autoMedia Auto News Blog : Buyers guide

Quick Take Test Drive: 2009 BMW 335d

Editor — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 18:20:00 GMT

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...(read more)

Quick Take Test Drive: New-for-2010 Acura TSX V6

Editor — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 21:09:00 GMT

It’s hard not to be a fan of the Acura TSX. In its first generation, the lithe and nimble sedan offered great looks and refinement, with a rev-happy four-cylinder engine thrown in to boot. In 2009, a new TSX appeared, larger, more luxurious, but still enjoying that incredible fun-to-drive feeling, and keeping that sweetheart four-cylinder. But the marketplace can be a fickle thing, and just about every competitor of Acura’s near-luxury sedan either featured a standard six-cylinder engine, or offered one as an option. So for 2010, we now have a new TSX V6 model to top out the range. And this is no mild-mannered six, but a very powerful 3.5-liter V6—taken from the Acura TL—that pumps out 280 hp (79 more hp than the four-cylinder) as well as 254 lb.-ft of torque. The V6 comes standard with a five-speed automatic with paddle shifters. That the added power makes a quantum leap in performance is not a big surprises—40 percent more horsepower will do that, but it also makes a huge change in the personality of the TSX. Where the four-cylinder feels light and spirited, the V6 moves out with real authority, yet feels much more serious. Tap on the gas and you’re gone. And the sound is a rich deep...(read more)

Quick Take Test Drive: Volkswagen Jetta TDI

Editor — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 07:17:00 GMT

If you’re looking for great fuel economy, you have lots of choices. There’s a cornucopia of small cars on the market and, if you need more space, there are some larger hybrid vehicles that still turn in impressive numbers at the pumps. But let’s say you want more. How about a good-sized vehicle with wonderful road feel and driving fun? That car is the Volkswagen Jetta TDI clean diesel sedan. If you haven’t been around diesels lately, you might still think they’re the smoky, stinky, slow models that have been around for a couple of decades. But you’d be wrong. Today’s diesel has been to the gym, quit smoking and—with an impressive 31mpg city/40 mpg EPA fuel economy rating—doesn’t drink much either. The Jetta TDI gives you a choice of either sedan or wagon (or SportWagen), and both are handsome vehicles. Our four-door sedan looked very German in its reflex silver metallic. While our TDI sedan test car was thrifty on fuel, there was nothing low-rent about its interior. Like all modern Volkswagens, the design is clean and efficient, and the quality of the materials sets the standard for its class. The best part of the Jetta TDI experience, though, was in the driving. Start up was smooth...(read more)

What’s New for Chrysler in 2010?

admin — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 03:30:00 GMT

Not much in the way of new product. Remember, the company is rapidly reinventing itself, now that it has purged billions in so-called bad assets and almost 800 dealerships, leaving a leaner Chrysler Group to develop a revised product portfolio with its new corporate partner Fiat. (Read: "Like a Phoenix, New Chrysler Group LLC Rises.")

For the imminent future, there simply isn’t much happening. The products are largely in a holding pattern for another model year. However, if you look closely, there are numerous refinements that should make the vehicles more satisfying to own than before, though not the kind of breakthrough changes that are likely to spark showroom traffic. Below are the highlights of the Chrysler, Dodge, and Jeep product updates for the 2010 model year.

We have already blogged on the notable update to Dodge Caliber’s interior. Most other vehicles that receive any update for the new model year are given a light touch. The one exception is the 2010 Dodge Ram heavy-duty pickups to be offered for the first time in a true crew-cab configuration, complimenting the regular and mega cab. All heavy-duty trucks are distinguished from their light-duty brethren by a unique grille, hood, and bumpers. Refinements throughout promise reduced noise, and the cabin boasts more storage locations. The Ram sees its various tow and capacity ratings increased, though these reflect more a change in how Dodge chooses to make its claims, more closely matching the competition, than representing engineering changes. The powerplants for the heavy-duty trucks include the venerable 5.7-liter Hemi V-8 and a 6.7-liter Cummins turbodiesel. Chassis cab 3500, 4500, and 5500 Rams will be available for 2011.

The Ram Power Wagon returns, with electric-locking front and rear differentials, electronic disconnecting sway bar, Bilstein shocks, 32-inch BF Goodrich off-road tires, underbody skid-plate protection, 4.56 axle ratio for hill climbing, and a custom-built Warn 12,000-lb. winch is accessible through the front bumper. The exterior has been enhanced with a new two-tone paint scheme and graphics package.

Fuel economy tweaks are made on several models, including the light-duty Ram, Dodge Nitro, and Jeep Liberty. These models now have a fuel cut off indicated by an “Eco” light activated during deceleration. Other vehicles, including Jeeps, have had this feature previously. The Nitro and Liberty have some detail updates to their various trims, such as materials updates and larger, standard floor mats.

The Jeep Wrangler receives a long list of minor updates that should add appeal to the legendary rock crawler. On all models fog lamps, tow hooks, compass, outside temperature readout, larger visors, fuel-saver indicator, and front dome lamp are standard. The Sunrider soft-top has been made easier to install. Other changes depend on the trim and options, with changes such as uplevel seating surfaces, new colors, new wheels, and the addition of Uconnect Phone added to the navigation system.

The 2010 Jeep Grand Cherokee in its final year sees the model line simplified to the Laredo and Limited trims, dropping the Overland. An all-new, larger Grand Cherokee will be introduced for the 2011 model year based on the Mercedes-Benz ML platform.

The Chrysler Sebring convertible and sedan has a minor exterior freshening with a new hood and wheels. Inside, the cars receive a new instrument panel and active head restraints.

And the PT Cruiser lives on for another year, despite its planned discontinuation. There is a new Classic trim that bundles popular features in a value package.

Even the Chrysler 300 receives minor updates, with the 300C now claiming keyless entry/keyless go and rear park assist as standard. Side-curtain air bags are standard on all models. An all-new 300 is expected for the 2011 model year.

The Town & Country and Dodge Caravan minivans now have active head rests and rear obstacle detection on all models.

The Dodge Journey gains the “eco” feature also added to the Nitro, seeing highway fuel economy increase 1 mpg on the highway with the V-6 model. Active head restraints are standard on all trims, as well we four-wheel antilock disc brakes. Those models with a video entertainment system now have a larger, nine-inch screen.

The Dodge Challenger adds even more performance and excitement for 2010 with the Super Track Pack, includes 20-inch Goodyear Eagle F1 Super Car tires, front and rear Nivomat self-leveling shock-absorbers, a larger rear stabilizer bar, a 3.06 rear-axle ratio, performance brake linings, and enthusiast-desired “ESP-off” stability calibration. A less extreme nostalgia trip can be taken with the SE Rallye package featuring a dramatic stripe package alternative to the R/T Classic with dual hood and decklid stripes, chromed fuel filler door, 18-inch rallye wheels with all-season performance tires, body-color deck-lid spoiler, and Micro Carbon interior accents.

And finally, the Dodge Viper lives on despite Chrysler’s previous efforts to sell it off. There are four new paint colors and tan Nappa upholstery to mark the new year.

So, while the engineers learn Italian and put together the pieces for what will be the new Chrysler going forward, these enhancements will have to see consumers and dealers through. Again, while there is little drama, the vehicles are more appealing than before.

Attn Shoppers: Cash for Clunkers Ends Monday

admin — Fri, 21 Aug 2009 02:53:00 GMT

All good things must end. The first phase for Car Allowance Rebate System (CARS) saw $1 billion in federal car-sales stimulus drained in less than two weeks. Congress quickly approved $2 billion to keep the momentum going, with Obama signing into law on August 9th. Now, U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood has announced the cash for clunkers program will come to a close on Monday, August 24th at 8 p.m. EDT.

“This program has been a lifeline to the automobile industry, jump starting a major sector of the economy and putting people back to work,” Secretary LaHood said. “At the same time, we’ve been able to take old, polluting cars off the road and help consumers purchase fuel efficient vehicles.”

As of today, the CARS program has recorded more than 457,000 dealer transactions worth $1.9 billion in rebates.

John McEleney, chairman of the National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA), issued the following statement:

“Today, the Administration announced the submission deadline for all ‘cash for clunkers’ applications. Regardless of when the transaction is consummated, the application must be submitted before the deadline to be considered for funding.

“However, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has advised NADA that any applications submitted prior to the deadline and then rejected may still be funded if the applications are subsequently corrected (even if the corrections are submitted after the deadline). This opportunity to cure the application is an essential element of the wind-down of the program.”

Dealership inventory is quick thinning many towns, even as factories ramp up overtime to deliver small, fuel-efficient vehicles in before the funds run out. There is a definite race against the clock for all involved to take full advantage of this unique program, and car shoppers shouldn’t delay.

Learn about the so-called “cash for clunkers” program from our guide. And research year-end clearance models in our new car buyer’s guide and reviews.

Use the free autoMedia dealer quote tool to have dealers compete for your business.

Acura Reveals Restyled, Revised MDX for 2010

Editor — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 20:21:00 GMT

Acura announced today changes to their quintessential MDX SUV for the 2010 model year. Updates include a revised grille, a new hood and front fascia, new rear bodywork, improvements to its 300-horsepower, 3.7-liter V6 powertrain (that includes better fuel economy), and a new six-speed automatic transmission. An all-new Advance Package offers a revised Active Damper System and new, 19-inch wheels and tires. New, 18-inch wheels are standard. As with recent MDX model years, the 2010 MDX transfers power to the wheels through its renowned Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system that actively distributes the optimum amount of power to all four wheels.

On the inside, the 2010 MDX features a new, bolstered, Milano-leather steering wheel with paddle shifters, new gauges and available AcuraLink Real-Time Weather and Traffic Rerouting via a new, full VGA eight-inch navigation screen. A new rear-view camera is also on the options list, and features three different view choices. Acura says, “In keeping with Acura’s leadership in the application of advanced, customer-relevant features, the 2010 MDX is available with an array of technologies to improve convenience, including an all-new blind spot information system and Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), and enhance safety, with Acura’s unique Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS).”

Coming soon will be a full road test review of the restyled, refined 2010 Acura MDX. Read about other Acura vehicles currently on sale in our 2009 Acura Buyer’s Guide.

-Deborah Neal, Editorial Director, autoMedia.com

Cash for Clunkers – Now Available

admin — Mon, 27 Jul 2009 01:07:00 GMT

On your mark, get set, shop! Formerly known as “Cash for Clunkers,” the CAR Allowance Rebate System (CARS) program is now in effect. Dealerships nationwide are ready to accept eligible clunkers on trade-in and apply $3,500-$4,500 toward the purchase of a new, qualifying vehicle. There has been real pent up demand for this program, though also some confusion.

The official rules are as follows:

Your vehicle must be less than 25 years old on the trade-in date
Only purchase or lease of new vehicles qualify.
Generally, trade-in vehicles must get 18 or less mpg (some large pickup trucks and cargo vans have different requirements).
Trade-in vehicles must be registered and insured continuously for the full year preceding the trade-in.
You don't need a voucher; Dealers will apply a credit at purchase.
Program runs through November 1, 2009 or when the funds are exhausted, whichever comes first.
The program requires the scrapping of your eligible trade-in vehicle, and that the dealer disclose to you an estimate of the scrap value of your trade-in. The scrap value, however minimal, will be in addition to the rebate, and not in place of the rebate.

Of course, this program should appeal most to those shoppers looking to replace a vehicle of nominal value – less than the incentive. Given that qualifying vehicles with the prerequisite poor fuel economy and sub-$4,500 trade-in value are likely 10 more or years old, it is worth considering that a new replacement may necessitate a significant loan. Will your household finances be secure the next few years? It is important to consider the long-term financial impact of buying new, especially these days.

If you own a vehicle that has outlived its usefulness, turned into a rust bucket, or faces a major powertrain repair, this could be a great way out of a bad situation.

Plus, if you plan to hold on to your next vehicle for an extended period, there is additional money-savings to be found in buying a close-out 2009 model. (These cars will depreciate a year’s worth in just a few weeks as the 2010 arrive, but that is not a concern for an eight-plus-year owner.)

While the program in theory goes until November 1st, the funds may run out prior to then. Plus, selection of 2009 models will dwindle as the summer fades into autumn. In other words, don’t delay.

All manufacturers have incentives now to help dealerships clear the lots ahead of the 2010 shipments. Some companies such as Chrysler and Hyundai have been particularly aggressive with their offers. (Read "Chrysler Offers 'Double Cash For Your Old Car' Incentive.")

Where ever you turn, be sure to negotiate the purchase price in earnest. The Cash for Clunkers rebate is automatic. The dealer will complete the paperwork, but the credit can be applied instantly at the time of purchase. Since the money comes from the federal government (or rather fellow taxpayers), it should have no impact on your ability to negotiate a good price on that fuel-efficient new car. Remember to haggle!

Qualified consumers will be able to drive a great deal with cash for clunkers. Just take the time to understand the program and to see that it makes sense for you.

Learn more by reading “Cashing in on Clunkers.”

Chrysler Offers “Double Cash For Your Old Car” Incentive

admin — Sun, 26 Jul 2009 21:21:00 GMT

With consumers itching to take advantage of the new Car Allowance Rebate System (CARS) program that is rolling out nationwide, Chrysler is looking to sweeten the pot by offering similar additional incentives on many cars and trucks. The “Double Cash For Your Old Car” incentive has the automaker offering $3,500 to $4,500 off the purchase of new 2009 Chrysler, Dodge, and Jeep vehicles, potentially doubling the discount some customers can get this summer.

Customers will be able to choose the Double Cash program, or zero percent financing for 72 months. (Run your own numbers before deciding, as in many cases the rebate will save more money in the long run.) The program is in place through August 31, 2009.

Eligible 2009 vehicles and rebate about listed below, notably excluding the iconic Jeep Wrangler and SRT models. Additional local and owner loyalty incentives may be available.

Double Cash For Your Old Car

Chrysler 300 - $3,500
Chrysler Aspen - $4,500
Chrysler PT Cruiser - $4,500
Chrysler Sebring - $4,500
Chrysler Sebring Convertible $3,500
Chrysler Town & Country $3,500
Dodge Avenger $4,500
Dodge Caliber $3,500
Dodge Grand Caravan $3,500
Dodge Charger $3,500
Dodge Dakota $3,500
Dodge Durango $4,500
Dodge Journey $3,500
Dodge Nitro $3,500
Dodge Ram 1500 $4,500
Dodge Ram 2500 $3,500
Jeep Commander $4,500
Jeep Compass $3,500
Jeep Grand Cherokee $4,500
Jeep Liberty $3,500
Jeep Patriot $3,500

Research Chrysler, Dodge, and Jeep vehicles in the 2009 new car buyer's guide.

Vie to Win a 2010 Lexus HS 250h Luxury Hybrid

Editor — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 07:27:00 GMT

Lexus says their research has revealed that “more than 60 percent of entry-luxury car buyers would have considered a hybrid if available,” which means the all-new 2010 Lexus HS 250h should be a huge hit when it reaches showrooms later this summer. If you want a chance to drive one for free—for either one week or an entire year—go to www.drivehs.com and enter by July 31, 2009 for a chance to win.

There are several ways—and prizes—to win. First you can create an account to become a potential driver or just vote for others to win, based upon their profile as to why they believe they should be selected. If you think you’re the best potential driver, create your own Driver Profile explaining why you should be voted to win the chance to drive the new HS 250h. In the world of social networking, you can campaign to your heart’s content through facebook, Twitter, You Tube or any other legal means to persuade friends, family, coworkers and strangers to vote for you. Not only that, every person who submits a vote for a “driver,” will get their name entered into a random drawing to also win.

The Voter-only grand prize is a one-year Lexus HS 250h lease and a Lexus Hybrid Living gift bag (contents of which are a secret at this time).

The Driver candidate with the most votes will win a one-year lease of the HS 250h, a weekend at a Fairmont Resort, and a Lexus Hybrid Living gift bag. Two runners-up winners will receive a one-week HS 250h test drive, two nights’ weekend accommodations at a Fairmont Resort hotel, and that secret Lexus Hybrid Living bag of goodies. Finally, 98 winners will receive a one-week test drive and, you guessed it, the Lexus Hybrid Living gift package. Now I’m dying to know more than ever what is in that bag!

The 2010 Lexus HS 250h is actually the world’s first luxury car available with only a hybrid engine. Read our complete road test review of the HS 250h by veteran automotive engineer and journalist, Gary Witzenburg, for more details. Then check out lexus.com and drivehs.com to get started on your chance to drive this new high-end, high-tech luxury hybrid model—and vote for whomever you believe will fully represent. Or at least enjoy reading all the good reasons why so many people want to drive and own the new HS 250h. Enthusiasm is contagious. Remember, contest ends July 31st. Good luck!

-Deborah Neal, Editorial Director, autoMedia.com

autoMedia CARnival June 26, 2009: What's happening this week in the auto blogs?

Brandy Schaffels — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 21:09:00 GMT

It's the week ending June 26, and we've browsed our favorite automotive blogs all week long to gather a collection of what we feel is the highlight from each. The biggest news of the week is death of Michael Jackson, and even the car sites are talking about it. Besides that, we've got high-performance road tests, long-distance road trips, and green news too! And let's not forget about the Cash for Clunkers/CARS legislation signed into Law by Obama this week!

Big News: President Obama signed the Cash for Clunkers legislation into law this week, only it's been renamed the "Car Allowance Rebate System." In case you missed it, we've got a complete description of the new auto sales incentive program here at autoMedia.com Are you ready to go shopping? Do your research first here in our online New Car Buyer's Guide.

Autoblog spent three days in the upcoming 2010 Porsche Panamera assailing the Bavarian Alps, streaking across the German Autobahn at speeds up to 170mph, and meandering through picturesque Alpine towns. What did they think of Porsche's gorgeous four-door sedan? It sounds as if they liked it.

Although the closest thing you can get to an electric car at BMW these days is one with Start & Stop technology, a hybrid (in the near future) or, the Mini E, apparently BMW has had a long history of developing electric cars. AutoBlogGreen shares a photo gallery highlighting BMW's collection of historic electric vehicles from the cute little E1 coupe and the plug-in 3-Series sold in the 1990s, to the all-electric 1602 featured at the 1972 Olympic Games. Over at LeftLaneNews.com, they've got reports that BMW will release a new four-seat electric vehicle, dubbed the "City" to United States treehuggers by 2012. Sizewise, the little carlet will be smaller than the 1-Series and MINI, and about the same as vehicles like the Honda Fit.

The death of Michael Jackson yesterday almost shut down the internet as curious fans sought additional information about the pop star's staus. Knowing that the words "Michael Jackson" are incredibly good for SEO right now, a couple of creative automotive sites found ways to exploit the search term - and who can blame them? Jalopnik has a three-minute clip from Michael Jackson's "Moonwalker" film, in which he transforms himself into a Lancia Stratos Zero and Examiner.com has infor on the Ford ambulance that took the King of Pop on his last ride to the hospital.

Have you been following Ford's Fiesta Agents, as they share their adventures in this highly anticipated sport coupe? Brooklyn Hilary has put more than 13,000 miles on the odometer as she has traversed the country these past couple months. You can read about her experiences over at AutomotiveTraveler.com Hilary, how many gallons of gas have you used as you roam the country? Are you tired of driving yet?

He was the numbers guy, figuring out how to make things work. But the world turned upside-down for Frederick A. "Fritz" Henderson, when the White House drove General Motors Chairman Rick Wagoner into sudden retirement and gave Fritz an unexpected promotion. In this Q&A article, Paul Eisenstein chats with Henderson to get an update on the bankruptcy process and find out more about what's going on behind the scenes with General Motors' bankruptcy proceedings. Read the interview at The Detroit Bureau.

Motor Trend's Editor at Large Arthur St. Antoine pits Chevy's awesome "Blue Devil" -- the Corvette ZR1 -- against its toughest adversary yet: a Blue Angels F/A-18 Hornet fighter jet. This high-def YouTube video is almost 20 minutes long, but worth it: viewers get a seat inside the Corvette, and the jet for high-speed and high-performance maneuvers. Unbelievable!

Thanks for joining us for this week's autoMedia.com CARnival! Have you got something of interest you want us to include in a future carnival? Then fill out our online form so we can be notified of your interesting entry to our weekly blog CAR-nival. Check back next week for another installment--until then, have a great weekend!

Brandy Schaffels, Contributing Editor

3-Row Crossovers Under $25,000

Editor — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 04:05:00 GMT

Even a spacious midsize sedan can be a tight squeeze for five adults—but you still want to go places with everyone every once in a while—and you have to drive.

So if driving a minivan doesn’t suit you, nor does spending more than $25,000 on a new vehicle, here are five three-row crossover SUVs that will fit you, your passengers, and your budget.

Click on each to learn more about features, options, and pricing in a 2009 New Car Buyer’s Guide.

2009 Dodge Journey

2009 Hyundai Santa Fe

2009 Mitsubishi Outlander

2009 Subaru Forester

2009 Toyota RAV4

-Deborah Neal, Editorial Director

New Cars Under $15,000

Editor — Mon, 25 May 2009 03:20:00 GMT

Do you prefer to start fresh? Would you feel better knowing that your new car doesn’t have a used-car history? If you’re in the market for a brand new car with a new-car warranty, but want or need to keep your spending to a minimum, here are the 16 new models available in trim levels for less than $15,000 (price ranges for some models include trim levels over $15k). Click on each vehicle to learn more about its features and options. Happy hunting!

2009 Chevrolet Aveo ($11,965-$15,365)

2009 Honda Fit ($14,750-$18,960)

2009 Hyundai Accent ($11,070-$15,070)

2009 Hyundai Elantra ($14,120-$17,020)

2009 Kia Rio ($11,495-$14,280)

2010 Kia Soul ($13,300-$16,950)

2009 Kia Spectra ($13,550-$16,450)

2009 Mazda MAZDA3 ($14,690-$20,895)

2009 Mitsubishi Lancer ($14,340-$26,490)

2009 Nissan cube ($13,990-$19,370)

2009 Nissan Versa ($10,990-$16,330)

2009 Pontiac G3 ($14,335)

2009 Scion xD ($14,650)

2009 smart fortwo ($11,990-$13,990)

2009 Suzuki SX4 ($13,299-$15,139)

2009 Toyota Yaris ($12,205-$15,880)

See the rest of our New Car Buyer's Guide for pricing, specs, mileage figures, and photo galleries of all vehicle makes, models, by pricing and category.

-Deborah Neal, Editorial Director

Top 10 2009 Fuel-Efficient Favorites

Editor — Sat, 16 May 2009 05:57:00 GMT

While we’re more than six months away from ringing in the 2010 calendar year, and several manufacturers are already—or soon will be—selling 2010 models, we decided to piece together this list of the top 10 best-selling green cars for the 2009 model year, with city/highway mileage figures. Click on any of the make/model names to get pricing, specs and a brief overview about each in autoMedia.com’s 2009 New Car Buyer’s Guide.

1. 2009 Toyota Prius: 48/45

2. 2009 Honda Civic Hybrid: 40/45

3. 2009 Nissan Altima Hybrid: 35/33

4. 2009 Ford Escape Hybrid 4WD: 29/27

5. 2009 Smart fortwo: 33/41

6. 2009 Toyota Camry Hybrid: 33/34

7. 2009 Volkswagen Jetta TDI: 30/41

8. 2009 Toyota Yaris: 29/35

9. 2009 MINI Cooper: 26/34

10. 2009 Honda Fit: 28/35

And, even though sales results obviously aren’t in yet, here are some of the most significant new high-mileage competitors, one of which may just knock its own predecessor from the number one spot. Click on any of these to read the full road test review on autoMedia.com.

2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid

2010 Honda Insight

2010 Mercury Milan Hybrid

2010 Toyota Prius

-Deborah Neal, Editorial Director

autoMedia CARnival: What's happening this week in the auto blogs?

Brandy Schaffels — Fri, 08 May 2009 22:54:00 GMT

autoMedia.com is starting something new this week! Lots of events have been in the news, and we've browsed our favorite automotive blogs all week long to gather a collection of what we feel are the highlights we found at each. Consider this your carnival of cribnotes to items of interest in the automotive arena.

AutoBlog: Now's Your Chance: Repo'd Nissan GT-R up for auction
It's barely got 3000 miles on the odometer and already the owner has defaulted on his Nissan GT-R car loan, so the bank is putting it on the auction block at Matley's Richmond Auto Auction today in Virginia. Blogger Dan Roth says he'd "be hiding this thing in a garage more secret and secure than *** Cheney's undisclosed location while we sold an organ or two on the black market to pay its bills." After all, "You've got a spare kidney, but it's not like the GTR comes along every day."

Los Angeles Alternative Transportation Examiner: 145 mph on chocolate?
Matt Kelly, the Los Angeles Alternative Transportation Examiner asks "is that milk or dark chocolate?" Apparently, he says, "London scientists have unveiled what they hope will be one of the world's fastest biofuel vehicles, powered by waste from chocolate factories and made partly from plant fibers. The car "fuel" is vegetable oils and chocolate waste that has been turned into biofuel." The car, named the "WorldFirst Formula 3 racing car," will go on display at several races including the European Grand Prix and Britain's Goodwood Festival of Speed. Bring your own sweet tooth.

iMotor Friday Fun: Motoring Look-a-likes
The folks over at iMotor got chatting the other day about how some people just look like other, more famous, people. So they created this photo gallery of ten auto industry celebrity look-alikes. You've got to review the selection of photos in this gallery to truly appreciate how well they did their homework! And I promise you, some of them are going to make you laugh out loud! (For instance, what auto industry mogul do you think of when I say "Monopoly Man"? or How about "Emperor Palatine"?) Plus, if you let them know what you think, they might just make another batch. ... I'm picturing Betty Boop and Danica Patrick...

Left Lane News Review: 2009 Porsche 911 Carrera Cabriolet
"The cougar - the female variety, not the Merc' - in the late-model Porsche Boxster slowed as she drove past. As our eyes caught, my heart fluttered a little and I grinned in her direction. But she didn't see me. No, she saw the Cab - the Porsche 911 Carrera Cabriolet." In his review at Left Lane News, Mark Elias asks, "Could this be one of the most impressive two-seat sports cars ever made?" A direct descendant of the shape that made the brand famous upon its introduction at the Frankfurt Motor Show in 1963, it's still able to turn heads 40 years after its debut (as demonstrated by the aforementioned platinum blonde in West Palm Beach).

The Detroit Bureau: Smile For the (Speed) Camera! Radar camera maker nabbed by his own gear
Some folks wind up being hoisted on their own petard. In Tom Riall's case, he's been nailed by his own camera. According to Paul Eisenstein, "The 49-year-old Riall is chief executive of the home affairs division for the British company Serco, and one of their best-known, if most-reviled, products is the radar-triggered camera that's been used to catch countless U.K. traffic offenders as they push past the local speed limits." Even more ironically, Eisenstein says, "it was the third time the balding executive was captured playing fast and loose with the speed laws, which are being more and more heavily monitored in the U.K. after years of lax enforcement. You know that old adage that says "turnabout is fair play?" Looks like this speeder got his just rewards!

AskPatty: Mother's Day Gift Guide
Yes, Mother's Day is just a few days away. Jody DeVere knows choosing the right gift can be a challenge, so she's gathered up some gift ideas that should be perfect for your car-loving Mom. Some are practical, some are elegant, but all of them will please a Mom-on-the-go -- regardless of whether she's cruising a beatup old minivan, or tearing up the tarmac in a Porsche Cayenne. If you still need a mother's day gift idea, be sure to check out this gift guide full of things perfect for your first and most important chauffeur.

Motor Trend: Toyota's January-March Global Loss Beats GM
Todd Lassa highlights an important fact that may have been overlooked by folks who might be too focused on our domestic automotive concerns: "If you're one of the holdouts who believe the depression in the automotive market has only hit the weak, Toyota's results released Friday ought to put that to rest. The World's Number One automaker posted a January-March loss of the equivalent of $6.9-billion, beating GM's first-quarter loss of $6 billion. To make it clear; these numbers are for all global operations. While GM counts January to March as the first quarter of fiscal year 2009, Toyota works on a March-to-March basis, so it has just closed the books on a fiscal year. For March '08 to March '09, Toyota posted an annual loss of 560.4 billion yen, or $5.9 billion."

The Car Connection Spy Shots: 2011 BMW 6-Series
There it is: the tightly cropped front bumper shot of a heavily disguised 2011 BMW 6-Series. According to Marti Padgett, the next-gen 6-Series will be getting an evolutionary new shape; though from the crazy, swirling wrapper on the test mule in the photo, he says it's tough to tell how much exactly will change with the new version of BMW's hefty supercoupe and convertible. But like the new 2009 BMW 7-Series, Padgett says it's likely the same styling themes will get a little more mature and will turn back the clock on the company's controversial "flame surfacing" that's been a point of contention for most of the decade. I just want the awesome paint job for my own car!

Thanks for joining us for this week's auto blog carnival. Check back next week for another installment. Have you got something of interest you want us to include in a future carnival? We'll have information soon that will help you submit ideas to us. Until then, have a great weekend!

Brandy Schaffels, Contributing Editor