Lexus has unveiled the second-generation 2010 GX 460, which gets a name change from GX 470. Although the last-generation had a bigger engine, note " GX 470", the new GX 460 has more power, putting out 301-hp and 329 lb-ft. of torque from its V8 engine. Even though there's
more power the GX 470 is 13 percent more fuel efficient and gets 15/20 mpg. Lexus decided to not follow the trend that is moving away from body-on-frame SUVs with the new GX 460, which retains its body-on-frame design, but with a second-generation frame.
The 2010 GX 460 is available in two trims, base and premium. Some of the standard features are an eight-way power-adjustable, heated/ventilated front seats; automatic climate control; leather trimmed seats and surfaces; rain-sensing windshield wipers; power moonroof; a wood and leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob; memory system for the driver's seat, steering wheel position and outside mirrors; and an overhead console with integrated HomeLink® transmitter.
Lexus unveiled the LF-CH Concept at the Frankfurt Motor Show and it previewed what a possible smaller Lexus could be like.
Mark Templin, the general manger of Lexus recently spoke with TheDetroitBureau about the possibility of a new smaller Lexus and if it would be sold in the US.
"There is a group of buyers growing up now who won't buy cars by the pound," said Templin. "We have already seen a structural shift" to the compact and more affordable models in the luxury market over the past couple of years.
So, said Templin, "Going forward, there may be a need for even smaller luxury cars," but they won't necessarily be targeting the budget-constrained "entry-luxury" buyer that today goes for such Lexus models as the ES and IS lines.
The LF-CH Concept will be at the LA Auto Show next month and at the Detroit show in January so that Lexus can gauge consumer reaction.
According to Templin if the response is possitive, the LF-CH could appear in Lexus showrooms by 2012 or possibly earlier.
Acura has announced the pricing for the 2010 Acura ZDX that will be available on December 15th. The 2010 ZDX has a starting price of $45,495.
The ZDX will be available in three trim packages, ZDX; ZDX with Technology Package; and the ZDX with Advance Package. All versions are powered by the same 300 horsepower 3.7L V6 that is mated to a new six-speed automatic transmission and Acura's SH-AWD system.
GM is set to debut the 2011 Cadillac CTS-V Coupe at the Detroit Auto Show this month.
Bob Lutz confirmed back in July that the CTS-V coupe was still on and he also recently revealed that GM is also going to release a CTS-V Sport Wagon. Both CTS-V versions of the Sport Wagon and Coupe will be powered by the same 556-hp 6.2L Supercharged V8 that powers the sedan.
BMW has announced the pricing for the 2010 ActiveHybrid X6 that will be available starting on December 5th at a starting price of $89,725.
The ActiveHybrid X6 features BMW's dual-mode hybrid technology mated to a twin-turbo V8 and a seven-speed automatic transmission.
The $90k gets a list of things that aren't standard on the X6 xDrive50i including Nappa leather seats, 20-inch wheels, rear view camera, soft close doors, power tailgate, 4-zone climate control, etc. If you want even more, there are extras like the active ventilating seat package, cold weather package, Rear seat entertainment system, etc. All of which would push the price even closer to $100k.
For this price you could also get the 555-hp X6 M, but I guess it's not quite as "green."
For decades Chrysler has had problems with the quality of its vehicles. Chrysler is now seeking to become a quality leader by 2012 and it is doing so with a revamped and much larger quality team and tougher standards.
"It's different now," said Doug Betts, senior vice president in charge of quality at Chrysler. "People are talking openly about problems now and how to fix (them.)"
Betts was recruited from Nissan two years ago under Chrysler's former owner, Cerberus Capital Management LP. At that time Cerberus also pledged to improve Chrysler's quality issues, but then the Chrysler ran out of money.
Chrysler sales are down 38.9 percent this year, so there isn't a better time than now to fix Chrysler's issues. Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge vehicles continue to perform poorly in quality surveys, which has hurt the automaker's sales.
Chrysler CEO Sergio Marchionne has made quality a priority and Betts is hiring more than 200 quality engineers bringing the total to 1,700 from 200 when he started 2 years ago.
BMW has announced the pricing for the 2010 550i Gran Turismo that will be available in US showrooms on December 5th. The V8 powered Gran Turismo starts at $64,725.
The 550i Gran Turismo is powered by a 400-hp 4.4L twin-turbo that is mated to BMW's first ever 8-speed transmission. It is capable of reaching 0-60 mph in 5.4 seconds. The twin-turbo 535i GT will also be available, but BMW has yet to release pricing on that model.
PRESS RELEASE:
BMW ANNOUNCES PRICING FOR THE 2010 BMW 550i GRAN TURISMO
The 550i Gran Turismo arrives in showrooms with an MSRP of $64,725.
Woodcliff Lake, New Jersey, November 18, 2009... BMW today announced pricing for the first of its 5 Series Gran Turismo models to reach US shores. The 550i Gran Turismo will be available beginning December 5, 2009 with a base MSRP of $64,725, including $825 Destination & Handling.
The BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo is a new interpretation of a classic concept offering, in this case, luxury seating for four or five in combination with remarkably flexible storage options. 550i Gran Turismo will combine the 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 engine with BMW's first-ever 8-speed automatic transmission. With maximum output of 400 horsepower and peak torque of 450 lb-ft., the 550i Gran Turismo will accelerate from 0 - 60 mph in just 5.4 seconds.
The 550i Gran Turismo provides a luxurious traveling experience for five. The available Luxury Rear Seating Package creates the ultimate first class environment for two rear passengers. The unique dual-access tailgate offers the choice of a tradition trunk opening or full tailgate access to the generous rear luggage area.
A full list of options and packages may be found below.
* 20-inch wheels with mixed-sized performance tires $1,000 * Power rear side window shades $500 * Integral Active Steering $1,750 * Multi-contour seats $1,300 * Satellite radio $350 * Rear seat entertainment system $2,200 * Smartphone integration $150 * 4-zone automatic climate control $500 * Ceramic finished controls $650 * Ski bag $150 * iPod and USB adapter $400 * Head-up display $1,300 * Night Vision with Pedestrian Detection $2,600
Lexus has unveiled the second-generation 2010 GX 460, which gets a name change from GX 470. Although the last-generation had a bigger engine, note " GX 470", the new GX 460 has more power, putting out 301-hp and 329 lb-ft. of torque from its V8 engine. Even though there's
