Tuesday, September 8, 2009

New BMW 3-Series

new 2009 BMW 3-Series
Price Range: $32,850 - $50,700
Body Style: Sedan, coupe, conv
Sum Up: Still the definitive sport sedan.
Motor Trend Rating:

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2,494 cc 2.5 liters 6 in-line engine with 84 mm bore, 75 mm stroke, 10.5 compression ratio, double overhead cam, variable valve timing/camshaft and four valves per cylinder

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Premium unleaded fuel

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Fuel economy EPA highway (l/100km): 8.1

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Multi-point injection fuel system

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Main 63 liter premium unleaded fuel tank

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Power: SAE and 137 kW , 184 HP @ 5,900 rpm; 175 ft lb , 237 Nm @ 3,500 rpm

New Lexus SC430

new 2009 Lexus SC430
Price Range: $66,805 - $67,505
Body Style: Convertible
Sum Up: another not-quite SL.
Motor Trend Rating:

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4,293 cc 4.3 liters 8 V front engine with 91 mm bore, 82.5 mm stroke, 10.5 compression ratio, double overhead cam, variable valve timing/camshaft and four valves per cylinder

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Premium unleaded fuel

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Fuel economy EPA highway (l/100km): 10.2

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Multi-point injection fuel system

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Main 75 liter premium unleaded fuel tank

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Power: SAE and 224 kW , 300 HP @ 5,600 rpm; 325 ft lb , 441 Nm @ 3,400 rpm

New Infiniti M45

new 2009 Infiniti M45
Price Range: $52,150 - $54,650
Body Style: Sedan
Sum Up: Detail changes, all for the good.
Motor Trend Rating:

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4,494 cc 4.5 liters V 8 front engine with 93 mm bore, 82.7 mm stroke, 10.5 compression ratio, double overhead cam, variable valve timing/camshaft and four valves per cylinder

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Premium unleaded fuel

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Fuel economy EPA highway (mpg): 23 and EPA city (mpg): 17

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Multi-point injection fuel system

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21.1 gallon main premium unleaded fuel tank

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Power: 254 kW , 340 HP SAE @ 6,400 rpm; 333 ft lb , 451 Nm @ 4,000 rpm

New Infiniti M35

new 2009 Infiniti M35
Price Range: $45,800 - $47,950
Body Style: Sedan
Sum Up: Detail changes, all for the good.
Motor Trend Rating:
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3,498 cc 3.5 liters V 6 front engine with 95.5 mm bore, 81.4 mm stroke, 10.3 compression ratio, double overhead cam, variable valve timing/camshaft and four valves per cylinder VQ35

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Premium unleaded fuel 91

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Fuel economy EPA highway (mpg): 25 and EPA city (mpg): 18

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Multi-point injection fuel system

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20.1 gallon main premium unleaded fuel tank

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Power: 209 kW , 280 HP SAE @ 6,200 rpm; 270 ft lb , 366 Nm @ 4,800 rpm

New Lexus HS250h

new 2010 Lexus HS250h

Suggested Price: $34,200
Body Style: Sedan
Performance & Efficiency: 2,357 cc 2.4 liters in-line 4 front engine with 88.4 mm bore, 96.0 mm stroke, 12.5 compression ratio, double overhead...

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2,357 cc 2.4 liters in-line 4 front engine with 88.4 mm bore, 96.0 mm stroke, 12.5 compression ratio, double overhead cam, variable valve timing/camshaft and four valves per cylinder 2AZ-FXE

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Electric fuel with additional unleaded

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Multi-point injection fuel system

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14.5 gallon main unleaded fuel tank 12.1

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Power: 139 kW , 187 HP SAE @ 6,000 rpm; 187 ft lb , 254 Nm @ 4,400 rpm 140 and 105

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Secondary power: maximum power (kw): 110, maximum power (hp): 147, maximum torque (ft lb): 138 and maximum torque (nm): 187

New Infiniti G37

new 2009 Infiniti G37

Price Range: $33,250 - $43,900
Body Style: Sedan, coupe, conv
Sum Up: Budget BMW 3 series. And it works.

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3,696 cc 3.7 liters V 6 front engine with 95.5 mm bore, 86.0 mm stroke, 11.0 compression ratio, double overhead cam, variable valve timing/camshaft and four valves per cylinder VQ37VHR

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Premium unleaded fuel 91

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Multi-point injection fuel system

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20.0 gallon main premium unleaded fuel tank 16.7

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Power: 245 kW , 328 HP SAE @ 7,000 rpm; 269 ft lb , 365 Nm @ 5,200 rpm


2009 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class Base CLK550 2dr Coupe Overview

2009 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class
  • $56,800
  • Invoice Price: $52,824Define Invoice
  • Market Price: $43,489Define Market Price

The Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class is a rare blend of style, luxury and sporty performance. It is available in both coupe and convertible body styles, with a tastefully appointed interior and an impressive array of comfort and safety features.

The rear-wheel drive CLK-Class is comprised of two models: the CLK350 and the CLK550. The CLK350 is outfitted with a 268-hp 3.5-liter V6 engine, while the CLK550 gets a more powerful 382-hp 5.5-liter V8. Both engines are mated to a seven-speed automatic transmission with TouchShift manual shift control, and CLK550 models feature steering-wheel mounted shift paddles (optional on the CLK350). The CLK350 is equipped with 17-inch alloy wheels, leather upholstery and automatic climate control, while CLK550 models add a sport suspension, rear lip spoiler and 18-inch alloy wheels with performance tires. Standard safety features on all CLK-Class models include anti-lock disc brakes with brake assist, stability and traction control systems, front side-impact airbags, overhead curtain airbags for front and rear passengers (coupes only) and active anti-whiplash front head restraints.

For 2009, the Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class carries over with minimal changes to standard equipment and available options. Heated front seats and a glovebox-mounted 6-disc CD changer with MP3 capability are now standard on all models.


2009 Ford Shelby GT500 Base 2dr Coupe Overview

2009 Ford Shelby GT500
2009 Ford Shelby GT500
  • MSRP Price Define MSRP
  • $43,125
  • Invoice Price: $38,872Define Invoice
  • Market Price: $39,145Define Market Price

As a throwback to its 1960's muscle car heritage, Ford has reinvented it's iconic muscle car. This modern rendition features classic cues and aggressive modern styling touches, mixed with a massive dose of horsepower.

Available as a coupe or a convertible, the Shelby possesses an intimidating 500 horsepower, 5.4 liter, V8 engine and comes standard with a 6-speed manual transmission. With only one powertrain combination available, this cars reason for being quickly becomes clear. This car still manages to provide modern amenities such as air-conditioning, a 6-disc CD changer and leather seats for 4 passengers. Safety is addressed with technical features such as 4-wheel Brembo disc brakes, traction control and an assortment of protective airbags.


2009 Chevrolet Corvette Competition Sport Special Edition 2dr Coupe Overview

2009 Chevrolet Corvette
  • $54,815
  • Invoice Price: $49,608Define Invoice
  • Market Price: $49,697Define Market Price

The Chevrolet Corvette is the best high-performance value in America. The Corvette delivers supercar performance for the price of a midsize luxury sedan.

The Corvette is a two-seat sports car available as a targa-roof coupe, convertible, or the high-performance Z06 and new ZR1 hardtop coupes. The coupe and convertible come with a 430-hp LS3 6.2-liter V8 engine and six-speed manual transmission. An optional dual-mode exhaust increases the horsepower to 436-hp. A six-speed automatic with steering wheel paddle shifters is available. The Z06 comes with a 505-hp LS7 7.0-liter V8 engine, a six-speed manual transmission, sport handling suspension, and bigger wheels and tires. The amazing new ZR1 comes with a supercharged 638-hp LS9 6.2-liter V8, a six-speed manual transmission, Magnetic Selective Ride Control suspension, special carbon fiber components and Brembo ceramic brakes.

For 2009, the Chevrolet Corvette is a carryover except for the all-new ZR1 model.

2009 Audi S5 4.2L 2dr All-wheel Drive quattro Coupe Overview

2009 Audi S5
  • $51,400
  • Invoice Price: $47,802Define Invoice
  • Market Price: $49,897Define Market Price

The Audi S5 is the performance-oriented version of the A5, Audi's two-door, four-seat luxury sports coupe. It provides more muscular styling, more power and additional standard equipment.

The S5 is built with a 354-hp 4.2-liter V8 engine, mated to either a six-speed manual transmission or a six-speed automatic with Tiptronic and paddle shifters. Audi's quattro all-wheel drive system is standard, along with exclusive S5-specific standard features such as a sport-tuned suspension, bi-xenon headlights, 19-inch alloy wheels, heated front sport seats and aluminum interior trim elements. Options include a Bang & Olufsen audio system, voice-activated navigation, adaptive cruise control and Audi Side Assist.

For 2009, the Audi S5 carries over with minor standard equipment and option adjustments. An auxiliary input jack is now standard, and the new Audi Drive Select package includes an adaptive suspension and dynamic steering system.

2009 BMW M3 Overview

2009 BMW M3
  • $54,850 - $66,500
  • Invoice Price: $50,640 - $61,360Define Invoice
  • Market Price: $53,018 - $64,282Define Market Price

Now in its fourth generation, the M3 was first launched in 1986 by M GmbH who took what they learned on the race track to develop a high-performance street car that lives up to its motorsports heritage.

The M3 is powered by a high-revving 4.0-liter V8 engine that produces 414 horsepower. All that power is driven through the rear wheels via two different transmissions, a six-speed manual or a seven-speed double-clutch, and a variable differential lock. High-performance anti-lock brakes with cross-drilled discs work with electronic stability control and M sport suspension to keep things under control.

Wednesday, September 2, 2009

First Drive: 2010 Lincoln MKT

First Drive: 2010 Lincoln MKT

Lincoln's new MKT crossover is based on the Ford Flex, but despite the common platform, there are plenty of differences.

For starters, the MKT boasts curvy styling with a chopped roofline, while the Flex looks like it was dumped straight out of the box it came in. The MKT also offers different suspension tuning than the Flex.

Of course, the two SUVs share plenty of similarities, as well. One of those is the optional EcoBoost engine. This 3.5-liter V6 uses direct-injection and twin turbochargers to make 355 horsepower and 350 lb-ft of torque. The engine is mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission. EcoBoost MKTs all come equipped with...


Bugatti Veyron - The Final Edition

Bugatti Veyron - The Final Edition

The special edition parade of the Bugatti Veyron is coming to a close, or that's what the rumor is. After a long line of ultra special versions of the spectacular supercar, Bugatti seems to have decided to call it a day. Some of the noted editions being, Sang Noir, Pur Sang, Fdg by hermes, Grand Sport, Bleu Centenaire and the four individual Centenaire editions.

The word has been doing the rounds post the unveiling of the Sang Bleu edition of the Grand Sport at Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance. If it holds true then we just got to see the final special edition in the production cycle of one of the most admired limited production cars of all...


Upset British Man Drives Rolls-Royce into Store

Upset British Man Drives Rolls-Royce into Store

What happens when you combine alcohol, anger, and a large luxury car? Well, in England, you get a very upset man who plowed his 1983 Rolls-Royce Silver Spirit into a Tesco store.

According to the fellas over at Autoblog, who picked up the story from the Telegraph, a one Robert Caton of Andover, England, ordered a bedroom set over the phone from Tesco Direct. When it arrived without the mattress, the 50-year-old Caton set off to the local Tesco store in Andover and tried to straighten things out with the staff. This proved fruitless, since the mattress was ordered via telephone, and that department is separate from the retail store. A...


2010 Audi S6 - 4dr Sdn Prestige

2010 Audi S6 -  4dr Sdn Prestige
MSRP Range: $76,100
Fuel Economy: 14 MPG city / 19 MPG highway
Seating capacity: 5
Basic Warranty:
<<<>>>
Basic: 4 Years/50,000 Miles
Drivetrain: 4 Years/50,000 Miles
Corrosion: 12 Years/Unlimited Miles
Audi's A6 returns for 2009 as the company's full-size offering, with a
number of different models giving performance, luxury and versatility
in a streamlined package.



A range of engines are available, starting with the 3.2-liter V6
offered in the front-wheel drive A6 sedan, making 255 horsepower and
achieving an estimated 18 mpg city and 27 mpg highway. The big news
this year is the new 3.0T supercharged V6, which makes 300 horsepower
and is available in both A6 sedan and Avant wagon configurations. It
utilizes direct injection as well as a roots-style supercharger with
two contra-rotating 4-vane shafts, delivering a maximum boost of 11.5
psi through twin water-to-air intercoolers. The 4.2-liter 350-hp V8
also returns as an option on the sedan, and the S6 again comes with a
version of the 5.2-liter V10 used in the Lamborghini Gallardo, which
makes 435 horsepower.



The 3.2-liter V6 comes with Audi's front-wheel drive system, known
as FrontTrack, as well as Audi's Multitronic electronically-controlled
continuously variable transmission. The 3.0-liter V6 and 4.2-liter V8
in the A6 and the 5.2-liter V10 in the S6 come standard with a
Tiptronic manually-shiftable 6-speed automatic and the legendary
Quattro all-wheel drive system, and a Dynamic Shift Program offers over
200 different shift programs to suit a wide variety of drivers. Quattro
has been reworked slightly for 2009, having been adjusted to send 60%
of engine torque to the rear wheels and 40% to the front.


European models are again offered with Audi's air suspension
system, but that feature has been dropped in U.S.-delivery models for
2009, replaced by larger-diameter shocks and revised spring rates to
help smooth out ride quality over a variety of surfaces.


Roadside Assistance: 4 Years/Unlimited Miles

2010 Lincoln MKS - 4dr Sdn 3.7L FWD

2010 Lincoln MKS -  4dr Sdn 3.7L FWD
MSRP Range: $40,870 - $47,760
Fuel Economy: 17 (2009) MPG city / 24 (2009) MPG highway
Seating capacity: 5
Basic Warranty:
Basic: 4 Years/50,000 Miles
Drivetrain: 6 Years/70,000 Miles
Corrosion: 5 Years/Unlimited Miles
Three variants of the MKS are available for 2010: the 3.7-liter V6 with
front-wheel or all-wheel drive, and the 3.5-liter turbocharged EcoBoost
engine with all-wheel drive only. The smaller engine produces 350 hp
and 350 lb-ft of torque, as compared to 273 hp and 270 ft-lbs of torque
from the normally aspirated 3.7-liter. All versions use a 6-speed
automatic transmission that can be upgraded to use
steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters.


The MKS uses a Macpherson strut in the front and independent rear
suspension for luxury-level ride comfort, plus 4-wheel disc brakes,
ABS, tire-pressure monitoring, traction control, reverse sensing
system, and electronic stability control. A rearview camera and
adaptive cruise control are available. Eighteen-inch wheels are
standard, but nineteen and twenty inchers are available as options.


The interior is nicely appointed, with genuine wood trim
throughout. Front seats are heated and cooled, and adjustable 12 ways,
plus lumbar support; even the rear seats are heated. Microsoft's
standard SYNC system received upgrades for 2010 to take it beyond
answering the phone and choosing a song-it now can offer turn-by-turn
directions and real-time traffic conditions. The standard 6-speaker
stereo has an in-dash 6-disc changer and MP3 capability, plus Sirius
satellite radio, but it can be upgraded to a 14-speaker system, which
includes two subwoofers.

Roadside Assistance: 6 Years/70,000 Miles

2010 Lincoln MKS - 4dr Sdn 3.7L FWD

2010 Lincoln MKS -  4dr Sdn 3.7L FWD

Rieger VW Scirocco Channels Lamborghini, Audi

Euro Car Emulation - Rieger VW Scirocco Channels Lamborghini, Audi (GALLERY)

If this modified Rieger VW Scirocco looks a bit familiar to you, your eyes aren’t deceiving you: The aftermarket body kit takes design cues from two of its high-profile Volkswagen Group brethren.

In the first image, you’ll recognize Lamborghini-style vertical doors on the Rieger VW Scirocco. And in the second photo, the car’s grille and body look strangely familiar to the Audi R8.

The new VW Scirocco has proven to be an early favorite among European tuners, and Rieger’s line of aftermarket products will go for sale in March 2009.