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2010 Acura ZDX production details have arrived and just as we outlined in our First Look some time ago, Acura's newest crossover will pack the brand's 300-hp 3.7L V-6 with 270 foot-pounds of torque under its hood.

Aside from its powertrain specs, the ZDX is on track to be the one of the most luxurious vehicles Acura has put to market yet. Inside, five-passengers are coddled with standard hand-stitched leather throughout the cabin and are entertained by a powerful CD/MP3 stereo system with Bluetooth connectivity. A panoramic roof adds a sense of extra roominess, while cargo access is an easy feat thanks to a power tailgate.

Chrysler Group is offering consumers $4,500 on most of its 2009 models, doubling the cash-for-guzzlers incentive offered by the federal government.

"Double Ca$h for Your Old Car," offers up to $4,500 cash or 0 percent financing for 72 months on qualifying new vehicles, even if the consumer's trade-in doesn't qualify for the federal incentive.

The program starts tomorrow and runs through August, Chrysler announced this morning.

"We didn't want consumers without qualifying vehicles to feel left out, so we are offering up to $4,500 to everyone," said Steven Beahm, Chrysler's vice president for sales operations.

Chrysler emerged from six weeks of Chapter 11 reorganization on June 10, and now is controlled by Italian automaker Fiat S.p.A. Through the first half of the year, Chrysler's U.S. sales plummeted 45.7 percent to 471,197 vehicles.

The cash-for-guzzlers legislation, designed to help lift U.S. light-vehicle sales from 27-year lows, provides vouchers of $3,500 to $4,500 to consumers who trade in their rides for new vehicles that are more fuel-efficient. Congress allocated $1 billion to fund the program, which expires Nov. 1.

New cars eligible for the federal incentive must have combined highway and city fuel economy of at least 22 mpg, and small light trucks must have combined fuel economy of at least 18 mpg. New vehicles must have a suggested retail price of $45,000 or less.

Trade-ins eligible for "cash for guzzlers" must be drivable, less than 25 years old and have combined fuel economy of 18 mpg or less. They must have been continuously insured and registered to their owners for at least one year.

Vehicles not included in Chrysler's offer are the Jeep Wrangler, Dodge Challenger and Sprinter and all SRT products.

Chrysler had told dealers that its current incentives would last through July. But some dealers had said they believed customers were holding out in hopes of getting more money for their old vehicles under the cash for guzzlers program.

Said Kathy Graham, Chrysler spokeswoman: "We were hearing from a lot of people who thought they could buy with cash-for-clunkers. But then realized for one reason or another their car didn't qualify. We looked at putting an incentive package together that appealed to everybody."

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is drawing up rules for the cash-for-guzzlers program and is scheduled to release them by the end of the week.

General Motors Co. reported this morning it sold 1.94 million vehicles globally during the second quarter, down 15 percent from a year earlier due to continued economic pressures and a drastic cut in vehicle production.

But compared to the first quarter, sales were up almost 20 percent.

Through the first six months of the year, GM sold 3.55 million vehicles, down 22 percent compared to last year.

Meanwhile, sales outside the U.S. rose to 72 percent of the automaker's total sales, compared to 65 percent a year ago.

"We believe the strength of our products, including the Chevrolet Camaro, Spark and Malibu; award-winning Opel/Vauxhall Insignia; Wuling Sunshine Minivan and others around the world enabled us to weather an historically difficult rebirth of the new General Motors," said Jonathan Browning, vice president, global sales, service and marketing. "We are moving quickly to respond to new market opportunities around the globe and meeting customer needs with fuel-efficient products that offer advanced technology, compelling designs and great value."

GM, which filed Chapter 11 bankruptcy on June 1, emerged from federal bankruptcy court on July 10 after a rapid restructuring and $50 billion in federal aid.

GM lost its title last year as the world's largest automaker by sales when it was overtaken by Toyota Motor Corp.

Fiat SpA, the Italian carmaker that acquired a stake in Chrysler LLC, reported a second consecutive quarterly loss as slumping truck and equipment sales offset an improvement in auto deliveries in western Europe.

The net loss of 168 million euros ($239 million) in the second quarter missed the average estimate of a 158.4 million- euro loss from five analysts surveyed by Bloomberg. Turin-based Fiat had net income of 604 million euros a year earlier.

Fiat, led by Chief Executive Officer Sergio Marchionne, gets about two-thirds of its operating income from the Iveco trucks and CNH agricultural and construction equipment units, where sales declined because of the global recession. Truck deliveries plunged 43 percent and sales of agricultural and construction equipment fell 21 percent at CNH, Fiat said.

“The truck business is facing a collapse in sales,” said Eric-Alain Michelis, an analyst at Societe Generale SA, in a Bloomberg television interview. “CNH is also having a tough time.”

Fiat predicted that the market for trucks and construction equipment will suffer for the rest of the year, with some chance of a recovery in the fourth quarter.

Fiat’s revenue fell 23 percent to 13.2 billion euros, the manufacturer said today in a statement. That missed the 13.96 billion-euro average estimate of 12 analysts.

Chrysler Integration

The carmaker didn’t address progress on integrating Chrysler in its earnings statement, though it reiterated in an analysts’ presentation that the company won’t make a cash investment. CEO Marchionne acquired 20 percent of the maker of the Dodge Challenger and Jeep models last month as it emerged from bankruptcy.

Fiat said it increased market share for autos, especially in Germany, with models including the Grande Punto and Panda hatchbacks. Government-funded incentives for consumers to buy new cars have boosted sales or slowed declines, and have particularly benefited companies such as Fiat that have deep lineups of small cars.

Fiat fell as much as 28.5 cents, or 3.6 percent, to 7.66 euros and was down 2.9 percent as of 3:32 p.m. in Milan trading, giving the company a market value of 9.2 billion euros.

Marchionne, long an advocate of industry consolidation, says a carmaker needs to produce at least 6 million vehicles annually to make money. The Chrysler deal brings production up to 4.5 million a year.

No Opel for Fiat

Fiat lost out on its bid to buy General Motors Co.’s Opel division after it declined to sweeten its offer. GM received three final bids July 20, including from Germany’s preferred candidate, Canadian auto-parts maker Magna International Inc.

“The long-term strategic issue regarding the lack of scale in the car market will continue to weigh on the stock,” said David Arnold, an auto analyst with Credit Suisse in London, who reiterated his advice to sell the shares.

Italy’s largest manufacturer, whose biggest investor is the Agnelli family, confirmed its full-year targets, saying trading profit, measured by earnings before interest, tax, and one-time items, will reach more than 1 billion euros this year.

The maker of Alfa Romeo and Lancia cars reported second- quarter trading profit of 310 million euros, compared with 1.31 billion euros a year earlier.

Revenue at Fiat Auto, which includes luxury brands Ferrari and Maserati, fell 12 percent to 7.4 billion euros, while trading profit fell 36 percent to 227 million euros.

Sales at CNH fell 21 percent to 2.9 billion euros and trading profit declined by more than half to 123 million euros. Sales of trucks and commercial vehicles at its Iveco unit dropped to 1.8 billion euros, while trading profit slumped to 18 million euros from 248 million euros.

Fiat said its net debt declined to 5.7 billion euros from 6.6 billion euros at the end of the first quarter. That compared with a 5.99 billion-euro average estimate by three analysts compiled by Bloomberg. Fiat reported a loss of 410 million euros in the first three months of this year.

We finally drive Ford’s EcoBoost V-6 and come away impressed with more than just the engine. That is the 2010 Linkcoln MKT EcoBoost.

Ford Motor Corp. has been touting its EcoBoost engine technology for more than two years now. The buildup began when the Lincoln MKR concept debuted at the 2007 Detroit show, hinting at the automaker’s plan to employ smaller engines equipped with turbochargers and direct fuel injection. In the same time frame, early adopters such as Audi, BMW, and Porsche have been much praised for how the technologies have improved the power delivery, fuel economy, and emissions of many of their vehicles.

Fast-forward to today, and Ford has officially—and finally—joined the party, with Lincoln taking the lead: the 2010 MKT crossover and 2010 MKS sedan are the first models to go on sale with available EcoBoost powertrains. Ford recently invited the media to its Michigan proving ground to get acquainted with the new cars—and engines. Here, we concern ourselves with the surprisingly good MKT.



We Don’t Need No Stinking V-8

Based on the Ford Flex—itself based on a stretched Taurus X platform— the MKT is a unique three-row crossover that the company expects to compete with the likes of the Audi Q7 and Acura MDX. The MKT makes the boldest statement yet about Lincoln’s styling direction, specifically in the huge split-waterfall grille. We don’t think the look quite works when the grille is this enormous, but perhaps it will grow on us in time. Ford says people who are fond of the box-tacular Flex don’t always connect with the MKT’s softer lines and boat-tail butt and that the Lincoln is meant to make a statement about the brand rather than appeal to everyone.

Instrumented testing and real-world impressions will have to wait until our next rendezvous with the big Lincoln (it’s a half-foot longer than the Flex), but on Ford’s undulating ride-and-handling course and five-mile banked oval, the MKT exhibited reassuring composure and had more than enough grunt to outrun the V-8–powered Audi Q7 on hand for comparison. Thanks to a pair of quick-spinning, grapefruit-sized turbochargers, the 3.5-liter EcoBoost V-6 pushes out a stout 355 hp and 350 lb-ft of torque on regular unleaded—all of which is available from as low as 1500 rpm. Mated to a fortified six-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters and well-spaced ratios, the engine moves the 5200-pound MKT off the line quickly and with little effort. Upshifts—whether initiated in automatic mode or by pulling back on either paddle—barely interrupt thrust, which stops only when the electronic limiter kicks in at 120 mph to protect the 255/45-20 Goodyear Eagle RS-A tires. (Non-EcoBoost MKTs get 19-inch wheels and tires as standard.) Engine noise is more noticeable than in the MKS but is still hushed and pleasant in tone.

All the torque from the EcoBoost engine makes passing maneuvers at highway speeds a snap. The motivation also is expected to come with a very un-V-8-like thirst: the MKT's estimated ciy/highway rating of 16/22 mpg is the same as the three-row, V-6 Buick Enclave and slightly better than the MDX's 15/20. However, competitive V-8 crossovers with similar power, such as the Q7 and the BMW xDrive48i, best illustrate the relative efficiency of the advanced turbo-six. The Q7 is rated at 13/18 mpg, while the X5 manages 14/19.

The MKT is not for carving up back roads, but body motions are nevertheless well controlled and the ride is very smooth—and better than the Flex’s. Bumps, dips, and broken pavement rarely seemed to upset the chassis or necessitate excessive steering corrections as they did for the Q7, and the brakes stopped the hefty crossover well despite a soft and squishy pedal. The all-wheel-drive system, which usually routes about 70 percent of the power to the front wheels, is standard on EcoBoost models and optional on naturally aspirated versions. Ford claims to have significantly quelled the understeer we’ve experienced in the Flex’s chassis, but we’ll have to wait until we get the Lincoln on a skidpad to verify that.

Specifications

VEHICLE TYPE: front-engine, 4-wheel-drive, 6- or 7-passenger, 5-door wagon

PRICE AS TESTED: $51,885 (base price: $49,995)

ENGINE TYPE: twin-turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 24-valve V-6, aluminum block and heads, direct fuel injection

Displacement: 213 cu in, 3490cc
Power (SAE net): 355 bhp @ 5700 rpm
Torque (SAE net): 350 lb-ft @ 1500 rpm

TRANSMISSION: 6-speed automatic with manumatic shifting

DIMENSIONS:
Wheelbase: 117.9 in Length: 207.6 in Width: 76.0 in Height: 67.4 in Curb weight: 4957 lb

C/D TEST RESULTS:
Zero to 60 mph: 6.1 sec
Zero to 100 mph: 15.4 sec
Zero to 120 mph: 25.7 sec
Street start, 5–60 mph: 6.7 sec
Standing ¼-mile: 14.6 sec @ 97 mph
Top speed (govonerlimited): 123 mph
Braking, 70–0 mph: 196 ft
Roadholding, 300-ft-dia skidpad: 0.76 g


FUEL ECONOMY:
EPA city/highway driving: 16/22 mpg
C/D observed: 21 mpg

+ 2009 Detroit Live: 2010 Lincoln MKT Luxury
+ 2009 Lincoln MKS Showcased in 51st Grammy Awards
+ 2010 Ford Fusion and Lincoln MKS to Get EcoBoost Engine
+ 2010 Buick LaCrosse Offers Four-Cylinder


Don’t Shout, I Can Hear You Just Fine

Other than the goofy proportions and polarizing snout, perhaps the most immediately noteworthy thing about the MKT is how pleasant it is inside its cabin. The interior is serenely quiet, even at triple-digit speeds, thanks to heaps of sound deadening; laminated, thicker windows; and aerodynamic tuning that included optimizing the shape of the side mirrors. Considering the vehicles’ preproduction status, build quality seems very good, and the materials, from the Scottish leather and genuine wood trim to the soft-touch plastics, feel competitive in the segment. For added ambience, Ford’s twin-panel panoramic Vista Roof is standard on all models, although if you want it to open, you’ll have to pay more.

The MKT’s seats are cushy but not particularly supportive—it is a cruiser, after all. The driver faces a clear and attractive gauge cluster with chrome accents, and both front occupants enjoy the flowing, uncluttered center console and a sharp, eight-inch touch-screen interface. When you’ve had enough near-silence, there’s a 10-speaker stereo as standard, as well as an optional 14-speaker, THX II–certified 5.1 surround-sound system that is bundled with the power roof option and voice-activated navigation as a $4000 package. A second-row DVD entertainment system with seven-inch monitors in the backs of the front headrests costs $1995. For a full limo experience, you can opt for second-row heated and cooled bucket seats ($995) that can be accompanied by a full-length center console complete with a small refrigerator/freezer ($895).

Whether you need the standard three-across bench or spring for the twin buckets, there is tons of room in the second row. The rocker panels have been integrated into the doors, reducing the width of the door sill and greatly improving ingress and egress. The second-row seats tumble forward—by power, if you opt for the buckets—leaving a large opening and a low step-over height for rearmost occupants. Third-row riders will need to be vertically challenged, however; foot, leg, and shoulder room are plentiful back there, but the sloping rear glass greatly limits headroom. If no one you know fits, at least the seats can be easily stowed out of the way to form a flat load floor, and they’ll be available with a power-folding function ($595) later this year.

It Parks Itself and Actually Does It Well

Of the plethora of advanced technologies available on the MKT, Ford’s active park assist ($595) is by far the coolest. Similar to the technology offered on certain Volkswagens in Europe—but unlike the system offered on the Lexus LS, since this actually works—the park assist employs electric power steering and sonar sensors to find and guide the vehicle into a suitable parallel parking spot. No steering required. Simply press the console-mounted button, drive past a potential spot, and wait for the system to beep, telling you your MKT will fit. Then engage reverse and control the throttle. The car works the steering, slipping perfectly into the gap while you gauge the distance to the car behind with the backup sensors and camera. All that’s left is to put it in drive and let the system pull forward and straighten out the car.

Active park assist also will be available on the 2010 MKS (and several other Ford models), which was the model on which we evaluated the system. The technology worked flawlessly every time, and on a larger vehicle with worse visibility—the MKT, for example—this could make urban commuting much easier and save wheels and tires from curb abuse.

The list of technologies and features standard on all MKTs is impressive. It includes keyless access, push-button starting, adaptive HID headlights with auto high-beam control, rain-sensing wipers, blind-spot monitoring, a reverse camera, convex secondary lenses in the door mirrors, Sync voice communication with Bluetooth, and the MyKey configurable watchdog that can disable or limit certain vehicle functions. Electronic stability control and a full boat of front, side, and curtain airbags also are standard. Adaptive cruise control with collision warning and brake assist ($1295) is one of the few major options.

Pricey but Impressive

At $49,995, the MKT with EcoBoost is not cheap, but the price is competitive with or less than that of most V-8–powered three-row luxury crossovers. This model’s amount of standard equipment is extensive and is shared with the base MKT, which starts at $44,995 with front-wheel drive and a 268-hp, 3.7-liter V-6. (We didn’t get to sample that model.) All-wheel drive adds another $1995 to the base sticker, but at that point we’d recommend stepping up to the EcoBoost with its additional 87 hp and specific content. We’re looking forward to a more extensive test, but we don’t need track numbers and hundreds of miles to know that this is one of the most surprisingly competent Lincolns we’ve sampled in a long time.

Toyota Motor Corp launched its first dedicated hybrid model under the premium Lexus brand on Tuesday, saying it had received orders worth six months of targeted sales in Japan.

The launch of the HS250h sedan marks the latest push by the world's biggest automaker to drive fuel-sipping hybrids into the mainstream as governments around the world tighten emissions and fuel economy regulations while offering consumers incentives to purchase less-polluting cars.

Toyota expects to sell an average 500 units a month in Japan of the HS250h, which does not have the unique design characteristics of instantly recognizable Prius hybrid, but like the Prius is only available as a gasoline-electric model.

"Thanks to the green-car tax and a hybrid boom fanned by the Prius in Japan, we've already gotten 3,000 orders," Senior Managing Director Toshio Furutani said at the launch.

The model will be sold in the United States and Canada from September, Toyota said. Until the end of 2009, Toyota plans to produce about 3,000 units a month.

Furutani said hybrids had become a major driver for the Lexus brand, which has struggled to sell in Japan since its domestic launch in 2005.

In the first six months of 2009, Lexus sales plunged 38 percent from the year-earlier period to 9,293 units. About 30 percent of those were a hybrid, a Toyota spokesman said.

The HS250h, powered by a 2.5-liter engine, starts at 3.95 million yen ($42,460) in Japan, making it the cheapest model in the Lexus line-up and eligible for a maximum 267,000 yen ($2,870) in "eco-car" tax breaks.

The HS250h has listed mileage in Japan of 23.0 km/liter, comparable to a Vitz subcompact.

HYBRID PRODUCTION IN EUROPE?

Toyota has a goal of selling at least 1 million hybrid vehicles a year within the next few years and has said it would offer the hybrid option on all of its models by around 2020.

Days after taking the helm at the company founded by his grandfather, President Akio Toyoda said last month that Toyota would shift its focus in the diesel-heavy European market to hybrid vehicles as part of a new effort to use its resources more selectively.

Japanese industry daily Nikkan Jidosha Shimbun said Toyota has decided to produce a gasoline-electric version of its Auris hatchback at its British factory around 2012, in what would mark its first locally produced hybrid car in Europe.

A spokeswoman said Toyota could not comment on future product plans.

The Auris, part of the popular Corolla series, was Toyota's third-best-selling model in Europe during the first five months of this year after the Yaris and Aygo subcompact models.

Toyota builds most of its hybrid vehicles in Japan, but also produces a small number of Prius cars in China and the Camry hybrid in Kentucky.

It is scheduled to begin production of the Camry hybrid in Thailand later this month, and in Australia next year. The Prius is also planned for production at a new Mississippi plant but has been delayed due to the economic crisis.

($1=93.02 Yen)

The Hyundai USA automaker was the first to honor the government-sanctioned program, resulting in 7 percent of its sales.

Fountain Valley-based Hyundai USA became the first company to implement the government’s Car Allowance Rebate System (CARS) incentives on July 2. The program – also known as "cash for clunkers" – accounted for 7 percent of Hyundai’s sales in the first week of its launch.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), signed into law by President Obama, is a federal program that offers additional incentives to buyers opting to trade in a less fuel-efficient vehicle in order to purchase a new, more fuel-efficient vehicle.

Hyundai's rollout enables buyers to receive the full rebate allocated under CARS when an eligible trade-in is exchanged for a qualifying model at a participating Hyundai dealership.

The fuel-efficient Hyundai Elantra was the most popular model purchased under the CARS program, making up 41 percent of sales. Elantra recently earned top honors in the 2009 J.D. Power and Associates Initial Quality Study for the highest initial quality in the compact car segment, and is a "Top Pick" from Consumer Reports.

The 24-year-old, who became the most expensive player in football history when he joined Real for £80 million this month, is putting three of his cars up for sale for a total of £195,000. Friends believe the former Manchester United footballer may also sell his £4 million mansion in Alderley Edge, Cheshire, and some of his furniture and clothing. Ronaldo is

The 24-year-old, who became the most expensive player in football history when he joined Real for £80 million this month, is putting three of his cars up for sale for a total of £195,000. Friends believe the former Manchester United footballer may also sell his £4 million mansion in Alderley Edge, Cheshire, and some of his furniture and clothing. Ronaldo is

The 24-year-old, who became the most expensive player in football history when he joined Real for £80 million this month, is putting three of his cars up for sale for a total of £195,000. Friends believe the former Manchester United footballer may also sell his £4 million mansion in Alderley Edge, Cheshire, and some of his furniture and clothing. Ronaldo is

The soccer superstar Christiano Ronaldo just print a world record transfer from Manchester United to Real Madrid, will sell the car, a Porsche 911 convertible. Ronaldo, other than the candidate he often change in the luxury car. Ronaldo Porsche 911 Carrera 2 Tiptronic S in 2007. He has many other supercar. Ronaldo collection luxury cars such as Porsche Cayenne, Bentley Continental GTC, Audi R8

The soccer superstar Christiano Ronaldo just print a world record transfer from Manchester United to Real Madrid, will sell the car, a Porsche 911 convertible. Ronaldo, other than the candidate he often change in the luxury car. Ronaldo Porsche 911 Carrera 2 Tiptronic S in 2007. He has many other supercar. Ronaldo collection luxury cars such as Porsche Cayenne, Bentley Continental GTC, Audi R8

The soccer superstar Christiano Ronaldo just print a world record transfer from Manchester United to Real Madrid, will sell the car, a Porsche 911 convertible. Ronaldo, other than the candidate he often change in the luxury car. Ronaldo Porsche 911 Carrera 2 Tiptronic S in 2007. He has many other supercar. Ronaldo collection luxury cars such as Porsche Cayenne, Bentley Continental GTC, Audi R8

With the Australian Motor Show set to open this week, Lexus made sure that its booth in Sydney will get its share of attention by bringing in a chrome IS250 concept vehicle. Developed by the Lexus After Sales Division, the car's highlight is its MirraChrome paint finish. In addition to the flashy paint, the IS also sports an aero package that will be available in Australia from the automaker's

With the Australian Motor Show set to open this week, Lexus made sure that its booth in Sydney will get its share of attention by bringing in a chrome IS250 concept vehicle. Developed by the Lexus After Sales Division, the car's highlight is its MirraChrome paint finish. In addition to the flashy paint, the IS also sports an aero package that will be available in Australia from the automaker's

With the Australian Motor Show set to open this week, Lexus made sure that its booth in Sydney will get its share of attention by bringing in a chrome IS250 concept vehicle. Developed by the Lexus After Sales Division, the car's highlight is its MirraChrome paint finish. In addition to the flashy paint, the IS also sports an aero package that will be available in Australia from the automaker's

Lexus LF-A Concept The LF-A concept sports car was first revealed during a press conference at the North American International Auto Show in 2005. The two-seat design brings together sports car performance with the traditional Lexus luxury refinement. The LF-A was designed to signal a new era for Lexus styling, as well as achieving performance superiority against its competitors in terms of

Lexus LF-A Concept The LF-A concept sports car was first revealed during a press conference at the North American International Auto Show in 2005. The two-seat design brings together sports car performance with the traditional Lexus luxury refinement. The LF-A was designed to signal a new era for Lexus styling, as well as achieving performance superiority against its competitors in terms of

Lexus LF-A Concept The LF-A concept sports car was first revealed during a press conference at the North American International Auto Show in 2005. The two-seat design brings together sports car performance with the traditional Lexus luxury refinement. The LF-A was designed to signal a new era for Lexus styling, as well as achieving performance superiority against its competitors in terms of

“The extraordinary is found through constant exploring.” Land Rover has made sure that their 2008 Land Rover LR2 is all about improved performance without compromising comfort and safety. With its leather-trimmed seats, nine-speaker audio for a sound system and the dual-panel sunroof, all 59 cubic feet of 2008 the Land Rover LR2 is, indeed bound to make any trip seem luxurious, not tedious.

“The extraordinary is found through constant exploring.” Land Rover has made sure that their 2008 Land Rover LR2 is all about improved performance without compromising comfort and safety. With its leather-trimmed seats, nine-speaker audio for a sound system and the dual-panel sunroof, all 59 cubic feet of 2008 the Land Rover LR2 is, indeed bound to make any trip seem luxurious, not tedious.

“The extraordinary is found through constant exploring.” Land Rover has made sure that their 2008 Land Rover LR2 is all about improved performance without compromising comfort and safety. With its leather-trimmed seats, nine-speaker audio for a sound system and the dual-panel sunroof, all 59 cubic feet of 2008 the Land Rover LR2 is, indeed bound to make any trip seem luxurious, not tedious.

Reports of a new entry-level model for Land Rover positioned below the Freelander have cropped up recently, and these latest renderings show what the new car-based SUV and its targa variant will most likely look like. In an interview with Autocar magazine, Land Rover managing director Matthew Taylor stated "we have to decide what a small Land Rover would be like, how it would be profitable and at

Reports of a new entry-level model for Land Rover positioned below the Freelander have cropped up recently, and these latest renderings show what the new car-based SUV and its targa variant will most likely look like. In an interview with Autocar magazine, Land Rover managing director Matthew Taylor stated "we have to decide what a small Land Rover would be like, how it would be profitable and at

Lamborghini president Stephan Winkelmann confirmed today as reported by jalopnik that the rumors which were spread across net since last few months is in fact true. In 2 weeks the limited-edition sports car will be officially confirmed at the Frankfurt Auto Show. The rumored price for the car was not confirmed but it will be more then $1 million and if rumors are true then a whooping $1.5

Lamborghini president Stephan Winkelmann confirmed today as reported by jalopnik that the rumors which were spread across net since last few months is in fact true. In 2 weeks the limited-edition sports car will be officially confirmed at the Frankfurt Auto Show. The rumored price for the car was not confirmed but it will be more then $1 million and if rumors are true then a whooping $1.5

Lamborghini is a well known brand of high perfornace Italian sports cars that is now a subsidiary of German car manufacturer Audi. Usually when we see a car like this we stop a little because a Lamborghini can catch your eye very easily. In this case the owner wanted more from his Lamborghini, and he painted his car in a way that will 100% get your attention, no matter what.Car

Lamborghini is a well known brand of high perfornace Italian sports cars that is now a subsidiary of German car manufacturer Audi. Usually when we see a car like this we stop a little because a Lamborghini can catch your eye very easily. In this case the owner wanted more from his Lamborghini, and he painted his car in a way that will 100% get your attention, no matter what.Car

OSLO, Jun 13, 2009; Aasa Christine Stoltz writing for Reuters reported that tiny carmaker Koenigsegg is ready to take over General Motor's loss-making Saab unit, and says it has numerous good solutions to help get the company back on its feet, its major shareholder told daily Dagbladet. A source familiar with the talks told Reuters this week that General Motors is close to selling its Saab unit

OSLO, Jun 13, 2009; Aasa Christine Stoltz writing for Reuters reported that tiny carmaker Koenigsegg is ready to take over General Motor's loss-making Saab unit, and says it has numerous good solutions to help get the company back on its feet, its major shareholder told daily Dagbladet. A source familiar with the talks told Reuters this week that General Motors is close to selling its Saab unit

Despite the fact the new 7 Series was launched at the beginning of the year, BMW is already set to expand the model range. Toward the end of this year, the new V12-powered 760i will arrive with a new eight-speed automatic transmission.

The better news, at least for us denizens of the Great White North, is the addition of BMW's sophisticated xDrive all-wheel-drive system to the 750i. This is a first for the 7 Series and something that's destined to become very popular because of the ability it adds to an already sure-footed sedan.

Under normal circumstances, xDrive splits the power 40/60 front to rear. The beauty is that because the system monitors a number of different sensors (steering angle, throttle position, yaw and so on) xDrive is proactive, which means it begins to redistribute power before the car loses traction. When travelling at speed, the system relaxes the power split (20/80 front to rear). Conversely, matting the gas sees the system lock the centre differential. This splits the power evenly front to rear and banishes unwanted wheelspin. The 750i's system is as seamless as it is proficient.

Could this really be the new 5-series? According to the article below, this model will be available in 2010.

When you think of luxury executive saloons, one car always comes to mind, the BMW 5-series. A class leader since its inception, the 5-series remains a crucial car to BMW. With the current E60 5-series introduced back in 2004, BMW is preparing the sixth-generation model to be revealed in 2010. It will be a tough job for the designers as well as the thousands of engineers working across BMW’s development centers to renew the current model, a car that already resides at the edge of the technical front line. The new design is critical for BMW’s design manager Adrian van Hooydonk and his team, who have to create an exterior that radiates the brand’s distinctive design values and at the same time feels new and fresh. Using information from various sources, these renderings were compiled by our partners over at Sweden’s Auto Motor and Sport and their illustrator Radovan Varicak, giving us a preview of what the final version will look like. The front-end will likely feature a more upright kidney grille in order to comply with stronger pedestrian protection laws, while the headlights won’t be stretched out like on the current model. BMW’s characteristic interaction between convex and concave shapes will still be emphasized, and will be clearly indicated in the engine hood’s lines.

Recognizing the troubles that have befallen the U.S. automobile industry, our Congress has instituted two pieces of legislation to stimulate new car sales.

That, plus the fact that many dealerships are closing, translates into a potential bonanza for those consumers who are considering a new car purchase.

The first goody is a tax break for consumers who purchase a new car this year because these purchasers can deduct all state taxes and excise taxes paid. The deduction phases out for vehicles that cost more than $49,500, but the tax break does apply to light trucks, motor homes and motorcycles.

However, the deduction does not apply to used car purchases, and it phases out for single taxpayers who have Adjusted Gross Incomes between $125,000 and $135,000. For married couples filing jointly, the phase-out corridor is between $250,000 and $260,000.

Another plus with this program is that the deduction can be claimed on 2009 tax returns regardless of whether one itemizes or claims the standard deduction.

In addition to the new tax breaks, it's a particularly good time to shop for a new car - especially at General Motors dealerships that are closing.

The other piece of legislation pertaining to the automobile industry is the so-called "cash for clunkers" program. The problem with this enactment is that not many vehicles qualify for a government voucher, but if your car is older and not worth much, this program is for you.

Here is how the program works: If you have a car that was manufactured in 1984 or later, has been in use for at least one year, is drivable and the vehicle gets less than 18 mpg, combined for city and highway driving (each vehicle's official mpg rating can be obtained on www.fueleconomy.gov), you will get a voucher worth $3,500 - if the new vehicle's mileage is rated at least 22 mpg. If your new car gets 10 mpg more than your old vehicle, then the voucher is worth $4,500.

For light-duty SUVs, vans and pickups to qualify for a $3,500 voucher, the mileage on the new vehicle must be 18 mpg combined and 2 mpg better than the old one. If the new vehicle gets 5 mpg better mileage, you can claim the $4,500 voucher. For heavy-duty vehicles - those rated at 6,000 to 8,500 pounds for gross vehicle weight - the rules are even more lenient. The $3,500 voucher is available if the new vehicle gets at least 15 mpg combined and just 1 mpg better mileage than the old one. You need only 2 mpg better to qualify for the $4,500 voucher.

Work trucks with gross vehicle weight ratings of 8,500 to 10,000 pounds qualify for the $3,500 voucher so long as the old vehicle is a 2001 or earlier model.

The program is not as good as it sounds, unless your vehicle is a real clunker. The voucher replaces your trade-in value, and your old vehicle heads for the scrap heap.

You can check out www.kbb.com to see if your car's mileage and value make this program worthwhile for you.

+ 'Cash for Clunkers' Calculator by kbb.com

Tax tip: If you are a principal in a C Corporation (one that pays taxes as a separate entity), your corporation can purchase long-term care insurance for you and your spouse, deduct the cost as a business expense, and neither you nor your spouse will incur any income tax liability. Moreover, the dollars from the policies used for pay for qualifying expenses are income tax-free to you or your spouse. And the best part is that you don't have to include any of your other employees.

Kelley Blue Book Provides Key Details for Federal Cash for Clunkers Program, Finding Best Next Car.

Kelley Blue Book, www.kbb.com, the leading provider of new-car and used-car information, today announces the launch of its Cash for Clunkers Calculator on its top-rated Web site, kbb.com. Using the Cash for Clunkers Calculator, consumers can gain important details to assist them in determining if their current vehicle might be eligible for up to $4,500 toward the purchase of a more fuel-efficient new car, research new-car options, and reach a dealer -- all in one place.

Kbb.com provides a simple, interactive Cash for Clunkers Calculator to help consumers determine whether they may be eligible for a credit under the Car Allowance Rebate System (CARS), the official government name of the Cash for Clunkers program.

The calculator helps consumers evaluate vehicles with model years between 1989 and 2009 based on make, model, condition, and mileage. The age of the vehicle, its fuel economy and the fuel efficiency rating of the new car are key factors to determine whether the vehicle qualifies for a 'Cash for Clunkers' credit toward the purchase of a new vehicle.

The calculator also displays the Kelley Blue Book(R) Trade-In Value, to help consumers determine whether their vehicle is worth more or less than the possible credit they could receive from the CARS program.

Under this groundbreaking, government-sponsored program, a consumer can receive instant credit toward the purchase of a new, more fuel-efficient vehicle upon trade-in of an old, gas-guzzling ride that has a combined city/highway fuel economy of 18 miles-per-gallon or less, is in drivable condition and has been insured and registered for the past year by the same owner.

"While the conditions of the new Cash for Clunkers program can be confusing, kbb.com provides a means of assisting consumers to determine eligibility and help get them into their next new car quickly and easily," said Jack R. Nerad, executive editorial director and executive market analyst for Kelley Blue Book's kbb.com.

Ford will be the official sponsor of the Cash for Clunkers program on Kelley Blue Book's kbb.com. Ford has been on the forefront of this new federal program and is dedicated to providing consumers the information they need.

Ford also recently launched its 'Let Ford Recycle Your Ride' campaign to help take the confusion out of the Cash for Clunkers program. With an impressive line-up of fuel-efficient cars, trucks and utility vehicles, Ford can offer a variety of gas-sipping models to fit the needs of any consumer.

"Kelley Blue Book is pleased to have Ford as the official sponsor of the Cash for Clunkers Calculator on kbb.com," said Justin Yaros, executive vice president of product design and development for Kelley Blue Book's kbb.com. "Together, we have the ability to further educate the consumer on the new government program and assist in all stages of the shopping process."

The CARS programs runs through November 1, 2009, or until government funds are exhausted. For more information about the Cash for Clunkers program, visit www.kbb.com/cashforclunkers to view program details, articles and a detailed video.

If BMW and Lexus sales continue at their current paces, the Bavarian automaker could topple its Japanese rival and become the best-selling luxury brand in the U.S.

According to Automotive News, BMW and Lexus sales are neck and neck, with BMW selling about 3600 more vehicles than Lexus through the month of May. So far this year, Lexus's sales have collapsed by 37.2 percent compared to the same time period last year, while BMW's sales have declined 30.5 percent. BMW's market share now matches Lexus's at 1.9 percent.

"This year's emphasis is on maintaining our market share and even growing our share," said Jan Ehlen, spokesman for BMW North America. "If this results in remaining in the top spot of the premium market, that would be a nice bonus."

According to Automotive News, BMW has been in the second place spot for eight years straight. Before Lexus achieved its stranglehold on top, it was traditionally held by American automakers; Cadillac dominated from 1946 through 1997, and Lincoln nabbed it in 1998. But so far this year, European luxury makers--including Audi, Porsche, Jaguar, Land Rover, Mercedes-Benz and BMW--have pushed their collective market share up by almost a full percentage compared to last year.

The U.S. has become BMW's biggest market, with 23 percent of its 1.27 millions sales last year coming from the U.S. Germany is its second-biggest market, where it sold 19.6 percent of its vehicles.

John McCandless, a spokesman for Toyota Motor Sales U.S.A., dismissed the title of sales leader as superfluous--though he did mention that sales could be boosted by the introductions of the 2010 Lexus IS C and 2010 Lexus HS250h.

"Volumes can vary," he said. "Meeting the needs of our customers is what's important."

BMW just announced that it plans to bring its X1,to the U.S. in 2011. But the biggest news about the compact crossover may be the clean-diesel powerplant option.

The diesel version of the X1 achieves more than 45 miles a gallon while still achieving a top speed of 124 miles per hour, BMW says.

In Europe, where the X1 goes on sale this fall, there will be three diesel versions in addition to the gasoline version. It's yet to be seen whether diesel catches on in the U.S. by then.

Research conducted by AAA shows that the July 4th weekend is consistently the busiest time of year for road travel in the United States, and 37.1 million Americas will hit the road this coming weekend.

Weather forecasts show much of the county will experience high humidity and triple-digit temperatures, creating a potentially dangerous combination for unprepared vehicles.

With that in mind, the experts at Red Line Oil have created a Road Trip Checklist to make sure your car is ready for the long haul.

1. Inspect your tires. Tires should be properly inflated to the pressure listed in your owner's manual, sidewalls should be clear without checking or cracks, and there should be at least 1/16-inch of tread left. Also make sure your spare is inflated.
2. Check your cooling system. Many modern cars often have long-life coolant engineered to last up to 100,000 miles; older cars and RVs need to have the coolant changed more frequently. Make sure the radiator is full (check while engine is cold), and the overflow tank should be filled to its indicator line. All hoses should be firm and dry. If the level is low, try using distilled water to prevent scale and mineral buildup.
3. For added insurance, try a bottle of Red Line's WatterWetter(R), designed to keep the coolant temperature from climbing when challenged. This product can lower temps as much as 20 degrees F by increasing the "wetting ability" of the water that comes in contact with your engine. Think of it as "road trip insurance" for cars on road trips, tow vehicles and RVs.
4. Check your oil. Many owners forget to check the level between oil changes. Make sure your oil level is full, and for longer drain intervals switch to a top-quality, ester-based synthetic. Red Line's fully-synthetic motor oils provide the highest protection, cleanliness and superior drain intervals with the lowest friction for your gasoline or diesel engine. Also note that you can add a quart of synthetic to conventional oils without issue.
5. Check your transmission fluid level. Most automatics have a dipstick clearly labeled in the engine compartment. Fluid should be full and clean (clear red, not brown or black). Manual transmissions should be serviced at intervals recommended in your owner's manual. When having your transmission serviced, consider using a fully-synthetic fluid like Red Line for increased durability and wear protection. Also ensure that the fluid you select is just right for your vehicle.

Saturn of Raleigh (www.saturnofraleigh.com) and Saturn of Cary (www.saturnofcary.com) are participating in the Customer Assistance to Recycle and Save program, a new program from the federal government that will help consumers pay for new, more fuel efficient cars or trucks from a participating dealer when they trade in a less fuel efficient vehicle. More commonly called "Cash for Clunkers," the program will provide U.S. Government vouchers valued from $3,500 to $4,500 when consumers trade in eligible vehicles and purchase new ones before Nov. 1, 2009 that meet or exceed specified fuel economy improvement standards.

For more information about the "Cash for Clunkers" program, visit www.cars.gov.

"Cash for Clunkers is a great program that will help take old, inefficient vehicles off the road and replace them with new, more fuel-efficient cars," said Bill Shotwell, general manager and owner of Saturn of Raleigh and Saturn of Cary. "Consumers should keep in mind that the window of time to participate in this program is only through November 1 or until the funds run out. Our team is happy to help the local community understand the details of the program and whether their cars qualify as clunkers in this program."

About Saturn of Raleigh:

Saturn of Raleigh is a full-service car dealership that has been serving the Raleigh, N.C., area, including Wake Forest and Rocky Mount, since 1992. Located at 5501 Capital Blvd., Saturn of Raleigh offers a complete line of new and pre-owned cars and trucks, and the staff is committed to serving all automotive needs, from sales and finance to service and parts. For more information about Saturn of Raleigh, visit www.saturnofraleigh.com or call (877) 221-5402.

About Saturn of Cary:

Saturn of Cary is a full-service car dealership that has been serving the residents of Cary, Apex, Morrisville, Holly Springs and other surrounding communities since 1997. Located at 91 Mackenan Drive in Cary, Saturn of Cary offers a complete line of new and pre-owned inventory of cars and trucks. For more information about Saturn of Cary, visit www.saturnofcary.com or call (866) 569-5673.

Sales of imported automobiles in South Korea rose 22% on year last month due to tax incentives given as part of the government's recent economic-stimulus package, an industry association said Friday.

There were 6,809 new registrations of imported cars, up from 5,580 a year earlier, and up 28% from 5,313 in May, the Korea Automobile Importers and Distributors Association said in a statement.

The three best-selling models were Toyota Motor Corp.'s (7203.TO) Lexus ES350 sedan, Mercedes-Benz C200 sedan and BMW AG's (BMW.XE) 528 sedan, the association said.

Between January and June, however, imported-car sales fell 13% on year to 29, 025 units, it said.

Under an incentive program that began in May and scheduled to run until December, owners of vehicles more than 10 years old could save up to 70% in taxes when they buy a new car to replace their old ones.

Car makers in Europe felt something of a reprieve in June, as incentives from governments and dealers stemmed or reversed sales declines.

New-car registrations in France rose to 235,407 in June from 219,754 a year earlier, according to data published Wednesday by the French Automobile Manufacturers Association.

The association said the government's temporary cash incentives for car owners to scrap their old vehicles and buy new ones motivated car buying. But discounting by car makers and dealers also played a prominent role. Incentives accounted for 20% of French June new-car registrations, according to the association.

The rapid decline in Spanish car registrations during recent months also eased in June thanks to government aid, Spanish car manufacturers' association Anfac said Wednesday. Car registrations fell 16% from a year earlier in June after falling 39% in May and 46% in April, according to Anfac.

The government subsidies boosted individuals' car registrations 15% in June from a month earlier, Anfac said. It was the first month in more than two and a half years where registrations by individuals increased compared with the previous month.

Italian car sales bounced higher in June, rising 12.4% compared with June 2008, as government payments to people who trade in old cars for newer, less-polluting ones kicked in, data showed Wednesday. Overall, Italian new car registrations in June increased 12.4% to 209,315 vehicles. That compares with an 8.6% annual decline posted in May.

Along with the car-sales incentives, "the improvement of the economy, or at least expectations of improvement, could have played a factor" in June's rebound, according to Italian auto analysts Centro Studio Promotor.

Hybrid car sales in June were up 9 percent from a year ago and rose 2 percent compared to last month—outperforming the overall new car market that was down 28 percent from June 2008 and off 7 percent from May.

June hybrid sales suggest that hybrids are recovering more quickly than the overall car market—just as they defied the economic downturn several months after overall car sales started to decline in 2008. June marks the sixth consecutive month of higher hybrid sales.

Nationally, car dealers sold 26,205 hybrids in June, the highest one-month total in 13 months.

Hybrid car sales numbers exceeded 3 percent of the new car market, and could reflect the beginning of an anticipated long-term trend in which hybrid market share grows by as much as 1 percent every year.

Dozens of new hybrid models will be introduced in the next few years. The world’s largest carmakers are significantly investing in increased production capacity for hybrid cars and advanced auto batteries.

The overall market continues to suffer, but declining sales have begun to slow down for four of the six major carmakers. Ford reported the smallest drop of 10.7 percent. Jesse Toprak, executive director of industry analysis for Edmunds.com told Associated Press, “It is unlikely things will get any worse."

The Toyota Prius led the hybrid pack with 12,998 sales, representing 49.6 percent of all hybrid sales in June. The vast majority of Prius sales—85 percent, according to Toyota—came from the new 2010 model. The introduction of the new Prius apparently affected sales of the 2010 Honda Insight and Honda Civic Hybrid, which declined by 25 percent and 42 percent respectively, compared to last month. Sales of the Ford Fusion Hybrid continued to gain momentum, jumping nearly 10 percent compared to May.

Rising gas prices—from $2.28 per gallon in May to $2.64 last month—may have contributed to an increase in hybrid sales in June.

Some automakers have had long-standing plans to offer diesel engines in this country. European automakers have stuck with those strategies despite the volatile price disparity between diesel and regular fuel. Japanese and domestic automakers, including Honda, Nissan and GM, have shelved their diesel plans for now.

Impressed by diesels we’ve previously tested from Mercedes-Benz and Volkswagen, we have added three more to our test fleet to see how they compare to their conventional counterparts. Our latest diesel models include the Mercedes-Benz GL320 Blue Tec and a pair of BMWs--the X5 and the 335d.

Mercedes-Benz GL320 Blue Tec
Mercedes-Benz-GL320-BlueTECWe were impressed with the GL450 when we tested it in 2006--a roomy, comfortable, yet responsive handling vehicle. We were also impressed with the 210-hp, 3.0-liter V6 diesel engine when we tested it in the E320 Blue Tec, which combined strong performance and refinement, yet returned 29 mpg overall. It was also free of traditional diesel smell, smoke, and sluggishness. Hence, we wanted to see how this engine performed in the GL.

Even though the GL is very heavy (5,655 lbs.), this engine remains smooth and muted, but initial off-the-line acceleration is sluggish. Once underway, it pulls strongly and manages to hit 60 mph in less than 10 seconds--a far cry from the 7.4 seconds we recorded for the GL450. Observed fuel economy, so far, is averaging 20 mpg overall. We got 15 mpg for our V8-powered GL450. If you’re starting to crunch the numbers, you should know that the GL320 is actually $1,000 cheaper than the GL450.

The other major difference between the two is that the GL320 comes with 20-inch run-flat tires, which brings more impact-harshness to the ride quality. Plus, the steering feedback is compromised. The GL benefits from a $1,550 federal tax credit for the first 60,000 purchasers, but you won’t qualify if you hit the AMT tax.

BMW X5 3.0 diesel
2009-BMW-X5In contrast to the Mercedes example above, the X5 diesel adds an eye-opening $3,700 to the price of the 265-hp, regular-gas 3.0 model. So far, our diesel X5 is getting 23 mpg on average, compared with 17 mpg overall for the gas version. The X5’s diesel is not quite as refined as the Mercedes but feels punchier. In fact, it beats the regular X5 in 0-60 mph acceleration, but it’s less quick initially from a standstill. Other than that, the diesel X5 retains the choppy ride, excellent steering and agile handling (as well as confusing controls) of the standard X5.

Diesel and gasoline are about equal in price these days, so it’s a matter of how far you drive when it comes to payback time for the diesel version’s higher price. There is also added maintenance due to the replacement of the Urea solution (also required with the Mercedes), which serves in emission-cleaning arsenal. BMW replaces it at service intervals and will warn you 1,000 miles prior. This diesel qualifies for a $1,550 federal tax credit. With that, and at current gas prices, and with an annual mileage of 12,000 miles it would take more than four years to break even.

BMW 335d
BMW_335d On the face of it, there is a $2,275 premium for a 335d over the rear-wheel drive 335i, once adjusted for the standard automatic transmission in the diesel. However, assuming your attitude is one of saving money and fuel, you’d probably look at the more popular 328i. In that case, the diesel commands a whopping $8,975 price premium. So far we’ve been getting 33 mpg with the diesel according to the car’s trip computer. Our last 328i attained 23 mpg overall.

Beyond the questionable economics, the diesel 3 retains its excellent steering and body control and one might argue is even more of a hoot to drive. We haven’t completed our acceleration tests yet, but the torque of the diesel delivers an addicting mid-range rush that, if you’re not careful, will send the car into three-digit speeds all too easily. The 335d benefits from a $900 federal tax credit. With that taken into account it would take about 20 years to break even compared to a 328i at an annual mileage of 12,000.

+ 2009 Mercedes-Benz GL320 BlueTEC Road Test
+ 2009 BMW 335d Fuel-Efficient Sedan Review
+ 2009 New York Auto Show: 2010 BMW X5 M

Bottom line
In general, diesel engines cut fuel consumption by about 30 percent and as a byproduct reduces C02 emissions. And contemporary common-rail diesel combined with devices that abolish smoke and smell make the engines a lot more livable. That said, in terms of particles causing soot, diesels are still not as clean as modern gas engines.

Opting for a diesel in today’s environment may not save you money. It is a function of the price differential to the conventional version, the price of diesel fuel and your annual mileage. Other than economics, any diesel can be fueled with an up to 20 percent bio-diesel blend, which further cuts petroleum consumption. If diesel prices remain similar to gasoline, as they are today, there would be true appeal.

Gallery: 2009 Mercedes-Benz GL320 BlueTEC



2010 BMW X5 M Gallery



Gallery: 2009 BMW 335d