Ford’s mid-size sedan finally gets a hybrid version that promises up to 700 miles with a full tank of gas. Of course, given the tanking gas prices nowadays, this may not be the best time to tout a hybrid, but come Spring 2009, you will be able to take home Ford’s hybrid offering.
Full press release after the jump:
Kia’s attempt to bring its small car more upscale is Kia Soul as it attempts to chase the Scion crowd. Expect to see this car on the roads in North America starting April 2009.
My Infiniti G35x is a great car on many fronts: all-wheel drive system is pretty solid, interior appointments are fairly tasteful and luxurious and the car’s performance has few rivals. One gripe has to be the Bluetooth integration for the handsfree system.
I’ve had issues with my previous phone (T-Mobile Shadow): it would function, but if I answered a call using the button on the steering wheel, it would take a few seconds to connect. Now that I’ve switched to Apple’s iPhone 3G, the issue is worse. Now whenever I answer a call, the system would either connect or just completely freeze. And when the system freezes, it’s impossible to turn it off or to switch to audio. The only solution then becomes turning off the car and restarting the system. Of course that isn’t practical when you’re driving…
So far, Infiniti dealer doesn’t seem to have a solution to offer, which makes me wonder if all phones from now on will be incompatible with the built-in system.
Unlike my previous prediction, 2009 BMW 535xi (535i xDrive Sedan) did not receive a complete overhaul, instead receiving a minor spec boosts and even less noticeable exterior changes. How does it fare against other 2009 model-year competitors? Surprisingly well.
Looking at the fellow German competitors, Mercedes-Benz still hasn’t replaced its incredibly aging E-Class (due for replacement next year, hopefully), 2009 Audi A6 is still not out and it won’t be a redesign. Even the Japanese competition on this level is virtually still, with 2009 Lexus GS won’t change the fundamentals of the car (or the pretty ugly dash design)and Infiniti won’t be redesigning their M35 until probably 2010, which leaves us with Acura’s 2009 TL.
2009 Acura TL
For the first time, TL is available with Honda’s SH-AWD (Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive) system, making it a veritable contender against 2009 BMW 535xi. The new design is even reminiscent of the 5-Series sedan. 2009 Acura TL SH-AWD features a 3.7-liter engine making 305hp (5hp more than 535i’s 3-liter engine) that will at least bridge the performance gap that has always plagued Acura (and Honda) vehicles. Fun to drive or connecting with the road is an all-together different question as Acura hasn’t managed to engineer a vehicle on the same level as BMW on that front. At least on specs they are pretty comparable… Expect the new Acura TL SH-AWD in October 2008, with a price tag slightly smaller than 2009 BMW 535i xDrive.
When it comes to American luxury labels, Cadillac’s STS hasn’t been changed in awhile and doesn’t really offer much fight against BMW. Lincoln does have a new weapon in the form of MKS which promises to revitalize the brand and bring new customers.
2009 Lincoln MKS
Also featuring a 3.7-liter engine, MKS only makes 273hp – Lincoln does have a long way to catch up in building a high-spec engine – and Lincoln curiously doesn’t think 5-Series is a competitor (their website lists the Cadillac STS, Lexus GS350 and Infiniti G35). Lincolns are notoriously known for their slushy handling, and it’s debatable whether the completely new model MKS makes enough progress on that front. Spending over $40,000.00 (the base price for AWD model) on an unproven platform and model from a brand that’s on the verge of death is not really a message young up-and-comers want to send. At least it looks much, much better than Acura’s ill-fated attempt to make their cars look edgier and stylish.
Conclusion
If you’re perfectly fine with spending a bit more, and if you insist on a luxury label, then 2009 BMW 535i xDrive is the ultimate all-wheel drive sedan that’s practical and fun to drive at the same time. The fight may turn out different when other competitors release new models either in 2009 or 2010.
As part of GM’s centennial celebration, 2011 Chevrolet Volt was finally unveiled. Production is slated to start in 2010 for delivery in North America in 2011. Unfortunately, the most important detail of price hasn’t been revealed.
Full press release after the jump:
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:
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