Hyundai Sweetens Assurance Incentive Covering Job Loss

Hyundai, as you may already know from the commercials, offered a Hyundai Assurance sales incentive that allowed consumers to return their new Hyundai vehicle within a year of purchase if they were to lose their job. Now, Hyundai has sweetened the deal even more. Hyundai is now offering the Hyundai Assurance Plus program which will, in addition to the original agreement, pay the vehicle loan or lease for 90 days during the year while the owner looks for a new job. If the own keeps the vehicle in the process (after the 90 days when payments resume) the payments do not need to be repaid.

Old Incentive

During our slumping economy plans or incentives such as these gain a lot of traction and makes people really consider purchasing a brand that offers such a program. Let’s face it, it is a very real reality that you have to foot your car notes after lose of a job because 9 times out of 10, you will need that vehicle to help you search for a new job. Hyundai has you covered. But you must act now if you wish to purchase a new Hyundai and take advantage of this program. The Hyundai Assurance Plus incentive will be offered from February 23rd to April 30th.

[source: autonews]

Hyundai Equus: Official Images and Information

It is no doubt in my mind that Hyundai, pronounced like “Sunday”, is taking a stab in the daylight at Lexus, BMW, Audi and maybe even Mercedes Benz with its new luxury sedans and forward thinking. The Hyundai Sonata was clearly not enough to take aim at the Goliaths of the auto industry but the Hyundai Genesis surly cut someone pretty deep. The new soon-to-come Hyundai Equus may be Hyundai’s point-blank-range sniper aimed directly at the big dogs.

More information and official images below…

With the low-cost high-quality BIG vehicles that Hyundai will be pumping out for the North American market, it seems we have a viable contender that others will start to get at least sweaty palms when Hyundai enters the room.

Due out as possibly a 2011 or 2012 model, the Hyundai Equus appears to be Hyundai’s newest flagship that boosts an extra-long wheelbase and luxury amenities and appointments throughout. The Genesis has already been a big hit and has accomplished the status of being the North American Car of the year. The beefy Hyundai power plants have already been out in the wild as the Genesis’ V8 might be a worthy engine for the new stretched Equus.

You can make your own conclusions as to what we will expect from the Hyundai Equus as time draws near for a possible launch in North America. Maybe you would want to hold off on purchasing that Benz for now and reinvest the money you would be saving by buying a new Equus. Hopefully that is not only wishful thinking but a reality – that is what Hyundai is probably thinking.

A Buyers Market: Dealership Deals Rise While The Auto Industry Drops

We recently had the opportunity to chat with some local car dealerships and they all agreed that now is the best time ever to buy, obviously. Pretty much, it is a buyer’s market when it comes to car shopping. If you do not have a car with an upside-down note to pay off then you may be in a great position to buy a new or pre-owned car.

Even the number of online searches for online car quotes on vehicles ranging from used SUV’s, used cars to brand spanking new cars that have been sitting on the dealer lot for months. Either way, the deal is yours because you are a buyer. Simply locating a new car or doing an online used car search will land you a great deal that you can easily capitalize on at the dealership during our economic troubled times. You can find used cars pilled up at just about any dealership during these hard economic times.

We have heard strange stores where car companies are leasing out racetracks to park their new vehicles that they cannot ship to the local dealerships because there is simply not enough room or available slots in the dealers inventory. With this type of craziness going on it brings up the big question, what will happen to the failing auto industry? While dealerships across America are slashing prices and creating some of the best deals that some of us have ever seen in our lifetime, there is still the uncertainty if dealerships or auto companies can capitalize on a decent profit. If you advertise your car in any type of publication you may want to be sure that it has a super low price because that is what you are competing against, super low prices at the dealership.

What I will challenge some of my readers to do is go to your nearest dealership and see what kind of deal you can get on some new cars and pre-owned. Let us know by posting a comment how much you could have saved. Better yet, if you are actually in the market for a car, go out and shop around and then let us know how much you saved. We want to compile a short list of where, when and how you can get the best deals in our slumping economy at dealerships across America. Be sure to do your research before setting out on this quest, we do not want anyone to get ripped off.

The Designers Behind the 2010 Buick LaCrosse - Video

We previously posted an interesting video of the History of Buick Design. They have followed up with the Inspiration of Design and information on the driving forces behind the creation of General Motors. While the new 2010 Buick LaCrosse is a new turn in the Buick brand being an inspiring culture change not only in the USA but worldwide. This will hopefully give people a reason to buy the “American Brand” Buick and rekindle that American product spirit that we are struggling to spark in our trying economic times.

Below (after the jump) is the publication and video from General Motors about the designers behind the 2010 Buick LaCrosse. Enjoy!

Web Video: The Designers Behind the 2010 Buick LaCrosse

From the early days of William Durant and Walter Marr to current overseas success, Buick has been at the forefront of automotive design. With groundbreaking features, the line was one of the driving forces behind the creation of General Motors. Now, over a century later, the long standing Buick has been reestablished as one of their four key brands.

Part of this return to relevancy began with the success of the seven passenger Enclave. Now, GM’s VP of Design Ed Welburn has recruited many young designers to continue Buick’s new success with the 2010 LaCrosse. Discussing the development process, these young designers share the concept and thought that went into creating the new LaCrosse. They also discuss what it is like to make the most of an interesting opportunity – the chance to make a classic relevant again.

New Fast and Furious Movie: The Newest Fast and Furious Trailer - Video

Fast and Furious - Vin Diesel and Paul Walker

Fast and Furious – The official name for The Fast and Furious 4.
The 4th installment of The Fast and the Furious will be simply called “Fast and Furious”. Go figure right.

The newest movie includes most of the original cast of Fast and the Furious from 2001 including the infamous Vin Diesel and Paul Walker

Our previous post on this was a big hit among the automotive community. We have included the latest trailer to the Fast and Furious movie below after the jump (as shown during Superbowl XLIII… ENJOY!

President Obama’s Presidential Limousine: The Beast

The new “Beast”, what the secret service calls it, is the latest and greatest creation to hit the road made by GM – Cadillac to transport the 44th President of the United States of America, President Barack Obama. If you tuned into one of your local stations or streamed the inauguration on Tuesday then you know that this new Limousine is not your ordinary vehicle. From some of our photos below you can come to the conclusion from the 5 to 6 inch thick doors, extra thick tires and mammoth size/height of this “Beast” that it is basically a Cadillac-Tank on 4 wheels.

Rumors will tell us that the new Presidential Limo has it’s own ventilation system that seals itself from the outside air and has the most technologically advanced communication system found in a street car in the USA. Looking at the size of this vehicle next to a secrete serviceman or a Chevy Tahoe will tell you a little about massive size of this vehicle. The ride height also suggest that this is a very capable vehicle in the need that it has to go off-road to “get out of the line of fire” God forbid. Still, we all have to speculate what this vehicle is really all about or what is found inside of it. One of the images catches a glimpse of some type of LCD screen mounted low, maybe that is the infamous RED phone.

500-Based Abarth Sports Car Coming From Fiat

Fiat continues to tease us here in America with funner and funner versions of its 500, the modern interpretation of its micro car from the 60s. Essentially Fiat’s response to BMW’s MINI, the 500 supposedly has a lot going for it. It’s stylish; light handles well and has decent enough horsepower to make it fun to fling around. Now comes word that the diminutive 500 will get even more fun.

Abarth, for those of you not up on high performance Italian tuning & race shops from the 50s and 60s is, well, a high performance Italian tuning & race shop. They’re still (nominally) in existence and have been working hand in glove with Fiat since time immemorial. They stroke and tune the most mundane of Fiat’s offerings, and actually win races with them. And when that wasn’t enough, they’d use Fiat components in their own bodies & chassis to make lightweight, fun racers. Sort of like Pagani using Mercedes running gear for the Zonda.

So, Abarth is not going to let the new 500 just sit there, now are they?

No, no they are not. Word from Europe says that Fiat is reviving the historic Abarth badge for a sporting version of its 500 and the Italian automaker says it will create an entire unique Abarth brand starting with a sports car. Recent rumors have Fiat working on a low-slung sports car, but the news comes that the Abarth coupe will be based on the Fiat 500. Although it will be front-wheel-drive (sadly), the Abarth Coupe will employ Fiat’s Torque Transfer Control, which acts like a limited slip differential. AutoExpress reports the coupe will feature the traditional Abarth lightweight aluminum chassis and a 1.4-liter turbo four from the 500 Abarth (cranking out 135-horsepower). And in the future, expect a 158-horse high performance variant that should still average 45 mpg on the European combined cycle.

So, more fun for Europe … but wait, what’s that I hear about Fiat returning to America? Is there any more news on Fiat’s interest in Chryslers?

We could see the new Fiat Abarth on our streets yet.

Source: LeftLaneNews

The Truth About OnStar

We all have heard of OnStar. Most automotive consumers are aware of what the company offers users and subscribers via the endless number of television commercials produced over the years. They range from humorous Tiger Woods examples to the more serious “We’ve-been-in-an-accident” spots.

I’m going to try not to bore readers a great deal on the specifics of OnStar. What I want to talk about is if this concept really works.

What Is OnStar?

OnStar came into inception in 1996 on higher-end General Motors vehicles and offered drivers hands-free communication as well as an innovative safety device in case the inevitable happens. Today, OnStar has over five million subscribers, is offered in over 50 different GM vehicles, and offers a vast array of options.

How OnStar works is, simply, the system utilizes both Global Positioning Satellites (GPS) as well as wireless phone technology to locate your vehicle wherever you may be and help you receive anything from turn-by-turn directions to vehicle diagnostics to emergency services in case the vehicle has been in an accident.

What Does OnStar Offer?

Surprisingly, a lot. Press the middle blue button located below the rearview mirror and the voice of a human person (not an automated machine) comes through the speakers and assists you with anything you may need, depending on your plan. Directions to Grandma’s? No problem. Traveling and need to make overnight accommodations? OnStar can help you. Engine not running smoothly? OnStar can let you know what is wrong with the vehicle and direct you to the nearest dealership. The system can even unlock your doors if the keys become locked in the vehicle as well as beep the horn if you forget where the vehicle is located. (If subscribed to both OnStar and XM satellite radio, users can access live traffic and weather updates for the city they are located in.)

Additionally, the button with the red cross offers emergency assistance if you are in an accident or need any sort of police/medical assistance. If the vehicle is in a severe accident where the airbags go off, OnStar will automatically call emergency services as well as call you to check on the occupants of the vehicle. If you are the unfortunate victim of car theft, OnStar can track the vehicle and can slow the vehicle down.

Finally, the button on the left controls your hands-free phone. If you so desire, the car’s cellular device can be added on to your Verizon Wireless cell phone plan and use the car’s system instead of trying to drive while trying to hold that little glowing piece of plastic to your face (i.e. much safer). (You may also purchase minutes directly from OnStar as well.)

Costs?

According to OnStar, you can opt for a few different options. For $18.95 per month ($199/year), subscribers have access to all the safety communication features as well as navigation, vehicle unlock and Roadside Assistance. For an additional $10 a month ($28.90/month; $299/year), users can access everything listed above as well as OnStar’s Concierge Service, which is the feature that allows subscribers to find the nearest gas station or check their mutual fund prices on the New York Stock Exchange.

Is OnStar Worth It?

I have had a lot of time to mull this over, and gave the system a thorough test-drive while I was behind the wheel of Automoblog’s 2009 GMC Acadia test vehicle, and I have come to the conclusion that yes, OnStar is a worthy system, but there are some aspects which give me pause.

There are a lot of positives to using OnStar. For one, is so simple to operate. Instead of fumbling around with a GPS system, you simply press a button and let someone else do the work. You still have all the convenience of an everyday system, but it is much easier and much simplier to operate. This is especially critical when you are traveling at highway speeds, where taking your eyes off the road for a split second to fumble with a navigation system, read a newspaper, dial a phone, etc. can lead to an unplanned disaster.

Speaking of safety, the Emergency Services offered should make OnStar important enough to subscribe. Having the comfort to know that if you are involved in an accident, help will be sent whether you call for it or not. In addition, if the car is stolen, OnStar can help you stop the perpetrators from getting away with your vehicle and get it back safely. That would certainly help lower car thefts as well as keep insurance premiums low.

Finally, in today’s world of email, text messages, and other forms of low human interaction, it is reassuring to know when pressing the blue button, there is an actual living, breathing person on the other end. I actually enjoyed the idea of knowing that with one press of a button, someone will be there to help me with whatever I may need. No computers to type to, no automated voices with hundreds of sub-menus to go through.

Don’t let these positives ensue this system in perfect. There are a few minor problems as well as one gaping issue.

First, the price. For a one-year subscription with OnStar, subscribers could purchase themselves a very nice, portable GPS unit, filled with hundreds of thousands of bits of information and technology which is displayed on a crisp color screen instead of on the tiny radio display. It’s not exactly what I would call affordable.

Also, there will be times when the tedious effort of dealing with voice-activated menus. For example, using the telephone feature requires the user to say the number or the pre-stored name, confirm the number/name, and then again confirm to call. And it’s the same if the driver wants to find out the traffic reports.

But the really big issue with OnStar comes from a worry about “Big Brother”. Many speculate that OnStar and GM can use the ability to know where your car is and where you are traveling to calculate data on speed and driving characteristics, which can be used by police and automobile insurance companies to issue fines and increase premiums, depending on the situation.

Last year, GM’s financial branch, GMAC, announced it uses data received by OnStar which allows drivers to receive a discount on their GMAC insurance. What occurs is the driver signs up for the program, where they will receive an 11 percent discount. Then, a monthly statement is forwarded to GMAC with a mileage calculation. The less miles you drive, the bigger your discount is, according to a General Motors press release. To some, this may be a great way to save money. Others see it as another way to pry.

Like everything else in this world, nothing is perfect. There are always going to be concessions. How many, and how large, of a concession are people willing to take for a service that, in theory, works?

OnStar Web site

Renault Sport Gives Uk Debut To New Megane Trophy At Autosport International

Renault’s New Mégane Trophy makes its UK debut alongside its hardcore road-going sister Mégane Renaultsport R26.R in a one-two that is guaranteed to wow the crowds at Autosport International, the world’s biggest motorsport show, on 8th-11th January, 2009. The cars join the Clio Renaultsport Cup race car, Formula Renault 2.0 single-seater car and Clio Renaultsport [...]

All-New Kia SOUL Priced Well Under $14,000

Kia Motors America, Inc. (KMA) today announced pricing for the all-new highly anticipated Kia Soul will begin at $13,300¹. Even with the $695 freight charge included, Soul’s price tag of $13,995 is still under the $14K mark. And with all boxes checked on the highest trim level Soul sport, the vehicle will still come in [...]

New Bentley Continental GTC Speed And GTC

Since its debut in 2006, the Continental GTC has enjoyed sales success in over 50 countries across the globe, attracting younger buyers to the Bentley marque. Customers are attracted to its sleek design, interior craftsmanship, refined performance and agile handling. Now, the introduction of the new GTC range builds on this success with a subtle [...]

New Impreza Boxer diesel range to the Irish market

Subaru Ireland announced today the introduction of the eagerly awaited Impreza Boxer diesel range. Using the now proven Boxer diesel the Impreza comes with a six speed manual transmission, AWD and of course the turbo two litre engine producing 150 Bhp. The Impreza Boxer diesel range will be in Irish Dealer Showrooms from the start of [...]

Acura continues to push for Tier-1 status, NSX could be revived

Click above for a high-res gallery of the 2009 Acura TL

Acura wants to assure dealers that its plan to become a Tier 1 luxury brand - able to hang with Audi, BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Lexus - is still underway. But according to Dick Colliver, executive vice president of American Honda Motor Co., the key to playing with the big boys isn't limited to what's on showroom floors. Colliver told Automotive News, "Being a premium luxury brand is not just about product. It's the way dealers handle customers. You've got to earn your way into the segment. You don't necessarily have to have a $90,000 sedan to get there."
Even though that formula seems to have worked for Lexus, Acura has different plans. The recently released TSX, RL and TL have set the tone for the next few years, and another crossover, designed to slot in between the RDX and MDX, is currently under development.
Colliver also mentioned that work on the NSX replacement is "mostly done," so even though Honda shelved the V10 supercar to cut costs and keep an even keel during the economic downturn, the NSX could be pulled out of the corporate garage, dusted off and brought to market once conditions improve.
Acura's entry-level image could help the automaker weather the economic downturn better than its rivals from Germany and Japan, but when the market firms up, Acura will need products (with high-output engines and RWD) at the ready to compete with the stalwarts of the luxury set.

Wallpaper: Spy Shots: Acura NSX

Mitsubishi focuses development on 'green' cars, plug-in hybrid coming in 2013

Click above for a hi-res gallery of i MiEV Sport Air renderings

When the average enthusiast thinks of Mitsubishi, the first thing that jumps to mind is likely the Evolution, but the Japanese automaker's bread is buttered by the sales of large SUVs. This means that profits are pretty tough to come by these days as anything that guzzles gas has rapidly seen itself falling out of favor. In light of this fact, Mitsubishi now says that it has halted development of everything that isn't eco-friendly. SUVs and large cars are out; electric cars, plug-in hybrids and small cars are in. What does this mean for future developments for the Evo platform? We don't know, but it doesn't sound promising.
According to CEO Osamu Masuko, the automaker can't abandon its SUV roots entirely, so the future strategy will be two-fold: continue to offer larger cars like the Lancer and Galant and four-wheel drive SUVs in hybrid form, while focusing on fully electric machines on the smaller end. The first fruits of Mitsubishi's new green plans may be production versions of the i MiEV electric car, but plug-in hybrid versions of its larger cars and SUVs are likely by 2013.

Gallery: Mitsubishi i MIEV Sport Air

Citroen bringing back the DS in three flavors

Click above for a high-res gallery of the Citroen DS

Think about French automobiles and inevitably two vehicles spring to mind: the quirky 2CV and the iconic Citroen DS. Both models are cult favorites and at least one is making a comeback.
Citroen is launching a global rebranding campaign this Wednesday in conjunction with its 90th birthday, and along with upgrading its dealers and providing better post-sales support, Citroen will introduce a new segment of "near-premium" models that will revive the DS nameplate.
The first concept, a small car wearing a DS3 badge, will be unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show this March and hit the European market in the first half of 2010. Citroen will expand the range to include a lower-midsize vehicle, dubbed the DS4, due to go on sale in 2011, while a third model, an upper-medium sized sedan wearing a DS5 nameplate, will arrive in showrooms in late 2011.
The new DS range of vehicles will be positioned higher than their corresponding C3, C4 and C5 stablemates, and will likely feature more striking designs and luxurious appointments. We'll catch our first glimpse of the Citroen DS3 in less than a month, but expect more details to be released later this week.

Spy Shots: 2010 Jaguar XJ edges closer to production

With the new XF garnering all the attention, a new 510 horsepower XKR ripping up the streets and a new sportscar - of some sort or another - reportedly on the way, it'd be all too easy to forget about Jaguar's flagship XJ sedan. The range-topper still carries the same basic retro styling theme as it has since before Ford took over, but now that Tata's moved in upstairs, the XJ is due for an overhaul.
Although it's hard to tell much from the spy shots, you can bet Jag design chief Ian Callum has a more aggressive, edgier styling similar to the XF on tap for us.
Expect Jaguar's latest generation of V8s, in normally-aspirated and supercharged form to provide motivation as the big cat gets bigger to take another pounce at the likes of the BMW 7-Series and Mercedes S-Class. The new XJ is anticipated to debut later this year - Frankfurt would be a good bet - before it hits the streets for 2010. Follow the link to see the disguised test mule both still images and on video.
[Source: CAR]

New Indy engine could be delayed, three manufacturers in the mix

Competition is a good thing, right? If so, IndyCar racing is slated to improve within the next few years as the series branches out to include multiple engine suppliers. As it currently stands, Honda, which has been the sole engine supplier for IndyCar since 2006, will continue with its current contract through the 2010 season at least. IndyCar organizers would like to have a few new contracts in place by 2011, but the slow economy and fewer dollars earmarked for motorsports may push that date off until 2012.
In addition to Honda, which would like to stay in the series, Audi, Fiat, Porsche and Volkswagen are all currently negotiating with the racing league to offer alternative powertrain options. The current engines all displace 3.5 liters and are limited to 10,300 rpm, making about 650 horsepower running on ethanol fuel. The next contract will likely call for engines displacing 2.0 liters and feature turbocharging and direct injection. Both four cylinder and six cylinder options are being considered.
[Source: USA Today]

Tesla one-make racing series: Nothing factory-backed, for now

If Jeremy Clarkson's review of the Tesla Roadster proved anything, it's that the electric sportscar can keep a good pace around a race track. While the Roadsters' acceleration leaves little to be desired, its limited range and propensity to overheat when kept near its limit for long periods of time, along with handling that can't quite keep up with its kissing cousins from Lotus, all make for an interesting conundrum when the subject turns to competitive racing.
Rumors have surfaced that a single-make racing series for the Roadster is being discussed in the Middle East and our colleagues at AutoblogGreen contacted Tesla communications manager Rachel Konrad for a comment:
"I can confirm we've seen increased demand in the Middle East in recent months, and some customers there have said that they may race their Roadsters. The Roadster's acceleration certainly makes it competitive against other premium sports cars, so it's not surprising that some customers are interested in competitions. However, Tesla itself has no plans to officially sponsor or endorse a racing series, and the company remains focused on ramping up production and delivering cars to about 1,000 customers who have not yet taken delivery."
In other words, a Tesla-specific racing series is a possibility, but it would not be officially backed by the factory. Regardless, it sure sounds like good clean fun.

Pirelli working with Brembo and Magneti Marelli on Cyber Tire

Pirelli's Cyber Tire will provide real-time tire performance information via a chip/transponder setup in the tire tread. Operating temperature and pressures, typology of the road's surface, and vertical load exerted on the tire will be among the data collected and monitored. The system will work in conjunction with another Pirelli invention, the Cyber Wheel, which will convey wheel information such as hub loads in the same way.
Now that the tire company has partnered with Brembo and Magnetti Marelli on the Cyber Tire, the tie-up could mean a system that quickly transfers information from the tire to the driver, car, and brakes, allowing for more informed and instantaneous performance changes based on driving conditions.
[Source: Pirelli]

Pontiac

GM drops Pontiac brand. Not more to be said about such a sad turn of events, but here's a look back...

Although the first Pontiac car didn't debut until 1926, the division's history actually dates back to 1893, when Edward M. Murphy established the Pontiac Buggy Company in Pontiac, Michigan. The company produced horse-drawn carriages. As it became clear that motor car sales were going to eclipse carriages, Murphy wisely started the Oakland Motor Car Company, an offshoot of the buggy company, in 1907...

Pontiac G8 GXP, Solstice Coupe - Future collectors items?

Like so many former GTO or Trans Am owners out there, will there be a day when you look back at the 2008 Pontiac G8 or Solstice as “the one that got away?” Probably not, according to Rob Hunting, General Manager at AutoTrader Classic. Despite the fact that the G8 GT is an excellent performance car, it’s not really all that rare. Same goes for the Solstice. Furthermore, neither nameplate carries a significant amount of cachet - incidentally, that’s something that was completely lost when GM inexplicably dropped classic names like Bonneville, Grand Prix and Grand Am.

We’re not going to disagree with that assessment, but it may not be the whole story. If sales figures alone can predict a future classic, perhaps we should rush out and put a new Solstice Coupe GXP in our driveway. We spoke with Pontiac’s media relations manager, Jim Hopson today, and he informed us that “well under 5,000″ 2009 G8 GXPs are expected to roll down the assembly line before it’s all said and done. Even more rare will be the 2009 Solstice Coupe. Somewhere between 750 and 800 total Solstice Coupes will be built this year (interestingly, all with sequential VIN numbers), and about three-quarters of those will be optioned with the high-performance GXP trim.

We’re not making any recommendations here, but if any current Pontiac vehicle is ever likely to become collectible in the future, we’d put our money on the 2009 Solstice GXP Coupe, followed closely by the 2009 G8 GXP. Care to make any predictions of your own? Take our quick poll below and drop your fellow commenters a line.

Shanghai 2009: Brilliance rolls out EV Concept with funky power clamshell doors

Chinese automaker Brilliance is showing off a new concept electric car that’s currently on display at the Shanghai Motor Show. A large battery pack using lithium ion technology is reportedly capable of providing a range of around 93 miles (150 kilometers). The Chinese automaker claims that this battery can be hooked to a 220V charger that can use a “Quick Charge” feature to replenish the pack to about 80 percent in just 30 minutes.

Driving the rear wheels is a 47kW permanent magnet electric motor that puts out about 90 lb-ft of torque (120 NM) and is capable of revving to 10,000 RPM. But wait, there’s more! A second electric motor powers the front wheels at speeds of around 25 miles per hour for city use. Top speed with both motors engaged is around 80 mph.

On the exterior front, this new EV concept may be vaguely inspired by the VW Space Up! concept from a few years back, but we don’t think it’s particularly egregious. Dual power-operated clamshell-ish doors allow access into an interior cabin that rather well done in clean-looking white materials. In typical showcar fashion, a fully electronic dash sits behind a yoke-style steering wheel. Have a look for yourself in our full gallery below.

GM Prepping to Announce Closure of Pontiac

Okay, the economic situation was already pretty serious. Now it is really hitting big companies like General Motors, very hard.

General Motors is preparing to announce the closure of the Pontiac brand. Yes, that is right; there will be no more Pontiac. The announcement will be made as part of an updated viability plan to the U.S. auto task force.

Other automotive news sources have said that GM was considering to phase out the brand instead of sticking with the current plan to have it continue as a niche brand or marquee.

GM is barely holding on to its cash even with the $15.4 billion in U.S. government loans as part of the bailout. Original plans for GM included keeping the brands Buick, Chevrolet, GMC and Cadillac while selling off Hummer, Saturn and Saab.

[source: autonews]

2010 Lincoln MKZ Review & Test Drive

Lincoln was listening in 2008 when it first launched the MKZ luxury sedan. It had just enough luxury and elegance to be labeled ‘entry-level’ luxury, and now we have a more refined, truly luxurious and elegant model for 2010.

Increased luxury and power are readily apparent and available in the 2010 Lincoln MKZ, as customers are pampered with signature high-end features and a faster-accelerating and noticeably quieter luxury interior. The 2010 model boasts a wide range of exterior and interior refinements-including premium Bridge of Weir leather-wrapped seats-as well as a new sport version for those customers desiring an even more engaging driving experience.

The award-winning 3.5 liter DOHC Duratec engine powers the 2010 MKZ, delivering 263hp at 6,250rpm and 249lb.ft. of torque at 4,500rpm while still remaining among the leaders in fuel economy in the segment with 18mpg/city and 27mpg highway for the front-wheel-drive MKZ.

The 3.5 liter uses a compact, lightweight DOHC valvetrain for peak power and smooth operation at high rpms. This all-aluminum engine also incorporates intake variable cam timing for smooth idle and an impressive broad torque curve with good power. The six-speed SelectShift Automatic transmission, which is front-wheel drive and optional all-wheel drive is standard on all 2010 MKZ’s. Powertrain performance is improved dramatically with 0-60mph dropping from 7.7sec. to 7.1sec.

The engine-and the MKZ itself-is quieter. Nearly every piece of the sound deadening package was redone. The MKZ engineering team also concentrated on the engine mount subsystem, finding the sound that balances sportiness and luxury. A high 10.3:1 compression ratio and aluminum cylinder heads designed for high air flow and optimized combustion help complete the package, supporting the engine’s ability to deliver great performance and fuel economy along with low emissions.

The six-speed transmission is outfitted with lower early gears for better acceleration and taller high gears for better highway mileage. The new standard SelectShift automatic provides the driver with manual gear selection for enhanced sportiness. Downshifts are locked out to protect the engine from over-revving. The ‘enhanced overdrive cancel’ mode locks out the fifth and sixth gears, allowing shifts at higher speed for more engine braking and downshifts for ‘grade assist’ functionality.

The 2010 MKZ’s fully independent suspension was completely revised and uniquely tuned for ride comfort. The team changed the rear suspension’s lower control arm point to move the roll center closer to the center of gravity, which improves ride-handling characteristics. The turning circle has been reduced as well. Also added is a new hydraulic variable-flow steering pump to the power-assisted rack & pinion system that changes the flow rate at lower speed to give better response and parking ease.

The MKZ’s optional AWD system that I tested has been retuned for better traction and lower noise, vibration and harshness (NVH). The new system uses an electro-mechanical clutch and employs two basic modes of torque transfer-preemptive torque (before wheel slip) and slip-control torque (after wheel slip). This dual system gives you more confidence in any situation, while the suspension has been specially tuned to be more neutral when cornering. Driving around slow city traffic, merging into fast moving freeways and when cornering on the back roads was seamless and smooth with all four-wheels adding torque.

The AWD system works in harmony with brake traction control to deliver more confidence to MKZ owners. Ford’s AdvanceTrac with electronic stability control-which is standard in the 2010 model-keeps you in command at all times.

New for 2010 is MKZ’s ‘sport package’ with special sport suspension tuning with higher rate coil springs and thick front/rear stabilizer bars, 18in. Euroflange polished wheels/performance tires, a unique darkened grille, darkened headlamps, and an interior with contrasting piping and special appliqués.

Refinements to the powertrain are complemented by improvements to cabin noise levels.
Ford research shows the 2009 MKZ beating the current model year Lexus ES350 and Acura TL in key interior quietness such as road noise at 30mph. For the 2010 model year, the MKZ is even quieter. In addition to reengineered resonators on the air-induction system that improves overall powertrain sound quality, the 2010 MKZ benefits from NVH improvements that include a new acoustic laminated windshield that features a layer of sound-absorbent vinyl sandwiched between two sheets of glass to soften noise levels, improved body/door sealing to reduce wind noise, new expandable stuffers in the fenders and pillars, constrained layer damping material on the entire floor to reduce road noise, and an all-new acoustic headliner to further deaden interior noise.

These measures prove their worth in wind tunnel testing when the MKZ was subjected to 80mph gusts at varying degrees of yaw (to simulate head/cross winds), and bested both the current model year Lexus ES350 and Acura TL across the board for the lowest recorded loudness-regardless of yaw variation.

The new 2010 MKZ also offers segment-exclusive features such as a first-in-class Blind Sport Information System (BLIS) with Cross Traffic Alert (CTA), which makes navigating traffic and parking lots safer and easier. BLIS tracks vehicles in the blind-spot zones on either side of the car using two multiple-beam radar modules behind the rear fenders. Indicator light in the outside rearview mirror on both sides of the car warn you when a vehicle enters the defined blind-spot zone, extending from the side mirror to 10ft. behind the vehicle and 10ft. away from the car. CTA uses the BLIS radar sensors to alert you of approaching traffic while in reverse and backing out of a parking spot. CTA tracks up to 65ft. on either side of the car and warns you through both audible and visual alerts.

In addition to this new technology for midsize sedans, MKZ offers SYNC with 911 Assist and Vehicle Health Report, Next-Generation Voice-Activated Navigation, keyless entry, Easy Fuel Capless Fuel-Filler System, THX-branded audio and adaptive HID headlamps that make the new MKZ one of the most highly-technologically advanced luxury sedans on the market.

The MKZ also features new, more contemporary styling including the split-wing grille and thinner wraparound headlamps for a wider, sportier look plus added elegance with a chrome strip surrounding the grille and lower air-intake. Its chamfered front fascia also shares a family resemblance with the all-new Lincoln MKS, with a sculpted hood and ridges flowing into the A-pillar. In the rear, the MKZ features a new decklid with wider LED taillamps accentuating the width of the car and separated by the Lincoln star. The 2in. round, polished stainless steel exhaust tips give drivers behind you a hint of the performance potential of the car a head of them.

Inside, MKZ’s cabin reflects an even more upscale look featuring high-quality soft touch dashboard, with genuine aluminum, chrome and wood depending on the trim package selected. The thinner wood trim pieces are encased in chrome for a more elegant look and feel. The new instrument cluster is more elegant and detailed, and there is new welcoming lighting, chimes, tuxedo stitching on luxury leather seats and Bridge of Weir leather. The MKZ leather is unembossed, allowing the natural beauty and character of the grain to shine through. The leather is milled for up to 12-hours to ensure a buttery soft hand, and Bridge of Weir uses a chromium-free tanning process which makes it easier to recycle. This new design with higher grade materials and controls really lifts the important interior to world-class status.

The integrated DVD player is capable of reading CD-Audio, MP3 CDs, DVD, DVD-Audio and DVD-ROM (for digital map updates). A music jukebox function stores more than 150-hours of music. The screen can be customized with personal photos.

The reverse camera system mounts a small camera on the decklid that is activated when the MKZ is shifted into reverse, giving you a clear view behind the vehicle. The video image is displayed in the navigation screen on MKZ’s equipped with that option or in the self-dimming rearview mirror on vehicles without navigation. Ambient lighting is displayed around the footwells, cupholders, door map pockets, door release handles, door and instrument accents and scuff plates-plus special ‘Welcome’ and ‘Farewell-sequential lighting.

The optional THX II premium certified audio system with 5.1 surround sound is provided by a 12-channel amplifier that delivers 600-watts to 14-strategically placed speakers, including two subwoofers. A center channel speaker array features THX Slot Speaker technology, which allows for a wider sound image and better control of how music is distributed throughout the MKZ’s acoustically engineered cabin. In addition the system features a 10GB drive jukebox, allowing MKZ owners to store up to 2,400 favorite music tracks. The THX II system is one of the world’s unique and best sounding music systems.

Other features for the 2010 MKZ include rain-sensing wipers, a new cabin air filter, adaptive HID headlamps, and SOS Post Crash Alert System which activates the horn, emergency flashers, automatically unlocks doors and turns on the interior/puddle lamps when an airbag is deployed. The system even activates the emergency flashers when a spinout is detected.

Standard equipment not mentioned above includes power windows/door locks with front express up/down, dual map lamps, overhead sunglass holder, thick-pile cut carpeting/floor mats, leather-wrapped/tilt/telescoping steering wheel with cruise-control and audio redundant controls, grab handles above each door, pull-down center console in the rear, 60/40 split folding rear seat to expand the luggage capacity of the trunk, traction and stability control.

The new MKZ contains a full complement of standard safety features including front/rear crush zones, steel beams in each door, front and side airbags, side-curtain airbags for the first and second row seats, tire pressure monitoring system, and 5-seat belts with load limiters and pretentioners up front.

The new 2010 Lincoln MKZ felt like an all-new model with more elegant styling, quicker acceleration, a smoother ride with better handling and a world-class interior making the car more competitive against the M-B C-Class, BMW 3-Series, Audi A4, Lexus IS, Infiniti G, and Cadillac CTS. I was really impressed with the new MKZ.

COPYRIGHT:2009:HARVEY SCHWARTZ

SPECIFICATIONS

Price: MSRP $34,115
Type: Midsize Sedan
Where Built: Mexico
EPA Class: Midsize Cars

Dimensions

Exterior
Length: 189.8 in.
Width: 72.2 in.
Height: 56.9 in.
Wheel Base: 107.4 in.
Curb Weight: 3796 lbs.
Interior
Front Head Room: 38.7 in.
Front Hip Room: 54 in.
Front Shoulder Room: 57.2 in.
Rear Head Room: 37.8 in.
Rear Shoulder Room: 55.8 in.
Rear Hip Room: 53.5 in.
Front Leg Room: 42.3 in.
Rear Leg Room: 36.7 in.
Luggage Capacity: 16.5 cu. ft.
Maximum Seating: 5

Performance Data

Base Number of Cylinders: 6
Base Engine Size: 3.5 liters
Base Engine Type: V6
Horsepower: 263 hp
Max Horsepower: 6250 rpm
Torque: 249 ft-lbs.
Max Torque: 4500 rpm
Drive Type: AWD
Turning Circle: 37.5 ft.
0-60mph: 7.1 seconds

Fuel Data

Fuel Tank Capacity: 16.5 gal.
EPA Mileage Estimates: 18/28/21 (City/Highway/Combined)
Range in Miles: 462

Sell-Off of Saturn Brand Accelerated by GM

General Motors Corp.’s Saturn brand will be either sold off or phased out by the end of this year. Earlier announcements said that it would have been at least 2 years before Saturn would technically “go anywhere”.

Saturn’s General Manager, Jill Lajdziak, said the brand, once billed as a different kind of car company, most likely will be sold, given the interest of several buyers who have surfaced. The decision to “off” Saturn this soon was mostly due to all of the talks surfacing of potential buyers. That will allow GM to restructure faster and thus helping to grow the company.

Looking deeper into the picture of GM without Saturn brings about the fact that GM will loose about a quarter of hybrid sales. Not that Saturn Hybrids are the best thing since sliced bread, it will be a big backwards movement. Hopefully of the success that is riding on the Chevy Volt will fill the fuel savings vehicle sales void.

Saturn sales dropped an astonishing 59% in the beginning of 2009.

Recent talks in the automotive community consisted mostly of the demise of Pontiac. GM continues to look into selling off the Saturn, Hummer and Saab brands. As GM restructures this could ultimately keep them out of bankruptcy court. Only time will tell.

[sources: autonews, msnbc-autos]

What Does The Chrysler Bankruptcy Mean? w/Poll

Are you wondering what will happen to Chrysler after Chapter 11 Bankruptcy?

If you have not heard already or you live under a rock, Chrysler has filed for bankruptcy and announced a deal with Fiat S.p.A. We have compiled a list of points briefly describing what will actually happen to Chrysler during and after the bankruptcy. We have included a voting poll allowing you to participate and let us know what you think will ultimately happen to Chrysler.

Below is a list of highlighted points of what will happen to Chrysler during and after bankruptcy.

• Chrysler Bankruptcy will last 30-60 days.
• Fiat will be able to control Chrysler only after the loans are paid back. (part of the bailout)
• Chrysler’s bankruptcy lawyer will oversee bankruptcy proceedings.
• Hundreds of Chrysler dealerships (Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep) will be closing across America. The list has not been complied yet. Chrysler will be evaluating which dealerships will survive the bankruptcy.
• Chrysler will continue to honor all warranties during and after bankruptcy.
• The Chrysler Corp. will be scaled down tremendously including the possible exclusion of some vehicle models within the Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep brands.
• Most Chrysler plants will be put on hold, temporary suspending production until further notice.
• The Chrysler-Fiat deal will make them the 6^th largest global automaker.
• The U.S. Treasury will lend up to $6 billion to the Chrysler-Fiat alliance through its restructuring period.
• GMAC will provide dealer and customer financing, and continue to do so after Chrysler emerges from bankruptcy. The U.S. government will provide capitalization that GMAC requires to support the Chrysler business.
• Daimler, a minority shareholder in Chrysler, will waive its share of Chrysler’s $2 billion of second-lien debt, give up its 19 percent equity interest, and pay $600 million to Chrysler’s pension funds.
• U.S. Treasury gets 8 percent of equity in new Chrysler and right to choose four company directors.
• Fiat brings “billions of dollars” in technology to help Chrysler build more fuel-efficient cars in U.S. factories.

Note: There is a poll embedded within this post, please visit the site to participate in this post's poll.

Lease-Swapping Websites - Feature

Leasing is pretty much a tactful way of saying, “I’m driving a car I can’t afford to buy,” but without having to swallow your pride. It makes for a great show, but when all is said and done, you own nothing. Hence, lease rates are carefully crafted to be attractive in the short term while not enticing enough to deter potential buyers from the benefits of new-car ownership. If you have the means, it’s almost always better to buy as you end up owning the car. But that delicate balance was shaken when automakers (and creditors alike) were making something of a last-ditch attempt to combat a collapsing economy a few years back. Leases were absurdly cheap, and even if your credit was bad, you were in.

Keep Reading: Lease-Swapping Websites - Feature

The E-Type Jag

The E-Type Jag, originally uploaded by Alistair2008.

Eddie Alterman: As to My Bona Fides - Column

With those first tentative whacks at my new iMac, I officially begin my tenure as Car and Driver’s 18th editor-in-chief. I also officially paraphrase the opening lines of David E. Davis Jr.’s column for the inaugural issue of Automobile, the magazine he started in 1986 after his second run as editor here. I got into the business of writing about cars, and into cars themselves, largely because of David E. When I went to work for him at Automobile in 1991 as a college intern, it was the fulfillment of my fevered, 19-year-old dreams. The first day on the job, I stepped into his office wallpapered with framed photos of him with Jackie Stewart, Carroll Shelby, and Jim Clark and felt as if I had entered the nerve center of American automotive enthusiasm. There he sat—large as a bear, dressed like a billionaire, and surrounded by the evidence of a life well lived. Now I step into his indelible footprints, laid down in the ’60s, as I write in the same space.

DED Jr. inspired generations of car enthusiasts with his ability to depict cars as somehow more than just machines. When David E. sets his fingers to a keyboard, the whole history of the automobile comes flooding out—short, self-contained stories of human achievement and conflict and passion. His writing made me see man’s best ambitions reflected in cars’ bodywork.

Keep Reading: Eddie Alterman: As to My Bona Fides - Column

Tempo Matador : 1951

Just when you think craftsmanship is behind us, you quickly change your mind when to see this gorgeous vehicle and the loving hours it took to get it to look like it's original glory.

Matte Black Audi S5 tuning by Avus Performance

The grman tuners from Avus Performance, have modified the Audi S5. The first striking detail is the Matte Black paintjob. Avus Performance calls the matte Audi A5 "today's batmobile". Well what e can say...they have a lot of imagination.

View article...

Dacia Sandero Stepway

The new Dcaia Sandero Stepay was revealed! The Dacia sandero Stepway has made its official debut at Barcelona Motor Show 2009. The new Dacia Sandero Stepway will be manufactured at the brand’s ISO 14001-certified plant in Pitesti, Romania.

The Dacia Sandero Stepway [...]