to accept plug-in technology.

Access hole for plug receptacle is drilled in bumper.

Plastic receptacle for grounded plug is installed.

Spare tire is removed to make room for battery pack.

The new lithium polymer battery is lifted in place.

Battery pack cables are connected...then done!

The Hymotion kit creates electric cars in disguise.

Ford Airstream Concept

2009-02-25T22:17:00.001-08:00

Honey get out the plastic plates, we're goin' on a road trip.

Love those shiny aluminum Airstream trailers? Ford reckons that a motorized version might just make the coolest crossover since Dustin Hoffman played Tootsie.

To grab some Detroit Show headlines, Ford's Advanced Design team out in sunny SoCal has come up with a funky, futuristic Airstream concept with seats for seven and a plug-in hydrogen hybrid fuel cell for power.

About the same size as Ford's new Edge crossover, the concept takes the streamlined fuselage look of an Airstream and combines it with a touch of X-1 rocket plane from The Right Stuff and an interior that's straight out of Kubrick's cult classic 2001: A Space Odyssey. Hal, are you listening?

Too bad they didn't go for an authentic Airstream-style riveted aluminum body–it's regular old steel. But Ford Advanced Design boss Freeman Thomas says they went one better by working with suppliers to come up with the first application of a unique reflective paint that looks exactly like aluminum.

“We did include 12 rivets in the body just to pay homage to Airstream's iconic construction,” explains Thomas. A prize goes to the first show-goer to spot where they are.

If the neon-bright orange paint that frames the windows looks familiar, Thomas says it's the same color as Chuck Yeager's legendary Bell X-1 high-altitude rocket plane that's on display in the Smithsonian.

“My memories of Airstreams have always been seeing the NASA astronauts arriving at the launch site and stepping out of their Airstream trailer,” he explains.

You climb aboard through a roof-hinged, power clamshell door that runs two-thirds the length of the body. Lipstick red fabric covers the lounge-like seating that wraps around the cabin. Up front, driver and passenger sit in retro, pod-shaped captain's chairs that swivel to face rearwards. It;s Austin Powers shagadelic, baby.

The focal point of the cabin is this wild, cylindrical LED video screen that can project everything from DVDs to virtual ‘mood’ effects, like a log fire and lava lamp. Taiwan-based DynaScan Technology Inc. makes giant versions for malls and exhibitions, but this is the smallest unit they've ever created.

Powering the crossover of tomorrowland is a plug-in hydrogen hybrid fuel cell. But instead of it being used to drive the wheels, as in a typical fuel cell vehicle, its sole function is to recharge the lithium-ion battery pack. This, in turn, powers electric motors which turn the wheels.

It's the same plug-in hydrogen fuel cell drivetrain that's currently running around in a Ford Edge prototype that's been developed at Ford's research center.

We wonder what old Wally Byam, who back in 1931 started using aircraft-construction methods to create his first Airstream trailers, would think about this new Ford creation. Riveting, maybe?

2010 Mercedes-Benz S400 BlueHybrid

2009-02-25T22:14:00.000-08:00

Hybrid S-class poised for U.S. market.

By Jared Gall and Jens Meiners

Mercedes is planning to offer a hybrid S-class starting in 2009. The S400 BlueHybrid, a mild hybrid powered by M-B's 3.5-liter V-6, boasts a lithium-ion battery co-developed with supplier Continental and described by Daimler R&D boss Thomas Weber as “a crucial breakthrough.”

Unlike Lexus's LS600hL, the S400 is not aimed at the performance market. Instead, it uses its hybrid drivetrain solely for the traditional aim of fuel efficiency. Mated in the style of a mild hybrid with a 20-hp electric motor and a lithium-ion battery pack, the V-6 will turn off while the car is stationary and kick back on when the driver wants the car to move. Under braking, the batteries are charged. The electric motor can't propel the S400 on its own but assists in acceleration.

The compact lithium-ion battery module is far more powerful than conventional nickel-metal hydride batteries. It is integrated in the car's cooling system to ensure optimal operating temperature.

BMW seemed miffed at the announcement, with executives pointing at the joint hybrid-vehicle alliance between BMW and Daimler. But this particular battery is a Mercedes development, and the carmaker holds 25 patents on it.

With internal combustion and electronic wizardry working together to produce 295 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque, the S400 is capable of a 0-to-62-mph sprint in a claimed 7.3 seconds and will pull to a governed 155 mph--all while delivering 30 mpg on the European cycle (up from 23 mpg) in S-class comfort. Additionally, the S400 packages all the hybrid equipment under the hood, so neither passenger room nor cargo space suffers for the driver's conscientiousness.

Europe will get this hybrid in 2009, and a Mercedes spokesman confirmed that it will be offered in the U.S. later--we believe in 2010. If 30 mpg is not enough for you, and you can't picture yourself in a Prius, start hoping Mercedes offers the upcoming and even thriftier S300 BlueTec diesel hybrid outside Europe.

Ford Fusion Hybrid Tops Camry, Prius in Comparisons

2009-02-25T22:06:00.000-08:00

Ford Fusion Hybrid

If you're in the market for an ultra fuel-efficient hybrid that makes a convincing family sedan, your best choice has always been a Toyota -- until now. Toyota's Camry Hybrid and Prius have been the only realistic alternatives for many. Most American-built hybrids simply haven't matched their fuel economy, and the Nissan Altima Hybrid remains rare and hard to find.

A new entrant in the contest, however, may have knocked the Toyotas from their lofty perch.

The automotive press has begun testing the all-new 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid in recent weeks. Two prominent publications have now published comparisons pitting the Fusion Hybrid against its Toyota competition, and the Ford has won both.

USA Today writes: "OK, let's just get it out there: The 2010 Ford Fusion hybrid is the best gasoline-electric hybrid yet. What makes it best is a top-drawer blend of an already very good midsize sedan with the industry's smoothest, best-integrated gas-electric power system. It's so well-done that you have to look to the $107,000 Lexus LS 600h hybrid to come close."

"The Toyota Prius crowd will protest," they note, but USA Today says Ford's car simply drives better. "A car is, after all, a driving machine. Brownie points for saving somewhat more fuel or offering a cargo-friendly hatchback, but driving feel is most important. And there, Fusion is without equal among hybrids."

Car and Driver set the Fusion against the Camry Hybrid, Chevy Malibu Hybrid and Altima Hybrid, but the result was the same. "Ford has pulled off a game changer with this 2010 model, creating a high-mpg family hauler that's fun to drive," they write. "Nothing about the leather-lined test car, optioned up from its $27,995 base price to $32,555, seemed economy minded except for the mileage readings. On that score, the Fusion topped the others, turning in a 34-mpg score card for the overall 300-mile test run."

In our time behind the wheel of the Fusion Hybrid, we quickly came to a similar verdict. The Fusion Hybrid corners with as much agility as its conventionally-powered cousin - one of the best-handling cars in the midsize class. With standard SYNC technology, it allows the driver to control Bluetooth-enabled phones and music players through the car's speakers with voice commands. And its standard leather and high-quality stereo give it an upscale feel for an affordable price. Ford has a hit on its hands.

We had one minor complaint. Ford's SmartGuage instrument cluster does a great job coaching the driver to drive more efficiently with information-rich displays, but the cutesy display that grows leaves as the driver reaches peak efficiency is distracting and can draw your eyes from the road. Still, following the device's prompts, we hit 37.7 mpg in city driving on the first try.

The Fusion Hybrid qualifies for a federal tax credit of $3,400 until the end of March, but few of the cars will reach dealerships by then - if you're in the market, you might want to consider ordering yours before the credit disappears.

2009-02-22T01:12:00.000-08:00

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Pricing Information

Pricing Definitions

$24,134

National
Average

$503 / month
Estimated Payments

Estimated Market Price

What's this?

MSRP $23,870

Invoice $22,503

Pricing Definitions

Estimated Market Price (EMP): Estimated Market Price (EMP) is the estimated price that people are currently paying dealers to buy a specific vehicle. EMP is based on real sales data, and factors in current supply and demand levels as well as information about dealer incentives and profit margins. EMP is calculated at a national level and is quoted at the base trim level, meaning that EMP is not adjusted to specific regional markets, nor does it include any tax, title, or license fees that a dealer is required to charge. Yahoo! Autos receives Estimated Market Pricing from Automotive Information Center (AIC).
Invoice: Invoice, also commonly known as "Dealer Invoice", is the price that the vehicle manufacturer charges a dealer to purchase a new vehicle from the manufacturer. The Invoice price includes the base price plus any equipment installed on the vehicle, and it also can include destination charges that the dealer incurs when purchasing the vehicle from the manufacturer. Dealers generally mark-up the invoice price and seek to sell the vehicle at its Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP).
Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP): The Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP), also commonly known as the "Sticker Price", "List Price", or "Window Price", is a price that the vehicle manufacturer suggests that the dealer sell the car for. The MSRP shown for a vehicle includes the base price plus any equipment installed on the vehicle, but excludes fees and taxes, transportation and destination charges that the dealer commonly includes in the final price. It is important to know that a dealer may choose to sell the vehicle above, below, or at the listed MSRP. The MSRP is only a "suggested" or recommended price that the vehicle manufacturer provides to the car dealer.
Total Cost To Own: The Total Cost to Own is an estimate of what it will cost you to own the vehicle over the next 5 years. More detailed Total Cost to Own information is provided at the yearly level (years 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 after purchase) on Yahoo Autos' trim and car comparison pages. The Total Cost to Own uses numerous data elements to calculate the typical price a consumer pays to own the vehicle in a specific market (such as Texas, California, Florida, etc). Included in the Total Cost To Own price are projected depreciation costs, fees and taxes, financing costs, fuel costs, insurance costs, maintenance costs, repair costs, and opportunity costs. The vehicle's market price, destination charge, and current rebates and incentives are factored into the Total Cost to Own price.

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$41,310
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Engine

2.0L I4, 16 valves, 140 hp @ 4000 rpm
6 speed manual transmission
30 mpg city / 41 mpg hwy

Green Rating

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Expert Reviews

Features 9
Styling 8
Performance 10
Safety 9
Quality 8

The Bottom Line

"It's been a long time coming back, but the 2009 Volkswagen Jetta Sportwagen gives crossover buyers something else to consider―and diesel power is on the way."

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User Reviews

Model Rating

Overall

4 stars

21 User Reviews

Trim Rating

Overall 4.9 stars
Appearance 4.4 stars
Comfort 4.6 stars
Performance 4.8 stars
Value 4.8 stars

Trim User Review

Pros:: great fuel economy
Cons:: none what so ever

“come in for a test drive and see for your self...”more

All-Wheel-Drive Exotics

2009-02-22T01:11:00.001-08:00

Lamborghini Murciélago

Okay, so it's the middle of winter and Chicago is putting on an auto show. While ogling that dream car, you know in the back of your mind that perhaps it's an impractical choice when dealing with nasty weather. The solution? All-wheel-drive exotics. You can have your cake and eat it, too.

2009 Lamborghini Murciélago

Okay, so all-wheel drive on the 2009 Lamborghini Murciélago probably won't help you much in the snow, but it sure helps put the 632 bhp down to the pavement. The Murciélago — a striking 2-door with a mid-mounted 6.5-liter V-12 — turns heads wherever it goes thanks to its origami-inspired styling and outrageous scissor-style doors. With all four wheels doing the work, the Murciélago sprints to 60 mph in just 3.4 seconds.

2010 Audi R8 5.2 FSI Quattro

Perhaps the sexiest 2-seater to come down the road in recent memory is the 2010 Audi R8 5.2 FSI Quattro. This shapely mid-engine exotic not only has all-wheel drive, but thanks to an all-new 5.2-liter V-10 pumping out 518 bhp, it now has much-needed muscle, which enables it to charge to 60 mph in 3.9 seconds. Of course, you can always opt for the standard R8, which is powered by a 4.2.-liter V-8 making only 420 bhp.

2009 Bentley Continental GT Speed

Bentley Continental GT Speed

This comely coupe is as powerful as it is surefooted. The 2009 Bentley Continental GT Speed has a twin-turbo 6.0-liter W-12 that sends 600 bhp to all four wheels, enabling this British-built supercar to hit 60 mph in 4.0 seconds. But fast is only half of it. The richly appointed interior with matched wood veneers, luxurious leather and chromed organ-stop air vents makes this 2-door wonder a pleasure to savor either at speed or standing still.

2009 Mercedes-Benz S550 4Matic

Here's where practicality and luxury meet. The 2009 Mercedes-Benz S550 4Matic takes the winter worry out of driving Mercedes' flagship sedan. Power is sent to all four wheels from a 5.5-liter V-8 that produces 382 bhp. The S-Class blends stately exterior styling with a luxurious interior that offers quiet solitude from the winter elements. In addition to all-wheel drive, the S-Class boasts such conveniences as automatic set -and-forget cruise control.

2009 Nissan GT-R

Shaking up the exotic car status quo is the 2009 Nissan GT-R, a supercar from an unlikely source. The Japanese automaker fits this muscular-looking 2-door coupe with a twin-turbo 3.8-liter V-6 pumping out an astounding 470 bhp. The GT-R is capable of 0– 60-mph acceleration of about 4.0 seconds. And yes, it has all-wheel drive with three settings: Normal, R (for high-speed track work) and Snow, which uses a less aggressive shift strategy to make this powerful exotic a car for all seasons.

Brands: What Stays, What Goes

2009-02-22T01:03:00.000-08:00

Chrysler PT Cruiser

In the "viability plan" that Chrysler submitted to the Treasury department the carmaker laid out some more changes to its product line-up.

Some of those changes had already been announced shortly after Chrysler's new owners, Cerberus Capital Management, took over in 2007. The new management team quickly announced that the Chrysler Pacifica crossover, Dodge Magnum wagon and PT Cruiser convertible would be dropped.

As part of its latest announcement, Chrysler co-president Jim Press told reporters that the hard-top PT Cruiser, shown here, and two of Chrysler's SUVs, are being dropped from the line-up as well.

Chrysler also said that new versions of two of Chrysler's popular sedans would be coming soon, as well as a new Jeep. Chrysler also has vague plans to bring an electric car to market next year.

Dodge Durango - Gone

Chrysler shut down the factory that made the Durango and the closely related Chrysler Aspen late last year. High gas prices combined with the economic downturn forced the plant's early closure.

The plant shut down only a couple of months after production had started on hybrid versions of the two large three-row SUVs.

But the Durango may rise from the dead. Chrysler hopes to bring it back around in 2011. Next time, it may be a car-based crossover, according to several published reports. An image in Chrysler's viability report shows a much sleeker, more aerodynamic vehicle.

Hummer – Gone

General Motors will make a financial decision about Hummer soon. Either way, it seems it won't be a GM brand anymore. It will be sold, or it will be phased out.

Hummer had the worst sales fall-off of any brand in America last year, dropping by half to 27,485 vehicles.

High gas prices pushed customers away from truck-based SUVs, which are all Hummer sells. And as a love-it-or-loath-it niche product, the brand has always been highly dependent on new model introductions that sell hot for a while before they fizzle.

When sales of the original H1 started to fade, the smaller H2 came in to pick up the slack. Then, as the H2's welcome wore thin, in rode the smaller-yet H3. There will be nothing more beyond that.

No More Saturn

Saturn Aura Green Line

The Saturn brand has been amazingly resistant to success. After years of hard work, GM has finally admitted the car line has been "disappointing" and it is in discussion with its dealers about what's next.

For now, GM isn't planning to do anything with Saturn beyond the life-cycles of its current models. If no one steps forward wanting to take Saturn over when the models are done in 2011, the brand is done too.

Over the last few years, Saturn has had a complete makeover of its once drab line-up. The new cars are flashy-looking and mostly well-received by critics.

The Saturn Aura was even voted car-of-the-year by auto critics at the 2007 Detroit Auto Show. When its close relative, the Chevrolet Malibu, received the same honor in 2008, its sales took off. But the Aura's sales never took off and fell even lower last year.

Part of the problem has to do with Saturn's "No haggle" pricing policy. In exchange for agreeing not to finagle on deals, Saturn dealers got big exclusive territories with many miles between them. But that means it's much harder to find a Saturn dealer than one who sells Chevrolets or Pontiacs.

Jeep Grand Cherokee Gets a Redesign

If all goes well with Chrysler's latest funding request, an all-new version of the Jeep Grand Cherokee will hit the market in the next year as a 2011 model-year vehicle.

Chrysler promises fuel economy of between 21 and 25 miles per gallon on the highway compared with 20 for the current version.

New from Chrysler: The 200C Concept

At this year's Detroit Auto Show, Chrysler showed off a concept car called the Chrysler 200C. It was slightly larger than the current mid-size Sebring sedan but smaller than the full-size 300.

Chrysler's lead designer, Ralph Gilles said that a car looking very much like the 200C is intended for near-future production. The look is much sleeker and cleaner than current Chrysler designs. The car displayed at the show was an electric-powered vehicle to boot, Chrysler said.

Chrysler has said its plan is to make vehicles like the 200C available in both gasoline- and electric-powered versions. A plug-in of some type is planed for next year, but Chrysler still isn't saying what it will be, only that more are supposed to follow.

Chevy Volt: Look for More

Chevrolet Volt

It's well known, by now, that GM intends to produce an extended range electric vehicle called the Chevrolet Volt beginning late next year. In its restructuring plan, GM revealed that two more vehicles using the same technology are planned for 2012.

GM isn't saying, yet, what those vehicles will be. One possibility is represented by the Cadillac Converj, a concept vehicle unveiled at this year's Detroit Auto Show.The Converj is, essentially, a luxury version of the Volt.

Chrysler, Meet Fiat

Chrysler has entered into a tentative deal with Fiat that would allow the Italian automaker to take a 35% equity stake in the American automaker. In exchange, Chrysler would get access to Fiat engineering, and possibly some whole vehicles. Fiat would also be able to sell some of its products in the Unite States and use some of Chrysler's factories here, as well.

In all, Chrysler will get seven new small vehicles out of the deal, the carmaker said in its restructuring plan. It will also get six new engines and transmissions.

Chrysler says it still has an agreement with Nissan under which Chrysler will produce a version of the large Dodge Ram truck for the Japanese automaker, and Nissan will produce a small car for Chrysler. But that agreement is reportedly on hold while the two companies work out financial details.

Saab – Gone

One GM brand has had even lower market share than Hummer, and that's Saab. And now it finds itself in the same position - under "strategic review." If no buyer is found, Sweden-based Saab will likely fade away.

Even including Europe, Saab sales are small for a parent company the size of GM. Its best year worldwide was 2006 when about 130,000 sold in the U.S. and Europe, a Saab spokesman said. By contrast, GM sold more than 300,000 Buicks in the U.S. alone that year.

Driving Impression: 2009 Bentley Continental Flying Spur Speed

2009-01-27T18:39:00.000-08:00

Bentley officials made a point of telling us the 48 extra horsepower of the Continental Flying Spur Speed model is not accomplished simply by turning up the boost on the twin-turbo 6.0-liter W-12. The engineers also reduced the W-12's internal frictional losses by fitting lighter weight components — such as new pistons and con rods — and added a new engine-management system.

Besides making more power, the Speed model also sees a 3.5-percent improvement in fuel economy. Together with a strengthened ZF 6-speed automatic transmission (operated via steering-column-mounted paddle shifters, if you choose to do so) and all-wheel drive, Bentley says the Flying Spur Speed's 600 bhp at 6000 rpm and 553 lb.-ft. of torque at 1750 enable it to charge to 60 mph in just 4.5 seconds, versus 4.9 sec. for the standard 552-bhp car. Top speed rises from 195 mph to 200.

The Flying Spur Speed also handles better because of stiffer spring and shock absorber settings (the self-leveling air suspension rides 0.4 in. lower), thicker anti-roll bars, retuned steering, a direct-mounted front subframe and stiffer bushings. Comparing a Flying Spur Speed to the regular version is quite telling: the Speed definitely rides more stiffly (even with the suspension set to its softest), and the steering transmits more road imperfections back to the driver. Which means the Flying Spur Speed is far more capable if the driver intends to get aggressive through twisties — it handles surprisingly well for a near 5500-lb. car. But while a stiffer, harder-edged Bentley makes sense for the previously released GT Speed coupe (60 percent of all Continental GTs sold are Speed models), the Flying Spur Speed definitely does not possess Arnage-like character and seems to lose a bit of its Bentley-ness — it no longer completely eliminates the driver from the outside world.

All 2009 Flying Spurs get new front and rear styling, including a more upright grille, larger lower air intake and slimmer rear bumper. The Speed model is differentiated by a darker radiator and lower air intake grilles, wider exhaust tips and special 20-in. alloy wheels.

The coolest new option for 2009 is the $6900 Naim audio system. Naim is a well-known high-end British home audio maker, and its non-flashy designs seem a perfect fit for Bentley. The system in the Flying Spur uses 15 speakers and features the world's most powerful amplifier fitted to a production car — 1100 watts! The sound quality is crisp, clear, amazing…like having a live concert inside your car — and the Flying Spur is almost large enough to do so.

Other new options include carbon-ceramic brakes, Adaptive Cruise Control and leather seat piping — the last a traditional Bentley feature that until now couldn't be ordered on Flying Spurs.

The Bentley Continental Flying Spur Speed will retail for $198,500 when it goes on sale in the U.S. this October. The optioned-out test car we drove had a sticker of $247,660. The non-Speed (though still speedy in its own right) Flying Spur will carry a price of $174,100 for 2009.

Bentleys are unique. It's fair to say the build quality, craftsmanship and driving experience are worthy of a car of this price. Heck, the absolutely beautiful-to-look-at interior is almost a work of art on its own. While the slightly harder-edged Speed model won't appeal to typical Arnage buyers, those with a need for speed will love it.

What's Hot:

* 600-bhp 6.0-liter twin-turbo W-12 has 48 extra horses
* Stiffer suspension and tighter steering
* Optional carbon-ceramic brakes

What's Not:

* Expensive
* Heavy
* Hard to say "no" with a straight face when asked if you can spare some change

2010 Bentley Continental GTC Speed

2009-01-27T18:33:00.000-08:00

Bentley's top-down tourer, the Continental GTC, is now available as a high-performance Speed model.

Featuring improved handling via a lowered, more aggressively damped suspension, and more power via a revised twin-turbocharged 600-bhp W-12 engine, the new Speed version of the GTC just shown at Detroit makes a bold statement. Just how bold? Well, Bentley says the nine percent increase in power is good for a 0-60 mph time of only 4.5 seconds and a top speed of 195 mph with the top down (kids — and especially toupee wearers — don't try this at home).

Cosmetic differences to the Speed include a dark-tint to sections of the front grille and 20-in. alloy wheels (standard chrome is a no-cost option), a new rear spoiler design, drilled alloy foot pedals and a three-spoke sport steering wheel.

The entire Continental GTC range also sees some updates as well including a more upright grille with a larger, lower air intake, new reduced-friction shocks for improved ride quality, retuned power steering with better driver feedback, new exterior and interior color choices and options including a radar-based adaptive cruise control and carbon ceramic brakes (available exclusively with the 20-in. wheel package).

2008 Geneva Motor Show Preview

2008-06-18T19:28:00.000-07:00

BMW M3 Convertible
What’s a guy to do? Driving full speed into the corkscrew at Laguna Seca two weeks ago in the new BMW M3 Coupe, the sun suddenly appeared from behind the clouds and I could only imagine how much fun a convertible would be on the same track. As if in answer to my miscellaneous thought, BMW plans to launch part three of their magnificent M3 series with the introduction of the much anticipated Cabriolet.
Under the hood resides a 4.0-liter V8 producing 420 horsepower and 295 lbs.-ft of torque. This is powerful enough to propel the new M3 Cabriolet to 60 mph in just over 5 seconds. Top speed is limited to 155 mph, sure to ruffle even the most perfectly coiffed head of hair. Suspension and brakes are significantly improved to compensate for the added power, while the interior package is pure BMW M glorious. A true driving machine, it should prove to be an instant success.

Maserati Gran Turismo S
Staying with the theme of luxury sports coupes, Maserati turns up the heat with a high-performance version of the Gran Turismo made distinctive with the designation “S”. Additions include a 4.7L V8 engine producing 440 hp coupled with 6-piston Brembo brakes for an unflappable driving experience.
The beautifully sculpted Pininfarina body receives minor changes designed to further accentuate the already gorgeous Italian profile. Standard 20” wheels are shod with Pirelli P Zero tires. Sizes range from 245/35R20 in front, to 285/35R20 in back. Inside, Poltrona Frau Leather and Alcantara seats grab you in all the right places and hold on tight when the road gets twisty.

2009 Volvo XC60
Looks are everything it seems and Volvo is taking this seriously with the introduction of the 2009 XC60. Corporate comment suggests this to be the safest and best looking Volvo ever. The concept model displayed recently at the Canadian International Autoshow certainly did nothing to disprove either statement. It looked amazing!
Recognized as a maker of solid vehicles, Volvo is positioned to take on the likes of BMW, Mercedes-Benz and the Japanese automakers in both areas of visual appeal and performance. Watch out players in the SUV/CUV market, the competition is getting intense.
Built in Ghent, Belgium, the new XC60 will feature a 281 horsepower, turbocharged in-line 6-cylinder engine. Mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive with Instant Traction, it should have the necessary equipment to challenge all comers.

Much More to Come
Additional unveilings scheduled at the 2008 Geneva Motor Show include the new Audi A4 Avant, a wagon for the 21st Century that looks impressive. Powered by an exclusive 4-cylinder turbocharged engine, North American versions will come standard with quattro all-wheel drive.

Nissan President and CEO Carlos Ghosn will personally take the wraps off the 2009 Infiniti FX, showcasing the global aspirations of the brand. The top line version will be penned FX55 and features a 5.5L V8 with plenty of power in a typically striking Infiniti outer shell.
Of particular interest for European buyers should be entries from Fiat, Ford and a brand new Honda Accord. Worldwide attention will be extreme for an expected debut of the new Lamborghini Gallardo LP550, 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL and exquisite Alfa Romeo 8C Spider among many others. We’ll be in Geneva covering the show first-hand, so be sure to check back for daily updates and get all the latest news as it happens.

2008 Geneva Motor Show Preview

2008-06-18T19:24:00.000-07:00

Geneva, Switzerland is a city filled with graceful architecture and classical history. As the setting each year for one of Europe’s most prestigious motor shows, the halls of Palexpo will once again resonate with the thump of metal doors and hoods closing and opening in rhythm to the sound of clicking cameras. It is a grand sight and one we look forward to each year.
The 78th Salon international de l’automobile Genève promises to be spectacular. Here are some of the show-stoppers we expect to see and other vehicles rumored to be making their worldwide and European debuts.
Rolls-Royce Phantom Coupe
Not your average car, the Rolls-Royce Phantom Coupe is designed for the very exclusive buyer. Someone whose salary or lottery earnings can justify what is expected to be a princely sum. Having witnessed a pre-launch by parent company BMW several weeks ago in Monterey, CA, I can attest to the fact this is truly a one-of-a-kind automobile.
Standout features include a fiber optic headliner designed to resemble a starry night sky. A long bonnet and large wheels help define the classic Rolls character. Opulent is the only way to describe the soft grain leather, real wood and magnificent chrome that pervades the interior cabin. Big city luxury condo owners would be taken aback by the lavishness. Multiple layers of paint, hand rubbed between coats, puts the finishing touch on this elegant coupe for the non-masses.

Macho Movers: Male Drivers' 10 Favorite Vehicles

2008-06-18T17:36:00.000-07:00

If you see a canary-colored Lamborghini Gallardo cruising down the street, nine times out of 10 a man will be at the wheel.
The same goes for other attention-getting sports cars, chauffeur-worthy sedans and burly sport utility vehicles that make up our list of the Top 10 Vehicles Driven by Men.
When it comes to cars, men want to be seen — and heard. Specifically, they want to be seen in a vehicle that others can’t have, says Milton Pedraza of the Manhattan-based Luxury Institute.

That’s why rare cars like the Dodge Viper, of which only 435 were sold in the United States in 2007, are driven mostly by men. This two-seat sports car ranks fifth on our list, with 89.97 percent male primary drivers, according to CNW Marketing Research of Bandon, Ore., which conducts thousands of surveys each ear on car-related topics.
The “powerful, predatory look” of cars like the Viper attracts male buyers, Pedraza says. “Men have a greater need to show off their power.” The Viper can be a mechanism for that, not only with its flashy looks but also with its brawly engine sound.
Dodge’s own data shows that up to 95 percent of Vipers are owned by men, who use it mostly as a weekend vehicle. “Vipers tend to be driven on the track more than any other sports car model,” says Kathy Graham, a spokesperson with Dodge’s parent company, Chrysler. In general, relatively few women participate in driving activities on racetracks, she says.
Men’s desire to showcase power and aggression with the vehicles they drive stems from an “animal nature,” says Imre Molnar, dean of the College for Creative Studies in Detroit. Men decorate and embellish themselves with their automobiles as if it’s “mating season,” he says.
That helps explain why many vehicles — and especially those on our list — have masculine styling cues, which Molnar says include big wheels pushed to the corners of the vehicle, flush or protruding wheel faces, a high “shoulder line” (at the bottom of the side windows), and taut lines that look like tensed muscles.
Vehicles that sit higher at the back tend to look like a predator “ready to pounce,” Molnar says. High haunches have become the norm on nearly every sedan.
Automotive Accessory
Statistics show that most women prefer vehicles with understated styling and an opulent, comfortable interior. (Read more about women’s top car choices in our ranking of Vehicles Most Driven by Women.)
Rather than cars, women use jewelry, high-end fashion and expensive handbags to create a distinctive look, says Luxury Institute’s Pedraza. When it comes to creating an image of wealth and influence, men have fewer choices in attire and accessories — that's where the cars come in.
“Men don’t wear a $100,000 necklace with their $100,000 car,” Pedraza says. He points out that music-industry mogul Simon Cowell, a judge on the television show “American Idol,” dresses conservatively but drives a Bugatti Veyron, which has a starting price of $1.5 million.
You “can’t beat the accessory value of a Veyron,” Pedraza says.
Other high-priced “accessories” on wheels include the Maybach 57 and 62 and Rolls-Royce Phantom, which are the most ostentatious and exclusive luxury limos available.
The $340,000 Rolls-Royce Phantom has the fourth-highest percentage of male primary drivers, 90 percent, and the $335,000 Maybach tops our list with 95 percent male primary drivers.
"The Maybach brand is only five years on the U.S. market and the high percentage [of male drivers] likely represents top automobile enthusiasts who purchased the initial production,” says Rob Allan, product manager for Maybach, which is owned by Mercedes-Benz. Only 156 Maybachs were sold in the United States last year.
“Over time, as with [Mercedes’ high-performance division] AMG, the percentage of female owners should rise,” Allan says. “Maybach marketing — primarily events-based experiential marketing — is targeted equally to qualified male and female prospects."

Tomorrow's Motor Is Today's Motor

2008-06-16T17:08:00.000-07:00

Someday they may disappear, but before that happens, internal combustion engines will improve.

Gee-whiz technologies like fuel cells and electric cars may eventually dominate our roads. But the internal combustion engine, a technology that is over 100 years old, will keep powering most automobiles for a while--at least for the foreseeable future.
Greenies, don't panic. Engineers are finding ways to wring more efficiency and performance out of combustion engines, and these improvements do not involve a complete overhaul of the auto industry. Let's run down the list.

Cylinder/Motor Deactivation
Cylinder-deactivation, in which the motor cuts out two or more cylinders when the car is in cruising mode, is one such improvement. And General Motors, Chrysler and Honda Motor are already selling vehicles with cylinder deactivation.
Similarly, start-stop technology--shutting off the engine while the car is idling--can reduce fuel consumption by as much as 10%. This technology, integral to hybrid vehicles, is relatively easy to extend to non-hybrids. Toyota's Japanese-market Vitz (similar to the U.S. Yaris subcompact), for example, has stop-start.
Direct Injection
Another present-day fuel-saving technology is direct injection, which delivers fuel directly into the combustion chamber of each cylinder, rather than into the intake manifold.
As far back as the 1950s, Mercedes tried direct injection in a few production models, but the technology originally lost out to the less expensive indirect systems. Mitsubishi Motors began installing direct injection in the mid-1990s.
Current applications of direct injection include the Volkswagen two-liter, four-cylinder turbocharged motor, the top-line 3.6-liter V-6 in the new Cadillac CTS, the MazdaSpeed3 and BMW's twin-turbocharged inline 6.
Siemens VDO (now part of Continental AG of Germany) claims that its direct injection system can deliver fuel savings of up to 20%.
Camarillo, Calif.'s, Transonic Combustion hopes to take direct injection technology to another quantum level.
Transonic believes that with ultra-high engine compression, precise timing of ignition and fuel injection--and better management of waste heat--it can double the thermal efficiency and, thus, the fuel economy of an internal combustion motor, whether powered by gasoline, diesel fuel or another combustible fuel, such as cellulosic alcohol.
"The international combustion efficiencies are woefully low. Some people say 15% between city and highway," says Mike Rocke, vice president of business development at Transonic. He explains that since the dawn of the automotive age, engineers have designed motors to run on a rich mixture of fuel relative to air.
"If you run too lean you run the risk of burning pistons and burning valves," says Rocke. "From a liability standpoint, engines have run rich since their inception."
Rocke says that the cost of Transonic's technology should be compatible with that of modern direct injection systems and that today's motors are already strong enough to handle higher compression ratios without significant and costly modifications.
Mike Cheiky, a physicist by training, and an experimenter with fuel cells and electric cars, founded Transonic in 2006. The company now has 45 employees.
We'll admit some skepticism about a business that suggests it can double the mileage of a conventional motor. Still, Transonic has smart money behind it. Venrock, the venture capital firm that backed the likes of Intel, Apple and DoubleClick, is its lead investor. Venture capitalist Vinhod Khosla is on the board of directors and recently raised his investment in the company.
Smaller Displacement Motors
One trend is certain: Auto companies will move to smaller displacement motors.
Except when charging up a hill or trying to merge onto a freeway ramp, most vehicles need only a fraction of the motor's maximum power. Smaller and lighter engines offer multiple advantages: lower friction losses and weight-savings on the surrounding body structure and suspension.
By utilizing less space under the hood--replacing a six-cylinder with a four-cylinder, for example--stylists have more freedom in designing a vehicle and making it aerodynamic. The trick, of course, is to downsize without disappointing the driver with an anemic, overworked motor that makes the vehicle feel like a rental car.
Another way to get a four-cylinder to perform like a six- or even eight-cylinder is with forced induction--pushing more air into the combustion chamber--via a supercharger or turbocharger. A belt or other connection off the engine propels a supercharger, whereas the exhaust gases do the same for a turbocharger.
Ford Motor is betting a good part of its future on smaller motors pumped up with direct injection and turbocharging. Next year, it will introduce its EcoBoost technology on a new Lincoln large sedan, the MKS. Ford says that the EcoBoost V-6 in this big sedan will deliver about 340 horsepower and similar torque levels, giving the vehicle V-8 performance and V-6 fuel economy.
"You are not losing any of the exhilaration of a large displacement engine," says Alan Hall, global products technology communications manager at Ford Motor. Within five years, Ford hopes to sell a half million six-cylinder and four-cylinder EcoBoost vehicles annually.
Expect to see manufacturers make greater use of sequential turbochargers (one for low-end performance and one for high-end performance) or a combination of a turbocharger and a supercharger. In Europe, for example, Volkswagen squeezes 170 horsepower out of one version of its 1.4-liter ‘twincharger’ four-cylinder.
Advanced internal combustion engines and hybrids need not be mutually exclusive. Smaller, more efficient motors match up well with the electric motors of hybrid systems and make it possible to operate the hydrocarbon-powered motors in their most efficient range.
Diesel
A wild card in the urgent quest for fuel efficiency is the diesel engine, quite popular in passenger cars in Europe. Americans have flirted with the diesel, but they haven't fallen in love with it.
Diesels have advantages in fuel economy, extended driving range and durability. The diesel also delivers healthy levels of torque relative to its size and displacement. The problem: controlling particulate emissions, engine clatter and cost.
Though they may eventually lose out to other technologies, more diesel motors are coming to the U.S. The next generation Mercedes-Benz E320 Bluetec Sedan will be available in all 50 states when the 2010 model arrives in 2009. This fall, Mercedes also plans to offer the Bluetec system in the U.S. on all its sport utility vehicles.
The upcoming Mercedes Bluetec vehicles use an aqueous urea solution, which undergoes a chemical reaction in the exhaust gas and converts to ammonia, breaking nitrogen oxide into harmless nitrogen and water. Bluetec fluid consumption is 1% to 2% that of the diesel fuel, so drivers can have the tank refilled when they go to the dealer for normal maintenance.
Audi promises to have a 50-state diesel motor for its Q7 sport utility vehicle available in the U.S. this year. And Honda, which has a developed a low-emissions diesel with a new type of catalytic converter that eliminates the need for urea injection, plans to introduce a diesel-powered Acura luxury vehicle in 2009.
Leveraging the Motor
In addition to developing better gasoline and diesel motors, auto manufacturers are pursuing single-digit percentage efficiency gains by switching to lighter-weight materials, converting to low-power, light-emitting diodes and replacing mechanical systems, such as steering and throttle linkages, with "by-wire" electrical controls.
Further efficiencies can come from converting to electric--rather than motor-driven--pumps to move fluids such as oil and engine coolant. Electric power steering (as opposed to hydraulic) can add as much as 3% fuel efficiency.

What is All-Wheel Drive?

2008-06-16T17:01:00.000-07:00

Technology is a double-edged sword. While it possesses the potential to greatly benefit what and how we drive, it also has the capacity to confuse us as to which features most benefit our particular driving needs and style.

1949 4 Wheel Drive Jeep Willy Station Wagon
For example, all-wheel drive is often confused with four-wheel drive because they are somewhat similar in design. A second reason for our misunderstanding is that four-wheel drive has been available in the market for much longer, so we naturally associate the two when discussing this technology.
Simplistically speaking, all-wheel drive vehicles are designed to operate using all four wheels to propel the vehicle in the desired direction under all driving conditions. But, just when you think things are starting to make sense, the auto industry throws a curve. There are also many part-time all-wheel drive vehicles available in the market. Two current examples of this are the 2008 Honda CR-V and Volvo S80.

2008 Honda CR-V
The all-wheel drive systems found on these vehicles work seamlessly when activated, but require slippage in order to engage. Because of this, part-time all-wheel drive can leave the driver feeling somewhat powerless. Just when you need grip the most, your request may take a few seconds to register with the system. This lag time can be a serious determent to getting unstuck or gaining control as quickly as possible.
To best utilize a part-time all-wheel drive system, it requires the driver to be more aggressive than usual. Think of it as spurring a horse to move forward. Fortunately, electronic stability and traction control are generally available to assist, allowing the vehicle to stay pointed in the right direction while the system catches up and delivers power where it is needed most.
Four-wheel drive, on the other hand, is best suited for poor traction surfaces such as off-road driving. That said, four-wheel drive is limited in ways many drivers simply don’t anticipate. Surprisingly, should one axle lose traction on hard road surfaces such as ice or packed snow, it is easy to suddenly find your vehicle pointed in the wrong direction.
Engaging four-wheel drive on a continuous basis has the potential to cause serious wear and tear on tires, drive axles and possibly even the transfer case. Parking can also be a chore. Designed to lock the front and rear axles together, four-wheel drive has the effect of widening the turning radius. Consequently, it requires a great deal of effort and patience to park in a tight space or maneuver through the taut confines of a mall parking lot.
By comparison, all-wheel drive allows the front and rear wheels to rotate at different speeds. In this way, traction can be maintained while vehicle handling is improved.
Most all-wheel drive systems are designed to split the amount of available traction; 60% to the rear wheels, 40% at the front. Under normal driving conditions, this set-up works fine. On a slippery road surface, however, it becomes a job for the viscous coupling unit to split the amount of traction based on specific wheel needs.

Volvo's Electronically Controlled Coupling
A viscous coupling unit is a particular kind of fluid coupling in which the input and output shafts mate with thin alternately spaced discs in a cylindrical chamber. The chamber is filled with a viscous fluid that tends to cling to the discs, thereby resisting speed differences between the two shafts. Viscous couplings are used to limit the speed difference between the two outputs of a differential, or between the two axles of a vehicle.
In simple terms, if one wheel starts to slip more than the others, traction is restored to that wheel via the viscous coupling unit.
New technologies and materials have made all-wheel drive units smaller, lighter, and more responsive. Subaru and Audi may have the most experience with all-wheel drive, but manufacturers such as Porsche, General Motors, BMW, and Mercedes are showing a full range of all-wheel drive vehicles to suit every price range.

Suzuki SX4 Crossover
The Suzuki SX4 Crossover is a great example of superb all-wheel drive technology at an affordable price. Suzuki’s 3-mode Intelligent All-Wheel-Drive, (i-AWD) provides excellent control over the traction characteristics of the vehicle. On dry paved roads, two-wheel drive operation is the standard setup. Switching to i-AWD on snow and ice allows power to be delivered to the wheels in need of traction. An additional feature allows for locking the i-AWD system on extra slick road conditions.
All-wheel drive is a technology well suited for the vehicles of today. Consider it the next time you purchase a new or used vehicle. Chances are excellent you’ll be pleasantly surprised and wonder why you waited so long.

Volvo 3CC

2008-05-28T22:18:00.000-07:00

The Volvo 3CC concept car, a rocket-shaped three-seater, can accommodate the full range of power systems, from traditional gasoline and alternative fuels such as ethanol, to hybrid and all electric. Three thousand lithium-ion batteries, just like those used in laptop computers, give it the equivalent of 105 horsepower. The 3CC has the aerodynamics of a two-seat sports car, but can slip a third passenger, or perhaps two children, in a single seat in the back.

Ford Mercury Meta One

2008-05-28T22:17:00.001-07:00

The Mercury Meta One combines a hybrid transmission with a twin-turbocharged V-6 diesel engine calibrated to run on a bio-diesel blend (fuel made from natural, renewable sources such as vegetable oils). The combination is designed to produce the power of a V-10, with emission levels clean enough to meet California's Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle (PZEV) requirement.

Daihatsu UFE III

2008-05-28T22:15:00.002-07:00

Daihatsu, the Japanese car company known for compacts, is on the third generation of the UFE (which stand for Ultra Fuel Economy). This mini-hybrid vehicle can transport three people—one upfront, and two in the back. The hybrid system comprises a 660-cubic centimeter direct-injection gasoline engine, two motors, and a nickel-metal hydride battery. Its estimated fuel economy is 169 miles per gallon.

Nissan Pivo

2008-05-28T22:15:00.001-07:00

Nissan has developed a bubble-shaped, three-seater electric car called the Pivo—short for pivot. It runs exclusively on electricity. The cabin sits atop a wheeled platform that can swivel 360 degrees, doing away with the need to reverse when emerging from narrow spaces.

BMW X3

2008-05-28T22:13:00.000-07:00

The X3 combines a next-generation direct-injection inline six-cylinder engine with an electric motor—and a supercapacitor instead of the rechargeable batteries most hybrids use. A supercapacitor discharges all of its energy in a quick burst of power. Then, the gasoline engine takes over until the regenerative braking can recharge the supercapacitor for another quick burst. The system provides a modest 20% improvement in fuel economy over current models.

Toyota Volta

2008-05-28T22:12:00.000-07:00

The Volta's 3.3-liter V-6 gas engine is located behind the rear axle and isn't connected directly to the wheels. Instead, movement is provided by two electric engines, one per axle, offering the safety benefits of all-wheel drive. But the real gain of packaging a large internal-combustion engine with two electric motors is rip-roaring speed: The 408-horsepower hybrid drive can go from 0 to 60 in 4 seconds.

GM Saab Aero X

2008-05-28T22:11:00.000-07:00

The two-seat Saab Aero X doesn't have doors or a fixed windshield. Instead, the entire face of the vehicle opens up. Inside, the Saab Aero X's cockpit completely eliminating conventional dials and buttons. Instead, Saab displays data on glass-like acrylic "clear zones" in graphic 3-D images. The drivetrain is just as innovative as the body design. The Aero X combines turbo-charging and the use of bio-fuel to deliver 400-horsepower performance without burning a drop of petroluem. The V6 engine is fueled entirely by 100% ethanol. This reduces the tank-to-wheel carbon emissions of the vehicle to exactly zero. Can't find pure ethanol? No problem for the Aero X. The engine management system will make adjustments for any gasoline-ethanol blend

The Volkswagen Chameleon

2008-05-28T22:09:00.000-07:00

On the outside, the Volkswagen Chameleon Microbus looks like it rolled right out of the set of a 1960s surfer movie. But times have changed in the world of energy and technology. Volkswagen retrofitted the 1964 Deluxe Microbus for a new generation by installing an all-electric drive powered by lithium polymer batteries. Ten 30-volt batteries under the van’s floor provide a range of about 100 miles. A recharge takes about 6 hours. Surfboards mounted on the roof are lined with flexible solar panels that provide an additional source of energy. The vehicle needs all the energy it can find to power an arsenal of interactive digital cabin features, including imbedded touch-pads and speech activated controls. Don't expect to ever see this vehicle on the road. Volkswagen is using the Chameleon strictly as a marketing tool to showcase a movie-fantasy future of automotive electronics.

The Honda FCX Concept

2008-05-28T22:05:00.000-07:00

The Honda FCX Concept uses a secret weapon to deliver more power than its predecessor fuel cell vehicles: gravity. Honda calls it a "3V" system: "Vertical gas flow, vertebral layout, and volume-efficient packaging." In the 3V schema, oxygen and hydrogen flow from the top to the bottom of the fuel cell stack and the fuel cells are arranged vertically in the center tunnel for more efficient packaging of the fuel cells. With these improvements, the FCX fuel-cell car now has a driving range of 354 miles—a 30 percent improvement from the 2005 model—and a maximum speed of 100 miles per hour. The vehicle can driven in temperatures as low as minus 86 degrees Fahrenheit. The super-slick Honda FCX Concept has a long and ultra-low profile that is anything but vertical.

GM Sequel

2008-05-28T22:01:00.000-07:00

Concept Green Cars

The Sequel is based on a design that puts all propulsion systems, steering, braking and chassis components packed into the car's 11-inch underbelly. By packing all the functionality into what the company calls a "skateboard" chassis, GM claims they'll have greater freedom for the car's interior and exterior design. GM has been working on the skateboard approach for a number of years, and the Sequel is apparently their breakthrough. With the company's advances in fuel cells, by-wire technology, and wheel hub motors, GM has doubled the range to 300 miles—on its hydrogen supply—and halved the 0-60 times to under ten seconds.

Swis Auto Show 2008

2008-05-27T18:51:00.000-07:00

Swiss bank accounts, high-end watches, exclusive spas, Geneva has it all to cater to the super rich. The auto show is no exception. Crowded cheek-by-jowl in the Palexpo are the world's most expensive rides....as the old saying goes, if you have to ask how much, you can't afford it.
So, you're the grand marshal of a parade and you want to bring your own vehicle. The perfect ride for giving the royal wave is the Maybach Landaulet. Patterned after the grand classics of the 1930s, the driver up front is covered by a hardtop, while the passenger compartment has a fabric foldaway top.
For those who like open-air driving on a more personal scale, the Alfa Romeo 8C Convertible is a fun and sexy way to get those kicks. The drop-top version of the 8C Competizione retains that car's sleek lines and ample get-up-and-go from the 450-horsepower V-8

If open-top motoring is not your thing, the Rolls-Royce Phantom Coupe could be just the ticket. The coupe started life as the Drophead (convertible) version of the Phantom, so it retains that model's unusual suicide doors and an extremely stiff body structure. Power comes from a 453-bhp 6.75-liter V-12.
Brooklands is a famed racing oval in England, so if a car is so named, it must promise swift motoring. Such is the mission of the Bentley Brooklands, a massive 4-place coupe that not only provides high speed thrills, but also transports its occupants in the lap of luxury. While Mercedes-Benz has Maybach to cater to the high-buck crowd, its flagship two-seater is no slouch when it comes to satisfying the whims of the wealthy. The Mercedes-Benz SL63 AMG is not only redesigned for the 2009 model year, but also boasts a much higher level of performance thanks to the hand-built 6.3-liter V-8 nestled beneath the hood.
One of the most expensive cars in the world is the Bugatti Veyron EB 16.4. Last year, the legendary marque offered a special edition called the Pur Sang of which only five were built. Now comes a second limited-edition model, the Bugatti Veyron Hermes, done in conjunction with the legendary Paris design house. High style and 1000 horsepower from a 16-cylinder engine...what's not to like?

Dodge Viper - Price, Photos, Reviews & Features

2008-05-27T18:35:00.000-07:00

As 500 horsepower becomes passé in the pantheon of exotic sports cars, Dodge has upped the ante considerably with the new 2008 Dodge Viper SRT10, which now produces a pulverizing 600 horsepower and 560 lb.-ft. of torque from its larger 8.4 liter Viper V10 engine with variable valve timing (VVT) and new Cam-in-Cam® technology. It all adds up to a nearly 20-percent increase in power over last year’s model. Needless to say, the only proper configuration is the standard rear-wheel drive setup with a Tremec T56 six-speed manual transmission featuring a viscous limited-slip differential.
Available as a two-seat coupe or open-air roadster, the Viper SRT10 handles with a vengeance. With incredible control, feedback, and over 1.05 g of lateral cornering force, the car has a fully independent suspension with aluminum control arms, front and rear stabilizer bars, and wide Michelin® Pilot® Sport PS2™ tires riding on 18-inch front wheels and massive 19-inch rear wheels.
Of course, you’d expect show-stopping brakes as well, and the Viper doesn’t disappoint. Red Brembo® four-piston aluminum calipers are mated to huge 355mm vented disc brakes with four-wheel antilock control and brake assist. Expect world class stopping distances from this track-ready setup.
As a singularly-minded representation of the modern American muscle car, the exterior styling is as amazing as the performance. The track-tuned coupe has a double-bubble hardtop roof, while the classic roadster has a removable convertible clamshell roof. Both models have side-exit exhaust pipes that let the V10 engine sing, while a new hood features a larger functional air intake with six vents.
Drivers are treated to comfort and style, with four newly available two-tone interior color combinations, race-inspired deeply sculpted bucket seats, and leather-trimmed fabric with Preferred Suede® inserts.
With the 2008 Dodge Viper SRT10 pushing horsepower and handling limits into the stratosphere, it will surely generate interesting responses from major competitors like the Chevrolet Corvette Z06 and Ford’s Shelby GT500 Mustang

Extreme Car Concepts

2008-05-27T18:22:00.000-07:00

While Switzerland is a neutral country and has no indigenous automaker of its own, independent design houses the world over have adopted the Geneva salon as their “home” show. As a result, the annual gathering throws a spotlight on some of the most innovative concept cars you’ll ever see.
Based in Turin, just on the other side of the Alps from Geneva, Pininfarina created a new take on the fuel-cell/electric hybrid in the Sintesi. Rather than design the body around the mechanicals, it formed the drive package around the interior and exterior shape to come up with one of the most stunning 4-door sedans in recent memory.
Sometime a concept is about something more than just its exterior design. The Fioravanti Hidra is one such car. While it looks futuristic, the real showstopper here is the lack of windshield wipers. A special coating, including something called “nano dust,” keeps the glass clean and protects the interior from harmful UV light.
One of the grand masters of design is Giorgetto Giugiaro, who celebrates his 40th year designing cars with the Italdesign Giugiaro Quarantra. This sleek showcar incorporates Toyota’s Synergy Hybrid Drive system in a mid-engine layout and promises to be one of the fastest hybrids ever with a top speed of 155 mph.
It’s not just design houses that show their chops at shows, but also manufacturers. Magna Steyr, which produces vehicles for BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Chrysler in nearby Austria, offered its take on a futuristic off-roader call the MILA Alpin. This tiny off-roader is said to be able to negotiate inclines as steep as 45 degrees.
Frank Rinderknecht has raised the art of bringing extreme concepts to Geneva to a high art. The Rinspeed sQuba is no exception. This Lotus Elise-based show car is actually a submersible with electric drive both on land and under the sea.

Lincoln MKT Concept

2008-05-12T18:39:00.000-07:00

Lincoln just might be on a roll. OK, maybe that's a little premature, but Ford's luxury division is definitely approaching the appearance of possibly getting close to being on a roll.The Lincoln MKS started the marque's momentum at the Los Angeles auto show back in November. The luxury sedan drew praise for its style as well as its twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6, delivering an estimated 340 horsepower and more than 340 pound-feet of torque on regular gas.Now here's the Lincoln MKT concept, a crossover SUV that promises everything to everybody, according to Mark Fields, Ford's president of the Americas. He says, "The Lincoln MKT concept offers the comfort of a luxury sedan, the spaciousness and flexibility of a full-size utility and the performance of a sporty roadster — executed with new technologies and materials that make it as environmentally friendly as it is elegant."Impressive if true, but it'll still be nicknamed the MR.T. Like Britney's breakdown, it's only a matter of time. And space. This is a big vehicle. Its dimensions mimic those of the Buick Enclave, with a couple of notable exceptions. The Lincoln is 6.6 inches longer and 8 inches lower than the Buick. And this gives the SUV an emotional long, low, wide look.The low roof line is certainly the MKT's watermark, but if it sacrifices headroom for style then the production version of the MKT will have a shorter lifespan than a housefly. Lincoln says no, boasting front and rear headroom figures better than the Buick's. Surprisingly, there is no third-row seat. In fact, the MKT only seats four and they each get their own "executive-size" chair.Under the hood of the MKT concept is the same twin-turbocharged, direct-injection 3.5-liter V6 that we saw in the MKS. But with a twist. Lincoln says the "EcoBoost engine is flex-fuel capable, providing the driver with the flexibility to switch back and forth between premium gasoline and E85 ethanol-gas blend." Lincoln also says the concept's V6 makes 415 hp at 5,750 rpm and 400 lb-ft of torque, which is believable.That power passes through a six-speed automatic transmission and an all-wheel-drive system before reaching the MKT's 21-inch, chrome, 14-spoke cast-aluminum wheels. The rear suspension is independent.This is where we should probably tell you how some of the MKT's plastic body panels are made from discarded soft-drink bottles and other polyester waste, but it's more fun to try to explain the SUV's instrument cluster, which Lincoln says is inspired by Swarovski crystals. Told you so.Other cool touches are the glass roof, the hand-knotted rug from banana silk and a very inventive cargo system. Designers integrated a power lift system that raises and lowers a series of rails behind the rear seats to allow flat loading or compartmentalized storage.

Detroit Auto Show: Geely Automobile

2008-05-12T18:31:00.000-07:00

Geely Automobile is ambitious. The Chinese company produced 2 million cars in 2006 and aims to produce 20 million cars in 2015. It's not quite ready to sell in the U.S. but the company says it is inevitable.
The LTI pictured above is exactly what it looks like -- a London Taxi. Not a clone of a London Taxi, but the real thing. Geely entered an agreement to produce it in China as part of a joint venture.
Aside from the LTI, Geely produces cars comprised of Chinese intellectual property, and that includes powertrains -- it doesn't borrow major hardware components from other manufacturers.
Taking a gander at the FC sedan pictured above, it's pretty clear the company won't have GM or Toyota in a stranglehold anytime soon. However, caution would state that other automakers keep their eyes on Geely, else be blindsided by a Hyundai-like ascent into maturity

Jeep Renegade

2008-05-12T17:11:00.000-07:00

The Renegade name calls to mind a crusty CJ with tacky decals and maybe a Liberty with a gratuitous rack of driving lights. But the Jeep Renegade concept shown here in Detroit has little in common with either of those vehicles. It has about the same footprint as a standard-wheelbase Jeep Wrangler, and it's a roadster since it doesn't have a convertible top and not even a vinyl-covered hardtop. Whereas the Wrangler is engineered to conquer the natural world, Jeep says the Renegade is designed to be "at one with nature," albeit in a science-nerd kind of way. Like Land Rover's Land_e concept, the Jeep Renegade is on a quest to harmonize environmentally friendly technology with off-road capability. To that end, it has a pair of electric motors, each good for 268 horsepower. Since one's mounted in front and the other in back, the Renegade is effectively a four-wheel-drive platform. Jeep even claims it has a low-range mode and lockable differentials, but offers no further details on how this is possible. Since the 16-kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery pack only provides 40 miles of range, the Renegade has a 1.5-liter, three-cylinder diesel engine as an auxiliary power source located under the hood. You wouldn't think an engine this small would provide useful motivation, but Jeep's concept only weighs 3,150 pounds thanks to an aluminum frame and composite body panels. Total cruising range is 400 miles, and the Renegade should hit 60 mph in 8.5 seconds, Jeep says. Although the cabin is largely a styling exercise, it's clear the designers focused on using recyclable materials to ensure feel-good disposal at the end of the Jeep Renegade's service life. The seats, for instance, incorporate composite frames and soy-based foam provides the cushions. As in the Honda Element, they're waterproof. In addition, the Renegade represents probably the most extensive use of wireless technology we've seen in a concept vehicle. All the electronics are sealed plug-and-play units. This setup permits you to swap out the audio and navigation head units with ease, and also makes it possible for Jeep to easily reconfigure the interior for left- and right-hand-drive applications. And because there are no wires, the interior can be hosed down as often as necessary, Jeep tells us. There's a drain plug in the floor.

Saturn Flextreme Concept

2008-05-11T22:35:00.000-07:00

his is yet another GM concept built to showcase the company's E-Flex electric propulsion system. It's called the Saturn Flextreme concept and other than the badge, it's virtually the same vehicle as the Opel Flextreme that debuted in Frankfurt last fall. Given that the two companies are sharing almost every car in their lineups these days, GM figured it only made sense that they share concept vehicles as well.

In this case, the Flextreme's E-Flex drivetrain consists of an electric motor powered by lithium-ion batteries. Saturn says the system is good for 34 miles of all-electric driving. When that juice runs dry, a 1.3-liter diesel engine kicks in to recharge the batteries and extend the range.

Unlike some of GM's earlier concepts that used the E-Flex system, the Flextreme looks like a real car instead of a science project. Saturn says its designers used see-through polycarbonate trim to boost its aerodynamic efficiency without butchering its lines. Clear inserts between the spokes of the wheels smooth out the airflow down the sides, while similar trim pieces serve the same purpose in the grille up front. Polycarbonate was also used for the windshield, windows and most of the roof to keep the weight down.

Inside, the Flextreme only seats four, but there's a generous amount of room in addition to some cargo space out back. Access to that cargo space is made easier through the use of what Saturn calls its FlexDoors system. Hinges at the upper corners of each clamshell-style door allow them to move up and to the side so they can be opened even when the vehicle is parked in tight spaces.

More storage space is also available underneath the rear cargo floor, a system Saturn calls FlexLoad. Open the hatch and the floor extends automatically, a feature Saturn says eliminates the need to lift luggage up and over the edge of the trunk. It's a sizable cargo area, so much so that Saturn showed it stuffed full of two Segways. Naturally, the Segways were kept fully charged by the Flextreme's onboard electrical system.

Like most concepts, the interior itself is a mix of lightweight materials covered in very expensive trim. Single-track seat mounts open up extra floor space, while the clear roof panel makes it feel even more spacious.

The dashboard features two different displays capable of showing everything from a 360-degree view around the vehicle to the controls for the navigation system. There's a full-length center console for storing cell phones and iPods, and according to Saturn they'll stayed charged through induction. We'll have to take their word for it on that one.

Mitsubishi Concept-RA

2008-05-11T22:14:00.000-07:00

Although the current Mitsubishi Eclipse is more attractive and entertaining to drive than it has been since the late 1990s, it will never be accepted by hard-core enthusiasts. It's too big and heavy to be a real sport coupe, and a front-wheel-drive layout seals its fate. Mitsubishi knows this, and with the two-seat Concept-RA coupe, the company is taking a first step toward doing something about it.

If you look at the Concept-RA's basic measurements, it doesn't appear to be a terribly lightweight car. Sure, it's 5 inches shorter than a Mitsubishi Lancer, but its track has been pushed out an additional 3 inches, and exaggerated wheel arches house 21-inch wheels wrapped in 285/30R21 rubber. Then you stumble across the description "aluminum space frame," and it's obvious how Mitsubishi achieved a useful weight loss that suits this car's sporting intentions. In addition, the Concept-RA's body panels are made of recyclable plastic resin.

More interesting to old-school Eclipse fans, though, will be the return to turbocharged motivation, even if this coupe is just a concept for now.

This time the turbocharger is bolted onto a 2.2-liter inline-4 with four valves per cylinder. The engine incorporates variable intake valve lift, while the variable-geometry turbo can alter exhaust gas flow to improve boost response. The result is 201 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque — healthy numbers for a diesel of this displacement. Mitsubishi says the engine would meet U.S. emissions standards with the help of a NOx catalyst and a particulate filter.

Since the Concept-RA has more torque than the current Eclipse GT or even an Evolution X, Mitsubishi's six-speed, dual-clutch sequential gearbox drives all four wheels through a next-generation version of the company's all-wheel-drive system.

In addition to the adjustable center differential (ACD) and active yaw control (AYC) rear differential previously seen on the Evo, the Concept-RA's setup adds active steering and suspension control to the mix. We have yet to experience an active steering system we actually like, but given how natural and intuitive the Evo X feels with active yaw control, maybe Mitsubishi can change our minds.

2008 Detroit Auto Show: Fisker Karma

2008-05-09T21:39:00.000-07:00

The concept of a hybrid that looks like a version of the Maserati Gran Turismo appeals a great deal to us.

And obviously it appeals a great deal to Henrik Fisker. The former BMW and Aston Martin designer launched off on his own to produce modified versions of BMW and Mercedes-Benz vehicles a few years ago. Fisker has since seen the light and has conceived of the Karma, a hybrid sport-luxury coupe. We wish him well. We want to believe that it's possible to produce a bespoke car that has a huge pack of lithium-ion batteries, can travel 50 miles on pure electric power and lists for $80,000. Oh, and Fisker says it will be able to accelerate from 0-60 in 5.8 seconds and top out at 125 mph. And just for good measure Fisker is putting a solar panel on the roof. We have our doubts.

Unveiled: 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLK

2008-05-09T21:36:00.001-07:00

STUTTGART, Germany — With the next-generation SLK still nearly three years away, Mercedes-Benz is readying a midcycle face-lift for the 2009 model.

Due to reach European showrooms next spring just after its public debut at the 2008 Geneva Auto Show, the updated SLK gets new front- and rear-end styling, an updated cockpit and enhanced mechanicals.

The 3.5-liter V6 in the SLK350 gets a boost in output to 305 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque. Fuel economy is improved with both the six-speed manual and seven-speed automatic gearboxes. The supercharged 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine in the SLK200 Kompressor receives a bump to 184 hp and 184 lb-ft. But the 5.5-liter V8 in the SLK55 AMG is carried over with no major changes.

Mercedes is also offering a new direct-steering system with variable assist as an option on the SLK; it's standard on the SLK55 AMG.

Visual changes include a new front bumper with modified airdam and a more pronounced arrow shape to emphasize the relationship with the SLR McLaren. The rear end now features a diffuser-style lower section housing trapezoidal exhaust pipes. The exterior mirrors have LED indicators, and the choice of alloy wheels is mostly new.

The AMG edition has a new front apron with black cross strut and side air outlets, as well as darkened headlamps.

Inside, all models receive a new instrument cluster and a revised three-spoke steering wheel with multifunction buttons.

Lexus LF-A Roadster

2008-05-09T21:23:00.000-07:00

What is it?
Lexus LF-A Roadster

What's special about it?
The Lexus LF-A is threatening to give Nissan's GT-R a run for its money. Not on the track, but in the all-important hype department. You see, we first saw the LF-A in concept form at the 2005 Detroit Auto Show. Then two years later, Lexus showed up with yet another LF-A concept, that one looking very much ready for production.

Now here we are at the 2008 Detroit Auto Show and Lexus shows up with yet another version of the LF-A. This time it's the LF-A Roadster, and although it's still technically a concept, all the details say it's pretty close to the production car that's expected to show up in the next 12 months.

Like last year's coupe, the LF-A Roadster is built from aluminum and carbon fiber. It measures 175.6 inches long and 74.6 inches wide, and this makes it about 2 inches shorter and an inch narrower than a Ferrari F430. It rides on a wheelbase of 102.6 inches versus the Ferrari's 102.4-inch stretch.

The exterior shape remains the same, although the roadster gets what Lexus calls a "speed adaptive" spoiler. The 20-inch wheels are new, too, although they don't look all that different from the coupe's double-spoke design. The tires measure 265/35R20 up front and 305/30R20 in back, while the front brakes use six-piston calipers to clamp 14.2-inch rotors.

There's been no mention so far as to what kind of top the LF-A Roadster might have, but anything less than a fully retractable hardtop would seem a little lowbrow for the six-figure price tag Lexus is expecting to command.

The mechanical parts underneath the skin of the LF-A Roadster are the same as the coupe. A nearly 5.0-liter V10 making more than 500 horsepower resides in the nose, while a transaxle is placed out back, and shift paddles on the steering wheel help you control the connection between the two. Lexus says the combination is good for a top speed over 200 mph. We hear Lexus is shooting for a final number well past that mark.

2009 Honda Pilot Prototype

2008-05-09T21:19:00.000-07:00

What is it?
2009 Honda Pilot Prototype

What's special about it?
Honda reckons that it once ruled the three-row crossover roost. At least back when the Pilot debuted as a 2003 model, it kind of did.

Times have changed, and so will the Pilot when the production version lands in the spring of 2008. With the Mazda CX-9 and GMC Acadia/Buick Enclave/Saturn Outlook adopting the same formula for "big three-row unibody powered by a V6," plus smaller crossovers abounding, the field is looking pretty crowded.

But it's not as if Honda is going to bust out with a twin-turbocharged V12 or build a body-on-frame vehicle just to be different. That leaves styling as the company's primary means to stand proud of the rest.

You'll note that Honda is very careful to call this vehicle a prototype and not a "concept" or a "production vehicle." Think of this as a "production preview" and you've got the right vibe. Lose the concept-car headlights and put a cheaper paint job or smaller wheels on it and you've got the Alabama-built crossover nailed.

Honda believes that the truck's new blocky styling "communicates strength." OK, we suppose that in comparison to the pointy-nosed Acura MDX, which is based on the same structure, or the smiling CX-9, the Pilot is butch. It does have a sort-of carved-from-billet look.

The company isn't saying much about the mechanical systems, but we don't expect a revolution here. It will be powered by a V6, of course. But this one will incorporate the new version of the Variable Cylinder Management system that Honda introduced for the new Accord V6. It can run on six or three or even four cylinders, depending on how much power the driver demands. And we expect that it will operate almost imperceptibly, if our experience with the Accord is any indication.

Honda also claims that the interior of the new Pilot will be roomier and says the 60/40-split third row now provides enough knee room for an "above-average-sized adult male." Honda makes no mention of available room for gigantic women.

2008 Detroit Auto Show: Ferrari Goes Green With F430 Spider Biofuel

2008-05-09T21:11:00.000-07:00

DETROIT — You don't often use the words "Ferrari" and "tree hugger" in the same sentence. But the Italian marque seems to be headed in a decidedly green direction with the debut of its Ferrari F430 Spider Biofuel at the 2008 Detroit Auto Show.

The unveiling of the Spider Biofuel was done with very little fanfare, which led some industry observers to question just how dedicated Ferrari is to going green in a big way. Ferrari said it took the wraps off its green prototype "in recognition of growing interest in North America in alternative sources of energy." It said the "ultimate aim" is to cut fuel consumption and emissions on the car by 40 percent by 2012.

Ferrari's green machine shows that the company "can offer the technological solutions the market demands without impinging on the distinctly sporty, high-performance character and supreme driving pleasure of the unique cars it builds at Maranello," it said in a statement.

Ferrari says technical characteristics have remained unchanged with respect to a standard production engine on this prototype. "The use of this type of biofuel and the modifications made have resulted in a significant increase in maximum power output (plus-10 horsepower at the same rpm) and torque (plus-4 percent), yet overall weight was unchanged," the company said in a statement. The Spider Biofuel delivers a 5 percent drop in CO2 emissions, according to the automaker.

2009 Cadillac CTS-V Sets Nurburgring Record

2008-05-09T21:05:00.000-07:00

NURBURG, Germany — Cadillac announced today that the 2009 Cadillac CTS-V has run a 7:59.32 lap of the Nürburgring Nordschleife in the hands of GM Performance Division's John Heinricy. This is thought to be the fastest-ever lap time for a production sedan on this demanding 73-corner, 12.9-mile racetrack.

The redesigned CTS-V is no stranger to the Nordschleife, as it was here that spy photographers first spotted this car in heavy camouflage. The high-performance sedan is now in the final stages of development and testing, says Cadillac, and this particular CTS-V had no significant modifications over and above the production specification.

Although not confirmed as the fastest lap any sedan has ever run on the Nürburgring, there's no denying the 2009 Cadillac CTS-V has the hardware to pull off such a feat. The power source in the CTS-V is GM's supercharged 6.2-liter LSA V8 and it's rated for an estimated 550 horsepower at 6,200 rpm and 550 pound-feet of torque. We'd guess this particular car also had the six-speed manual transmission, which will be offered as a hard-core alternative to the usual automatic.

First Drive: 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL550

2008-05-09T20:53:00.000-07:00

Speed Read

Vehicle Tested:
2009 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class

First Impressions:
Still a unique combination of very-high-performance sports car and luxury roadster, only better.

Featured Specs

5.5-liter V8
18-inch wheels and tires
7-speed automatic transmission
Active Body Control (ABC)

The optional new Direct-Steer System on this 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL550 Roadster, combined with the suspension's standard Active Body Control, makes the car particularly well suited for, well, anything. And right now "anything" is a hard run through the San Bernardino Mountains east of Los Angeles. Top down.

The setup gives you perfect feedback and absolutely flat cornering at any speed — so much so that we're soon testing our own mettle, pushing through the next turn at a higher speed, then higher, then higher yet. We never reach the car's limits; instead we reach ours and back off lest we test the laws of physics on a road with no Armco and a 7,500-foot elevation.

A Look at the New Look
The 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL550 represents the first major overhaul of the fifth-generation (R230) SL roadster since the car's introduction in 2003. Mercedes-Benz calls it a partial reskin, and the sheet metal differences are clearly visible.

Mercedes admits that the restyling was necessary because some of its customers complained of the 2003-'08 car being "too girly," perceiving it as a "chick" car. Indeed, there is no shortage of SLs being driven around by wealthy 60-year-old men and 30-year-old trophy wives.

So after more than 140,000 SLs since 2003, the company felt the iconic roadster needed a more masculine design to get more men behind the wheel. This Mercedes-Benz has clearly done.

New Tech Gets It Done
They've improved the SL under that new skin, too. The new Direct-Steer system continually varies the ratio of the steering from 12:1 to 15:1, depending on the angle of the front wheels and the speed and load forces on the suspension components. At the heart of the system is a new rack with ingeniously devised gearing — the gears actually vary in their distance from each other.
In and around the central position, the steer ing is a larger numerical ratio for good straight-line stability. Once the steering angle reaches 5 degrees, the ratio becomes smaller numerically and the steering quickens, reducing the number of turns lock-to-lock.
Brakes remain unchanged, with 13.8-inch-diameter front discs and 12.6-inch-diameter discs in the rear. And truth be told, no change or upgrade is needed. Apply the brakes hard and a giant hand seems to come out of nowhere to safely haul you down from any speed with excellent pedal feel and modulation.

Tire size also remains the same, 255/40WR18 front and 285/35WR18 out back, but the wheels wear a new design to match the car's more macho look.

As Easy as ABC
M-B engineers have also further refined the SL's standard Active Body Control (ABC) system. You'll remember that ABC completely eliminates antiroll stabilizer bars front and rear and replaces them with computer-controlled shock absorbers that constantly control body movement depending on the car's speed, steering angle and other factors.

In its newest iteration, the system compensates for the body's pitching, rolling and lifting movements, as well as continually adjusting the suspension settings to changing driving conditions. In fact, the system will automatically dial in oversteer when you're cornering hard to make the car more responsive, change to neutral at lower speeds, then change to understeer at high straight-line speeds to ensure straight-ahead stability.

The suspension ride is also adjustable. In more mundane everyday driving, dial in the suspension's Comfort setting and you could be in a luxury S-Class sedan for all your butt knows. Dial it up to Sport and experience a level of handling and maneuverability that is far beyond the driving capability of 99 percent of the drivers who will ever sit behind the wheel of this car.

Under the Hood
The SL's V8 still displaces 5.5 liters and develops 382 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 391 pound-feet of torque at 2,800 rpm. But M-B claims an improvement in fuel consumption. New EPA estimates for the car are 14 city/21 highway.
We wish the carmaker would improve the DOHC engine's bottom-end torque. When you punch down the throttle, you still have to wait a few milliseconds for the revs to build and the engine to climb up on the cams. When that happens, however, things happen, fast.
M-B claims a 0-60 time of 5.3 seconds, which is quicker than about 95 percent of all other cars we've ever tested. Still, thanks to the SL's numerically low 2.65:1 rear axle ratio, you can't really call this car's acceleration explosive. Instead there's a hard, steady push against your spine and eyeballs that doesn't let up until you either lift or hit the electronically controlled rev limiter at the car's 155-mph top speed.

Automatically Cool
Backing up the engine is the same seven-speed 7G-Tronic automatic transmission from last year, which, by the way, is not the same as the seven-speed auto in the SL63 AMG version of this car. In the SL550, the trans still uses a torque converter while the new Speedshift MC7 version in the SL63 AMG replaces the torque converter with a wet clutch.
We don't like the SL550's transmission; we love it. As the revs climb, you can bang off shifts right at the redline with either the steering wheel paddles or the good old console-mounted stick. Either way, shifts are bang-quick and solid as a safe.
What are even cooler are the downshifts. The 7G-Tronic boasts fast-action downshifts with a double-declutching function that is automatically triggered during manual downshifts. What that means is that the computer blips the throttle for you just like on a stick shift transmission with a clutch. It sounds so cool and it makes you feel like Helio Castroneves — driving, not dancing.

Inside the Cockpit
Mercedes-Benz executives are very proud of the state-of-the-art telematics system in the SL. The dash-mounted monitor is now brighter with better graphics and the company claims it has a more streamlined user-friendly menu structure.
A new music capability gives you a capacity of 4GB on the 40GB hard drive, enough for storing about 1,000 tracks of music. And they'll play back with Dolby Digital 5.1 sound. You can also simply plug your SD card into the slot on the head unit and play back your own music catalog.
There's other newness inside as well, starting with a new-design three-spoke sports steering wheel with the now ubiquitous shift paddles. The instrument panel sports new-design dials with 3-D scale rings. When the ignition is switched on, the tach and speedo needles flick all the way to the peg, then settle back on the 6 o'clock position until the engine is started.
M-B claims that the new-design instrument panel provides optimal instrumentation shielding, but we found the electronic LCD information readouts virtually impossible to see, top up or down. If there is a control to make them brighter, we never found it. So when manually shifting, we never really knew what gear we were in or, for that matter, what suspension setting.

SL in Retrospect
Now that we're a few days separated from our drive, the word "capable" keeps coming to mind. This is a car that is immensely capable no matter what the road challenge or driving condition.
Yes, you can probably say the same thing about almost any Mercedes-Benz automobile. Still, we wouldn't trade the two-seat sportiness or the surrounding luxury for any other car — at least for the two days we were in the SL. It really is a unique combination of very-high-performance sports car and luxury car. There's still nothing else quite like it in the marketplace.

And the top drops in 16 seconds.

Toyota IQ Concept

2008-05-09T20:39:00.001-07:00

A good example of a perfect packaging - Toyota IQ is less then 3 meters in length and 2 m width but could accommodate 3 adults and a child.

The air conditioning is scaled down in the concept. The flat fuel tank is located in the center and differential is located behind the driveshaft which allows the wheels to be placed in the extreme corners that results in very short over hangs.

According to Toyota, IQ is designed to meet Euro NCAP’s 5 star safety rating standards. The steering is flat bottomed which has in-built audio controls that gives extra leg rooms for the driver. The rear seats could be folded for additional luggage space.

The car will go for sale in UK market in 2009. Toyota is for long is trying to built a cheap small car that could be sold in multiple car markets with ease and this could be first step towards that.

The engine comes from Aygo - 1 liter 3-cylinder petrol and next in line will be 1.3 liter 4-cylinder petrol and diesel engine.

2009 Volvo XC60 - Safest Volvo Car

2008-05-09T20:33:00.000-07:00

Volvo revealed their new 2009 Volvo XC60 at Geneva Motor show and thus entered boldly into the toughest terrain of the motoring world. Volvo officials claimed that their new model will have both the toughness of SUV and the luxury of a Coupe. It is one of the safest Volvos ever built.

In the new car Volvo has introduced “City Safety” which will help driver reduce the damage caused in the low speed impacts which is common in the cities.

Volvo further claimed that they are the first manufacturer in the world to provide such safety feature in the standard version. The safety features are:

Prevent accidents
Protects occupants in collision.

Te car will be launched with 3 engine variants i.e.:

3.0L inline-six turbo petrol that produces 286ps
2.4L D that will produce 165ps
2.4L D5that will produce 187ps

More variants might be planned which would be known once the production of the car will start.

With new 2009 Volvo XC60 company is going to target gadget and gizmo lover youth consumers. The sales target for XC60 is 50,000 units per year and the car will be built at Volvo car factory at Ghent, Belgium.

Volkswagen Scirocco

2008-05-09T00:18:00.000-07:00

UNOFFICIALLY, The coupe will be a 2+2 based on the Volkswagen Golf chassis and will use the same 1.4 liter twin-charged (SuperTurbo) engine as the Volkswagen Golf GT.
Although there have been a lot of rumours for sometime that VW is to ad a coupe model to its line-up, this is the first confirmation that the carmaker has such plans.
It will take its styling cues from VW’s 2003 Frankfurt Motor Show stunner, the Concept R. In production guise this 2+2 seater will also share its design with that of the new Eos coupe cabriolet and Passat. The new coupe will share its underpinnings with that of the Jetta and it VW will offer it with three engine choices.
The entry-level model will get the company’s new 1.4-litre Twincharger FSI unit and it will also be available with the GTI’s 147kW 2-litre turbocharged engine. Under the bonnet of the range-topping model will the new 3.2-litre V6 engine of the Golf R32.

Volkswagen Bora

2008-05-09T00:14:00.000-07:00

Volkswagen is presenting the New Bora in a dual world premiere at Auto China 2008 in Beijing. The New Bora is to be recommended especially for families as a practical, high-end, versatile and dynamic companion for every day of the year.

The new models should contribute to further solidifying Volkswagen’s successful position as market leader in China. In 2007 the Volkswagen brand sold more than 780,000 vehicles – a new record. At the same time, this sales record validates the Volkswagen strategy of systematically bringing German knowhow into harmony with Chinese culture.At its market introduction, FAW Volkswagen will be offering the New Bora with two modern Euro-4 gasoline engines. Both engines are distinguished by very refined performance and low fuel consumption. The four cylinder engines can be paired with a six-speed automatic (Tiptronic) as an option.

Ferarri 599 gto mugello concept

2008-05-08T23:35:00.000-07:00

Tesla Roadster - Feature

2008-05-06T17:17:00.001-07:00

Burnouts will never sound the same. The moment the first customer took delivery of a Tesla roadster, it became the only all-electric, highway-legal passenger vehicle available in this country in years. Given the several hundred people who’ve plunked down deposits of varying magnitudes for the six-figure roadster over the past couple of years, you might be waiting quite a while for your example, assuming speculators weren’t early investors.
The Tesla is great to look at and, with 6831 lithium-ion cells serving up electric whoop-ass, fun to drive. It offers the possibility of the greenest driving experience around, depending on what generates the electricity feeding your outlets. What separates the Tesla roadster from other EVs, other than remarkable performance, is its range—over 200 miles, more than enough to make it a “real” car. Still need more range? If you can afford a Tesla roadster, you can afford something else with a highly efficient internal-combustion powertrain to take you farther over hill and dale to Grandmother’s house.

Volkswagen Jetta TDI - Feature

2008-05-06T17:09:00.000-07:00

The day the latest TDIs hit the showroom floor, VW dealerships will feature a longer line of eager customers than would a water vendor at a cracker-eating contest. The Jetta TDI is due to arrive in showrooms in all 50 states this summer and, judging from the very similar European model, should get something around 40 mpg on the highway. Welcome to the new face of diesel: stink-, soot-, and (mostly) rattle-free.
Volkswagen emphasizes this point by marketing the TDI Sportwagen that, in addition to being sporty-looking, will scoot to 60 mph in about eight seconds. Diesel prices are currently outpacing gasoline prices by about 20 percent, but this still doesn’t negate the diesel’s overall fuel saving. How quickly you negate the $2000 or so premium for the Jetta TDI’s diesel engine depends on how many miles you drive.

2009 Honda FCX Clarity - Feature

2008-05-06T16:58:00.000-07:00

With its understated shape, comfortable interior, and Accord-like ride, the only hint that the FCX Clarity is any sort of science experiment is the absence of virtually all sound while under way. The first company to bring a mass-market hybrid to U.S. streets, Honda is also one of the first to put hydrogen fuel cells in American driveways.
The FCX Clarity is indeed available but, in all likelihood, not to you. First, you must live close to Torrance, Irvine, or Santa Monica, California, where hydrogen is stored for your subsidized pumping pleasure. It also helps if you are likely to drive your Clarity to red-carpet events or if “of” precedes your last name.

The three-year, $600-a-month lease includes maintenance and insurance but no option to buy. The fuel-cell technology on board this spaceship is worth somewhere around the seven-figure asking price of the Bugatti Veyron, give or take a couple Ferrari F430s, and Honda wants it back.
Hydrogen costs five bucks a kilo, and the car holds 5.3 kilos. A $25 fill should give you 270 miles of real-world driving, making it a relative bargain. Once on the road, all you drop is a trickle of water from the tailpipe and a sizable chunk of dough for your monthly lease.

Saab 9-X BioHybrid Concept

2008-04-29T00:44:00.001-07:00

Looking to become a serious player in the upscale compact market against competitors like Mini, Saab introduced the 9-X BioHybrid Concept 3-door hatchback.

The sleek design is inspired by Saab's Aero X and 9X concepts. This long-roof hatchback (or shooting brake) has the wheels pushed all the way out to the corners for minimal overhangs and smooth, fuselage style bodywork, which recalls Saab's aeronautic heritage. Adding to this streamlined look is the lack of conventional exterior door handles and rearview mirrors.

The wind-cheating shape is also enhanced by several active aerodynamic features, including a rear roof spoiler that extends when car speed excedes 43 mph to help reduce drag and fuel consumption. At that speed, an underbody diffuser is also deployed to manage airflow beneath the vehicle.

Power comes from a biofuel-powered 1.4-liter turbocharged four producing 200 bhp. The engine is mounted to General Motors' next-generation electric hybrid drive system.

The 4-seat 9-X dispenses with the traditional center console. All controls and displays are contained on a large panel that arches in front of the driver from the top of the door molding over to where the traditional center stack is located. Another innovation is the electrically powered slide-out floor in the cargo area, which can be activated when the bottom half of the split tailgate is lowered. The load floor and the backs of the folding rear seats are covered in a grippy rubber material, which holds loose items in place.

GMC Denali XT Hybrid Concept

2008-04-29T00:39:00.000-07:00

This GMC sport-utility truck (SUT) borrows its unit-body construction from the General Motors' Australian Holden unit, which is the prime mover on GM's global rear-drive Zeta platform. While the design is rugged and futuristic, the concept it self harkens back to such car-based pickups as the GMC Caballero and Chevy El Camino.

Riding on a 125.4-in. wheelbase, the Denali XT measures 205.0 in. in overall length and has a 55.0-in.- long cargo box behind its 4-door, 4-passenger cabin. Like GM's truck-based SUTs, the Chevy Avalanche and Cadillac Escalade, the Denali comes with a mid-gate bulkhead that allows the passenger compartment to be opened up to the cargo bed to carry longer items.

Power comes from an all-new 4.9-liter V-8, which produces 326 bhp. This flex-fuel vehicle can be operated on unleaded regular gasoline or ethanol mixtures up to E85. The engine, which features cylinder-deactivation for fuel savings, is mounted to GM's 2-mode hybrid transmission. That system combines a stop-start feature and low-speed electric operation that enables the vehicle to deliver city fuel economy ratings on par with the traditionally higher highway number.

The Denali XT has a payload rating of 1100 lb. and 3500-lb. towing capacity. With an independent suspension and 4-wheel disc brakes, the Denali offers the best of both worlds — the ride and handling of a performance sedan combined with the utility of a compact pickup.

Scion Hako Coupe concept

2008-04-29T00:37:00.000-07:00

Scion is calling the Hako Coupe concept "the sporty version of a box." This vehicle was clearly inspired by Scion's own xB, but officials told us that Tokyo Design Division, which penned the shape, studied global, youth-inspired trends as well. Looking at the concept's high beltline and chopped, blacked-out greenhouse, you can also see that classic American coupes were part of the influence.

Without doubt, the vertical windshield is the car's most striking feature, which we're guessing gives this Scion the aerodynamic efficiency of a brick. Its wraparound rear window could lead one to believe it would cut a cleaner hole through the air if driven in reverse.

Neat features include the race-car-inspired side mirrors that house integrated turn signals. The rear bumper has an integrated fog- and backup light on the left and the exhaust outlet on the right. Up top, there's a full panoramic roof.

Inside, two video monitor screens located on the dash take care of all of your entertainment needs. Videos and music can be uploaded through a Bluetooth connection. The two front and two rear seats are covered with an easy-to-clean urethane and rubber-like upholstery. The Hako Coupe concept's shifter is intended to resemble a large joystick.

Saleen S5S Raptor

2008-04-29T00:32:00.000-07:00

nyone thinking that Steve Saleen's departure from the company that bears his name would result in the end of supercars such as the famous S7... would be wrong. That's because Saleen, now based in Troy, Michigan, as opposed to its former headquarters in Irvine, California, has unveiled an all-new supercar called the S5S Raptor.

If you're thinking the Raptor name has anything to do with the famous American fighter jet, guess again. Saleen chose this name because a raptor is a bird of prey — you know, hawks, falcons and vultures that swoop down from the sky and hook innocent little mice and gophers with their claws and then tear them apart and eat them with their sharp beaks. In other words, the S5S Raptor is intended to be one mean machine.

But unlike the S7, which was a barely-warmed-over race car, the new S5S Raptor is "primarily a street vehicle," according to the company, although a spokesperson stresses that the Raptor's dynamic qualities "will not be compromised." Officials went on to say the Raptor "is designed to provide a truly American alternative to the European exotics."

Power will come from a mid-mounted 5.0-liter supercharged V-8 that will put out 650 bhp at 6300 rpm and 630 lb.-ft. of torque at 4400 rpm. The engine is all-aluminum with three-valves per cylinder and a 10.6:1 compression ratio. The supercharger is a twin-screw system aided by a water-to-air charge cooler. It's also designed to run on E85 ethanol. But Saleen isn't just using ethanol because it's a renewable fuel: "By using ethanol fuel, the powertrain is able to run higher compression and yield approximately 5 percent more horsepower than our normal 5.0-liter supercharged engine," says the company.

A 6-speed manual transmission will come standard in the Raptor, with a paddle-shifted sequential gearbox optional. The performance meter should be pegged with this car: Saleen estimates 0–60 mph in just 3.2 seconds, the quarter mile in 10.9 sec. and a top speed over 200 mph.

The Raptor's aluminum chassis and composite body panels happen to be very similar in size to the Ferrari F430's (seemingly every supercar maker's target these days). And although the Raptor rides on a 106.3-in. wheelbase (same as the S7's), the S5S is 13 in. shorter and 5 in. taller, the last dimension no doubt in attempt to make the new car more people-friendly, which Saleen claims it has done.

Suspension is race-car stuff, with double wishbones front and rear. The front brakes will have 15-in. rotors with 6-piston calipers; rears will be 13 in. with 2-piston calipers. Lots of rubber will be keeping this new Saleen glued to the road: 275/35R-20s up front and 315/35R-20s at the rear.

It also appears that besides the S5S Raptor being a more road- and people-friendly car than the S7 (which is no longer produced for sale in the U.S., although it is still sold abroad), it will also be a lot kinder on your wallet: Saleen expects to sell it for $185,000, compared to the S7 Twin Turbo's price of $580,000.

Ferrari F430 Scuderia

2008-04-29T00:28:00.000-07:00

The Ferrari F430 Scuderia, a lightweight version of the F430 coupe, goes on sale next spring.

The F430 Scuderia, which joins the F430 Coupe and Spyder already on the market, is powered by a 510-hp, 9000-rpm, 4.3-liter V8 engine that makes almost 30 horsepower more than the standard F430 engine. Ferrari says it can go from a dead stop to 62 mph in a mere 3.7 seconds. The engine uses a carbon-fiber intake manifold and a sophisticated spark plug ionization-monitoring ignition system. A paddle-shifted six-speed semiautomatic transmission is standard on the car.

The Scuderia model is a lightweight version of the existing F430 coupe, with a few extra grilles and vents on the body for cooling, and a pair of pointed stripes running over the body from nose to tail. Ferrari says it is completely street legal in the United States, but the car has only the bare minimum of creature comforts for the weekend racer who wants the fastest version available.

Some of the exotic extra-cost features on the Scuderia version include the latest version of the F1 Superfast2 software, which reduces gearshift time down to 60 milliseconds. A new traction control system incorporates F1-Trac traction and stability control with an E-Diff2 electronically controlled clutch-pack differential. Ferrari says the Scuderia version marks the first time all three systems have been combined in a single black box control system. Carbon ceramic brakes are standard equipment.

Beijing Auto Show Unveiled

2008-04-27T22:26:00.000-07:00

As one of the fastest-growing carmakers on the planet, the Chinese automotive industry has taken an unusual approach to staging international auto shows. Like Geneva and Detroit, it has a major exhibition every year, but like the biennial events in places like Frankfurt, Paris and Tokyo, China alternates its big one between Shanghai and Beijing. This year it's Beijing's turn.
The show is a chance for not only the local makers to strut their stuff, but for other global players on hand to show both production and concept cars for both China and international markets.
The most talked about concept at Beijing is the Geely Tiger, which is also known as the Geely GT. This 2-door show car was shown without the Geely badge, leading to some speculation that the automaker has an eye to creating an upscale brand similar to Lexus or Infiniti and that the Tiger would be its flagship model. In any event, this V-6-powered 2+2 is evidence that the Chinese are catching up quickly to the rest of the world and may be a formidable player even in luxury segments.
Relying heavily on its Shanghai design studio, General Motors developed the Buick Invicta show car, which not only hints at what a future LaCrosse midsize sedan might look like, but it also underscores the importance of the Chinese market. Buick actually sells more cars there than it does in the United States. The Invicta brings back an old Buick name from the 1950s and puts it on the flanks of an ultramodern 5-passenger sedan.
Crossovers are the hottest segment in the industry today, and the Audi Q5 made its world debut at Beijing, which shows the universal appeal of these types of vehicles. While the Q5 shares some styling cues with the larger Q7, it has a healthy dollop of station wagon styling, thanks to its thinner pillars and large glass area. The Q5 is intended as a replacement for the Allroad Quattro in Audi's lineup.
Audi wasn't alone with a world debut of a production model. Its Stuttgart-based rival introduced the Mercedes-Benz GLK. This answer to the Q5 in the compact crossover segment has a more truck-oriented design theme. It is boxier, with sharp edges and offers V-6 power in both 2- and all-wheel-drive versions.
Shanghai Automotive Industry Corp. (SAIC) is a multifaceted concern with ties to GM. It also owns the tooling to the Rover 75, which it continues to build today as the Roewe 750. But like Geely, SAIC hopes to expand beyond the Chinese mainland. The new Roewe 550 is a handsome, midsize family sedan that may be the answer to those hopes. Built on a new platform, the 550 is powered by a turbocharged 1.8-liter 4-cylinder engine, which provides good performance and fuel economy.

TechArt GTstreet

2008-04-25T04:13:00.000-07:00

Aftermarket tuners, especially German ones, simply love the Porsche 911 Turbo. TechArt is no different, turning its considerable talents to Zuffenhausen’s 997 edition of the 911 Turbo to create one of the most potent street-legal machines ever.
The GTstreet edition turns up the boost on a pair of BorgWarner Variable Turbine Geometry (VTG) turbochargers to add an extra 150 bhp, extracting a total of 630 bhp and 605 lb.-ft. of torque from Porsche’s 3.6-liter flat 6 engine.
This massive infusion of power produces some stunning performance figures. According to TechArt, the GTstreet is capable of 0-62 mph acceleration of just 3.2 seconds and a top speed of 214 mph. In just 10.9 seconds, the car can reach 124 mph.
In addition to the engine modifications, the GTstreet is equipped with carbon- ceramic brakes with 6-piston front and 4-piston rear calipers. The all-wheel-drive system with its factory installed stability-control system is retained.
Extensive wind-tunnel testing resulted in a striking body design. The GTstreet has larger front openings, a front splitter and lower, wider side rockers that channel air upward into the rear intakes. At the rear is a large wing set at an optimum angle to generate the downforce needed to counteract lift when the car is at top speed.

Rinspeed sQuba Concept

2008-04-25T04:09:00.000-07:00

Swiss car designer Frank M. Rinderknecht has a fascination with the 1977 film The Spy Who Loved Me, wherein James Bond’s Lotus Esprit was able to drive underwater. In that vein, Rinderknecht’s latest Rinspeed creation is a Lotus Elise converted into “the world’s first real submersible car,” according to the company. The conversion was largely performed by Swiss engineering specialist Esoro.
The mid-mounted combustion engine of the Elise was replaced by three electric motors (powered by rechargeable lithium-ion batteries)—one provides propulsion on land, the other two drive the screws for navigating the underworld; two Seabob jet drives are located up front, which breathe through special rotating louvers to open and close the water intake. All of which make the sQuba a zero-emissions vehicle.
When driving on land, the sQuba’s stainless coil-over suspension by KW automotive and large Pirelli tires on custom wheels from AEZ should provide better handling than your typical amphibious vehicle.
The sQuba is functional to a depth of 10 meters, but for safety reasons as the car submerges, the interior (done up by Strähle and Hess to be saltwater resistant, with mother-of-pearl trim and diamond-plated, non-slip inlays from KGS Diamond) gets filled with water. In scuba-diving fashion, an onboard tank of compressed air provides oxygen for the occupants. Bathing suits (or water-resistant clothes) recommended.

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Volvo C30, Ford Focus Top Crash Tests

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The Acura ZDX Revealed

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2010 Prius Price Set at $22,750

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Maserati North America CEO Resigns

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Ford to Launch Ultimate Family Hauler

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Toyota Slashes Price of Prius

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