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Consumer Reports Rates Toyota Highlander Tops Among Three-Row SUVs
2007-12-05 15:26:00
Buick Enclave also impresses, Ford Taurus X improves; New Chrysler minivans disappointThe redesigned Toyota Highlander received top scores in a new Consumer Reports test of four midsized three-row SUVs, though it did not earn the organization's Recommended designation. Still, the Highlander now tops a field of 14 similar vehicles. The Buick Enclave and Ford Taurus X didn't score as well in this test, but both bested the Subaru Tribeca.In a test extra, the new Dodge Grand Caravan and Chrysler Town & Country minivans proved disappointing. Details are available in the January issue of Consumer Reports magazine, on sale December 4, and to subscribers to http://www.consumerreports.org/.The Highlander is the first model to feel the effects of a decision by Consumer Reports that it would no longer automatically award Toyotas with its Recommended designation because its Annual Car Reliability Survey showed several other models had problems. In the past, Consumer Reports automatically ...
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Suzuki Auto Sales on Track for Another Record Year in 2007
2007-12-05 15:24:00
? American Suzuki closes in on second consecutive year of 100,000-plus vehicle sales? Popular Suzuki SX4 models lead upward year-end sales momentumBREA, Calif., Dec. 3, 2007 ? American Suzuki Motor Corp. today announced automobile sales of 5,987 units in November, achieving the second-best November sales volume in company history. Year-to-date sales stand at 93,673 vehicles, maintaining the company?s pace for its fourth consecutive year-over-year sales increase and second successive year of 100,000-plus units sold in the U.S.Suzuki Auto ?s upward sales momentum remains rooted in its right-sized product line. November sales were lifted by the Suzuki SX4 models, including the media acclaimed five-door SX4 Crossover and the all-new four-door SX4 Sport, which began arriving in dealer showrooms in September. November sales of the SX4 models totaled 1,664 units, while Suzuki?s XL7 midsize crossover SUV posted a notable 162 percent increase.?With the growing popularity of SX4 Crossover and ...
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2008 Mitsubishi Lancer
2007-12-05 15:23:00
The all-new Mitsubishi Lancer for 2008 delivers thrilling dynamics, "class-up" value, advanced safety and cutting-edge user-technology in an aggressively styled package. The new Lancer brings the bold, dynamic lines of the Mitsubishi Concept-X to the showroom, with a shark-nosed front end, a distinct wedge-like profile and crisp, taut lines. 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer GTS Lancer is available as the value-minded DE, the well-equipped ES and the sport-tuned GTS. The 2008 Lancer is based on a new performance-engineered global platform that also forms the foundation of the new Mitsubishi Outlander SUV. The new Lancer has a longer wheelbase and wider track, but slightly shorter overall length than the previous model. All Lancer models are powered by a new 2.0-liter 152 hp aluminum DOHC MIVEC 4-cylinder engine (143 hp PZEV in Calif.) teamed to a 5-speed manual transmission. The new Lancer offers an optional continuously variable transmission (CVT), that, in the GTS model, exclusively feature...

Daimler Presents European Carrier Awards 2007
2007-12-05 15:21:00
First place in the passenger car category awarded to Horst Mosolf GmbH & Co KGStuttgart - At the European Carrier Days 2007, Daimler AG once again honored its best providers of vehicle transport logistics in Europe. The awards were presented at the Mercedes-Benz Museum in Stuttgart?Untertürkheim. In addition to the European Carrier Awards Passenger Cars, which were presented for the eighth time, Daimler also presented the fourth European Carrier Awards Commercial Vehicles for the fourth time this year.As was the case last year, first place in the passenger car category went to the freight forwarding company Horst Mosolf GmbH & Co. KG Internationale Spedition from Kirchheim/Teck, Germany. Daimler was once again particularly impressed by the company?s outstanding logistics processes, which are supported by a consistent and continuous system of quality management and controlling. Second place went to Frankenbach Automobil Logistik GmbH from Ginsheim-Gustavsburg, Germany, while ...
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Daimler Chairman Dieter Zetsche Presents smart fortwo to US Govt. Represent
2007-12-05 15:21:00
At a traditional luncheon with prominent speakers hosted by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce in Washington, Daimler Chairman Dr. Dieter Zetsche today presented the smart fortwo to representatives of U.S. businesses and government as an environmentally friendly solution for future mobility. Starting in January, the compact model, which has already been very successful in Europe with about 850,000 units sold, will also be available in the U.S. 2008 smart fortwo micro hybrid drive (mhd) In his presentation to the high-profile audience in Washington, Dr. Zetsche expressed his conviction that the smart fortwo will be a resounding success in the U.S. as well. The reason is that the smallest model produced by Mercedes-Benz Cars is a standout - not only because of its unique compact design and intelligent, safety-oriented construction, but also thanks to its low fuel consumption and exemplary environmental friendliness. "Europeans are enthusiastic about the smart and we are beginning to see Ame...
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Ford of Canada Truck Sales Up 3%
2007-12-05 15:18:00
Led by Ford F-Series, truck sales momentum continues into NovemberOAKVILLE, Ontario, December 3, 2007 ? November proved to be another winning month for Ford Motor Company of Canada , Limited, where truck sales increased three per cent. Not to be outdone, Ford cars also saw a rise in sales in November ? namely the newly redesigned Ford Focus and Ford Taurus.November Highlights:* Ford F-Series sales up 4%* Ford Focus sales increase 6%* Ford Taurus sales rise 14% in November* Ford Ranger sales increase 33% and achieve best November on record* Ford SUV sales are up 11%"Our showrooms are bustling with pre-holiday traffic," said Bill Osborne, president and CEO, Ford Motor Company of Canada, Limited. "The 'Get in and Drive' year-end clearance has given Canadians even more reason to take a second look at the great products Ford has to offer. From the bold new look of the 2008 Ford Focus, to the enduring Ford Ranger and the reliable Ford F-Series work-horse, Ford of Canada provides vehicles...
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Ford Delivers First Escape Plug-In Hybrid To Southern California Edison
2007-12-05 15:17:00
First Ford Escape Plug-In Hybrid (PHEV) delivered to Southern California Edison as part of unique partnership to advance commercialization of PHEVs ANAHEIM, Calif., Dec. 3 - Ford Motor Company?s first demonstration Escape Plug-In Hybrid is ready to roll on California roads. Ford today delivered the first of 20 research PHEVs to Southern California Edison to begin road testing as part of a unique partnership between the automaker and utility. Ford Escape Plug-in Hybrid The Ford Escape Plug-In Hybrid, a research vehicle using high voltage, lithium-ion batteries, can deliver up to 120 miles per gallon which would mean far fewer trips to the gas station. The vehicle uses common household current (120 volts) for charging. Full charge of the battery takes six to eight hours. When driven for the first 30 miles following a full charge, the Ford Escape PHEV can achieve up to 120 mpg when driven on surface streets. The vehicle is not range limited by the amount of charge available in the high...

GM Canada Receives Top Honours at the AJAC ?Best New? Vehicle Awards
2007-12-05 15:16:00
GM Canada was today honoured by the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC), which named 4 GM entries as the best new vehicle in their respective categories. The recognition results from recent back-to-back driving evaluations of over 60 new vehicles at the recent AJAC Test Fest evaluation - the foundation of the Canadian Car of the Year Awards (CCOTY) program. 2008 Saturn Astra XR Saturn Astra: Best New Small Car Saturn Vue: Best New CUV $35,000-$60,000 Buick Enclave: Best New CUV over $60,000 Chevrolet Silverado: Best New Pickup Truck Over 70 of Canada?s top automotive journalists judged this year?s competition which aims to provide consumers with sound, comparative information on new vehicles. ?We?re honoured by these awards from Canada?s top automotive journalists, which we think will help consumers appreciate the strides GM has made in terms of product design, technology, fuel efficiency and quality,? said Marc Comeau vice president of sales, service and m...
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Audi R8 Is Autobild's "SportsCar 2007"
2007-12-05 15:14:00
Only pure-bred sports cars are crowned ?SportsCar? of the year by a panel of experts in the Autobild SportsCars monthly magazine. Following its victory in the March 2007 issue, the Audi R8 has now been awarded top place overall, and has thus secured the title of ?SportsCar 2007?, one of the German car industry?s most sought-after awards. 2008 Audi R8 The trophy was presented to Werner Frowein, Managing Director of quattro GmbH, during the magazine?s ?Race Night?, which formed part of the Essen Motor Show. The Audi subsidiary was responsible for developing the 420 bhp mid-engined R8 sports car, which it also manufactures. The Audi R8 is hand-built at quattro GmbH in Neckarsulm. Together with the TÜV Rheinland inspection authority, members of the magazine?s panel conduct demanding on-road tests on an ongoing basis to assess the qualities of the very latest sports cars. They then present their favourites as the monthly winners in each new issue. At the end of October, the jury cast a d...

Los Angeles Auto Show Blog!
2007-11-17 17:26:00
Latest news from Los Angeles Auto Show !
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What else is new Lexus struggling to develop LF-A supercar
2007-11-15 20:22:00
Toyota's showing in Tokyo was rife with disappointments, none more so than what was over at the Lexus booth. Beyond its LF-Xh hybrid crossover, rumor had it that a revised version of the LF-A supercar would make an appearance. No such luck. Instead, the same show car we've seen over the last year stood alone, longing for refinement.According to Winding Road's Japan correspondent, the reason for the dismal showing was a shakeup on the engineering side of Lexus' new halo. A number of "key engineers" have apparently been yanked off the project to work on other programs within Toyota, and that, partnered with problems providing power from both a V10 and a gas-electric hybrid V8, along with reaching the 218 MPH targeted top speed, has caused delays in development.The business plan for the LF-A includes building 26 units per month, and sources suggest that sales are likely to begin in 2009 ? the same year Acura will bring its own supercar to market.© Source: autoblog
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2008 Dodge Caliber Review
2007-11-15 20:22:00
What's New for 2008 The enthusiast-oriented Dodge Caliber SRT4 makes its debut this year, bringing with it a turbocharged 285-horsepower engine. The rest of the 2008 lineup is pretty much unchanged. Caliber SXT and R/T models have some additional standard equipment this year, and all Calibers get new chrome accents within their cabins.IntroductionThe 2008 Dodge Caliber shines in certain respects. Those who favor styling with an aggressive edge will enjoy its looks. Huge headlights, a crosshair grille and testosterone-laden fenders call to mind the Dodge Ram, and available 18- and 19-inch wheels only add to the Caliber's swagger. Inside, you'll find a versatile interior that's a good fit for passengers and cargo; there's seating for five, along with available 60/40-split fold-flat rear seats. The Caliber also boasts distinctive features like liftgate speakers that flip down for tailgate party entertainment, a chilled glovebox for beverages and a handy center armrest-located flip-...
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2010 Porsche Panamera
2007-11-15 20:21:00
Porsche?s much-anticipated 2010 Panamera ?four-door coupe? does not go on sale until the fall of 2009, but we caught the four-passenger car doing hot laps at the Nürburgring, revealing a number of 911-esque styling cues, especially in the headlights.We credit the Carrera for the turn signals and, unfortunately, the Cayenne for the greenhouse. We don't know where else to point the finger for the droopy, bloated rear end. Additionally, we see nothing to get excited about on the side panels, and the profile is?dare we say??a trite conventional. All in all, the car certainly is no raving beauty, and the use of 17-inch 996 wheels doesn't help. We have to hope these are for the entry-level Panamera, with at least 18-inchers on tap for most models.Meanwhile, we?ve been working to sort out the pedigree and powertrain for this Mercedes-Benz CLS fighter that Porsche officials tell us is a joint venture with the VW Group?contrary to original statements by Porsche chief Wendelin Wiedeking tha...
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2008 Acura MDX Review
2007-11-15 20:21:00
What's New for 2008 After a full redesign last year, the Acura MDX heads into 2008 with no significant changes.IntroductionThe term "performance SUV" comes very close to being an oxymoron. Really, if your number-one goal is performance, a big and boxy sport-utility is usually a poor choice to go about getting it. But for consumers who really like to drive, yet have certain constraints in their life that require an SUV (read: a family), such a vehicle can make a certain amount of sense. Enter the 2008 Acura MDX.Acura's midsize luxury SUV was redesigned last year. As with the first-generation MDX, it's a car-based crossover SUV with V6 power and seating for seven. But the new model is considerably sportier. It's powered by the largest and most powerful V6 ever to grace an Acura (yes, including the NSX), giving it unparalleled juice and athleticism. With it, Acura promises V8-like performance while still maintaining respectable fuel economy.Powertrains and PerformanceThe MDX's sole...
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2009 Lincoln MKS
2007-11-15 20:21:00
If you?ve been waiting for the all-new 2009 MKS with quiet patience, then the new Lincoln flagship is for you. This is a car all about refined luxury for the responsible types who want a little pampering and a little power?but it must be guilt-free.Ford will start building the full-size luxury sedan at its Chicago plant next summer.Volume should be in the 40,000 range annually, with a starting price below $38,000.On the style spectrum, the MKS lands between the Lincoln MKZ (formerly Zephyr) and the sexy MKR concept that kept bringing us back to the Lincoln stand at the Detroit show in January to double-check that it was really wearing a Lincoln badge.The MKS will launch with a new 3.7-liter V-6 that won?t be shared with Ford or Mercury brand vehicles, says Derrick Kuzak, group vice president responsible for global product development. It produces 270 hp and 265 lb-ft of torque, which is up 20 lb-ft over Ford?s 3.5-liter V-6 upon which it is derived. It is similar to the 3.7-liter en...

2009 Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione
2007-11-15 20:17:00
This gorgeous two-seat coupe turns out to be the latest chapter in the on-again/off-again thriller that centers on the chances that Alfa Romeo will one day soon be reunited with U.S. buyers. The 450-hp 8C Competizione is, we?ve been assured repeatedly, a certainty to reach our shores. We might even say we?re confident that by the end of 2007 Americans will be able to drive away from the local Maserati dealership in an Alfa.The production 8C, which will meet federal regulations here, is remarkably close to the concept. At a cost of about $175,000, 500 will be built for European consumption and will have to be ordered directly from Alfa?s home office in Italy. Stateside, Maserati will sell a production run of 99 of these cars for about $200,000 apiece. A special facility at Maserati?s headquarters in Modena has been set up to build the 8C. Production is set to start next September. Alfa expects to build 600 of these cars over 18 months and then cease production.The engine under the lo...

First Drive: 2008 Maserati GranTurismo
2007-10-29 16:48:00
PreviewsWith the GranTurismo coupe, Maserati invites comparisons to the Mercedes-Benz CL550, BMW 6-series, and Jaguar XKR. But mention that the XKR costs some 26 grand less than the GranTurismo?s base price of $114,650, or that the Jaguar is almost 300 pounds lighter than the GranTurismo?s claimed 4150-pound curb weight, and the Maserati folks shrug it off with lots of hand gestures. The same thing happens if you mention that the similarly priced BMW M6 has 95 more horsepower and 44 more pound-feet of torque than the 405 horses and 339 pound-feet of torque that come from the GranTurismo?s 4.2-liter V-8. ?Power is not our race,? they say. On the other hand, the GranTurismo has something the BMW and the Jaguar don?t?two back seats with space for standard-sized humans. As does the Mercedes CL550, but the GranTurismo?s claimed 0-to-60-mph time of 5.1 seconds is 0.2 second quicker than what Mercedes estimates for the Benz. The Maserati lacks the electronic gadgets available on the Benz,...
More About: Drive , 2008

Tokyo show: VW grows up
2007-10-29 16:47:00
Japan may be the land of the miniature solution, but VW's up! Concept has grown for its visit to Tokyo .This is the space up, minivan version of Volkswagen 's baby city car we saw back in Frankfurt. Unveiled at the Tokyo show, it sits on a longer wheelbase than its three-door sister, and has grown in length by 23cm and height by 40cm.However, the space up! (anyone else hating that name already?) is still 15cm shorter than the VW Fox - seriously dinky for a four-seater.The clean lines (or contrived retroism, depending on your point of view) of the styling remain similar to the original up!, and the engine is still strung out at the rear. VW is still touting the flexibility of the concept, and reckons it could be powered by a petrol, diesel or electric motor.Insiders reckon we could see two- and three-cylinder engines powering the production up!, depending on the market: expect China and India to get the most frugal, low-cost versions, while Europe could see higher-powered variants.VW...
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Now that's what I call an M1: BMW 135i Coupe.
2007-10-29 16:47:00
There's been much talk of the BMW 135i Coupe being 'the new M1'. As Piers Ward explained in his first drive of the most powerful booted 1, that's not quite the case... but this Tokyo concept brings the possibility of a properly hardcore 1-Series a lot closer.Labelled the 1-Series tii - in homage to BMW's 1960s racer of the same designation - it's a stripped-out, lightweight 1 Coupe which, says BMW, gives an insight into what an out-and-out motorsport-focused 1 might look like.And it looks good. With yards of exposed carbon fibre across the bonnet, wing mirrors and front air intakes, and a Fiesta ST-like blue-on-white colour scheme, the tii brings a bunch more purposefulness to the 1's slightly saggy looks.That's aided by remodelled side sills and a new front bumper arrangement, as well as a neat-looking pair of 18-inch five-spoke alloys. The inside, predictably, is swathed in Alcantara.All good, but - what with this being a concept and all - there's no word from BMW on what...
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2008 Lotus Supercharged Elise SC
2007-10-29 16:46:00
Lotus is a global high tech company and expanding fast. We are committed to driving forward with technology for both Lotus Cars and our Engineering Clients, spearheading research into ever-increasing fields, such as, hybrids, electric vehicles and renewable fuels.Lotus Cars now retails its products in 32 countries and is growing quickly in new territories such as Malaysia, Korea and China in South East Asia and the Gulf States in the Middle East. Lotus Engineering continues to provide and develop high technology engineering consultancy for the worlds motor industry.Lotus powers into the 2008 Model year with the most powerful series production version of theElise to date the Supercharged Elise SC and a 240 PS Performance Pack option for theSupercharged Exige S that further reinforces its credentials as a race car for the road.But extra performance is only a part of the 2008 Model Year story. There are several otherenhancements that make the Elise and Exige ranges more sophisticated a...
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Full Test: 2008 Infiniti EX35. This Crossover Thinks It's a Sport Coupe
2007-10-29 16:46:00
We're hammering the 2008 Infiniti EX35 on Mulholland Highway in the mountains of darkest Malibu where the movie people live and we've just passed the Rock Store where bikers profile on weekends. Ahead lies the snakiest mile of the whole road.So we drive even faster. The hard-edged 297-horsepower 3.5-liter V6 spins a little quicker while the front suspension occasionally chatters a little in the hairpins, and a short time later we get to the top in the kind of a rush that makes a whole day of driving worthwhile.Then we look over our shoulder and realize that there's a whole backseat behind us, plus the big cargo compartment and we realize again that we've just done the whole Mulholland drive in some kind of crossover-utility thingy.It's a little unseemly. Who knows what the locals thought? Probably figured we were some kind of Malibu catering service running a party platter to some screenwriters. But of course the 2008 Infiniti EX35 really isn't any kind of crossover at all.But...
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2008 Porsche 911 GT2
2007-10-29 16:45:00
Presenting the new 911 GT2 at the Frankfurt Motor Show, Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG, Stuttgart, is proudly launching the most powerful 911 so far homologated for road use.Through its striking design with large air intakes at the front and the rear wing so characteristic of this very special model, the new 911 GT2 expresses the power and performance potential of the fastest-ever 911 right from the start even at a standstill. Available exclusively with rear-wheel drive and a manual six-speed gearbox, this high-performance athlete accelerates to 100 km/h in just 3.7 seconds and reaches a top speed of 329 km/h (204 mph) on average fuel consumption of just 12.5 litres/100 km (equal to 22.6 mpg imp) in the New European Driving Cycle (NEDC), thus offering a level of fuel economy regarded as quite impossible in this performance class just a few years ago.The power unit of the new 911 GT2 is based on the six-cylinder boxer engine of the 911 Turbo, with air supply by two exhaust gas turbochar...
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2008 Toyota Camry Solara Review
2007-10-29 16:44:00
What's New for 2008 The 2008 Toyota Camry Solara coupe and convertible are unchanged.IntroductionUsually, the two-door variants within a model line are flashier and sportier than their four-door counterparts. This was true of the Toyota Camry Solara coupe and convertible right after they were redesigned back in 2004. Since then, though, they've been upstaged by the Camry sedan, which grew more powerful in last year's overhaul. The injustice continues into 2008, as the Solara siblings stand pat while winds of change swirl around them. Rival import-brand manufacturers have launched better-performing, edgier-looking coupes, and relatively affordable hardtop convertibles are crowding into soft-top Solara price territory.The Solara's diminishing appeal is due at least in part to its exterior styling, which although curvy and sophisticated, has never come across as trendy or youthful. This is particularly true when you look at the car from the back, as the rear deck appears to droop on...
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2008 Mercury Mariner Review
2007-10-29 16:44:00
What's New for 2008 The 2008 Mercury Mariner gets a makeover inside and out. A more aggressive attitude marks the exterior design, and the cabin is more attractive and functional. The chassis and powertrain are virtually unchanged, however, meaning this "redesigned" Mariner has the same running gear as before.IntroductionSomething of an anomaly in the marketplace, the compact but upscale Mercury Mariner SUV gets a not-so extreme makeover for 2008. The Mariner debuted three years ago as a more luxurious version of Ford's Escape. And like its relative, the Mariner's "top-half" revamping for this year means new sheet metal and a revised interior but no significant revisions to the chassis or running gear.The changes in the looks department include a bolder grille, taller beltline and higher hood, all of which give this junior sport-ute a more aggressive curbside presence. Inside, the changes are more functional, including such touches as a multifunction display at the top center of t...
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2008 Jaguar S-Type Review
2007-10-29 16:44:00
What's New for 2008Jaguar 's midlevel sedan enters its final year with several tweaks, all of them cosmetic. V6 and V8 models upgrade to standard 18-inch wheels and adapt the front bumper design of the S-Type R. The R, in turn, upgrades to 19-inch wheels.IntroductionThe Jaguar S-Type has a fairly significant place in automotive history, signifying the first real fruit of the Ford-Jaguar partnership and the first step from either brand into the midsize luxury segment. The 2008 Jaguar S-Type represents the ninth and final year of production for this midsize, rear-wheel-drive luxury sedan.Born as the classier-looking sibling of the Lincoln LS, the S-Type also enjoyed a higher-grade interior and more potent versions of both the V6 and V8 engines.Regardless of the prodigious power at the top of the lineup, the S-Type as a whole has become known more for walking the middle ground between performance and comfort. Its V6 delivers weak performance for this class, and even decked out in R gu...
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2008 Chrysler 300 Review
2007-10-29 16:43:00
What's New for 2008 Significant changes are in store for the 2008 Chrysler 300. An updated interior includes new soft-touch surfaces, revised instrument panel and console designs, and available LED accent lighting. New luxury-oriented options include adaptive cruise control, a surround-sound audio system, a dedicated iPod interface, Sirius Backseat TV for the rear entertainment system and a new hard-drive based MyGIG multimedia system with optional navigation.Safety has been enhanced with new front seat-mounted side airbags added to the 300's available side curtain airbag system. Wrapping everything up is freshened front and rear exterior styling and Chrysler's new limited lifetime powertrain warranty.IntroductionMold-breaking cars don't come along very often. But that's exactly what happened when the Chrysler 300 debuted four years ago. Previous to the 300, modern full-size cars provided plenty of interior room and comfort but typically generated all the pizzazz and excitement ...
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2008 Maserati GranTurismo Review
2007-10-29 16:42:00
What We KnowThe 2008 Maserati GranTurismo, a two-door coupe to complement the Quattroporte sedan, is yet another Italian beauty, this one penned by Pininfarina's Jason Castriota.Successor to Maserati's Guigiaro-designed coupe and spyder, the upcoming GT is built on a shortened version of the Quattroporte's chassis. The GranTurismo is powered by a 405-horsepower version of the same Ferrari-sourced 4.2-liter V8 found across the Maserati range. In a nod toward the crucially important American market, where Maserati hopes to achieve significant sales gains with the GT, power is sent to the rear wheels through the ZF-built six-speed automatic transmission that just became available in the Quattroporte. With a platform converted from the rear-transaxle configuration necessary for the automated manual gearbox to the front-mounted automatic transmission, the GranTurismo should provide enough rear-seat space to make it something more than a cramped 2+2. Nevertheless, we expect a weight di...
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World Debut of Audi Metroproject quattro, Not So Big in Japan
2007-10-26 17:21:00
Show-goers size up new Audi sub-compact hatchback design study in Tokyo. Highlights:? Latest in a long line of Audi design studies, many of which have entered series production virtually unchanged? 3,910mm in length (A3 3dr 4,214mm), 1,750mm width (A3 1,765mm), 1,400mm high (A3 1,420mm) Audi Metroproject quattro ? Combines new, more powerful 150PS version of 1.4 TFSI petrol engine with 30kW / 41PS electric motor driving rear wheels which reduces fuel consumption and emissions by around 15 per cent? Capacity of lithium-ion batteries makes a range of up to 62 miles possible without petrol engine intervention. Batteries rechargeable via mains socket? With engine and electric motor operating simultaneously a torque maximum of 440Nm (petrol engine 240Nm, electric motor 200Nm) is made available. 0-62mph in 7.8 seconds, 124mph top speed, 57.6mpg, 112g/km CO2? Interior features innovative Audi mobile hand-held device offering mobile telephony, MP3 and video playback and GPS navigation Drive...
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2008 Nissan GT-R
2007-10-26 17:20:00
New Dimensional Multi- Performance Supercar Available in Early December TOKYO (Oct. 24, 2007) - Nissan Motor Co., Ltd., today announced the launch of the Nissan GT-R, a new multi-dimensional performance machine that lives up to the concept of "an ultimate supercar for anyone, anywhere, at anytime". The Nissan GT-R features a newly developed Premium Midship package, including the world's first independent transaxle 4WD developed independently by Nissan. 2008 Nissan GT-R The Nissan GT-R will be available in Japan mainly through Nissan High Performance Centers nationwide from December 6th. The 2008 Nissan GT-R was developed with a new understanding and appreciation of the Earth's natural forces - gravity, inertial force and aerodynamics - and translates those forces into a completely new design, maximizing tire grip and airflow. Basic vehicle dynamics and integration with the driver have also been examined, resulting in new componentry and creating a Human-Machine Interface (HMI) ne...

2008 Lexus IS F Sport Sedan
2007-10-26 17:19:00
The 2008 Lexus IS F high-performance sedan is the first production model to wear the brand's new "F" marque. Based on the robust IS sport sedan platform, the 2008 IS F will deliver 416 horsepower from a specially engineered 5.0-liter V8 engine and will accelerate from zero-to-60 mph in 4.6 seconds when it arrives at Lexus dealerships in early 2008. 2008 Lexus IS F Sport Sedan In addition to the exclusive V8, the 2008 IS F's performance credentials include racetrack-developed suspension and braking, and a specially calibrated version of the advanced Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management (VDIM) system. Much of the IS F development took place at racetracks around the world including Germany's legendary Nurburgring Nordschleife, Circuit Paul Ricard in France, Japan's Fuji Speedway and the Higashi-Fuji Technical Center in Japan. In fact, Fuji Speedway is the IS F's home circuit, and the shape of turn one was the inspiration for the F-logo design. The 2008 Lexus IS F will make an un...
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