2009 Honda Fit (Fuel Economy)

09 Honda Fit/Jazz Review | Photos | Videos | Page 1 of 5 | Next>>

I spent a few hours with the 2009 Fit and Fit Sport in both manual and automatic forms, and people who purchased the earlier Fit will be pleased to hear that the new one doesn't blow the old one away, but new buyers will enjoy incremental improvements in many areas, including roominess, visibility and engine power, as well as a gas-mileage bump..

The EPA-estimated fuel economy is 28/35 mpg for the base model with a five-speed automatic transmission, and 27/33 mpg for versions with the five-speed manual transmission as well as for the automatic Fit Sport. You read it right: The manual is less efficient than one automatic version, whose highway figure has increased from 34 mpg to 35 mpg in the new generation.
[...cars.com] Continue...

09 Honda Fit/Jazz Review | Photos | Videos | Page 1 of 5 | Next>>

Source: Cars.com | Read More: Honda Fit , Reviews

Click To Know More...

Ford Launches 2009 Ford Focus XR5 Turbo

2009 Model Ford Focus XRS Turbo | Photos | Page 1 of 1 | Next>>

The first Focus to debut Ford’s new Kinetic design philosophy, the iconic German-built XR5 Turbo flagship looks simply stunning. Powering the new XR5 Turbo is a 2.5-litre 166kW Duratec five-cylinder engine mated to a 6-speed manual transmission, offering peak torque of 320Nm from 1,600rpm right through to 4,000rpm.

It looks as well as it goes too, with a completely new, more aggressive front bumper flanked by distinctive re-styled fog lamps and finished with a graphite mesh with signature honeycomb pattern. At the rear, the XR5 Turbo gets a new bumper with an integrated lower diffuser framing two generously proportioned exhaust pipes, with full LED tail lamps and an oversized rear spoiler.
[...theyreviewed.blogspot.com]

2009 Model Ford Focus XRS Turbo | Photos | Page 1 of 1 | Next>>

Source: TheyReviewed | Read More: Ford Focus , Cars For 2009

Click To Know More...

2009 Mazda 6 - First Drive Review

2009 Model Mazda6 Test Drive Review | Page 1 of 6 | Next>>

Time to say bye-bye to the original Mazda 6, born as a 2003 model… Mazda aimed higher with the new 6,.. the 2009 model leapfrogs Camry dimensions to land a shade behind the bulked-up Accord,.. North America now gets a unique body that is distinctly larger than Europe’s and Japan’s, up 6.9 inches in length, 2.3 in width from before.



After a few hours of driving,.. we think.. Steering is light and alive, yet it grooves in on straight-ahead when the path calls for it. Slack has been zeroed out of brake-pedal motion. Ride is well controlled without being harsh, and noises, both road and wind, are dialed way back.
[...caranddriver.com] Continue...

2009 Model Mazda6 Test Drive Review | Page 1 of 6 | Next>>

Source: CarAndDriver | Read More: Mazda , Road Test

Click To Know More...

First Drive: 2009 Ford Flex

Review: 2009 Ford Flex Test | Photos | Video | Page 1 of 9 | Next>>

When I first saw the Ford Flex as a concept at the 2005 Detroit Auto Show (where it was introduced as the Fairlane concept) I must admit that I didn't get it... Flex has evolved from a puzzling concept into an interesting, appealing, clever and fresh take on the crossover class… First, the Flex looks great. Turns out there's nothing "over the top" about it, even though its key individual design elements (the grooved side panels, the aluminum-look hatch, the straight lines, wrap-around lights, the prominent grille) may seem risky.



Second, the exuberant exterior is not let down by the interior. Open the door and you're immediately drawn into the detail and quality of its component parts. The look and feel of the surfaces and materials, the operation of its controls and the availability of an unexpected array of amenities (like a compressor-driven fridge between the seats) speak to a determined effort on the part of Ford designers and engineers to get it right.
[...canadiandriver.com] Continue...

Review: 2009 Ford Flex Test | Photos | Video | Page 1 of 9 | Next>>

Source: CanadianDriver | Read More: Ford , Test Drive

Click To Know More...

First drive: Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4

2009 Gallardo Test Review | Photos | Video | Page 1 of 5 | Next>>

Just as it had done with the Murcielago and the more extreme LP640 variant, designers also tinkered with the Gallardo and added some extra kit to make it a much more vicious machine. Put on a diet, the brand new LP560-4 loses 20kg over the standard model and is given another 30kW for extra bite. The most significant changes come in the form of a new aerodynamic package that improves downforce considerably and makes the car a far more formidable track weapon than the standard Gallardo.



Named for its 560hp (418kW) output and 4WD powertrain, the latest incarnation of the Gallardo impresses on several fronts. With its highly-strung 5.2-litre V10 the LP560-4 has stunning performance, accelerating to 100km/h in just 3.7 seconds and going on to reach a top speed in excess of 320km/h.
[...carcentral.com.au] Continue...

2009 Gallardo Test Review | Photos | Video | Page 1 of 5 | Next>>

Source: CarCentral | Read More: Test Drive , Vehicles For 2009

Click To Know More...

First Drive: 2009 Lincoln MKS

Ford Lincoln MKS Test Review | Photos | Video | Page 1 of 5 | Next>>

The MKS fills a giant chasm in Lincoln's lineup, in between the mid-sized-ish MKZ, and the huge, ancient, Town Car. And the new sedan fills it well, and none too soon. The MKS's competitors? Think Lexus GS, think Acura RL, think Cadillac CTS, and to some extent, the Volvo S80, MKS's corporate cousin. The later should come as no surprise, as the Lincoln shares its chassis architecture with the S80, as well as Volvo's XC90 sport/utility, and the Ford Taurus and Mercury Sable.



The most important aspect, its "split wing" grille treatment -- inspired by the seminal 1941 Continental -- looks great, especially with its standard, jewel-like HID adaptive headlights...There is but one powertrain offered at launch, that being a Lincoln-only 3.7-liter version of Ford's venerable Duratec V-6. It churns out 273 horsepower and 270 pounds-feet of torque on regular gas. Opt for premium, and you pick up two ponies and six pounds-feet,..
[...motortrend.com] Continue...

Ford Lincoln MKS Test Review | Photos | Video | Page 1 of 5 | Next>>

Source: MotorTrend | Read More: Ford , Cars For 2009

Click To Know More...

Car review - Volkswagen Tiguan 5-dr wagon range (Australia)

VW Tiguan Test Drive | Photos | Video | Page 1 of 3 | Next>>

The Australian Tiguan handles very well, with high levels of adhesion, a flat cornering stance and only a gentle front-end push when really trying hard. The only downside is the light steering that lacks in feel and feels a little vague on-centre. Overall, though, the Tiguan goes straight up towards the sharper end of the compact SUV class for its handling ability. Ride quality is best described as firm yet supple on the standard 16-inch wheels.



The six-speed automatic transmission is smooth enough, with only the occasional non-silken shift. Unless in Sport or manual mode, the six-speed starts in second gear. The six-speed manual is a little clunky and can be hard until you’re accustomed to the neutral plane’s stiff spring-loading to find second gear in a quick three-two downshift, but otherwise is an enjoyable transmission to shuffle gears with.
[...goauto.com.au]

VW Tiguan Test Drive | Photos | Video | Page 1 of 3 | Next>>

Source: GoAuto | Read More: Volkswagen , Cars For 2009

Click To Know More...

First Drive: 2009 Hyundai Genesis

Genesis Test Drive | Photos | Video | Page 1 of 6 | Next>>

Numbers. It's all about the numbers. Longer and wider, with a longer wheelbase and shorter turning radius than BMW 5 Series, Mercedes E-Class, and Lexus ES. Lower coefficient of drag, 0.27, and better fuel economy than most. A stiffer body than those of the Bimmer, Benz, and the Lexus LS 430 (Hyundai sees much of the Lexus range as its competition). Its optional Tau V-8 is "best-in-class," making more horses (375) than V-8s in the 550i, E550, GS 460, or Infiniti M45 and does 0-to-60 mph in well under six seconds.



On Namyang's tight handling course, the Genesis's suspension handles transitions reasonably well. Push it hard, though, and the front tires scrub into the pavement....The car is biased considerably toward understeer, and there's no steering with the throttle, electronic stability control on or off. As with most any Lexus or Mercedes, you can't turn ESP off completely. The speed-sensitive rack-and-pinion steering is a bit numb and on the light side, offering less feedback than an Infiniti M35 provided for comparison, and requiring small corrections on the banks of Namyang's high-speed oval.
[...motortrend.com]

Genesis Test Drive | Photos | Video | Page 1 of 6 | Next>>

Source: MotorTrend | Read More: Test Drive , Cars For 2009

Click To Know More...

Renault Unveils 2009 Laguna Coupe At Cannes Film Festival

2009 Renault Laguna Coupe | Photos | Page 1 of 2 | Next>>

Renault unveiled its new 2009 model Laguna Coupe yesterday at the 2008 Cannes Film Festival. In comparison to the Laguna coupe concept, the production car has a subdued styling. It is built on the same platform as the Laguna hatchback with the same suspension layout. But it’s slightly shorter, lower and wider, measuring in at 4.64 metres in length and 1.83 meters in width and a wheelbase of 2.69 meter.



Higher-spec versions will be available with Renault’s Active Drive four-wheel steering system, as used on the Laguna GT. Latest Laguna comes with option of two new V6 powerplants. The brand new V6 dCi diesel, delivers 235hp (173kW), while the new 3.5-litre petrol-powered V6 offers 240hp (175kW).
[...carnoise.blogspot.com]

2009 Renault Laguna Coupe | Photos | Page 1 of 2 | Next>>

Source: CarNoise | Read More: Cars For 2009

Click To Know More...

Spy Shots: Jaguar XF-R

2009 Jaguar XF-R Spied | Page 1 of 2 | Next>>

An XF-R prototype has been spotted undergoing testing....The cloaked from fascia appears to get a set of larger air intakes on either side of the bumper, along with hood vents that hint at the beast that lies beneath.

Other exterior changes include color-matched side sills (in favor of the chrome vents on the standard XF), a new 20-inch wheel design, quad tailpipes, a subtle rear spoiler and possibly a rear diffuser.
[...autoblog.com]

2009 Jaguar XF-R Spied | Page 1 of 2 | Next>>

Source: Autoblog | Read More: Cars For 2009, Spy Shots

Click To Know More...

2009 Subaru Exiga MPV To Debut In Japan

2009 Subaru Exiga | Photos | Page 1 of 5 | Next>>

Subaru has cleared its intentions to launch the production model of the Exiga Concept it showed at last years Tokyo Motor Show. This confirmation comes by the way of official Exiga wagon teaser image released by Subaru along with the launch of its micro-site (in Japanese).

Impreza based Exiga is a 7-seater, three-row minivan which Subaru is going to launch on June 17th in Japan.
[...carnoise.blogspot.com]

2009 Subaru Exiga | Photos | Page 1 of 5 | Next>>

Source: CarNoise | Read More: Subaru Exiga, Subaru

Click To Know More...

Update On New 2009 Acura TL

2009 Model Acura TL | Photos | Page 1 of 1 | Next>>

Earlier in April this year, Honda was said to have shown the production model of new 09 Acura TL to some of its top dealers. Since then we have been waiting for some spicy details to leak on to the web and finally it seem to have happened. 2009 Acura TL will come in 3 model trims 3.5L, 3.5L sh-awd and 3.7L sh-awd is what one of the guys at vtec.net has revealed.

According to him, "the car was shown in new orleans april 11th to acura dealer body" and will be released in the market by September end. He says that he, "saw the car....3.5 w/280hp and 3.7 w 305hp....no mention of "S" Type at all.....the front and rear of the car in no way resembles the present car or TSX...
[...carnoise.blogspot.com]

2009 Model Acura TL | Photos | Page 1 of 1 | Next>>

Read More At: Carnoise | See All Posts For: Acura TL, Acura

Click To Know More...

Cadillac CTS-V scorches the Nurburgring

John Heinricy, a celebrated racing driver and GM Performance Division executive, pushed the car to a 7:59.32 lap during testing this Saturday morning....GM says that the car was equipped exactly as the production model will be, and that they're nearing completion of testing for the new high-performance model.

The ultimate expression of the brands performance and luxury engineering, CTS-V puts the world's fastest sedans squarely in its crosshairs while delivering a slew of technological and engineering advancements like Magnetic Ride Control (MRC), paddle-shifting, and the world's first Performance Traction Management (PTM) system.
[...auto123.com]

2009 Cadillac CTS-V | Photos | Video | Page 2 of 2 | Next>>

Read More

Click To Know More...

Upcoming 2009 Cadillac CTS-V Records Sub-8 Minute Lap Time: Video

GM is nearing the completion of testing for the highly anticipated Cadillac CTS-V. It is a limited-edition high-performance model based on the Cadillac CTS sport sedan. In a recent test at Germany’s Nurburgring, a six-speed automatic (not manual) Cadillac CTS-V lapped the 13-mile track in a record time of 7:59.32. This blistering lap-time however, is still about 40 seconds short of what Nissan's GT-R set earlier this year.

The 09 model Cadillac CTS-V is powered by supercharged 542bhp 6.2-litre LSA V8 petrol engine making 550 pound-feet of torque at 6,200 rpm. The same unit is doing service on new Corvette ZR1 as well but there it is tuned to produce mind-boggling 638 hp horsepower.[...carnoise.blogspot.com]

2009 Cadillac CTS-V | Photos | Video | Page 1 of 2 | Next>>

Read More

Click To Know More...

2009 Honda Legend Debuts At Busan Auto Show

The new 2009 Honda Legend sedan was unveiled at the ongoing 2008 Busan Auto Show in South Korea. From the pictures (courtesy of TheCarFanatic.com) there does not appear to be any major change but only a facelift on the previous version of the Legend, sold in the USA as the Acura RL. If you remember, the new 2009 RL was launched two months ago at this years Chicago Auto Show.

The immediate difference that can be noticed between the US model Acura RL and the new Legend is in their front grille design. RL comes with in-the-face shield-style grille whereas Legend got a more mature looking grille thats has a classy feel to it. [...]


Read More

Click To Know More...

2009 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1's LS9 V8 Specifications(specs)

GM has announced today the official specs for 2009 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 powerplant. ZR1 will be powered by GM's latest and most powerful engine ever, the hand-built 6.2 liter LS9 supercharged V8. It will produce 638-hp of horsepower and 604 lb-ft of torque. Now that means the LS9 puts out nearly 103 horses per liter. Amazing stuff. Corvette ZR1 is expected to have a top-speed of more than 200mph (322 km/h) and will wear Michelin Pilot Sport 285/30ZR19s at front and 335/25ZR20s at the rear axle.

Quick Facts & Expectations from new 09 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 LS9 V8 is the most powerful automotive production engine ever manufactured by General Motors.
It is hand-built and tested GM's Performance Build Center in Wixom, Mich.[...]


Read More

Click To Know More...

Road Tests Full Test: 2009 Infiniti FX50

Riding on standard 265/45R21 Bridgestone Dueler H/L all-season tires, the 4,575-pound FX50 snakes through the slalom course like a true AWD sport wagon at 63.3 mph, almost 4 mph faster than the last FX45 we tested. Nimble though this is, such an unnatural test of multiple lane changes makes the FX50 feel a little out of sorts, and eventually it runs out of grip at the rear. Basically it defies the limits of physics at about eight-tenths speed, but things go a little pear-shaped at the limit when the rotating mass of each monster wheel-tire combination gives the electronically controlled all-wheel-drive system a workout.

On the skid pad, the FX50 proves more predictable and shows amazing grip at 0.85g before it begins to oversteer again, which is highly unusual for an AWD vehicle (although we like that). Despite rollin' on 21s, the FX50's ride is quite good, although the interior resounds with a low-frequency boom over sharp seams in the pavement.

Big Engine and Its Consequences
Speed is the 2008 Infiniti FX50's prime directive. The 60-mph mark flashes by in just 5.6 seconds, as compared to the 6.8 seconds required by the FX45's 60-mph sprint. Plus, when the tach needle sweeps past 4,000 rpm, there is a conspicuous extra surge of power from the FX50 V8 courtesy of its sophisticated system for variable valve timing and lift.[...]


Read More
First Test: 2009 Infiniti FX50....(MotorTrend)
2009 Infiniti FX50 - Short Take Road....(CarAndDriver)
First Drive: 2009 Infiniti FX35/FX50....(CanadianDriver)
First Drive: 2009 Infiniti FX....(Autoblog)
2009 Infiniti FX50 Test Drive....(PopularMechanics)
Review: 2009 Infiniti FX35 and FX5....(LeftLane)

Click To Know More...

First Drive: 2009 Infiniti FX35/FX50

So why mess with success? That's not to say changes are absent from the 2009 Infiniti FX. On the contrary, it gains 35 millimeters in wheelbase and 43 mm front track width, along with functional air vents that appear behind the front wheels to aid in engine cooling and vehicle aerodynamics (reducing frontal lift by five-percent). Dramatic new lights flank a distinctive "black chrome" grille at the front, and LED tail lights protrude slightly at the rear, contributing to downforce back there, according to Infiniti.

All Canadian FX models are all-wheel drive, by the way, unlike the U.S. market which also gets a rear-wheel drive version. For 2009, the FX35 continues with its celebrated 3.5-litre V6 engine, now making 303-horsepower (up 25 from the previous model) and 262 pound-feet of torque. Infiniti reports that the FX35 is expected to offer the same performance as the outgoing, V8-powered FX45.[...]


Read More
Review: 2009 Infiniti FX35 and FX5....(LeftLane)
First Test: 2009 Infiniti FX50....(MotorTrend)
2009 Infiniti FX50 - Short Take Road....(CarAndDriver)
First Drive: 2009 Infiniti FX....(Autoblog)
2009 Infiniti FX50 Test Drive....(PopularMechanics)
Road Tests Full Test: 2009 Infiniti FX50....(Edmunds)

Click To Know More...

Review: 2009 Infiniti FX35 and FX50

Infiniti’s new FX is a refined, refreshed version of its groundbreaking sport SUV introduced in 2003. Edgy and radically different from the get go, it was unlike any other SUV at the time. This time, the FX has received a freshening, along with a technology upgrade, which brings it up to date with many other cars in the Infiniti stable.

The FX series is unique in its body design, which features sports car proportions and a longer, lower appearance that makes it resemble more of an anti-SUV look rather than the rugged off-road type of a Land Rover or Jeep.
What’s up against it?
Settled in the middle of a competitive set which includes the new BMW X6, Audi Q7 and Lexus RX350, among others, it features Nissan-Infiniti’s all-new workhorse 3.5-liter V6 or its equally-new 5.0-liter V8 engine.

The two available powerplants come in two distinct flavors. Buyers of the FX35 can have it equipped with either rear-wheel drive (RWD), or all-wheel drive (AWD), while buyers of the FX50 will receive their vehicles in all-wheel drive form only.[...]


Read More
First Test: 2009 Infiniti FX50....(MotorTrend)
2009 Infiniti FX50 - Short Take Road....(CarAndDriver)
First Drive: 2009 Infiniti FX35/FX50....(CanadianDriver)
First Drive: 2009 Infiniti FX....(Autoblog)
2009 Infiniti FX50 Test Drive....(PopularMechanics)
Road Tests Full Test: 2009 Infiniti FX50....(Edmunds)

Click To Know More...

First Test: 2009 Infiniti FX50

The topline FX is no longer a 45-the 50's VK50VE 5.0-liter V-8 is good for 390 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque, increases of 70 and 34, respectively. Variable Valve Event and Lift continuously twiddles its cam timing and lift, which helps improve fuel economy by one-mpg city/three-mpg highway. Backing both engines is an all-new seven-speed automatic, the first in any Infiniti.

On freeways and twisting canyon roads, the engine and transmission are well matched. Power comes quickly and effortlessly as the FX50 rockets to speed, and the transmission makes it easy to keep things in check when descending steep grades. Under light to moderate acceleration, the seven-speed's close-ratio shifts are quick and smooth; pushing it makes the shifts hard-thumping pulses. Throttle tip-in is sometimes touchy, but easy to adapt to. And despite the crossover's width and bulk, it corners well and feels confident in tight turns, making it a lot more fun than a regular SUV. There's a slight penalty for its cornering capability: The ride isn't soft, not by a long shot, but it's much better than in the previous FX.[...]


Read More
Review: 2009 Infiniti FX35 and FX5....(LeftLane)
2009 Infiniti FX50 - Short Take Road....(CarAndDriver)
First Drive: 2009 Infiniti FX35/FX50....(CanadianDriver)
First Drive: 2009 Infiniti FX....(Autoblog)
2009 Infiniti FX50 Test Drive....(PopularMechanics)
Road Tests Full Test: 2009 Infiniti FX50....(Edmunds)

Click To Know More...