April 2008 - Posts
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 This spring, the 2008 Chevrolet Malibu LTZ sedan will be available with a new four-cylinder drivetrain that promises good performance and fuel efficiency. A 2.4-liter, 169-horsepower Ecotec engine is partnered with a six-speed 6T40 automatic transmission. The result is an EPA-estimated 22 mpg city and 32 mpg highway.
The new Malibu LTZ model has a MSRP of $26,545 (including a $650 destination charge). It joins an already diverse lineup of Malibu models, ranging from the value-driven LS to V-6 LT and LTZ models, as well as the unique, fuel-saving Malibu Hybrid.
The Malibu LTZ with this powertrain is distinguished with unique, 17-inch Chrometec wheels and a single, chrome exhaust outlet. Inside is the same uplevel interior as V-6-powered LTZ models. Research the Chevrolet Malibu sedan and hybrid in the buyer’s guide, complete with pricing, specifications, and photo galleries.
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 Volkswagen has launched a major polling effort that goes beyond auto-show-type feedback, to learning how the public feels on a variety of seemingly mundane issues, such as “Cup or cone?” and “Boxers or briefs?”
VW is taking the user-generated content approach, reaching out to consumers online and in New York’s Time Square (vote by text message!) to collect response-provoking questions and tally answers. Users are credited for submissions, and they can even order T-shirts with their question and handle.
For the musically inclined, VW has teamed with pandora.com to allow listeners to collectively influence the play lists of two Volkswagen radio stations called “Music for the People” from now through May 9, 2008. Listeners can vote for which artists they want to hear, and Pandora will generate all the requests into a truly democratic play list.
Through these clever marketing-driven efforts, VW will gain an understanding of the American consumer. In the end, no amount of feedback on underwear will change the dollar-to-Euro exchange rate that is taking its toll on the profitability for oversees imports.
To participate in polls, visit vw.com/whatthepeoplewant.
If you own a Volkswagen, deliver feedback here at autoMedia.com with our new user reviews, available on car reviews and in the buyer’s guide.
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 Chevrolet will over-deliver when the 2009 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 goes on sale. When this history-making supercar was introduced at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit earlier this year, the official output claimed was 620 horsepower, good for 100 horsepower per liter of displacement. Now that the LS9 V-8 has completed SAE certification, the final output is set at 638 horsepower and 604 pound-feet of torque. Certain to fuel automotive fantasies for decades to come, this supercharged engine stands as the most powerful ever manufactured by General Motors.
The Corvette ZR1 goes on sale this summer.
Research the Chevrolet Corvette coupe and convertible in the buyer’s guide, complete with pricing, specifications, and photo galleries.
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 Suzuki will pack its 2009 SX4 sport sedan and SX4 Crossover hatchback with a standard, integrated navigation system, making it the only new vehicle under $16,000 to include navigation as a standard feature. Navigation systems are increasingly common as options on an expanding range of vehicle, although the cost typically associated with them is in $1500-$2000 territory.
This GPS system is sourced from segment leader Garmin, and it will offer premium services through Microsoft Network, including real-time traffic, weather forecasts, local event listings, and a gas station finder capable of locating the lowest priced fuel in town. Distinguishing its points of interest (POI) functionality, the SX4 system will feature a number of lifestyle-oriented, Suzuki-recommended destinations and landmarks, such as hip music venues, popular surf spots, interesting road trip attractions, and other activity-focused destinations. Referred to as the Suzuki T.R.I.P. (Travel, Real-time traffic, Information and Play), the navigation system has a flip-up 4.3-inch touch screen display and Bluetooth hands-free calling technology that can receive and audibly play text messages. This system should add high-tech appeal to these compact cars when the 2009 models arrive at dealers this summer.
Hopefully this move signals the time when factory-installed systems will begin to be priced more competitively with aftermarket, portable systems. Research the Suzuki SX4 sedan and hatchback in the buyer’s guide, complete with pricing, specifications, and photo galleries. Read our Suzuki SX4 review.
Learn more about GPS navigation systems in our “GPS Buying Guide.”
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 Audi will freshen its entry-level five-door hatchback model for the 2009 model year, with exterior and interior updates. Although Audi has released only this teaser image, we can see the exterior is distinguished with a revised front end. The new hood and fenders are more expressively styled, and the bumper and large single-frame radiator grille have been modified. Daytime running lights are standard features, and the optional bi-xenon headlamps incorporate LEDs. Not shown are new door handles and wheels. The rear features a modified bumper and lights, with fiber-optic light strips. Inside the car, the updates center around a more premium look to controls and switches, as well as an updated instrument panel.
The 2.0-liter, 200-horsepower turbo four and 3.2-liter, 250-horsepower V-6 carry over. The 2.0 TFSI engine is supplied as standard with six-speed manual transmission, and the 3.2 is available exclusively with the six-speed S tronic dual-clutch transmission, now also available for all engine versions.
The independent suspension is an enhanced with an available adaptive-action shock absorber control system. The driver can choose between "Normal" and "Sport" programs by flipping a switch. A magneto-rheological fluid circulating in the shock absorbers changes its flow properties within milliseconds when a voltage is applied; this affects the damping characteristic, which can be varied from comfortably supple to crisply firm. The A3 will reach dealers in September 2008, with pricing and equipment to be announced closer to the on-sale date.
Research the 2008 Audi A3 hatchback in the buyer’s guide, complete with pricing, specifications, and photo galleries.
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 With the countdown on to its late-summer release, Mazda has released a preview of it’s redesigned Mazda6 sedan. Though few details are available, it promises to be a sporting alternative in one of the most competitive automotive segments, vying with the impressive Honda Accord, Hyundai Sonata, Nissan Altima, and Toyota Camry.
The Mazda6 will be powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and the same 3.7-liter V-6 as used in the 2008 CX-9, putting horsepower at about 273. Transmission choices will include a six-speed manual or five-speed Sport AT automatic with manual-shift mode (2.5-liter engine) or a six-speed Sport AT automatic with manual-shift mode (3.7-liter V6). The suspension will be all-independent, with four-wheel disc brakes and standard ABS and dynamic stability control. 
This time around, the Mazda6 will be available only as a four-door sedan, and there are three trim levels: Sport, Touring, and Grand Touring.
All North American Mazda6s will continue to be built at AutoAlliance International, in Flat Rock, Michigan. Mazda promises more information will be available closer to the on-sale date.
Research the Mazda6 sedan and hatchback in the buyer’s guide, complete with pricing, specifications, and photo galleries.
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 The U.S. Postal Service will celebrate America automotive classics when it rolls out the 50s Fins and Chrome First-Class stamps on October 3rd. These commemorative stamps join the America on the Move series, featuring a ’57 Chrysler 300C, ’57 Lincoln Premiere, ’57 Pontiac Safari, ’57 Studebaker Golden Hawk, and a ’59 Cadillac Eldorado.
The Postal Service previewed the stamps Friday before thousands of car enthusiasts attending the Spring Carlisle Collector Car & Swap Meet in Carlisle, Pennsylvania. Likewise, the first-day-of-issue ceremony takes place at the Fall Carlisle Collector Car & Swap Meet where at least two of the cars—the Chrysler 300C and the Pontiac Safari—are expected to be displayed during the ceremony.
This provides a rare opportunity to lick one of these classic cars and share your car enthusiasm with friends, family, and bill collectors across the nation. A welcomed tribute, these classic car stamps may dull the pain of the rate increase on May 12th to 42 cent for First Class. (Reminder: Buy your forever stamps now.)
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 The Ford Mustang has experience unparalleled sales success due to its longevity, continuing performance legacy, and value. For decades, it has been a tire-shredding piece of Americana, and as a result, it has reached the rare milestone of 9 million cars built.
The Mustang got off to an amazing start, achieving 419,000 sales in its first 12 months on the market, and topped the 1-million mark in the first two years. Today, sales volumes are a more modest, with the Mustang moving 10,180 units this past March, down 30.9 percent from March 2007. Still, Ford continues to refine the venerable pony car range with a variety of special-edition models, including the Warriors in Pink and Bullitt versions, plus the upcoming Glass Roof option.
Mustang number 9,000,000 is a Mustang GT Convertible, sold through a dealership in Iowa.
Research the Ford Mustang in the buyer’s guide, complete with pricing, specifications, and photo galleries.
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 Last fall, Hot Wheels announced its first-ever Designer's Challenge, inviting designers from leading automotive manufacturers the chance to design and create an original Hot Wheels vehicle. Proving that car enthusiasts never truly grow up, several automakers submitted their own designs for potential immortalization at 1/64th scale. The selected designs will be the basis of a new 40th-anniversary Designer's Challenge product line.
Honda R&D Americas designed this sharp car, creatively named the Honda Racer. The key element to the design of the entire car is that the body is in the shape of the Honda "H" emblem. The exterior shape resembles an imaginative side-by-side racecar of 1960s vintage that encloses a driver and a navigator. The general shape, styling and paint scheme is further inspired by Honda's early participation in Formula 1 racing and its 1967 RA 273 race car. The white and red paint scheme, the open cockpits, large exhaust system, and open wheels are all elements inspired by the historic Honda race car. A powerful Honda V-10 VTEC engine sits between the piloting team. If brought up to scale, this engine would displace 2.0 liters per cylinder.
Other designs selected for the Hot Wheels Designer's Challenge line include:
- Dodge XP-07
- Gangster Grin, by Ford
- Chevroletor, by General Motors
- Lotus Concept
- Mitsubishi Double Shotz
- HW-40, by Hot Wheels
Hot Wheels Designer's Challenge cars will hit store shelves in May 2008.
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 The entire 2009 Volkswagen model line will be covered by a no-charge Carefree Maintenance Program that covers scheduled maintenance described in each vehicle’s maintenance booklet for the length of the New Vehicle Limited Warranty—three years or 36,000 miles, whichever occurs first.
The maintenance intervals covered under this program and detailed in each vehicle’s maintenance booklet are 10K, 20K, and 30K miles for most 2009 model year Volkswagens. These long service intervals are aided by the use of synthetic oil. Co-developed with Chrysler, the Routan minivan requires services at 6K, 12K, 18K, 24K, 30K, and 36K miles.
The Carefree Maintenance Program will launch with the introduction of the Tiguan, Volkswagen’s all-new crossover vehicle. Research Volkswagen in the buyer’s guide, complete with pricing, specifications, and photo galleries.
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Following up on the Energy Bill that passed through Congress in December 2007, U.S. Transportation Secretary Mary E. Peters celebrated Earth Day by announcing a more-aggressive proposal that would see fuel economy for passenger vehicles increase 25 percent by 2015.
For passenger cars, the proposal would increase fuel economy from the current 27.5 miles per gallon to 35.7 miles per gallon by 2015. For light trucks, the proposal calls for increases from 23.5 miles per gallon in 2010 to 28.6 miles per gallon in 2015. The tightening standards focus on vehicle attributes, such as size, allowing a reduction in fuel consumption without sacrificing safety.
“This proposal is historically ambitious, yet achievable,” Secretary Peters said. “It will help us all breathe a little easier by reducing tailpipe emissions, cutting fuel consumption, and making driving a little more affordable.”
All told, the proposal will save nearly 55 billion gallons of fuel and a reduction in carbon dioxide emissions estimated at 521 million metric tons, according to a Department of Transportation release. The plan will save America’s drivers over $100 billion in fuel costs over the lifetime of the vehicles covered by the rule, something that should resonate with consumers who have cringed at a $3.50/gallon national average for gasoline this week.
This proposal comes at a time when car owners have a great interest in fuel economy, though manufacturers will face serious challenges in meeting these new rules. It is estimated that it will cost automakers $47 billion to meet these new standards, from 2011 to 2015, with the majority spent on light trucks. The added cost per vehicle would be about $650 per car, $979 per light truck, according to National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
The Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS) doesn’t think this proposal goes far enough, citing false assumptions by NHTSA (gas prices at $2.25 in 2015), loopholes (credit for selling flex-fuel vehicles), and undervaluing global warming pollution reduction (assigned at $7 per ton, whereas European markets rate it at $40). In addition, UCS believes the national fleet could achieve 39 mpg by 2020 by using only conventional technology.
The proposal is open for public comment for 60 days, and it is expected feedback will be expressed from lobby groups on all sides. Do you think this is a good target? Does it go far enough? Post your comments below.
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 With Earth Day, we were wondering just how popular hybrid cars have become, when we found that R. L. Polk & Co has done the research for us. According to their calculations, nationwide registrations for new hybrid vehicles rose to 350,289 in 2007, marking a 38 percent increase from 2006.
The hybrid rock star Toyota Prius continued to lead the segment with 179,178 total new registrations, claiming a simple majority of hybrid market share at 51.2 percent. With the national gasoline prices averaging $3.50 a gallon, it is no surprise that this sales trend looks to continue. The Prius hybrid gasoline-electric mid-sized sedan posted best-ever March sales of 20,635, an increase of 16 percent from last March. (Conversely, Hummer has seen the greatest decrease in sales per dealership, according to Automotive News.)
The Toyota Highlander and Ford Escape share leadership positions in the SUV hybrid segment, according to Polk.
Learn more about green cars from our DriveSmart articles. Research the Toyota Prius in the buyer’s guide, complete with pricing, specifications, and photo galleries.
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 A sign of its commitment in China, Buick chose the 2008 Beijing Auto Show to unveil its Invicta concept car. This mid-sized sedan reveals the design direction for Buick’s next-generation vehicles for the United States and China, and the Invicta is expected to replace the LaCrosse later this year.
The Invicta styling evolved from the well-received 2004 Velite convertible and 2007 Riviera coupe concepts, and it was designed collaboratively by GM centers in Warren, Michigan, and Shanghai, China. The name harks back to 1959, when it was first introduced in North America on a production vehicle. Invicta is Latin for “invincible.” The sleek exterior has a coupe-like profile in vogue with premium models, like the Mercedes-Benz CLS, accented with crisp lines and chrome highlights. The sheetmetal wraps tautly around the wheel arches stuffed with 20-inch wheels giving it a muscular, modern appearance. This is heightened by short overhangs and a sense of motion evoked by the wrap-around headlamps and aggressively raked windshield. The reborn Buick-signature portholes are placed on the hood, rather than on the fenders. Beneath the relatively flat hood is a turbocharged 250-horsepower four-cylinder engine with a six-speed automatic transmission. The Invicta is about four inches shorter than the outgoing LaCrosse, though it rides on a longer wheelbase. A front-drive model derived from the stunning Invicta is expected to go on sale this calendar year. Research Buick in the buyer’s guide, complete with pricing, specifications, and photo galleries.
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 At the 2008 Beijing Auto Show, Audi took the wraps off the latest SUV to join its swelling ranks, the Q5. Slotting below the three-row Q7 in the range, the Q5 enters the luxury crossover vehicle market for 2009, boasting two inches in length and width over the popular BMW X3. It will be offered in the United States with a 3.2L, 265-hp V-6 FSI direct injection with all-wheel drive and a six-speed Tiptronic transmission.
The exterior design has a premium yet friendly feel that reminds of the Volkswagen Tiguan, wrapped in Q7 elegance, and finished by the distinct brand-signature trapezoidal grille. Bi-xenon headlamps are available, and LED taillights are standard. Audi brags about the 0.33 drag coefficient—low for an SUV. Thankfully, it appears the Q5 has bucked the recent trend for short side glass and large C-pillars conspiring to reduce outward visibility.
 The interior balances luxury with versatility. The cabin materials count aluminum, woods, chrome, leather, and Alcantara, as well as a large selection of optional design packages. The instrument cluster has a display screen, and there is large, central monitor. A navigation system with real-time traffic ability is available. The infotainment center is controlled with then next-generation rotary dial, known as MMI in Audi-speak. Among the more novel features, Audi offers a climate-controlled drink holder to keep beverages hot or cold. The front passenger seat folds flat to accommodate long objects. Also, that footwell has anchors for various storage fixtures.
The Q5 is standard with quattro permanent all-wheel drive, which routes power in a 40:60 ratio to the front and rear ratio. When needed, the driveline can deliver up to 65 percent of the power to the front axle and a maximum of 85 percent to the rear axle. The vehicle comes standard with 18-inch aluminum wheels, with 20-inch wheels being optional. Acceleration is estimated at 6.8 seconds for 0-60 mph.
The Audi Q5 goes on sale in the United States the first quarter of 2009 as a 2009 model-year vehicle. All Audi will hint on pricing is that the Q5 is “expected to be in line with its competitors.”
Research Audi in the buyer’s guide, complete with pricing, specifications, and photo galleries.
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 Ford has added a new contender to its ever-expanding family of crossovers, which already includes the recently renamed Taurus X (formerly Freestyle) and the new-for-’07 Ford Edge. Set to go on sale this summer, the full-size Flex lives up to its name for its completely customizable nature. Low-slung and long, Flex mixes old school station wagon lines with new-age features like seven-passenger seating, an interior refrigerator, Ford’s SYNC in-vehicle communications and entertainment system, interior “mood lighting,” plenty of safety features, 18-inch wheels standard, and optional white or silver roofs. Ford is hoping to sell 100,000 units. Pricing for a base Flex SE will start at $28,995, while the all-wheel-drive Flex Limited begins at $37,255. A 3.5-liter, 260-hp V6 mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission powers the Flex for a good balance of performance and fuel economy, although actual EPA numbers are yet to be determined. As distinctive in design, yet completely different from the new, more angular Flex, Ford’s curvaceous, midsize Edge crossover is also powered by the same award-winning engine. Introduced in ‘06 as a 2007 model, the 2008 Ford Edge gets several new options this year, beginning with 20-inch aluminum wheels, power-operated liftgate, voice-activated navigation, and the Ford SYNC system as well. Like Flex, Edge comes in three trim levels: SE, SEL, and Limited. autoMedia.com conducted a full test and shot video of the Ford Edge on open track to give you an idea of how well this vehicle performs.  Format: mov
Duration: 04:26
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