Autos Only

Monday, May 21, 2007

2008 Saturn Vue Pricing Announced

Saturn's onslaught of new products continues with the new 2008 Saturn Vue. With the addition of this vehicle, only the lowly Ion carries the torch for old-school Saturn-think (at least, until the Astra arrives.) Like the Aura and Sky, the Vue shares its platform and looks with an Opel; in this case it's the Antara that debuted at the Paris show in September.

It's apparent from first glance that this isn't the same old Vue, but the differences also go far below the surface. Six air bags are standard, as is a six-speed transmission with V-6 models. And while the sixteen-inch standard wheels are a bit on the small side, seventeens are available. (Speaking of availability, there's no word yet as to whether the Vue will get Opel's clever built-in, fold-away rear-bumper bike rack, but we really hope it does.) The base model, badged XE, uses a 2.4-liter I-4 with 164 horsepower and direct fuel injection, but is available only with front-wheel drive and a four-speed automatic. The top-line, four-wheel drive Vue XR, powered by a 250-horsepower V-6 with variable valve timing mated to a six-speed automatic, promises to be more fun, and Saturn promises a five-speed manual is on the way, too. (It's unclear if the stick will be offered with only the four, only with the V-6, or with both.)

Saturn has announced a base price of $21,395 for the 2008 Vue, a hike of $3295 over the outgoing model. While that may seem a bit excessive, that actually puts the Vue directly between the Honda CR-V and the Toyota RAV4, whose prices are just a few hundred dollars lower and higher, respectively. Saturn also defends the increase by noting that the base engine is more powerful and is linked to a standard automatic transmission. Standard stability control and side curtain air bags also justify the increase.

Forthcoming is a Red Line model, which will use the same V-6 engine and transmission with different suspension and bigger wheels. We haven't driven one yet, but on paper it promises to be a huge improvement over the outgoing model.

The Vue Green line will also debut in 2008, as GM's first front-wheel-drive 2-mode hybrid. GM has announced its intention to produce a plug-in variant of the Vue Green Line, but development of that system is still underway and no launch date has been set.

Adult Rated Car Wash

Down Under at the Bubbles 'n' Babes car wash in Brisbane Australia, you can get a car wash from a naked woman and a lap dance, but it'll cost you a cool $82. If that's too much money for you, you can get the nude wash minus the up-close-and-personal element for $45. The establishment is owned by a strip club owner (shocking...we know), and it uses recycled water to keep in compliance with strict usage rules brought on by a prolonged drought.

It should come as no surprise that local government officials were against the nudie wash, but in the end, Brisbane's mayor decided that no rules were being broken. We don't know about you, but we have trouble ponying up the extra cash for high-grade motor oil or gasoline, and seriously, $45 for a basic car wash is pretty ridiculous, despite the "free" show that comes with it.

Wednesday, May 16, 2007

Toyota FT-HS coming in 2009

The June '07 print edition of Automobile is full of juicy information, and one of the more significant bits of news appears in a sidebar on page 30. According to the magazine, Toyota has given the FT-HS hybrid sports car the green light, and the Calty-designed production version will make its debut in 2009. It's being billed by Automobile as the spiritual successor to the late, lamented Supra -- a position that's hard to argue assuming you can look past the probable lack of an inline 6. Like the concept, the two-seat FT-HS will pair the company's Hybrid Synergy Drive with an as-yet-undetermined gasoline engine (the concept utilized a 3.5-liter V6). Power and pricing aren't discussed, but if the numbers thrown around when the concept was introduced -- 400 horses and mid-level dollar amounts -- are feasible, the thing should have plenty of takers.

[Source: Automobile, June 2007 via Autoblog]

The future of alternative fuel

The May Popular Science looks at the future of cars. There are pictures of futuristic cars and a writer's account of driving a Smart car. The Popular Science folks also weighed in on what fuel sources other than gas will power cars in the future.

Alternative power Estimated market share in 2027

Batteries ...30%

Diesel ...20%

Ethanol ...6%

Biodiesel ...4%

Natural gas ...3%

Hydrogen ...2%

Saturday, May 12, 2007

Freightliner announces new big rig: the Cascadia

It may not look like anything revolutionary to the untrained eye, but to hear DaimlerChrysler tell it, the all-new Freightliner Cascadia is very much a big deal. It's built on a new platform that readily accepts EPA '07-compliant engines and is ready to play home to powerplants built off DCX's Global Heavy Duty Engine Platform, the first of which are set to arrive later this year from Detroit Diesel. It also incorporates a new, common Electric/Electronic Architecture, and many features and systems were designed from the outset to be easily accessible, repairable, and/or replaceable to ensure that the rig's able to maximize its on-road time.

It's lighter than other competitors due in large part to its aluminum cab, and boasts a 3% increase in fuel efficiency over its predecessors thanks to a design that was perfected using Freightliner's wind tunnel, which is the only one designed for vehicles of this class. Driver and passenger are not ignored either. The cab features car-inspired ergonomics, an improved HVAC system, copious sound-deadening measures, larger seats that sit on their own shock absorbers tuned to the trucks suspension settings, improved lighting, and more. You can get additional details via the Cascadia website and DCX's press release, which is pasted after the jump.

[Source: DaimlerChrysler]

HUMMER 1, 2, 3 . . . and now 4: H4 confirmed for 2010

hummer 4

There's no better moment than the day after Earth Day to announce a new smaller, kinder, gentler Hummer. Martin Walsh, Hummer's general manager, said "Our growth will be downwards in terms of size," and that begins with the now-official H4. Walsh also indicated there might be a smaller model than the H4 if need be.

The H4 comes below the H3 in the pecking order, meant as a compact SUV to go against competitors like the Nissan Murano. As such, Walsh said the H4 would be built on an upcoming compact GM platform, but didn't say which one. As long as Hummer-philes get the same gruff styling cues and useful ability in the dirty stuff, that shouldn't be a problem. Hummer insiders are apparently fretting that GM might "go soft" with the H4, but even Walsh readily admits, "We have to offer legitimate off-road capability."

Last year Hummer sold 56,000 H3's and 14,000 H2's. The H4 could bump those numbers up by an additional 40,000 units. Also in the pipeline are "bio-fuel powertrains '...in every single vehicle application," an H3 SUT, and even though it was ruled out late last year, news out of Australia is that a hybrid could even be in the works. It's a new day indeed. As for the H4, sources tell us to look for a preview of it in concept guise during next year's auto show circuit, likely in Detroit.

[Source: Autoblog via GoAuto via Top Speed]

2007 Toyota Corolla LE

2007 Toyota Corolla LE

Last week’s test car, Toyota’s compact Corolla, was a pleasant surprise. The last Corolla I drove was a little white one from the early 80s - my daughter Stephanie’s high school and college car. She named it Skippy. She bought it with 125,000 miles already spent and drove it about seven years. Skippy was approaching 200,000 miles when Stephanie finally sold it. I had to borrow it once when the transmission went out of my XR4Ti. In spite of being a bit slow I remember Skippy being plain and simple but reasonably fun to drive, with its little 4-cylinder and 5-speed stick. I think the only thing that ever went wrong with the car was a battery explosion.

That generation of Corolla was the first product of the GM joint venture called New United Motor Manufacturing, Inc. (NUMMI) wherein the two companies built a new factory in Freemont, California and each built a car there - the Corolla and GEO Prism. Those early cars were pretty crass and unsophisticated, but plenty dependable. Each successive generation became more sophisticated and complete. Now this Corolla, still a NUMMI product, is literally just a fine little Camry – and a well-equipped one at that.

Inside, our initial impression is of a nicely appointed family sedan, including good quality materials throughout, wood grain trim, power windows, mirrors and locks, keyless entry, tilt steering wheel, AC with air filter and plenty of room considering its size. I’m a big guy and I was entirely comfortable driving the Corolla. Though I didn’t have any back seat passengers there looked to be lots of room back there. And the trunk, too, appears generous. We can even tow 1,500 pounds with it if we want.

Power is more than adequate for this car. A 1.8-litre DOHC, 16-valve, 4-banger with 126-hp and 122 lb-ft does the job well enough. With the 4-speed automatic transmission it’s rated at 30-mpg city and 38 on the highway. With the 5-speed manual it’ll do 32 and 41. Wow. As I was returning the Corolla to the press fleet distributor the low-fuel light came on just as the trip odometer rolled over 500 miles. With the 13.2-gallon fuel tank that means we got close to 40-mpg with the little squirt.

Since I was out of town on a junket most of the week I didn’t get to spend any serious seat time with the Corolla but I would not hesitate to make a good long road trip with guests and luggage. A 13.6-cu-ft trunk would accommodate enough stuff for a long weekend at least.

Handling was very good. Corolla is front-wheel-drive, of course. Steering is rack-and-pinion with engine speed-sensing power assist. Suspension is McPherson struts in front and semi-independent (torsion beam) rear suspension and damping appropriate for a comfortable sedan. Front disc and rear drum brakes are competent. On our cloverleaf freeway entrance the Corolla didn’t feel like a car I wanted to push too hard but it got up to speed in plenty of time, which not all economy cars will do.

At around 16-grand this well-dressed peasant presents well. Compared to the other products in its class the experts rate it about in the center considering all categories. It’s due for redesign soon so we’ll be seeing another upgrade and modernization. We can expect it to be a class-leading redo if redesigns of Camry and Avalon are any gauge.

Our test car shows a base price of $16,215 (though Toyota’s web site says $15,415). That base price includes an amazing amount of content. In addition we have almost 3-grand worth of options bringing our total to $19,098. Options include: All Weather Guard Package for $70, ABS, Electronic Brake Force Distribution and Tire Pressure Monitor for $390, Driver and Passenger Side and Curtain air bags for $655, Audio Value Package for $450, Stability Control/Traction Control for $650 and special carpet floor mats with the Corolla name for $88.

Warranty is 36 months/36,000 miles basic and 60 months/60,000 miles on the powertrain.

In the genre of economical, comfortable, attractive but unobtrusive, small sedans it would be hard to beat the Corolla. It’s the kind of car one could buy and drive forever for hundreds of thousands of miles, if that be the goal. If we figured out the cost per mile for a high mileage plan I bet it would be mighty impressive.

2008 BMW M3 V-8 Engine Information!

2008 bmw engine

Like it or not, after fifteen years of inline-sixes in the M3, the time has come to move on. The E92 M3 needs to compete against the 420-hp Audi RS4, so it needs more than the previous M3's 3.2 liters of displacement. BMW says cylinders larger than 500cc are less than ideal, so it had no choice but to go to a V-8.

Luckily for purists, BMW's M Division doesn't believe in turbocharging - they feel that it just adds weight and fuel consumption. Their solution is, instead, to extract power from engines by building them to sustain speeds heretofore enjoyed only by your trusty Osterizer.

8400 rpm, that is, making it the fastest high-volume V-8 in the world. And all that revving works - the 3999-cc, 90-degree cross-plane-crank V-8 frappés out 420 hp @ 8300 rpm and 295 lb-ft @ 3900 rpm. BMW hasn't finalized its U.S. M3 specifications - the 420 number is actually German horsepower, Pferdestärke, which is the equivalent of 414 U.S. horsepower. (Our horses are slightly stronger - they eat Wheaties.)

The engine, however, is rated at 309 kW, which is the same as the Audi RS4. Audi managed to certify that engine to both 420 PS (German) and 420 hp (US). We suspect BMW will do the same, because the M3's engine is nothing more than the latest bomb dropped in the German horsepower war, landing right on top of the RS4's pretty red V-8.

Sunday, April 8, 2007

2008 BMW 335i Convertible

2008 BMW 335i convertible

With its fourth-generation 3-series convertible, BMW joins the trend toward retractable hard tops--following the likes of the Mercedes-Benz SL, the Volvo C70, and the Volkswagen Eos. The switch is a curious one for BMW, as it adds weight and loses what even BMW's U.S. chief Tom Purves admits is the "romance" of a raised soft top (as on BMW's own 6-series). And unlike the aforementioned models, the 3-series droptop isn't doing double duty as a coupe. BMW will very happily sell you a fixed-roof 3-series two-door, if you wish.

While a retractable hard top may be a surprising choice for BMW, it's not without benefits. The solid roof makes for a very quiet closed car. Its slim C-pillars provide far better visibility than you get with a soft top. And it creates a sleek profile, although it's marred somewhat by the cutlines created by the roof panels and the wrap-over trunk lid.

You also have to admire the execution of this steel top. It's divided into three sections, which neatly flatten and stack before disappearing under the deck lid. BMW was able to preserve 7.4 cubic feet of trunk room with the top stowed (slightly less than the softtop's 7.7 cubic feet), but you'll need slim luggage to slip it under the stowed roof. (Order the Comfort Access package, and the stowed top lifts slightly to aid luggage loading.) Trunk capacity with the roof raised is 12.4 cubic feet, a big improvement over the previous model's 8.9 cubic feet. Additionally, the rear seatback folds down to turn the space behind the front seats into a flat-bottomed cargo hold, and there's an optional trunk pass-through that is usable even with the top down.

A retractable hard top is heavier than a soft top, and so, compared with the coupe, the convertible's weight penalty of about 400 pounds is more than the previous model's roughly 340 pounds. The extra heft slightly dulls the edge of this very sporty car. The wiggle-free structure, however, will impress drivers of the previous 3-series cabrio and will amaze owners of the second-generation model.

Clearly, BMW thinks the 3.0-liter six is the right size powerplant for this car, since five of the six engines it offers in the 3-series convertible are 3.0-liter sixes. For us, choices mirror those in the coupe: a 230-hp 328i and a 300-hp 335i. Europeans skip the 328i, but they do get the 335i, a 268-hp 330i, a 215-hp 325i, a 228-hp 330d, plus a four-cylinder 320i.

The only version BMW bothered to bring to Arizona was the 335i--but, hey, with an engine this good, favoritism is understandable. Even with the convertible's extra poundage, the twin-turbo's 300 lb-ft of torque blasts the 335i from 0 to 60 mph in 5.5 seconds with a manual transmission or 5.7 with the automatic (according to BMW). Still more impressive is the utterly seamless turbo integration and the fantastic sound the engine makes as it zooms up the tach, rendered all the more intense when it's not muffled by the roof or windows.

Both the 328i and the 335i are available with BMW's well-regarded six-speed manual, but for our drive, we opted for the new ZF six-speed automatic that was introduced on the coupe. There is no shame in choosing this autobox; it's an absolute sweetheart. It whips off shifts nearly as fast as VW/Audi's dual-clutch automatic, and it matches revs on downshifts. The optional shift paddles are beautifully executed: push forward for a downshift, pull back for an upshift--no need to move the gear lever out of D. Unfortunately, the 328i gets a less-sophisticated six-speed automatic (no paddles, no rev-matching, slower shifts).

We're not as thrilled about some other options on our test car, specifically the overly helpful active steering, which is a stain on one of the 3-series' finest attributes, and the always annoying iDrive, which comes with navigation.

The optional leather upholstery is now an even cooler option, with heat-reflecting technology that can lower its surface temperature by as much as 36 degrees. Riders soaking up rays in the rear seat will enjoy more shoulder and elbow room than before, although knee room remains tight.

But really, who cares about them? This is still a car that's all about the driver. The stellar twin-turbo six, the razor-sharp automatic, and the suspension's athleticism clearly make this the BMW of hardtop convertibles.

Wednesday, April 4, 2007

Alternative Fuel Cars on the Right Track

Doing something about global warming and the rapid depletion of the world’s non-renewable energy resources has recently become an important topic on some governments' agendas, and hopefully not only because elections
are coming.

The first concrete measures have been to introduce extra taxes for purchasing or importing a car of which designers couldn't care less about the environment.

US now have the “Gas Guzzler Tax”, and some countries in the European Union are adding up to 100% of a guzzling second hand car's value, in import taxes. The Middle East situation is not looking bright, and don't forget that most of the world's oil is there. So, many car manufacturers began, though yet a bit shy, researching alternative fuels for your car.

Your car could soon become a vegetarian thanks to a process for cost-effectively converting cellulosic biomass, such as grass, wood, wheat and rice straw, into ethanol that can be used for fuel, due to inventors such as Lee Lynd, professor of engineering and adjunct professor of biology at Dartmouth College.

Lynd and his colleagues’ inventions are at the forefront of advanced technologies for converting biomass feedstocks into motor vehicle fuels.

Once, while being on a farm, he thought: “My goodness, that pile of grass and whatnot is four-feet high, and if you put a thermometer down into the bottom of that, it’s 150 degrees Fahrenheit.”

He realized that cellulose-utilizing bacteria that produced ethanol were known, and that production and utilization of cellulosic biofuels could involve a sustainable carbon cycle with no net emissions of carbon dioxide.

In the United States today, fuel ethanol is derived from corn, which is available in limited quantities and consumes substantial amounts of fossil energy as currently produced.

On the other hand, cellulose is the most abundant organic compound on the face of the Earth and production of fuel from cellulosic biomass displaces far more fossil fuel than is required to produce.

“Developing a microbe that can convert cellulosic biomass to ethanol can be approached in one of two ways,” said Lynd. “Either start with organisms that are able to grow well on biomass and modify them to produce ethanol better, or start with organisms that produce ethanol well and modify them so that they can grow on biomass.”

Lynd’s group is investigating both approaches and has recently engineered thermophilic bacteria to produce ethanol as the only fermentation product, and yeast to grow on cellulose.

No need to mention the countless applications and benefits that such research would present for a better future for all of us, I will just say that over a century of polluting the soil, the water and the air will get back at us, someday, if we don't try to repair what's left to repair, since undoing all of it is impossible.

Monday, April 2, 2007

Supercars in Paris

Despite the fact that supercars are all about status, flash and money there is something unavoidably appealing about them; maybe it’s the power, speed and handling. I can still remember the first time I saw a Lamborghini Countach in person. The scale of the car was amazing, sleek low and incredibly wide. In fact most supercars are much bigger than they look on the glossy pages of magazines. This begs a few questions: what would it be like to actually drive one of these powerful, unwieldy and massive machines on the streets of a crowded city, and how practical would it be for transporting luggage and running errands? Fortunately the boys at Top Gear have a big enough budget to answer these questions.

Using three top of the line exotics, the Ford GT, Pagani Zonda and Ferrari F430, Top Gear put them through the paces of real world driving and parking on the streets of Paris…or they would have got to the driving part if they could have gotten out of the parking garage. This clip doesn’t bust any myths, we all know super cars are built for smooth open roads or race tracks not parking garages, but it is certainly interesting to watch the supercars try and do “normal car” tasks and fail. I knew there was a reason so many people drove Hondas and not Zondas.

Expand Post to see the video.

Friday, March 30, 2007

Another $1,000 off on Toyota Tundra

It looks like the pickup truck wars are on, and one automaker from Japan is not declaring "Mission Accomplished". Within the span of a couple months, the new "game-changing" Tundra was launched, Toyota then placed cash on the hood of the new truck, the guys and girls over at Nissan canceled their HD version of the Titan, and now more cash is needed to move Tundras.
Read More...

Honda launches the Civic Type R sedan in Japan

Honda launches the Civic Type R sedan in Japan

Come Friday, March 30, the new Civic Type R will go on sale in Japan. Based on the current Civic 4-door, the Type R is powered by a screaming, normally aspirated 2.0-liter four cylinder (K20A) that eclipses 100 hp/liter, producing around 225 ponies at 8,000 rpm and 159 lb-ft of torque at 6,100 rpm.. A six-speed manual transmission feeds power to the front wheels -- 18-inch units shod with a set of Bridgestone Potenzas. Four-piston Brembos are visible between the spokes and provide the car's stopping power. Body rigidity is said to be 50% better than that of the previous Integra Type R (Acura RSX), and the car weighs in at 1,250 kg (2755 lbs) with no A/C installed. The creature comfort adds another 20 kg (44 lbs).

Expand post for more info.

[Source: Honda]

Externally, a redesigned front fascia incorporates a large lower air intake for improved breathing. The hood and front fenders are unique to the Type R, as is the rear bumper with its integrated diffuser. Red "H" emblems, sill extensions and the to-be-expected rear wing cap off the car's racy look. Type R badging adorns the rear of the car, and logo decals are available for owners who want to add them to the spot in front of the rear wheel cutout. Additionally, Modulo provides an aftermarket stripe kit and accessory driving lights, both of which you can see in the attached gallery. Viewed in profile, the Type R has an aggressive stance, with a decidedly pointed snout. It is the best-looking Civic sedan available in any market.

Inside, Type R-exclusive front seats await the driver and passenger, and the upholstery is available in either all-black or a black-and-red two-tone. An aluminum shift knob, metallic pedals, red steering wheel logo, and an Engine Start button make it clear that this is not your ordinary Civic, while options such as ambient lighting in the footwells and Honda's hard-disk navigation system allow for further personalization. Three paint colors -- Championship White, Super Platinum metallic, and Vivid Blue Pearl -- are offered, and Honda hopes to sell 400 of the cars each month at a price of 2,835,000 yen (which directly translates to around $24,000 USD for those of you who were wondering, not that it really applies to us). All we know is that we want one. Badly.

Holden engineering chief says New V12 Cadillac not coming from Oz

New V12 Cadillac

Bob Lutz recently confirmed that Cadillac is developing a top-of-the-line model powered by a V12 to take on the Mercedes S-class and BMW 7 series. Unlike other recent rear-wheel-drive models like the Pontiac G8 and Chevrolet Camaro, the new model will not be developed by the Holden team in Australia. Holden engineering director Tony Hyde said his engineers are not involved in any way in the V12 development. An Australian report had claimed that the new car would be based on the new Zeta platform that underpins the other new RWD GM cars with the V-12 being based on a pair of 3.6L V-6s joined together.
Read More...

Range Rover, caring for the drug lords!

Range Rover, caring for the drug lords!

We enjoy reporting on even the most removed niche vehicles on the market, but here's something that will only be of interest to drug lords living in the hillside jungles of South America, because few others would have use for an armored, stretched Range Rover (with the possible exception of the British royals).

This Range Rover has been stretched by 25 centimeters (about ten inches), primarily to the benefit of its rear seat occupants. The body panels and floor have been lined and plated in Kevlar, the same stuff police use in their bulletproof vests. Reinforced windows have been fitted that can even withstand volleys from automatic machine guns and sniper rifles. Match all that with an Explosafe rupture- and fire-proof fuel tank and the requisite run-flat tires, and you've got yourself a very swanky armored personnel carrier.

Since such a vehicle is likely to spend most of its life helping occupants evade capture by US drug enforcement agents, it's only fitting that it has been outfitted with all that gear by First Defense, an American personal security firm.

[Source: Sybarites]

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