2008 Nissan Sentra Review
Kelley Blue Book reviews the 2008 Nissan Sentra.
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
Hybrid vS Diesel Smackdown: Chevy Hybrid vs Mercedes Diesel
No one's talking about it, but the 2008 Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid and 2008 Mercedes-Benz GL320 CDI are the two most fuel-efficient full-size SUVs on the market. We guess that makes Paris Hilton, proud owner of a 2008 GMC Yukon Hybrid, the hybrid Tahoe's twin, a forward-thinking early adopter at the vanguard of the green car movement.
Truthfully, calling either of these SUVs "green" might border on an insult to the color, not to mention the movement. These are still large, comfortable vehicles with more torque than the average commuter needs and more seats than most families will use, perfect for vacations but decadent in daily life.
But these vehicles are more reasonable when you consider that the four-wheel-drive 2008 Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid earns an EPA rating of 20 mpg city/20 mpg highway, and the all-wheel-drive 2008 Mercedes-Benz GL320 CDI rates 18 mpg city/24 mpg highway. This works out to a combined rating of 20 mpg for both SUVs — a big achievement for a full-size sport-utility.
When it comes to large sport-utilities, think of this as a practicality test for hybrid and diesel. In other words, if you want to drive something big without feeling bad, this is what it's all about.
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
2008 Lincoln MKZ Review
It has a new identity and offers Microsoft's Sync as a feature. The Lincoln Zephyr has become the MKZ. Check it out to see if the name change was worth the effort.
2009 Dodge Challenger Designer Interview
In this final segment of the interview with designers Brian Nielander and Jeff Gale, they discuss the interior design and the differences from the concept car to the production car.
Monday, April 28, 2008
2009 Dodge Journey Review
Cars.com's Dave Thomas takes a look at the 2009 Dodge Journey. It competes with the Ford Edge and Toyota Highlander.
Buick Invicta Concept Car
Buick has dusted off one of its classic nameplates — Invicta — for a new concept luxury vehicle that will be formally unveiled in mid-April at the Beijing auto show.
General Motors says the Invicta was jointly developed at corporate design centers in China and North America — a pattern that could mark the future design direction of the Buick brand, which is expected to share more models between those two markets.
GM says the Invicta showcar continues the thread of the futuristic styling theme introduced last year on the Buick Riviera concept that was displayed at the Shanghai show. It borrows such signature Buick design cues as the chrome waterfall grille, portholes and "sweepspear" curving line that runs along the vehicle's flanks.
The Invicta name — Latin for "unconquerable" or "unvanquished" — was used briefly by Buick from 1959-'63 on an uplevel version of the big LeSabre, and was supplanted by the Wildcat. The Invicta brand also appeared on a series of British cars from 1925-'50, and more recently on a limited-edition British sports car called the S1.
Sunday, April 27, 2008
Shopping Car Loans
Last month general motors announced the biggest annual loss in their history. And dark clouds for car manufacturers mean blue skies for buyers, as dealers get desperate. But if you're thinking of buying a car anytime soon, don't forget the financing.
Saturday, April 26, 2008
2010 Aston Martin Rapide Spy Video
Caught weeks ago in the cold of the Arctic Circle, the 2010 Aston Martin Rapide is now undergoing high-speed tests on the Nürburgring test track in Germany. And like the previous prototypes, this Rapide test mule has only minimal camouflage.
The lack of a cover reveals an interesting new design twist — a roof that's nearly all glass. There are a few pieces of equipment attached to this particular prototype, but it's a relatively unobstructed design otherwise. A few other luxury sedans have similar setups, so this appears to be an emerging trend in the segment.
Like the current range of Aston Martin coupes, the Rapide sedan sounds as good as it looks. Not a surprise really, as the Rapide will use essentially the same 5,935cc V12 as the DB9. Output is expected to jump significantly, though, so expect to see the final number approaching 500 horsepower. The corporate ZF-built six-speed automatic transmission is the likely gearbox and it will send the power to the rear wheels.
Production of the 2010 Aston Martin Rapide is expected to start in Graz, Austria, in late 2009. Supplier Magna Steyr will build up to 2,000 Rapides a year under contract with Aston Martin.
2008 Ford Focus Review
Cars.com's Mike Hanley takes a look at the 2008 Ford Focus. It competes with the Toyota Corolla and Honda Civic.
Thursday, April 24, 2008
2008 Audi S8 Lane Assist and Side Assist Features
Cars.com's Joe Wiesenfelder walks you through the side assist and lane assist features in the 2008 Audi S8.
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
2008 Jaguar XJ Review
Cars.com's Dave Thomas takes a look at the 2008 Jaguar XJ. It competes with the BMW 550 and Mercedes-Benz S-Class.
Spy Video - 2010 Chevrolet Camaro
It was only a matter of time before the 2010 Chevrolet Camaro hit the Nürburgring test track. GM has been using the German road course to fine-tune nearly all of its performance cars as of late, so the appearance of the Camaro alongside the 2009 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 didn't surprise our spy shooters.
Unlike some of the earlier Camaro prototypes we've seen, this particular test mule has a set of Brembo brakes and a more aggressive wheel-and-tire package. The obvious conclusion? This is a Camaro Super Sport model. But not so fast, because when you consider that previous Camaro test mules have featured very tame-look brakes, this upgrade could indicate nothing more than the Chevrolet Camaro Z28.
Then consider the sound of this Camaro test mule. It's all motor, yet it doesn't have the same sonic signature as GM's supercharged LSA V8 that speculation indicates will be the centerpiece of the top-of-the-line Camaro SS. With 525 horsepower, the supercharged engine would give the SS a big advantage over both the Dodge Challenger SRT8 and the Ford Shelby GT500. But this prototype sounds like it probably has a normally aspirated V8, most likely a detuned LS3 V8 with somewhere around 400 hp.
Judging from the looks of this Camaro at speed, the suspension is already well dialed in. Roll, dive and squat are all pretty minimal for a car that's expected to have a curb weight in the range of 3,600-3,800 pounds. With the start of production for the 2010 Chevrolet Camaro still a year away, the engineers at Chevrolet still have plenty of time to fine-tune this car, so these Nürburgring tests are just the beginning.
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
2009 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 Spy Video
After months of seeing the 2009 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 sitting on a stand at auto shows, we can finally bring you video of the 620-horsepower supercar in action — and you won't be disappointed. Shot on the Nürburgring test track in Germany, the engineers behind the wheel of the most powerful Corvette ever were flogging it hard and we have the lap times to prove it.
According to our shooters on the ground, the Corvette ZR1 was turning in lap times in the low 7:40s, a pace that puts it right up there with the world's fastest supercars. And given the damp conditions and rough, hand-timed numbers, you can expect to see even quicker official lap times when Chevrolet goes public with its Nürburgring data.
2009 Honda Pilot Review - Seating
Cars.com's Mike Hanley takes a look at the seating features of the 2009 Honda Pilot. It competes with the Toyota Highlander and Hyundai Veracruz.
Monday, April 21, 2008
Sunday, April 20, 2008
2009 Honda Pilot Review
Cars.com's Mike Hanley takes a look at the 2009 Honda Pilot. It competes with the Toyota Highlander and Hyundai Veracruz.
Saturday, April 19, 2008
2009 Toyota Corolla Review
The 2009 version of the Toyota Corolla is the largest platform in the vehicle's history. With four trim levels and upgraded features it is changing the definition of an entry level vehicle.
Friday, April 18, 2008
2009 Nissan GT-R Track Review
RoadFly.com takes the new 2009 Nissan GT-R around Reno-Fernley Raceway in Nevada. Ride along with them, as they show you what this 480HP super car can do.
Thursday, April 17, 2008
2008 Honda Civic Review
Cars.com's Dave Thomas takes a look at the 2008 Honda Civic. It competes with the Toyota Corolla and Ford Focus.
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
2008 BMW X6 Review
It looks awkward in pictures and some find it hideous, but the 2008 BMW X6 50i isn't nearly as warped when you see it in person. It's kind of a supermodel from behind, with a slim, narrow roof at the top and curvaceous hips at the bottom. Designers call this sort of thing tumblehome, and an SUV without it looks like a refrigerator.
The front is all BMW with a big twin kidney grille and fighter-jet-size intakes at each corner. The roof line goes on forever in profile, giving the X6 a hatchback-style look that's unique at best, a little too forced at worst. The designers at BMW say it's "coupelike," so they — and they alone — call the X6 a Sports Activity Coupe.
It gets better from behind the wheel. Fire up the new 400-horsepower, 4.4-liter V8 and it sounds more like a carbureted big block than a sophisticated twin-turbo engine with direct injection. We don't remember an X5 sounding this burly.
So far this much is clear — pictures don't do the all-wheel-drive 2008 BMW X6 justice.
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
2008 Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG Review
Everything you need to know about the 2008 Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG is made clear the instant you prod its 451-horsepower V8 engine to life. When the 6.2-liter beast lights off, the engine revs spike in a programmed "look at me" blip before the Merc's idle settles into a deep, throaty burble. Cue the goose bumps.
We haven't yet released the brake or slotted the shift lever into gear, and we're already trying to figure out an angle to finance one of these muscle-bound sport sedans, all $54,625 of it.
But we have to wonder if the 2008 Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG — essentially a hot-rod C-Class sedan — can possibly deliver the goods in direct proportion to this testosterone-infused exhaust note. There's only one way to find out.
Monday, April 14, 2008
Spy Video - 2010 Cadillac CTS Coupe
We knew it wouldn't be long. Just months after its debut at the 2008 Detroit Auto Show, the 2010 Cadillac CTS Coupe is already well on its way to production. Caught while testing at GM's Milford proving grounds, this prototype of the Cadillac CTS coupe (or CTC, as it might be called) wore only light camouflage, a good indication that it won't change much compared to the concept.
Sunday, April 13, 2008
2009 Challenger Designer Interview
Designers Brian Nielander and Jeff Gale discuss their favorite features of the 2009 Dodge Challenger.
Mitsubishi i-MiEV Sport Concept Car
Kelley Blue Book gives you a look at the Mitsubishi i-MiEV Sport concept car.
Saturday, April 12, 2008
Clarkson - Heaven and Hell
British personality Jeremy Clarkson, host of Top Gear, brings you Heaven and Hell, a critical review of the best and worst cars in the automotive world. Clarkson trawls the whole of "car-dom" to bring you seven great cars and truffles the undergrowth looking for seven automotive disasters. The good ones - the Ferraris, the Porsches and the Aston Martins - are driven to within an inch of their lives on the track. The bad ones are killed. Sawn in half. Hung, drawn and quartered. They're hammered and blown to pieces with dynamite and their skeletons left in the open to rot. There's even some time for a game of car jousting.
Available at Amazon.com.
2008 Cadillac XLR and XLR-V Review
The top of the Cadillac range, XLR is a two-seat hardtop convertible roadster that treats performance as a key part of its mission statement.
Friday, April 11, 2008
Lexus IS-F Review
Almost every luxury automaker builds an entry-level sports sedan. BMW makes the acclaimed 3 Series, Audi the elegant A4 and Cadillac the dashing CTS. Lexus has fielded a car in this segment since 2001 when they introduced their IS. Today, the IS stacks up favorably with its competitors, particularly the Teutons. But unlike the Germans, Lexus has never offered a high-performance version, or a high-performance anything for that matter, until now. Lexus stuck a bull’s-eye on the back of vehicles like the M3 and RS4, and then they homed in like a marine sniper. Now they’ve just fired off their wickedly fast IS F, but the question is, did they hit their targets?
2008 Ford F-150 Review
America's best selling pickup truck for 30 years, a picture of the Ford F-150 is the image that's conjured for most people when they hear the term pickup truck.
Thursday, April 10, 2008
Tesla Motors Initiates European Sales
The Tesla Roadster, a groundbreaking electric car that delivers super car performance with zero emissions and extreme energy efficiency, can now be reserved by European customers for delivery starting in the Spring of 2009.
Production of 250 special edition euro-spec Roadsters will be allocated for the entire EU region for 2009. This special edition, fully loaded car is priced at 99,000 Euro (excluding VAT) and will be offered on a first come, first served basis. Residents in the EU and UK can reserve a car by contacting Tesla at eurosales@teslamotors.com or calling +1 650-413-6200.
The Tesla Roadster went into production in the U.S. on March 17, 2008. Over 1000 U.S. customers have reserved a Tesla Roadster. While U.S. demand is likely to exceed production capacity in 2009, this special allocation of 250 euro-spec roadsters will be reserved for the first European customers.
Tesla Motors Vice President of Sales, Marketing & Service, Darryl Siry, talked about Tesla’s expansion plans and the attractiveness of the European market on the company blog at http://www.teslamotors.com/blog3/?p=75 , stating “since we launched the Tesla Roadster in the US, there has been extraordinary interest from European customers and media. Now that we are in production, we are excited to offer this groundbreaking car to Europeans who want to be the first on the continent to drive a car with extraordinary performance, beautiful styling, and zero emissions.”
The first official display of the Tesla Roadster in Europe will be at the Top Marques Monaco event from April 24th through April 27th. Information on the event can be found at http://www.topmarquesmonaco.com. Tesla officials will be on hand to greet customers and media.
Source: Tesla Motors
2008 Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid Review
Termed a two-mode hybrid, the Tahoe operates on electric power, gasoline power, or a combination of the two.
Wednesday, April 9, 2008
2008 GMC Yukon Hybrid Review
Built in Arlington, Texas, the GMC Yukon Hybrid?s 21 miles per gallon in the city and 22 on the highway represent a significant accomplishment in terms of improving the fuel economy of full-size SUVs. economy of full-size SUVs.
Tuesday, April 8, 2008
BuyAToyota.com Announces $400 College Grad Scion and Toyota Offer Extension
Many college graduates find it necessary to purchase a new vehicle, but this process can be difficult with student loans and new bills that are acquired after graduation. To help college graduates afford the new car they need and deserve, BuyAToyota.com proudly announces that eligible college graduates buying or leasing a new, untitled Toyota or Scion vehicle through March 31, 2009 will receive a $400 incentive from Toyota to use towards their purchase or lease of a Scion or Toyota.
The college graduate incentive program is now extended through March 31, 2009, which offers eligible customers an excellent opportunity to save on a new, untitled Toyota or Scion vehicle. Sponsored by the Toyota dealers of Central Atlantic Toyota when purchases or leases are made through Toyota Financial Services, other great program features include no monthly payments for 90 days when financing, no money down, security deposit waived when leasing, and complimentary roadside assistance for a year.
Eligible customers must graduate from an accredited four-year college, university, or registered nursing degree program in the next six months. The program is also open to those graduating from an accredited two-year college or enrolled in an accredited graduate degree program. In all cases, the student will have two years from receiving their degree to take full advantage of the program.
To be a part of the College Grad Club and receive information and updates regarding this great program, eligible college graduates now have the option of saving $400 on their new Toyota or Scion by text messaging "save400" to the number 68683 with standard text messaging rates applying.
In addition, BuyAToyota.com features several unique website applications. The site highlights great information on special offers, pricing, and features on every Toyota model. By simply entering in the zip code, the visitor can discover localized information including dealers, special offers, quotes, and much more.
As an interactive website, the research and shopping tools allow customers to pinpoint the appropriate location and deals for them. Designed strictly to provide information about Toyota incentives, special offers, local dealers, and inventory, BuyAToyota.com is the ideal place for prospective Toyota buyers.
To learn more about the Toyota and Scion $400 college graduate program including complete eligibility rules, terms, and restrictions, please visit a local, participating Toyota dealer or visit BuyAToyota.com.
About BuyAToyota.com
At interactive website, BuyAToyota.com features numerous online tools including research options, shopping tools, eBrochures, and competitive comparisons. With information on every Toyota model, prospective buyers are able to discover all the necessary information about their potential buy without ever leaving their computer. Additionally, BuyAToyota.com offers a comprehensive list of Toyota incentives and rebates. Designed to provide consumers with local dealers, incentives, and inventory, the BuyAToyota.com does not share information with third parties. To learn more about the latest Toyota sweepstakes, how to buy a Toyota, new car offers, or more, please visit BuyAToyota.com.
Source: PRWeb
2008 Toyota Tacoma Review
With something for just about everyone, if you?re in the market for a light-duty pickup truck, Toyota has done just about everything imaginable to insure there is a Tacoma available in a configuration that will suit your needs.
Monday, April 7, 2008
Chrysler Sebring, Dodge Avenger 2007-2008 Vehicles Recall
Chrysler is recalling 180,963 MY 2007-2008 Sebring and Dodge Avenger vehicles equipped with a standard tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS). Unused electrical connectors for the TPMS may become corroded and could short circuit, which can cause a variety of conditions including engine no-start, dead battery, an inoperative cruise control or remote start system, and/or engine stalling. Engine stalling could cause a crash without warning.
For more information, visit the NHTSA web site.
2009 Toyota Corolla Review
Reputed to be one of the most trusted cars in North America, more than 30 million Corollas have been sold worldwide, making it one of the best-selling cars of all time.