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 As gas prices soared past $4/gallon nationwide, and full-sized pickup trunk sales plummeted by double-digit percentages, some corners of the auto industry cast an optimistic eye toward small pickup trucks. Theory would have it that people would be right-sizing their trucks, just as they have cars. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) took that sales hope and sent it careening into an offset barrier at 40 mph for their crash tests, then rammed it from the side with a 3,300-lb moving barrier, and finally backed it into a barrier. The results are mixed, with the Toyota Tacoma coming out on top, and some others considered “dismal.”
This marks the first time the Institute has pulverized small pickups, and it is well timed. They note that these compact vehicles aren’t providing as much protection in side crashes as many new cars and SUVs. Though in fairness, most are based on old designs, and those that faired best are the newest. Still, the results are enough to make one give a second thought to choosing a pickup truck, especially when you consider their modest real-world fuel economy.
Institute President Adrian Lund said, “Until they improve, most small pickups aren’t good choices for people looking for safe transportation.” Ouch.
Small pickup trucks have the highest driver death rates of any vehicles on the road, including minicars, according to the Institute. In 2006 small pickups experienced 116 driver deaths per million registered vehicles 1-3 years old. This compares with 106 for minicars, 99 for small cars, and 42 for small SUVs. Part of the reason is that small pickup trucks are more likely than other passenger vehicles to be involved in single-vehicle crashes, especially rollovers. In this group, all but the Tacoma and Frontier lack electronic stability control-- a key feature in preventing crashes. In fact, it’s standard on just 12 percent of 2008 pickups, and it’s not available at all on 67 percent.
Crashworthiness, as ranked by IIHS:
Toyota Tacoma, crew cab
Front: Good
Side: Good
Rear: Marginal
Front and rear head-curtain airbags and front torso airbags – optional in 2005-2008 models; standard in 2009 models.
Test applies to: 2005-2008 models.
Dodge Dakota & Mitsubishi Raider, crew cab
Front: Good
Side: Marginal
Rear: Acceptable
Without optional side airbags.
Test applies to: 2005-2008 models.
Nissan Frontier, crew cab
Front: Good
Side: Marginal
Rear: Poor
Without optional side airbags.
Test applies to: 2005-2008 models.
Ford Ranger & Mazda B-Series, extended cab
Front: Acceptable
Side: Marginal
Rear: Poor
No side airbags available.
Test applies to: Front and rear 1999-2008; rear 2006-2008 models.
Chevrolet Colorado & GMC Canyon, crew cab
Front: Acceptable
Side: Poor
Rear: Marginal
Without optional side airbags.
Test applies to: 2004-2008 models. Learn more about car safety from our DriveSmart articles.
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 Lotus’ first all-new model in 13 years was unveiled at the British International Motor Show this week, the Evora. (We’re partial to the “Project Eagle” name, as featured in our preview.) Lotus promises this will be the first of three new models to debut over the next five years.
A mid-engined 2+2, the Evora is powered by a Lotus-tuned 3.5-liter V-6 engine producing 276 horsepower. The goal here is to expand Lotus’ appeal, by opening up its legendary sports car handling to drivers with more than one friend. Wider, taller door apertures and narrower sills promise to make getting in and out of the cabin a less athletic undertaking than with the company’s smaller sports cars. Honestly, it wouldn’t take much to improve over the acrobatics needed to slide behind the Elise’s steering wheel.
It is interesting that the British press materials cite “the design of the cabin itself will accommodate two 99th percentile (6ft 5in tall) American males in the front seats.” (Is that a euphemism for “super-sized” males of prominent girth?)
Hand crafted at the Hethel, England, factory, the Evora will be production limited to approximately 2000 cars a year.
Research the 2008 Lotus Elise and Exige in the buyer’s guide, complete with pricing, specifications, and photo galleries.
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 It can’t be ignored that on the same day J.D. Power and Associates spreads doom about light-vehicle sales being expected to drop to the lowest levels since 1993, Chrysler announces it will cut 1,000 salaried positions by September. Dark days indeed.
The JDP memo marks a forecast revision, reducing its prediction by 750,000 units from 14.95 million. The adjustment to 14.2 million reflects the deteriorating economic environment, prolonged effects wrought by the credit crisis, elevated gas prices, and a reduction in the daily rental fleet market.
Although sales for smaller vehicles are rapidly increasing, the growth rate of smaller vehicle segments has not been enough to offset significant declines experienced in large-vehicle segments. Retail sales for the compact basic segment from January to June 2008 were up 28 percent compared with the first half of 2007. In contrast, sales in the first half of 2008 for all vehicles in the large segments -- which include large pickups and SUVs -- were down 26 percent, compared with the same time period in 2007.
"The economic stress and uncertainty that consumers may face over the next six to 12 months will likely result in a continuous period of slow new-vehicle sales," said Jeff Schuster, executive director of automotive forecasting for J.D. Power and Associates. "It is also unlikely that a pronounced rebound will occur in 2009 and conditions could actually worsen before they improve."
You can do your part to jump start the industry by visiting our new car buyer’s guide, or browsing our more than three million used-car listings.
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 The wait is over, Chevrolet has revealed the official details about the 2010 Camaro, and it is even more exciting than our preview report revealed. Let’s cut to the chase; the base engine is a 300-horsepower, 3.6-liter V-6 with 273 lb.-ft. of torque. Despite the heady output, this all-aluminum “high-feature” V-6 runs on regular gasoline. As the fourth-generation Camaro drove into the history books, the LS1 V-8 in the Z28 produced 305 horsepower (though admittedly with much more torque), making the new LT and LS trim levels hardly seem like the sacrifice buying a base Camaro once was.
The SS has been the performance model, and the moniker returns with a 6.2-liter V-8. When paired with a six-speed manual transmission, the SS is fitted an LS3 V-8 churning out 422 horsepower and 408 lb.-ft. of torque. Choose the six-speed automatic transmission and the SS is stuffed with an L99 V-8 featuring fuel-saving cylinder deactivation and a hint less grunt at 400 horsepower and 395 lb.-ft. of torque.
Chevrolet cites 26 mpg highway for the V-6 and 23 mpg highway for the V-8. City figures were not released.
Despite the prodigious horsepower, the Camaro promises to be both agile and well-mannered thanks to the Holden-derived rear-wheel-drive architecture. Front and rear independent suspensions are mounted to the rigid chassis, including a multi-link strut arrangement in the front with a direct-acting stabilizer bar and a double ball-joint configuration. The rear features a unique “4.5-link” rear suspension that is double-isolated from the chassis for a smoother driving experience. 
The LS and LT models receive an FE2 (sport) suspension, while the SS receives the FE3 (performance) suspension, including a lower ride height. Each is tuned to match the performance capabilities of their respective powertrains, as are their wheel-and-tire combinations, with 18-, 19-, and 20-inch variations.
Behind those massive wheels are ABS-fitted discs at all corners. The LS and LT models use single-piston calipers, while the SS models apply four-piston Brembo units to larger rotors. The standard electronic stability control system includes traction control and can help keep the musclecar on the intended path. The SS features a Competitive/Sport mode that is adjustable for spirited driving. The SS with a manual transmission is aided by a Launch Control feature that promises quicker, more consistent takeoffs. Should things go terribly wrong, all Camaros boast six standard air bags, including head curtain side-impact air bags and front seat-mounted side air bags.
If you want an even more dramatic appearance, an RS package can dress up the LT and SS models with HID headlamps with integrated halo rings, spoiler, specific taillamps, and 20-inch wheels.
Much like the exterior design, the interior draws inspiration from vintage Camaros and brings classic elements such as deep-recessed instruments into the 21st century. At first glance, it has a retro feel, though the features are decidedly modern with available ambient light package, Bluetooth connectivity, Boston Acoustic audio system, heated leather-appointed seats, OnStar, and XM satellite radio. All told, it is an inviting place to do a musclecar’s mischievous business.
Looking like a 1969 Camaro reborn, this modern Chevrolet classic throws down the gauntlet, promising an exciting showdown with the Dodge Challenger and Ford Mustang.
Sales begin in the first quarter of 2009.
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 Shelby SuperCars (SSC) earned the distinction of building the fastest, street-legal car last year with a Guinness-verified top speed of 257 mph. For an encore, SSC has announced it is developing an electric version of the Ultimate Aero, with a prototype due in February 2009 and a production model scheduled for year’s end.
No relation to Carroll Shelby, SSC’s American-made Ultimate Aero features a V-8 producing a Bugatti Veyron-shaming 1183 horsepower and 1094 lb.-ft. of torque. The Ultimate Aero can rocket 0-60 mph in just 2.78 seconds and completes the quarter-mile in 9.9 seconds at 144 mph. A cool car that can keep rarified company, the more interesting story for the Ultimate Aero lies ahead when SSC focuses its engineering might on an electrified version.
The goals are ambitious. SCC says the car motivated by a 500-horsepower could deliver supercar-grade performance. And it is exploring using two 500-hp motors in an all-wheel-drive configuration. Oh, yeah.
This small upstart, lead by namesake Jerod Shelby, accomplished the near-impossible with its first record-setting model, and we look forward to seeing this firm’s second act.
Read about today’s super hybrids in the Civic Vs. Prius: Compact Hybrid Comparison.
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 Hot cars spread like wildfire online, and there are few hotter than the long-awaited 2010 Chevrolet Camaro. Although Chevrolet had planned its official unveiling for Monday, photos have circulated throughout the blogosphere, revealing the production model that closely resembles the show cars we have drooled over for the past couple years.
Final information will be released Monday, but word has it the base 3.6-liter V-6 will produce about 300 horsepower, with the 6.2-liter V-8 cranking out more than 400 horses. Due to the changes in the market, and cost-cutting at GM, the 500-horsepower Z/28 may be shelved—though it would make a great show car! All versions ride on a full independent suspension, promising handling and ride quality beyond what past Camaro were capable of..
The Camaro will be offered in LS, LT and SS trim, according to AutoBlog, though the initial photos show the return of the classic RS moniker.
With the Shelby Mustang, Challenger, imminent Camaro, and redesigned Mustang a year away, these are great days indeed for muscle car enthusiasts. Shame the economy and gas prices will steal the thunder. The Camaro goes on sale in early 2009, with a convertible version due a few months later. Read about past Camaros in our complete collection of historical articles, including: 1969 Camaro Z/28 Identification Modern Classic: Camaro Z28
Camaro: 35 Years of Performance 3rd & 4th Generations
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 With just a few days to go until British Motorshow in London, news and images are starting to leak out from the U.K, including this preview of the all-new Lotus 2+2. Known as “Project Eagle,” this mid-engined sports car is motivated by a Toyota-sourced 3.5-liter V-6 engine producing about 280 horsepower. True to Lotus tradition, the Eagle’s low weight will ensure those horses feel like wild stallions. Official word is that the Eagle is “considerably faster” around the Nürburgring circuit than the Elise and more stable at speed than the Exige. Based on prototypes, 0-60 mph times are expected to be under five seconds.
As well as being sold in a 2+2 configuration, the car will also be available as a two-seater, with rear cargo space. Other derivatives are also planned for the future, including a convertible and an ultra-high performance version.
"Project Eagle is the biggest milestone Lotus has achieved since the Elise was born 13 years ago,” said CEO of Group Lotus Mike Kimberley. “We are currently working at broadening the appeal of the Lotus brand through an aggressive 5-year model plan of which this car represents the first exciting step."
The Eagle will go on sale in spring 2009, and with only 2000 of the hand-crafted cars planned each year.
Research the 2008 Lotus Elise and Exige in the buyer’s guide, complete with pricing, specifications, and photo galleries.
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 Dodge has taken the covers off its Challenger Drag Race Package, showing two Mopar-built examples at the 29th Annual Mopar Mile-High Nationals last weekend at Bandimere Speedway in Morrison, Colorado. They had been previously run down the quarter-mile for NHRA certification. The Challenger Drag Race Package Car will be eligible to run in three Eliminator categories—Comp, Super Stock and Stock—and potentially 40 classes.
The first factory-prepped, drag-race package cars built in 40 years, these special cars are based on the Challenger SRT8 and finished in Stock Eliminator configuration. Mopar dropped approximately 1,000 lbs. off the production Challenger SRT8 by eliminating major production components and systems.
When production begins, major production component and systems will be eliminated including: windshield wiper assembly, complete HVAC system, all air bag components, rear seats, power steering system, exhaust system and underbody heat shields, cross-car and side impact door beams, rear bumper beam, and rear deck lid spoiler. To accentuate the weight savings, composite, polycarbonate and lightweight components designed for drag racing that will be part of the new Package Car program.
In addition, these special Mopar missiles will feature a composite lift-off hood with functional scoop, Viper-style front seats, polycarbonate door windows, lightweight cooling module with electric fan, manual rack and pinion steering, special cable-operated deck lid release, special lightweight front brake assembly and special cable-operated throttle linkage and pedal assembly. Special car? Oh, yeah.
Mopar will build a minimum of 100 Challenger Drag Race Package Cars to meet NHRA requirements, with a choice of 6.1-liter or 5.7-liter Hemi or 5.9-liter Magnum Wedge engines, teamed with a manual or automatic transmission.
A build book/owner’s manual will be provided to document the modifications made to the Challenger SRT8, as well as provide recommendations to finish the Package Car for Stock Eliminator competition.
Depending upon the configuration selected, prices will range from the low to mid $30s. Collectors will appreciate that each car will carry an identification plate with sequential serial number.
The Challenger Drag Race Package Car will be available for order in late August to early September.
Also read:
Win a Custom Dodge Challenger
Pricing: 2009 Dodge Challenger – affordable muscle
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 When the redesigned 2009 Mazda6 sedan goes on sale in late August, pricing will start at $18,550. The base Mazda6 i SV is fitted with a 2.5-liter, 170-horsepower I-4 engine and a six-speed manual transmission. At the other end of the range, the Mazda6 s with a 3.7-liter, 273-horsepower V6 engine and six-speed automatic transmission begins at $24,130. Destination charges for all 2009 model-year Mazda vehicles are $670, $715 in Alaska.
There will be four trim levels total: SV, Sport, Touring, and Grand Touring, and with varying levels of standard and optional equipment. All models, regardless of engine or trim grade, will include as standard equipment: air-conditioning; power windows, mirrors and door locks; anti-lock brakes (ABS); electronic stability control; traction control; frontal and seat-mounted airbags for driver and front passenger; side air-curtain airbags for front and rear seat passengers; and a tire-pressure monitoring system.
Research current Mazda cars in the buyer's guide, complete with pricing, specifications, and photo galleries.
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 General Motors announced bold moves to drastically cut costs as the beleaguered automaker struggles amid the rapidly changing marketplace and union strikes. Through restructuring, cost-cutting, head-count reductions, and product plan shifts, GM aims to bolster its liquidity by $15 billion through 2009. Based on the details spelled out by corporate executives, it won't be easy.
"We are responding aggressively to the challenges of today's U.S. auto market," said GM Chairman and CEO, Rick Wagoner. "We will continue to take the steps necessary to align our business structure with the lower vehicle sales volumes and shifts in sales mix. We remain committed to bringing to market great products that target changing consumer preferences for more fuel-efficient vehicles."
Changes revealed Tuesday include:
- Salaried staff will be reduced through normal attrition, early retirements, mutual separation programs and other separation tools.
- For those salaried employees in the U.S. and Canada that stay on, there will be no raises in 2008 or 2009.
- Health care coverage for U.S. salaried retirees over 65 will be eliminated.
- Engineering spending in 2008 and 2009 will be held at 2006-2007 levels, substantially lower than original plans.
- Next-generation large pickup and SUV programs are delayed, as well as V-8 engine development and capacity.
- Spending for non-product programs will also be significantly reduced, while powertrain spending will be increased to support the development of alternative propulsion and fuel economy technologies and small displacement engines.
In product news:
- GM is actively pursuing options to sell the Hummer division, despite launching the new H3T pickup truck.
- The Chevrolet Cruze expected to debut at the Paris Motor Show will not replace the Cobalt, which GM says has much life left in it.
- The tiny, ultra-efficient Chevrolet Beat will not be coming to the United States despite its appearance at Stateside auto shows and campaign to have consumers vote on their favorite of a trio of subcompact concept cars.
- The next-generation Chevy Equinox will begin production in May 2009 with a four-cylinder engine. Also, Saab will introduce the all-new 9-4x five-seat crossover segment in the fall of 2009.
- A Cadillac CTS Sportwagon will come to market next spring
- The Cadillac CTS Coupe Concept from the last Detroit Auto Show last January will go sale in summer 2009.
- The next-generation Cadillac SRX crossover, previewed as the Provoq concept vehicle, arrives mid-2009.
With recent changes at GM, and these bold announcements, the General is reinventing itself at breakneck speed. We all hope it is enough.
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 Timing is everything, as the old adage goes. Shame the timing is wrong for the gas-swilling 2009 Hummer H3T, as this mighty, dirt-loving pickup truck sounds like an entertaining coach for hardcore off-roaders and recreation-crazed weekend warriors. The appeal is heightened by its $31,495 base price (including a $745 destination charge), a competitive figure that stacks up well against competing trucks with off-road packages, such as the Nissan Frontier CrewCab Nismo and Toyota Tacoma DoubleCab SR5.
The H3T is based on a stretched version of the H3 SUV platform, with a five-passenger crew cab and a separate five-foot-long bed. Standard equipment includes a full-time electronic four-wheel drive, 32-inch tires, functional skid shields, integrated bedliner with built-in storage, and a cargo management system. True off-roaders will be drawn to the available front and rear locking differentials, and optional 33-inch tires.
The base engine is a 242-horsepower I-5 engine and it has a 4,400-pound tow capacity. For serious fun, top version boasts a 300-horsepower V-8 and it can pull up to 5,900-pounds of toys.
In our Hummer H3 review, we wrote:
Between the standard features and the option sheet, you can pretty much take it all with you, even as you're getting away from it all. And that's the core of the H3's appeal: the ability to play in mud as deep as you dare and still clean up nicely when you've got to meet the in-laws for dinner.
And we expect this to remain true for the latest addition to the Hummer line.
The 2009 Hummer H3T is scheduled to arrive in dealerships in September.
Research the Hummer in the buyer’s guide, complete with pricing, specifications, and photo galleries. Read our Hummer H3 review.
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 Acura has treated us to a peek at the completely redesigned 2009 Acura TL, scheduled to go on sale this fall. Derived from the 2008 Honda Accord platform, the Acura TL evolves from its current, laudable generation, and it is wrapped in the latest Acura design language, complete with the trademark buck-tooth grille.
In base form, the near-luxury sedan will see a modest horsepower increase to about 270 hp. The Type-S incarnation is expected to become even more sporting, with power cresting 300 and the addition of Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD). The upgrades position the TL Type-S to compete well against the Infiniti G35X sport sedan. And, it may steal some thunder from the exquisite, though slow selling, Acura RL.
Research the Acura in the buyer’s guide, complete with pricing, specifications, and photo galleries. Read our 2008 Acura TL Type S review.
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 Toyota is the latest manufacturer to shuffle its production facilities around to accommodate the rapidly changing market. Among the key changes, the next-generation Prius will be built at a plant under construction in Blue Springs, Mississippi, starting late 2010. This new Prius will be larger and more powerful than the current model, with a larger-displacement engine and lithium-ion batteries. The top trim will use solar panels to generate limited energy. At the 2008 Detroit auto show in January, Toyota will unveil the first of three expected Prius variations. With this launch, the Prius will join the Kentucky-built Camry Hybrid as the second Toyota hybrid built in North America.
The Prius will displace the Highlander SUV, originally scheduled to be built in Mississippi. The Highlander will now be manufactured in Princeton, Indiana, beginning in fall 2009.
Tundra pickup production will be consolidated from Indiana and Texas to the San Antonio plant in spring 2009.
Due to lagging demand, Toyota will temporarily suspend Tundra and Sequoia production beginning August 8 and it will resume in early November.
Research Toyota cars, trucks, and SUVs in the buyer’s guide, complete with pricing, specifications, and photo galleries. Read our Toyota Prius review.
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 As the numbers are crunched for 2007, the FBI preliminary Uniform Crime Report (UCR) data reveals that motor vehicle theft is headed for an 8.9 percent decrease for that year. (A final report data will be released later this year.)
Thieves are consistent with their preferences, with the four most-stolen vehicles for 2006 remaining in the same ranking order for 2007, based on data from the National Crime Information Center (NCIC).
For 2007, the most stolen vehicles in the nation were:
- 1995 Honda Civic
- 1991 Honda Accord
- 1989 Toyota Camry
- 1997 Ford F-150 Series Pickup
- 1994 Chevrolet C/K 1500 Pickup
- 1994 Acura Integra
- 2004 Dodge Ram Pickup
- 1994 Nissan Sentra
- 1988 Toyota Pickup
- 2007 Toyota Corolla
The National Insurance Crime Bureau's (NICB) recommends car owners take a layered approach to protecting their investment and offers the following tips:
Lock it: The cheapest form of defense is to simply employ the anti-theft devices that are standard on all vehicles: locks. Lock your car and take your keys.
Warning device: Having and using a visible or audible warning device is another item that can ensure that your car remains where you left it.
Immobilizing device: "Kill" switches, fuel cut-offs, and smart keys are among the devices which are high and low tech, but extremely effective. Generally speaking, if your car won't start, it won't get stolen.
Learn how to protect your car from theft.
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 Yes, it is confusing.
Steve Saleen is celebrating 25 years in the business with an anniversary gift for himself, a 720-horsepower SMS Mustang concept car. Built to the man's specifications, this potent pony features the latest SMS innovations, including Red Butterfly induction system, Light Blade tail lamps, carbon-fiber side splitters and diffuser fences, billet-aluminum trim bits, and two-tone leather interior. Ultimately, it is the muscular appearance and thumbing 670 pound-feet of torque that leave a lasting impression.
A proven Mustang racer, Steve formed Saleen Autosport in 1983 and produced his first series car in 1984. In the years that followed, Saleen was the driving force that brought thousands of high-performance Mustangs and other Ford-based products to the street and track. Arguably his crowning achievement thus far has been engineering the twin-turbo S7 supercar, and a place in history was assured when Saleen received the contract to build the Ford GT.
Now, Saleen Incorporated also has news this week. The company formerly owned by Steve launched a budget-focused performance sub-brand, Racecraft, to serve as an approachable entry point to the Saleen stable.
"The Racecraft moniker has been synonymous with Saleen performance since the first Saleen Mustang," said Saleen Automotive General Manager, Marques McCammon. "Racecraft is a
brand that our enthusiasts know as the secret sauce in Saleen suspensions, now that brand name will grow to encompass a full line of exciting performance vehicles."
Thus the first model in the lineup, the base Mustang, 420S features 420-horsepower supercharged V-8 engine. Each Racecraft vehicle will also feature the signature Racecraft suspension, Bridgestone performance tires, light-weight aluminum alloy wheels, race inspired graphics, and signature interior accents. All of this is wrapped in a 3-year, 36,000-mile warranty.
Learn more about performance cars and how to improve the performance of your car.
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