Before the cries of "sacrilege!" begin over Chevrolet putting the legendary SS (Super Sport) badge on a lowly Cobalt begin...read this review. This is not another botched attempt by an American automaker to put a once-glorious name on a substandard product. This one's from the car guys at GM...not the accountants or marketing types.
Most agree that the Cobalt, in base form, is a huge improvement over the late, unlamented Cavalier, but that it's not a standout in the crowded field of compacts in 2009.
Drive the SS. You'll find yourself wondering what more anybody could ask.
The Cobalt SS comes with a 2-liter Turbo making 260 horsepower and 260 pounds-feet of torque at a nice, low 2,000 RPM. That's serious off-the-line power. Chevrolet went to Brembo for the brakes (four-piston calipers with performance rotors and pads), specified 18 inch wheels with performance tires and a performance handling suspension system.
Results? The Cobalt SS holds the lap record for a compact car at Germany's famed Nurburgring: 8:22.85. Meaning it's not only fast in a straight line, it handles.
A bare-bones racer? Nope. Bluetooth hands-free cellular capability is standard. So's a year of OnStar's Safe & Sound service, titanium-face sport gauges including an A-pillar mounted boost gauge, premium cloth GM Performance Division seats, a strong audio system with XM Satellite Radio and more.
Price?
You ready?
Really?
Okay...
$23,435.
Nope. Not a typo. Twenty-three thousand, four hundred thirty five dollars.
Oh, and the EPA says 22 mpg city, 30 highway...and my experience over a week says that's close, if not dead on.
This is the performance bargain of our times. Here's hoping a lot of buyers make Chevrolet very, very happy that they let the car guys call the shots on this one.
They say the third time's a charm. Well, Volvo got it right in just two tries.
One of the first press events I attended as a professional TireKicker was 10 years ago and it was the launch of the first-generation Volvo C70 convertible. I was prepared to be impressed. A premium convertible with Volvo's legendary safety and structural integrity.
During the half-day drive through Central Arizona, I thought I must have gotten a bad one that slipped through. When we met for lunch at The Royal Palms Resort in Phoenix, 25 journalists compared notes on 25 identical test cars. Six words summed it up:
"It shakes like a wet dog."
Cowl shake is the common enemy of convertibles. Cut off the top of a car, and you give up a bunch of structural rigidity. It shows up in the cowl...the area where the windshield and the hood meet...and it telegraphs into the steering column. And the '99 C70, otherwise a very desirable car, had it bad.
Flash forward a decade and slide behind the wheel of the '09 C70. A lot of changes here. First of all, it's now a retractable hardtop, not a ragtop. Strong and shake-free. But the remarkable thing is how solid it is with the top down. Volvo knew what needed to be done and did it.
There's also ten years worth of tech improvements in this car, which goes faster, gets better mileage (18 city, 26 highway), possesses better-than-average handling and benefits from Volvo's huge leaps in interior design. Fine leather and real wood...Nordic Oak, no less.
The $39,240 base price gets you an exceptionally well-equipped vehicle, with a turbocharged 2.5 liter 5-cylinder engine good for 227 horsepower mated to a six-speed manual transmission. The test vehicle I drove stepped up the content with metallic paint ($475), the Dynaudio Package ($1,550 for 130 watts per channel of surround sound Dolby ProLogic II with subwoofer), an automatic transmission ($1,250, and given how good the manual was in the C30, I'd be temped to pass and shift it myself), and $750 worth of 18-inch alloy wheels.
Bottom line: $44,010. Not cheap, but in line for a premium convertible with style, substance and...solidity.
How do you make a Jaguar XJ, already one of the most luxurious sedans available, even more special? Well, Jaguar figured it out.
This is the Jaguar Super V8. Basically, they took an XJ, put in a more powerful supercharged and intercooled engine (400 horsepower), a six-speed automatic transmission and then made everything except Sirius Satellite radio (a $450 option) standard. That means adaptive cruise control, air suspension, a long-wheelbase alloy body, speed-sensitive steering, dynamic stability control, a 320 watt Alpine audio system, a four-zone climate control setup, Bluetooth, DVD, navigation, heated and cooled seats and inlaid walnut.
Wow.
The really amazing thing is, it does make a difference. It is a noticeable and maybe even justifiable jump over the "plain" XJ. It needs to be, because it adds about 20 large to the sticker...the tester I drove had a bottom line reading $95,200. But the XJ has been one of my faves since its redesign six years ago...and the Super V8 actually makes a strong case for spending the extra money.
A lot of cars wind up on people's want lists....but only a handful inspire awe. For more than 50 years...all the way back to the original drop top version of the legendary 300 SL Gullwing, the Mercedes SL has been one of those cars. It's difficult to imagine improving on any one of them, until the next one comes along. The jump from the 2008 SL500 to the 2009 SL550 gets you a much more aggressive front-end styling treatment, 382 horsepower (good for a 0-60 time of 5.3 seconds) a seven-speed automatic transmission, multilink suspension, a huge glass moonroof (taking up virtually the entire top surface) and a new COMAND audio/nav system with Bluetooth. The SL550 rolls on 18-inchers now...and the experience of driving one is nearly as heady as the attention you get on the street, in parking lots....well, everywhere. Within hours, I was fielding (and fulfilling) requests for demonstrations of the retractable hardtop mechanism (very, very fun to watch)...and comforting the inadequate feelings of the lady who parked next to me in a New Beetle ("It's all German engineering", I said, hoping she bought it). Nobody buys them for this, but I'll mention that the seven-speed automatic is a gas saver...I averaged 22 miles per gallon in a mix of city street and freeway driving over the course of a week...making it the most economical (in terms of fuel consumption) near-supercar I've ever tested. Base price? Um...$96,775. Good luck getting one out the door for less than $100,000. But if you can...it's a car that lives up to the price tag.
Finally, the object around the pitch-supercar Extreme Lamborghini truly become a reality. Coinciding at the IAA Frankfurt, introduced the Lamborghini Reventon, which has a Lamborghini's most exclusive and extreme throughout history.
How not exclusive, if Reventon only produced as much as 20 units, especially for consumers loyal friend and Lamborghini. and, twenty units have been exhausted before the car was introduced.
According tradition, the name is taken from the famous bull compete Spain. Reventon and is one of the most famous bull compete throughout history. Renenton the famous bull turbulence which he Matador famous Felix Guzman in 1943.
extreme Reventon own direct look at first sight. Lambo words, the design inspired Reventon from the most advanced fighter in the world. Although the release did not name the official Lambo or type, it is not difficult to guess what the aircraft into the source of his inspiration.
Yes, you are not wrong to guess if the F-22 Raptor. See sharp corners in the entire body Reventon. Whether the bumper elements, lighting design to the body lines. Likewise with the visible lines fighter United States Air Force.
F-22 fighter itself is the most expensive and called a world best because the characteristics of stealth, and supercruise capability that no manuever both of them.
It is also feasible Reventon called as one of the most expensive supercar. With the price of 1 Million Euro (12 billion Rupiah), only practical Buggati Veyron who compete ekslusifitas Reventon.
How do with ability? Before answering, let's note the design Reventon. siluet note, the position of light, position of vents and other details. Looks familiar? That's because the Reventon built over the base Murcielago LP640.
Even all the components driving it adopted the property LP640, Reventon means using the 6,500 cc V12 engine 650 dk helpless, like Murcielago LP640. acceleration 0-100 km / h in 3.4 seconds and top speed reached 340 km / hour. Fast, yes? Well, whoa. This means that the Reventon is still far from the fire, to challenge the speed record holder, Bugatti Veyron, which successfully penetrate 400 km / hour.
This is clearly different from the F-22 Raptor in a variety of the pilot successfully destroy the fleet F-15 and F-16 aircraft without losing any one.
Just like the LP640, Reventon also use the driving full-time AWD and girboks Robotic e-gear. Body is made of CFC materials (carbon composite) shows LP640. cabin to give his blessing
nuance fighter layer of TFT displays Just like the LP640, Reventon also use the driving full-time AWD and girboks Robotic e-gear. Body is made of CFC materials (carbon composite) shows LP640. kabinnya give nuance fighter blessing layer of TFT displays information about the car around. Plus, the presence of G-Force meter is a tool commonly present in the cockpit fighter and is also used by the team drivers.
BANTENG BERTANDUK F-22 RAPTOR (LAMBORGHINI REVENTON) Versi Indonesia
Akhirnya, gossip seputar supercar ter-extreme Lamborghini benar-benar menjadi kenyataan. Bertepatan di IAA Frankfurt, Lamborghini memperkenalkan Reventon, yang disebut-sebut sebagai Lamborghini paling ekslusif dan ekstrem sepanjang sejarah.
Bagaimana tidak ekslusif, jika Reventon hanya diproduksi sebanyak 20 unit, khusus untuk sahabat dan konsumen setia Lamborghini. Dan, duapuluh unit tersebut telah ludes sebelum mobil tersebut diperkenalkan.
Sesuai tradisi, namanya diambil dari banteng petarung terkena Spanyol. Dan Reventon adalah salah satu banteng petarung paling terkenal sepanjang sejarah. Renenton sang banteng terkenal gara-gara dialah yang menewaskan matador ternama Felix Guzman pada 1943.
Keekstreman Reventon sendiri langsung terlihat pada pandangan pertama. Kata Lambo, desain Reventon terinspirasi dari pesawat tempur paling canggih yang ada di dunia. Meski rilis resmi Lambo tidak nama atau typenya, tidaklah sulit menebak pesawat apa yang menjadi sumber inspirasinya.
Ya, anda tidak salah jika menebak F-22 Raptor. Lihat saja sudut-sudut tajam di sekujur tubuh Reventon. Entah itu elemen bumper, desain lampu hingga garis-garis bodi. Terlihat senada dengan garis-garis pesawat tempur Angkatan Udara Amerika Serikat tersebut.
F-22 sendiri merupakan pesawat tempur termahal dan disebut-sebut terbaik didunia lantaran karakteristik stealth, supercruise dan kemampuan maneuver yang tiada duanya.
Demikian juga Reventon layak disebut sebagai salah satu supercar termahal. Dengan harga 1 Juta Euro (12 Miliar Rupiah), praktis hanya Buggati Veyron-lah yang menyaingi ekslusifitas Reventon.
Bagaimana dengan kemampuannya? Sebelum menjawab, mari perhatikan desain Reventon. Amati siluet, posisi lampu, posisi lubang udara dan detail-detail lainnya. Tampak familier? Itu karena Reventon dibangun diatas basis Murcielago LP640.
Bahkan seluruh komponen penggerak pun mengadopsi milik LP640, artinya Reventon menggunakan mesin 6.500 cc V12 berdaya 650 dk, persis seperti Murcielago LP640. akselerasi 0-100 Km/jam dalam 3,4 detik dan top speed yang dicapai 340 km/jam. Kencang ya? Hmm, tunggu dulu. Artinya Reventon masih jauh panggang dari api, untuk menantang sang pemegang rekor speed, Bugatti Veyron yang berhasil menembus 400 km/jam.
Ini jelas berbeda dengan F-22 Raptor yang dalam berbagai uji coba berhasil merontokkan armada F-15 dan F-16 tanpa kehilangan satu pesawat pun!.
Sama seperti LP640, Reventon juga menggunakan penggerak AWD full-time dan girboks robotic e-gear. Bodi pun terbuat dari material CFC (karbon Komposit) layaknya LP640. kabinnya memberi nuansa pesawat tempur berkat layer TFT yang menampilkan Informasi seputar seputar mobil. Plus, kehadiran G-Force meter adalah piranti yanglazim hadir di kokpit pesawat tempur dan juga digunakan oleh tim pembalap.
After years of attempts in show cars, Lincoln has finally put the 1961-65 Continental grille back into production...on a re-badged Ford Edge crossover.
Okay, that sounds harsh...but it's a fact. What needs to be said, though, is that like the Lincoln MKS, the platform sharing between Ford and Lincoln is resulting in some very good Lincolns.
Even though the Edge and the MKX are essentially the same vehicles, the MKX gets treatments that set it apart. 18-inch machined alumninum wheels are standard...as are quad halogen headlamps. The details...including the wood and leather...definitely say "Lincoln" instead of "Ford".
Short version: This is a serious contender for some of the business going to the Lexus RX 350.
Base price: $35,420. The tester I had for a week had heated and cooled front eats, dual-zone auto temp air conditioning, Microsoft's brilliant SYNC voice-activated entertainment system, and Lincoln's newly revamped (and very cool) entry keypad system. All standard.
The options? $495 for White Chocolate Tricoat paint (arguably worth it), $4,595 for the Elite Package (Panoramic Vista Roof, Voice Activated Navigation, and a killer THX audio system), $1,295 for the Ultimate Package (Adaptive headlamps, a power liftgate and the "Cargo Management System"...a molded insert below the cargo floor that keeps stuff out of sight and prevents it from slipping around, causing noise and damage) and another $1,095 for the Limited Edition Package (bumping us up to 20-inch chrome-clad alumnium wheels, carpeted floor mats and an auto-dimming rear view mirror with microphone for the voice-activated nav system).
All that sounds (and reads) like a ton of extra cost...but the bottom line, including delivery charge) is $43,575...right in the ballpark for a Lexus RX competitor.
And don't underestimate the cosmetics...there's something about that grille.
Having pushed the physical dimensions and sticker prices of the once-lowly pickup truck about as far as possible (Lincoln?Cadillac?), a return to sanity is a welcome thing...and just in time, Nissan refreshes its mid-size Frontier pickup.
Now that Nissan has announced it will be outsourcing its big truck, the Titan, to Chrysler (2011 Titans will be re-badged Dodge Rams), the Frontier is the standard-bearer for Nissan's truck business...and the impression it makes is a good one.
Not too big, not too small...there's a "just-right" quality to the size, capabilites and handling of the new Frontier. Nope, it won't cut the mustard as a heavy-duty construction truck, but for the average truck owner, the Frontier is more than up to the job.
More good news: It's affordable. The base price on the four-door crew cab I tested was only $25,960...bringing with it a 4-liter 261 horsepower V6, a 5-speed automatic transmission, shift-on-the-fly four wheel drive, 4-wheel anti-lock disc brakes and most of the features that you could wish for on a truck option list 15 years ago.
So what's to add? Well, Nissan specified the SE Value Truck Package for this tester, adding remote keyless entry, power windows, power door locks, power outside mirrors, cruise control, 16 inch alloy wheels, a sliding bed extender and a security system for a package price of $1,380. That plus another $700 for a moonroof, along with destination charges brought the bottom line to $28,785. Not bad at all for a roomy, capable all-wheel drive truck.
The EPA estimate is 15 city, 19 highway miles per gallon...again, not bad for the size and capability (thank the 5-speed auto and the V6 for getting the mileage that high).
This is a great time to seriously evaluate how much truck you need. If it's not a monster workhorse, then the Nissan Frontier is a solid choice.
This often 207 hatcback, Peugeot CC version will enter into its range. On the basis of that concept was born 207 Epure to pamor Peugeot. There are two important things that you want to be Epure: consep coupé-cabrio the dancing, and the role of the Peugeot encourage the use of alternative fuels. Epure use the results of the pilot engine PSA Peugeot Citroen is minimal emissions and serene. So the car is environmentally friendly but can still give pleasure driving. Elegant and expressive design emerged from the muzzle of 207 confirmed by the thick contour. Colors are white pearl effect give a natural and friendly environment as shown engines. Body to rise to the rear, front corner of the glass roof and round to give the impression dynamic. While the particle side Skirt and the rim Pitlane Alloy karaker will strengthen the performance of the decoy. Rear spoiler, which is decorated with the LED harmony. Interior design continues the effect of such natural exterior. All the panel dibalut white skin color, also based instrument panel with a touch of white krom. This instrument panel also displays information about the strength of the battery and the amount of Hydrogen. Meanwhile, a color screen in the middle of the console contains the information flow between the power electrical motor, battery and fuel is an alternative. 207 Epure engine using fuel cell teknoogi as producing energy. The unit is used to play the electric motor and to recharge the battery, so mileage cars more remote, environmentally friendly, and serene. However, there is still much that must be feasible to mass produced.
MEMIKAT DENGAN BAHAN BAKAR ALTERNATF (PEUGEOT 207 EPURE) Versi Indonesia
Sering dilansirkanya 207 hatcback, Peugeot akan memasukkan versi CC ke dalam jajarannya. Atas dasar itulah lahir konsep 207 Epure untuk mengangkat pamor Peugeot. Ada dua hal penting yang ingin dikedepankan Epure: consep coupe-cabrio yang menari, serta peran Peugeot yang menggalakkan pemakaian bbm alternative. Epure menggunakan mesin hasil uji coba PSA Peugeot Citroen yang minim emisi serta hening. Jadi mobil ini ramah lingkungan tapi tetap dapat memberi kenikmatan berkendara. Desain elegan dan ekspresif muncul dari moncong 207 yang dipertegas dengan kontur tebal. Sedang warna putih mutiara mencuatkan kesan natural dan ramah lingkungan seperti yang ditunjukkan mesinnya. Bodi meninggi ke belakang, sudut kaca depan dan atap membulat memberi kesan dinamis. Sementara imbuhan side skirt dan pelek alloy Pitlane memperkuat karaker akan performa yang memikat. Bagian belakang dihiasi spoiler yang harmonis dengan lampu LED. Desain interiornya meneruskan kesan natural seperti eksterior. Seluruh panel dibalut kulit warna putih, begitu pula panel instrument berdasar putih dengan sentuhan krom. Panel instrument ini juga menampilkan informasi mengenai kekuatan baterai dan jumlah hydrogen. Sementara layar berwarna di konsol tengah berisi info aliran tenaga antara motor elektrik, baterai dan bahan bahan bakar alternative itu. Mesin 207 Epure menggunakan teknoogi fuel cell sebagai penghasil tenaga. Unit ini digunakan untuk memutar motor elektrik dan mengisi ulang baterai, sehingga jarak tempuh mobil semakin jauh, ramah lingkungan, serta hening. Namun masih banyak yang harus disempurnakan agar layak diproduksi massal.
Cars become Renault vision proof to the enjoyment of driving. This is the latest concept from the given name of Renault Nepta. Kabrio 4-seater with a view Retro, the design uses a low body weight and muscular elegant concept. Body-wave side to give the impression memperjeas float and form a long-term. That is still the color of particle reinforced aluminum in some body, mud flap and spoiler depanbelakang. The future looks simple but attractive with lights pocky 3 parts, including lights that follow the direction wheel, light intensity lampupun capable of adapting to the road conditions. The more beautiful with a small lamp shaped Boomerang on the front lights. Rear overhang is longer visible from the front of the strange, but seem attractive, classic and still proportionally. Are gullwing doors electrical model used to show the sophistication of the engine and interior Nepta. Neta interior of the basic physics apprehend and comfortable, if a guide is Nepta car connoisseurs. This car features that can only be ditemukanpada luxury car with advanced technology. Takometer instrument panel and round, surrounded by leather trim and control air conditioners in each end of the dashboard can be operated separately between the driver and passengers. Tranmisi Rotary lever model is in the middle of the button layout and control for multimedia Information Display looks fit. Meanwhile, a key position in the multifunction steering has been adjusted to the position of the hands holding the wheel. The position of the seats can not be changed, but at the wheel and pedals can be electrically. Dasbornya equipped with extra large storage. Both bangkunya be leather holder with aluminum Construction to the lower deck. Not to display the DVD is placed behind the front passenger seat. In order to protect passengers from the blast when the wind go, the wind transparent installed, which is between the front and back seats. Nepta engine capacity of 3500 cc V6 promises perferma up, but claimed is pressing dispose gas emissions. Meet 420 dk, it only takes 4.9 seconds for the acceleration 0-100 km / hour. In addition equipped with overdrive matik box with a 7-speed paddleshift installed in the steering.
Mobil menjadi bukti visi Renault terhadap kenikmatan berkendara. Inilah konsep terbaru dari Renault yang diberi nama Nepta. Kabrio 4-seater dengan tampilan retro ini, menggunakan desain bodi rendah yang menonjolkan konsep elegan dan berotot. Bodi samping bergelombang memberi kesan mengambang dan memperjeas bentuk yang panjang. Itu masih diperkuat imbuhan warna aluminium pada sebagian bodi, mud flap dan spoiler depanbelakang. Bagian depannya terlihat simple namun terlihat atraktif dengan lampu led 3 bagian, termasuk lampu yang mengikuti arah kemudi, intensitas cahaya lampupun mampu beradaptasi terhadap kondisi jalan. Makin cantik dengan lampu kecil berbentuk boomerang di atas lampu depan. Overhang belakang lebih panjang dari depan terlihat aneh, tapi terkesan atraktif, klasik dan tetap proporsional. Sedang pintu elektrik model gullwing dipakai untuk memperlihatkan kecanggihan mesin dan interior Nepta. Desan interior Neta yang menawan dan nyaman menjadi petunjuk kalau Nepta adalah mobil berkelas. Mobil ini dilengkapi fitur yang hanya bisa ditemukanpada mobil mewah dengan teknologi canggih. Takometer serta panel instrument membulat dikelilingi trim kulit dan control AC di tiap ujung dasbor yang dapat dioperasikan terpisah antara pengemudi dan penumpang. Tuas tranmisi model rotary berada di tengah dan tata letak tombol control untuk multimedia Information Display terlihat pas. Sementara posisi tombol di setir multifungsi telah disesuaikan dengan posisi tangan saat memegang kemudi. Posisi jok tak dapat diubah, tapi setir dan pedal dapat diatur secara elektrik. Dasbornya dilengkapi tempat penyimpanan ekstra besar. Kedua bangkunya dilapis kulit dengan dudukan aluminium yang mengikatnya ke dek bawah. Tak ketinggalan, layar DVD ditempatkan dibalik sandaran jok depan. Guna melindungi penumpang dari embusan angin saat melaju , dipasang penahan angin transparan yang berada antara jok depan dan belakang. Mesin Nepta berkapasitas 3.500 cc V6 menjanjikan perferma yang mendebarkan namun diklaim sanggup menekan emisi gas buang. Bertenaga 420 dk, ia hanya butuh 4,9 detik untuk menuntaskan akselerasi 0-100 km/jam. Selain dilengkapi gir boks matik 7-speed dengan paddleshift terpasang di setir.
GPS Navigation systems have been around for about 10 years now and one thing hasn't changed...they're expensive...usually about $2,000. For that reason, they've been virtually absent in small cars. When you're pushing a $15,000 car, having one option that can make the price $17,000 isn't such a great strategy.
So big props to Suzuki for doing the intelligent thing. They've partnered with Garmin (makers of portable navigation systems) and made the Garmin Nuvi 770 standard equipment in the SX4. It's a cool piece, featuring Bluetooth hands-free phone functionality, real-time traffic updates and MSN Direct features including news and entertainment updates. It can even store mp3 files and double as a music player.
Best of all, it's portable...just snap it out of the housing on the dash and take it with you to operate on battery power. There's a "pedestrian" mode for navigating your walks.
The Nuvi's suggested retail price is just under $700, but a quick Google search shows them retailing for as little as $359. And you know Suzuki got a deal.
That means a very small bump in the price point for the SX4, which starts at $15,939...with the Nuvi as standard equipment.
The SX4 is a fine small car, a lot more fun to drive than we expected before we drove one last year. The innovative thinking that led to the inclusion of the Nuvi just shows that Suzuki shouldn't be underestimated or overlooked when it comes to small cars.
Okay, so the name is a mouthful..."Subaru Legacy 2.5 GT spec.B"...but don't let that drive you away. The Subaru Legacy has been one of the great below-the-radar sedans since its redesign a couple of years ago...and the (let's just shorten it) spec.B just makes it better.
What we have here is a BMW 3-series on the cheap. The spec.B comes with a six-speed manual transmission, an intercooled, turbocharged engine, a Bilstein Sport Suspension, 18 inch wheels and performance tires and Subaru Intelligent Drive (they call it SI-DRIVE). What it does is allow the driver to maximize performance and efficiency by turning a knob to one of three settings: "Intelligent", "Sport" and "Sport Sharp".
"Intelligent" could also be called "Relaxed" or "Responsible", lowering torque, smoothing out response and improving fuel efficency by about 10 percent.
"Sport" gets you quick throttle response (great for freeway merging), while "Sport Sharp" gets you still more power even faster. Drive it in "Sport Sharp" mode and you'll stop snickering over the BMW comparison in the second paragraph.
The spec.B also gets navigation, dual-zone automatic climate control, an all-weather package with heated seats and mirrors and a windshield wiper de-icer (!), a Harmon Kardon 9-speaker audio system and, of course, Subaru's all-wheel drive...all at a price of $34,595. The test vehicle we had added a Sirius Satellite Radio kit for $456and a trunk cargo net for $64. Bottom line, with destination and delivery charges: $35,780...a chunk less than a similarly equipped 3-series.
The EPA estimates 17 city, 24 highway miles per gallon (probably in "Intelligent" mode).
The spec.B is a no-excuses sport sedan well worth your time in a test drive.
Hey, it's our first video on TireKicker (and it's only 49 years old!). Yep, from the fall of 1959, here's a long-form commercial for Ford's new 1960 Galaxie, Thunderbird and Falcon. Don't know if the commercial had anything to do with it, but the Hagerty family ran out and bought a Falcon (a medium blue four-door sedan) a few months later. And my uncle Ron snapped up a red 1960 Thunderbird convertible.
Downside? Dad traded a gorgeous two-tone green and white 1956 Mercury Montclair coupe. Sure would love to have that now.
Land Rover is what's known as an "aspirational" brand...something people want to move up to. There was one weak link in that argument...the smallest Land Rover, the Freelander.
Last year, Land Rover moved to fix that, sending the cramped, underpowered, plasticky Freelander out to pasture and replacing it with the all-new LR2.
Good move.
Get inside an LR2 and there's no disconnect with your expectations from the larger LR3 and Range Rover models. Materials, fit and finish are not only a quantum leap ahead of the late, unlamented Freelander, they're better than the $35,000 base price would indicate. And that base price also includes a leather interior, a front power sunroof and a fixed sunroof over the rear seat and dual-zone climate control.
Looking for something that can handle not just Rodeo Drive but the Rubicon Trail as well? Land Rover didn't skimp there, either...giving the LR2 8.3 inches of ground clearance and the ability to ford streams up to 19.7 inches deep.
And the option list includes a $3,500 technology package, bringing navigation, Bluetooth and a killer 440 watt Alpine audio system with 12 speakers and Dolby 7.1 surround sound. It's worth the additional dollars.
Big points to Land Rover for understanding that an aspirational brand needs an attractive entry point. It'll pay off in LR2 owners trading up to LR3s and Range Rovers over the years.
Size matters. Especially for pickups used for work. You know, things like construction, trailer and boat towing. For years, Toyota kept erring on the side of small with its fullsize pickup, the Tundra (and before that, the T-100).
Well, Toyota finally got over its shyness and went all-out with the latest Tundra, unveiled in 2007. So much so that some people think it's too big. That was my take after a week in the CrewMax model last year. But there's a happy medium between the CrewMax and the standard two-door...and that's the Double Cab.
The measurable difference is only a few inches, but it changes the feel and driving dynamics. No question it's still a big truck, but in Double Cab trim, the Tundra is much more manageable.
As equipped, the test vehicle was easier to handle price-wise, too. An SR5 instead of a Limited, the base price was $31,260...and options were applied with an eyedropper rather than a firehose...a navigation system, with 440 watt JBL audio system, sliding rear window, deck rail system, bedliner and security system pushing the bottom line up to $35,794...reasonable for a well-equipped truck that seats five...especially compared to the $40,000 plus examples I've tested before.
Even with the 5.7 liter 381 horsepower V8, the EPA says the Tundra is capable of 13 city miles per gallon and 17 highway. I saw about 15 in a mix of the two, so they may be close. A V6 is available for even better (by big truck standards) fuel economy.
There will always be a place for big trucks. Toyota now has a legitimate claim to part of that business.
There are very few cars in 11 years of writing about them (not to mention 30-plus years of driving them) that I can honestly say I've always liked and recommended. The Subaru Forester has made that list every single time.
Not an easy trick, because with each generation, the Forester strives for a bit more refinement and a bit less quirky individuality...a path on which many vehicles have lost their way and become just another car (cough...cough...SAAB...cough).
But not to worry. The all-new 2009 Forester is everything every other Forester has been...but better. A longer wheelbase means more room and a better ride. A stiffer platform improves handling and a new chassis gets better crash test results. Vehicle Dynamics Control is standard. And the two four-cylinder engines have more user-friendly torque curves (more oomph when you want and need it).
Also important in an SUV that actually can go off the pavement, a tire pressure monitoring system is now standard.
Buy a base 2.5X model with a stick and no options, and you're out the door for $19,995 (okay, the $665 delivery charge puts you at $20,660, but these days, you can probably haggle the local dealer down by $665, right?).
Ours was a bit more expensive. Subaru sent over the 2.5XT Limited with navigation...and with delivery, that one's $30,660.
Yep. A 30-thousand dollar Forester. It's come to that.
Remarkably, though, the Forester managed to make that number seem reasonable the more we drove it. If it was my money, I'd probably go for a mid-level model...but the Limited with nav isn't out of line.
It's never been the cutest of what used to be called the cute-utes (small SUVs), but the Forester has been...and still is...our pick.
Some cars are like a good hamburger. Too many add-ons keep you from getting the true flavor.
Volkswagen may or may not have been thinking of that metaphor (I'll bet not) when they re-christened the Golf the Rabbit here in the U.S. and re-positioned it as more basic transportation.
If you have never driven a Rabbit, go to your local dealer now, because this is where a chunk of the automobile business is heading...to cars the Europeans were embracing while we were in our SUV-induced coma.
Ford hasn't brought its Euro-spec Fiesta and Focus to our shores yet, but like GM's import, the Saturn Astra , the Rabbit is all about strong, solid German engineering. Everything, from major maneuvers to subtle switchgear, is precise. Not too soft, not too hard. Exactly right.
VW's press fleet loaned us an example with only four options...a six-speed automatic transmission, electronic stabilization, 16" alloy wheels and an iPod adaptor in the armrest. We'd have passed on the automatic (which would have saved $1075), but even so, the bottom line was only $18,524 (from a base of $15,600). You could easily buy two Rabbits for less than the price of some cars that simply aren't as good.
And though gas prices are easing compared to where they were in July, it's still three bucks a gallon or more...so 21 city and 29 highway miles per gallon is nothing to sneeze at, either.
Greatest Drives, you can use this assessment only of style, the Alfa Romeo could win easily. Sharp line and retire to a corner and stern landainya Italian style. Plus with a V6 engine kuatdan control legendaries, clearly make Alfa Romeo has a road to success.
Then why should Brera should appear in the position of the last of 20 cars that be this year?
Sure, there is no relation to the cabin. Driving position is great, the cockpit curve make Brera feels like pure sports car. Press the start button and 3,200 cc V6 engine is loud roar.
But on the road, Alfa Romeo failed to complement the style of his impressive. The ratio of teeth to create long-dk 260 engine feels weak and less encouragement at high speed. Torque 322 Nm are also feels less special.
Steering its equilibrium, but also less feedback, and in sharp corners symptoms appear bewildered by excess. Four-wheel drive system gives Q4 exceeds the grip and Alfa Romeo rarely lose stability. But he was less involved drivers.
He also less fast. Straight on the road, Alfa Romeo Brera failed to surpass other hot Hatch, and most long time for one lap circuit. But beating them is quite soft and Alfa Romeo Brera tend to be rather explorers Sport Coupe.
ALFA ROMEO BRERA 3.2 Q4 Versi Indonesia
Andai Greatest Drives ini menggunakan penilaian hanya dari style, maka Alfa Romeo bisa menang mudah. Garis tajam dan menyudut dan buritan landainya bergaya Italia. Ditambah dengan mesin V6 yang kuatdan pengendalian yang legendaries, jelas membuat Alfa Romeo memiliki jalan untuk sukses.
Lalu kenapa Brera harus harus muncul di posisi terakhir dari 20 mobil yang dites tahun ini?
Yang pasti, tidak ada hubungannya dengan kabin. Posisi mengemudi yang hebat, kokpit yangmelengkung membuat Brera terasa seperti sports car sejati. Tekan tombol start dan mesin 3.200 cc V6 pun menderu keras.
Tapi di jalan, Alfa Romeo gagal mengimbangi style-nya yang mengesankan. Rasio gigi panjang membuat mesin 260 dk terasa lemah dan kurang dorongan di kecepatan tinggi. Sedang torsi 322 Nm juga terasa kurang istimewa.
Setirnya juga imbang tapi kurang feedback, dan di tikungan tajam muncul gejala limbung berlebih. System penggerak empat roda Q4 memberi grip berlimpah dan Alfa Romeo jarang kehilangan kestabilan. Tapi iakurang melibatkan pengemudi.
Ia juga kurang kencang. Di jalan lurus, Alfa Romeo Brera gagal mengungguli hot hatch lainnya, dan waktunya paling lamauntuk satu putaran sirkuit. Tapi bantingannya cukup empuk dan Alfa Romeo Brera cenderung jadipenjelajah ketimbang Coupe Sport.
Drifting is a new automotive sport from Japan. But mercedez-Benz, not trains - proved from this picture, CLK63 AMG car so great for the power slide.
Equipped with 6,200 cc V8 engine, this coupé Germany is one of the most vigorous in the car range contestant Greatest Drives. Relaying the maximum energy and dk 481 Torque 630 Nm to the rear wheel of a challenges. Sasis and it feels less able to compensate.
The result, indicator lights often flicker traksi control. In the track wet and bumpy asphalt, pressing the gas pedal to make a full computer or machine cut power to activate the brake. If the switch off the circuit, the tires lose grip will be easy though you step on the gas pedal with a smooth exit from the corners.
AMG engine, which provides strong and forceful able to bring Mercy weighing 1,755 kg. its 0-96 km / hour in just 4.3 seconds. But unfortunately there is no modification (modification) in the sasisnya that shines.
So, with the ability straights, rivalnya can quickly overtake in the corners. Such as the Mazda6 and the Mini GP only half a second slower. However, if you are already adapting to its gas pedal, the car is fun.
MERCEDES-BENZ CLK63 AMG
Drifting merupakan olahraga automotive baru dari Jepang. Tapi Mercedez-Benz tidak ketinggalan kereta – terbukti dari gambar ini, CLK63 AMG jadi mobil yang hebat untuk power slide.
Dilengkapi mesin 6.200 cc V8, coupe Jerman ini merupakan salah satu mobil paling bertenaga di jajaran kontestan Greatest Drives. Menyalurkan tenaga maksimum 481 dk dan torsi 630 Nm ke roda belakang tentu menjadi tantangan tersendiri. Dan sasisnya terasa kurang mampu mengimbangi.
Hasilnya, lampu indicator control traksi sering berkelip. Di trek basah dan aspal bergelombang, menekan penuh pedal gas membuat computer mesin memangkas tenaga atau mengaktifkan rem. Jika di nonaktifkan di sirkuit, ban akan mudah kehilangan grip meski anda menginjak pedal gas dengan mulus saat keluar dari tikungan.
AMG menyediakan mesin yang bertenaga kuat dan mampu membawa Mercy berbobot 1.755 kg. melaju 0-96 km / jam hanya dalam 4,3 detik. Tapi sayangnya tidak ada modifikasi (modification) pada sasisnya yang membuatnya bersinar.
Jadi dengan kemampuannya jalan lurus, rivalnya bisa cepat menyusul di tikungan. Seperti Mazda6 dan Mini GP hanya setengah detik lebih lambat. Namun jika anda sudah beradaptasi daengan pedal gasnya, maka mobil ini menyenangkan.
With the model and a very sporty trim, plus stickers and racing tires can be Slick is the Honda Civic Type R-pitch fast. If the labor 200dk provided by the standard hot Hatch released at the Paris Motor show feels less, NIV Motorsport Tuning to provide services to encourage energy Type R 240dk so.
This car was developed by specialist racing Italian origin. Kit up-grade will be provided for use on the road for owners who want to view Type R is more steady.
With ECU, which is in the remapping, competition camshaft, tranmisi manual 6 speed racikan new kmponen and light weight, super performance Civic this can be significantly faster than the standard. That acceleration 0-96 km / hour will take shorter than 6.6 seconds and top speed exceeding 234 km / hour.
R standard type sold in March next year. And if you want to book a kit like this, please browse the website to the NIV in www.jasmotorsport.com. However, up-grade is not cheap. With the additional performance is required at least 36,000 pounds (576 million rupiah) to have them, compared to the price of a standard Civic 19,000 pounds (304 million rupiah).
Meanwhile, Honda has announced that production Type R in the factory at Swindon, Wiltshire, will be increased to a maximum capacity of 250,000 units per year.
TYPE R TERKENCANG MENGGUNCANG PARIS
Dengan model dan trim yang begitu sporty, plus stiker balap dan ban slick bisa jadi inilah Honda Civic Type R terkencang. Jika tenaga 200dk yang diberikan oleh hot hatch standar yang dirilis di Paris Motor show terasa kurang, JAS Motorsport menyediakan jasa tuning untuk mendongkrak tenaga Type R jadi 240dk.
Mobil ini dikembangkan oleh spesialis balap asal Italia. Kit up-grade akan disediakan untuk penggunaan di jalan bagi pemilik yang ingin tampilan Type R nya makin mantap.
Dengan ECU yang sudah di remapping, camshaft kompetisi, tranmisi manual 6 speed racikan baru dan kmponen berbobot ringan, performa Civic super ini secara signifikan bisa lebih cepat dari standar. Yang pasti akselerasi 0-96 km/jam akan memakan waktu lebih singkatdari 6,6 detik dan top speed melebihi 234 km/jam.
Type R standar dijual Maret tahun depan. Dan jika anda ingin memesan kit seperti ini, silakan browse ke website JAS di www.jasmotorsport.com. Namun up-grade ini tidak murah. Dengan tambahan performa ini dibutuhkan setidaknya 36.000 pound (Rp. 576 juta) untuk memilikinya, dibanding harga Civic standar yang 19.000 pound ( Rp. 304 juta).
Sementara itu, Honda telah mengumumkan kalau produksi Type R di pabriknya di Swindon, Wiltshire, akan dinaikkan hingga kapasitas maksimum 250.000 unit per tahun.
Is this city the first Skoda car? Correct according to the official company statement, which also claimed that if Joyster make his debut at the Paris Motor Show 2006 this represents the emergence of a smaller model of the Fabia with the target at young urban buyers.
Will appear in 2009, the production model will not only the first step is the original manufacturer of the Czech Republic into the City Car market, but at the same time become a model 3 door first since they joined the VW group.
Joyster style that features glass-front style aircraft that circle from front to side. A black pillars and gril big krom make supermini MPV Roomster. In, has a new location to place the laptop, internet connection, pelapis seats, which replaced the bias and storage bag behind the rear passenger seat of bias in the loose.
Some features of this smart predicted to remain present in the production version. For example, LED lights front door and a separate baggage - equipped with a pair of built-in benches that can be presented to the outside for a picnic.
Head of the Skoda, Jens Manske said, "We want to create a new car for young children. They are always interested in advanced technology and need practical solutions. Joyster and have a lot of completeness. "
Meanwhile, the generation of the Fabia is scheduled to be sold in June next year. The new model is larger than many supermini that replaced it, and have a view outside in a more stylish. Ubahannya including two-tone colors, such as the MINI, with a different colored roof with the other body.
SKODA MEMPERKENALKAN KENIKMATAN BARU
Apakah ini city car pertama Skoda? Betul menurut pernyataan resmi perusahaan itu, yang juga mengklaim kalau Joyster yang melakukan debutnya di Paris Motor Show 2006 ini mewakili kemunculan dari model yang lebih kecil dari Fabia dengan target pembeli muda di perkotaan.
Akan muncul di 2009, model produksinya nanti tak hanya merupakan langkah pertama pabrikan asal Republik Ceska itu masuk ke pasar City Car, tapi sekaligus menjadi model 3 pintu pertama sejak mereka bergabung dengan grup VW.
Joyster yang bergaya ini dilengkapi kaca depan ala pesawat terbang yang melingkar dari depan sampai samping. Pilar A berwarna hitam dan gril besar krom membuatnya supermini MPV Roomster. Di dalam, pendatang baru ini dilengkapi lokasi untuk menempatkan laptop, koneksi internet, pelapis jok yang bias diganti dan kantung penyimpanan di balik sandaran jok belakang yang bias di lepas.
Beberapa fitur pintar ini diperkirakan tetap hadir di versi produksi. Sebagai contoh, lampu depan LED dan pintu bagasi terpisah – yang dilengkapi sepasang bangku built-in yang bisa dihadapkan ke luar untuk piknik.
Kepala perancang Skoda, Jens Manske mengatakan, “Kami ingin menciptakan mobil baru untuk anak muda. Mereka selalu tertarik pada teknologi canggih dan perlu solusi praktis. Dan Joyster memiliki banyak kelengkapan.”
Sementara itu, generasi penerus Fabia dijadwalkan akan dijual Juni tahun depan. Model baru ini lebih bongsor dari supermini kondang yang digantikannya, dan memiliki tampilan luar dalam yang lebih bergaya. Ubahannya termasuk warna two-tone seperti MINI, dengan atap berwarna berbeda dengan bagian bodi lainnya.
Do not by the commotion in the water scoop spoiler and large, and the interior of race cars that appear on the car exhibition Chevrolet WTCC ultra this. This is the candidate hatchback bulk of the production plan will be launched in 2011.
This message is quite clear, given that the car can participate in the world championship race this must be based Turing bulk products. It is estimated ultra will be the new generation of Lacetti.
In addition to reflecting the Chevrolet design for the future, ultra also become the first model, which separated from the influence of design Daewoo. And for the first time they will be dealing directly with the Ford Focus.
Taking inspiration from the Corsa and Astra, the concept car has a light front of a box design. Line body that give rise to the impression muscular rear door and hidden behind such SEAT make WTCC Ultra coupé looks like.
This concept car uses a new 2000cc diesel engine equipped with a 200 dk, which will be used in the Lacetti.
CHEVY ULTRA MENANTANG FOCUS
Jangan terkecoh oleh air scoop dan spoiler besar, serta interior mobil balap yang tampak pada mobil pameran Chevrolet WTCC ultra ini. Inilah calon hatchback produksi massal yang rencananya akan diluncurkan pada 2011.
Pesan ini cukup jelas, mengingat mobil yang boleh ikut dalam kejuaraan dunia balap turing ini harus berbasis produk massal. Diperkirakan ultra akan menjadi generasi baru dari Lacetti.
Selain mencerminkan arah desain Chevrolet untuk masa mendatang, ultra juga menjadi model pertama yang lepas dari pengaruh desain Daewoo. Dan untuk pertama kalinya mereka akan berhadapan langsung dengan Ford Focus.
Mengambil inspirasi dari Corsa dan Astra, mobil konsep ini memiliki lampu depan berdesain mengotak. Garis bodi yang meninggi ke belakang memberi kesan berotot dan hendel pintu belakang tersembunyi seperti SEAT membuat WTCC Ultra tampak bagai coupe.
Mobil konsep ini menggunakan mesin diesel 2000cc baru bertenaga 200 dk yang akan dipergunakan di Lacetti.
10 years ago, I looked at the first Lexus RX (then the RX 300) and wondered if anyone would buy it. I mean, it was nice...but it looked pretty strange. I think my photographer (I was reviewing cars on television at the time) and I dubbed it the "lunar rover".
Obviously, a lot of people disagreed. The RX (now the 350) is celebrating 10 years on the road, and though there have been refinements, the basic shape is still pretty much the same. And it gets credit for jump-starting the entire crossover SUV segment.
The price has even stayed in the same general ballpark...if I recall, the '99 was about $33,000...the '09 base price is $38,900 and Lexus has made virtually everything that matters standard.
So how to jack up that price point to keep the dealers and stockholders happy? By packaging the non-essentials. And a special edition is always a good way to do that.
The Pebble Beach Edition was introduced to coincide with August's huge annual classic car week (rapidly approaching 10 days) in Monterey, California (nearby Pebble Beach hosts the premiere event, the Concours d'Elegance). For $3,880, you get special 18 inch wheels, a special front grille, a roof rack, HID headlamps, a body-color rear spoiler, a leather-trimmed interior, power tilt and telescoping steering column, memory seating, a moonroof, carpeted floormats and exterior badges that say "Pebble Beach Edition".
That, a navigation system that includes a Bluetooth phone interface and rear backup camera, heated seats, rain-sensing wipers and headlamp washers and a transmission cooler propelled the bottom line to $47,020. Not a bad deal for what you get...but the real story is the value in a "base" RX 350.
The other day in traffic, I pulled up next to a remarkably well preserved first-generation Chrysler minivan (from 1985 or so). What struck me, apart from its condition, was how small it was.
Over the past 23 years, minivans have lost a lot of their mini. They're mostly huge, heavily-equipped, thirsty beasts with sticker prices well into the $30,000 range. Get carried away with the options and $40,000 is within reach.
The lone exception is the Mazda 5...a minivan so small it resembles a stretched Honda Fit. The 5, based on the compact Mazda 3 platform, is a delight to drive in city traffic. Handling's a breeze, parking's a snap...snicking into turn lanes partially blocked by trucks and SUVs slopping over from the adjacent lane is no sweat.
And, with a 2.3 liter four-cylinder engine and a 5 speed automatic, the EPA says the Mazda 5 is good for 21 miles per gallon in the city, 27 on the highway.
5s come as cheap as $17,000 and change. Our tester was the top of the line Grand Touring...which still commands a base price of only $22,675, and is so well equipped (17 inch alloy wheels, rain-sensing wipers, third-row seating, leather, a second-row fold-out table, automatic climate control with rear vents, an AM/FM/6-CD audio system with six speakers, cruise control, a moonroof and a Bluetooth hands-free phone system) that ours had no options apart from a rear bumper step plate ($50). That and delivery brought the bottom line to $23,395.
Room for six people (though third-row passengers would be too close to the tailgate for my comfort), great maneuverability, decent performance and very good fuel economy make the Mazda 5 a sensible minivan alternative.
F-22 sendiri merupakan pesawat tempur termahal dan disebut-sebut terbaik didunia lantaran karakteristik stealth, supercruise dan kemampuan maneuver yang tiada duanya.
Ini jelas berbeda dengan F-22 Raptor yang dalam berbagai uji coba berhasil merontokkan armada F-15 dan F-16 tanpa kehilangan satu pesawat pun!.
Drifting is a new automotive sport from Japan. But mercedez-Benz, not trains - proved from this picture, CLK63 AMG car so great for the power slide.
Will appear in 2009, the production model will not only the first step is the original manufacturer of the Czech Republic into the City Car market, but at the same time become a model 3 door first since they joined the VW group.
In addition to reflecting the Chevrolet design for the future, ultra also become the first model, which separated from the influence of design Daewoo. And for the first time they will be dealing directly with the Ford Focus.
