by Holly R.

Pros:

• LOTS of room inside
• Sits up higher than standard cars - easier to see up the road over traffic
• For only having 166 HP, it feels like it can really get up and move
• Due to the size, it’s really easy to park (pretty much anywhere)
• Voice recognition system

Cons:

• Not-so-smooth shifting which leads to some jerkiness
• Didn’t like the placement of the gear-shift knob (on lower dash)
• Volume control for stereo in non-intuitive location
• Side mirrors are small, which led to head check view between the B pillar and a small sliver of the rear window (eek)
• Voice recognition system

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What is on Farley’s mind other than thinking about his next bag of oats? Parked next to Farley’s corral is the new GMC Yukon Hybrid featuring GM’s 2-mode hybrid system. The 2008 Yukon Hybrid boasts a 332 hp, 6.0L Vortec V8, a NiMH 300V battery, two 60KW motors in the transmission, and nifty software that controls the whole caboodle. Not only can you pack in 8 passengers utilizing the 3rd row seating, but this 4×4 hybrid has the capacity to tow 6,000 pounds. Translation: mom can take the team to soccer practice during the week and dad can tow the family boat to the lake on the weekend.

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By Kurt Gensheimer

Blings:

• Polished 4Motion Haldex system
• Scalpel-sharp handling
• Heavenly VR6 exhaust note
• Luxurious interior

Dings:

• DSG only
• Rear styling is hard to love
• Bullish understeer in wet conditions
• Tough to justify next to the new GTI

Ruling: If you want the most refined, mature and well-mannered hot hatch on the market, this is the one.

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By Kurt Gensheimer

Blings:

• 268 horsepower V6
• 28 MPG V6
• Serene, silent cabin at highway speed
• Reclining back seat with capricious legroom
• Comfortable leather seats

Dings:

• Blue screen of irritation
• Cheap-looking base audio system
• Not suited for the driving enthusiast

Ruling: Lexus luxury, performance and quality for Toyota price.

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By Twain Mein

Pros:

• Well integrated electronics
• Quiet and luxurious
• Good handling

Cons:

• Noisy under full throttle
• Hard for shorter drivers to see out
• Limited rear seat room

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Mercedes-Benz is continuing to build on its world-leading position in the field of clean diesel technology. The Stuttgart-based manufacturer has become the world’s first car producer to receive a certificate for licensing BlueTEC SUVs in all 50 US states.

Mercedes-Benz will shortly be launching three BlueTEC SUVs – the ML 320 BlueTEC, the R 320 BlueTEC and the GL 320 BlueTEC – featuring the technology for the world’s cleanest diesels. The vehicles, which will first be available in the US, comply with the extremely strict requirements of the American Bin 5 and ULEV emission standards, making Mercedes-Benz the first manufacturer to be able to license diesel SUVs in all 50 US states. Following the successful market launch of the “clean diesel pioneer” – E 320 BlueTEC – in October 2006, this new step – which coincides with the 150th anniversary of Rudolf Diesel’s birth – is another extremely important milestone in the diesel initiative launched by Mercedes-Benz.

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• Ford Motor Company and U.S. Congressman John Dingell announce the delivery of two Hydrogen Internal Combustion Engine (H2ICE) buses to Wayne County Airport Authority for terminal-to-terminal shuttle use at Detroit Metropolitan Airport.
• Ford is the world’s first automaker to deliver commercial vehicles, powered by internal combustion engines that are fueled exclusively with hydrogen.
• Ford’s hydrogen bus delivers up to a 99.7 percent reduction in CO2 emissions and reduces our dependence on oil.

DETROIT, Mich. March 17, 2008 – Ford Motor Company and U.S. Congressman John Dingell and the Wayne County Airport Authority today announced the delivery of two hydrogen-fueled Ford E-450 shuttle buses to be used for transporting airline passengers between terminals at Detroit Metropolitan Airport (DTW).

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Porsche has released some additional photos of the special edition Boxster RS 60 Spyder in conjunction with the car’s German debut at the Auto Mobil International show in Leipzig. The Boxster RS 60 Spyder is a tribute to the Porsche that won Sebring 48 years ago. A total of 1,960 will be produced, each one fitted with slightly modified fascias, PASM, a wheel/tire upgrade, and a sport exhaust that bumps output to 298 HP (303 PS). Additionally, the cars are finished in the same silver-over-red combo as their forbear, with a numbered plaque adorning the dash. Following is the official press release from Porsche. Click on the thumbnail images to view them full size. Read the rest of this entry »

Maybe I should be posting this press release on our sister-site, GolfReview.com (?)

I think Tiger Woods far out-distances any Buick on the road today. Of course, that is just my opinion. And I’m not even a fan of golf. If you won the grand prize, would you ask Tiger to be your caddy or choose Tiger Woods’ personal Buick with the autographed plaque? Read the press release below for all the details…

DETROIT – Buick, the premium international automotive brand of General Motors, is giving one lucky person an exclusive opportunity to play golf alongside Tiger Woods, the world’s top golfer. Only this time, Woods will serve as the winner’s personal caddy in Buick’s new “Tee-Off with Tiger” online contest that begins today and runs through Sept. 28, 2008.

Contestants who register at www.teeoffwithtiger.com will have an opportunity to vie for the grand prize to partner with Woods or to win a high-end collectible only Buick can provide: Woods’ personal Buick vehicle – driven by the golf phenom himself – at several tournaments in which he competes during the promotion window. Every Buick vehicle Woods drives will come with a Tiger Woods autographed plaque, which is authenticated by Upper Deck.

“This is going to be as much fun for me as it is for the winners,” said Woods. “I’m looking forward to sharing some golf tips, maybe a few jokes and certainly a lot of laughs,” he said. Read the rest of this entry »