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The 2009 Ford Escape delivers more of what customers are looking for now - fuel economy. Powered by a new 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine teamed with a six-speed automatic transmission, the new Escape promises an EPA-rated 20 city/28 highway mpg. Step up to the Escape hybrid, and the fuel economy soars to 34 city/31 highway - figures more typical of a small car than sizable SUV. Best of all, that four-cylinder engine cranks out 171 horsepower and will deliver more grunt than the overtaxed 2.3-liter engine it replaces. With intake variable cam timing (iVCT) technology, the new engine has a broad torque curve that both helps deliver the increased power along with the improved efficiency. Fuel economy is also aided by subtle aerodynamic changes to the boxy design: A new front chin spoiler and rear tire spoilers. In addition, the Escape features new low-rolling-resistance 16-inch Michelin Latitude Tour tires. For those looking for more power, the V-6 boasts a 40-hp increase over the 2008 engine. It too is matched with the six-speed automatic transmission. The combination results in more oomph and a 2 mpg improvement on the highway for both front-wheel and all-wheel drive configurations....
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The ultimate test of any performance car’s mettle is conquering the famed Nurburgring track in Nürburg, Germany. The 13-mile Nordschleife has long been the track for development and bragging rights. Among the lastest boasts to catch our attention is the 2009 Cadillac CTS-V recording a 7:59.32 lap. This blistering time appears to be the fastest ever publicly documented for a production sedan. John Heinricy, GM Performance Division executive and an acclaimed racing driver, piloted the CTS-V through its sub-8 minute lap. The 550-horsepower car itself was reportedly equipped exactly as planned for production, complete with a 6.2-liter supercharged V-8 engine, six-speed transmission, and Magnetic Ride Control suspension. The CTS-V is going through the final stages of testing and development. It appears that Cadillac on track to achieve the goal to make the CTS-V the world's fastest production sedan when it goes on sale this fall. Research the Cadillac CTS in the buyer’s guide, complete with pricing, specifications, and photo galleries. Read our 2008 Cadillac CTS review.
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Sales of the consummate gasoline/electric Toyota Prius hybrid reached a milestone mark of more than one million worldwide, Toyota announced today. Since the Prius first went on sale in Japan in 1997, then in Europe and North America in 2000, total cumulative sales through April 2008 hit 1,028,000 units, with—believe it or not—most units being sold in North America. Toyota says it believes that, compared to emissions of straight gasoline-powered vehicles, this many Prius hybrids on our earth’s roadways have done their eco-friendly part, resulting in a 4.5 million ton reduction in CO2 emissions—that nasty stuff environmentalists and other people who like to breathe believe to be a big cause of global warming. In their quest to build and sell even more fuel efficient vehicles, Toyota also offers other hybrids, such as the Camry and Highlander , and various Lexus models, like the GS 450h and LS 600h sedans and RX 400h luxury crossover SUV. They’re not alone in their efforts, though, as more and more manufacturers are aiming to do the same with their own brand of gasoline/electric hybrid technology, from compact cars to midsize sedans and SUV s.
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