After a 40 year hiatus the Chevrolet Camaro is set to return to the ‘Great American Race’, starring as the Official Pace Car for the Daytona 500. The annual event, now in its 51st year, is regarded by many as the most important race on the NASCAR calendar and a Camaro has paced the field just twice in Dayton 500 history. Those were in 1968 and then in 1969, and this 2010 model is scheduled to hit showroom floors in the second half of the year. The particular car that will be used on the February 15 race will be a high-performance Camaro SS decked out in a PPG Cyber Grey paint scheme.
5/8/09
Chevrolet Camaro returns as Official Pace Car for 51st Daytona 500
McLaren looking to increase production to 4,000 cars per year
Having recently parted company from Mercedes Benz, hired a new design director and started work on a successor to the vaunted F1, the team at McLaren is busy as ever. But that hasn't deterred Ron Dennis, the man who guided Lewis Hamilton to an F1 World Championship win last year, from building up McLaren’s automotive division, which he intends to turn into a volume sports car business. McLaren currently builds about 100 road cars per year but Dennis hopes to boost this to around 1,000 units by the start of 2011 and eventually reach an annual production rate of 4,000 cars.
McLaren P11 spy shots
First Scuderi split-cycle engine prototype completed
American engineering firm Scuderi has announced the completion of the first prototype of its new ultra-efficient engine design called the ‘split-cycle’. The design uses a revolutionary new system to provide engines that release significantly fewer emissions than current offerings and is claimed to be one of the most efficient internal combustion engine designs in the world. The prototype is a 1.0L gasoline-powered engine expected to produce up to 80% fewer pollutants than a standard combustion engine.
GM will offer Saturn dealers several options for brand’s future
In the last couple of months there have been numerous reports that General Motors may be looking at dropping its poor performing Saturn brand, however the company’s vice-president of North American vehicle sales, Mark LaNeve, has pointed out that the process is not so simple. One of the biggest challenges, LaNeve explained, is determining whether giving up on a brand is the correct long-term decision. While GM is admittedly throwing the brunt of its cash and labor at its most profitable brands such as Chevrolet, Cadillac, and Buick, the company insists that the Saturn brand has both a "current and future" product program but that this plan is just in "a state of flux" considering the state of the economy. Later this week, Saturn dealers are expected to receive a list of options for the future of the brand.
Red Bull's RB5 2009 F1 car sneaks onto the scene
Australian Red Bull Formula 1 driver Mark Webber was still limping from a broken leg suffered just after the end of last season, but teammate Sebastian Vettel was hale and hardy for the launch of the 2009 Red Bull RB5 Formula 1 car today in Jerez, Spain. Powered by the Renault RS27 engine, the car is the work of legendary engineer Adrian Newey, Red Bull's Chief Technical Officer. "It’s a long time since we’ve had such a big rule change so today is so something of a nervous moment, because it provides the opportunity to come up with something different, but there is always the possibility that other teams have thought of something you haven’t," said Newey. The new racer completed just 14 laps before problems with the gearbox ended the session.
Red Bull Racing RB5
Geneva Motor Show debut for Chevrolet Spark
At last month’s Detroit Auto Show, General Motors confirmed that its all-new Chevrolet Spark minicar would go on sale in the United States by 2011 but apart from the release of a single teaser image no other details were revealed. GM has today released a set of new images of the upcoming Spark and confirmed that it will make its world debut next month at the Geneva Motor Show. The five-door minicar will be sold as a global model and will replace the current Matiz. It will first go on sale in South Korea and Europe early next year, and will slowly be rolled out across other markets.
Hyundai i20 three-door revealed ahead of Geneva Motor Show debut
Hyundai has taken the wraps off the latest addition to its stylish i-range of compact cars, the all-new i20 three-door hatchback, which is set to go on sale in global markets later this year. Like the previous five-door i20, the new three-door model was penned at Hyundai’s European design center in Russelsheim, Germany, and follows the design of its predecessor but with a slightly bigger and more curvaceous body. The i20 three-door measures in at 3.94m in length, 1.71m across, and 1.49m in height, and features space for five occupants.
Hyundai i20 three-door
New images for G-Power’s title holder of 'World's Fastest Street-Legal Sedan'
The gloves are off in the battle to produce the world's fastest street-legal sedan, and the competition is getting hotter as German tuning giants Brabus and G-Power practice a game of one-upmanship. First, G-Power unveiled its 225mph (360km/h) Hurricane M5, based on the BMW M5. That car used a pair of blowers on the M5's V10 to lift power by almost 50% to 730 horses. Then Brabus came out with the Rocket, based on the Mercedes CLS but with a bored out, twin-turbo V12 that propelled the car to 227mph (365.7km/h) much to the consternation of G-Power.
G-Power Hurricane BMW M5 RS
Land Rover LRX: It's a Baby Range Rover
And a Five-Door Version is Planned, Too
Land Rover's announcement that it plans to move forward on a production version of the stylish LRX concept -- and badge it as a Range Rover -- following a $37 million development grant from the UK government is significant news. Even more significant, however, is the revelation from Land Rover North America sales and marketing chief Chris Marchand that "for the vehicle to be successful, there will need to be a five door ."
Jaguar XKR ride-along: a new kind of quick cat
Few long-term test cars have proved more popular with those of us here at Autocar Towers than our Jaguar XKR.
There’s a good chance you’ll remember ‘BF56 LTE’ whether you’re a regular reader or not, because this was the bright red car that appeared on Top Gear TV.
Jaguar lent it to us for a year once TG had finished with it. And over the course of that year, the car covered more than 20,000 miles.
Looking back, I can’t remember a single serious complaint from anyone who drove it. The car was as fast as you’d ever want, wickedly sonorous, gloriously attractive to behold, it wasn’t ruinously thirsty and, best of all, it was comfortable. Comfortable to sit in; comfortable to ride in; quiet and absorbent over broken surfaces. It was the sort of car you’d happily drive 150 miles down the motorway just to get to that unforgettable B-road. And fast cars like it are surprisingly rare.
I was driven in that car’s replacement last week, and can tell you that the new 2009, 503bhp XKR will have a slightly different kind of appeal. As dynamic development expert Michelle O’Connor explained while we speared across the Warwickshire landscape, Jaguar has slightly altered the dynamic character of this car, partly because it has to, and partly out of choice.
“We stiffened the springs for this car relative to the last XKR,” she says. “We’ve quickened the steering and strengthened the chassis too, and we’ve fitted continuously variable dampers.”
“Now that it’s got 500 horsepower, this is a much faster car than the last XKR, and needs better body control. 500bhp is also like a line in the sand though, as we see it. People who want a car with more than 500bhp expect a slightly more hardcore experience than they might have got in the old XKR.”
Michelle went on to say that the new, 380bhp, normally aspirated XK will be a closer spiritual successor to the old XKR, while the new supercharged car breaks new ground for Jaguar. Even riding in it you can tell as much. There’s still comfort and compliance in its springs, but not as much. There’s much better vertical body control, but almost none of the brand’s trademark ‘glide and float’.
“The dampers are infinitely variable,” O’Connor tells me. “They calculate the necessary resistance at each corner in any circumstance, rather than reacting or ‘guessing’.” Sure enough, as we hurtle down one of Jaguar’s test route, I can feel the dampers tightening as we crest and dip, and then slacken when the road and the steering wheel straighten up. Potholes are dealt with effectively, but not quite as serenely as in the old car.
The engine note of this car is different; not quite as fruity as the last XKR, but bigger, stronger. This car’s got an electronic limited slip differential, and a more sophisticated DSC traction control system too. It’s faster, more focussed, and doubtless more rewarding at eight and nine tenths – and yet still easy to drive quickly.
My only regret is that the new XKR may not be as sweet as a day-to-day driver as its direct antecedent – and I’ll be waiting to see if our first drive verdict confirms as much next month. I’m not saying it isn’t a great driver’s car; I’m sure a new group of customers looking for a Jag to really mix it with the fastest road cars out there are going to love it. I’m just not so sure that I’m going to be among them.
Snow-wheel drive
Staggered, and not for the first time, by the recklessness of a sizeable constituency of drivers of four-wheel-drive cars in poor weather conditions. I had to drive across the country to catch a flight, which meant driving down the M4 with a mix of snow and sleet in the air and slush and ice on the ground.
The conditions were perfectly manageable, safe even, so long as you treated them with the respect they commanded, which almost everyone did. I was in an Audi TT diesel (which has four-wheel drive) and cruised down the middle the lane at the same 50mph as almost everyone else.
But in the outside lane, whose width was severely restricted by snow encroaching from the central reservation, it was never long before someone in a Range Rover, Cayenne or Impreza came barrelling along as if the conditions somehow didn’t apply to them.
I think the responsibility for this behaviour lies at least in part with car manufacturers who market four-wheel drive as a safety feature.
Clearly, there are conditions in which four-wheel drive will keep you on the road long after a front-drive or rear-drive car would have stopped moving. And for many people who live deep in the countryside, myself included, having something that copes with these conditions is essential.
But many seem not to appreciate that once trouble occurs, regardless of whether you swerve, brake or both to avoid it, the moment your foot comes off the accelerator they have no-wheel drive like everybody else.
As an aside, the TT diesel is a wonderfully pragmatic car – not that fast or fun, to be honest – but that’s not why people buy TTs anyway. With lots of lazy torque, 50mpg on a quiet run and an easy range of at least 600 miles, if I were allowed my choice of the TT range, this is what I’d have.
Fun on a shoestring
Question: What car can you buy (new) for less than £15k that will get you to 62mph in less than 7.0sec, put a stupid grin on your face every time you drive it and return over 30mpg if you’re relatively sensible with the throttle?
The only answer I can come up with is the Renault Clio 197 Cup. I’ve just spent the weekend tooling around the B-roads of east Staffordhire in one and I swear on my driving licence that you couldn’t have more fun in any performance car costing twice as much.
Sure, the electric power steering is on the anaesthised side of numb, and the dash from the most basic Clio isn’t exactly high quality, but the great Recaro seats, lusty 194bhp engine and sublime chassis balance more than make up for those shortcomings.
For fun on a budget, the little Clio has got to be near unbeatable. Unless anybody else can suggest something better…
Why Bentley needs an engine from a Q7
Been driving the ridiculous Audi Q7 V12 TDI.
What a complete monster. Although I know I shouldn’t, I have to say I found it quite enjoyable.
With 737lb ft of torque on tap from 1750rpm I was expecting it to be quick. What I wasn’t prepared for was how smooth, quiet and progressive the V12 is.
Sufficiently so that I reckon it could be worthy of another home. Bentley Continental V12 TDI anyone? I think the immediate assured power delivery would be a good match for the Bentley character, and with a bit of work could easily be sufficiently refined.
And although the 25mpg the Q7 gets isn’t exactly economical it is better than 17mpg the Conti gets at the moment.
BREAKING NEWS: GM Disbands its High-Performance Vehicle Unit!
GM released its Viability Plan yesterday in which the automaker revealed its plans to return the company to profitability. Today GM has announced that it is disbanding its high-performance unit.
This team was responsible for the development of the V-series Cadillacs and the Chevrolet Cobalt SS, HHR SS and a V-8 version of the Colorado.
"All high-performance projects are on indefinite hold," spokesman Vince Muniga said. "The engineers are moving into different areas of the organization, and they will work on Cadillacs, Buicks, Chevrolets and Pontiacs."
There are currently no plans for high-performance versions of future vehicles.
The team could be reinstated once GM is back in the black.
Geneva 09' Preview: Rolls-Royce 200EX Concept Details Leaked
The Daily Telegraph has apparently broken the embargo on the Rolls-Royce 200EX Concept that will be officially unveiled next month at the Geneva Motor Show.
The Rolls-Royce 200EX Concept previews the new smaller Rolls-Royce RR4 that will be released in 2010.
Rolls-Royce chief designer, Ian Cameron, said: "The 200EX has a dynamic edge to its styling and is noticeably less formal than previous models. Its size, style and expression broaden the appeal of the car, making it more appropriate for a wider range of circumstances.
"It is a touring saloon with more than a little panache and perhaps more bravado than one might have expected from Rolls-Royce Motor Cars. What you see is a modern car that is immediately recognisable as a true Rolls-Royce, even from angles that obscure the grille and Spirit of Ecstasy. Design elements such as the elevated prow, long bonnet, short front overhang, sharply raked A-pillar and elegant tail give the 200EX an air of informal presence – powerful but unobtrusive."
The 200EX shares about 20 percent of its parts with the BMW 7 Series and is expected to be powered by an all-new V12 engine. The production version of the RR4 is expected to be unveiled in Frankfurt this fall.
Hyundai Assurance Plan Adds 90-day Payment Relief to Help Even More
Hyundai has announced that its popular Assurance Program now includes 90 days of payment relief if a buyer is laid off within the first year of vehicle ownership.
The Hyundai Assurance program that runs from Feb 23rd to April 30, 2009 allows buyers to return their vehicles if they lose their jobs within the first year that they own them. The Assurance Plus program takes the step one step further by providing a one-time 90-day payment relief benefit.
The Assurance Program is credited with Hyundai's sales increasing 14.3 percent while almost every other automaker was down last month.
Saab Files for Bankruptcy and Asks for $1 Billion
GM has announced that Saab has filed bankruptcy in Swedish courts in an effort to reorganize the company and to become independent from GM.
The reorganization of Saab will lead to the design, engineering and manufacturing being concentrated back in Sweden. But in order for this to happen GM needs to secure financing, which is the main issue. The Swedish government already rejected GM's request for cash. According to the Automotive News Saab may need as much as $1 billion to remain sustainable on its own.
Currently Saab plans on launching three new vehicles of the next year and a half, the 9-3X, 9-5 and 9-4X...well that's if Saab can raise the money to sustain itself.
2010 Jaguar XFR Starts at $80,000
The Jaguar XF, is definitely one of the best Jaguars in a long time. Jaguar has announced the pricing for the uber-fast version of the XF, the 2010 XFR that was unveiled at the Detroit Auto Show earlier this year.
The 2010 XFR starts at $80,000 and is powered by a 510 horsepower 5.0L V8. At that price the XFR starts less than the M5 and E63 AMG and has more power than both.
Rolls Royce Confirms 500+ HP V12 Engine for RR4
Rolls Royce unveiled the 200EX concept at the Geneva Moor Show earlier this month and now has officially confirmed that the production version, dubbed the RR4 will be powered by a new 6.6L V12 engine that will have "upwards of 500bhp."
The V12 engine will be mated to a new ZF 8-speed transmission.
CEO Tom Purves confirmed the details at a press event in New York where the 200EX is currently starting a world tour. Purves claims that the RR4 will be more involving and dynamic for those owners that would rather drive than be driven.
Transformers 2 Video Trailer
2008 was an awesome year for leaked spy photos pertaining to the upcoming Transformers 2: Revenge of the Fallen movie. We were all treated to multiple SPY PHOTOS of an Air Force Base Scene, Hummer HX and H3T, Corvette Centennial, Optimus Prime and Decepticon Police Saleen Mustangs.
Yesterday to kick off February 1st, we all got a glimpse of this new awesome trailer. As a kid who grew up playing with Transformers, I must admit I am very excited to go see this movie!
Supercar Weekend 2009 Girls
What would my event coverage be without at least a couple photos of some sexy ladies? Here are a couple pictures of some of the beautiful young ladies I was able to photograph at this years Supercar Weekend 2009. There were definitely more of them walking around checking out all the Supercar Weekend Cars. Seeing that the event was only one day, I was extremely busy taking photos of all the sick whips, otherwise I would have gone paparazzi on more of the spectators walking around
Pagani Zonda R - First Official Pictures
In the world of Pagani Zonda, the only thing more hardcore than a private gathering of 14 Pagani Zonda’s at Horatio Pagani’s Estate (see Vanishing Point Pagani Rally 2008 Pictures) or even a Pink Pagani Zonda is this Pagani Zonda R and these first official pictures!
Sorry it took me so long to get this post out, but I can’t stop looking at these pictures of all the details from it’s spaceship like features found just about everywhere on the car.. most notably the in your face Gatling gun type exhaust pipes and the “even more awesome than F1″ steering wheel!
Sean Kingston vs Bow Wow Lamborghini Race Video
Well just when we thought the entertaining Bow Wow vs Soulja Boy Lamborghini Show couldn’t get any more ridiculous, we find this video of 19 year old singer/rapper Sean Kingston (Kisean Anderson) who has challenged BOW WOW to race for pink slips! Sean has a murdered out Lamborghini Gallardo which could possibly be sporting a Twin Turbo package by the sounds of his run at the end.
UPDATE: February 6 @ 10pm (EST), It seems that BOW WOW’s videos have JUST been taken down by whoever posted them on YouTube! Don’t worry I have already found others who ripped them so they have been replaced on my original post mentioned above 
For the record kids, its not pronounced Gui-lardo, or Ga-largo (Soulja Boy) its proper pronunciation is Guy-arr-doh. Capisce?
Dracula Lamborghini Murcielago LP640
There are decals and then there are FULL VINYL CAR WRAPS… I found a “Dracula” themed full wrap on this Lamborghini Murcielago LP640 and it is just so OUTRAGEOUS you cant help but stare… Maybe its not to everyone’s taste… but a LAMBO is OUTRAGEOUS and vinyl wrap is definitely not a permanent decal. I would definitely like to HALLOWEEN out my ride like this one day to just get people to GAWK in AWE and cause a scene (Like Terrorizing Beverly Hills in a Carrera GT)!!! Seen a HULK or CAPTAIN AMERICA version of this would be nothing but WICKED!! Ether way, its cool, crazy and quite the concept i find.
Lamborghini Custom Motorcycle
While at Lamborghini Palm Beach during Supercar Weekend 2009 I had a chance to take some photos of Alex Papas’ (owner of South Florida Toys) one of a kind custom built 2008 Lamborghini custom pro street Motorcycle.
The frame was custom built by War Eagle Customs and Alex Papas of South Florida Toys. Custom built design oil tank in the front spoiler, air ducts under the seat and on the swing arms, custom wheels to look like the Lamborghini Murcielago Roadster, 300 rear tire, S&S Super Sidewinder 113 Inch Engine, RSD 6 speed transmission, exhaust by Paul Yaffe, Brembo/Lamborghini levers & calipers, grips & foot pegs by Eddie Trotta, dual adjustable suspension, all wiring including brake and clutch lining is all hidden inside the handlebar and the frame.
Body work, paint & graphics (Lamborghini Murcielago Pearl Yellow) was done by Bones Designs, the seat by Jeffrey Phipps, custom saddles put together by Chop Shop Customs.
The bike is for sale: $75,000 USD, contact Alex Papas (954-729-8888) if interested!
2009 Toronto International AutoShow Details
The 2009 Canadian International AutoShow starts this week at the Metro Toronto Convention Center from Feb 13th to the 22nd, 2009. This year’s AutoShow encompasses over 850,000 sq. ft. in the North & South Metro Toronto Convention Centre and Rogers Centre. Over 1,000 new cars and trucks will be on display featuring several North American and Canadian premieres. The New Era is here and I plan on capturing all these vehicles for your viewing pleasure!
Don’t forget to take a peek at some of the cars from last years 2008 Toronto AutoShow Pictures which included the Lamborghini Theatre.
This years theme revolves around “THE NEW ERA” which is based on our current economic realities and the rapidly changing consumer lifestyle choices. Consumers want vehicles which are more fuel efficient and the automakers must create solutions that meet an entirely new set of criteria: New engine technologies which include the next generation of hybrids, advanced fuel cells and electric plug-ins.
The AutoShow is a 36 year tradition of celebrating Canada’s love of the automobile. Providing a showcase of what’s new and what’s next. 2009 guarantees to usher in new concepts which will leap off the drawing board onto the turntable, and will provide a stunning glimpse of where the industry is headed! See you there!
Vin Diesel stars in Wheelman Video Game
For those of you in the dark, Midway Games has a new driving/shooter video games coming out next month called The Wheelman. Vin Diesel stars as Milo Burik, an undercover CIA operative and highly skilled driver (Wheelman) who must infiltrate the criminal underworld of Barcelona to gather information about a covert heist. Posing as a driver for hire, he must raise the tension between the bitter rival city gangs whilst staying one step ahead of the local law enforcement. Most missions are driving-oriented but there are also foot missions.
Transformers 2 - NEW Autobots Trailer Video
Checkout this brand new Transformers 2 Trailer Video which has just hit the web. It looks like a Chevrolet commercial staring the Autobots (Camaro, Volt, Trax) as they trek across continents from Long Beach through Siberia to Egypt and then return to the filming set.
The lead car is the recently revealed Corvette Stingray Concept while Optimus Prime hangs back to watch guard.
2008 Essen Motor Show Models III
Well this is my absolute final post of my 3 part 2008 Essen Motor Show Girls coverage because I have a TONNE of pics coming up from the Tokyo Auto Salon 2009 (2008 Essen Girls Post 1, 2008 Essen Girls Post 2). You might think that these posts are a little late, however I chose to release these posts slowly over time like a fine. Don’t forget to checkout the 4000+ photos I took at the 2008 Essen Motor Show Review and 2008 Essen Motor Show Pictures on MadWhips.com. Two really nice photos at the very bottom!
Pagani Zonda R Officially Unveiled
Looking for a Pagani Zonda R for sale? You’re not the only one.
Ever since Pagani released details of the Zonda R back in 2007, we’ve had a steady stream of enquiries. To be fair, most of those were from rubber-neckers looking for brochures or pictures; not serious buyers. But we have had a few very serious enquiries (although they may have had a change of heart if they were in banking, manufacturing, construction…!) and we’ve had to tell them the same thing; it’s going to happen, but we don’t know when.
But this week Pagani has finally got round to launching the Pagani Zonda R in Vienna.
The Zonda R is the final iteration of the Zonda before an all new model arrives sometime next year. But it’s not a road car. This is a Zonda built for the track, and there are only going to be 10 units built. And its not trying to homologate itself in to any racing series. This is just a pure and simple project to create the ultimate Zonda for the track, for a handful of very wealthy clients with
Photos: Tesla S electric sedan unveiled in LA
Tesla shows off two prototypes of its new electric sedan.
(Credit: Laura Burstein/CNET)
Now that its electric roadster is in production, Tesla showed off prototypes of its upcoming electric sedan. The sleek-looking car, which launches in late 2011, should come in at around $50,000, making it half the ...
TeleNav pulls the trigger on Shotgun updates
(Credit: Corinne Schulze/CBS Interactive)
On Tuesday, location-based service provider TeleNav released new features for its connected portable-navigation device, the TeleNav Shotgun. The added functionalities include a mileage tracker and the capability to check ratings and reviews for points of interest (POI), such as restaurants, hotels, and so forth.
The ...
Originally posted at Miss Direction
An in-car GPS built for walking: Ask the Editors
The Garmin Nuvi 200 is a good choice.
(Credit: Corinne Schulze/CBS Interactive)
Q: If you had to pick a walking-tour-guide GPS for a first-timer walking in New York City, but wanted to use a basic GPS auto navigation system, what would you buy? Are crossover systems any good? We ...
Originally posted at Miss Direction
(Credit: Northrop Grumman) Shelby announces world's fastest electric car
Shelby is working on an electric version of the 2009 Ultimate Aero supercar.
(Credit: Shelby SuperCars)
In conjunction with the release of its 2009 Ultimate Aero at the Abu Dhabi International Motor Show, Shelby SuperCars announced details of an electric version of this same car, due to be launched in ...
2010 Lexus RX350 / RX450h Hybrid - Video
Lexus presents an evolutionary redesign if its best-selling RX crossover.
Keep Reading: 2010 Lexus RX350 / RX450h Hybrid - Video
2009 Hyundai Genesis 3.8 - Short Take Road Test
On a street in Ann Arbor, a college-age Wolverine yelled at aC/D staffer getting into this Hyundai Genesis 3.8. “Is that a May-back?” he hollered, mispronouncing the name of the Benz supercruiser.
Without missing a beat, the staffer replied loudly, “No, and it cost less than your Tour-egg.” The student struggled, like most, to place the borrowed exterior styling elements of this Korean newcomer. His mental clock having expired, the kid retreated toward campus. Little did he know he was drooling over one of the best-kept secrets in the luxury-sedan market, the six-cylinder Genesis.
Keep Reading: 2009 Hyundai Genesis 3.8 - Short Take Road Test
2009 Saturn Aura / Aura Hybrid - Review
What’s new, highlights, and safety info for the 2009 Saturn Aura.
Introduction
It looks a lot like its German cousin, the Opel Vectra, but the Saturn Aura comes out of GM’s North American operations. Underpinning the Aura is GM’s mid-size front-wheel-drive platform that is also shared with the Saab 9-3, Pontiac G6, Chevrolet Malibu, and the aforementioned Opel/Vauxhaul Vectra. And although the Aura looks similar to the Vectra, it shares no sheetmetal with its European relative.
Saturn offers Aura customers three powertrain options. For those seeking a balance of performance and fuel economy, there’s a fuel-efficient 2.4-liter four-cylinder that makes 169 hp and returns 22 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway. For those more interested in fuel economy, a mild-hybrid version (formerly known as the Aura Green Line) of the four-cylinder engine boosts fuel economy to an EPA-rated 26 city and 34 highway. The hybrid system is not as sophisticated as those found on the competition, but it does offer a small fuel-economy bump for a relatively small amount of cash. If acceleration is a concern, Saturn also offers a 252-hp 3.6-liter V-6 that returns 17 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway. The V-6 is pretty quick and can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 6.2 seconds. Six-speed automatics are standard on all Auras except the hybrid, which comes with a four-speed auto.
Keep Reading: 2009 Saturn Aura / Aura Hybrid - Review
Scion xB TRD Performance Springs and Shocks - Gear Box
We drove a Scion xB 40,000 miles over 16 months, and it proved to be a reliable errand hopper. But at heart, it’s a car that not surprisingly errs on the side of economy and practicality. The xB only ever really hauls when it’s loaded with bags of cedar mulch.
To add a dollop of zest, we fitted the xB with a set ofTRD lowering springs ($399) matched to a set ofTRD performance shocks ($500). They reduced ride height by one inch in the front and 1.5 inches in the rear, lowering the machine’s center of gravity. The suspension package eliminated a lot of unwanted body motion, and turn-in went from ho-hum to right-now crisp. At all speeds, the car tracked better and felt marginally less susceptible to wandering in crosswinds.
Keep Reading: Scion xB TRD Performance Springs and Shocks - Gear Box
The Two-for-One Sales Approach - Car News
You know that selling cars has gotten a tad problematic when a dealer is offering a two-for-one promotion. Bettenhausen Dodge in Tinley Park, Illinois, will sell you a brand-new 2008 Dodge Durango SXT and throw in a used 2008 Dodge Avenger at no extra cost. Here’s how it works: Purchasing the Durango at sticker price ($30,565) forgoes $11,947 in incentives, which goes toward the used Avenger, valued at $11,947.
Keep Reading: The Two-for-One Sales Approach - Car News
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