Tuesday, November 30, 2010

Toyota Recalls 378,000 Prius Vehicles

Toyota Motor Corporation announced it will repair 378,000 Prius vehicles in the United States from model years 2004-2007 to correct a possible water-pump condition that could cause coolant to overheat resulting in reduced power output.
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“The water pump is part of a system designed to cool the hybrid powertrain components and is separate from the engine cooling system,” said John Hanson, Toyota Motor Sales National Manager of Environmental, Quality and Safety Communications. “A fault in the water pump can cause air bubbles to build up and disrupt the flow of coolant, which can lead to overheating.”
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The heating of the components could trigger the check engine light “on” condition. If the temperature of the hybrid components becomes too high, the vehicle will enter “fail-safe mode” to prevent hybrid component damage.
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This customer support campaign is not a recall as Toyota has determined it is not a safety issue and the company has not received any reports of accidents or injuries related to this condition.
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Owners of the involved vehicles will be notified by first class mail beginning in early December 2010. Toyota dealers will replace the water pump with a newly designed one at no charge to the vehicle owner as long as the owner arranges for service before Nov. 30, 2013. Owners who have previously paid for repairs to address this specific condition should refer to the owner letter for instructions regarding reimbursement.

Monday, November 29, 2010

Editor's Opinion: South Korean Auto Market Basically Closed to U. S

While North Korea may be in the midst of starting a war with South Korea, the U. S. auto industry is in a war of its own with South Korea, home of both Hyundai and Kia. Earlier this month President Obama met with South Korean President Lee Myung-bak to discuss allowing free trade, while attending the G20 economic summit. This free trade agreement was just one of many issues President Obama inherited from the previous administration. Unfortunately, after spending countless hours attempting to ratify a new agreement, both countries are at a stalemate.

According to U.S. representatives Dave Camp and Sander Levin, in 2009, South Korea exported more than 476,000 new vehicles here, while on the other hand fewer than 6,000 of our vehicles were accepted by their government - representing less than 1 percent of U. S. vehicles. (The 476,000 exported vehicles don't include the Hyundais and Kias being produced at manufacturing plants in both Georgia and Alabama). Both Hyundai and Kia are on track to have another record new-vehicle sales year, while also exporting over another 400,000 plus vehicles to America this year. Is this a lopsided agreement or what?

Unlike GM and Chrysler, Ford has been an outspoken supporter of an open trade policy. In fact, Ford ran full-page ads earlier this month in newspapers stating: “For every 52 cars Korea ships here, the U.S. can only export one there.” GM has remained neutral since they have ownership stake in a Daewoo plant in South Korea.

Just wondering: How many extra jobs could be created here in the States if South Korea's government allowed us to export 470,000 American-made vehicles into their market? Some critics believe we shouldn't allow any more Korean-based vehicles to be shipped here, until a new agreement is approved, while other have stated that the Obama administration is still working behind the scenes to bring some balance to this lopsided agreement.

Friday, November 26, 2010

Lexus CT 200h: Luxury Brand Making Headway with First Sporty Hybrid Hatchback



Lexus Enters a New Segment

Since hitting the market in the late eighties, Lexus has been known for manufacturing well-built, luxurious, premium-class vehicles. But they haven’t been exciting to drive, specifically their recent slew of hybrids.

However, Lexus is hoping to infuse some energy and excitement into the maturing brand, offering the CT 200h, the brand’s first sporty compact hatchback hybrid, as the brand’s new entry-level vehicle, while offering a 500-horsepower supercar, the LFA, at the top-end of the brand.

Unlike the $375,000 limited-edition LFA, the CT 200h is expected to be in reach of most customers, specifically those seeking a sporty driving hatchback hybrid. The all-new CT 200h, which stands for Compact Touring, will become the brand’s fifth hybrid and first hatchback to join the Lexus line up. In order to experience or purchase the CT 200h one will have to wait until March 1, 2011, that’s when the sporty compact is expected to arrive in showrooms around the country. 


Pricing And the Competition

The luxury brand is literally driving into unchartered territory, no pun intended, with the compact premium segment. Currently, this segment accounts for about 1,500 new-vehicle sales per month. Lexus is aiming for 1,000 new-vehicle sales with their new luxury sports compact, the CT 200h. In true Lexus tradition, the Asian-based automaker plans on both expanding and dominating this segment with their new entry-level vehicle.

The Mazda3 is in the background of the CT 200h. Any similarities?
 Based upon our initial assessment from reviewing the vehicle on the tree-lined streets of West Palm Beach Florida, we believe Lexus can achieve their goal. Not only does this vehicle offer a youthful swagger, with its look-a-like Mazda 3 hatchback exterior design, it should attract a new demographic of buyers just as the four-door IS did a few years ago. Besides Lexus, there isn’t an automaker today building a sporty, but affordable premium-class hybrid. Lexus closes competitor is Audi’s A3, which is available as a fuel-efficient diesel compact wagon.

Wednesday, November 24, 2010

Close to 200,000 Midsized Chevy, GMC And Isuzu Trucks Recalled

General Motors is recalling 192,676 Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon regular cab and extended cab pickup trucks from the 2004-2011 model years and certain 2007-2008 Isuzu i280 and i370 vehicles equipped with a front 60/40 split bench seat.

This is because the child restraint top tether anchor for the front center seat position in these vehicles is not accessible as required by federal motor vehicle safety standards in the United States and Canada.

Without the top tether anchor, the child restraint may not be properly secured. Though the safety standards require the presence of the tether anchorage, GM strongly discourages the use of the center seat position for a child seat because of its proximity to the air bag in a crash.

If a child seat is necessary in a vehicle with no rear seat, GM recommends using the child seat in the right side passenger seat where a top tether anchor is already accessible. Dealers are to service all vehicles subject to this noncompliance recall at no charge to customers, regardless of mileage, age of vehicle, or ownership if the customer requests the repair at any time.

GM knows of no crashes or injuries related to this condition.

2010 Infiniti G37 Coupe: A Vehicle with Swag Appeal



What’s New:

Since the luxurious performance–oriented G37 was last redesigned almost three years ago, the only new changes are inside the cabin for the 2010 model year. For the 2010 model year, all G37 Coupes are now equipped with a standard eight-way power passenger seat to compliment the driver’s seat.

Furthermore, all G37 Coupes outfitted with an automatic transmission are now adorned with a new center console. And, Infiniti has decided to address one of our complaints from the 2009 G37 we reviewed by making the back-up camera standard on almost all of the G37s models for the 2010 model year.  

Must-Have Goodies:

The G37 Coupe is available in a variety of models and packages. Just like last model year, the sporty luxury G37 Coupe can be built with either a six-speed manual transmission or a seven-speed automatic transmission. And depending on the weather environment, the G37 can be ordered with either a rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive configuration.

Added to that, the vehicle can be ordered with a $1,100 Technology Package which consists of rain-sensing windshield wipers, an Advanced Climate Control System and an Intelligent Cruise Control System, which we’ve described in the “What Rocked” section of the review.  However, we were surprised the Technology Package lacked a lane-changing blind spot system.

Moreover, the G37 Coupe (with the Sport Package) can also be accessorized with a $2,900 Premium Package, which consists of a power roof, a premium 11-speaker Bose audio system with a 20-GB Music Box, a two-position memory seat, a driver’s seat with power lumbar support, a power-tilt -and-telescopic steering wheel and rear audible back-up sensors to alert the driver of objects in its path. 

And for those seeking to enhance the flair of the G37 Coupe, a Sport’s Package can be added, which includes 19-inch aluminum alloy wheels, a sport-tuned suspension and sport brakes. An optional rear-deck-lid spoiler is available as a standalone option, too, to further accentuate this two-door sport’s machine smooth curves.

Other options available on the G37 Coupe include a navigation system, high friction brake pads, illuminated kick plates and Maple interior accents.


What Rocked

There’s so much that rocked about the sensuous, but sporty exterior styling of the luxury-oriented sports coupe with its well-crafted interior layout. For starters, the precise-steering, the double-stitched seats, the optional 19-inch aluminum alloy wheel all added to the vehicle’s swag-appeal. 

We also found that the vehicle we reviewed with the Sports Package was outfitted with heated form-fitted front sport-styled seats, which included multiple adjustments to control everything from the thigh bolsters to the power adjustable torso for the front occupants.  

Moreover, we couldn’t forget about Infiniti’s signature Intelligent Cruise Control System with Preview Braking, which uses an electronically controlled radar-system to monitor the speed and distance of the vehicle. 

While using the system in Atlanta’s evening rush-hour traffic, the G37 we reviewed automatically decelerated as it approached other vehicles that were driving slower than the speed we initially set for our vehicle. Once the traffic returned to a faster driving speed our G37 speed increased without us having to touch any controls or accelerating. 

What We Disliked:
 
The sporty looking G37 Coupe is really only suitable for two adults (up front) and two small kids (in the rear). Because of the rear-wheel drive configuration, which produces the hump in the center floor, it’s virtually impossible to seat adults in the rear. 

We also found the 19-inch summer tires to be a little too firm, when cruising on the city streets. Yet, we noticed the ride was immensely improved when driving at highway speeds.

Also where is the lane-changing blind-spot technology we’ve found available in a number of non-premium brands?  And why isn’t the navigation system standard on all of the G37 Coupes? Shouldn’t this be a standard feature for every luxury vehicle?

Tuesday, November 23, 2010

Oprah Does It Again, Gives Away 2012 New Beetle

Oprah, being a fan and owner of a convertible Beetle, does it again, giving away over 275 new Beetles -- before they hit the street to her invited audience on Monday. Yes, what a way to kick-off the holiday season! Unlike the last car giveaway Oprah did with Pontiac, which left recipients of the G6 still having to dish out a reported $7,000 per vehicle to pay for taxes and other related expenses, recipients of the Bettle will be able to drive away scot-free. This time the talk show mogul got the automaker to ante up -- paying for all related tax expenses.

According to the folk at VW, they saw this as an incredible opportunity to share Oprah's Beetle ownership experience with deserving viewers, we instantly wanted to be a part of it,” said Jonathan Browning, President and CEO, Volkswagen Group of America. “Our all-new 2012 Beetle exemplifies power, styling and sophistication, and is an automotive icon reinvented to create the new shape of performance.”

When the new Beetle arrives it will feature a sportier, more aggressive stance, and features sleeker styling and a wealth of new technologies that provide a heightened driving experience. It is also customizable,with options that will offer the performance, styling, accessories and features that will appeal to everyone from the driving enthusiast to the driver motivated by value, excellent fuel-economy and nostalgia.

The 2012 Beetle will be available in showrooms next fall. At that time, pricing will be announced. The 2012 Beetle will improve upon the current-generation of Beetles by offering twin tailpipes, 19-inch wheels, Bluetooth connectivity, a touch-screen radio, branded audio speaker systems, navigation and unique ambient lighting provide a heightened driving experience.

We hope VW has better luck with Oprah's endorsement than GM. The Pontiac brand is resting in car heaven next to the Hummer, Oldsmobile and Saturn brands! Let's hope VW has better luck.

Monday, November 22, 2010

Four New Rides Debuting at the L. A. Int'l Auto Show

Range Rover's five-door Evoque made its world debut at last week's L. A. Auto Show. You may have seen pictures of the two-door version on our site. The four-door Evoque is schedule go on sale in the fall of 2011. Pricing will start at $45,000. To get a closer view of the Evoque, click on the photo.
Here's a photo of the 2011 Camaro Convertible covered-up. Pricing will start at $30,000. The vehicle will go on sale in the first quarter of 2011. To get a better view of the convertible top, click on the photo.

The 2012 BMW's 650i convertible also debuted last week and will go on sale in the Spring. The vehicle will be equipped with an all-new 8-speed  automatic transmission. The outgoing model is equipped with a 6-speed transmission. An 8-speed transmission means improved fuel-economy. To get a closer view of the vehicle, click on the photo.

VW's second-generation 2012 Eos debuted at the show. Just as in the previous model, VW continues to offer a hardtop convertible with a power sunroof, an industry-first. This vehicle will go on sale in the early part of 2011.

Thursday, November 18, 2010

The Automotive Bailout Plan: A Real Insider’s Perspective

Caddy's CTS-V Sports Wagon pushes out over 556 horses from underneath the hood. Without the government bailout money, this vehicle would have never made it out of the design studios.
Almost two years ago, JeffCars.com's editor, Jeff Fortson, wrote a personal commentary for Tom Joyner's BlackAmericaWeb.com on why we should save the U. S. auto industry. Fortson also appeared on CNN and NPR discussing his commentary. At the time, many critics believed investing in the U. S. auto industry would leave taxpayers holding the bag, if the American car makers couldn't turn their bloated companies around. Ironically, almost two years later GM is expected to announce its largest IPO in the history of the stock market today. Take a few moments to check out this commentary from two years ago:

The Automotive Bailout Plan: A Real Insider’s Perspective.

Wednesday, November 17, 2010

Garage Preview: Nissan Changes the Game with Two People Movers

Nissan is going topless with the all-wheel drive Murano crossover early next year. This will be the first crossover available in the segment.
The drop-top convertible made its debut this week at The Los Angeles International Auto Show.
Nissan takes styling cues from the boxy cube in the upcoming Quest minivan.

Tuesday, November 16, 2010

Kia Prices Much-Anticipated Optima Under $20,000

The sexy looking 2011 Optima is available in three trims: LX, EX and SX. The Optima LX six-speed manual, with a starting MSRP of $18,995, offers a wide array of convenience and luxury features including an AM/FM/CD/MP3/Sat audio system with SIRIUS® Satellite Radio capabilities with three months complimentary service, power windows, power door locks, dual exhaust with chrome tips, a cooling glove box and auxiliary USB audio input jacks for connecting MP3 Players and Bluetooth® wireless technology connectivity with steering-wheel mounted voice activation controls to enable hands-free operation for compatible mobile phones. Pricing for its upscale sibling, the Hyundai Sonata, starts at $19,125.

All Optima models feature an extensive list of standard safety equipment, including six airbags (dual advanced front and front-seat mounted side as well as full-length side curtain). Moving up to the LX six-speed A/T, starting at $20,495, adds alloy wheels, cruise control and an Active Eco System for fuel-efficient driving. Beginning at $22,495, the Optima EX offers upscale amenities in a mid-level trim, including 17-inch alloy wheels, fog lamps, leather trimmed seats, eight-way power driver's seat, dual-zone automatic temperature control, push-button start and auto-dimming rear view mirror with Homelink® and compass. Priced at $24,495, the Optima EX turbo is powered by Kia's first-ever turbo engine in the U.S., a 2.0-liter 274-horsepower Turbo engine that delivers up to 34 mpg, and adds larger front disc brakes, a unique front grille, and wood and metal interior accents

Positioned at the top of the Optima model range, the SX package (featured in the photos above) starts at $25,995. Kia's 2.0-liter turbo engine is standard and exclusive content includes 18-inch alloy wheels, a sport-tuned suspension, unique lower body trim, HID head lights, LED tail lights, black leather and woven seat trim, steering wheel paddle shifters, carbon fiber interior trim, metal pedals, and illuminated door scuff plates. We look forward to an extensive review of the vehicle in the first quarter of 2011.

Monday, November 15, 2010

Infiniti G37 Coupe or Lexus IS C: Which One Would You Buy for $47K?

The Infiniti G37 Coupe we recently reviewed was equipped with optional 19-inch wheels, a sports tuned suspension system, a radar-sensored Cruise Control System, heated seats, a navigation system, an upgraded 11-speaker audio system and a rear-deck lid spoiler.

The Lexus IS C 250 we reviewed
was outfitted with a power-operated top. Yes, this is a hard top convertible. The IS C  was equipped with a navigation system, 17-inch wheels, Lexus' signature Intuitive Park Assist system, heated (and cooled) front seats, a 6-speaker audio system, Bi-Xenon front headlights and Lexus Enform concierge emergency operator system.

The IS C 250 was outfitted with a 2.5-liter, six-cylinder engine which squeezed out 204 horses. So far we've been able to inch out just over 400 miles on a tank of gas.

The G37 Coupe pushes out 330 horses with its standard 3.7-liter, six-cylinder engine. We barely achieved 300 miles on a tank of gas.
Ok, for approximately $47,000 which one would you purchase? We recently had an opportunity to review the rides pictured with the equipment packages noted. The pricing of both vehicles were within $500 of one another. While both vehicles are super sweet, which one would you drive-off in: the Lexus drop-top or peppier G37 Coupe? Look for extensive reviews of both vehicles soon.

Friday, November 12, 2010

Nissan Announces Another Major Recall, Over 600,000 Vehicles Affected


Nissan North America (NNA) announced a voluntary safety recall on Thursday to replace the lower steering column joint and shaft on Frontier and Xterra vehicles and the positive battery cable terminal on Sentra vehicles in several markets in North and South America and Africa. No accidents or injuries have been reported with either issue.

“At Nissan, we’re committed to the safety and satisfaction of our customers. We regret any inconveniences that our customers may experience as we address these issues,” said Kevin Martin, vice president of Total Customer Satisfaction for NNA.

The lower steering column joint and shaft will be replaced on approximately 303,000 Frontier and 283,000 Xterra vehicles in the U.S., Canada, Mexico, Argentina, Brazil and a number of other Latin American countries. The potentially affected Frontier and Xterra vehicles were manufactured at the Smyrna, Tenn., plant between July 2001 and January 2005 and at the Curitiba, Brazil plant between November 2001 and June 2008.

The positive battery cable terminal will be replaced on approximately 18,500 Sentra vehicles in the U.S., Mexico, Canada, Argentina, Brazil and a number of Latin American and African countries. The potentially affected Sentra vehicles were manufactured at the Aguascalientes, Mexico plant between May 22, 2010 and July 8, 2010.

REASON FOR THE RECALL
Nissan recently discovered that in certain rare instances, the lower steering column joint on the affected Frontier and Xterra vehicles can develop corrosion that limits the movement of the joint. If the vehicle continues to be driven in this condition it may, in an extreme case, lead to cracking of the steering shaft.

This issue was discovered through three field reports from Canada, and six from Brazil. There are no field reports of this issue in the United States or other affected markets.

On some of the affected Sentra vehicles an issue with the connector on the positive battery cable terminal could lead to difficulty starting the vehicle, and in rare cases, a possibility of stalling at low speeds.

No accidents or injuries have been associated with either of these issues.

VEHICLES INVOLVED

  • Model Year 2002 through 2004 Nissan Frontier vehicles manufactured from July 9, 2001 to October 20, 2004 in Smyrna, Tenn., for the North American markets
  • Model Year 2002 through 2004 Nissan Xterras manufactured from July 9, 2001 to January 6, 2005 in Smyrna, Tenn., for the North American markets
  • Nissan Frontier vehicles manufactured from November 30, 2001 to June 26, 2008 in Curitiba, Brazil for South and Central American markets
  • Nissan Xterra vehicles manufactured from February 17, 2003 to June 13, 2008 in Curitiba, Brazil for South and Central American markets
  • Nissan Sentra vehicles manufactured from May 15, 2010 to July 8, 2010 in Aguascalientes, Mexico for global markets
In the U.S. approximately 240,000 Frontier, 261,000 Xterra and 14,000 Sentra vehicles are included in this campaign. In Canada approximately 4,500 Frontier, 9,900 Xterra and 1,900 Sentra vehicles are included in the campaign.

Thursday, November 11, 2010

New Smartphone Docking Station for Older Vehicles: Affordable And Easy-To-Use


Is your vehicle lacking the latest technology to make your vehicle interactive with your Smartphone? If so, we've got the answer to your prayers. So that you don't have to spend thousands of dollars hiring an electronics technician to make your ride Bluetooth compatiable, Parrot, the Paris-based maker of the new MINIKIT Smart, is now offering a easy-to-install kit to accommodate your Smartphone. Parrot is a leading company of wireless technology.

Within a matter of seconds, the kit can be easily attached to the windshield or dashboard of your vehicle, enabling handsfree driving, whiling making calls or accessing the navigation on your Smarthphone.

You can use the MINIKIT Smart to recharge your Smartphone via a USB socket port. The Parrot MINIKIT Smart can easily switch from portrait to landscape mode to suit any configuration.


Wednesday, November 10, 2010

2011 Toyota Avalon: The Automaker's Answer to the Big American Family Sedan


What’s New:

Toyota’s large, front-wheel drive luxury family sedan, the Avalon, has been reworked for the 2011 model year. As opposed to Toyota offering three trim levels in the Avalon this model-year, the line up has been simplified to two. In addition to dropping down to two trims, a laser cruise control system is no longer an available option on the Avalon.

In addition to a modification in the trim levels, the Avalon includes a new grille and tail lamps, a new six-speed automatic transmission, a standard sunroof, redesigned leather trim seats, reclining rear seats and a back-up camera integrated into the rearview mirror   (or the navigation system).

Also like with the majority of Toyota products, the Avalon is now available with a touch-screen navigation system and the capability to connect with Bluetooth phones. Furthermore, music can now stream to the audio system.

Must-Have Goodies:

Since the Avalon has been simplified to two well-equipped models, there are just a few features that separate the vehicle. The Limited model is the model of choice for those yearning for such luxury features as a leather woodgrain steering-wheel, air conditioned front seats, memory seats and exterior mirrors, a rear power sunshade blind and a keyless push-button ignition starter.

Besides the features noted, the only major option available on the Avalon is the voice-activated navigation system with the high-end 12-speaker, 660-watt JBL audio system.


What Rocked:
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The MacPherson suspension in the Avalon easily reminds us of driving a big American vehicle like the Buick Lucerne or Ford Taurus. Unlike most imports, the Avalon has great road manners, wide comfortable front (and rear) seats that can easily accommodate five passengers.

And since the Avalon targets more mature drivers, they’ll be enamored with the large gauges on the redesigned instrument panel, which are easy-to-read, due to the white illuminated numbers.

Also the leather steering-wheel provides illuminated controls, which is extremely useful for the driver at night, to adjust the audio system, ventilation system, the cruise control and vehicle information system. Oh yes, we can’t forget about the adjustable sliding front-center armrest with all of the usable storage space.

Moreover, rear passengers will find the Avalon now includes partially reclining rear split seats. This is great for road trips.

Monday, November 8, 2010

Ford Pushes New 6-Cylinder Truck Engines Along with Consumer Test Drives

In select markets, consumers were given an opportunity to tow the 2011 F-150 with the all-new fuel-efficient EcoBoost engine.
After a three-year absence, Ford is back in the game again, offering two fuel-efficient six-cylinder powertrains for the 2011 model year. In the old bodystyle F-150,  Ford only offered one six-cylinder engine: a 4.2-liter four-speed engine, which barely achieved 14 miles in the city and 19 miles in the highway, according to fueleconomy.gov.

In addition to offering two new eight-cylinder engines for the 2011 models, this time Ford is upping the ante with an all-new 3.7-liter six-cylinder engine, which spews outs 301 horses. With destination charges included, pricing for the 3.7-liter engine is expected to be around $23,390.  ( In the 2010 F-150 the base engine was a 4.6-liter 8-Cylinder, producing 248-horsepower). Also for the first time the signature EcoBoost technology will be available in America's number one best-selling model, the F-150 truck. This is the same award-winning technology which has propelled sales of the redesigned Taurus.

The all-new 3.5-liter EcoBoost, which kicks out a whopping 365 horses, has more torque than any competitors’ V8 with the fuel economy of a smaller-displacement engine. This EcoBoost engine will establish a new benchmark for its combination of performance capability and fuel-efficiency. Ford's projection is that 50 percent of the F-150 trucks they produce for the 2011 model year will be built with the 3.5-liter, six-cylinder engine. As of now, pricing and mileage has not been released. However, some of our internal sources have revealed that the Ecoboost engine is expected to be about $1,800 more than the base 3.7-liter engine.
Consumers were given an opportunity to test drive all of the F-150s with Ford's new engines at consumer clinics held around the country.


Friday, November 5, 2010

Buyers Beware: Buying Aged New Tires Could Be Lethal

Beyond looking for the best price or tread quality, a telling ABC News report reveals that aged tires are being sold as brand-new. Why is this an issue? Unfortunately, this is creating a hazard for today's drivers. An aged tire is just like purchasing stale fish. Ok, now you get the point. This video provides step-by-step tips on how you can stay in the driver's seat, avoiding dated, expired tires.




If you're in need of brand-new discounted tires and/or wheels, check out our new partner. Click here today to drive toward savings.

Wednesday, November 3, 2010

2010 Buick Enclave: A Luxurious 8-Passenger Crossover

Editor Jeff Fortson is featured with Michael Burton, the interior designer for the Buick Enclave.

What’s New:
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Since the well-equipped luxurious people mover was introduced to the market in 2007, there are only a few minor changes Buick engineers decided to make to enhance this crossover for the 2010 model year. For one, to compliment the classy exterior design, the Enclave is now available with 20-inch chrome clad wheels. And to help profile the larger wheel package, the crossover gets a new 6-speed fuel-efficient transmission.

Added to that, a USB port is now included with the Enclave’s premium radios, allowing occupants to connect portable music and recharge run-down batteries. Furthermore, a new rear back-up camera features a screen embedded in the rearview mirror, allowing the driver to enjoy this option even without the navigation radio.


Must-Have Goodies:

The Enclave is available in two trim packages: the base CX model and the well-equipped CXL model. In addition to the standard front-wheel drive configuration, for those traveling in cold weather climates, the Enclave is available as an all-wheel drive vehicle, too.

Other must-have features available on this Lexus-like quiet-tuned crossover includes: a sunroof with a fixed second-row skylight; bench or bucket second-row seats; a 10-speaker Bose audio system with 5.1 Surround Sound and a rear DVD entertainment system; articulating front headlights for concerning and power folding outside rearview mirrors for parking in tight spaces; and a trailering tow package.

And to aid with parking or backing up, the Enclave can be outfitted with GM’s Driver Confidence Package, which includes a sonar rear park assist system.

Monday, November 1, 2010

Garage Preview: Porsche Delivers First Hybrid Vehicle



This month Porsche is getting into the game of offering its first hybrid with the 2011 Cayenne S Hybrid sports utility. This is quite surprising since the German automakers - specifically Audi and VW - have been focusing on pushing diesels, while the Japanese and Asian brands have been ramping up hybrids.

The Cayenne S Hybrid accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in just 6.1 seconds on its way to a top test track speed of 150 mph, yet it delivers an impressive estimated 21 mpg city/25 highway under current EPA regulations. Its base MSRP is $67,700 (excluding destination), and like all Cayenne models, it is not subject to a gas-guzzler tax.

Like most hybrids the Cayenne S Hybrid can drive for a time on electric power alone at speeds up to 37 mph. However, it delivers efficiencies at cruising speeds through its ability to ‘sail’ or coast with the combustion engine turned off. It can do this for up to one mile, and this not only saves fuel but also minimizes emissions. Wow, can you say fast and fuel saver in the same sentence? Isn't this an oxymoron?

With a combined power output of 380-horsepower from the supercharged V6 combustion engine and an electric motor, the Cayenne S Hybrid delivers performance nearly equal to the Cayenne S with its 400-horsepower V8 and fuel economy estimates that exceed those of the Cayenne with the V6 engine. A comparable Cayenne, producing similar horsepower as the hybrid, but offering significantly less fuel savings will cost about $60,800. 

Insurance Institute For Highway Safety Releases Latest Frontal Avoidance Crash Results On Compact SUVs/Crossovers (Video)

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) just released its latest frontal avoidance crash results, using the latest safety driving ...