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2008 Mitsubishi Outlander
2008-04-29 17:41:00
Read Rusty I thought that the Outlander's fold-down bumper was a stupid gimmick ... until I went to Ikea last night to pick up a giant box (what else does Ikea sell besides cinnamon rolls?). The lowered bumper and low load floor made loading the box a snap, and we then locked it back in the up position to help hold the box in place for the open-liftgate, quarter-mile drive home. The paddle shifters have a nice feel to them, too, even if they operate fake ratios in the CVT. Negatives? The seats felt flat to me, and the styling is pretty uninspired, at least when the car is covered in roBlackwell's comments on driving the 2008 Mitsubishi OutlanderSource: http://blogs.automobilemag.com
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2008 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster
2007-09-17 17:37:00
Mercedes-Benz debuts its glamorous half-million-dollar SLR McLaren roadster in our inboxes. Usually, automakers debut important or exciting new cars at a major auto show, all the better to drum up consumer interest, my dear. We expected the same to be true of Mercedes-Benz’s upcoming SLR McLaren roadster. ’Twas not to be, however. Just as the day was winding down and we were rinsing our coffee mugs after another productive day, Outlook perked up with this little tidbit: the first official photos and information on the SLR McLaren roadster. When we were all partying like it was 1999 (because it was), Mercedes-Benz teased us with not one, but two mouth-watering Vision SLR supercar concepts. One had a roof, the other was a convertible. The Vision SLR coupe eventually became the stupidly fast and stratospherically priced SLR McLaren coupe, which Mercedes-Benz builds with racing partner McLaren Cars. Now, four years into its product cycle, Mercedes-Benz and McLaren are finally givin...
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2007 Mercedes-Benz CLK63 AMG Cabriolet
2007-09-17 17:36:00
Add 113 horses to last year’s model. The current CLK is four years old, so it’s not surprising that the highlight here is the new, AMG-developed 6.2-liter V-8 beast that is spreading throughout Mercedes ’ lineup of cranked-up AMG cars. It puts out 475 horsepower in the CLK63, making last year’s 362-hp CLK55 AMG seem somewhat tame. The new engine comes alive right off idle, heaving the tach toward the 7200-rpm redline and singing a refined yet seductive engine snarl that is nothing short of stupendous. The urge to keep the throttle pinned is almost irresistible but will bring up extra-legal speeds in a hurry: 60 mph arrives in 4.2 seconds, 100 in 9.5, the quarter-mile in 12.5 at 116 mph. That’s 0.6 second quicker through the quarter than the last CLK55 coupe we tested [C/D, May 2004], despite the 4113-pound CLK63 weighing 373 more pounds. Those numbers are also within a sneeze of some intense performers, including the Ferrari F430 and BMW M5, and sufficient to humiliate the ...
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2008 Audi A5 and S5
2007-09-17 17:32:00
Coupe scoop! Audi ’s new two-doors are based on the next-generation A4 and S4. Look out, BMW 3-series coupe, Infiniti G37 coupe, and Mercedes-Benz CLK, the 2008 Audi A5 and Audi S5 are poised to make their debuts later this year. Derived from the next-generation A4 platform, dubbed B8, the A5 and S5 coupes have just two doors—go figure—bucking the silly four-door-coupe trend that marketers at other manufacturers have dreamed up recently. By year’s end, the A4 cabriolet is expected to defer to a convertible version of the A5, and there’s even talk of a five-door A5 “spaceback” model sometime thereafter. The four-seat A5 will have a 3.2-liter FSI (direct injection) V-6. We expect a rating of at least 260 horsepower in U.S. trim. The engine also will be pushed farther behind the front wheels for a more favorable weight distribution. (Rejoice! The next A4 is sure to boost its skidpad numbers.) Although diesel and four-cylinder engines will be offered in Europe, the 3.2-lite...

Saab Biopower Hybrid Concep
2007-09-17 17:30:00
An all-wheel-drive hybrid Saab ragtop with 260 horsepower? Bring it on. Saab claims its new BioPower Hybrid concept provides V-6 punch from a four-cylinder coupled with zero-emission electric power and the capability of running on bio-ethanol (E100) fuel. The concept—being showcased at the Detroit show in a Saab 9-3 convertible—uses the two-mode hybrid system that GM is co-developing with DaimlerChrysler and BMW. The first confirmed manifestation of this two-mode system is the 2008 Chevy Tahoe hybrid, but this Saab concept gives us a glimpse of other potential future applications. In the Saab, a 2.0-liter turbo four works with a trio of electric motors to provide a maximum of 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque. That’s a useful step up from the 210-hp and 211 lb-ft delivered by the turbo-four alone. It’s also an improvement on the 250-horsepower and 258 lb-ft that comes from Saab’s 2.8-liter turbo V-6.
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2007 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible Indy Pace Car Edition
2007-09-17 17:25:00
Corvette paces The Race – again. But this time, Chevy lets you share in the glory For the ninth time in 29 years, Corvette will lap Indianapolis Motor Speedway as the official pace car of the Indy 500. And to celebrate the occasion, Chevrolet will build replicas to sell to collectors, Indy fans, and whomever else gets in line for one of the 500 special ragtops that Chevrolet will roll out of its Bowling Green, Kentucky, assembly plant during the next few months. The official replica of the official pace car will feature Atomic Orange paint, gold ribbon stripes, a smattering of patriotic Indy 500 badges, sassy silver split-spoke aluminum wheels, and a small rear spoiler, the latter snagged from the Z06 parts bin. Interior modifications include black leather bucket seats with colorful Indy 500 embroidery and orange trim bits. The engine covers are also orange in hue. Keep
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Stunning Peugeot Coupe unveiled
2007-09-14 15:02:00
Stunning Peugeot Coupe unveiledPeugeot unveils stunning Audi TT rival at Frankfurt, the 308 RC- The stunning Peugeot 308 RC-Z has wowed crowds at the Frankfurt motor show. The car is a 2+2 coupe and is similar to Audi’s TT. It is made of aluminium, but safety has been paramount as it has two roll over protection bars that separate the passenger compartment and give added shape to the exterior. Powered by a 1.6-litre engine, it has an output of 218bhp letting you do a standing start to 62mph in 7.5 seconds. You can almost hear the Peugeot Lion purring at the sight of its most beautiful car to date.
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Fancy a ride in a Fiat 500?
2007-09-14 15:01:00
Fancy a ride in a Fiat 500?Fiat blows away the Frankfurt Motor Show with giant 50 It was hard to miss Fiat's star of the show - the 500. For a start, there was a hansel and grettle style trail of ladies, styled to within an inch of their lives and sporting white jumpsuits,, to show the way. I just followed these and was confronted with a giant version of the popular new supermini. To give you an idea of the scale...the model's wheels disappeared to reveal real-life 500s inside, which visitors can ride through the supersized version and out towards the gobsmacked crowd. The showstopper was joined on the stands with the Italian firm's new Panda Aria - an eco version of the five-door hatch that promises up to 90mpg, while producing just 65g per km of CO2.New software from Microsoft, based on the Blue&Me kit already seen in the family's line-up, was also unveiled. This allows drivers to download emissions and consumption details after each trip - an idea which is designed to mak...
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A new Chrysler Grand Voyager
2007-09-14 14:53:00
Frankfurt Motor ShowChrysler beefs up the minivanA new Chrysler Grand Voyager shows the future of minivans - it's chunky and full of flexible seating7 The original minivan is back in the guise of the Chrysler Grand Voyager and it looks beefier than ever. The American giant claims that this car features 30 new or improved features inside such as the Swivel ‘n Go seating system which allows the second row seats to rotate 180 degrees. This means if you’ve kids in both rows they can swivel to face each other, there’s also a removable table that can be placed in between these rows so that passengers can chat, play games or even work when on the move. There’s also the nifty looking sliding front console that can be moved between the fron and rear passenger. For more details and pictures on all the launches at Frankfurt, get your copy of the latest Auto Express, on sale at newsagents now!
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X6 concept proves popular as BMW
2007-09-14 14:51:00
Frankfurt Motor ShowBMW kicks off the showX6 concept proves popular as BMW suggests a new class of car - the sports utility coupe17 The cover's been lifted on the very first unveil at this year's Frankfurt Motor Show. And fittingly, it's German maker BMW that's kick-started the proceedings - with its stunning new X6 concept. It may have been just 8.30am, but it was already standing room only in the vast exhibition hall BMW had exclusively filled with examples of what looked like its entire line-up.The eyes of the world's press were firmly fixed on the X6 podium, however - where its arrival was marked with giant pistons pulsating at the mouth of the stand and, of course, a time-honoured smoke screen. When this finally dispersed, it revealed the newcomer in the flesh - and a completely new car category - a Sports Utility Coupe.And it certainly lived up to its badge. The X6 is an impressive mix of chunky, practical 4x4 styling, with the sleek lines and the dramatic sloping rooflin...
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all-new Volvo XC70
2007-09-10 18:54:00
It's not that the all-new Volvo XC70, on display Sunday through Tuesday at ispo Sport & Style in Munich, Germany, is really a green ride. In this case, it's what's on top that counts. At the show, Volvo is pushing this year's Volvo Sports Design Forum and the Volvo Sports Design Award, just like its been doing since 2003. The award-winner this year is the Swiss bicycle expert BCM with their Pro Machine SLC01.The Volvo XC70 that will be displayed at ispo will feature a Pro Machine SLC01 mounted on a special roof rack.Volvo points out that the Pro Machine SLC01 is easy to get onto the roof, because the bike's frame weighs less than a kilogram (it's heavy on the wallet, though, at about US$3,650).I'll be more impressed when built-in bike racks like this one are standard equipment, or at least affordable options, on more vehicles

Frankfurt Preview: Renault's new Clio-based station wagon
2007-09-10 17:54:00
Frankfurt Preview : Renault's new Clio-based station wagonWant a small Renault car, but nothing too small? The French automaker would like to introduce you to the latest incarnation of the Clio, this time its a small station wagon that will be unveiled the Frankfurt IAA in September. Just how green this car might be is not yet public information, but any time automakers give small a chance is good news to us.Automotive News (subs req'd) says that Renault aims to compete with Skoda's Fabia Combi and Peugeot's 207 station wagons. Global Insight's Christoph Stürmer told AN that, "It's a defensive move. The success of the first-generation Fabia Combi was so great that no one wants to miss out on the opportunity. The B segment is highly competitive and you are fighting for every customer."Seems like a good fight.
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Citroën C5 Airscape is a green executive cabriolet with new UrbanHybrid sy
2007-09-10 17:43:00
Citroën C5 Airscape is a green executive cabriolet with new UrbanHybrid systemCitroën's latest announced concept car, the C5 Airscape, is coming to the Frankfurt Motor Show next month and the green side of this muscular convertible (excuse me, cabriolet) is presented first and foremost as Citroën tries to build up interest in this car. From the carbon fiber roof to the aerodynamic design to the new "UrbanHybrid" powertrain, Citroën is trying to make the executive cabriolet a greener cruiser.Here's what Citroën says about the UrbayHybrid system:Fuel economy is managed by an 'UrbanHybrid' system that includes a reversible alternator-starter and super capacitors. This system allows onboard equipment, such as the air conditioning or audio system, to be powered by energy recovered during braking and deceleration, while engine torque can be temporarily boosted when required.The 'UrbanHybrid' system, which helps reduce CO2 emissions by 24g/km on the combined cycle, also switches...
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BMW becomes world's biggest-selling premium automaker
2007-09-10 17:41:00
BMW becomes world's biggest-selling premium automaker BMW outdid compatriots Mercedes and Audi to sell the most cars in August, taking the cake with the number one spot and probably the Benjamins as well. Compared to Audi's 66,400 cars and Mercedes' (and smart's) 96,200, BMW (with MINI) rolled 99,755 cars off dealer lots. BMW couldn't have done it without the success of the MINI, and we can debate whether it's fair to include it in a shootout. Minus the little British lifestyle accessory, BMW only moved 85,003 units. Nevertheless, as long as its in there, it bodes well for the blue-and-white propeller, with the X5 and MINI (which is up 24%) still doing very well. All three makers have new and refreshed models on the way shortly, but BMW also has the brand new -- and certain to be popular -- volume-selling 1-Series and MINI Clubman in the works. And not that they will add too much to the tally, but while we're throwing things in, there's the Rolls-Royce Phantom Drophead Coup...
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Mitsuoka Orochi specs, pricing announced
2007-09-10 17:28:00
Mitsuoka Orochi specs, pricing announcedJapanese automaker Mitsuoka has revealed the production version of it's unique-looking mid-engined Orochi sports car, along with the car's production plans, pricing, and specifications. The Orochi, named for an eight-headed serpent out of Japanese folklore, first appeared as a 2001 concept car, and from the looks of things, the production vehicle stays very true to the concept. The Orochi was introduced at a press conference that opened with a Kabuki show (above right), during which a white example of the sports car was driven onstage.In the past, we've seen the Orochi referred to as a supercar, but while it looks as (if not more) exotic as just about any limited-production vehicle on the planet, it lacks the performance credentials (on paper, at least) to put it in supercar territory. In fact, the powertrain will be familiar to many. The 3.3L V6 mounted aft of the passenger compartment is Toyota's well-known 3MZ-FE, which sees duty in the...
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Mercedes SL-Class
2007-09-08 19:02:00
Based on next gen SL-Class Finally it’s on its way, the new Audi R8 rival from Mercedes . It has been rumored for quite a while, and here are the first pictures of an early mule for the new sports car by Mercedes likely to be named SLC.The new car will be developed and built by the German sports car maker, HWA, who is AMG′s partner in the German Touring car Masters. HWA is investing €4.5 million to triple the size of its production center in Affalterbach to about 3,600 square meters to build the car.Based on the next generation Mercedes SL-Class, the SLC will be powered by the 6.2 liter AMG V8 delivering 500 bhp mounted in the front which is contrary to early rumours the SLC would be mid-engined. If necessary, this engine is capable of delivering up to 700 bhp with twin turbos. The SLC will be more sport than luxury much in the same vein of the recently released CLK 63 AMG Black Series – a race car built for the road and also the RS-series from Porsche.The sports ca...

New prototypes for the Audi RS6
2007-09-08 19:01:00
New prototypes for the Audi RS6 have been spotted in Germany, this time basically undisguised. Now that the car is free from the annoying black-and-white checkered camouflage, the extent of the changes over the Audi S6 are now clearly visible. The LED light strips on the S6’s front bumper have been removed on this RS6. New front air-intakes are larger, and they wrap around the front bumper allowing for some integrated brake cooling ducts up front. The front intakes are highlighted by low flares which continue along the side, between the wheels, making for a more aggressive stance.The rear bumper has been reworked significantly. Large single exhaust pipes replace the S6’s dual-tip design, and an aggressive rear diffuser dominates the rear bumper. Visual differences aside, the real story is in the RS6’s performance potential. Sources predict the addition of a turbocharger to the S6’s 5.2-liter V10 engine, which should generate something between 550 and 600 horsepow...
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2007 Chevrolet Avalanche LT - Short Take Road Tests
2007-09-02 18:38:00
BY LARRY WEBSTER, PHOTOGRAPHY BY JEFFREY G. RUSSELL Versatility is the name of this game. The Avalanche would be just another four-door pickup if it weren’t for the folding partition that separates the passenger compartment from the cargo bed. So, although the news for 2007 is that it’s now underpinned by GM’s new GMT900 full-size-truck platform, the stuff that makes it an Avalanche remains. That center partition is called the Midgate, and it also has a removable rear window. Also returning is the three-panel, hard-plastic cover that turns the 63.3-by-50.0-inch truck bed into a lockable trunk. These pieces — the window, the Midgate, and the bed cover — can be removed or folded independently, which makes for several cargo-carrying possibilities. For example, when the rear seats are folded, the Midgate, which is hinged at the floor, can be opened onto the rear seats, thus extending the length of the pickup bed. Drop the Midgate, but leave the rear window and bed cover in pla...
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2009 Porsche Cayenne Hybrid
2007-09-02 18:32:00
2009 Porsche Cayenne Hybrid September 2-9-2007 BY STEVE SILER Porsche’s upcoming hybrid ute will deliver more than 400 pound-feet of torque. Two years ago at the Frankfurt auto show, Porsche announced it had begun work on a hybrid Cayenne program, but the company has remained quiet since then, except to tell us it has remained partnered with VW on the SUV’s development. However, Porsche recently broke its silence and gave us a few more details about what we can expect from its new hybrid SUV, which is on track for a 2009 launch. What we know is that a compact, 34-kW electric motor in the Cayenne hybrid will slot between its 3.6-liter V-6 and the six-speed automatic transmission, a series configuration that Porsche claims is more compatible with the Cayenne’s platform. The company also says the setup is more fuel efficient and flexible in terms of the hybrid system management, which Porsche claims will allow the vehicle’s performance to remain, well, Porsche-like...
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2008 CHEVROLET TAHOE: New Hybrid Deliver
2007-09-02 18:23:00
2008 CHEVROLET TAHOE: New Hybrid Deli vers Up To 25 Percent Improved Fuel Economy With Uncompromised Capability The Tahoe Hybrid offers the utility and capability customers Chevrolet Tahoe is the industry’s best-selling full-size SUV. It was comprehensively redesigned for 2007, giving customers the capability expected of a full-size SUV with a sharper, more precise driving feel, more power with improved, segment-leading fuel economy, increased interior refinement and improved quietness. Chevy takes another leap forward in the segment – and the world – for ’08 with the introduction of the Tahoe Hybrid. It features the world’s first production 2-Mode full hybrid propulsion system, which offers a 25-percent overall improvement in fuel economy. Better still, the fuel-saving advantages of the Tahoe Hybrid are balanced with a superior driving experience and uncompromised capability. “The Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid combines the functio...
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2008 Nissan Titan and Armada Offical Pricing
2007-09-02 18:15:00
Originally launched in 2004, the Nissan Titan pickup lineup expands for 2008 with the addition of two new long bed configurations and a new PRO-4X grade, which is available in both King Cab and Crew Cab 4-wheel drive standard bed configurations. In addition, the 2008 Titan features revised front styling with a new grille and light design, a redesigned brake system with larger front rotors, a variety of interior and technology enhancements and larger standard wheel sizes – including 20-inch alloy wheels on Titan LE models. Titan LE models receive an extensive list of new standard equipment, including XM satellite radio, Bluetooth hands-free phone system and wood appearance trim.Prices for the 2008 Nissan Titan start at an MSRP of $23,700 for Titan 2WD King Cab XE standard bed and $26,550 for Titan 2WD Crew Cab XE standard bed. The 4WD King Cab XE standard bed starts at $26,900, while the 4WD Crew Cab XE standard bed is $29,750. Titan PRO-4X models are $31,450 for the King Cab and $...
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2007 G35-Nissan's Hot Little Luxury Sedan
2007-09-02 18:12:00
The all-new 2007 Infiniti G Sedan , which goes on sale in November 2006, is the second generation of Infiniti’s groundbreaking sport sedan. First introduced in 2002 as an alternative to the existing “machine-like” vehicles in class, everything about the new 2007 G is designed to create a more powerful driving sensation – from its rewarding performance and the sophisticated exterior, to the finely crafted interior and intuitive technology.The new G’s exterior continues the original vibrant design theme with seductive, athletic styling that is clean, simple yet very distinctive. Key design elements include the sculpted grille blades, iconic headlights and taillights and the new, crisp character line that emphasizes the G’s aggressive rear-wheel drive appearance.Inside, the all-new interior design is refined, inviting and offers a new level of modern warmth and hospitality. The G interior also offers unique features such as the white-and-violet Fine Vision gauge illuminatio...
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Mario Gilbert’s 2007 Tundra DoubleCab
2007-09-02 18:10:00
Mario Gilbert ’s 2007 Tundra DoubleCab We got an email from Mario asking us if we would be interested in putting pictures of his 2007 up on the blog. Our answer — of course! Mario has added a few things to his truck. For starters he’s put on a nice chrome bull bar. He’s also got a Ready Lift leveling kit and he’s replaced the stock fog light bulbs with bulbs that have a blue tint. Tinted windows, side steps, a bug shield, and a 4×4 logo round out the mods. Inside, Mario has a Garmin GPS and a powered sub (not shown). Mario plans to add a MagnaFlow dual exhaust, bigger tires, and a Lear 100XQ topper.
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2008 Audi Brings Changes To Entire Lineup
2007-09-02 17:46:00
2008 Audi Brings Chan g es To Entire Lineup Changes have also been made to the existing line-Listed below are the significant changes to each model, as well as highlights for the all-new models for 2008.2008 A3 ChangesThe A3 model line (above) enters 2008 largely unchanged. There are new wheel options as well as a new Titanium Package. Manual rear side sunshades become available, as does factory-installed iPod integration. SIRIUS satellite radio and an auto-dimming interior mirror with compass become standard on A3 3.2 models.A3 Titanium Package breakdown: - 18" Titanium-color RS 4-style alloy wheels- Black front grille- Black interior headliner- Piano black interior trim 2008 A4/S4 Sedan/Avant and 2008 RS 4 ChangesThe 2008 A4 sedan and Avant models get some significant exterior changes. The S line package now becomes standard for the exterior. This includes revised front and rear bumpers, lower side door trim, integrated trun...

2008 Audi Includes New TT, R8, RS 4, and S5
2007-09-02 17:31:00
New for 2008 are the TT Coupe (pictured) and Roadster, the R8 mid-engine sports car, the limited-production RS 4 Cabriolet, and the A5 and S5 coupes. These six models join the already sporty, sophisticated, and progressive line-up of Audi models, which also receive enhancements for 2008.Audi has established simplified option packages for the current line-up to ease customer ordering, as well as a standard tire pressure monitoring system in every model. As always, Audi anticipates trends in the industry, and enhances vehicles and packaging to match customer tastes.New 2008 ModelsAudi introduces some very exciting models for 2008. The all-new TT Coupe and Roadster arrived at dealerships in April. The new TT models feature the latest generation of Audi Space Frame (ASF) that combines aluminum and steel for reduced weight and improved weight distribution. Both Coupe and Roadster models are available with a 200 hp 2.0T FSI engine or a 250 hp 3.2L V6 engine. All V6 models come...

2008 Audi RS 4 Convertible En Route To U.S. Market
2007-09-02 17:30:00
Approximately 300 of the limited-production RS 4 Cabriolets will be sold in the U.S. The RS 4 Cabriolet models will arrive in fall of 2007. Pricing and equipment for the 2008 RS 4 Cabriolet will be announced at a later date. The RS 4 Cabriolet shares the same high-revving 4.2 V8 FSI engine found in the RS 4 sedan. It produces 420 hp at 7,800 rpm and 317 ft-lbs. of torque at 5,500 rpm. Like the sedan, the Cabriolet will only be available with a six-speed manual and quattro? all-wheel drive featuring the asymmetrical dynamic torque split. Like the sedan, the Cabriolet will have 19" RS 4-style alloy wheels with 255/35/19 performance tires, a four-link front and trapezoidal-link rear sport-tuned suspension with Dynamic Ride Control (DRC), and 14.4" front and 12.8" rear brake rotors.The RS 4 sedan also gets some new and unique features for 2008. Two new option packages, the Titanium package and Audi exclusive package, will be available. The $750 Titanium package consist...
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Isuzu Motors: A Loving Tirade
2007-09-02 16:38:00
He points out that the Isuzu Ascender (pictured) is the same thing as a Chevrolet Trailblazer and the Isuzu i-Series pickup trucks are Chevy Colorados. "All Isuzu does is take vehicles from GM and slap a couple of funky badges on them and that's pathetic," he wrote. He lamented that it would not be so bad started its vehicles with a basic GM design and then customize it to be a true Isuzu. He points out that what GM does with Saab and Ford does with Volvo. Isuzu Motors : A Loving Tirade Derek Price of the Greenville Herald Banner in Greenville, Texas is mad. And he is taking out his wrath on Isuzu. He says that Isuzus today are better than they've ever been, but the Isuzu vehicles are not built by Isuzu. He is upset that Isuzu sells General Motors vehicles with "goofy names."

Mahindra and Mahindra, Tata Make Ford's Bid List
2007-09-02 16:27:00
And Indian car makers Tata Motors and Mahindra and Mahindra (M&M) are said to be one of the potential bidders invited. Interest is high by the automakers since ownership would provide an entry into the lucrative North America for a potential buyer. There are a few problems, though. Models offered by Land Rover are considered "gas guzzlers" that might have problems satisfying new CAFE mileage figures. Another potential problem to a deal is that Ford is demanding that the future buyer of Jaguar and Land Rover promise to keep all the UK factories involved in the manufacturing of the brands for at least five years. Currently, Jaguar and Land Rover employ 19,000 workers in those plants. Mahindra and Mahindra, Tata Make Ford's Bid Li It seems that Ford Motor Co. is ready to get things started as far as the sale of Jaguar and Land Rover is concerned
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Ford continues to waffle on Jaguar, Land Rover's Sales Date
2007-09-02 16:25:00
According to the Associated Press (via The International Herald Tribune), Ford Motor Co. will not make any announcement one way or the other on the sale of the two Premiere Auto Group (PAG) marquees until later this year or even until 2008. Lewis Booth, executive vice president of Ford's European brands said last Wednesday night that the process was 'orderly.' Rumors that Volvo was also being considered for the auction block were acknowledged by Booth, saying the Swedish maker would be strategically evaluated for possible sale. As an interesting aside to this developing story, former Ford COO Nick Scheele has joined Jag/Rover bidders Ripplewood Holdings LLC, a direct competitor to former CEO Jacques Nasser of One Equity Partners LLC, also bidding on the British brands. Ford has accepted opening bids on the sale. Our take? With the recently completed sale of Aston Martin for $931 million in cash and preferred stock, and current Ford CEO Alan Mulally claiming the lik...
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2008 Volvo C30: Fountain of Youth For Auto Maker
2007-09-02 16:22:00
Actually, the turn toward focusing on a more youthful market began with the S40 sedan and V50 wagon. According to Auto Week, the number of Volvo buyers 35 years old or younger has jumped from 23 percent of sales to 48 percent in just a five year period. The C30 and 2008 updates of the S40 and V50 are expected to increase those numbers.Volvo has implimented several strategies towards this highly-desired segment. The 2008 V50 and S40, for example, have interior improvements that provide an increase in storage space. Moreover, an auxiliary audio jack and USB port are now standard. The V50 and S40 T models now include a boost of horsepower from 218 to 227. And safety, Volvo's hallmark, will increased with more safety features including a nice trick that automatically starts the emergency flashers in the event of a collision. In addition, the BLISS blind-spot monitoring system and the active Bi-Xenon headlights are available for these models as an option.It is expected that...
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