It's the week ending November 27, and we've browsed our favorite automotive blogs all week long to gather the highlights from each. So, while you sit down with a plate of Thanksgiving leftovers, you can also peruse these tasty automotive morsels from across the internet. Have you already been out doing your early morning Black Friday shopping? As we told you earlier this week, Black Friday is a great day to make a terrific deal on a new car and you've still got the rest of the day! Not sure what to shop for? Jalopnik has a photo gallery of the five best and five worst Black Friday deals. Meanwhile, Consumer Reports has a collection of the Best deals on iPhone navigation apps as well as the best GPS picks for Black Friday shoppers. After teasing us with concepts since the 2007 Detroit Auto Show, General Motors has finally confirmed the 2011 Chevy Camaro Convertible will begin production at its Oshowa, Ontario, plant alongside the 2011 Buick Regal, Chevrolet Equinox, and GMC Terrain crossovers. Read the complete announcement at AutoBlog.com . Concerns about the danger the silence of electric-powered vehicles presents to the visually impaired were addressed by General Motors...

In a safety drama that has unfolded since summer, when a high-profile case of unintended acceleration brought floor mat issues to national prominence, Toyota has been the latest automaker in damage control mode. Today, Toyota made a significant step forward in addressing the acceleration complaints with a detailed plan for reducing the risks in eight Toyota and Lexus vehicles. In late September, Toyota issued a safety advisory to warn owners of specific models to remove their floor mats, pending further investigation and the development of corrective measures. In the interim, some dealers have been zip-tying mats in place. In early 2010, dealers will be trained how to reshape the accelerator pedal to reduce the risk of floor mat entrapment. For the ES350, Camry, and Avalon models involved, the shape of the floor surface underneath will also be reconfigured to increase the space between the accelerator pedal and the floor. Any factory all-weather floor mats in recalled vehicles will be replaced by a new design to further reduce entrapment risks. The floor mat advisory involves: 2007 to 2010 Toyota Camry, 2005 to 2010 Toyota Avalon, 2004 to 2009 Toyota Prius, 2005 to 2010 Toyota Tacoma...

Kia unveiled its all-new K7 sedan in Korea today, offering the world a sneak peek at a car known as Cadenza in the Middle East and Amanti in North America. The current-generation has been sold around the globe for a decade, and it is more than ripe for replacement. Just one look at the styling reveals a serious product about to be unleashed. The new car is slightly shorter than the current model, though rides on a longer wheelbase. Within the more space-efficient package is an abundance of creature comforts, with dual-zone climate control, push-button start, rearview camera, and parking sensors being among the announced features. Kia has announced a 3.5-liter Lambda II V6, though it would seem a natural to also offer the upcoming direct-injection Theta II four-cylinder engine that parent corporation Hyundai has described as being essential to its fuel economy efforts. We expect to see this future Amanti on the auto show circuit this season. Read our last Kia Amanti review .

Koenigsegg Group has walked away from a proposed purchase of Saab from General Motors. The conglomerate lead by supercar-maker Koenigsegg had previously reached an agreement to purchase the Swedish division from GM, aided by a $600 million funding commitment from the European Investment Bank (EIB) guaranteed by the Swedish government. GM was to support the new venture with continued assistance in developing and producing cars, including the next-generation Saab 9-5 . Without Koenigsegg, Saab risks being shuttered, as was the fate for Saturn when Penkse Automotive decided not to complete its purchase. "We're obviously very disappointed with the decision to pull out of the Saab purchase," said GM President and CEO, Fritz Henderson. "Many have worked tirelessly over the past several months to create a sustainable plan for the future of Saab by selling the brand and its manufacturing interests to Koenigsegg Group AB. Given the sudden change in direction, we will take the next several days to assess the situation and will advise on the next steps next week." In the post-bankruptcy, GM has struggled with its divested brands. Pontiac is closed. Saturn is done come January...

No matter what you're shopping for, all the headlines this week exclaim the great retail deals to be had on "Black Friday," the shopping day after Thanksgiving. Named because it is supposedly the day on which retailers go from posting losses (being in the red) to turning a profit (being in the black), Black Friday opens the traditional holiday shopping season by offering frenzied deal-hunters deep discounts and extended hours to make their holiday purchases. Some retailers advertise openings as early as 4 a.m. for those enthusiastic spenders. Black Friday has traditionally been the day on which to purchase such large-ticket items as jewelry, electronics, and home entertainment systems, but did you know it is also anticipated to be the THE BEST day this year on which to purchase a car? In fact, "While the yearly average transaction price for a new car is 4.7% under sticker price," TrueCar.com predicts that the "average discount on a new car will be a whopping 7.5%. Shoppers can save nearly 3% on the price of their new car just knowing which day to buy." Who knew? Suzuki is promoting the day as the perfect opportunity to buy its new Kizashi, exploiting...

Combine one of the best sport sedans on the market with one of the best ways to save on fuel and what do you get? The diesel-powered BMW 335d. Yep, diesel. And like the Jetta TDI diesel we tested recently, this is a new-generation diesel that’s smooth, quiet and powerful. While we found the Jetta to be fun to drive, the 335d is a blast. At the core of the performance is a twin-turbo, 3.0-liter 6-cylinder pumping out 265 hp—not a bad number. But the real game changer is a gargantuan 425 lb.-ft. of torque at just 1,700 rpm. This translates into tremendous low rpm oomph that makes the 335d a monster at the stoplight grand prix, yet never feels like it’s working hard. Unlike some other diesels, it’s also happy to rev up to its redline (only 5,000 rpm) for a sporting feel befitting the BMW badge. The 335d is available exclusively with a six-speed automatic. Ours had the optional sport steering wheel with shifter paddles for added fun. And when you take advantage of this super smooth transmission, you’re rewarded with a relentless wave of power that will put a huge grin on your face. Driving aggressively, we still averaged around 30 mpg in combined city and highway driving, probably 5-6 mpg...

Aggressively styled and pleasingly proportioned, Suzuki’s first two Kizashi concepts shared a powerful, aero-slick design theme characterized as “a dynamic athlete in motion.” They showed that its coming flagship sedan would be aimed at the emotional end of the scale. But Concept Kizashi 3 was tamer and more production realistic, looking much like the production version and demonstrating that Suzuki is serious about taking on the well-established entries in the U.S. market’s most competitive car class. Its stated mission: move the brand upscale “without abandoning Suzuki’s traditional emphasis on content and value.” The only engine for now is a willing 2.4-liter aluminum four good for 185 horses with a standard 6-speed manual transaxle, or five ponies fewer with the available continuously variable transmission (CVT). Rare in this size and price class, the option of Suzuki’s latest “intelligent” all-wheel-drive (i-AWD) improves both bad-weather traction and cornering capability. Suspension is reinforced MacPherson struts front and multi-link rear, developed, Suzuki says, on European surfaces ranging from urban cobblestones to twisty two-lanes to high-speed German Autobahns and even the...

Nissan has nudged up the pricing on the high trim levels of its iconic Cube, while adding new features for 2010. The base Cube remains at $13,990, but it now carries an extra safety cachet with the recent announcement that the Cube was among 27 vehicles named as Top Safety Picks for 2010 by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. (See our 2009 Nissan Cube pricing announcement.) Step up to the S or SL trim level, there is added, tangible goodness for the extra $340 charged for each. Specifically, it adds hands-free Bluetooth connectivity, leather-wrapped steering wheel, and steering wheel audio controls. Further audio system upgrades include an iPod interface, MP3 playback, Radio Data System (RDS), speed-sensitive volume control (SSV), and two additional speakers (six total). The Krom Edition adds a new 4.3-inch color audio display with USB connectivity and rear camera, along with a push-button start. The price increases a more significant $760. 2010 Nissan Cube pricing 1.8 Base M/T - $13,990 1.8 S I4 M/T - $15,030 1.8 S CVT - $16,030 1.8 SL CVT - $17,130 Krom Edition CVT - $20,120 In total, the Cube is incrementally more appealing for 2010, improving a distinct vehicle with notable...

When General Motors first introduced its 60-day Money Back Guarantee, it seemed a bold attempt to assure buyers that its products will satisfy. It also raise the question of how many buyers would choose to participate in the program, and then return a vehicle. On October 15th, we reported that a single return had been made. Just more than a month later, GM reports that 200 of 222,000 customers have opted to pursue a vehicle return. That sounds like a small percentage, though only 653 customers chose the 60-day offer over a $500 rebate. GM says that many other car shoppers were persuaded to purchase a Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, or GMC vehicle because of the confidence given by the program. Thus far 53 vehicles have been returned, and about 140 others are going through the process. Each dissatisfied customer is going through an exit interview with Vice President of Global Product Engineering Mark Reuss and/or his staff. Through this significant effort, GM is certain to learn about the specific reasons that people are willing to walk away from a car. Ultimately, GM has fueled sales and molded public perception—both essential wins as the automaker seeks to remake itself.

Since the 2010 Acura ZDX was unveiled , there has been debate over what it is. Based on a platform shared with the MDX SUV , the ZDX looks like a cross between a coupe and sedan, with an elevated ride and premium execution. Regardless of how you perceive this genre-defining vehicle, it definitely has class. And the price of entry we now know will be $45,495, plus $810 destination charges, when it goes on sale December 15. The ZDX will be available in three trim packages: the well-equipped ZDX; ZDX with Technology Package; and the ZDX with Advance Package. All versions are powered by a 3.7-liter, 300-horsepower V-6 with a six-speed automatic transmission. And each benefits from the “super handling” SH-AWD system that aids enthusiastic driving and all-weather traction. Standard features include the world's longest panoramic glass roof, hand-stitched leather interior, Bluetooth connectivity, power tailgate, and a premium AM/FM/XM/CD audio system with iPod. The ZDX with Technology Package adds navigation with voice recognition and real-time traffic information, real-time weather with radar image maps, and a multi-view rear camera. In addition, the Technology Package upgrades the stereo...

It's the week ending November 20, and we've browsed our favorite automotive ...

Mazda will introduce its award-winning Mazda2 subcompact to North America at the LA Auto Show. It is offered in sedan, three-door hatchback, and five-door hatchback body styles in other markets, though it looks like it will be the five-door that makes its American debut. The Mazda2 shares its platform with the much promoted Ford Fiesta, another international import being unveiled for the first time in American trim in LA. (Read: " Ford Fiesta to Arrive in 2010 .") Overseas, the Mazda2 is offered with diesel and gasoline powertrains, though it is anticipated that it will have a traditional 1.6-liter gas engine for the U.S. market. Details will be revealed in a few days, but it will likely have a 120-hp four-cylinder with a choice of six-speed manual and four-speed automatic transmission. The Ford is relatively refined for a small car, agile, and generally rather entertaining. We would expect the Mazda2 would be, as well. And we look forward to verifying that assertion. See our highlights from the 2008 LA Auto Show .

Los Angeles kicks off the North American new-car auto show circuit on December 2nd when the LA Convention Center opens its doors to the media, ahead of the public days later that week. Among the unveilings being teased is an array of high-tech models from Mercedes-Benz, including the SLS AMG supercar, the fuel-sipping E350 BlueTec and the fuel-cell-powered F-Cell. Mercedes will also show its first hybrid SUV, the ML 450 Hybrid, and its SplitView dual-content viewing technology that allows the driver and passenger to see something different on the LCD screen. The model expected to insight the most salivation is the SLS AMG, the modern reinvention of the classic mid-1950s 300SL. This new version features a lightweight aluminum space-frame body with gullwing doors and a 563-horsepower dry-sump V8 engine. With its front-mid engine and dual-clutch seven-speed, the SLS AMG has a balance weight distribution and track-honed dynamics. See our highlights from the 2008 LA Auto Show .

Adjustable shock absorbers are readily available today. If you haven’t seen or touched them first hand, you’ve no doubt heard about them. Typically, these shocks are fitted with adjustment knobs on the outside of the absorber body. That means anyone can make a simple modification to the way a car or light truck handles. And most of these adjustments can be made without the use of hand tools. Fair enough, but what do these adjustments accomplish? More than you might think. Good, quality adjustable shock absorbers can have 12 separate adjustments (single adjustable) to more than twice that number that in some double adjustable shock absorbers. Where one knob looks after bump and rebound settings in a single adjustable shock absorber, the bump and rebound settings are individually set in a double adjustable shock absorber. So you have different (and in some cases, complex) setting capabilities, but what does the adjustment really provide? It allows you to tailor the way your car or light truck functions under specific conditions. Having a vehicle with adjustable shocks means you have control on how your car is set up to handle the type of driving you'll be doing. While the adjustments...

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has announced 19 car and eight SUVs as Top Safety Picks for 2010—far less than the 94 vehicles that earned the accolade for 2009. The IIHS has made the requirements to be named a Top Safety Pick more stringent by adding a roof strength test to measure protection in a rollover accident. In addition, the Picks also factor performance in front, side, and rear crashes the Institute performs, as well as the availability of electronic stability control. Subaru again shines in IIHS tests, being the only manufacturer that has winning products in all four categories for a total of five awards. Ford and subsidiary Volvo have six winners, and Volkswagen/Audi has four. Chrysler earns four awards, continuing recent trend of improving the crashworthiness of its vehicles. This marks the second time the Institute has raised the bar for Top Safety Pick status since the awards were introduced in 2005. As with its other tests, it is expected that the rollover rating will push automakers to improve their vehicles ahead of federal mandates. And there is good motivation; The Institute estimates rollovers kill more than 9,000 people in passenger vehicles each...