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2011 Ford Explorer

Posted by Geoff Bradley

2011 ford explorer

Ford recently unveiled the 2011 Ford Explorer and by all measures it is a big update for this stalwart SUV brand.

With the launch of the 2011 Explorer, Ford is attempting to re-create and re-define a truck-like SUV experience that is more in line with what is on consumers minds these days - better fuel efficiency, more refined interiors, reduced price, more versatility.

2011 ford explorer

The 2011 Ford Explorer is considerably more fuel efficient than any of its predecessors. Ford claims the 2011 Explorer matches the efficiency of a Toyota Camry sedan. A big leap indeed for an SUV that has always had considerable girth and thirst. The added efficiency comes from reduced towing capacity and no V-8 engine option.

Some notable features of the 2011 Ford Explorer:

Standard engine - 3.7-liter V-6 with 290 horsepower. That's basically the same power as the current 2010 V-8 engine with vastly improved fuel consumption.

MyFordTouch dashboard - Voice control system for temperature, phone calls and text messages.

Inflatable seat belts - A first for any north american manufacturer, the 2011 Ford Explorer will be the very first production vehicle to offer inflatable seat belts for added crash safety.

Curve control - Electronic system that maintains better control of vehicle on tight curves.

First Look - Finally the 2011 Ford Explorer exposed and revealed:

iPhone hands-on first look at 2011 Ford Explorer:

TAGS: 2011, Explorer, Ford, Launch, Suv
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Honda Announces Mileage Marathon Winner

Posted by Geoff Bradley

2010 honda insight

Honda recently threw down the gauntlet and challenged fleet drivers to demonstrate how driving a Honda Insight could reduce a company's fuel consumption and costs.

“Fuel prices are likely to rise again due to the weaker pound, and with the recent increase in duty, fleets will be looking at how they can reduce their fuel costs,” says Graham Avent, Manager – Corporate Sales at Honda (UK). “The results of this challenge show how switching the average company car driver into a Honda hybrid could save around £600 in fuel annually, or £1,800 over a 3-year contract.”

Obviously these are UK savings/costs, but it does illuminate how switching entire fleets of company cars to hybrid can really make a meaningful difference.

It should also be noted that the winner of this challenge actually managed to exceed the official Honda economy figure of 61.4 mpg for the Honda Insight, by squeezing a whopping 63.6 mpg out of the Insight. That's impressive.

TAGS: 2010, Challenge, Efficiency, Honda, Hybrid, Insight, Mpg
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Cadillac Converj is GM's next electric car

Posted by Jim Squires

Fans of green driving have long been wondering what would be GM's next entry into the electric car market might be once the Chevy Volt hits the streets in late 2010. Debuting earlier this year at the Detroit Auto Show, GM has opted to create a hybrid electric/gas production model of their Cadillac Converj roadster.

The announcement was reportedly included in a November 2nd presentation to GM's board of directors. The Converj will utilize the Voltec electric propulsion system that was originally design for the Chevy Volt and is expected to travel about 40 miles on electric power before switching to a 1.4 liter engine that should provide another 200 or so miles at an expected 35 miles per gallon.

Using the Cadillac brand name to promote an electric vehicle might just be one of the smartest moves GM has made in the world of green vehicles. It's an excellent place to debut a fun and speedy roadster, demonstrating to the world that electric doesn't have to mean boring. With a good deal of consumer interest in electric cars, it could help to put the struggling brand back in the nations limelight. With the recent economic downturn, Cadillac sales fell further than any other GM brand in 2009 -- a whopping 39.2%. And finally, a higher-priced luxury vehicle like the Converj could help spread the cost of electric car adoption. GM has already spent more than $1 billion on the Volt program. Hopefully a luxury line of electrics could help to earn some of those funds back.

No date has been confirmed for a launch yet, but industry analysts are speculating on 2013 or 2014, making sure that the Chevy Volt has a few years to gain a foothold on the market and showcase GM's move into the world of greener vehicles.

[via GreenCarReports.com, The Detroit News]

TAGS: Cadillac, Cadillac Converj, Converj, Electric, Electric Cars, Electric Hybrids, Gm, Gm, Green
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Could DeLorean save the Pontiac Solstice?

Posted by Jim Squires

When GM cutbacks resulted in brands like Pontiac and Saturn meeting an untimely end, a few well-loved sportsters bit the dust and broke the hearts of rear-wheel drive speedsters everywhere. The Solstice was one such car.

But wait! The Solstice could come back from the grave, courtesy of a recently resurrected company in need of vehicle to produce;

The company has released the above drawings and acquired a Pontiac Solstice GXP Coupe for evaluation. DMC also says they're excited about the prospect of "putting several hundred people back to work" in Wilmington, though it's unclear at how much capital it would take to acquire the plant and the source of funding for such an endeavor.

The DeLorean Motor Company was reborn in 2007 under the watchful eye of bussinessman and DMC-12 enthusiast Stephen Wynne. In the past two years they've been making a name for themselves selling the classic gull-winged sports car for the first time in 25 years, using a mix of vintage parts and reproductions. Bringing a new DMC vehicle to the market seems like the next logical step, and taking over a Pontiac vehicle certainly hits that DeLorean nostalgia factor. John DeLorean had always said his best memories were of working at Pontiac. Why not bridge the two worlds?

[via Jalopnik]

TAGS: Delorean, Dmc, Pontiac, Solstice
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2009 Nissan 370Z Review

Posted by Tim

The 370Z is one of those exceptions to the rule when it comes to new year models; most seem to tweak things and add a thing or two over the entire course of the model and maybe update the look slightly. Well, in the case of the Nissan 370Z, pretty much everything has been improved. One of the biggest upgrades has been the interior, which for the past year's models, hasn't exactly been anything....well, at all. Previously the interior had a lot of "hard plastic" which gave it a considerably "hollow" feel, but now the materials within are more soft-touch oriented and really give the car a more complete feel.

The tight steering and handling are wonderful assets of this car. This is especially exciting considering the power that is under the hood. For 2009, the Nissan’s V6 engine, known also as "VQ", has grown from 3.5 to 3.7 liters, increasing the 306 horsepower found on the 350Z to 330, as well as a 268 to 270 lb-ft of torque in the process. How can you go wrong with this?

The bottom line is that with the vast improvements inside and out, the Nissan 370Z not only is a great car, but also one that is one of the most economical in the sports car arena, ranging from 29K to 41K. It is definitely worth a look if you are considering a sporty model.

TAGS: 2009 Nissan 370z, 370z, Cars, Nissan, Nissan 370z, Sportscars
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Tesla Electric Roadster Now For Sale In Canada

Posted by Geoff Bradley

tesla canada

Telsa is the only car manufacturer in the world selling highway-worthy electric vehicles. After successfully delivering over 200 Tesla Roadsters in the U.S., the much lauded car company has announced the launch of Canadian distribution and sales plans.

tesla interior canada

Canadians with deep pockets and a burning desire to go green in unrivaled style and speed can order a Tesla through their New York or Seattle sales/service facilities. However, Tesla does have plans to open Canadian regional stores in Ontario, Quebec and British Columbia in the not too distant future. Tesla expects to begin delivery of Canadian roadsters by the fourth quarter of 2009.

"As they have already for Americans and Europeans, we’re certain Roadsters will quickly become the automobile of choice for Canadians who refuse to compromise between performance and the environment ... We have heard from many enthusiastic Canadians over the years and are quite eager to sell there." - Tesla CEO, Chairman and Product Architect Elon Musk

A Jaw-Dropping Ride, Batteries Included: 2009 Tesla Roadster Test Drive

TAGS: Announcement, Canada, Electric, Green, Launch, Pr, Roadster, Sales, Tesla
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2010 Ford Fusion: Super high fuel economy only the beginning

Posted by Tim

The Ford Fusion's 2010 model, which will be on sale very shortly, has been touted as one of the highest in class for its hybrid bringing in over 40 MPG, is now starting to show other versatility in different areas which may give the already-sellable premise even more gusto.

The Fusion also will have a performance model (the Fusion Sport) which will feature a 3.5L V6 engine which will give it 263 HP. Not shabby at all. Besides the Sport version, the front end has also been retooled quite a bit to give a bit more flash and sporty look to it (as well as improve the aerodynamics, thus creating better MPG). While the overall exterior doesn't really have much of a differentiation from the 2009, it still has some subtleties which, in my opinion, make it better.

Pricing also isn't too over the top--for what the demand for other small car hybrids have brought, the hybrid version starts at just under 28K, while the regular version is around 20. This should help for those who really seek out a Prius or Civic hybrid based on MPG alone have more of a frugal way of getting it :)

Overall, the car has been obviously looked at as one that is the cornerstone for Ford's future, and a lot of time and thinking went into making it as multi-dimensional as they could.

TAGS: 2010 Ford Fusion, Ford, Ford Fusion Hybrid, Fusion, Hevs, Hybrid Cars
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A look inside the 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt

Posted by Tim

The Cobalt name makes some people giddy, while others it makes their stomachs turn. It may not be the "best" or the "flashiest" smaller car out there, but it still is formidable in the ever-changing auto world. It still is not up to snuff against the heavies--Civic, Corolla, Focus--but that doesn't mean that it isn't doing well overall--just that the others dominate everyone else too.

Looking at the 2009 model, here are some specs and features:

MSRP Price Range: $15,660 - $23,425
Invoice Price Range: $14,799 - $22,137
Base engine: 2.2L, 4 cylinder (155 HP)
SS Engine: 2.0L w/ 260 HP
EPA MPG: LS--25/37, LT 24/33, SS 22/30

I still don't like the fact that the Cobalt does not include power windows or locks for the LS versions and none of the versions have power seat options. ABS brakes and traction control only come standard on the LT2s and SS versions, which again is another let down. I guess that's the reason for the smaller sticker price, eh?

Still, you have to give credit to Chevy for certainly souping up the engine a bit more and at the same time protecting the MPG portion. Even for those that like to rev things up a bit, the SS version gives a surprising "oomph" behind it and at 22/30, it's not exactly a gas guzzler by any means. It is still not ready to take its place amongst the big guns, but you can be assured that when gas rises once again in the Spring and Summer, Cobalts will be selling well.

TAGS: 2009 Chevy Cobalt, Cars, Chevrolet, Chevrolet Cobalt, Cobalt, Small Cars
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Audi S5 Cabriolet Information

Posted by Tim

Out of all of the Audi cars that turn people's heads, the S5 Cabriolet has to be near the top of the list. The "S" which stands for sport has had some updates and classic touches to give this new version yet another go-round of success.

The Audi S5 Cabriolet’s engine is brand spankin' new--featuring a supercharged, 3.0 liter V6. The six-cylinder unit, which displaces 2,995 cc, follows the core Audi philosophy of having automobiles that are more efficient--boost replaces displacement. This little gem can blast off with power, the response of which is a product of shorter fuel pathing and the souped-up engine sound that makes it about as good as you can get for a driving experience.

The open-top four-seater sprints from zero to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) in 5.6 seconds and accelerates up to a governed top speed of 250 km/h (155.34 mph). Yet at 9.6 liters per 100 km (24.5 US mpg), it is amazingly fuel-efficient.

TAGS: Audi, Audi S5 Cabriolet, Cabriolet, Cars, Sportscars
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2010 Kia Forte debuts at Chicago Auto Show

Posted by Tim

While there is some guff being given that the new Kia Forte resembles the Civic too much, the replacement for the Spectra made its debut at the 2009 Chicago Auto Show and got some decent reviews. The car will go on sale more than likely in Summer 2009 but could be earlier. Here are some specs:

--Price: $15,000 (est.)
--Base cars have a 153-hp four, and five-speed manual and four-speed automatic trannies. The SX edition spools up 173 hp with a 2.4-liter four, and teams it to a six-speed manual or a five-speed automatic.
--The base engine has a "fuel economy package" available and will include a 5-speed automatic transmission, electric power steering and low-rolling resistance tires. Kia has noted that these packages will give the Forte a class-leading fuel-economy rating of 36 mpg on the highway.
--EX and SX models will add a 6-speaker surround audio system with steering-wheel controls, power windows and door locks, remote keyless entry, air conditioning and cruise control.
--SX models will also come with a telescoping steering column, sport cloth seats with red stitching, a rear spoiler, sport suspension, larger front brakes and P215/45R17 tires on alloy wheels.
--Sunroof and leather upholstery will be optional.

TAGS: 2010 Kia Forte, Chicago Auto Show, Kia
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2010 Ford Mustang to be offered for under 21K!

Posted by Tim

Mustang lovers, you have to be stoked for this! The new Mustang to be offered as a base under 21K? Not bad at all, in my opinion. It certainly will make the sports car icon much more competitive against the Challenger and Camaro, who are priced just a smidge higher. Where the Mustang brings 210 horsepower in the base car, the Challenger has 250 hp and the Camaro has 300. The convertible six-cylinder model will begin at $25,995. These figures are just a few hundred dollars above the current 2009 model.

Check out the video below:

TAGS: 2010 Car Models, 2010 Ford Mustang, Cars, Ford, Mustang, Sportscars
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2009 Chevrolet Silverado Hybrid

Posted by Tim

Gotta love Sam Elliott's voice....so smooooth :)

Anyways, here's some notes about the 2009 Silverado Hybrid:

--Retail Price (MSRP): $38,020 (a bit pricier than expected)
--Fuel economy 20/21 (much better than the average in its class)
--Max Driving Range 572 miles (YEY!)
--6.0L V8 Standard Engine
--332 HP (Gas)
--Much improved "sedan" like interior
--Torque delivery comparable to diesel
--2 modes of engine operation: the first mode is efficient at low speeds when the truck operates solely on electric power, or a combination of the electric motors and gasoline power. Mode two operates at highway speeds where four fixed gears are still the most efficient way to manage power and fuel economy. When the truck comes to a stop, the gas engine shuts off.

This baby may be pricey, but it is still a sweet looking ride, and they are pumping the daylights out of the "green" ideology.