|
Review:
2009 Toyota Land Cruiser
 It
is worth the $65,000 cover price plus options. With a vehicle
like the Land Cruiser - specifically, this American-spec model
- that isn't really the issue. But if the Porsche Cayenne is too
flashy, the Mercedes GL too dainty, and the Lexus LX570 too...
Lexus, then the Land Cruiser is probably hulking over your sweet
spot. It's ability to haul anything anywhere and let you forget
you're doing it is a fine feat, and there are other vehicles that
charge more to do less. More
information & pictures
Mercedes-Benz
adds AMG Sports pack for 2010 S and CL Class models
 For
those of you that can manage the payments on a lower-end Mercedes-Benz
S-Class or CL-Class, but can't quite stretch enough to swing an
S63 or S65, AMG now has you covered. Just as BMW offers M-Sport
packages on some of its models, you can now add an AMG Sports
pack to any S sedan, as well as the CL-500 coupe. New front and
rear fascias and rocker panel extensions give some of the more
aggressive look of a true AMG model, and the S-Class' front air
intakes feature LED running lights similar to what will be on
the full blown S63/S65. More
information
2010
Audi Q7 facelift
 Audi
has released a face-lifted version of its Q7 SUV. On the outside
a lot hasn't changed, with the updates mostly focused on the lighting,
tailgate and paint colors. The head-light clusters are the same
shape but now get the LED eye-liner treatment that has spread
throughout much of the Audi lineup. The front bumper has also
been subtly reshaped as well, while the rear light clusters now
feature full LED elements and the tailgate has been reshaped to
accommodate license plates for all countries. More
information & pictures
Review:
2010 Mazda3
 Two
engines are available for 2010: the "i" model's 2.0-liter
inline-four putting out 148 hp and 135 lb-ft of torque, or the
all-new 2.5-liter MZR four-cylinder (which replaces the 2.3-liter
mill). The latter puts out 167 hp and 168 lb-ft of torque in "s"
trim. Coupled with either a five-speed auto 'box or a welcomed
six-speed manual, the "s" with the manual gearbox is
rated at 21 mpg city and 29 mpg highway, while the "i"
variant comes in at 25 city and 33 highway. More
information & pictures
Review:
2009 BMW 335d
 BMW's
3 Series has sprouted a new diesel model for 2009. Packing a dual
sequential turbo 3.0-liter inline-six that's 50-state legal, the
335d offers a utile 265 horsepower (at 4,220 rpm) and an embarrassment
of torque – 425 pound-feet of the stuff at just 1,750 rpm. For
those taking notes, that's five more than the 6.2-liter V8 honker
in Chevrolet's new Camaro SS. In other words, this innocuous Alpine
White sedan harbors the stones of a muscle car – or a full-size
pickup. More
information & pictures
510-hp
Range Rover Sport
 Like
the new LR4 and classic Range Rover, the Range Rover Sport also
gets plenty of upgrades for the 2010 model year. Like the regular
RR, the Sport gets the same 5.0L direct-inject V8s from Jaguar
in either naturally aspirated or supercharged guise plus a new
six-speed automatic transmission. The NA puts out 375 hp and 375
lb-ft of torque while the force fed mill creates 510 hp and 461
lb-ft of torque, the latter good for 5.9-second sprints to 60
mph. The Sport's exterior has also been tweaked with a new two-bar
grille centered in the revised front end and new rear tail-lamps
nestled above a redesigned rear bumper. More
info
Review:
2009 Nissan Cube S
 The
2009 Nissan Cube is the third iteration of the nameplate. The
previous model is sometimes mistakenly referred to as the "original"
car, but it was preceded by the real first-gen Cube, which bowed
back in 1998. That Cube wasn't much of a design statement (a pretty
generic-looking hatch, really) compared to its successor, and
is pretty forgettable unless you're a serious JDM nerd.Power for
the Cube comes exclusively from the same 122-hp, 1.8-liter four-cylinder
featured in the Nissan Versa. It's an able motivator for the 2,795-pound
Cube, especially with the manual gearbox sending power up front.
More
info & pictures
2010
Land Rover LR4
_opt.jpg) On
the eve of the New York Auto Show, Land Rover has released all
the details on its new 2010 LR4. The new LR4 (the SUV formerly-known-as
LR3) is packing a thoroughly revised, direct-injected 5.0-liter
V8 sourced from Jaguar putting 375 hp and 375 lb-ft of torque
through a six-speed automatic transmission. Land Rover has updated
its Terrain Response system to deliver five different settings
to suit the terrain, ranging from a normal driving mode to the
infamous "Rock Crawl" setting. A new front end with
revised headlamps and fascia joins a restyled rump with LEDs,
..More
info
Bugatti
Royale coming to Frankfurt?
 There's
no doubt Bugatti has another model in the works, and with the
end of Veyron production in sight, the rumor mill is churning
anew. This round postulates that a new model, called the Royale,
will debut in concept form at the Frankfurt Motor Show this fall.
According to reports, the Royale would be even more exclusive
than the Veyron. If the original Type 41 Royale is the inspiration,
we could be looking at only a handful of examples available to
Bugatti's most loyal customers (like that guy in Holland waiting
for delivery of his third Veyron). Given all the money that went
into the development of the Veyron's quad-turbo W16 engine. More
info
First
Drive: Ford Fiesta
 At
first blush, at least, the Ford Fiesta is good. Like, really good.
Its 120-horsepower, 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine is a gutsy
little motor with plenty of low-end launch power. It's peachy
in urban duty, and on the few occasions when we got to briefly
stretch its legs between stoplights, it demonstrated that it will
fit right into the U.S. market. There's no worries about adequate
merging speed or anything like that here. This much power in such
a small car is nothing to sneeze at. In the case of our loaner,
those ponies were herded to the front wheels through a five-speed
manual that was very easy – and enjoyable More
info & pictures
Gold-plated
Bugatti Veyron delivered to Middle East
 Bugatti's
done just about everything to the Veyron but plate it in gold.
Oops, look like we spoke to soon, as our favorite Orwelian supercar
has proven once again that all Veyrons are special, but some are
more special than others. Like the gold-plated Rolls-Royce Phantom
DHC, this gilded Bugatti was ordered for delivery to the Middle
East. But unlike the myriad Veyrons in the United Arab Emirates,
this one has been purchased by a Kuwaiti customer just up the
Persian Gulf coast, who reportedly actually drives it in between
the occasional $10,000 detailing jobs and storage in a climate-controlled
chamber.
2010
Hyundai Genesis Coupe (Review)
 With
its current pricing ($22,000 to $29,000), Hyundai believes that
its new sporty two-door sits comfortably in an unoccupied price
segment ("white space") in the retail marketplace. It
is positioned to pull sales from both below (those who are longing
for a Honda Civic Si/Mitsubishi Eclipse GS will realize the handling
advantages of RWD and step up a bit) and above (economically-sensitive
Infiniti and BMW coupe owners will relish the financial savings).
While the current financial crisis is destroying some automakers
stuck with expensive inventory, the aggressively-priced Genesis
Coupe may be perfectly positioned. More
info & pictures
2009
Mazda6 s Grand Touring
 2009
Mazda6 arrives with a new design, more room and more power as
the brand's all-new offering in the hotly contested mid-size sedan
segment. Being a Mazda, the new 6 will be compared just as much
to the sedan it replaces as to competitors from Honda, Toyota,
Nissan, Ford and Chevrolet. The prior version was the driver's
choice among this field of vanilla four-doors, and the 2009 model
must scream Mazda's mantra just as loudly while appealing to more
customers. For 2009, the Mazda6 comes in SV, Sport, Touring and
Grand Touring trim levels with two available engines. More
info & pictures
Review:
2010 Toyota Prius
 When
you sit in the 2010 Toyota Prius, you notice all those little
things that provide the "Prius experience" – the shift
lever, information screen, center-mounted instrument panel – are
all present, but they're slightly different and noticeably improved.
The time it takes to adapt to the revised interior is emblematic
of the new Prius experience. It's the same oddly shaped hybrid
that almost two million buyers love, but it gets better mileage,
looks sharper and is packing more technological whiz-bangery than
any vehicle this simple to drive has the right to. More
info & pictures
Tata
Nano launch for U.S. market
 Could
an extremely inexpensive, minuscule little car like the Tata Nano
actually sell in America, a land historically enamored with powerful
V8 engines surrounded by as much sheetmetal as possible? According
to the Financial Times, Tata Motors may be about to find out,
as the Indian automaker is said to be looking at an introduction
into the U.S. market by 2011 or 2012. What makes Ratan Tata, chairman
of the automaker that bears his name, think that his diminutive
rear-engined machine might sell in the United States. More
info
Lamborghini
denies Estoque death rumors
 After
a series of stories surfaced over the weekend reporting the demise
of the Lamborghini Estoque, the supercar manufacturer has issued
a statement addressing the rumors. According to Lamborghini, the
Estoque has not been killed off, but it hasn't been approved for
production either. The release continues to tow the company line
that if a new model is added to the Lamborghini line-up, "a
four door luxury performance saloon could be a logical product
strategy." More
info
Mercedes-Benz
teases the next E63 AMG
 The
new Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG has yet to be introduced (we're guessing
it'll make an appearance in New York next month), but the readers
of Germany's Sport Auto magazine are going to have a shot at winning
the new über-sedan as part of the sweepstakes that accompanies
the buff book's annual reader's choice awards. In honor of the
occasion, Mercedes has pulled a Lutz and given a quick upskirt
peek at the front end. What's it look like? Well, as you can see,
it's pretty much what you'd expect from an AMG ride: updated fascia,..
More
info
2010
Lincoln MKZ will start at $34,995
 Besides
your choice of how many wheels are driven, there aren't any trim
levels for the MKZ, just lots of options to tack on your order
sheet like a power moonroof ($1,200), THX II certified stereo
with surround sound ($995) and special White Platinum Tri-Coat
pain ($495). New for 2010, however, is a Sport Appearance Package,
which includes stiffer springs and larger stabilizer bars, 18-inch
Euroflange polished wheels (17-inch wheels are standard), a unique
grille, body-color door handles, darker headlamps and a gussied
up interior. More
info
Direct-injected
VQ engines coming from Infiniti, Q45 successor
 According
to Car and Driver, Infiniti is readying a direct-injection system
for its 3.7-liter V6 and plans to implement it on the refreshed
G37 coupe and sedan before the redesigned G arrives in the next
three years. A variant of the twin-turbocharged, 3.7-liter direct-injected
V6 originally shown in the Essence concept will likely appear
in the redesigned M – due in 2010 – and will reportedly put out
between 340 and 350 horsepower, but it will not be fitted with
the duo of turbos. More
info
The
world's first 'green' supercar
 The
idea behind the setup is to produce enough hydrogen on board and
inject it into the fuel stream to get the benefits of the gas
(increased fuel economy, higher octane and reduced emissions)
without having to top up at non-existent hydrogen refueling stations.
Combined with the ultra-efficient V6, Ronn Motors claims a boost
in mileage of around 20 to 30% and a substantial drop in C02 output.
With only 2,200 pounds weighing the Scorpion down, the company
estimates fuel mileage at around 40 miles-per-gallon. More
info & pictures
2010
Nissan GT-R priced
 Supercars
have always existed to keep our passion for automobiles on constant
boil, and supercars that don't crest the six-figure mark are the
best kind. They're almost attainable. The Nissan GT-R remains
that way for 2010 with a price bump to help pay for a few upgrades
from the factory. The base model will begin at $80,790 and the
Premium model at $83,040. According to Edmunds.com, the new MSRPs
are both $3,950 more than what you would pay for a 2009 model.
More
info
First
images of Lamborghini Murciélago LP 650-4 Roadster
 Lamborghini
has just released the first batch of official images showing its
latest limited run special, the Murciélago LP 650-4 Roadster,
which follows the LP 670-4 SuperVeloce that debuted at the Geneva
Motor Show earlier this month. The LP 650-4 Roadster is definitely
not for those who deny their follicle deficiencies by wearing
a rug on their head. With a top speed of 205 mph, anything not
firmly connected to your scalp will be lost to the winds. More
info & pictures
BMW
Z10 ED to tackle Audi R8
 The
BMW Z10 ED -- Efficient Dynamics -- is a green supercar that's
out to get the Audi R8. Tech specs are hypothesized to be a high-pressure
turbocharged inline six cylinder with 400 hp that would use either
a mechanical valve system or BMW's VANOS system, and run through
a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission. Along with electronic stop/start
aids, there would be technology to turn exhaust gasses into electricity.
With the use of plenty of carbon fiber and aluminum, the car is
meant to weigh no more than 3,080 pounds. More
info
Bugatti
to unveil new model in September
 If
you were disappointed by the Bleu Centenaire edition of the Veyron
that Bugatti unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show this month to celebrate
its 100th anniversary, you're not alone. Hopes were high that
the long-anticipated higher-output version of the Veyron would
be unveiled at the Swiss show. But fret not, at least if these
latest reports are to be believed, as Bugatti is said to be preparing
an altogether new car that will be unveiled in September. More
info
2010
Mercury Milan Hybrid
 At
the front, the Milan's new nose is a bit more rounded than its
predecessor, with the area surrounding the grille now standing
out a bit from the bumper and flowing smoothly into the hood.
Instead of the power dome found on the Fusion, the Milan has two
chamfered edges that extend back to the base of the A-pillars.
The new headlights actually appear closer to those found on the
previous Fusion, with a taller, narrower stacked appearance compared
to the 2009 Milan. At the rear, the shape of the tail-lights is
basically the same, although the details of the cluster design
are changed. More
info
Lamborghini
Insecta concept
 Between
the emblem on the hood, supercars named after famous fighting
bulls and the farming roots of the company, the association is
well established. Iulian Bumbu thinks otherwise. The aspiring
Romanian car designer, who interned at Alfa Romeo's styling department
after earning his master's in car design in Milan, created the
design study you see here. Called the Insecta, the radical concept's
design elements were borrowed from bugs instead of bovines. More
info
2009
Honda Fit Sport is still frugal, slightly less fun
 The
2009 Honda Fit Sport is a perfect case-study. Compared to the
original Fit that landed on our shores in 2006, Honda's sophomore
effort is larger, more spacious and marginally more powerful.
But when you sit down with the spec sheet there are only a few
"improvements" worth getting excited about. After spending
a week with the 2009 model, we found that while evolution is good,
some things need to stay the same.It's tough to say which Fit
is more attractive. We liked the simple honesty of the outgoing
version, but as fans of the Euro Civic, the 2009 model's frontward
aggression is a welcome addition. More
info & pictures
Next
Page
|
