Mercedes R-Class gets better looking

I have always liked the idea of the R-Class, I've just never liked the family hauler in person.  Just compare the redesign model with the current edition below, see what I mean?

I doesn't look nearly as much like an ant eater.  Combine with the available BlueTEC diesel and I am very interested!  Of course, by interested I don't mean that I'd buy one.  The starting price on a current edition BlueTEC is $51,675 with delivery.  Throw in some popular options and you are looking at 60 grand and you  don't even get real leather for that price.

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Toyota makes it official: Lexus CT 200h hybrid will be sold in the United States

Lexus CT 200h (Courtesy: Lexus)

Toyota officially announced that its Lexus CT 200h hybrid hatchback will be sold in the USA and will make its North American debut at the New York International Auto Show.

The announcement ends months of "Will they?  Won't they?" speculation on whether or not the premium hatch will join the Lexus HS 250h as Lexus' second dedicated hybrid and fifth hybrid vehicle its United States line-up.

You can view a nice gallery of exterior and interior Lexus CT 200h photos in the slideshow below this linked slideshow.

The new CT 200h is arguably much better looking than the HS, but some petrol heads have wondered out loud if a premium Lexus hatch would resound with US buyers.

Conditions seem to be changing in the US market when it comes to hatchbacks.  One has MINI to thank largely for the acceptance of premium hatches here in the United States although a supporting case can certainly be made for the Volkswagen GTI.  Over the next few years, many well-equipped hatchbacks will be pouring into showrooms from a wide variety of manufacturers, a great development for US buyers.

A premium Lexus hatchback has been rumored since 2005 and was envisioned by master auto illustrator Mark Stehrenberger in this drawing (please note that while Autoblog used this picture in 2009, Mark actually penned it years in advance). 

If you read this CarSpyshots.net forum thread dating back to 2005,  it is interesting to read so many comments about how a Lexus hatchback would likely never be sold in the USA.  It is a testament to how far this market has come in five years that few question the decision today.

Full Toyota press release is quoted below:

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We don't have to wait for the weather, we make it

Pretty cool video on how GM tests its vehicles in a climatic wind tunnel. This place can range from -40F up to 140F. That means you can simulate Arctic Circle to Death Valley.

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2011 Volkswagen Touareg debuts: Weighs less, thriftier on fuel

2011 Volkswagen Touareg (Courtesy: Volkswagen)

The new Volkswagen Touareg is still very off-road capable but takes less of a "go anywhere" approach on the base model in trade for lighter weight and better fuel efficiency.
You can view more images of the 2011 Volkswagen Touareg in this linked slideshow.

The base model has been to Jenny Craig and has lost an amazing 460 pounds in the process.  There will be gasoline-hybrid, diesel and traditional gasoline powered models available.  All engine options will be yoked to an eight speed automatic transmission.  Overall the new 2011 Touareg is said to be 20 percent more efficient.

As mentioned above, Volkswagen did remove some extreme off-roading capability that most buyers never used from the base model, but you can get a "Terrain Tech Packet" (they'll probably change that name for US models) that features a more rugged transfer case designed for off-road duty, reduction gearing and center and rear differentials, each with up to 100 percent locking.

The interior of the first Touareg was always a highlight and the next generation looks to keep that streak going.  What remains to be seen is what Volkswagen has done about the quality of the Touareg.  The first generation model was dinged by many for faults continuously appearing.  At one point Volkswagen even handed out airline vouchers to disgruntled owners.

Provided that Volkswagen can get its quality house in order, the new Touareg looks be an attractive, efficient sequel to what was a very handsome original.

Full press release is quoted below:

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Honda Odyssey Concept foreshadows a more rakish 2011 production van

Honda Odyssey concept (Courtesy: Honda)

Honda has revealed a concept version of the next generation of its bestselling Odyssey minivan at the Chicago Auto Show.

Be sure to check out the this linked image gallery for all the official images of the Honda Odyssey concept.

The Odyssey "concept" is very close to the model that will be shipping to dealers later this year.  The most radical view of the van is its side profile with a "lightning-bolt" design that brings to mind the Lincoln MKT.  The roofline is 1 inch lower and the van is about 1.4 inches wider than the current model.

Honda is aiming for EPA ratings of 19 city and 28 highway.  Outside of those stated specifications, there were no other major details released today.  The interior was only shown in sketch form.

The full press release from Honda is quoted below.

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I'm back: Literally

After a rather painful back injury I am "back" on the case.  Thanks for all those who kept on stopping by.  Fresh content is headed your way soon!

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2011 Ford Edge debuts: Gets edgier styling

2011 Ford Edge shows off its new nose (Courtesy: Ford)

Ford debuted its new 2011 Ford Edge crossover last week at the Chicago Auto Show.

To view the new Ford Edge from all angles, check out the slideshow in this link which is packed great photography.

The first thing that the casual observer may notice is the Edge's new styling up front.  It looks like the Ford Edge is ready to go toe to toe with with GMC Terrain when it comes to boldness of design.

If that grille wasn't enough for you, how about the 22" wheels on the new Edge Sport model?  The Edge Sport also comes with a 3.7-liter V-6 engine, Tuxedo Black grille, smoked headlamp and taillamp treatment, body-color rocker moldings, oval chrome exhaust tips, body-color door cladding and revised body-color lower front and rear fascias.

The big news on the inside of the 2011 Ford Edge is the MyFord Touch driver connect technology.  MyFord Touch technology, which you have seen previously labeled as MyLincoln Touch in the 2011 Lincoln MKX offers various ways for the driver to control operate features in the car:

• Five-way buttons mounted on the steering wheel, naturally placed for a driver’s thumbs to control menu commands and select functions
• An 8-inch LCD screen in the center stack and 4.2-inch screens in the instrument cluster provide vehicle and infotainment information
• Voice control, including a new “flattened grammar” voice-control system that simplifies common commands and introduces voice control for more features, such as audio tuning and climate control

Ford continues its recent trend of emptying its technology cupboards for  the 2011 Edge with standard and available technologies such as Blind Spot Information System (BLIS®) with Cross Traffic Alert, MyKey™, Easy Fuel® Capless Fuel-Filler System, Intelligent Access with Push-Button Start, (pause to take a breath) Adaptive Cruise Control with Collision Warning with Brake Support, HD Radio™ technology with iTunes® Tagging capability, LED auxiliary lamps, rear view camera; rain-sensing wipers, remote start, available HID (high-intensity discharge) headlamps, power liftgate and mind control.  Okay, I made up the last feature, but I am sure Ford will soon add it.

In addition to a revised tire and wheel lineup, the 2011 Ford Edge has three engine choices, a retuned suspension, new four wheel disc brakes and many revisions to the subframe, glass and aero to create a quieter cabin.  Ford likes to tout the 2011 Edge as having "Less noise, More poise."

The 3.5-liter V-6 sticks around and produces 285 horsepower and 253 ft.-lb. of torque while the 3.7-liter V-6 in the Edge Sport delivers 305 horsepower and 280 ft.-lb. of torque.  A 2.0-liter EcoBoost I-4 will also offered.  Ford is not willing talk numbers on the EcoBoost mill, but it says that it will offer  "Best-in-class fuel economy and impressive performance and torque."

We will be finding out more about the 2011 Ford Edge as its arrival at Ford dealerships approaches.  Stay tuned to all the latest news by subscribing to this author's e-mail list and receive notification when a new article is fresh out of the oven.

 

 

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Ping Pong Balls and a Chevrolet Equinox?

Not exactly the "Smoke Monster" from Lost, but GM engineers ensure a quiet ride by filling a pressurized 2010 Chevrolet Equinox with smoke to test for leaks.   That sure is a lot of ping pong balls!

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Government to Owners: Don't Drive Recalled Toyota's

Well this is going to end well.  Nothing like showboating in front of Congress.  Full story is available here.

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Prius Brakes In Question?

No 'brakes' for Toyota!  Now the Prius is being investigated.  For more on this story, click here.

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Toyota's Shimmy, Shimmy Shake

Over the weekend I recorded a brief video clip on the Toyota accelerator issue. At that time, the official repair method for fixing cars already in customer's hands was not yet official, so I referred to the part as a "shim." We now know that it is not a shim but a "precision-cut steel reinforcement bar." Heh, heh I wonder how long it took them to come up with that language?

At any rate, this is supposed to prevent the pedal from sticking.  However, as I mention in the video, I am dubious that this is really that much of a problem.  Drivers who have experienced sudden acceleration do not describe a situation where the car surges forward and then slowly returns to regular speed, as you might expect with a sticky pedal that slowly returns to its default position.  Also, the drivers make no mention of noticing that the car had been exhibiting odd pedal feel prior to the event.  What is described is much more consistent with a sensor malfunction or software bug:  Something that happens once and then does not reoccur. 

What bothers me further is that if 2.3 million cars are going to get a shim, sorry,  precision-cut steel reinforcement bar, what are the chances that we are going to see some botched repairs causing accidents?  Toyota is going to push hard on dealers to get the repairs done and dealers will in turn have their mechanics working extra hours or hire additional workers who will not have as much experience to take up the slack.  Sounds like a recipe for trouble to me.  All this in the name of a repair that I sincerely doubt does much good and could potentially do some harm.

While I do not suspect some massive conspiracy, I do not believe that all of these cases can be attributed to floor mats and sticky pedals.  Well, that is my two cents on the issue.

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2010 Acura RDX SH-AWD review: Part one

2010 Acura RDX (Courtesy: MSheena)

Since the Acura RDX has been on the market for a few years, the brand decided that it was time for a slight refresh of the 2010 edition of the compact crossover.
 
In this link is a gallery of pictures I took of the RDX.  Be sure to check them out!

The first order of business was grafting on the new corporate nose.  To say that the shield grille has caused its fair share of controversy is an understatement, but in this application it looks just fine.  Click the read more link below to continue on...

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Give 'em Hell: Whitacre made permanent General Motors CEO

Edward E. Whitacre, Jr (Courtesy: General Motors)

In a move that surprised few, General Motors announced that Edward E. Whitacre, Jr., has agreed to continue as chairman and CEO of the company.

Whitacre is certainly no shrinking violet and has been very vocal since joining the company, becoming the star of commercials that helped to relaunch the company after bankruptcy and stacking the General's management ranks with his own appointees.

This isn't General Motors' first encounter with a strong willed Texan, many might recall the company's infamous showdown with Ross Perot back in the 1980s.

In a statement to the press, Whitacre stated,

The board of directors asked if I would be willing to stay on at GM and help continue the company's road back to success.  Having spent the past few months learning the business, meeting with our employees, customers and dealers, and working with the GM leadership team, I was both honored and pleased to accept this role. This is a great company with an even greater future, and I want to be part of it.

 Although General Motors had retained an executive search firm to help find a permanent CEO, it is unclear how much consideration was truly given to anyone other than Whitacre with the New York Times reporting that the search firm never presented a list of candidates to the board.

The "Given 'em Hell" phrase used in the title of this article was rumored to be have been said by Whitacre to his hand picked replacement, Randall Stephenson, as CEO of AT&T.

 

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General Motors engineer gives us the lowdown on Ecotec 2.4

Chris Meagher, chief engineer for the Ecotec 2.4, was kind enough to spend a few minutes with me to discuss the engine.

For those who don't know, GMs Ecotec 2.4L I-4 has been awarded Wards Auto World magazines 2010 10 Best Engines for North America. The direct injected engine with variable valve timing helps deliver segment-best highway fuel economy in GM's new crossovers, the Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain. The engine also debuts in the all-new Buick LaCrosse and Regal sedans this year.

Chris was also able to give me a brief overview of the 1.4 Turbo Ecotec, you'll see this baby in the Chevrolet Cruze.  The 1.4T was also fitted into the Aveo RS concept at the Detroit auto show.



General Motors covered my expenses so that I could attend the 2010 North American International Auto Show

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Buick Regal pricing revealed: Starts at $27,000

2011 Buick Regal (Courtesy: General Motors)

Buick has just announced today the retail pricing for the 2011 Buick Regal.

You can view the 2011 Buick Regal up close and personal in this linked slideshow and this gallery of official General Motors imagery.

The initial model run, which will be built in Germany, will be higher end models.  Therefore the "starting" price will be $26,995 (which includes $750 destination charge) for a premium CXL model.  For comparison's sake, the LaCrosse CXL costs $30,395 and the Acura TSX runs $30,120 (with $810 destination).  For those opting for the turbo model, and why wouldn't you, the starting price is $29,495 with destination.

The 2011 Buick Regal was revealed in Hollywood and I was there to cover the action.  You can read all about it in Part One:  2011 Buick Regal live in Hollywood: Up close and personal and Part Two:  2011 Buick Regal going rogue? From the Autobahn with love. 

For those reading through to the end of this story, I have a tasty little morsel.  In chatting with a certain GM employee at the Detroit Auto Show, it was hinted that the Buick Regal GS concept will not be the only Regal variant that we will see.  What does that mean?  Could there be even more powerful models on tap?  I suggested that a station wagon model was being hinted at, but in fact while a wagon may be considered, that was not what this particular employee was suggesting.  I could not pry any more details from Buick staffers at the show, but stay tuned!

Buick press release is shown after the "read more" link below:

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Helen Mirren and the Chevrolet Eqinox fuel cell electric vehicle

I'll be honest, I never thought much about Helen Mirren. Prime Suspect was a great show and her movie role have earned her many awards. Still, I didn't think much more about her until those famous bikini photos...

Well, I digress, what we have here today is Helen taking an Chevrolet Equinox fuel cell for a spin.  Ms. Mirren is part of the Project Driveway program that puts commoners and not so commoners into the Equinox fuel cell vehicles as part of a market test.  Enjoy!

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Visiting the 2010 San Mateo International Sportsmen’s Exposition

The 34th Annual San Mateo International Sportsmen’s Exposition (ISE), is in full swing at the San Mateo County Event Center through Sunday, January 17, 2010.  The family and I had a chance to visit the show on Friday and the kids had a great time checking out the boats and trying their hand at fishing.

You can check out my previous post  for the full press release and list of activities for this year's show.  For example, there is a rock wall that older children were having a lot of fun climbing.

ISE is being held at the San Mateo County Event Center, located at 2495 South Delaware Street in San Mateo, Calif., 94403. lSE show remaining hours are:  Saturday from 10 a.m. - 7 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Entrance is $15 for adults; and free entrance for children 15 and younger. Discount coupons, tickets and more information are available at www. SportsExpos.com. Parking is $8 per car.

If you miss the San Mateo show, the next stop will be Sacramento from January 21, 2010 through January 24, 2010 at the Cal Expo, State Fairgrounds.

ISE provided tickets for my family to attend the show.

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Cadillac XTS Platinum Concept: Pictures and video interview with interior designer

Cadillac XTS Platinum Concept (Courtesy:  MSheena)

Cadillac's big news yesterday at the Detroit Auto Show was the introduction of the Cadillac XTS Platinum Concept.  To learn more about the XTS, view this linked slideshow.

The XTS foreshadows the STS / DTS replacement model that will unify Cadillac's large sedan portfolio.  The "Platinum" part of the title is a sub-brand that combined with the V-Series will mean that each Cadillac model will have either a more premium or sporty variant throughout the lineup.  For example, there is an Escalade Platinum, but do not look for a V-Series to appear.  However, a production XTS could theoretically spawn both Platinum and V-Series editions.

The concept sports both AWD and hybrid technologies.  All wheel drive is almost mandatory as a front wheel drive flagship sedan would not be the image the Cadillac wishes to convey.  I sincerely doubt that FWD will be available on any trim level.  A hybrid option would also be important match the competition.
When asked how close this concept is to the production model, GM Design Chief Ed Welburn answered simply "We don't have time to mess around."

I had a chance to interview the XTS's interior designer Christine Park.  She did such a great job of presenting everything that we discussed in the video clip embedded below that I will not bother to recap it here.



General Motors covered my expenses so that I could attend the Detroit Auto Show.

For more info: Read the full press release from Cadillac.

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GMC Granite: My top pick from the 2010 Detroit Auto Show

GMC introduced its Granite concept at the North American International Auto Show this week. When I heard about the Granite from fellow bloggers who had attended preview events hosted by General Motors, I cannot say that I was that excited. The vehicle was described at a Scion xB, Kia Soul, Nissan Cube type of vehicle. Been there, done that I thought to myself.  I was wrong, click read more to find out why...

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GMC Granite video clip

Here is more info on the GMC Granite, one of the top picks for me from 2010 NAIAS.

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