Honda Accord Crosstour

Honda Accord Crosstour

Consider the new Honda Accord Crosstour, which joins a nascent group of vehicles trying to carve out a niche between conventional sedans and crossover utility vehicles, which are themselves supposed to be more carlike than truck-based, body-on-frame S.U.V.’s. The Crosstour slides into Honda’s lineup between the Accord sedan and the Pilot utility vehicle. Other similar new entries are the Toyota Venza, Acura ZDX and BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo. All have a sloping fastback on a slightly oversize crossover body. Any could play the lead if Pixar followed up its movie “Cars” with “The Hatchback of Notre Dame.”

The problem is, fastbacks look good only on small cars, a lesson that carmakers relearn every decade or so. In the 1960s, the Rambler Marlin was the teacher. In the ’70s, it was the A.M.C. Matador coupe. At the end of that decade, Buick and Oldsmobile saddled their Century and Cutlass Salon models with sloping rear ends before quickly reversing course amid public revulsion. More recently? Well, need we mention the Pontiac Aztek?

In pictures, the Honda Accord Crosstour looks like a four-door Accord onto which a big, sloping rear end has been grafted. Seen in person, it’s clear that the Crosstour is a bigger — longer, taller — car. Indeed, the two share no exterior body panels.

What’s surprising is that the bigger Crosstour has no more passenger room. (The difference is less than 1 percent, as measured by the Environmental Protection Agency.) In the Crosstour, the driver and passengers sit about two inches higher, and the car easily accommodates a six-foot passenger behind a six-foot driver. There’s also no crouching down — or climbing up — to get in.

Inside, you see a dashboard lifted from the Accord. The Crosstour doesn’t bother with the regular Accord’s lower trim levels. It starts as an EX for $30,380 — that’s $2,865 more than an EX sedan. The EX-L, at $33,280, adds leather and a few minor niceties. EX-L buyers are invited to spend even more on a navigation system with backup camera ($2,200) and all-wheel drive ($1,450).

Ford Escape Hybrid, 2010

Inclement weather or and off-road treks are always good ways test an SUV. I didn’t do either in my week with the Escape. But a solid week of mixed city and freeway driving also gives a good idea of a vehicle’s versatility. In parking lots, vision is fine for what seems to be all-too-tight conditions in modern-day malls. On the freeway, the Escape handled itself with confidence. In the SUV segment, the Escape is quiet on the open road.

Ford Escape Hybrid Interior

There’s ample comfort for front and rear-seat passengers and everything is designed cleanly, if conservatively. The look is square, not curved. Functionality rules over any semblance of plushness. Still, the look is handsome considering the segment. Black plastic dominates the console, and it’s attractive. It’s also likely prone to easy scratching.

Dials, knobs, door handles, the glovebox and cupholders are easy to use, with the illuminated cupholders a clever idea not found in many luxury vehicles. Leather seats are optional and the beige seats matched against the black console works like a pair of saddle shoes.

Ford Escape Hybrid Exterior

Manufacturers are keen on trying different color shades. Green was once the most popular color choice for cars, but it was long ago replaced by white. The exterior paint color of my weekly test drive Escape was Kiwi Green Metallic. It’s not a neutral color choice by any definition. It’s an all-or-none color. I thought the color looked classy; Plenty of friends disliked the color. The boxy body style has remained unchanged since 2008.

Ford Escape Hybrid Performance

When braking or decelerating, the Escape’s hybrid system uses regenerative braking, where the electric drive motor becomes a generator, converting the vehicle’s momentum back to electricity for storage in the batteries.

With 155 hp (116 kW), the Hybrid Escape has nearly the same acceleration performance as the conventional 200 hp (150 kW) V6 Escape.

As a result, the hybrid’s acceleration in my experiences during the past few years, remains the same as the non-hybrid — with one exception. On step inclines or long, steady grades, the hybrid is underpowered.

Likes:

Illuminated entry.

Illuminated (bright blue) cupholders.

Handsome coordination of blue and red back-lighting on instrument panel.

Crisp digital radio and rear view camera screen.

Comfortable seats.

Dislikes:

Black plastic on console. Looks clean, scratches easily.

Must release foot brake by hand. It’s not an easy reach.

2010 Ford Escape Hybrid LTD: Facts & Figures

Acceleration: 0-60 mph (8.9 seconds, gas engine); hybrid untested.
Airbags: Front, front side and side curtain airbags.
Antilock brakes: Standard
First aid kit: N/A
Fuel economy (EPA estimates) 34 mpg (city), 31 mpg (highway)
Government Safety Ratings: Front driver/passenger (five stars); Side crash frojt (five stars), rear seat (five stars); Rollover (three stars).
Horsepower: 155.
Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price: $32,260.00
Price As tested: $35,775.00
Warranty: Bumper to bumper, 3 years/36,000 miles; Powertrain, 5 years/unlimited miles; Corrosion, 6 years/100,000 miles; Roadside Assistance, 5 years/60,000 miles.
Web site: www.fordvehicles.com.

What Others Say:

“The Escape is a hybrid SUV with solid moves at an affordable price for which no excuses need be made.” —- Car and Drive.

“The Escape Hybrid is also a very functional mini-SUV that’s enjoyable to drive and quite dependable.” —- CNN Money.

“The Escape Hybrid delivers a unique combination of hybrid fuel efficiency, SUV utility and a sort of rugged and refined style that’s appropriate for both downtowns and campgrounds.” —- Kelley Blue Book.

2010 Kia Soul

Designed in California and manufactured in South Korea for a global market, the Kia Soul joins the expanding and economical box-style segment manufacturers prefer to call mini MPVs (multi passenger vehicles). The Scion xB and the Nissan Cube are competitors.

The Soul debuted at the Paris Motor Show in 2008, it was first available in February 2009 in Europe and a month later debuted in North American dealerships.

With its varied trims, engines, colors and accessory options, Kia proudly declares the 2010 Soul is available in more than 10,000 combinations.

The Weekly Driver Test Drive

By coincidence, I drove in consecutive weekly test drives, the Nissan Cube followed by the Kia Soul. Both vehicles are innovative and in some ways, they’re a lot of alike — versatile, Utilitarian Hatchback Vehicles or UHVs (I made up the term.)

I primarily drove the Soul in city jaunts, the grocery store and other routine life tasks. Like the Nissan Cube and Scion xB, it’s nimble and a lot of fun while scooting around town. Parking lots, parallel parking, U-turns — all easily handled.

I’m about as far removed from being a soccer mom as possible. And nor am I a youth baseball coach. The trio of box cars leaders won’t car the whole team and the supplies. But the Soul is a good, economical alternative for transporting about half the team.

Kia Soul Interior

The Soul is the first Kia that breaks the manufacturer’s traditional simple equation: economy means boring. The instrumentation panel and console features are still straight-forward, but they’re now curved and come in color patterns, matched with an interior decorator’s closest of upholstery offerings, including two-tone and sometimes non-matching seats and console.

One oddity: There’s plenty of leg and head room. But that means Kia has opted for the comfort of the passengers (a good thing), and not a lot of room for passengers’ stuff.

Kia Soul Exterior

While grouped in the box-and-wheels segment, Kia Soul designers have taken the best features of other models, like the Sonata, and incorporated those curves and refinement into the Soul. It’s the most stylish of the three major players in the class.

Kia Soul Performance

I like manual-drive cars, and it’s a treat to shift gears in a vehicle one might expect to be offered only as an automatic. The five-speed manual shifts smoothly and the zero to 60 mph standard test rating of 8.8 seconds seems soft. The Soul seems surprisingly quick for its segment and its 2.0-liter, 142-horsepower numbers. Neither the Cube nor Soul are quiet on the highway, but the Soul ride gets more bumpy at higher speeds. The 18-inch wheels help the cause.

Likes:

Like all Kia models, the good-value pricing and industry-leading warranty are hard to ignore.

What’s your favorite color or three? The Soul has a near unlimited supply of color schemes.

Great head and leg rooms for front and rear seat passengers.

2010 Porsche 911 GT3 R

Following the Porsche 911 GT3 Cup, Porsche unveiled the 911 GT3 R, a race car based on the international FIA GT3 regulations that succeed the 911 GT3 Cup S. Porsche says that the main focus on creating another GT3 Cup model was to offer better drivability and even easier handling.


The 911 GT3 R is powered by a four-litre six-cylinder boxer engine delivering maximum output of 480 bhp (353 kW) transmitted to the rear axle by a sequential six-speed dog gearbox.


The Porsche 911 GT3 R will make its world debut on Jan. 14, 2010 at the Birmingham Motor Show. Prices for the model start at 279,000 euros plus local sales tax/VAT.

2010 Acura TSX V-6 in Details and pictures

Acura debuted an all-new V-6 model for its TSX sports sedan line-up at the Chicago Auto Show today. Scheduled to go on sale this summer, the 2010 TSX V-6 will be equipped with a powerful 3.5-liter engine, exclusive suspension tuning, larger diameter wheels and additional enhancements.

"The automotive market may be slowing down, but not Acura," said Jeff Conrad, vice president of Acura sales. "With improved acceleration and handling, the new 280 horsepower V-6 adds even more sport to the already sporty nature of the popular TSX sports sedan."

Since its redesign last year, the TSX has shattered sales records to become one of Acura's best-selling sedans. As the entry point to the Acura brand, the four-cylinder TSX has won over customers with its nimble handling, agile driving feel and balanced performance. The V-6 model adds a new level of power on top of these winning traits for a more sporty and spirited driving experience. The V-6 will surely satisfy driving enthusiast's appetite for a fun-to-drive, yet refined sports sedan.

With the introduction of a V-6 powered TSX, Acura will fill a niche in its lineup between the four-cylinder TSX and the all-new TL performance luxury sedan. With the TL moving more upscale following its redesign in the 2009 model year, the TSX V-6 will be aimed squarely at youthful buyers who want a performance-oriented sports sedan in a more personal size.

Powertrain
A new TSX powertrain choice means performance luxury buyers can enjoy a 280 horsepower 3.5L V-6, with sophisticated VTEC® valvetrain control and a dual-stage induction system. For maximum performance and efficiency, the engine will be coupled to Acura's Sequential SportShift automatic transmission, with intelligent features such as Grade Logic Control and Shift Hold Control. If the driver desires, the Sequential SportShift transmission can also be operated manually, via steering-wheel mounted F1®-style paddle shifters.

Body/Chassis
The new TSX model will feature a state-of-the-art, double-wishbone front and multilink rear suspension system to provide excellent ride, handling and control. To generate sportier handling, the V-6 model will also use exclusive suspension tuning along with 18-inch split five-spoke aluminum wheels, fit with Michelin Pilot all-season tires. The larger wheels and tires will help distinguish this performance- minded TSX, as does the slightly revised front fascia and a V-6 badge on the trunk.
The TSX V-6 model will be generously equipped with the latest advancements in safety technology and is anticipated to achieve the highest ratings in both government (NHTSA)* and independent (IIHS) crash testing - including garnering IIHS's TOP SAFETY PICK.

Interior
Like all Acura models, the new TSX will feature an exceptional level of standard equipment, including leather-appointed interior, power moonroof, automatic climate control, a premium seven-speaker sound system with CD, AM/FM tuner, XM® Satellite Radio, Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink® , USB port and AUX jack music interface and more.

Similar to the four-cylinder TSX, the V-6 model will be available with the optional Technology Package that includes the AcuralinkTM satellite navigation system with rear-view camera and the Acura/ELS Surround® premium audio system for a top-in-class audio experience.

The introduction of the TSX V-6 at the Chicago Auto Show is the first step in a series of major advancements to the 2010 Acura lineup. Almost every Acura sedan and SUV will receive significant enhancements for the 2010 model year.

2010 Acura ZDX

The all-new provocative 2010 ZDX four-door sports coupe will arrive at Acura dealerships with dramatic styling, outstanding performance and the latest in advanced technology. The segment bending ZDX features stunning coupe-like styling with the added benefit of a commanding presence and flexible utility. Staying true to the prototype model that debuted at the 2009 New York Auto Show in April, the production ZDX will feature the key design highlights of a panoramic glass roof, hidden rear door handles and bold fender flares.

Along with head-turning styling, the ZDX will boast outstanding performance from its 3.7-liter V-6 engine mated to an all-new 6-speed automatic transmission. The 3.7-liter SOHC V-6 all-aluminum engine will generate 300 horsepower and 270 lb-ft of torque for immediate acceleration response, outstanding low- and mid-range torque and superior high-rpm power. The 6-speed automatic transmission with steering wheel mounted paddle shifters gives the ZDX excellent acceleration while also enhancing fuel economy. Standard on the ZDX is Acura's exclusive Super Handling All-Wheel DriveTM (SH-AWD®) system. The SH-AWD® system expands the ZDX's appeal by providing outstanding handling as well as superior all-season capability. Standard on the ZDX are 19-inch, 7-spoke alloy wheels; the largest standard wheel in the Acura lineup.

Inside, the ZDX exhibits the highest levels of refinement and sophistication. Every ZDX interior will feature a hand-stitched leather dash, panels and sculpted center console. The rich leather appointments give the ZDX a warm and inviting feeling while creating an intimate cockpit for the driver and passenger.

The ZDX's flexible utility enables customers to have great utility coupled with sleek styling. The ZDX can seat up to five adults while maintaining a generous amount of cargo space behind the second row of seats. The cargo area can also be expanded to accommodate longer objects, such as golf bags, by removing side panels in the cargo-compartment sidewalls. As an added bonus, there is an integrated under-floor storage area.

When the ZDX goes on sale this winter, customers will have the choice of three distinct trim levels: ZDX, ZDX with Technology Package and the ultra premium, ZDX with Advance Package. Like all Acura models, the ZDX will come generously equipped from the start. The panoramic glass roof with moveable sunshades, hand-stitched leather interior, HandsFreeLinkTM Bluetooth® connectivity, power tailgate, and a high powered audio system with CD player, AM/FM/XM radio and USB audio interface with iPod® integration are all standard features.

The ZDX with Technology Package adds several features including a Navigation System with Voice RecognitionTM, an Acura/ELS Surround® premium audio system and a new multi-view rear camera. The Advance Package boasts additional customer enhancing technologies like a blind spot information system, a Collision Mitigating Braking SystemTM (CMBSTM), and Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC).

When the ZDX goes on-sale, it will bring a new level of prestige to the Acura lineup. The ZDX will be priced and positioned between the MDX luxury SUV and the RL luxury sedan. Pricing and additional details will be released at a later date.

Suzuki Equator ICON

ICON Vehicle Dynamics will premiere at this year's SEMA show in Las Vegas the Suzuki Equator ICON. ICON Vehicle Dynamics used Suzuki’s award-winning Equator platform as its base and with the assistance of a variety of Southern California-based suppliers, was able to assemble a more aggressive interpretation of Suzuki’s off-road vehicle.

The Equator’s class-leading 4.0 liter V6 is amplified by Doug Thorley long-tube headers and cat-back exhaust. The Suzuki Equator ICON comes with a custom suspension with performance coilovers in front and 2.5-inch piggyback shocks supporting linked to Total Chaos upper control arms. ICON has given it Goodyear Wrangler MT/R tires mounted to Trail Ready bead-lock wheels. Protecting the Equator’s bodywork are Bushwacker fender flares. For utility and safety, the car is provided with AMP Research bed extender and LightForce lights.

[Source: Suzuki]

Mazda RX-Z Concept

The Mazda RX-Z concept is a proposal for a 2+2 sports coupe to replace the aging Mazda RX-8. The design was conceived by Andrus Ciprian, a design student from Romania whose previous work includes the Dacia MC concept. Like the MC the RX-Z concept was created using the 3d modeling program 3D Studio Max, and rendered with the help of Mental Ray.

The RX-Z was developed as Ciprian puts it; "as a link between fossil fuel cars and more ecological ones." To achieve this the proposed drivetrain for the concept includes a 3.0 litre V6 diesel engine up front - which replaces the notoriously thirsty rotary engine from the RX-8. And a pair of electric motors at the rear. Under normal conditions the RX-Z would be driven solely by the diesel engine. But at low speeds around town the electric drive can be used on its own for emission free motoring. At higher speeds the electric motors work in conjunction with the V6 engine to provide a boost function. A start/stop technology which is integrated into the engine further increases fuel efficiency.

Like the RX-8 the RX-Z concept is equipped with four doors. The rear doors are half-sized and hinged at the rear. This helps to disguise them into the bodywork and reduce their impact on the flowing lines of the car.

One of the more unusual features of the Mazda RX-Z concept is the rear light panel. In the middle is a display screen which can light up with any text written by the driver. Presumably you can only 'write' on the back of your car when stopped, otherwise this would be one surefire way of either getting in a crash or getting in trouble!

2010 Acura ZDX Detail

The all-new provocative 2010 ZDX four-door sports coupe will arrive at Acura dealerships with dramatic styling, outstanding performance and the latest in advanced technology. The segment bending ZDX features stunning coupe-like styling with the added benefit of a commanding presence and flexible utility. Staying true to the prototype model that debuted at the 2009 New York Auto Show in April, the production ZDX will feature the key design highlights of a panoramic glass roof, hidden rear door handles and bold fender flares.

Along with head-turning styling, the ZDX will boast outstanding performance from its 3.7-liter V-6 engine mated to an all-new 6-speed automatic transmission. The 3.7-liter SOHC V-6 all-aluminum engine will generate 300 horsepower and 270 lb-ft of torque for immediate acceleration response, outstanding low- and mid-range torque and superior high-rpm power. The 6-speed automatic transmission with steering wheel mounted paddle shifters gives the ZDX excellent acceleration while also enhancing fuel economy. Standard on the ZDX is Acura's exclusive Super Handling All-Wheel DriveTM (SH-AWD®) system. The SH-AWD® system expands the ZDX's appeal by providing outstanding handling as well as superior all-season capability. Standard on the ZDX are 19-inch, 7-spoke alloy wheels; the largest standard wheel in the Acura lineup.

Inside, the ZDX exhibits the highest levels of refinement and sophistication. Every ZDX interior will feature a hand-stitched leather dash, panels and sculpted center console. The rich leather appointments give the ZDX a warm and inviting feeling while creating an intimate cockpit for the driver and passenger.

The ZDX's flexible utility enables customers to have great utility coupled with sleek styling. The ZDX can seat up to five adults while maintaining a generous amount of cargo space behind the second row of seats. The cargo area can also be expanded to accommodate longer objects, such as golf bags, by removing side panels in the cargo-compartment sidewalls. As an added bonus, there is an integrated under-floor storage area.

When the ZDX goes on sale this winter, customers will have the choice of three distinct trim levels: ZDX, ZDX with Technology Package and the ultra premium, ZDX with Advance Package. Like all Acura models, the ZDX will come generously equipped from the start. The panoramic glass roof with moveable sunshades, hand-stitched leather interior, HandsFreeLinkTM Bluetooth® connectivity, power tailgate, and a high powered audio system with CD player, AM/FM/XM radio and USB audio interface with iPod® integration are all standard features.

The ZDX with Technology Package adds several features including a Navigation System with Voice RecognitionTM, an Acura/ELS Surround® premium audio system and a new multi-view rear camera. The Advance Package boasts additional customer enhancing technologies like a blind spot information system, a Collision Mitigating Braking SystemTM (CMBSTM), and Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC).

When the ZDX goes on-sale, it will bring a new level of prestige to the Acura lineup. The ZDX will be priced and positioned between the MDX luxury SUV and the RL luxury sedan. Pricing and additional details will be released at a later date.

McLaren F1 LM Pictures

McLaren F1 LM

McLaren F1 LM

2010 Acura ZDX pictures and specification

2010 Acura ZDX Front View

2010 Acura ZDX Wallpaper

2010 Coda EV Pictures

2010 Coda EV

2010 Coda EV

2010 Coda EV

September car sales result

U.S. light-vehicle sales totals, individual automaker results and market share for September compared with September 2008.
	SEPTEMBER			2008
Maker	volume	% change from 2008	% mkt share	YTD volume	% change from 2008	YTD % mkt share
GM	155,679	-45%	20.9%	1,536,903	-36.3%	19.7%
Toyota	126,015	-12.6%	16.9%	1,296,424	-27.7%	16.6%
Ford	114,241	-5.1%	15.3%	1,234,104	-22.3%	15.8%
Honda	77,229	-20.1%	10.4%	884,136	-25.1%	11.3%
Chrysler	62,197	-42.1%	8.3%	715,516	-39.5%	9.2%
Nissan	55,393	-7%	7.4%	580,296	-26.1%	7.4%
Hyundai	31,511	27.2%	4.2%	342,217	1.3%	4.4%
Volkswagen	24,722	-0.9%	3.3%	220,582	-9.6%	2.8%
Kia	21,623	24.4%	2.9%	238,570	4.6%	3.1%
BMW	19,201	3.6%	2.6%	179,480	-24.1%	2.3%
Mercedes	16,995	-9.6%	2.3%	135,512	-23.6%	1.7%
Subaru	14,593	0.7%	2%	158,421	10.2%	2%
Mazda	14,234	-12%	1.9%	160,189	-25.6%	2%
Mitsubishi	4,712	-36.1%	0.6%	42,839	-46.5%	0.5%
Suzuki	1,861	-54.4%	0.2%	33,525	-55%	0.4%
Jaguar/Landrover	3,106	-13.5%	0.4%	27,059	-23.3%	0.3%
Porsche	1,581	8.4%	0.2%	14,310	-32.1%	0.2%
Smart	814	-54.2%	0.1%	12,421	-31.6%	0.2%
Ferrari	160	52.4%	0%	1,018	-17.5%	0.0%
Maserati	130	-34.7%	0%	949	-50.8%	0.0%
Isuzu	0	-100%	0%	165	-96.1%	0.0%
TOTAL	745,997	-22.7%	100%	7,814,636	-27.4%	100%
GM includes Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, GMC, Hummer, Pontiac, Saab and Saturn. Ford includes Lincoln, Mercury and Volvo. Chrysler includes Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep, Volkswagen includes Audi and Bentley. BMW includes Mini and Rolls-Royce. Toyota includes Lexus and Scion. Honda includes Acura. Nissan includes Infiniti.
Figures are not adjusted for selling days. Source: Autodata Corp.

Reva NXG and NXR

Scheduled to enter production in early 2010 is the NXR (NeXt Reva), an electric car powered by a lithium-ion battery. Carmaker REVA Electric Car Company (REVA) displayed the car alongside the NXG (NeXt Generation), REVA’s supercar that is believed to be produced starting 2011. The NXR is a three-door, four-seater hatchback that could reach a maximum speed of 104 kph (65 mph) and could travel for 160 km (100 miles) per charge. Recharging can be completed in 90 minutes due to a special fast charging system, with the normal restoring process lasting around eight hours. The NXR is claimed to offer an effective range of 320 km per day. On the other hand, the NXG is a two-door two-seat model with a targa top that has an autonomy of 200 km (125 miles) per charge. In addition, official records of the company say that maximum speed is around 130 km/h (80 mph).

2010 Maserati GranCabrio at the Frankfurt Motor Show

This is the 2010 Maserati GranCabrio, which was launched at the Frankfurt Motor Show. It will go on sale next March after several years of revisions to the car’s size and mechanical make-up.The new Maserati GranCabrio, is essentially a GranTurismo minus the roof rather than the shorter car that was originally developed.

That car formed the basis of the Ferrari California, retaining the first Maserati’s folding hard-top.. The convertible Maserati now has a fabric roof instead, which will help to compensate for the extra bracing that engineers will have added to retain the car’s stiffness.That bracing will add weight, and with the GranTurismo S weighing in at 1880kg, the GranCabrio could get very close to two tonnes. As a result it uses the more powerful 4.7-litre V8 from the GranTurismo S, with 433bhp at 7000rpm and 362lb ft at 4750rpm. Maserati’s torque converter automatic gearbox will be available with paddle shifters.There’s no confirmation of performance from Maserati but expect it to be slightly slower than a GranTurismo S; it should crack 0-60mph in around 5.5sec and a top speed of around 180mph.