Tokyo - TOYOTA MOTOR CORPORATION (TMC) announces it will display 45 concept and production vehicles, in separate Toyota and Lexus brand booths, at the 7th China (Guangzhou) International Automobile Exhibition (also known as Auto Guangzhou 2009), to be held at the Guangzhou International Convention and Exhibition Center from November 23 to 30. The theme for the two booths is “The Environment, Safety, and the Future”.

The Lexus “GX 460”, a midsize SUV, will make its world premiere at a press briefing scheduled for November 23. Also on display for Lexus will be the “ES 240” and other models. The Toyota display will include the new “Crown”, which will go into production and go on sale in China in December this year, the third-generation “Prius” and the “Camry Hybrid”.

Furthermore, through the display of concept vehicles such as the short-distance, compact commuter “FT-EV”, hybrid sports car “FT-HS” and urban plug-in hybrid vehicle “Hi-CT”, TMC aims to present its proactive approach toward limiting CO2 emissions and addressing the diversification of energy sources.

Lexus ES 240
The ES series was first launched in North America after the birth of the Lexus brand in January 1989. Over the past 20 years, by following the “Elegant Sedan” design concept established at its inception, the ES series has been well recognized by virtue of its superb elegance.

The new ES 240 is equipped with the L4 DOHC 16-valve engine with VVT-i. It has a maximum 123 kW output at 6000 rpm and a peak torque of 224Nm at 4000 rpm. The maximum speed is 205km/h, and it is also capable of 0-100 km/h acceleration in 10.4 seconds. The ES 240 is intended for sale in the China market.

TOYOTA FT HS

Pairing a potent hybrid powertrain with essential sports-car fundamentals, the FT-HS is a mid-priced sports car that integrates ecology and emotion in a concept that addresses the question, “What is a suitable sports car for the 21st century?”

Boasting a powerful V6 3.5L engine, the FT-HS is coupled with Toyota’s Hybrid Synergy Drive^® to produce a target power output of approximately 400 horsepower and a projected zero-to-60 acceleration in the four-second range. At a mid-priced market position, the FT-HS would be a true “attainable exotic” with 21st-century performance.

A sculpted front and rear remove mass around key functional components, while the roof has a distinctive scooped-out section designed to reduce aerodynamic drag and provide head room at the key areas.

TOYOTA FT-EV
The FT-EV concept shares its platform with the company’s minicar, the Toyota iQ. The iQ is larger than the quintessential minicar, the Smart Fortwo, but not by much. Its wheelbase is a little more than five inches longer, and on the whole, the car is only about a foot longer than the Smart—11.4 inches to be exact. The iQ is a four-passenger vehicle while the Smart only carries two.The electric version of the Toyota iQ, the Toyota FT-EV concept, offers driving range of 50 miles, according to Toyota.

According to the New York Times’ Green Inc. blog, Toyota isn’t planning on producing the FT-EV for “the conventional car market.” Instead, car-sharing services could get first crack at the all-electric city car because they offer a way to regularly charge the car and provide a parking space to urban dwellers who might shun car ownership precisely because parking is such a PITA. Some residential communities that currently rely on golf carts or GEMs might also be good venues for the FT-EV, Toyota’s Bob Reinert told the Times.

We see the FT-EV concept as a great vehicle for the urban commuter. It is ideal for someone who drives fewer than 50 miles a day, mostly on flat surface streets, and has easy access to recharging options, such as a personal garage or a recharging station on a city street. While this vehicle will be perfect for the urban setting, it might not be the best solution for the rural dweller. This is why we continue to look at various technologies, such as the compressed natural gas Camry Hybrid concept that was shown at the 2008 Los Angeles Auto Show.

The FT-EV shares the platform of the Toyota iQ, a lightweight, 4-passenger micro-car that is on sale in Japan and Europe. This version is white with gold and silver design accents and a flared front and rear. With its lithium-ion battery, it will reach a top speed of 70 mph.

TOYOTA HI-CT
The Hi-CT aims to offer a new “coolness” and new ways to have fun as a departure from conventional vehicles-an edgy, urban vehicle inspired by the thinking and lifestyles of youth.

• Offers a new kind of automotive “cool” and sense of enjoyment.
• Has a new look unconstrained by conventional vehicle size (length 3,330mm x width 1,695mm x height 1,780mm).
• Adopts plug-in hybrid technology, which allows it to charge from an external power source and gives it a greater driving range when running on its battery-powered motor; by placing the battery under the floor, achieves a highly efficient cabin with a higher driver position.
• Comes with an AC100V accessory socket that enables stored electricity-made possible by plug-in hybrid technology-to be used for a variety of applications.
• Features a removable rear trunk and a deck where surfboards, bicycles and other equipment can be loaded.

By Bill Clark

Pros:

• Bavarian-like ride and handling!
• Comfy leather seats
• Interior and exterior styling

Cons:

• Feels underpowered even with the upgraded V6
• Torque steer when driven hard (front wheel drive model)
• Terrible ergonomics and User interface for electronics

Station wagons carry lots of stuff and drive like regular cars, but they have been labeled the most uncool cars in the world. People seem to avoid them like the plague. Large SUVs are great, but synonymous with gas guzzling and poor handling - and many are based on rough-riding truck chassis. There’s a great middle-ground called the crossover segment and Chevy has made a valiant effort to capture their fair share of this emerging market with the newly restyled Equinox. I’d go so far as to say they’ve built a crossover that can legitimately compete with the popular Japanese and European offerings. Really!

Styling

The exterior styling of the revamped Equinox represents a major step forward in thinking for Chevy. They have done away with the bulky, add-on plastic, after-thought styling that was distinctly and unfortunately ‘GM’ for many years. The previous generation Equinox just looked wrong from day one. The new Equinox has a sculpted, sleek, classy look. This car literally turned a few heads - including my own. With such a radical departure from the usual Chevy styling, I felt the car deserved an updated, revised Chevy logo to match. The dark-blue metallic paint was stunning and they used a tasteful amount of chrome accents to provide a very pleasing contrast and to set off styling cues. Any exterior plastic trim pieces had a nice diamond pattern texture to them. They really nailed the styling on this car. My only gripe was the cool-looking projector-beam headlights use incandescent light sources behind them - No Xenon or HID lights here.

Chevy also gave the interior a complete 180-degree makeover. It looks like nothing Chevy has offered before at this price point. No more modular, bulbous, interior features. Once seated inside, you are treated to graceful, sweeping lines, satin-finished aluminum accents and a tasteful dash of chrome here and there. Dash and door trim is attractive and flowing. The Equinox I had the pleasure of driving was the LTZ version which meant it had very nice looking two-tone leather seats to match the two-tone dash. I’d go so far as to call the interior exciting! You just feel like you’re sitting in something special.

Driving Impressions

Over the weekend, we went hiking at Mt. Tamalpais State Park. Of course we grabbed the keys to the Equinox (just because it looked so good) and left the family SUV at home. We took 101 from the South Bay area up through San Francisco and then over a very twisty part of Highway 1 to Mt Tam.

The Equinox had rock-solid tracking on the freeway - just like the family SUV. The ride is just slightly on the firm side - not in a jarring way, but in a way that gives you the sense that the car is very stable and planted in a confidence inspiring way. I love that kind of ‘firm’.

The crossover is remarkably quiet at freeway speeds. You can actually carry on conversations using your ‘inside voice’. This is in part due to the low rolling-resistance tires which offer better gas mileage and reduced road noise, but I think the chassis is very well sound-damped too. Side effects of the tires seemed to include a slight ‘tramline’ sensation on grooved freeway pavement, but that’s a very minor quibble.

The innocent by-product of a car engineered to be quiet is a muted engine. Other manufacturers have been engineering engine sounds back into the vehicle cabin. There is some engine noise with this car, but it’s not pretty. It sounds like a muffled coffee grinder. Someone tell Chevy that some intake noise under heavy acceleration is sexy and acceptable.

Through the streets of San Francisco, which are anything but smooth, the car displayed remarkable composure. It did a great job of isolating the occupants from the shock of the potholes, trolley tracks, and other pavement irregularities that San Francisco is infamous for.

Handling

This is nothing like the family SUV! I figured the fun would be over when we got to the twisty turns of Highway 1 just north of San Francisco. Rather, I was pleasantly surprised at how well the Equinox tackled the corners. The more I pushed the car around the corners, the more shocked I became at how well it stuck to the road. No doubt the 18-inch 235/55 rubber all around helped out here, but the chassis was so stiff and the suspension so well-controlled that you could really push the car and it stayed planted. The chassis exhibited very little body roll, even when pushed hard. Well past the point where my passengers let me know they’d had enough, but well before the car communicated any such message itself. The car was very responsive to steering inputs and was just a joy to drive around Mt Tam. In summary, I’ll say it has strong Bavarian handling traits. Thank you, GM Chassis/Suspension engineers!

Engine/Drivetrain Performance

When I took delivery of the car, I was told that it had an upgrade package which included a 264HP 3.0 liter V6 that revs to 7k RPMs (a $1,500 option). Sweet! What enthusiast doesn’t love an engine upgrade? The gearbox was listed as an auto, but with six forward gears and a manual gear select mode. Sure sounds fun. There’s nothing like a high-revving engine with a close ratio transmission to pump up the fun quotient.

Unfortunately, the fun stopped at the spec sheet. While the car is somewhat quick on paper for its class, it felt a bit sluggish for normal daily driving. It was a bit of work to get it to accelerate quickly and you really had to stay high in the power band to keep things interesting. After driving around for a day I actually pulled over to pop the hood. Is there really a V6 in there? It feels more like a peaky 4-banger. Yep, there’s the V6. Hmm…

At highway speeds, the 6-speed automatic takes its sweet time down-shifting for passing. Press the gas down a ways and it’ll shift from 6th to 5th, but you still have no power. Press the gas more and it’ll downshift to 4th - now you have a little power. If I floor it, I should be able to get some power out of the top of third… Hello? Tranny? The transmission ignores your right foot’s request for more power if it will result in a downshift into the power band (Say over 4.5k RPMs). I guess they wanted to control the torque steer. If you really wanna go there, put the shifter in manual mode and toggle the gear select thumb switch on the shifter and tell the car you want third gear - OK, now you have some passing power.

When your not demanding power from the motor, it does drive quite nicely. But if you want to pass, use manual mode, which still has a delay do down shift, but just flooring it still takes about 3 seconds for it to downshift.

(Continued on page 2)

2010 is just around the corner and Toyota is ready to release the next generation of their midsize SUV - the 4Runner. The all-new 5th generation 4Runner is due to arrive at dealerships late November and CarReview was invited to preview Toyota’s midsize SUV.

Staying true to its origins, the new 4Runner is built on a traditional body-on-frame chassis and can get serious when straying off the beaten path. With body panels blockier than a pit bull’s head, the new 4Runner looks stocky, very muscular, and more athletically capable than Bo Jackson (before his hip-replacement surgery). A completely redesigned interior and unique cargo area make the newest 4Runner smarter, more comfortable, and more versatile than ever. Available in three models, top-of-the-line Limited, a well-equipped SR5, and the Trail grade for those who require maximum off-road capability.

2010 Toyota 4Runner Trail Edition

Drivetrain configurations include rear wheel 4×2, part-time 4×4 and full-time multi-mode 4×4 with a locking center differential. All 4×4 models are equipped with an improved 4.0 liter V6 mated to a five-speed automatic transmission. The 4×2 models can be equipped with either a 2.7 liter four-cylinder engine mated to a four-speed automatic or the 4.0 liter V6 with the five-speed automatic. The 2.7 liter 4-cylinder engine produces 157 hp and 178 lb-ft of torque, while the 4.0 liter V6 cranks out 270 hp and 278 lb-ft of torque. The fifth generation 4Runner has better fuel economy and 34  horsepower more than the previous V6 and 10 horsepower more than the optional V8 of the previous generation.

Seventeen-inch aluminum alloy wheels are standard on SR5 and Trail models, with 20-inch wheels standard on the Limited, with all models getting a full-size spare. Exterior styling is another major change for the 2010 Toyota 4Runner, with a new wider, more rugged fender and bumper design accenting new headlights and taillamps that improve nighttime visibility.

2010 Toyota 4Runner SR5

The Trail grade is designed to maximize off-road performance with a superior approach and departure angles, high ground clearance, and an array of functional upgrades for the active outdoor enthusiast. It can be distinguished by a unique hood scoop, unique 17-inch wheels, black outer mirrors, front and rear bumper guards and dark smoke treatment on the head and tail lamps.

Off-road fun is still part of the equation for the 4Runner and the Trail grade offers all kinds of goodies. To enhance grip, the A-TRAC system and electronic-locking rear differential are standard on the Trail grade. The  A-TRAC force distribution system ensures any one wheel with grip gets the power. Toyota’s optional Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (KDSS) radically improves terrain-following ability by disconnecting stabilizer bars to allow for more axle travel, and better suspension articulation in slow, difficult terrain.

2010 Toyota 4Runner Trail Edition

Toyota’s Crawl Control (CRAWL) system is also standard on Trail grade models, which helps keep vehicle speed low for navigating particularly tricky or steep terrain. CRAWL is an adjustable electro-mechanical system that can be tuned to match the terrain by selecting any of five speed levels. With the transfer case shifted into low range, Crawl Control regulates engine speed and output (along with braking force), to propel the vehicle forward or in reverse at one of the five low-speed settings.

The Limited grade comes standard with an X-REAS suspension system that further improves performance, comfort and control. X-REAS automatically adjusts the damping force of shocks when driving over bumpy surfaces, or when cornering. The system uses a center control absorber to cross-link shocks on opposite corners of the vehicle, substantially reducing pitch and yaw by offsetting opposing inputs. Read our review of the 2009 4Runner outfitted with the X-REAS system for our impressions of this dynamic suspension system.

For the interiors, Toyota revised the dashboard and introduced new radio, gauges, and climate controls. The 2010 4Runner also offers a lot of entertainment features, including a standard five-speaker (Trail) or eight-speaker (SR5) CD stereo system with XM satellite radio capability. A premium 15-speaker JBL audio system is available, and adds Bluetooth, iPod and MP3 control. When it’s time to tailgate before the big game, the 4Runner’s premium JBL sound system even has a “party mode” that biases output to the rear of the vehicle and cranks up the bass.

Other notable features is the sliding cargo trail which can be very useful at tailgate parties or just hanging out at the back of the truck. We also liked how the power window and power door lock switches were mounted high on the door panel. Very convenient when reaching for those switches and it frees up more space on the door for water bottles and other trinkets.

Safety is a big concern with the new 4Runner as well, and all models get the Star Safety System, which is Toyota’s designation for a roster of electronic nannies including stability control (VSC), traction control, electronic brake-force distribution (EBD), brake assist and ABS. Passive safety features include eight standard airbags for front, side and knee airbags in the front row, and side curtain bags for the second and third rows.

Prices for the all-new fifth-generation 4Runner will range from $27,500 for the SR5 grade 4×2 with a four-cylinder engine to $39,800 for the Limited grade 4×4 V6. The pricing represents an excellent value as 4Runner starts with a price point more than $1,000 less than the current generation’s lowest price model. The MSRP of the most popular selling 4Runner, the SR5 4×4 V6, will remain the same as the previous generation at $30,915 even though it receives more than $1,700 in added equipment. Value is further enhanced on all 4Runner grades with an array of performance, safety and convenience upgrades.

2010 Toyota 4Runner Photo Gallery	Toyota 4Runner Sport Specs
The official website of Toyota - www.toyota.com

]]> http://reviews.carreview.com/blog/first-impressions-2010-toyota-4runner/feed/ http://reviews.carreview.com/blog/win-a-xc60-and-save-face-entering-volvos-twilight-new-moon-contest/ http://reviews.carreview.com/blog/win-a-xc60-and-save-face-entering-volvos-twilight-new-moon-contest/#comments Sat, 14 Nov 2009 00:19:00 +0000 asgruben twilight edward cullen wolf saga contest new moon http://reviews.carreview.com/?p=12486

Here are a few terms that our reviewers used to describe the Volvo XC60 earlier this year: “safe,” “sexy,” “usable combination of horsepower and torque,” but apparently they forgot to say, “might protect you from getting your face ripped off.”

Like with its release of a Volvo-themed video game, the company is skewing to buyers of wine coolers and Axe with its Twilight Saga: New Moon “What Drives Edward” contest. However, the message is as confused as Edward Cullen at a blood drive.

For those of you just returning from solitary: Edward Cullen is…; wait, let’s start with: Twilight is; nevermind, if you don’t know, maybe you should commit another crime and get sent back to the hole because you are too far behind to catch up.

Volvo has created a contest for diehard fans of the Twilight Saga that evolves in “phases,” like the moon, get it? Each phase is a Twilight: New Moon-related riddle or puzzle. I signed up but after 10.2 seconds, had to stop. It required you to put out of sequence scenes from the trailer back in order, but I think you had to have written, “Mrs. Edward Cullen” in longhand over 3,062 times to grasp any of what was going on.

And then there’s the voice over copy for the campaign itself: “There’s an understated beauty, and there’s keeping what’s most important to you safe.” Let’s unpack these phrases. 1) What’s understated about a dude who had to be talked out of sucking the blood from his lover Bella’s wrist-wound made by his arch-rival during an airborne duel over said lover’s innards? 2) Can the Volvo really keep you safe if a possessed wolf wants to gouge out your liver with his teeth?

What further confused me was why the wolf was so furious every time the Volvo drove by. And then I went back to one of our expert reviews, and found this gem: “The two-tone color scheme for the seats looks atrocious.” Perhaps the wolf is a metro-sexual, but then I landed on what I think is the wolf’s real objection, “Instead of settling into a luxurious seat that hugs a person securely, it was more like sitting on top of the seats with almost no side support. I kept sliding around on top of the seats and they felt too firm.” How can a wolf maintain any sense of authority sliding around like a stuffed Goofy doll?

I’m not sure if Volvo is going to hit it big with the kids. It’s not like their first priority is safety, though a few may like the fact that according to our reviewer, it can tow a pair of jet skis to the lake. Too bad he didn’t mention whether the cup holders could fit a couple of wine coolers.

By Holly R.

Pros:

• Shocking (and decent) acceleration when already at speed (from 0 to 60, not so good)
• Mileage, mileage, mileage!!!!
• Microsoft SYNC
• Sirius Satellite Radio
• Built-in Bluetooth

Cons:

• The interior is a bit noisy on the freeway (which hampers the SYNC a bit)
• While still a value car, the interior did feel a “bit” cheap

Fuel Economy:
EPA Estimates: 24 in the city, and 33 highway (or 27 combined)
Actual: 31.2 mpg

I was pretty luke-warm on driving the Ford Focus.  But I decided to clear all my preconceptions out and just review it for what it is:  an American-made compact car.  Honestly, it really surprised me.  Our model was the top-end car, and was packed with thoughtful features.  Most impressive of all (to me):  the voice-activated Ford SYNC System, and the fuel economy numbers!

Driving Impressions:

I definitely wasn’t expecting a luxury car ride, but the Focus really wasn’t that bad of a ride either.  It had nice road manners, got great mileage, was easy to drive, easy to park, easy to see out of, etc.  Not a whole lot to dislike, in my opinion, and definitely a lot better than my expectations.

The acceleration of the Focus was respectable.  It wasn’t spectacular from 0-60, but if you were already at speed and needed to pass someone, it was almost “perky”.  Due to the lightness of the vehicle, the braking was more than adequate.

Build:

Both the interior and exterior build quality felt good.  Nothing too flimsy, nothing too heavy, just like Goldilocks would say:  “it was juuuust right”.  The trunk, doors and hood felt fitments were near perfect - slamming wasn’t necessary.  There were some nice things (the leather-wrapped steering wheel, heated leather-trimmed seats, the dashboard, the 60/40 split fold down seats), but there were some not-so-good things (some of the materials felt inexpensive or cheap).  Overall there was more good than bad, and it felt like a really solid little car.  Most of all, I felt SAFE driving it.

Interior Comfort and Ergonomics

The good:

• I had a much better experience with the Ford SYNC system this time around.  With SYNC you can access your music collection on your MP3 player by genre, album, artist or song title and operate your Bluetooth® phone with simple voice commands. You can even make music selections through your flash drive by voice command.  A quick push of the SYNC button and you’d hear, “Please say a command”.  If I responded with “Phone” and it would give phone options (Dial, Voicemail, etc.).  If I responded “USB” (my iPod was plugged into the USB port) and I would get my iPod options (Shuffle on, Who’s playing, Artist, etc.).  I found it really easy to use with my phone, my iPod, etc., and much easier to understand what to do or say to get it to function properly.
• The console had a nice design, things were easy to find, within easy reach and the instrument lighting was easy to see at night.  The matte silver material on the dashboard and console is a nice touch, and the matte finish makes it non-reflective.  Easy on the eyes in more ways than one!
• Interior storage was adequate and there was actually a lot more room in the car than what it appeared to have.  I was able to fit my bike in the back seat on the floor space fairly easily.  Just a quick twist of the handlebars and it fit perfectly.
• The “Moon and Tune” value package was nice.  Power moonroof with shade, 6-CD changer and MP3 capability.  Enough music available to never get bored!
• The “customizable” ambient lighting option was fun!  Pink?  Purple?  Blue?  There were something like six different options for the lighting area in the front cabin area, and even though it might be a little “disco”, there was nothing wrong with the 70’s!

The bad:

• The seats felt decent enough.  Adjusting them was easy, but I felt that if I were to take a really long drive, I’d not be comfortable for more than a few hours at a time.
• The seat heaters worked exceptionally well.  They heated up really quickly and didn’t get too hot.
• Due to the cabin noise, the Ford SYNC system had problems operating during drive-time, which is a pretty big disadvantage.  I’d ask it commands, and it wouldn’t be able to understand me.  Once I pulled over, it was fine and could decipher what I was saying.  Perhaps with some refinement, Ford can work on this, because if this worked better, it would make a huge difference in this vehicle!

(Continued on page 2)

It wouldn’t be SEMA without the gratuitous hotness showing off the latest products in the booths by some of Las Vegas’ very puurrrty girls. We managed to capture many of them in their most sultry poses and thanking the electronic genius for auto-focus and steady-shot. Otherwise our shaking hands would have produced a lot of barely-in-focus, fuzzy pictures. But I have a feeling that you would look at them anyway.

Below are a few of my favorites. I apologize for not getting their measurements, interests, and favorite past time. Our complete collection can be found in the photo gallery.

Click on any image for the full size version

Photo Credits:
The911Guy and Thomas Musante of MicroCarMag.com

By Twain Mein

Pros:

• Very quite and well-damped ride
• Beautifully appointed interior
• Massive dual-panel panoramic sunroof
• Incredible THX-certified sound system
• Exterior styling

Cons:

• Visibility
• iPhone syncing
• 3^rd row leg room and overhead space
• Exterior styling (!)

Introduction

The 2010 Lincoln MKT is Ford’s up-scale version of the Ford Flex “crossover”. Crossover is taking a traditional car platform and extending it to give the space of an SUV. Many SUV’s, like the Chevy Tahoe, are built on truck chassis (”body on frame”) versus a car chassis (”unibody” construction where the body is structural). By enlarging a car unibody, crossovers promise the space of an SUV with ride and handling of a traditional car. The Lincoln is built on the same D4 platform as the Ford Flex, and it distinguishes itself with aggressive styling and luxurious amenities. The D4 platform is a “stretched” version of the D3 platform which originally underpinned the ‘03 Volvo XC90 as well as the Ford Taurus. These Swedish genetics are good assets for Ford/Lincoln which provide a rigid structure and competent chassis. The version we tested had the base 3.7 liter, 270 hp Duratec engine and was optioned for a ~$49,000 price tag.

Driving impressions

There is a sweet spot niche between thirsty and ponderous SUVs and dowdy, overly-practical minivans, which has spawned the crossover segment. It seems that young families are no longer content to be “just practical” but also want styling, sportiness, and enough electronica to suit the iPhone generation. The Lincoln MKT answers this challenge with car-like handling, lots of space and utility, unique looks, a high level of luxury amenities, and gizmos aplenty. As a forty-something parent and techno-geek, I found myself looking forward to driving this serene vessel at every opportunity, so they’ve hit the mark with me.

Driving the crossover, despite its near 5,000 pound weight, was trauma-free. The engine, despite being the base model with “just” 270 horsepower, had ample torque for around town acceleration as well as highway passing power.

Build

Ford has done a great job at product quality. The paint job appeared “thick”, rich, and deep. The interior was beautifully appointed with rich perforated leather seats and elegant wood trim. The doors were solid and the power-assisted tail gate was easy to operate with the key fob remote. The chassis felt secure and well built with no rattles or extraneous vibrations. Reportedly, they took a few lessons from Ford-owned Aston Martin borrowing acoustic dampening technologies and use of aluminum parts.

Interior comfort and ergonomics

Ford touts its Microsoft-based SYNC© system which promised voice activated control of Bluetooth enabled cell phones and MP3 compatibility. I was excited to test the system with my new Apple iPhone. Unfortunately, I could not get the iPhone to synchronize via Bluetooth; iPhones are reportedly difficult to sync (pun intended), so I won’t ding Ford for that. However,some of the songs on my iPhone weren’t encoded in the proper format and the Sync system refused to play ANY of the music from iPhone. Apparently there are Microsoft/Apple compatibility issues. It’s unfortunate that these electronic gizmos didn’t work immediately and could prove to be extremely frustrating.

Additionally, the location of the USB port is awkward to reach from the driver’s seat; you have to reach down and to the back-left to plug the USB cable in. I was also disappointed that this model didn’t have a rear-seat DVD player, though this option is available. Regardless, despite great intentions, the Lincoln fell short on the gadget side; your results may vary.

On a more positive note, the sound system was simply world class. The THX II certified sound system pumps 600 watts through 14 speakers. And it just sounds phenomenal; it is arguably the best factory-supplied sound system available and edged out the previously best sounding audio system from the recently tested BMW 750li. In fact, the sound was so clean and well imaged, I wished it had more than 600 watts - it was that clean.

The interior trim was beautifully executed; seats were luxurious perforated leather and the wood inlays were tastefully done. The huge panorama sunroof was an indulgent treat and speaks to the chassis inherent stiffness. The interior was extremely hushed at speed; only at higher revs does the engine noise significantly intrude. The seat cooling fans, like the BMW 750li, were surprisingly noisy. However, they seemed to be actually quieter than the BMW, which is remarkable given that the BMW costs more than twice as much.

With regard to space, the main selling point of crossovers is interior space that allows for easy loading of infants and plenty of space for all of their gear. Against its competition, the MKT came up in the middle between it’s sibling, the Ford Flex, and the Toyota Highlander. Rear seat room is plentiful, however, the front seat backs angle back significantly which means that kids in car seats can easily scuff them with their feet. The third row had reasonable leg room but headroom was sacrificed with the sloping roof line; it’s tight for adults but plenty big enough for kids. Cargo space with the third seat up was also mid-pack; with the third seat folded down, there is a generous 40 cubic feet of storage.

(Continued on page 2)

This video is a quick look at a new car and new tracks for Gran Turismo 5, featuring the Toyota FT-86 Concept car. The rear-wheel drive coupe that will be badged as a Toyota was co-developed with Subaru (who provides the engine) and will make its world debut at the 2009 Tokyo Motor Show. The name FT-86 is a nod to the popular RWD Corolla AE86 of the mid-1980s. The production version of the 2+2 FT-86 sports coupe, is due to go on sale towards the end of 2011. The engine is from Subaru and is a front-mounted, 2.0-liter four-cylinder boxer engine, a naturally aspirated version of Subaru’s 2.0-liter flat flour normally found in the Impreza that Toyota will massage to boost output closer to 200 horsepower. This is the same engine that, when turbocharged, cranks out 250HP and is found in Subaru’s much loved WRX.

View the video and photo gallery after the jump

(Slideshow follows on page 2)

Hey Everyone at CarReview.com - It’s Thomas, founder of Microcarmag.com, here with my Day 1 report from the 2009 SEMA Show in Las Vegas.

Day 1 started with such fury as we witnessed the unveiling of some killer rides and heard announcements from some of the major automakers in our industry! The very first unveiling had Peter Klut from Dream Car Garage, a SPEED Channel show following the work of Peter’s crew at Legendary Motorcar, showing us an awesome 1970 Super Cuda that combined classic design with carbon fiber and Chip Foose green paint at the BASF paint booth.  Klut’s special guest at the unveiling was none other than the famous designer Chip Foose!  This unveiling was just the tip of the iceberg for our Day 1.

Honda, celebrating 50 years in North America, was the next to provide us with more great news as it announced that they would be extending race support to SCCA drivers with specially tuned 1.5 liter Honda Fit engines, parts support, and quick response with replacement parts. Also on the list of announcements from Honda was the extension of the Mugen accessory line to the Accord and Fit.

The next exciting unveiling found Hyundai showing off five fully modded Genesis coupes, one from Rys Millen sporting a rear engine V8 that looked ready to rip the Vegas strip! The others came from performance engineers such as Hennessey Performance Engineering, GReddy, and Street Concepts (which came complete with artwork by Courtney Mason).

Not to be outdone, Kia announced its entry into American motorsports. Kia will partner with Kinetic Group to enter two Kia Forte Koup race cars into the Grand-AM KONI Sports Car Challenge.  We can’t wait to see how the Forte performs in racing.

Ford Motor Company continued to impress. Not only were they able to announce some killer new products that included a race-ready Super Snake Mustang, but they also impressed me with a demo drive of the Ford Fiesta!  The Fiesta that I got to drive had an automatic transmission and was imported from Germany. From what I was told by a Ford agent, the US release will hopefully sport a 120 hp engine.

We closed out a busy Day 1 with a nice announcement - Grote said that they will be selling the thinnest LED strips available to date.  Less than 0.5 mm thick, they have been able to make a very bright LED that allows for multiple applications. Grote has had a huge following in the big rig trucking industry and with the release of this new LED product, they hope to do the same in the aftermarket industry.

So ends the first day of SEMA…  A very busy day… more to come!!!

View our entire collection of SEMA photos in the photo gallery

Visit Microcarmag.com for more small car goodness

The 2010 Honda Accord Crosstour is schizo. On the one hand, it is glomming onto the trend that Europe has known forever – 5 door hatches are the most efficient layout, but at the same time, I think the intention was to semi-obscure its hatchiness because looking too much like a wagon is a big Brady Bunch no, no these days—unless you’re a weird sta-wag fetishist. However, isn’t this just the emperor’s new Accord Wagon, with better handling?

I also think Honda was excited by the Crosstour’s hauling capabilities, at least compared to the sedan, but with just 51 cubic feet of cargo space versus the Venza’s 70 cubic feet, it means 1.5 fewer sorority girls will fit back there and that alone might make the Venza more attractive to some, not to mention the fact that the Crosstour goes from 0-60 in just 7.5 seconds, a whopping half-second lower than the Venza. Plus, girls don’t like schizos. Ok, Jennifer Connelly did in “A Beautiful Mind”, but I don’t think she’d be riding in the back of a Honda Crosstour. Or the front for that matter, but I digress. Let’s talk about the basics.

It costs $29,670 on the low end, and $36,220 on the high-end and is EPA mileage estimates are 18/27/21 for the 2WD and 17/25/20 for the 4WD. People get pissed every time 60 Minutes does a story on how inaccurate the EPA estimates are, and then they go back to surfing for pictures of Jennifer Connelly on the web. Also, Accords are usually all, “hey, you guys, we’re into fuel economy”, but the Crosstour only comes with a 3.5 liter V6 engine making 271 horsepower.

However, according to folks who test-drove it, the suspension tuning is more compliant than the sedan, so that warrants a “yaaaay” as does that fact that it slalomed at 64.4 seconds, fast for a crossover and the leather is faaaancy. Oh and apparently the ride is quiet. What is this, a hybrid? Ed Begley? Is that you? Back in the “boooo” department, the test drivers said that there wasn’t much torque response in lower RPMs and it could use a manual shift mode option.

Some of the standard features are nice, like a sunroof. (What happened to the trend of calling it a moonroof? Is there an eclipse-roof?) Also standard is dual climate control, a USB cable and a sub-woofer, so you can blast, “Who let the dogs out, who, who?” super loud at the stoplight, maybe luring 1.5 sorority girls back into the hatch. Wait, they don’t fit.

I was most excited by the really random “comfort and convenience” features that some poor guy has to type in, like, “garment hook” and “coin box”. Also, anyone who actually checks to make sure that the curb-to-curb turning diameter is actually 40.2, I’ll send a penny from said coin-box. All you need to do is send me a self-addressed stamped envelope. So what about the Crosstour’s classmates in the school of hatch?

In addition to the inevitable comparisons to the aforementioned Venza (which at the end of the day does the Crossover concept better) as well as the Mitsubishi Sportback, the BMW 5-series GT probably gets the hatch concept best. The Honda’s hatch is raked for style/aerodynamics, but a hatch is about hauling without totally looking like you’re hauling, so it’s sort of like putting the wrong head on the right body, like a Minotaur, only with less power. Audi is doing something similar and calling it a Sportback, but it’s not coming to the states.  Finally, there’s the Porsche Panamera which like the Crosstour, is weird looking, but it’s a Porsche, and it could kick your ass. Plus, Jennifer Connelly is much more likely to ride in one of those.

So what is the final analysis? It’s good that auto-makers are trying to detox off of the SUV crack rock in a last-ditch attempt at dignity. And inspired by Saab whose been doing 4-door hatches quite well for years, US manufacturers are finally figuring out the utility of that approach by cross dressing the Crossover to create the Crosstour, and trying to sell the utility as ‘sporty’ while subliminally sneaking in some wagon design. There’s that shizo stuff again, but I think you’ll be waiting a long time for Jennifer Connelly.

More photographs of the Crosstour in the photo gallery

Lead photo from Autoblog.com

By Derek Mau

Pros

• Excellent for around town driving and taking care of all the necessary family functions
• The benefits of a hybrid without sacrificing luxury amenities
• Conservative styling upgrade easily blends in with the thousands of other Lexus RX’s on the road today
• More technology gadgets but with less driver distraction

Cons

• Batteries and electric motors add up to a serious weight penalty with regards to braking and cornering
• Electronic steering control is good for mothers on their way to PTA meetings, but not so good for relaying feedback from the road
• Horrific blind spot
• No towing capacity

The new generation Lexus RX blends the geekiness of high technology with the green consciousness of driving a hybrid car. Launched in the summer of 2009 as a successor to the RX 400h, Lexus’ new RX 450h builds on the success of the company’s first luxury hybrid SUV. Visually similar to the RX 350, the 450h has a few of its own unique styling features, including an exclusive grille, hybrid badging with blue-trimmed Lexus logos, unique front bumper, special 19-inch wheels, blue-tinted headlamps and taillamps, and optional LED headlamps.

Exterior Styling

Toyota played it safe with the Lexus styling. You have to look really close to catch the differences between the new and previous generation RX hybrid. The RX 450h is less rounded and bubbly than its predecessor. It’s also a bit wider and seems to sit lower on the road, but that’s just because of its headlight placement and hood sculpting. From the front, the RX 450h looks bolder and stronger, but still elegant.

The RX 450h’s profile is similar to the RX 400h’s. The roof-mounted spoiler is a bit stronger and hides the rear wiper, and Lexus has added a small “shark-fin” antenna. The door handles are now body-colored, but there’s new chrome trim around the windows and along the door bottoms. There’s also a discreet hybrid badge that sits near the lower chrome strip.

Beneath the Sheetmetal

The 2010 Lexus RX 450h enhances its luxury ride and cabin with a hybrid power train that achieves fuel economy unheard of for an SUV. The hybrid-specific, 2GR-FXE version of the 3.5-liter V6 resembles the revised V6 featured in the 2010 Lexus RX 350, but it has higher compression (12.5:1 instead of 10.8:1) and runs on the fuel-saving Atkinson cycle. Additionally, its variable valve timing operates only on the intake side.

The Atkinson cycle keeps the intake valves open during part of the compression stroke, so this V6 makes just 245 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 234 pound-feet of torque at 4,800 rpm, while the conventional version of this V6 delivers 275 hp and 257 lb-ft of torque. In short, this is a significant increase over the 3.3-liter V6’s 208 hp and 212 lb-ft of torque.

The RX 450h also draws power from its 37-kilowatt, nickel-metal hydride battery pack to power the h-model’s electric motors (a 123-kW electric motor for the front-wheel-drive RX and an additional rear 50-kW motor for the all-wheel-drive RX). The battery pack provides 50 hp, giving the 2010 Lexus RX 450h a rating of 295 hp total, up from the 268 hp of the RX 400h. In operation, there is an almost seamless transition between the electric motors and ICE. Perhaps this is the result of the two-stage mechanism to absorb torque that the Lexus engineers have added to the transaxle’s flywheel damper.

We noticed that the battery pack is rated for fewer kilowatts in the RX 450h; the RX 400h’s battery pack had a 45-kW rating. Don’t let the numbers mislead you. The 2010 RX 450h actually gets more power out of its battery pack due to an improved cooling system for the inverter and converters — it’s the same setup used on the Lexus LS 600h L.

Total power from engine and electric motor is rated at 295 horsepower, a little short of a V-8, while fuel economy gets an EPA-rated 32 mpg city and 28 mpg highway. Our ballistic driving style netted us 28 mpg overall, a figure that many four cylinder cars would have trouble hitting.

Driving Impressions

Acceleration was peppy for a hybrid SUV vehicle weighing nearly 4800 pounds and there was little trouble accelerating up to high speeds on the highway, thanks to the capable V6 engine.  Likewise braking was responsive, though it had a strangely different feel thanks to the regenerative braking features.

The crossover also features a new, uniquely designed double-wishbone rear suspension that helps provide exceptional agility and control. Its distinctive design also allows for five percent more cargo volume and easier loading. To complement the new rear suspension and provide excellent dexterity and ride comfort, the front McPherson strut geometry was optimized. The suspension did take turns very well, but the trade-off was that it just did not perform sufficiently when absorbing large road bumps.

As for the feel of the vehicle, its very comfortable and spacious.  The steering wheel retracts when you’re not driving, a nice touch.  The drive is relatively smooth and NVH (noise, vibration, and harshness) is not overly high, thanks in part to the smooth electric motors.

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Look, it’s even more good news out of Detroit. What with Ford actually making a profit, it looks like all the doom and gloom about the number of dealers set to be shuttered might have been estimated on the high side.

At least that’s the case if you believe David Cole, who is Chairman of the nonprofit Center for Automotive Research. Cole told federal investigators that he thought General Motor’s and Chrysler’s projected dealership cuts will reduce market share in small to mid-sized markets. Cole summed it up by saying, “These cuts didn’t make any sense to me.”

David Cole cautioned the investigators that he has no research expertise or experience working directly with dealerships, and that he was asked to come speak only after he sent a letter to the Obama administration’s auto task force earlier this month stating his case for fewer dealership terminations. Although Chairman Cole did agree that terminations in larger metropolitan areas were in fact justified, he made the case that the automakers would be harming their historical stronghold in rural areas as well as modest-sized markets with many of the planned dealership terminations.

“The dealer is the face of the manufacturer to the average customer,” Cole said in a letter to the chief of the auto task force, Ron Bloom. Cole later said to investigators that , “By pulling out, GM and Chrysler are giving a beachhead to Ford and some of the imports.” And then Cole added, “I would suggest that the distribution network for these manufacturers be revisited by the automotive task force.”

Currently Chrysler has closed 789 dealerships, and GM plans to cut 1,350 dealerships from its ranks. These closures represent roughly 25% of a given manufacturer’s dealership network.

Whether Cole’s number and idea does pan out is one thing, and whether the Obama administration acts on them is another thing entirely.

Source: Left Lane News

More interesting tidbits and a lot more exciting stuff to follow in the next few days. Click on the thumbnail  below to view the fullsize image.

Ken Block Monster Subaru

Scion xB DJ 2.0 by Five Axis

Tacoma All-Terrain Gamer

JGRMX Concept Bike by Toyota

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]]> http://reviews.carreview.com/blog/2009-sema-photo-gallery-day-1/feed/ http://reviews.carreview.com/blog/new-detroit-rd-facility-for-mercedes/ http://reviews.carreview.com/blog/new-detroit-rd-facility-for-mercedes/#comments Wed, 04 Nov 2009 19:00:57 +0000 tonyb detroit redford mercedes benz tesla http://reviews.carreview.com/?p=12221

Interesting news from Mercedes-Benz when they announced that they are planning to open a new alternative powertrain technology center. Based on the campus of Mercedes’ Redford Township, Michigan facility, the German company made the announcement shortly after the township approved a tax exemption.

The Detroit Free Press said that Redford Township’s tax exemption would allow Mercedes-Benz to purchase $2.3 million worth of equipment for use at the Redford site. Located just 15 miles outside of the Detroit city limits, the move announced by Mercedes can only be seen as positive for an area struggling during the recent economic downturn.

Just how much of a positive impact the move by Mercedes-Benz will have is hard to say, specifically, at this point. The German car maker has yet to publicize just how much it will invest in its new research and development facility, although current estimates speculate that Mercedes new investment is expected to spawn 223 new jobs. And at this point in time, every job counts.

The new Mercedes-Benz facility will work on the automaker’s upcoming generation of transmissions, electronics and control software as well as conventional and alternative engine testing. There is no word, as of yet, whether Tesla, who recently announced a technical partnership with Merc will be involved. There are persistent rumors that Mercedes might also use the Redford Township facility to construct the company’s first diesel-hybrid powertrain.

Besides the obvious benefit this will have for the people of Redford Township and Michigan, the move by Mercedes points to a growing trend of outside auto manufacturers investing more and more in American based facilities. Whether factories or research centers, it seems like foreign auto manufactures know a good deal when they see one.

Disused facilities are cheaper to modernize than building from scratch, and the pre-existing base of talent, from line workers all the way up to trained engineers is also hard to ignore.

Source: Left Lane News

Photo from Flickr user Tomás Fano

If you desire more concrete evidence, Tire Rack published the results of their low-rolling resistance tire test that centered used a Toyota Prius as their test vehicle and subjected the new generation of low-resistance tires to a battery of tests (braking, cornering, mpg performance, etc.). Yokohama’s formal press release and link to the Tire Rack test follows after the jump.

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Ford made a profit. Yes, you read that right, a car company, and not just that, but an American car company, actually made money in the past quarter. After all the doom, gloom, buy-outs, shotgun marriages, bankruptcies and the like, this is the last thing you’d expect to read, but it sure looks like it’s true.

And add to that that this is Ford Motor Company that we’re talking about. The only car company of “The Big Three” that walked away from the government bailout cash. They took a look at the terms of the deal, and said, ‘No thanks, we think we can make it on our own.’ And damn if they weren’t right.

To further put this into context, realize that in these seemingly austere times, look how Ford has gone about racing. Just the fact that they’re going racing (which far too many knuckle-draggers out there consider to be “frivolous”) says a lot about them, for one thing. But Ford continues to race worldwide in very high profile ways. They almost took down Sebastian Loeb in the WRC (which is probably impossible because he’s so good), they race like crazy in NASCAR (just ask anybody that tries to beat Jack Roush) and they keep turning out door-slammer dragsters left right and center.

Ford ain’t shy, in other words.

And world wide, Ford is selling cars as fast as they can crank them out. They are gaining market-share the way Krispy Kreme customers are gaining on the grim reaper. Ford dropped automotive costs by 1 Billion dollars during the past quarter, which added to the total reduction of spending to $4.6 Billion so far this year alone. That is 0.6 above Ford’s target numbers.

And here’s the really good news. The combination of sales added to the cost savings means that world wide , Ford’s 3rd quarter pre-tax profits came to $1.1 Billion. Yes, billion with a “B”. In profits. In North America alone the pre-tax profit was $357 million. Which gave Ford their first profitable quarter since early 2005. And Ford says they are expecting to be fully profitable by 2011.

Source: The Garage Blog

Photo from Flickr user Refracted Moments

Hyundai’s Genesis Coupe garnered a lot of good press and gearhead interest from the get go. And it seems to be fully justified and also understandable. The Hyundai Genesis is well styled (enough), rear wheel drive, and above all, reasonably priced. It’s a car that a young tuner-oriented kid can sink their teeth into, and there’s already a pretty decent aftermarket for the car.

And Hyundai just added a new wrinkle to the mix with its announcement that it will be making a Genesis Coupe 2.0T R-Spec for 2010. With a starting price of just $23,750 and hitting the dealer showrooms fairly stripped down, that way being all the better for future customization by the end user, the R-Spec promises to be even more of what the aftermarket tuner wants.

Photo gallery of R-Spec after the jump

That stripper equipment list for the R-Spec includes a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine that cranks out 210 horsepower, not bad as a starting point. The Coupe also comes with a six-speed manual transmission only, there is no automatic option. There are also 19 inch alloy wheels mounted with Bridgestone Potenza RE050A tires, and in back of the wheels are Brembo brakes; 13.4 inchers up front and 13.0s out back. The 2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe 2.0T R-Spec also has a ‘track-tuned’ suspension (whatever that might be) and Torsen-type limited-slip diff that isn’t in the standard Coupe. Naturally there’s R-Spec badging so everyone knows how cool you are.

The R-Spec Coupe isn’t totally stripped down, however. It does include keyless entry, front, side and side curtain airbags, active front head restraints, air conditioning, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, power windows and door locks, an MP3-capable six-speaker stereo system with iPod/USB connectivity and projector beam headlamps.

The R-Spec package is said to offer as much performance as Hyundai’s Track model, but at a $3,000 less, which will give the prospective buyer more headroom, cash-wise, to spend wherever they’d like. With an extra $3K in your budget, things like larger turbos, aftermarket intercoolers, bigger than necessary audio/video systems and the like.

The R-Spec exists to attract the tuner market. The new for 2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe 2.0T R-Spec will make its official U.S. rollout at the upcoming 2009 SEMA Auto Show in Last Vegas, and will go on sale nationwide soon after.

Source: Motor Authority

Following on the heels of the Cube Krom, Nissan has decided to release a Rogue SUV Krom Special Edition version of its 2010 Rogue SUV. The factory-prepped Cube Krom, that came out earlier this year, was enough of a hit for Nissan to justify the presentation of a similar special edition version of its Rogue crossover. Going on sale at Nissan’s U.S. dealers in December 2009, the upcoming Rogue Krom will feature a host of cosmetic upgrades such as a unique grille treatment and a new front bumper with fancy side air-inlets. It will also get 17-inch brilliant finish alloy wheels with P225/60R Continental 4×4 Contact tires and a new rear bumper that has been restyled with integrated center-exit twin tail pipes.

Other goodies include a body-colored rear spoiler and exterior mirrors. Nissan has tinted windows and added Krom emblems as well as installing steering wheel-mounted audio controls to complete the equipment modifications. The Krom Special Edition Rogue which is based on the ‘S’ trim model.

No pricing on the 2010 Rogue Krom Edition has been announced by Nissan yet, but the extra gee-gaws shouldn’t set you back that much.

Pat Steiner, director, Specialty Vehicles Group, Nissan North America had this to say about the upcoming Rogue model, “The new Krom edition expands Rogue’s already strong appeal, bringing its unmistakable sporty and active design to buyers seeking to stand out from the crowd of ordinary compact SUVs. Just as our NISMO models add enhanced performance straight from the factory, the Krom lineup offers intriguing, customized design right off the showroom floor.”

So what does that mean, exactly? Does this mean that Krom will be an appearance package tweak that Nissan will add to other vehicle lines? Maybe. Maybe the Krom versions of the Cube and the Rogue are just testing the waters, and if the Rogue follows on the Cube’s success, then expect to see more Krom packages become available straight from the factory.

Source: CarScoop

Son, you’re gonna drive me to drinkin’, if ya don’t stop drivin’ that hot rod Lincoln. Yeah, way back when, Lincolns were not cars to be trifled with. They had big enough plants and there was enough go fast goodies out there that you wouldn’t treat them the way … well, the way you’d look at a Lincoln today.

Sure, for the past however long, they’ve been very nice and luxurious Fords, but performance cars? Not so much. Lincoln is looking to change that with three customized rides rolling out at this years SEMA show.

Lincoln will be displaying a trio of customized versions of its MKS flagship sedan, MKT crossover and MKZ saloon at next month’s 2009 SEMA Show in Vegas. The three project cars were developed in cooperation with Raceskinz, Rick Bottom Designs and 3dCarbon.

“Lincoln as a brand is continuing to attract younger customers to the showroom with products like the MKS, MKZ and the new MKT luxury crossover. These customers place huge importance on style, design and technology, and these are areas where Lincoln plays well. SEMA gives customizers the opportunity to push the boundaries of design, while still focusing on the core strengths of the Lincoln brand,” said Amy Marentic, Ford North American Car and Crossovers group marketing manager.

Lincoln calls the 2009 Lincoln MKS Elite by Raceskinz “a perfect example of what happens when you merge beauty and technology.” Sure, why not? Raceskinz slathers the thing with carbon fiber inside and out and adds a high-powered LIIV entertainment system.

The Rick Bottom Designs 2010 Lincoln MKT “Panache” will have luxury and high style in abundance. The flamboyant exterior has been shaved of its door handles, antenna and rear reflectors, and features a custom-made beltline molding in chrome to further accent the body line. The paint treatment is striking and the interior ambience is improved with two-toned leather and matching floating armrests. Rick Bottom Designs worked over the audio system as well as the nav system.

The 2010 Lincoln MKZ by 3dCarbon aims for refinement and elegance of the standard 2010 Lincoln MKZ. The company calls it “a realistic and beautiful take on a new classic Lincoln car.”

Source: CarScoop

2010 Lincoln MKZ concept design by 3dCarbon

2010 Lincoln MKT by Rick Bottom Designs

2010 Lincoln MKZ by Raceskinz

By Alex Kramer

Pros:

• Responsive 240 hp V6 engine
• Capable chassis and suspension
• Roomy and comfortable interior
• Good value

Cons:

• Some chintzy interior plastics
• Exterior design still needs work
• Disappointing fuel efficiency

Introduction

Trivia question: Which manufacturer produced the best-selling car in America 15 years ago? If you’re thinking Honda or Toyota, guess again. Although it seems hard to believe, given the recent collapse of the US auto industry, in 1994 the Ford Taurus and Mercury Sable reigned supreme, proving that America could beat the foreign competition and build a top-rated, best-selling family sedan.

Unfortunately for Ford, the Taurus/Sable lineup gradually lost its edge and by the late 1990’s Honda and Toyota had firmly re-established their dominance in the market for mid-sized sedans, and it’s been a Camry and Accord love fest every since. Fast forward 10 years and it looks like Ford is finally ready to reclaim its title as the go-to manufacturer for quality family transportation. With the refreshed 2010 Fusion, Ford has an appealing mid-sized sedan that should make the competition more than a little nervous.

Performance

When the Fusion was introduced several years ago, the initial reviews revealed a capable chassis that was unfortunately married to a pair of underachieving engines. Both the base 2.3 liter 4-cylinder engine and the optional 3.0 liter V6 were less than inspiring, especially compared to the competition’s higher output 4 and 6 cylinder motors. To remedy this deficiency, Ford offers three new engine options for the 2010 Fusion, including a larger 2.5L 4-cylinder as the base engine and optional 3.0L and 3.5L V6 engines, the latter of which is only available in the Fusion Sport.

Our Fusion SEL test car featured the optional 3.0 L V6, which now puts out a healthy 240 hp and 228 lb-ft torque. This is a capable engine that easily gets the Fusion up to speed and provides plenty of power for passing or merging. Although not quite as quick as the larger 3.5 L V6 engines now found in most mid-sized sedans, this engine impressed us with its peppiness and it should satisfy all but the truly power obsessed. The V6 comes paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission that upshifts quickly and crisply, especially when accelerating hard, although downshifts are a bit on the clunky side. The transmission works well to keep the engine happy and features a manual mode should you want to do the gear changing yourself.

About the only major performance letdown is less than impressive fuel efficiency. Our mileage over the course of several hundred miles of mixed driving hovered in the low 20s, which is not significantly better than most larger V6 engines, and the Fusion does sacrifice a few horsepower due to its smaller displacement engine. Even Ford’s own 3.5L engine gets pretty much the same mileage, making us wonder why Ford even offers the smaller engine.

Handling

The Fusion is based on the first generation Mazda 6 chassis and has luckily inherited lots of zoom-zoom from its corporate sibling. The chassis is plenty stiff and the suspension is dialed, balancing handling and ride quality like a more expensive European sports sedan. Take the Fusion out for an afternoon of spirited driving in the hills and you’ll come away with a big smile on your face. Even without the stiffer suspension of the Sport model, the Fusion is quite the driver’s car, something that can’t be said for many mid-sized sedans.

Our test car came with optional 18” wheels shod with low-profile Goodyear all-season tires. Although summer tires would have given the Fusion even more bravado when carving a corner, the unassuming Goodyears provide surprisingly good grip. They will start to squeal like a pig when pushed hard, but even then the car remains quite manageable. Perhaps the one area Ford could improve to make the handling even better are the brakes, which are adequate but not spectacular.

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