February 8, 2009

2009-2010 Honda Insight Hybrid Road Test

New 2010 Honda Insight Hybrid First Drive Review

Honda's market researched turned up an interesting fact: The people most likely to buy hybrid cars are young people who can't afford them. Enter the 2010 Insight, a purpose-built four-seat hybrid designed to bring high mileage to the masses...In the Insight Honda has created a compact car with outstanding fuel efficiency and all the best dynamic traits of the Fit. What it loses is some of the incredible packaging of its sibling. The lower profile means less passenger volume and the loss of the Fit's... Source: Theyreviewed

User Comments:
An editor of the LA Times drove the new Insight and his lasting comment when in comparing it to the current Prius (not driven the new one yet, but doubt it will change) is that the Honda like all Honda’s is fun to drive, good handling and the driver feels more a part of it. The Prius is like driving your Microwave. (his comment!) Same could always be said in Civic vs Corolla, Accord vs Camray, etc. Depends on what you want out of a car. (ScotsNewsletter)

..Compared to the original Insight, this new Insight is safer, roomier, quieter and more powerful, so it will appeal to more buyers. Compared to the Prius, it will be less expensive - making a better economic arguement, and have smaller "hybrid artifacts" in the powertrain - giving a driving experience closer to a conventional... (USAToday)

Related Links:
2010 Honda Insight Bottom Line. (TheCarConnection.Com)

Driving the 2010 Honda Insight. (Reviews.Cnet.com)

2010 Honda Insight Hybrid Review and Specs. (TheAutoChannel.com)

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February 1, 2009

Buzz: Porsche 911 GT2 RS On The Way

Porsche working on 580-hp GT2 RS for the track?

The hypothetical Porsche 911 GT2 RS would improve on every aspect of the standard turbocharged rear-wheel-drive coupe, beginning with an additional 50 ponies, bringing output up to 580 hp. Center-locking wheels are rumored to be part of the package, along with Plexiglas rear windows... Source: GermanCarBlog

User Coments
How would they save 200 kilos weight?Even removing the air-con,stereo,sound deadening,carpets,glass rear window,etc,would save no more than 50 kilos.So it would probably have to be clad in carbon panels,rolling on magnesium wheels and spitting through titanium exhaust... (PistonHeads)

Given how well the standard GT2 compares to the more expensive 430 Scuderia, I would be excited to see Ferrari's response to an RS. (Autoblog)

Related Links
Porsche: preparing a resounding 911 GT2 RS.. (Autocrunch.com)

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January 17, 2009

VW Polo Preparing For US Debut

CONFIRMED: VW Polo coming to the U.S.

According to Automotive News, Volkswagen has determined that Americans might like a Polo, so it's bringing the 80-hp subcompact Stateside in the not-too-distant future. Until now, the importation of the Polo was all conjecture, but now we have confirmation, straight from the horse's mouth. No specifics were given about the diminutive hatchback's U.S. debut... Source: Autoblog

User Comments:
It will most likely be the next generation Polo, not the one in the picture above. (AutoSpies)

U.S.? How about Quebec? We got alot of small hatches running around here. More Echo and Yaris hatchbacks sold here than anywhere in North America. (WorldCarFans)

Related Links:
Volkswagen to Bring the Polo to the U.S. (Latimes.com)

Volkswagen Polo Coming to U.S. (Automobilemag.com)

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Ford Focus C-Max For US Being Tested

Spy Shots: Ford C-Max Caught, Headed to the U.S.?

Ford’s European development engineers are apparently back from their Holiday breaks, as our spy photographers have caught them out and testing the new C-Max people mover. Ford might be planning two versions of the C-Max this time round, five- and seven-seat configurations, which would explain the noticeably larger exterior dimensions of the mule spotted here. Source: NextAutos.com

User Comments:
I own a Mazda 5 and have been VERY pleased with it. I was in Germany last year and rented the C-Max. It's great. Same Mazda platform, but better looking and a really well put together interior. Very nice. Bring it. It may be a niche, but a growing niche. Go Ford! (Autoblog)


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