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Here are two videos of the new LaCrosse. One is of the designers and engineers discussing the new LaCrosse and the other shows the LaCrosse in action.
The 2010 LaCrosse is powered by either a 255 horsepower 3.0L V6 or a 280 horsepower 3.6L V6. Both engines are mated to a six-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel-drive is available.
Mitsubishi has released a single sketch of its upcoming compact crossover that will draw styling cues from the 2007 Concept-cX show car. The new compact crossover, which will be smaller than the current Outlander will be released first in Japan in February 2010. It's expected to be offered in the US later in 2010.
PRESS RELEASE:
Mitsubishi Motors Corporation announces all-new Compact Crossover - Game Changer
Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC) announces today the forthcoming introduction of its all-new on-road Compact Crossover, to be retailed first in Japan from February 2010 onwards.
Derived from the much-acclaimed 2007 Concept-cX show car, it is the latest development of MMC's mid-size global platform ("Project Global").
This most important product will further support Mitsubishi Motors' strategic shift from being an SUV-focused nameplate to a manufacturer of environment-friendly passenger cars & crossovers*, with a presence in the "authentic off-roader" segment** - itself pre-empting structural changes in market demand.
As such - and after i-MiEV - this on-road Compact Crossover will be the Corporation's next game changer towards lower impact vehicles, in their format and/or in the innovative MMC proprietary technologies they will feature.
The European premiere is scheduled for the 2010 Geneva Motor Show.
Acura didn't release any other info about the new sport wagon and it's not known what will be changed from the Euro version, hopefully not much. It is slated to arrive in the fall of 2010.
PRESS RELEASE:
All-New TSX Sport Wagon to Arrive in Fall of 2010
10/28/2009 - TORRANCE, Calif. -
Acura announced today the addition of a TSX sport wagon to its 2011 vehicle lineup. Arriving at Acura dealerships in the Fall of 2010, the TSX sport wagon will be based on the popular TSX sports sedan, which features balanced performance, advanced technology and bold styling. Additional information on the 2011 TSX sport wagon will be announced at a later date.
For media information and high-resolution photos of all Acura vehicles, please visit www.acuranews.com. For consumer information, please visit www.acura.com.
Nissan has released two sketches of its new Global Compact Car. The new car will be launched in Thailand next March and eventually will be sold in 150 countries. This will replace the current Micra in Europe Nissan hasn't announced if the car will make it to the US where it would slot in below the Versa in Nissan's lineup. Although from these sketches it's much better looking than the Versa.
PRESS RELEASE:
Nissan Unveils Sketch of its Future Global Compact Car
YOKOHAMA (Oct. 1, 2009) - Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. today revealed the sketch of its global compact car. This model will be initially launched in Thailand in March 2010 and will be available in more than 150 countries.
At the same time, Nissan Motor (Thailand) Co., Ltd. announced that the model will qualify as Thailand's first "Eco-car." Thai Eco-car government policy is effective today and will help promote the development of energy efficient vehicles.
The four-door concept features a 8.0-liter quad-turbo W16 engine borrowed from the Veyron, which will be detuned to 800 horsepower and mated to a conventional eight speed transmission. It's estimated that the Galibier would reach a top speed of 220 mph.
If these reports are true expect to see the Galibier's release in 2013 with a price tag of £900,000 price tag, which is about $1.4 million.
Docherty also stated that GM has no plans to produce a Buick version of the Chevy Equinox/ GMC Terrain. GM originally planned to produce a Buick version, but pulled the plug in late August due to negative feedback. Docherty called out the early success of the Terrain by announcing that there has been limited availability, which should improve in October.
Full Story: Inside Line
"I expect we will see running examples in the next 24 months," he says.
The e-Tron concept is powered by four individual electric motors, one on each axle. Audi says that the concept is capable of traveling 154 miles thanks to its lithium-ion battery. The e-Tron concept features styling that is similar to the R8, but is shorter with different front and rear fascias.
Last week an unexpected announcement from GM and Penske that the pending deal was off, led to the unfortunate death of the Saturn brand. Shortly after the official announcement that GM would be killing Saturn, all production ended. According to Mark LaNeve, GM's vice president of U.S. sales, GM has about 12,000 Saturns currently in its inventory.
"We sold about 3,000 Saturns last month, so that's about a four-month supply if you maintain that selling pace," LaNeve said. "I don't think [the canceled sale of the brand] will affect our total 2010 production rate at all."
Honda's CEO Takanobu Ito recently stated that he sees Hyundai as a major threat to the Japanese automakers. "Hyundai is awesome," said Takanobu. "They are undoubtedly a threat because their products are cheap, and the quality is improving."
Hyundai's sales have been improving, while many of its other competitors have seen its sales decline in the last year. Obviously new products like the Genesis are changing the perception of the brand and it's no longer seen as the throw away car brand of the 80's.
We've been hearing for a while that Toyota and Subaru have been working on a new rear-wheel-drive coupe together. Well here is our first look at the concept that is going to be unveiled this month in Tokyo. The concept is inspired by the Corolla-based AE86 sports coupe of the 1980's and was designed in France. It is powered by a 2.0L boxer engine from Subaru that sends the power to the rear wheels.
The production version is expected to be unveiled sometime next year with sales starting at the end of 2011. The expected starting price is around $20,000.
PRESS RELEASE:
1. FT-86 Concept (world premiere)
The FT-86 ("86" pronounced "hachi roku"), a compact rear-wheel-drive sports car, provides driving joy and excitement.
* Compact design gives driver greater control, while body's lightness and low center of gravity allow racecar-like handling
* Both power and environmental performance provided by 2-liter boxer engine and light body
* Flash Red body color contains hint of blue; interior expresses modern feel with minimal coverage of the highly refined structural components evoking enthusiasm for cruising
Vehicle Length Width Height Wheelbase Seating
FT-86 Concept 4,160 mm 1,760 mm 1,260 mm 2,570 mm 4
Honda describes the interior of the Accord Crosstour as "versatile" with its one touch lever, which is used to fold the rear seats from the cargo area and under floor hidden storage area. The dashboard is pretty much right out of the sedan version.
Does the interior help you like this car any better than before?
In addition to the release of more photos, Honda has confirmed that the Accord Crosstour will come standard with a 3.5L V6 with 4-wheel-drive being optional. Honda has yet to release the final specs, but the vehicle will be on sale in November.
PRESS RELEASE:
2010 Honda Accord Crosstour Interior Offers Innovation in Space Utilization
V-6 engine standard, four-wheel drive available
10/06/2009 - TORRANCE, Calif. -
The all-new 2010 Honda Accord Crosstour will feature a versatile, upscale 5-passenger interior with an innovative rear storage area, a standard 3.5-liter i-VTEC V-6 engine and available four-wheel drive when it goes on sale in November, American Honda Motor Co., Inc., announced today.
"Honda has a longstanding reputation for maximizing interior space and utility in its vehicles," said Erik Berkman, vice president of corporate planning and logistics for American Honda Motor Co., Inc. "Like the award-winning Honda Fit, the Accord Crosstour uses a versatile design to create an interior that functions with the practicality of a larger vehicle."
The rear storage area features an innovative 8-inch deep under-floor Hidden Removable Utility Box with a reversible lid, featuring both plush-carpeted and durable-plastic sides. Levers near the interior fender wells, conveniently accessible from the tailgate opening, allow for one-touch conversion of the seats into the floor for additional cargo space.
The interior design is intended to enhance the feeling of width and space in the passenger cabin while creating a premium and accommodating atmosphere. The inset sculpting of the instrument panel along with a wide center console increases the sense of roominess. Intuitively grouped controls for the audio, climate and available navigation system are designed to operate with solidity and precision.
The exterior styling evolves the Crossover Utility Vehicle (CUV) concept by integrating a sleek and aerodynamic shape that blends sporty, low-profile contours with versatile CUV functionality.
The Accord Crosstour will be positioned at the top of the Accord family when it goes on sale in November. Additional details will be announced later in the year. Consumer information is available at automobiles.honda.com/future-cars. Additional media information regarding all Honda products is available at www.hondanews.com.
Wolfgang Duerheimer, head of development at Porsche recently told Germany's Automobilwoche that creating a model that is significantly cheaper than the current Boxster is top priority for the automaker. What does this mean? It looks like Porsche is going to get a version of the Volkswagen Bluesport concept. Volkswagen unveiled the Bluesport Concept earlier this year. The two-seater mid-engine roadster is powered by a 2.0L diesel. If a Porsche version is for sure in the works, expect it to share most of its mechanicals with the VW version.
The Fiesta is the number two best-selling car in Europe, with almost 340,000 units sold since it was launched last autumn.
The official unveiling of the Fiesta in December marks the culmination of the first phase of the Fiesta Movement, which has led to more than 50,000 hand-raisers for the Fiesta, 97 percent of whom currently do not drive a Ford.
"This is the perfect time to show the North American Fiesta," said Sam De La Garza, Ford Fiesta marketing manager. "The Fiesta Movement will have wrapped up, and after hearing so much about this car leading up to the reveal, everyone will finally get to see what we are so excited about."
The 2011 Fiesta is set to arrive in showrooms by next summer.
Just in time for your the start of your holiday shopping Jaguar is releasing a limited edition XJL Supercharged that will be featured in this year's Neiman Marcus catalog. Only 50 of the limited edition 2010 Jaguar XJL sedans will be sold. The 2010 Jaguar XJL Supercharged Neiman Marcus Edition starts with the extended wheelbase XJL equipped with the 470-hp 5.0L V8 and adds exclusive Celestial Black paint and 20-inch wheels. Inside there is a special nameplate that marks the car as one of the special 50 produced.
If you can wait a little longer, the XJ will be on sale in early 2010.
Last year when gas prices topped $4.50 a gallon in many parts of the country, car buyers ditched their large SUVs and trucks for smaller cars like the Honda Fit, but now many of those buyers are beginning to regret their purchase. Gas prices are not quite as high as they were last year, which is part of the explanation for why truck sales have rebounded from last year. Car buyers have all but forgotten how painful it was to see near $5 prices and have moved back into larger vehicles. According to the latest figures subcompact car sales are off 15 percent year to date and compact cars are off 28.5 percent. Popular small cars like the Toyota Yaris and Honda Fit sales are down 41 percent and 8.2 percent respectively.
It get's worse for the small car market, according to a new study by AutoPacific, small car buyers are not happy with their small cars.
"This is buyer's remorse," said George Peterson, president of AutoPacific, "What they said in the study is they want a bigger car. They bought a fuel efficient car, but now they're saying, 'It does what I want, but it doesn't have what I want. It doesn't have the features, the power, the room, and next time I'll opt for a bigger car.' "
AutoPacific found that 30 percent of current small car owners would like more power in their next car, while 25 percent would like more cargo room. When asked what they would likely buy next, 49 percent of the smallest car owners said they would likely buy a compact car, while 35 percent would buy a midsize car.
"Our research indicates that American car buyers are definitely willing to buy a more fuel-efficient car but that they don't want it to be much smaller than what they are driving today," said Peterson. "Tomorrow's successful small car won't be tiny. It will be reasonably sized, have increased fuel economy, adequate performance and a full load of customer features."
So what does all this mean? Well unless gas prices dramatically rise again, many car buyers in the US are going to continue to flock toward larger vehicles since they offer the room, features and power that many buyers are looking for. It will be interesting to see what happens when new small cars like the much anticipated Ford Fiesta hits the US.
Full Story: NewsChief
There are some strange rumors brewing between DeLorean Motor Company and Pontiac. You will recall that DeLorean was responsible for the production of the "Back to the Future" car in the 80's. Well since then the company has basically been just servicing the old DMC's. Now there are rumors that DeLorean may be considering buying the recently killed Pontiac Solstice platform and the Wilmington Assembly Plant that produced it from GM. Apparenly DeLorean's founder had a long history with Pontiac, so it's current management is speculating if their founder would have tried to save it.
"JZD always said that the best memories of his automotive career were at Pontiac, and that connection between JZD and Pontiac is probably one of the better known associations among car enthusiasts," said James Espey, Vice President of the DeLorean Motor Company.
Currently the company has a Pontiac Solstice GXP Coupe in its possession for evaluation. DeLorean has also released the drawings you see here.
Infiniti's first hybrid, the M35 hybrid will not rely on Toyota's technology like the Nissan Altima hybrid, but rather a new internally developed hybrid system. The M35 hybrid will be Infiniti's cleanest and most fuel efficient model. It will primarily be powered by a 3.5L V6 that sends the power to the rear wheels. Infiniti claims that the hybrid components will only add to the driving experience and not take away from it, like most other hybrids. The electric motor is powered by a laminated lithium-ion battery that holds twice the power of nickel-metal hydride batteries and cools twice as fast because it's lamination.
The Infiniti M is expected to go on sale early next year as a 2011 model, with the hybrid following a year later as a 2012 model.
PRESS RELEASE:
10.07.2009 , Franklin, Tenn.
Infiniti Confirms M35 Hybrid Production
Infiniti today confirmed that its first production hybrid vehicle will be part of the recently announced line of 2011 Infiniti M luxury performance sedans, which are scheduled to go on sale in spring 2010 at Infiniti dealers nationwide. The Infiniti M35 hybrid is expected to arrive about 12 months later as a 2012 model. It is Infiniti's first hybrid in its 20-year existence, as well as the cleanest and most economical car in Infiniti's history.
Realizing the high performance/low emissions promise of the recent Infiniti Essence concept car, the M35 Hybrid has been designed and engineered to add to, not take away from, the driving experience, a key part of any Infiniti's appeal. The M35 Hybrid is based on the all-new M, which itself picks up styling cues from Essence, the show-stopper that made its debut at the Geneva Auto Show early in 2009.
The M35 Hybrid maintains a high performance luxury sedan profile, overlaying it with the fuel economy and CO2 emissions of a smaller car, while delivering driving flair to please any enthusiast - complete with charismatic V6 and rear-wheel drive handling.
Infiniti's hybrid system, developed solely within Infiniti's parent group, is a single electric motor/twin clutch arrangement. Innovatively, the first clutch is installed between the naturally aspirated 3.5-liter V6 and the electric motor. The result of this configuration, where all components act on a single prop shaft to the rear differential, is a consistent driving feel under all conditions with linear performance and the "direct responses" that the engineers sought.
The electric motor acts as both propulsion unit, boosting the V6 in "power assist" mode when maximum acceleration is required, and also as a generator. Along with charging the battery in the normal way, the motor recovers energy otherwise lost during deceleration and braking.
The M Hybrid can also run solely on its electric motor in certain driving conditions, furthering fuel efficiency and optimizing energy usage across the widest possible range of driving conditions. Details of driving range, performance and transmission will be released later.
As expected of Infiniti, several new technologies are introduced in the new M35 Hybrid, including a "laminated" lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery pack that is the same size as conventional batteries but offers twice the power. Lamination enhances the pack's cooling performance, while temperature stability is further improved by the use of manganese positive electrodes. An end result of this is exceptional battery reliability.
The M35 Hybrid joins conventional engine-equipped 2011 M versions - including a new high-performance diesel V6 for Western Europe - as the first Ms to be sold across all of Infiniti's world markets, currently 33 countries. All of the new-generation Infiniti M models are on target to beat their predecessors on fuel consumption and emissions - despite across-the-board performance improvements - thanks to a range of efficiency-enhancing measures.
If you were hoping that Honda was eventually going to release a non-hybrid version of its upcoming CR-Z hybrid, it looks like your hopes are lost. Although a CR-Z with the 2.0L from the Civic Si would have been awesome, according to a source it's not going to happen. "This will definitely only be a hybrid," a source said. "The whole direction of Honda is hybrids and this car is designed all around a hybrid powertrain. The car isn't boring; it is responsive and fun."
Although the CR-Z has been dubbed the spiritual successor to the much-loved CR-X from the 80's, it's not going to be offered with a high revving conventional engine.
And the finalists are:
-Audi A3 TDI
-Honda Insight
-Mercury Milan Hybrid
-Toyota Prius
-Volkswagen Golf TDI
The winner of the 2010 Green Car of the Year award will be announced at the 2009 LA Auto Show on December 3.
Which car do you think should win?
PRESS RELEASE:
Five Finalists Announced for the 2010 Green Car of the Year®
Winner to be Announced During an LA Auto Show Press Conference on Dec. 3
LOS ANGELES - Oct. 7, 2009 - Green Car Journal announced today its five finalists for the 2010 Green Car of the Year®, including the Audi A3 TDI, Honda Insight, Mercury Milan Hybrid, Toyota Prius and Volkswagen Golf TDI. For the fifth consecutive year, this prestigious award will be announced during a press conference at the Los Angeles Auto Show press days, Dec. 3.
The Green Car of the Year® award is a program that honors environmental leadership in the automobile field and recognizes vehicles that are readily available to consumers during the award year. Green Car Journal editors perform an exhaustive review of vehicle models to identify the five finalists. The winner is ultimately decided by jurors such as Jay Leno, Jean-Michel Cousteau, Carroll Shelby, Matt Petersen of Global Green USA and the Sierra Club's Carl Pope, along with Green Car Journal editors.
"We're seeing the trend for 'green' cars emerging at all levels, from entry-level cars to luxury models, and even performance cars and SUVs/crossovers," said Ron Cogan, editor and publisher of the Green Car Journal and editor of GreenCar.com. "Plus, an array of technologies and fuels as well as strategies like lightweighting and reducing rolling resistance are being applied to the challenge. Greater choice provides buyers a personal stake in lessening environmental impact, and that's important."
This year's finalists reflect this diversity. For the first time an Audi makes the final five with its sporty A3 TDI clean diesel. Volkswagen's new Golf TDI shows an expanding focus on clean diesel technology in the VW lineup. The Insight is a completely new hybrid sedan for Honda and the 2010 Toyota Prius is a totally redesigned, third-generation version of this popular hybrid model. The Milan Hybrid is Mercury's application of its advanced-hybrid technology in an upscale mid-size sedan.
About Green Car of the Year®
The GCOY award is an important part of Green Car Journal's mission to showcase environmental progress in the auto industry. Since 1992, Green Car Journal has focused on the intersection of automobiles, energy, and environment, first with an industry newsletter and then with an award-winning auto enthusiast magazine. Today, the magazine is considered the premier source of information on high fuel efficiency, low emission, advanced technology, and alternative fuel vehicles. Subscription information, along with a downloadable sample issue, can be found at GCJUSA.com. Green Car of the Year® is a registered trademark of Green Car Journal and RJ Cogan Specialty Publications Group, Inc.
About the Los Angeles Auto Show
The 2009 Los Angeles Auto Show will be held on Dec. 2-3 for press and Dec. 4-13 for the public. Media registration is now open. This year, the Organisation Internationale des Constructeurs d'Automobiles (OICA), the world automobile trade association, has officially named the Los Angeles Auto Show as one of its sanctioned international exhibitions. For more information, please visit LAautoshow.com.
In addition to the unveiling of the Leaf EV at the Tokyo Motor Show, Nissan is also going to show off another electric vehicle, the Land Glider Concept. Nissan boasts that its extremely narrow dimensions will help it maneuver through traffic in urban areas and make it easier to park. The Land Glider concept holds two passengers in a cockpit that looks like it came directly out of a video game. What is interesting is that the concept has the ability to lean like a motorcycle through turns.
Check out the pics and video after the jump.
PRESS RELEASE
HIGHLIGHTS OF THE NISSAN EXHIBIT AT THE 2009 TOKYO MOTOR SHOW
YOKOHAMA (October 8, 2009) - Nissan Motor Co., Ltd, will present various show cars at the upcoming 2009 Tokyo Motor Show, including 'Leaf', an electric vehicle (EV) which is slated for global launch and volume production in late 2010, 'Land Glider', an EV concept car, and 'Qazana', which is an entirely new type of compact sport crossover, which made its world debut at the Geneva Motor Show in March 2009. Nissan will also showcase the new mini MPV "Roox", to be launched later this year.
Nissan's ultimate goal in the environmental field is zero-emission. With its aim to be a leader in this field, the Nissan exhibits will focus on concept cars including 'Leaf' and on the development of related technologies and battery-charging infrastructure, in an effort to communicate the company's commitment to consumers.
Nissan is also continuing to work on the internal combustion engine (ICE) technology, for the development of environment-friendly technology to improve fuel economy and reduce gas emission. In addition to EV, the Nissan exhibit will feature a wide range of models and technologies such as hybrid electric vehicle (HEV), clean diesel technology and next-generation X-TRONIC CVT.
Leaf
Overview of major concept cars and technologies to be exhibited are as follows.
Leaf
The world's first EV designed for large-scale volume production
* High-performance, zero-emission power train and platform take the 'joy of driving' to another dimension.
* A design that evokes a clean and intelligent image and a body that achieves optimal aerodynamics and wind noise characteristics are packaged into this innovative and original five-passenger, five-door hatchback.
* Has a range of more than 160km (100 miles) on one full charge, which is sufficient for most daily needs.
* Features an advanced IT system that is specially designed for zero-emission mobility. Navigation screen supports the driver by displaying range autonomy areas and battery-charging spots with a touch of a button.
Land Glider
A new proposal for urban mobility that can be enabled by zero-emission car
* The Land Glider has a potential to become a new means of transportation in urban areas; its linear acceleration and the narrow body, which only an ultra-compact, ultra-lightweight EV can achieve, will help reduce traffic congestion and promote effective use of parking space.
* Shift of the centre of gravity by leaning provides a new, exciting sense of driving and a powerful, crisp ride.
Qazana
A whole new five-door compact sport crossover with innovative design
* Exterior and interior design inspired by images of beach buggies and motorcycles.
* Distinctive exterior features a large wheel arch that emphasises power and stability, high belt lines and a sporty upper body.
* The interior features a centre console that looks just like a fuel tank and seat of a motorcycle and a design that exposes the body framework.
* Combines sporty driving and environmental performance.
Roox
A super-spacious mini-sized vehicle that features a large interior space and dynamic design
* A comfortable interior space (interior height: 1365mm, interior length: 2085mm), one the largest for mini-sized vehicles, allows flexible seat arrangement.
* The sporty and sophisticated 'Highway Star' design exudes a strong presence that changes the image of mini-sized vehicles.
* To maximise the ease of getting in and out, a slide door (opening width: 580mm, opening height: 1230mm), which can be remotely controlled, and a rear step with low ground height are featured on both sides of the car.
NV200 Vanette Universal Design Taxi
A next generation Universal Design Taxi that pursues comfortable mobility for all customers
* Exterior design is readily identifiable as a taxi and also stylish.
* Will be officially introduced as the Universal Design Taxi by the end of 2010.
Next-generation continuously variable transmission (CVT)
The next-generation XTRONIC CVT is compact, lightweight and low-friction, and features an original structure
* Has achieved a world-best change gear ratio range of 7.3, which is more than 20% better compared to conventional CVT of the same class.
* Nissan's original, breakthrough design, which combines subtransmission, has succeeded in reducing total transmission length by 10% and weight by 13%.
* Unit efficiency has been improved by reducing friction by 30% through reduction of oil agitation resistance and others.
Porsche hasn't confirmed that the existence of a Panamera Cabrio or GT Coupe, but Porsche R&D chief Wolfgang Dürheimer has implied that more variants of the Panamera could be on the way.
Before either the Cabrio or GT Coupe make it to market expect V6 and hybrid powered versions of the Panamera. A diesel powered model is supposedly also in the works.
"HUMMER is a strong global niche brand and this agreement signifies another important milestone in writing the next chapter for both GM and HUMMER," said Fritz Henderson, GM President and CEO. "For HUMMER, the combination of its knowledgeable leadership team, vehicle design expertise and the capital financing of Tengzhong portend a successful future."
Under the agreement, GM is going to continue to build the HUMMER H2 and H3 models for Tengzhong until June 2011. There is an optional one year extension that would extend the contract to June 2012. Recent reports have claimed that the sale of HUMMER will bring in $150 million to GM.
Vice president of Chevrolet, Brent Dewar, wants Chevy to represent 70 percent of GM's North American sales. "As Pontiac goes away, Saturn goes away," Dewar said, "Chevrolet has to step up. The 70 percent target is the right kind of number we need to work on."
So far Chevy has been responsible for more than 60 percent of GM's sales in 2009, which is up from 54 percent in 2002. GM plans to boost Chevy sales with new models like the Cruze and Volt.
Full Story: Reuters
According to Jacoby the major complaint about the Beetle, besides its age is that it has a cramped back seat. The new Beetle will indeed have a bigger back seat, but Jacoby was quick to state that that doesn't necessarily mean that it will be bigger.
Jacoby also stated that he sees the next Beetle as more of a halo car for the brand.
Full Story: AutoWeek
The MR Touring comes standard with the all the good stuff as the MR model, which includes the 291-hp turbocharged four-cylinder, six-speed dual clutch transmission, S-AWC all-wheel-drive system, Brembo brakes and 18-inch BBS wheels. What the Touring adds is a standard glass sunroof, a subtle lip spoiler and leather heated Recaro seats.
If those features aren't enough Mitsubishi has a list of extra's that can be added to the car and if you go crazy enough and select all of them you're looking at a price tag of $52,728. Wow!
Base Price
$40,990 + $720 destination
Standard Features
* 291-horsepower turbocharged 2.0-liter DOHC MIVEC engine
* 6-speed Twin Clutch Sportronic® Shift Transmission (TC-SST)
* Super All-Wheel Control (S-AWC)
* BREMBO® Braking System
* 2-piece front brake rotors with alloy hats
* Aluminum roof, hood and front fenders
* Enhanced interior noise reduction
* 18" x 8.5" BBS® Forged Alloy Wheels with 245/40R18 Yokohama ADVAN® tires
* Power glass sunroof
* Rain-sensing windshield wipers
* Rear diffuser with dual exhaust outlets
* Color keyed rear lip spoiler (Replaces large rear spoiler)
* Sports ABS with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution
* RECARO® semi-bucket racing seats with fixed head rests
* Heated front seats and side mirrors
* Full leather seating surfaces
* Magnesium steering wheel paddle shifters
* FAST-Key electronic keyless entry and starting system
* 710-watt (max.), Rockford Fosgate® performance audio system with nine speakers, including a 10-inch trunk-mounted subwoofer
* 40GB HDD Navigation with Music Server
* Bluetooth® hands-free phone system with voice command recognition
* Seven-airbag safety system including a driver's knee airbag*
Options
Packages
$1999 Navigation System
Accessories
$84 All Weather Floor Mats
$297 Aluminum/Leather Parking Brake Grip
$281 Aluminum / Leather Shift Knob (TC-SST)
$425 Back Up Sensors
$60 Cargo Organizer
$96 Carpet Floor Mats
$456 CD Changer - 6 Disc and Tuner
$107 Chrome Side Mirror Covers
$34 Cigar Lighter
$625 Front Air Dams
$125 Front Brake Air Guides
$515 Front Strut Brace
$319 Intercooler Pipes
$37 "Lancer Evolution" License Plate Frame
$244 Mud Flaps
$2499 Navigation System and Install Kit
$142 RALLIART Spline-Type Wheel Locks
$440 Rear Corner Air Dams
$110 Rear Spoiler Extension
$515 Rear Strut Brace
$506 Rear View Backup Camera
$900 Side Skirts
$85 Side Wind Deflectors
$85 Sunroof Deflector
$32 Wheel Locks
Genuine Mitsubishi accessories are all covered by the limited warranty. Installation labor is not included. See your Retailer for details.
Vehicle Warranty
Bumper to Bumper
3-year/36,000-mile, Bumper-to-Bumper New Vehicle Limited Warranty
Powertrain
5-year/60,000-mile, Powertrain New Vehicle Limited Warranty
Anti-Corrosion
7-year/100,000-mile Anti-Corrosion Perforation Limited Warranty
Roadside Assistance
5-year/Unlimited miles Roadside Assistance
Of course this award is great to whomever wins, due to all of the bragging rights that come along with it. It's usually heavily used in every ad campaign. Last year the Subaru Forester took home the award.
Which SUV do you think should win this year's award?
2010 Motor Trend SUV of the Year Contenders:
Acura ZDX
Audi Q5
Cadillac SRX
Chevrolet Equinox
GMC Terrain
Lexus RX
Lincoln MKT
Mercedes GLK
Subaru Outback
Toyota 4Runner
Volvo XC60
"The transformation of Buick began with our luxury crossover, the Buick Enclave and continued this year with the launch of the 2010 LaCrosse premium sedan," said Susan Docherty, Buick GMC General Manager. "We're thrilled to announce that the Regal will be the next member of the Buick family."
The Regal name hasn't been used on a Buick model in six years, but it continues to be one of the top nameplates that consumers remember.
GM did not release any details on when it will return.
PRESS RELEASE:
Regal Named as Next Buick Sedan
As part of Buick GMC's strategy to engage and listen to its dealers, more than 1,000 dealers this week will be the first to learn the name of Buick's next mid-size sport sedan will be the Buick Regal. The announcement was made at the Buick GMC dealer business meeting.
"The transformation of Buick began with our luxury crossover, the Buick Enclave and continued this year with the launch of the 2010 LaCrosse premium sedan," said Susan Docherty, Buick GMC General Manager. "We're thrilled to announce that the Regal will be the next member of the Buick family."
The Regal name has played a very important role in Buick's history for many years and continues to be one of the top Buick nameplates recalled by consumers even though it's been out of the market for the past six years.
Buick is emerging as a modern, premium marquee with vehicles characterized by sculpted designs, personal technologies, luxurious interiors and responsive performance. Future new sedans and crossovers will continue to expand Buick's portfolio both in North America and China. More information can be found at www.buick.com.
About General Motors: General Motors, one of the world's largest automakers, traces its roots back to 1908. With its global headquarters in Detroit, GM employs 219,000 people in every major region of the world and does business in some 140 countries. GM and its strategic partners produce cars and trucks in 34 countries, and sell and service these vehicles through the following brands: Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, GMC, GM Daewoo, Holden, Opel, Vauxhall and Wuling. GM's largest national market is the United States, followed by China, Brazil, the United Kingdom, Canada, Russia and Germany. GM's OnStar subsidiary is the industry leader in vehicle safety, security and information services. General Motors acquired operations from General Motors Corporation on July 10, 2009, and references to prior periods in this and other press materials refer to operations of the old General Motors Corporation. More information on the new General Motors can be found at www.gm.com.
The concept is currently badged FT-86, but the latest rumors are suggesting that Toyota is currently evaluating the Celica name since it has a long history.
A source told AutoCar that the most powerful 5-Series GT will be the twin-turbo V8 550i.
BMW is also not planning an M version of the new Z4.
Full Story: AutoCar
Full Story: Autoblog
Although Honda now has the Insight and Civic hybrids and the upcoming CR-Z, Honda is missing a larger hybrid to compete with the Fusion and Camry hybrids. Honda did have an Accord hybrid with the last generation, but the fact that it was mated to a six-cylinder, many of us didn't notice it. Well it looks like Honda is finally working on a new hybrid system that will be offered in Honda's larger models like the Accord. According to the Automotive News, Honda is working on a new hybrid system for its larger vehicles that will be different than the current system offered in the Civic and Insight. The new system will use two electric motors compared to the single electric motor that Honda is currently using.
"That is one major initiative we are working on," COO of automobile operations at Honda Tsuneo Tanai, told Automotive News. "The motor will have higher output. There will be dual motors, with a larger battery that enables the car to be driven in all-electric mode."
Tanai did not reveal when we can expect to see the new system and which vehicles it will be offered in. According to Japan's Nikkei business daily Honda is planning a hybrid minivan in 2011.
Scott Kunselman, Chrysler senior vice president of engineering confirmed that the hybrid is still on, but wouldn't comment on the future of the diesel. Only saying that he doesn't think there is enough of a market among recreational buyers for the diesel. We can expect more details when Chrysler will outline its five-year business and product plan on November 4th.
The hybrid powertrain for the Ram is the result of a partnership between General Motors Co., BMW AG and Daimler AG.
Full Story: Detroit News
The plan is calling for the end of many of the Chrysler models that are currently in US showrooms. Many of the models will be replaced by vehicles from Fiat and Alfa Romeo.
Expect more details next week, but for now here's a list of what models we can expect to see either die or survive...
Chrysler
* PT Cruiser (Dead)
* Sebring (Dead)
* Town and Country
* 300: Redesign in 2011
* Fiat 500: 2011
Dodge
* Caliber (Dead)
* Nitro (Dead)
* Avenger (Dead)
* Grand Caravan (Dead)
* Charger: Redesign in 2011
* Challenger
* Journey
* Ram trucks
Jeep
* Commander (Dead)
* Compass (Dead)
* Patriot (Dead)
* Wrangler
* Grand Cherokee: Redesign in 2010
Alfa Romeo
* MiTo
* Milano (replacing 147)
* Unknown Mid-Size Sedan
Full Story: WSJ via KickingTires
Lewis Booth, Ford Motor Company executive vice president and chief financial officer stated "Ford believes Geely has the potential to be a responsible future owner of Volvo and to take the business forward while preserving its core values and the independence of the Swedish brand. But there is much work that needs to be completed in the more substantive discussions that are agreed to take place. We have no specific timeline to conclude the discussions."
Stephen Odell, Volvo CEO also stated that "Volvo's management team welcomes today's announcement as a positive step forward. At Volvo, we are continuing to keep our attention firmly fixed on engineering and building great Volvo cars, to reduce our cost base and to return the business to sustainable profitability at the earliest possible opportunity."
The changes to the new C70 are mainly on the exterior with new more swept back headlights, a larger grille and new taillights and rear bumper. The single interior shot doesn't look much different than the current model.
Since Volvo has yet to release a press release it's not known if there are any changes under the hood.
Stay tuned..
The all-new Sonata ditches its conservative styling for a more curvaceous body with a longer nose and coupe-like roofline. Hyundai claims that the all-new Sonata expresses Hyundai's "fluidic sculpture" design language.
Stay tuned for the official launch in Korea on Sept 10th. The US should receive the new Sonata sometime next year as a 2011 model.
PRESS RELEASE:
Hyundai Motor Begins to Take Pre-launch Orders for YF (Sonata)
(Sept. 1, 2009) Hyundai Motor Company is ready to start taking orders tomorrow for its all-new Sonata, codenamed YF, ahead of the car's official launch Sept 10th in the Korea domestic market. In replacing the NF Sonata which was launched in Sept. 2004, Hyundai decided to retain the Sonata name as the mid-size car has been Korea's perennial best-seller.
The new Sonata is fitted with a 6-speed automatic transmission and delivers gratifying performance through its 2-liter Theta II gasoline engine. Delivering 12.8 kilometers per liter, it achieves the highest fuel economy in its segment. In addition, safety has been upgraded with Vehicle Dynamic Control now supplied as a standard feature.
*VDC : Improves the safety of a vehicle's stability by detecting and minimizing skids.
The overall comfort has been enhanced through a variety of new technologies and premium specifications such as a panoramic sunroof, gear shift paddles attached to the steering wheel, and a push-button starting system.
The rendering preview features coupe like body style and exudes a dynamic image. The front side communicates an image of strength through a wide radiator grill and sharp-edged headlamp.
The flowing coupe-like lines of the new Sonata eloquently express Hyundai's "fluidic sculpture" design language, a new design direction that will play a pivotal role in enhancing the brand. Hyundai is confident that the new Sonata, equipped with the company's latest technologies, will continue the long string of successes earned by Sonata over the years.
Since the launch of the very first generation Sonata in October 1985 in Korea, 4.45 million units of Sonata have been sold worldwide. In 2004, Sonata earned the highest ranking in J.D. Power's Initial Quality Survey in the Entry Midsize Car category.
The more exciting shot is of the Lexus LF-Ch concept which is meant to go head to head with the BMW 1 Series, Audi A3 and Volvo C30. Under the hood of the concept is a version of Toyota's Hybrid Synergy Drive system.
The LF-Ch will be joined by the Auris HSD Full Hybrid Concept, which Toyota claims is the first application of Toyota's full hybrid technology in a mainstream model. Toyota's other hybrid, the Prius will be unveiled in plug-in hybrid form. Lastly two Q show cars (iQ for Sports and iQ Collection) will hit the Scion stage at the show.
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