By Kurt Gensheimer

Blings:

• Two powerful and fuel-efficient engines
• Stabilitrak standard on all models
• Flexible and Usable
• Options Galore

Dings:

• Poor visibility out rear window
• Rev limiter kicks in right at redline
• Options Galore

Ruling: For those who like options with their small utility vehicle, look no further.

When the Pontiac Vibe and Toyota Matrix - sister cars built through a joint venture in Fremont, CA - were released in 2002, they represented a new direction in practical yet fun cars. When people first saw them, some were confused as to what they were supposed to be. It looked part minivan, part hatchback and part sports sedan. Some call it a “small crossover”. Whatever the classification, after six model years of successful sales, the Vibe and Matrix have sold quite well. But like any car that’s gone six years without a redesign, it’s look has become a bit tired. So when GM designers and engineers sat down to create the 2009 Pontiac Vibe, they wanted to make sure the ‘part minivan’ part no longer registered in the minds of potential buyers, so they styled it, contoured it and chopped a little off the roof. They also focused on improving it’s ride quality, powertrain options and interior noise levels. Read the rest of this entry »

	“Let’s Refuel America” available throughout the U.S. exclusively at Chrysler, Jeep® and Dodge dealerships through June 2, 2008 Three-year price protection from volatile gas prices available on compact, mid-size and full-size models, minivans, crossovers and pickup truck models Seventy-six percent of customers cite rising gas prices as “top concern”

Auburn Hills, Mich., May 5, 2008 - In response to direct customer feedback citing the prospect of rising gas prices as a top concern, Chrysler LLC today announces its own economic stimulus package: an exclusive gas price protection policy that eliminates the risk of further spikes in fuel prices. With the U.S. purchase of eligible Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge vehicles, customers can enroll in the “Let’s Refuel America” program and receive a gas card that immediately lowers their gas price to $2.99 a gallon, and keeps it there for three years. The offer is available at 3,511 U.S. Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge dealerships through June 2, 2008, and is available on vehicles ranging from popular new compacts, crossovers and minivans to full-size diesel-powered pickup trucks.“Today we are proud to introduce an unprecedented program to help put customers’ minds at ease and do something to help working people who are worried about the volatility of fuel prices and vehicle cost of ownership,” said Jim Press, Vice-Chairman and President, Chrysler LLC. “The Let’s Refuel America Price Guarantee puts money in your pocket today, and allows our customers to better manage their fuel expenses. And you can’t get it anywhere else besides a Chrysler, Jeep or Dodge dealership.”The Let’s Refuel America program offers consumers a combination of the fuel price protection program and additional bonus cash up to $3,000 on available vehicles, including Chrysler PT Cruiser, Dodge Charger, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Dodge Dakota and Dodge Ram.

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638 Hp From The Supercharged LS9 V-8

PONTIAC, Mich. – When it was introduced at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit earlier this year, the 2009 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1’s power was estimated at 100 horsepower for each of its 6.2 liters of displacement. GM Powertrain has completed SAE certification of the ZR1’s supercharged LS9 V-8 and the results exceed the estimate: 638 horsepower (476 kW) and 604 lb.-ft. of torque (819 Nm).

The LS9’s output is nearly 103 horses per liter, or just about 1.7 horses for each of the engine’s 376 cubic inches. It is unquestionably the most powerful automotive production engine ever manufactured by General Motors and enables the Corvette ZR1 to achieve a top speed of more than 200 mph (322 km/h). Read the rest of this entry »

DETROIT - Consumers looking to squeeze the most mileage from every gallon of gas will find much to appreciate with the new Chevy Cobalt XFE. It delivers a segment-best 36 mpg in highway driving, outdistancing competitors like the Honda Civic, Ford Focus and Toyota Corolla.

The Cobalt XFE - for Xtra Fuel Economy - is on sale now and includes LS and 1LT coupe and sedan models with the manual transmission. It uses revised engine calibration, low rolling-resistance tires, a new, 3.74:1 final drive ratio and other technologies to achieve an EPA-estimated mileage rating of 25 mpg in the city and 36 on the highway. That’s an improvement of more than 9 percent over the previous highway mileage. Read the rest of this entry »

11 Gas Saving Tips

With gasoline and diesel prices continually rising at an astronomic rate, people are looking for ways to keep their fuel bills from devastating their already tight budget. Without investing into a hybrid or some other alternative fuel vehicle - which has an huge initial cost - you can go a little farther on that tank of gas and realize some immediate results by using some or all of the following gas saving tips. We compiled an easy list of things you can do right away and make fewer trips to the gas station.

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By Kurt Gensheimer

Blings:

• Raucous 361 HP 6.0 Liter V8 for under $30K
• Rear-Wheel Drive
• Active fuel-management system
• No Navigation

Dings:

• No manual tranny and no paddle shifters
• Oil and volt gauges out of a 1984 6000 STE
• No Navigation

Ruling: Chalk one up for the merits of Globalization. Read the rest of this entry »

by Gary Chan

Pros

• Comfortable seats
• Quiet cruising
• Smooth acceleration

Cons

• Gas mileage (no where near 27 mpg)
• Brake dive
• Plastic interior not well implemented

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The new Audi Q5:
• The Audi Q5 builds on the foundation established by the Audi Q7, and strengthens Audi’s presence in the SUV segment.
• The Audi Q5 will be offered in the USA as a 3.2 V6 FSI direct injection with quattro® all wheel drive and a six speed Tiptronic transmission.
• The Audi Q5 will be the first Audi offering with Generation 3 MMI, and navigation with real-time traffic information.

Ingolstadt – The new Audi Q5 combines the dynamism of a sports sedan with highly variable interior and versatile options for leisure-time and family use. Strong and efficient engines, quattro permanent all-wheel drive and agile running gear have been brought together to create a superior technology package for both on- and off-road driving. The sportiest SUV in its class is dynamic, multifunctional and comfortable. Read the rest of this entry »

by Alex Kramer

Screaming fast turbo-charged engine? Check. Wide grippy tires? Check. Wind in your hair convertible top? Check. Head turning design? Check. New respect for Saturn from the car enthusiast crowd? Check!

Pros:

• Grin inducing acceleration
• Well balanced suspension
• True high performance tires
• “Look at me!” exterior design
• Lots of speed for little cash

Cons:

• Automatic transmission needs a manual mode
• Finicky convertible top
• Cheap interior plastic
• No cargo room

Read the rest of this entry »