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2009 Alfa Romeo MiTo Photo Gallery
Based off the Fiat Punto platform, the MiTo will sport the uniquely shaped Alfa nose, very similar in shape and size to the coming Alfa 8C supercar. There's no mistaking what car is driving toward you when you see the diving triangular grille hanging over the hood. The rear of the six-foot car is less stylized with a squatty rear end, widened rear flares, tapered roof, and two large taillights plopped at the edges. One positive result of the shape is that the truckwell in the hatchback is deep, able to hold several bags of luggage and gear.( WILNER HOWARD breaking news)
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HOWARD WILNER cars reviews => On the road in North Carolina to drive the 2008 BMW X6 for the first time, we're fully expecting the X6 to smack us silly with its 450 pound-feet of torque. But this never quite happens. Instead, the six-speed automatic transmission shifts tentatively, as if it's worried that unleashing too much force at one time might eat a driveshaft or two. Which may be the case, but it makes us doubt BMW's claimed 0-to-60-mph time of 5.3 seconds for the X6. That's only 0.3 second slower than the last 135i we tested, and the tiny coupe weighs 1,906 pounds less. Yeah, that's no typo. The xDrive50i, as it's known in BMW-speak, weighs in at 5,269 pounds. That's 319 pounds more than the Porsche Cayenne S, an SUV that has never once been called light on its feet. Porsche claims a 0-to-60-mph time of 6.4 seconds for the 385-hp Cayenne S, so BMW's estimate of the X6's ability seems a bit optimistic
The front-wheel-drive 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer GTS is propelled by a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 168 hp and 167 lb-ft of torque. Our test car was equipped with the standard five-speed manual transmission. We got 0-60-mph sprint of 7.7 seconds, a healthy 1.1 seconds quicker than the less powerful 2008 model. The GTS's acceleration now compares favorably with that of similarly powered competitors like the Mazda 3 s Sport and Subaru Impreza 2.5i. Fuel economy, however, is underwhelming at an EPA-estimated 21 mpg city/28 highway and 23 mpg in mixed driving. Our test car managed slightly more than 21 mpg in our enthusiastic hands.
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the New Opel Insignia, which will be the next Aura, must be the best chance yet. After all, the current Aura proves this size and package of car are right for the times, and the new one - sampled here as the Opel Insignia variant - is a far better car to drive and more of a looker, too. In Saturn guise, it'll start life with a 2.4L four and a V-6, but shortly after it will receive the excellent 2.0L turbo we tested. It kicks out a willing 220 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque and can be had with either manual or auto transmission, both six-speed. We sampled it as front-drive, but AWD is optional.
On the road in North Carolina to drive the 2008 BMW X6 for the first time, we're fully expecting the X6 to smack us silly with its 450 pound-feet of torque. But this never quite happens. Instead, the six-speed automatic transmission shifts tentatively, as if it's worried that unleashing too much force at one time might eat a driveshaft or two. Which may be the case, but it makes us doubt BMW's claimed 0-to-60-mph time of 5.3 seconds for the X6. That's only 0.3 second slower than the last 135i we tested, and the tiny coupe weighs 1,906 pounds less. Yeah, that's no typo. The xDrive50i, as it's known in BMW-speak, weighs in at 5,269 pounds. That's 319 pounds more than the Porsche Cayenne S, an SUV that has never once been called light on its feet. Porsche claims a 0-to-60-mph time of 6.4 seconds for the 385-hp Cayenne S, so BMW's estimate of the X6's ability seems a bit optimistic
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Like gourmet coffee from McDonald's, a pair of Christian Dior running shoes or Jack Black as a leading man, there are some things that at first blush just don't seem to go together. Cadillac is a carmaker synonymous with traditional land yachts and blinged-out SUVs, but few would associate it with a high-performance, dashingly styled two-seat luxury drop top. Yet the 2009 Cadillac XLR is just such an automobile, and this retractable-roof roadster is now in its sixth year in production.
The SLK280 badge is no more, with "300"(2009 Mercedes-Benz SLK300) taking its place to better represent the 3.0L V-6 that was always under the hood; horsepower remains at 228. The front bumper gets a nosejob, now split in Formula 1 homage, and the entire SLK lineup receives Mercedes' new direct-steer system, which alters the steering ratio depending on input. When mated to the SLK, the result is a roadster that's easy to drill through twisty roads and dead solid on the freeway. Though mechanically operated -- unlike BMW's Active Steering unit -- the Mercedes system provides too little feedback through the wheel. It's slow off center and takes too much edge off the driving experience.
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HOWARD WILNER prices for cars rent => Like gourmet coffee from McDonald's, a pair of Christian Dior running shoes or Jack Black as a leading man, there are some things that at first blush just don't seem to go together. Cadillac is a carmaker synonymous with traditional land yachts and blinged-out SUVs, but few would associate it with a high-performance, dashingly styled two-seat luxury drop top. Yet the 2009 Cadillac XLR is just such an automobile, and this retractable-roof roadster is now in its sixth year in production.
Since its 2008 debut, Mitsubishi's athletic Lancer GTS has been serving notice to a certain rival Japanese automaker that two can play the "zoom-zoom" game. Trouble was, Mitsubishi neglected to add any actual zoom under the hood for the car's first year of production. Saddled with the base 2.0-liter, 152-horsepower four-cylinder power plant, last year's Lancer GTS looked and handled like a compact sport sedan, but there was too much sound and not enough fury behind that sharklike snout.( HOWARD WILNER lease cars)
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Matched to a six-speed automatic with manual-shift capability (via paddle shifters),the 2008 BMW X6 xDrive 35i powerhouse six propels the 2.5-ton X6 with authority. Sprinting to 60 mph takes just 6.3 seconds, with the quarter-mile eclipsed in an equally impressive 14.6 seconds. The surge of power is linear, and even under full throttle, the automatic clicks off rapid yet mostly seamless gearchanges. We usually drove with the transmission in Sport mode.
That last engine of the Chevrolet Silverado is a new entry to fill out the top end of the 2009 Silverado lineup. Available on crew cab models, the big E85-ready, 6.2L V-8 produces 403 hp, enough to knock the 5.7L, 381-horse Toyota Tundra from the title of most powerful full-size truck. The rest of the Silverado engines remain unchanged, with the 195-hp 4.3L V-6, 295-hp 4.7L V-8, 315-hp 5.3L V-8, and 367-hp 6.0L V-8 filling out a large family of trucks. As before, the Silverado can be ordered in three cab styles and three cargo box lengths from 5 ft 8 in. to a healthy 8-ft option.
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At first glance, the Xterra might be the one vehicle in our Death Valley Torture Test that seems out of place. Clearly, the name Nissan doesn't have the pull of such 4x4 stalwarts as Land Rover, Jeep, Hummer, or FJ. But here it stands, a two-time winner of Motor Trend's Sport/Utility of the Year -- the first time in 2000, then again when completely redesigned in 2006. And both times we admired it for its honest design and true 4WD capability. That's why we invited the current-generation Xterra here with its 4x4 Off Road package, rugged full-size truck frame, and no-BS personality. In a world awash in crossover design popularity, where everyone seems to want to pretend they're something they're not, it's refreshing to see a manufacturer stick with a traditional SUV look and capability.
Powering out of tight hairpins, we feel only the slightest hints of the system working, but there's no doubt that the X6 is firing out of wet corners with impressive drive. Still, BMW figured the X6 might need some help demonstrating the new system, so it arranged for us to drive a road course at Michelin's Laurens proving grounds that had been soaked by sprinklers. Flat-footing the X6 out of soaked hairpins here makes the benefit of DPC far more obvious. In most SUVs, such a maneuver would initiate the intervention of so many various stability control systems that the gas pedal would be rendered useless. With DPC, you still get power, but it jumps from one wheel to the other as each one struggles to grab the pavement. The forward bite is a little jerky when you're hard on the throttle, and we have to remind ourselves that even DPC has its limits and we should be wary of pedaling the X6 right into the grass.
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HOWARD WILNER luxury cars from 2009 => Reducing the standard rate of VED in 2009-10 for all new and existing cars that emit 150g/km of CO2 or less and increasing the standard rate of VED on the most polluting cars to �425.
From 2010-11, extending the zero rate of VED to all new cars that emit 130g/km of CO2 during the first year of ownership.
Introducing a new first-year rate of �950 for new, high CO2-emitting cars.
Aligning the alternative fuel and standard rates of VED in 2011.
The range of information contained in Car Audio for Dummies covers nearly the entire gamut of enthusiasts. There's advice for building every level of system, from mild installs that maintain stock components to wild overhauls that completely transform the vehicle. There's very basic information for novices and very detailed facts for users with more experience.2010 Audi Q7 3.0 TDI With its gasoline-fueled 3.6-liter V-6, featuring the company's FSI direct fuel injection, variable intake and dual overhead cams, the Q7 makes 280 bhp at a lofty 6200 rpm, 266 lb.-ft. of torque at a reasonably low 2750 rpm and is rated at 14 mpg city and 17 mpg highway. Contrast this with its oil-sipping self, a 3.0-liter V-6 TDI (Audi direct-injected diesel) that produces a peak 221 bhp but makes a stout 406 lb.-ft. of torque from 1750 through 2750 rpm. What's more, Audi says it delivers around 25 mpg in highway driving (no city mileage figures were given).
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2010 Audi Q7 3.0 TDI touts its AdBlue urea-injection system as allowing the company to offer "the cleanest diesel in the world," and the first of these U.S.-bound engines featuring this technology is both 50-state legal and meets the Euro 6 emissions requirements beginning in 2014. To put the latter into perspective, their NOX limit will equate to 0.13 grams per mile. The current California limit is 0.07 g/mi. In Europe's favor, its 2014 particulate limit is a bit tighter than our current one.
On the road in North Carolina to drive the 2008 BMW X6 for the first time, we're fully expecting the X6 to smack us silly with its 450 pound-feet of torque. But this never quite happens. Instead, the six-speed automatic transmission shifts tentatively, as if it's worried that unleashing too much force at one time might eat a driveshaft or two. Which may be the case, but it makes us doubt BMW's claimed 0-to-60-mph time of 5.3 seconds for the X6. That's only 0.3 second slower than the last 135i we tested, and the tiny coupe weighs 1,906 pounds less. Yeah, that's no typo. The xDrive50i, as it's known in BMW-speak, weighs in at 5,269 pounds. That's 319 pounds more than the Porsche Cayenne S, an SUV that has never once been called light on its feet. Porsche claims a 0-to-60-mph time of 6.4 seconds for the 385-hp Cayenne S, so BMW's estimate of the X6's ability seems a bit optimistic( HOWARD WILNER cars reviews)
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The Chevrolet Silverado will now kick the Tundra's ass with the 6.2 liter / 6-speed auto. I know with gas prices over $4.00 a gallon who cares about big engines.one good thing is GM trucks still best all other in fuel mileage. The new F150 is just a refreshed truck with the same ole tired Triton engine which has the least horsepower numbers and the worst mileage.
2010 Audi Q7 3.0 TDI touts its AdBlue urea-injection system as allowing the company to offer "the cleanest diesel in the world," and the first of these U.S.-bound engines featuring this technology is both 50-state legal and meets the Euro 6 emissions requirements beginning in 2014. To put the latter into perspective, their NOX limit will equate to 0.13 grams per mile. The current California limit is 0.07 g/mi. In Europe's favor, its 2014 particulate limit is a bit tighter than our current one.
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WILNER HOWARD cars engines from today => As we spent more time behind the 2007 Lexus LS 460 wheel, however, our admiration shifted to dissatisfaction, back to the days of December 2007. Complaints ranged from minor grumbles ("Side mirrors are too small") to major grievances ("If you're a driver, you'll just find the whole experience numb and uninvolving. There is no emotion to this car. None"), all of which made us wish Lexus had produced more of a driver's car than a curtailed limousine. "Too soft" and "floaty" were common notebook entries, as was, "more wind noise than I expected." In fact, at highway speed, the LS seemed to suffer from more wind clatter than the lower-level GS 460. And lest we forget, the LS's gimmicky Advanced Parking Guidance system -- you know, the one in which the car parks itself -- was deemed clever when trying to impress friends, but frustrating to use ("I've tried it twice and it's either scared me a little or just refused to work at all") and unrealistic in purpose ("The real-life practicality of this feature is non-existent").
The original SLK was cute but compromised. It had a trick retractable hardtop, but was cramped inside and never had sports-car-appropriate powertrains. The new-for-2005 SLK350 was beefier looking, faster, bigger inside, and just better all around. A year later, the SLK280 version was introduced, providing a lower-priced, smaller-engined alternative for those who couldn't hack the 350's price tag. For 2009, the entry-level SLK gets a mild update, although the basic story stays much the same. 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLK300.Hw
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The 2009 Acura TSX.Previously a taut sport sedan offering enthusiasts a lively, communicative driving experience along with Acura quality, the Acura TSX has become more of a luxury sedan for 2009. Many consumers will consider the latest version of the TSX to be "nice." Enthusiasts, however, will likely consider it watered down and boring. Our first big disappointment came with the TSX's braking performance. A stopping distance of 133 feet from 60 mph is respectable�for a big SUV. We'd expect something about 10-15 feet shorter for an entry-level luxury/sport sedan. In their favor, the brakes have a progressive, easily modulated pedal.
The new FX,2009 Infiniti FX, has a stylish profile, thanks to its arcing side window glass, a long, flowing beltline and pronounced side vents aft of the front wheels. The last element is not just eye candy; Infiniti states that it helps to release air from within the engine bay, resulting in a 5-percent reduction in frontal lift. The rear three-quarter view is also easy on the eyes. Some around the office found the front end's look "distinctive"; others thought it looked "like an angry fish". The model lineup consists of the base V-6-powered FX35 (estimated $41,000) and the V-8 FX50 (estimated $55,000), the former available in either rear- or all-wheel drive; the latter, awd only. Each FX engine features an all-aluminum block and heads, four valves per cylinder, continuously variable valve timing and dual overhead cams.
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That last engine of the Chevrolet Silverado is a new entry to fill out the top end of the 2009 Silverado lineup. Available on crew cab models, the big E85-ready, 6.2L V-8 produces 403 hp, enough to knock the 5.7L, 381-horse Toyota Tundra from the title of most powerful full-size truck. The rest of the Silverado engines remain unchanged, with the 195-hp 4.3L V-6, 295-hp 4.7L V-8, 315-hp 5.3L V-8, and 367-hp 6.0L V-8 filling out a large family of trucks. As before, the Silverado can be ordered in three cab styles and three cargo box lengths from 5 ft 8 in. to a healthy 8-ft option.
On the road in North Carolina to drive the 2008 BMW X6 for the first time, we're fully expecting the X6 to smack us silly with its 450 pound-feet of torque. But this never quite happens. Instead, the six-speed automatic transmission shifts tentatively, as if it's worried that unleashing too much force at one time might eat a driveshaft or two. Which may be the case, but it makes us doubt BMW's claimed 0-to-60-mph time of 5.3 seconds for the X6. That's only 0.3 second slower than the last 135i we tested, and the tiny coupe weighs 1,906 pounds less. Yeah, that's no typo. The xDrive50i, as it's known in BMW-speak, weighs in at 5,269 pounds. That's 319 pounds more than the Porsche Cayenne S, an SUV that has never once been called light on its feet. Porsche claims a 0-to-60-mph time of 6.4 seconds for the 385-hp Cayenne S, so BMW's estimate of the X6's ability seems a bit optimistic( HOWARD WILNER quality used cars and trucks)
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HOWARD WILNER 2009 Chicago Auto Show => Like gourmet coffee from McDonald's, a pair of Christian Dior running shoes or Jack Black as a leading man, there are some things that at first blush just don't seem to go together. Cadillac is a carmaker synonymous with traditional land yachts and blinged-out SUVs, but few would associate it with a high-performance, dashingly styled two-seat luxury drop top. Yet the 2009 Cadillac XLR is just such an automobile, and this retractable-roof roadster is now in its sixth year in production.
The Auris looks fairly conventional on the outside, but the interior looks more interesting, and there appear to be some clever features. The new 2.0-litre diesel engine should go well in our test car, and I�m expecting to cover perhaps 10,000 hassle-free miles behind the wheel before its return to Toyota.
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The front-wheel-drive 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer GTS is propelled by a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 168 hp and 167 lb-ft of torque. Our test car was equipped with the standard five-speed manual transmission. We got 0-60-mph sprint of 7.7 seconds, a healthy 1.1 seconds quicker than the less powerful 2008 model. The GTS's acceleration now compares favorably with that of similarly powered competitors like the Mazda 3 s Sport and Subaru Impreza 2.5i. Fuel economy, however, is underwhelming at an EPA-estimated 21 mpg city/28 highway and 23 mpg in mixed driving. Our test car managed slightly more than 21 mpg in our enthusiastic hands.
Matched to a six-speed automatic with manual-shift capability (via paddle shifters),the 2008 BMW X6 xDrive 35i powerhouse six propels the 2.5-ton X6 with authority. Sprinting to 60 mph takes just 6.3 seconds, with the quarter-mile eclipsed in an equally impressive 14.6 seconds. The surge of power is linear, and even under full throttle, the automatic clicks off rapid yet mostly seamless gearchanges. We usually drove with the transmission in Sport mode.
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At first glance, the Xterra might be the one vehicle in our Death Valley Torture Test that seems out of place. Clearly, the name Nissan doesn't have the pull of such 4x4 stalwarts as Land Rover, Jeep, Hummer, or FJ. But here it stands, a two-time winner of Motor Trend's Sport/Utility of the Year -- the first time in 2000, then again when completely redesigned in 2006. And both times we admired it for its honest design and true 4WD capability. That's why we invited the current-generation Xterra here with its 4x4 Off Road package, rugged full-size truck frame, and no-BS personality. In a world awash in crossover design popularity, where everyone seems to want to pretend they're something they're not, it's refreshing to see a manufacturer stick with a traditional SUV look and capability.
As we spent more time behind the 2007 Lexus LS 460 wheel, however, our admiration shifted to dissatisfaction, back to the days of December 2007. Complaints ranged from minor grumbles ("Side mirrors are too small") to major grievances ("If you're a driver, you'll just find the whole experience numb and uninvolving. There is no emotion to this car. None"), all of which made us wish Lexus had produced more of a driver's car than a curtailed limousine. "Too soft" and "floaty" were common notebook entries, as was, "more wind noise than I expected." In fact, at highway speed, the LS seemed to suffer from more wind clatter than the lower-level GS 460. And lest we forget, the LS's gimmicky Advanced Parking Guidance system -- you know, the one in which the car parks itself -- was deemed clever when trying to impress friends, but frustrating to use ("I've tried it twice and it's either scared me a little or just refused to work at all") and unrealistic in purpose ("The real-life practicality of this feature is non-existent").
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HOWARD WILNER lease cars => The latest TT,2009 Audi TTS & TT TDI, with its new hybrid aluminum/steel structure and revised Quattro all-wheel-drive system that shuffles torque seamlessly fore and aft depending on grip (rather than splitting it 50/50 as in the old model), is dynamically far ahead of the original. But even with the old car, there was always the feeling that the chassis was crying out for more power. The new TTS model now has that power, in the form of a new 2.0-liter turbocharged direct-injection engine (TFSI). DI technology was first used by Audi in the V-8 gasoline engines campaigned so successfully at Le Mans.
The front-wheel-drive 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer GTS is propelled by a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 168 hp and 167 lb-ft of torque. Our test car was equipped with the standard five-speed manual transmission. We got 0-60-mph sprint of 7.7 seconds, a healthy 1.1 seconds quicker than the less powerful 2008 model. The GTS's acceleration now compares favorably with that of similarly powered competitors like the Mazda 3 s Sport and Subaru Impreza 2.5i. Fuel economy, however, is underwhelming at an EPA-estimated 21 mpg city/28 highway and 23 mpg in mixed driving. Our test car managed slightly more than 21 mpg in our enthusiastic hands.( HOWARD WILNER the best cars reviews)
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What we don't understand is how the vehicle 2008 Nissan Xterra feels stronger than the sum of its parts. There is nothing unusually high-tech or unique about the Xterra's setup. It doesn't use any uncommon powertrain or chassis parts. And it doesn't have unusually sophisticated computer sensors doing all the monitoring. Yet, the way the systems work together seems to make a greater whole than the individual parts would imply. The engine power feels well suited to the chassis capabilities dialed-in to the tractive force at each tire. This just might be the BMW M3 or Porsche 911 of the sport/utility world.
The 2009 Acura TSX.Previously a taut sport sedan offering enthusiasts a lively, communicative driving experience along with Acura quality, the Acura TSX has become more of a luxury sedan for 2009. Many consumers will consider the latest version of the TSX to be "nice." Enthusiasts, however, will likely consider it watered down and boring. Our first big disappointment came with the TSX's braking performance. A stopping distance of 133 feet from 60 mph is respectable�for a big SUV. We'd expect something about 10-15 feet shorter for an entry-level luxury/sport sedan. In their favor, the brakes have a progressive, easily modulated pedal.
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The front-wheel-drive 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer GTS is propelled by a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 168 hp and 167 lb-ft of torque. Our test car was equipped with the standard five-speed manual transmission. We got 0-60-mph sprint of 7.7 seconds, a healthy 1.1 seconds quicker than the less powerful 2008 model. The GTS's acceleration now compares favorably with that of similarly powered competitors like the Mazda 3 s Sport and Subaru Impreza 2.5i. Fuel economy, however, is underwhelming at an EPA-estimated 21 mpg city/28 highway and 23 mpg in mixed driving. Our test car managed slightly more than 21 mpg in our enthusiastic hands.
the New Opel Insignia, which will be the next Aura, must be the best chance yet. After all, the current Aura proves this size and package of car are right for the times, and the new one - sampled here as the Opel Insignia variant - is a far better car to drive and more of a looker, too. In Saturn guise, it'll start life with a 2.4L four and a V-6, but shortly after it will receive the excellent 2.0L turbo we tested. It kicks out a willing 220 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque and can be had with either manual or auto transmission, both six-speed. We sampled it as front-drive, but AWD is optional.
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WILNER HOWARD trafic rules => Reducing the standard rate of VED in 2009-10 for all new and existing cars that emit 150g/km of CO2 or less and increasing the standard rate of VED on the most polluting cars to �425.
From 2010-11, extending the zero rate of VED to all new cars that emit 130g/km of CO2 during the first year of ownership.
Introducing a new first-year rate of �950 for new, high CO2-emitting cars.
Aligning the alternative fuel and standard rates of VED in 2011.
The 2009 Acura TSX.Previously a taut sport sedan offering enthusiasts a lively, communicative driving experience along with Acura quality, the Acura TSX has become more of a luxury sedan for 2009. Many consumers will consider the latest version of the TSX to be "nice." Enthusiasts, however, will likely consider it watered down and boring. Our first big disappointment came with the TSX's braking performance. A stopping distance of 133 feet from 60 mph is respectable�for a big SUV. We'd expect something about 10-15 feet shorter for an entry-level luxury/sport sedan. In their favor, the brakes have a progressive, easily modulated pedal.
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Matching the FX's futuristic looks are its comprehensive tech features. The optional Technology Package (about $3000) includes Intelligent Cruise Control with Distance Control Assist (DCA), Intelligent Brake Assist (IBA), Lane Departure Prevention (LDP), seatbelt tensioners and rain-sensing wipers. Another upgrade, the Navigation Package (also about $3000), consists of the Infiniti Hard Drive (HDD) Navigation System with voice-operated navigation, audio and climate controls, along with XM NavTraffic, a 9.3 GB Music Box Hard Drive with compact flash card readability and Around View Monitor (AVM), the last feature providing camera views at the front, rear and both sides of the vehicle.
Seemingly in light of all this, the folks at BMW are touting the 2008 BMW X6 xDrive 35i as a "sports activity coupe". Even with a racy fastback roof line, a four-door crossover SUV is not a coupe. That's even more of a stretch than BMW's countrymen's insistence that the four-door Mercedes-Benz CLS and VW's upcoming Passat CC are coupes. In this great land, a coupe is a two-door vehicle, and no amount of inventive marketing jargon will change the fact this is a crossover SUV that lacks an SUV's functionality.( HOWARD WILNER Fuel Economy Solutions)
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At first glance, the Xterra might be the one vehicle in our Death Valley Torture Test that seems out of place. Clearly, the name Nissan doesn't have the pull of such 4x4 stalwarts as Land Rover, Jeep, Hummer, or FJ. But here it stands, a two-time winner of Motor Trend's Sport/Utility of the Year -- the first time in 2000, then again when completely redesigned in 2006. And both times we admired it for its honest design and true 4WD capability. That's why we invited the current-generation Xterra here with its 4x4 Off Road package, rugged full-size truck frame, and no-BS personality. In a world awash in crossover design popularity, where everyone seems to want to pretend they're something they're not, it's refreshing to see a manufacturer stick with a traditional SUV look and capability.
On the road in North Carolina to drive the 2008 BMW X6 for the first time, we're fully expecting the X6 to smack us silly with its 450 pound-feet of torque. But this never quite happens. Instead, the six-speed automatic transmission shifts tentatively, as if it's worried that unleashing too much force at one time might eat a driveshaft or two. Which may be the case, but it makes us doubt BMW's claimed 0-to-60-mph time of 5.3 seconds for the X6. That's only 0.3 second slower than the last 135i we tested, and the tiny coupe weighs 1,906 pounds less. Yeah, that's no typo. The xDrive50i, as it's known in BMW-speak, weighs in at 5,269 pounds. That's 319 pounds more than the Porsche Cayenne S, an SUV that has never once been called light on its feet. Porsche claims a 0-to-60-mph time of 6.4 seconds for the 385-hp Cayenne S, so BMW's estimate of the X6's ability seems a bit optimistic
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HOWARD Wilner the eco-cars => The 2009 Acura TSX.Previously a taut sport sedan offering enthusiasts a lively, communicative driving experience along with Acura quality, the Acura TSX has become more of a luxury sedan for 2009. Many consumers will consider the latest version of the TSX to be "nice." Enthusiasts, however, will likely consider it watered down and boring. Our first big disappointment came with the TSX's braking performance. A stopping distance of 133 feet from 60 mph is respectable�for a big SUV. We'd expect something about 10-15 feet shorter for an entry-level luxury/sport sedan. In their favor, the brakes have a progressive, easily modulated pedal.
The headline figures of the 2009 Audi TTS & TT TDI for this new 4-cylinder are: 265 bhp at 6000 rpm and a diesel-like 258 lb.-ft. of torque on tap from 2500 to 5000 rpm. With Audi's latest 6-speed dual-clutch transmission (developed from the shifters used in Audi's Quattro rally cars and Porsche's 962 endurance racer) and magneto-rheological adaptive suspension, the TTS has a dream recipe of specifications. Top speed is limited to 155 mph, 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) achieved in 5.4 seconds, yet the car still returns an average of 29.3 mpg. With the adaptive suspension set to Sport mode, the ride gets jittery even on excellent German blacktop. There's a bit more body roll, but the car flows fast and evenly through bends with just a hint of understeer. Reset the ESP and you can drift the rear wheels slightly, balanced with a touch of opposite lock. Add to that a rorty exhaust note and beautiful auto-blip downshifts, and the grin was difficult to wipe from my face.
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