2008 Ford Mustang Bullitt Review
Cars.com's Patrick Olsen walks you through the 2008 Ford Mustang Bullitt.
Thursday, January 31, 2008
2009 Toyota Corolla Review
RoadFly.com gives a review of the brand new 2009 Toyota Corolla shot in Cary North Carolina.
2008 Infiniti G35 Review
The 2008 Infiniti G35 uses rear-wheel drive, a necessity for true sporty handling.
Porsche Cayenne GTS Makes Its North American Debut at the Chicago Auto Show
Porsche will add some spice to the 100th anniversary of the Chicago Auto Show by unveiling the Cayenne GTS to the American public. Already known for exceptional on and off-road prowess, the GTS has been formulated, tested and tweaked to offer the best on-road characteristics of any Cayenne Porsche has ever produced.
The Cayenne GTS features a 405hp 4.8 liter V-8 engine. Based on the same V8 found in the Cayenne S, this more robust powerplant can be coupled either with an automatic Tiptronic S or, for the first time in a Cayenne V8, a six-speed manual transmission for those who want to take full advantage of this new power and suspension package. The GTS gets its cornering prowess from standard 21-inch alloy rims equipped with 295/35 R21 tires and air suspension that features Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM).
The Cayenne GTS front end is reminiscent of the Cayenne Turbo while the body has a lower stance and a striking new wheel-arch design that complements the new 21-inch rims. The interior boasts redesigned front and rear seats that offer a sportier look and feel with Alcantara to hold both driver and passenger in place during spirited driving.
The 2008 Cayenne GTS goes on sale in February and pricing for this new model is US $69,300.
Porsche Cars North America, Inc. (PCNA), based in Atlanta, Ga., and its subsidiary, Porsche Cars Canada, Ltd., are the exclusive importers of Porsche sports cars and Cayenne sport utility vehicles for the United States and Canada. A wholly owned, indirect subsidiary of Dr. Ing.h.c. F. Porsche AG, PCNA employs approximately 250 people who provide Porsche vehicles, parts, service, marketing and training for its 212 U.S. and Canadian dealers. They, in turn, provide Porsche owners with best-in-class service.
Source: Porsche
Sunday, January 27, 2008
Jaguar XF Interior Design
Jaguar Design's Alister Whelan discusses what makes the XF's interior a very contemporary space. The luxurious materials provide a unique relaxing atmosphere inside the car.
2009 Ford F-150 In-Depth: Overview
From the 2008 Detroit Auto Show, Cars.com's Joe Wiesenfelder takes a look at the 2009 Ford F-150.
2009 Caddy CTS-V and CTS Coupe
Cadillac brings a rocket sedan and slinky coupe concept to the Detroit auto show.
2008 Lexus LS 600h In-Depth: Driving Features
Cars.com's Joe Wiesenfelder walks you through the driving features of the 2008 Lexus LS 600h.
Jaguar XF Exterior Design
Jaguar Director of Design, Ian Callum, provides insight into the XF's exterior design.
2008 Honda Accord Review
First of all, the new Accord's origami surfaces, with sharper lines and edgier folds is a great leap forward over the old car's soft curves and now generic shape.
Saturday, January 19, 2008
Ford Explorer America Concept First Impressions
From the 2008 Detroit Auto Show, Cars.com's Suburban Dad, Patrick Olsen, takes a look at the Ford Explorer America concept.
Used Car Buying Tips the Experts Use
When it comes to buying a used car, you should not only bring in outside, professional expertise, but make a professional out of yourself, too.
By combining a physical inspection from a licensed mechanic (which you should always try to do), with the information directly available to you as a consumer, such as vehicle history reports, you can empower yourself with the knowledge and confidence you need to make the best decision possible.
No one will dispute that fact that uncertainty is the most prominent and unwelcome part of the used car-buying process. Since the first Model T rolled off the line, people have been fixing and selling vehicles without disclosing their full, and sometimes checkered, pasts. And, be it your first or 14th used car purchase, the questions always loom: Am I buying a problem vehicle? Has it been in an accident? How do I know this isn’t a lemon?
In this information age, you can arm yourself with the same information and techniques professionals use to answer these questions, and make an educated and confident used car purchase. These techniques include:
1.) Pedals and Steering: Examine the pedals for wear. While the paint and interior are often updated to make a car appear less worn, sellers rarely replace pedals. Also, with the engine off, jiggle the steering wheel back and forth. There should be less than 1 inch of play and no clunking noises. If there are, the car may need a steering gearbox, rack or other front suspension repair such as tie rod ends.
2.) Frame Damage: Never buy a frame-damaged car. Check the radiator core support, which connects the front fenders and holds the top of the radiator and includes the hood latch. It should be bolted, not welded on either side. Inspect the bolt heads at the top of the fenders inside the hood; scratch marks indicate that the fenders have been replaced or realigned after a crash.
Uneven tire wear is another indication of possible frame damage. When cars are involved in a major collision and frame damage occurs, the frame often remains slightly off keel and the tires will show this hidden problem.
3.) Paint: Carefully check the paint job, taking note of any rust spots, dents or scratches. Look at the sides of the car from end-on for waviness, which indicates paint work. Run your finger along the edges of the joints between panels; roughness indicates residue left from masking tape, uneven gaps between door, hood, and trunk panels and their openings indicate possibility of a major repair. Consider bringing a small magnet with you. If the body of the car is steel, then a failure of the magnet to stick can indicate the extensive use of body compound to conduct a repair. When using this trick however, keep in mind that many newer models use fiberglass for certain body panels.
4.) Fluids: Remove the oil filler cap. Check for signs of thick, dark sludge, which may indicate the vehicle didn’t receive frequent oil changes. Look at the condition of the coolant in the overflow tank; filthy brown coolant means a rusted cooling system and possibly a leaky head gasket. Pull the transmission dipstick; the fluid should be pink or red. An old car may have dark transmission fluid, but the oil should not look or smell burnt. Check underneath the vehicle for fluid leaks.
5.) Vehicle History Report: Beyond your own firsthand detective work, checking a car’s vehicle history is one of the most important things you can do before making a purchase. Vehicle history reports like Experian’s AutoCheck (www.autocheck.com) pull data from various sources, including state department of motor vehicle records, auto auctions and dealers.
AutoCheck now features the AutoCheck Score, which assigns each vehicle a numeric score based on that vehicle’s specific history. In much the same way as a credit score distills large amounts of information into a simple, easy-to-understand numeric score, this first-ever vehicle score makes it easier to understand the vehicle’s full history and compare that car against the average score of similar vehicles.
Vehicle history reports factor in reported events such as title and registration information, accident, auction data, the vehicle’s emission history, whether it’s ever been repossessed or stolen, whether the vehicle has ever been a government car, police car or taxi and whether it’s ever been leased. The AutoCheck Score does the analysis for you, helping you easily understand what a vehicle history report really says about that used car.
Becoming a savvier car buyer will not only allow you to make a better investment, but it can also protect you and your family from an unsafe vehicle. Gone are the days of simply kicking tires and staring blankly under the hood. With a little research and some careful inspection, you can steer clear of problem used vehicles.
Courtesy of ARAcontent
Audi R8 V12 TDI Concept
Video of the unveiling of the new Audi R8 V12 TDI Concept car in Detroit, at the 2008 North American International Auto Show.
2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata Review
The Miata win's drivers over with its balanced handling, quick and precise steering, and crisp-shifting six-speed manual transmission.
Three Hyundai Models Earn Top Safety Pick Awards
For the first time ever, three Hyundai models earned the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety's (IIHS) Top Safety Pick award. The Hyundai Veracruz and Santa Fe received awards in the midsize SUV segment and the Hyundai Entourage in the minivan segment. All winning vehicles are recognized for their ability to protect people in front, side and rear crashes.
This marks the third year in a row the Entourage has received the highest honor - the IIHS Top Safety Pick award in the minivan category. All three vehicles also earned five-star crash test ratings, the highest government rating under NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program, for both frontal and side impact.
Top Safety Pick awards recognize vehicles that do the best job of protecting people in front, side and rear crashes based on ratings in the Institute's tests. Each vehicle's overall evaluation is based on a variety of measures including injuries to dummies, vehicle's structural performance, restraint performance, etc. Winners are also required to be equipped with the latest crash prevention technology, electronic stability control (ESC) - which is standard on all three Hyundai Top Safety Pick vehicles and on 73% of all Hyundai vehicles sold in the U.S.
According to the IIHS, "Designating winners based on the tests makes it easier for consumers to identify vehicles that afford the best overall protection without sifting through multiple sets of comparative crash test results."
"Hyundai has more 2008 IIHS Top Safety Picks than BMW, Mercedes-Benz, or Toyota," said John Krafcik, vice president of strategic planning and product development, Hyundai Motor America. "That's a pretty good indication that we know what we're doing when it comes to combining industry-leading safety with industry-leading value."
The Entourage minivan is sold only in North America.
Source: PRWeb
Friday, January 18, 2008
2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK350 Unveiling
The unveiling of the new 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK350 in Detroit, at the 2008 North American International Auto Show.
Audi TTS
The unveiling of the new Audi TTS in Detroit, at the 2008 North American International Auto Show.
2009 Volkswagen Passat CC First Impressions
From the 2008 Detroit Auto Show, Cars.com's Kelsey Mays takes a look at the 2009 Volkswagen Passat CC.
Mazda Furai Concept
The unveiling of the new Mazda Furai Concept in Detroit, at the 2008 North American International Auto Show.
2008 Toyota Highlander Review
Once marketed as the small SUV the Highlander has been refreshed and is staking its claim as a Crossover with a lot of creature comforts.
Toyota to Start Sales of Lithium-ion Plug-in Hybrids by 2010
Toyota announcement represents the next step toward the popularization of plug-in hybrid vehicles, following the start in 2007 of public-road verification tests of Toyota nickel-metal hydride battery-equipped plug-in hybrid vehicles in the Japan, the U.S. and Europe. In the U.S., such tests began in November with the cooperation of the University of California, Berkeley and the University of California, Irvine under the State of California's Alternative Fuel Incentive Program.
Toyota will continue to engage in the development of various advanced technologies toward the realization of a world of sustainable mobility in which people and the environment can coexist and believes it is important to increase the availability of such technologies in the marketplace. In addition to plug-in hybrid vehicles, TMC is progressing in its engagements regarding fuel cell hybrid vehicles, flexible-fuel vehicles, diesel engines and others and, in the near future, intends to offer a newly developed clean diesel V8 engine in the "Tundra" full-size pickup truck and "Sequoia" full-size SUV sold in North America.
Source: PRWeb
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
Toyota A-BAT Concept First Impressions
From the 2008 Detroit Auto Show, Cars.com's Dave Thomas takes a look at the Toyota A-BAT concept.
Lincoln MKT Concept
Get your first look at the Lincoln MKT concept. This Flex-based family vehicle is surprisingly innovative.
2009 Dodge Ram First Impressions
From the 2008 Detroit Auto Show, Cars.com's Mike Hanley walks you through the 2009 Dodge Ram.
2009 Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart
The unveiling of the new 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart in Detroit, at the 2008 North American International Auto Show.
2009 Honda Pilot Concept
Honda's Pilot prototype fires a shot across the bow of the hometown heroes in Detroit.
2009 Hyundai Genesis First Impressions
Cars.com's Mike Hanley takes a look at the 2009 Hyundai Genesis.
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
2009 Chevy Corvette ZR1
Head for the fallout shelter: The beastly Corvette ZR1 is gonna wreak some havoc.
2009 Subaru Forester First Impressions
From the 2008 Detroit Auto Show, Suburban Dad Patrick Olsen walks you through the 2009 Subaru Forester.
2008 BMW X6 First Impressions
From the 2008 Detroit Auto Show, Cars.com's Kelsey Mays walks you through the 2008 BMW X6.
2008 Subaru WRX Test Drive
Designed to race the Subaru WRX has also become a little more cultured with ugraded interiors and better entertainment systems.
Family Sedan Showdown
Whether you call them bread-and-butter cars or mainstreamers, one thing's for certain: The four automobiles we've assembled here — the Chevrolet Malibu, Honda Accord, Nissan Altima and Toyota Camry — truly represent America's top models. Forget hotcakes, because midsize sedans sell like iPods.
Monday, January 14, 2008
Cadillac CTS Coupe Concept
Cars.com tracks down the new Cadillac CTS Coupe Concept on the move at the 2008 Detroit Auto Show.
Interview with A-BAT Designer Matt Sperling
Matt Sperling is the Creative Designer for the Toyota A-BAT. He was responsible for creating the concept's exterior styling.
Mercedes GLK Concept First Impressions
From the 2008 Detroit Auto Show, Cars.com's Kelsey Mays walks you through the Mercedes-Benz GLK Freeside concept.
Interview with A-BAT Sr. Designer Daryl Harris
Daryl Harris is a Senior Creative Designer at Toyota. He's responsible for creating the interior design direction in the A-BAT compact pickup concept.
Sunday, January 13, 2008
2008 Detroit Auto Show - Interview with Dieter Zetsche
Cars.com's Kelsey Mays talks with Daimler AG chairman Dieter Zetsche about the future of diesel engines in U.S. Mercedes models.
Mazda CX-9 Wins 2008 North American Truck of the Year Award
The 2008 Mazda CX-9 crossover sport utility vehicle (SUV) was today named the North American Truck of the Year. Determined by 48 automotive journalists from the United States and Canada, the prestigious North American Truck of the Year award recognizes the most outstanding truck of the year, a category that includes conventional pickup trucks, body-on-frame SUVs and the emerging breed of passenger-car-based SUVs known as “crossovers.” Factors considered for the award include innovation, design, safety, handling, driver satisfaction and value for the dollar.
Established in 1994, the North American Truck of the Year award honors vehicles that become new benchmarks in their class or set new standards. The vehicles are judged by various categories including design, safety, fuel economy, handling, performance, comfort, driver satisfaction and affordability.
“This truly is an honor,” said Jim O’Sullivan, president and CEO of Mazda North American Operations, upon receiving the award. “Since we brought CX-9 to market, it’s been a hit with media, customers and dealers alike. This vehicle represents everything a Mazda SUV should be: dynamically styled, powerful, with top-notch craftsmanship and a heck of a lot of fun to drive. Today’s award is proof that says we just might be on to something special.”
The Mazda CX-9 deftly blends sporty driving spirit with seven-passenger sport-utility vehicle (SUV) practicality. CX-9 is powered by a 273-horsepower 3.7-liter V6 engine and features a new Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) system, which helps see and prevent the unexpected. Priced from $29,400, the CX-9 is available in three trim levels – Sport, Touring and Grand Touring – and offers cutting-edge safety technology.
Headquartered in Irvine, Calif., Mazda North American Operations oversees the sales, marketing, parts, accessories and customer service support of Mazda vehicles in the United States, Canada and Mexico through nearly 900 dealers. Operations in Canada are managed by Mazda Canada Inc., located in Ontario, Canada, and in Mexico by Mazda Motor de México in Mexico City.
Source: Ford.com
2009 Ford F-150 unveil from Detroit Auto Show
This video shows Ford unveiling the new 2009 Ford F-150 at the Detroit Auto Show.
2008 Lamborghini Gallardo Spyder Review
Look at me, dammit! Four-wheeled eye candy for all but the dead or comatose.
Corvette ZR-1 unveiled at the Detroit Auto Show
A video of the Corvette ZR-1 being unveiled by Jeff Gordan while Kid Rock was playing at GM Style stage at the Detroit Auto Show.
2008 Lexus LS 600h In-Depth Test Drive
Cars.com's Joe Wiesenfelder gives you an overview of the 2008 Lexus LS 600h.
Tour of the 2009 Ford F-150 Platinum
Ford is introducing the most luxurious trim level ever for the F-150 - Platinum. It's the next grade up from King Ranch and it shows design influences from the Super Chief.
Here's a quick video tour of the driver space in the new F-150 Platinum Edition.
The tour of the new 2009 Ford F-150 Platinum Edition continues with a close-up look at the rear passenger space and new flat load floor in the SuperCrew, a more aerodynamic tailgate, and Ford's segment exclusive Box Side Steps, that provide easy access to the cargo box.
Pat Schiavone points out and explains distinguishing changes to the exterior of the 2009 Ford F-150 from the previous truck.