Posted by: Aram on 
Aug 11th, 2008 | 
Filed under: Acura
The redesigned TL gives up the sporty version, and instead opts for SH-AWD (Super Handling All-Wheel Drive) as the top of the line. Base model has its specs bumped up to 285hp with its 3.5L engine. Read more for the full press release.
Now the 7 Series looks even more mainstream according to the latest leaked pictures of 2009 BMW 7 Series. Most prominent change is the taillight and the entire rear that finally gets rid of the “Bangle” butt. Both the exterior and interior are further refined, and the most-hated iDrive controller is getting updates as well with new hardware and software improvements.
Also new is the in-car internet system, and the rear entertainment system that has 2 screens behind the driver and passenger seats.
2009 BMW 7 Series gallery:
Spectra-replacement Forte has been finally unveiled by Kia with the release of official pictures. Much better looking than the outgoing Spectra featuring cleaner lines and the new corporate grille, Forte will go on sale in August in South Korea and will arrive in North America in 2009.
2009 Kia Forte gallery:
Dodge’s muscle car revival effort continues with the long-awaited release of Dodge Challenger. The base model SE will start at just $21,995 USD and will be equipped with a V6 producing 250 hp. If you want the Hemi, you need to upgrade to R/T and that will cost you $29,995. 5.7L powerplant will give you 370 hp to play around with.
Full press release after the jump:
Hyundai has finally announced the prices for its first attempt at a luxury-sport full-size car. Attempting to offer the size of BMW 7-Series with the performance of the 5-Series at a price of a 3-Series, the Genesis sedan will start at $33,000 for the V6 version, and $38,000 for the V8 version.
Press release after the jump:
Microsoft’s "music and information system" currently found on Ford vehicles will make its way to Hyundai (and Kia) cars in 2010. It will feature voice-controlled interface that can link mobile devices to the car’s audio system.
Universe At War United Auto Workers are on strike, this time at GM’s Fairfax KS plant where the bulk of Malibus are produced starting this morning at 10AM EST. Unfortunately for GM, Malibu is one of their highest selling vehicles and the one where existing inventory is extremely low. A prolonged strike will definitely hurt the automaker’s bottom line.
In the attempt to fill its line-up with a vehicle for every niche, BMW has unleashed the X6, unfortunately acronymed SAC (Sport Activity Coupe) that’s designed to offer you a sporty driving in a big bulky package. What were the designers and engineers smoking when they pitched this car to the execs?
It is not as if BMW’s line-up didn’t contain any useful SUVs: X3, while ugly, is a good size for those who want a practical SUV, and X5 offers more room and more utility for those willing to pay more. X6 sits somewhere in-between when it comes to size but you will pay premium for its design compared to the X5. It isn’t technically a coupe as it has 4 doors, but the limited 4-person seating and sloping roofline suggests a sporty coupe, which is what the designers intended buyers to notice.
Its utility is questionable, and the decision to label a 5,000 pounds car as "sporty coupe" seems rather odd, but the attraction of performance SUV is marketable. Infiniti’s FX and Porsche’s Cayenne have been pretty popular even though they were smaller and pricier than the competition thanks to their outstanding performance. X6’s 6-cylinder engine will propel you from 0 to 60 in about 6.5 seconds, and the bigger 4.4 liter V8 will shave 1.1 second from that. (As comparison, 2009 Infiniti FX50 will do 0 to 60 in 5.6 seconds, slightly slower than X6, albeit at close to $10,000 cheaper) As a BMW, its performance justifies the badge, but did it really have to be a 4-person seater?
In the end, this pointless vehicle will find some buyers who have always wanted an SUV but thought X3 and X5 were too practical for them. They will fit right in with this big thing with its big chopped off. Anybody who cares about the true performance will opt for a real coupe, others who value utility and practicality will opt for a different SUV, and those who want an environmentally-friendly car will stay away from this behemoth. X6 ends up compromising too much in order to be "new" (even though it isn’t) and will ultimately known as a gimmick.
Audi finally has a mid-size SUV to compete against BMW’s popular X3. Dubbed Q5, it carries all the visual designs of other Audi models, in a much more practical package than the behemoth Audi Q7. Crucial details, such as price and availability, are sparse right now, but here are the official photos:
Posted by: Aram on Apr 19th, 2008 | Filed under: Mercedes-Benz, Reviews
Mercedes-Benz has a lot riding on the newly redesigned Mercedes-Benz C-Class, and if the number of C-Class on the roads is any indication, they may be in bigger trouble than anticipated. What exactly is wrong with the new C-Class? Continue reading to find out:
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