January 31, 2008

Isuzu Motors Limited(President Susumu Hosoi; “Isuzu”) has decided to end its North American SUV (Sport Utility Vehicle) new vehicle sales business as of January 31. 2009.

This decision to end the SUV new vehicle sales business was made because there are no forecasts for continuation of the SUV business through introduction of a next-generation vehicle model or a Isuzu-made model to replace the GM-OEM vehicle currently being marketed (Ascender and i-series pick-up trucks). The SUV parts and service business will continue. Read the rest of this entry »

Today we have hit a major milestone. 10,000 people have signed up on our waiting list, expressing their desire to buy a Chevy Volt. This site was started on January 12, 2007 in response to GM unveiling the Chevy Volt five days earlier. It was my intent to create a place where like-minded people interested in driving this car could convene to observe and discuss the development and eventually create an ownership community. Read the rest of this entry »

DETROIT – General Motors will introduce several vehicles among its Cadillac, Saab and Saturn brands at the 2008 North American International Show. GM’s NAIAS portfolio emphasizes design and technology that deliver capability and performance while reducing environmental impact. The show opens to the public on Jan. 19. Read the rest of this entry »

DETROIT – As the new CTS sport sedan earns accolades and new owners, Cadillac takes the next leap forward by premiering the 2009 CTS-V, the brand’s ultimate expression of performance and luxury.

Launching in the fourth quarter of 2008, the all-new CTS-V intends to combine the serious performance of an elite sports car with the poise and elegance of a prestigious luxury sedan. Part of Cadillac’s acclaimed V-Series of high-performance models, CTS-V delivers an estimated 550 horsepower (410 kW). More than just power, CTS-V also includes a comprehensive suite of technical and design enhancements, including Magnetic Ride Control, an industry-first Performance Traction Management program and the addition of a new automatic transmission with paddle-shift control. Read the rest of this entry »

The 2007 Lexus RX 400h is the first luxury SUV to feature a gas-electric hybrid drivetrain. The 2007 Lexus RX 400h has luxury and quality throughout. So if you’re in the market for an SUV and are environmentally conscious, the Lexus could be a perfect choice!

Watch the video review as Alex sums up the character of this environmentally friendly, luxury SUV.

by Alex Kramer

Pros

• Excellent acceleration
• Lexus luxury and quality
• Silky smooth ride
• Seamless hybrid powertrain

Cons

• Overly cautious handling
• All that hybrid technology sure is pricey
• Not a true fuel sipper

The Lexus RX 400h brings Toyota’s award winning hybrid technology to the realm of luxury SUVs. While most hybrids sacrifice some performance for increased fuel efficiency, the RX 400h is one of a few hybrids to offer not only increased fuel-efficiency, but also increased performance over it’s gas only siblings. Add to that the fact that all this technology is mated to the best selling mid-size luxury SUV on the market, and the result is another winning effort from Lexus.

Read the rest of this entry »

Bolder styling and more accommodating interior highlight changes to 2009 Pilot

01/13/2008 - DETROIT -

A prototype of the next-generation Honda Pilot is being unveiled at the 2008 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit, American Honda Motor Co., Inc., announced today.

The prototype conveys design features of the more boldly-styled 2009 Pilot, set to debut in spring 2008, which emphasizes authentic SUV styling, clever and more accommodating interior packaging and advanced technologies for safety, fuel efficiency and convenience. Read the rest of this entry »

- More Powerful, Redesigned Murano Priced $1,500 Less Than 2007 Models -

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (Jan. 15, 2007) - Nissan North America, Inc. today announced pricing on the all-new, totally redesigned 2009 Nissan Murano crossover with a starting Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) $1,500 lower on all models versus the previous generation. The 2009 Murano goes on sale this week at Nissan dealers nationwide.

The original Nissan Murano set new standards for style and sportiness when it was first introduced, becoming, in essence, a “class of one.” The all-new, second generation 2009 Murano elevates that unique position with new exterior and interior designs, enhanced technology and a premium driving feel resulting from a new, advanced platform and continued refinement of Murano’s standard 265-horsepower V6 engine (an increase of 25 horsepower over the previous generation) and advanced, second-generation Xtronic CVT™. Read the rest of this entry »

By Kurt Gensheimer

Blings:

• Most fuel efficient SUV on the planet
• Cavernous interior
• More masculine exterior appearance
• Easy-to-use Nav system

Dings:

• Brake pedal like stepping on a wet Nerf ball
• No traction control and downgraded NHTSA safety score
• Limited A/C function in electric drive mode
• No audio controls on steering wheel

Ruling: Unless you’re a devoted city dweller, being ‘green’ isn’t worth the added heft and expense. Read the rest of this entry »

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January 14, 2008 – Detroit, MI - Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc., unveiled the all-new 2009 Venza crossover sedan at a press conference here today at the 2008 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS). Venza will raise the crossover vehicle to new levels by combining a unique blend of sedan refinement and sport utility vehicle (SUV) functionality.

“The all-new Venza was developed as a vehicle that combines the styling, comfort and fun-to-drive performance elements of a five-passenger sedan with the surprising utility of an SUV,” said Bob Carter, Toyota Division group vice president and general manager. “This winning combination will be ideal for active ‘boomers’ and young couples with small families.” Read the rest of this entry »

The 2008 Acura TSX is a popular entry-level luxury sedan that is fun to drive, has great fuel economy, precise steering, a smooth shifter, many high tech features, a luxurious interior, is really safe, and might just be the perfect all around vehicle. The TSX is equipped with a 2.4 liter, 16 valve i-VTEC four-cylinder engine, puts out 205 horsepower, 165 lb-ft of torque and does a 0-60-mph in 7 seconds. It has a ton of technological features that include heated leather seats, a sunroof, climate control and an optional navigational system with voice recognition so you can control the stereo and heating controls by voice. The 2008 Acura TSX earned a 5-star crash test rating from the NHTSA for driver side and frontal impact and 4-stars for its passenger and rear impact. Overall, the TSX is a great buy.

Watch the video review as Kurt sums up the character of this extremely sporty, high tech, entry-level luxury sedan.

Acura TSX Photo Gallery	Acura TSX Specs
The official website of Acura - www.acura.com

>> Read Kurt’s review of the 2008 Acura TSX

>> See all of the Acura TSX photos in our photo gallery

>> Do you have an opinion of the TSX? Submit your review of an Acura TSX or read other TSX reviews on CarReview.com

>> www.Acura.com - official website for Acura cars and SUVs

By Kurt Gensheimer

Blings:

• Shifter feels like it’s greased with Crisco
• Excellent fuel economy
• High fun-to-drive factor
• Luxurious and high tech interior
• Comes standard with everything but navigation

Dings:

• Vague clutch pickup in first gear
• Four cylinder is a little lacking in grunt

Verdict: The car that Mr. Miyagi would drive until the end of time. Read the rest of this entry »

In trendwatching.com’s recent trysumers briefing, navigation is touted as ‘the new laissez faire’, since it’s less risky for consumers to try out new destinations, routes and neighbourhoods if their car is equipped with a Garmin or TomTom device.

According to independent research presented today, personal navigation devices have another important benefit: a positive influence on traffic safety. Part of the research focused on data collected on 115,197 drivers of lease cars. Those without PNDs had a 12% higher rate of damage incidents, and damage costs were on average 5% higher.

Research also showed that drivers with navigation devices were less distracted, ignored fewer traffic signs, felt more in control and less stressful. All of which is being rewarded by Dutch insurance company Delta Lloyd, which co-commissioned the research with Dutch makers of PNDs TomTom. Customers who send in their TomTom product number will receive 10% discount on their Delta Lloyd auto insurance.

Website: www.tomtom.com / www.deltalloyd.nl

Source:
Springwise.com

01/13/2008 - DETROIT -

The Honda CR-Z, a lightweight sports hybrid concept vehicle, and the FCX Clarity, a hydrogen fuel cell vehicle set to begin limited retail marketing in summer 2008, are bringing some of the most advanced environmental technologies from Honda to the 2008 North American International Auto Show.

Read the rest of this entry »

DETROIT - Cadillac extends its ongoing design and technology momentum with tomorrow’s debut of the Provoq Concept, a vision for a petroleum-free future of luxury transportation. GM CEO Rick Wagoner will present the Cadillac Provoq concept vehicle January 8 at the influential Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, beginning a showcase of Cadillac’s future performance technology and design that will continue at next week’s North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit. Read the rest of this entry »