Wednesday, March 24, 2010

AAA's Top Vehicles For Commuters

For those that have long drives to work everyday they need a different kind of vehicle according to AAA. With so many having to commute further away due to lack of jobs in their area they need a car that is both comfortable (like www.reliefhemorrhoid.com), and fuel-efficient. AAA also added that they were looking at ones that are environmentally friendly too.

The average motorist spends about 41 minutes a day traveling about 22.5 miles roundtrip to/from work in personal vehicles, according to the National Household Travel Survey.

AAA Auto Buying's team of experts, who test drove and reviewed hundreds of vehicles for the AAA AutoMaker vehicle research web site (AAA.com/AutoMaker), have compiled a list of their top vehicles picks for commuters based upon practicality, safety, comfort, fuel efficiency and affordability.

AAA's Top Picks for Commuter Vehicles includes some of the following:

Honda Insight, Ford Fusion, Honda Civic, Chevy Malibu, and all the way up to the BMW 3-series. Click the link above for a more in depth explanation and links to reviews on each vehicle.

BMW Launches New X5

The BMW X5 is the leading vehicle in the four-wheel drive, premium vehicle segment. The new release doesn't appear to be in any jeopardy of losing that title anytime soon.

While many others are probably using the best eye cream for dark circles while they lost sleep, the BMW X5 is still the class of the group.

Since launching the original BMW X5 in 1999, this new model X5, the fourth generation, features a completely revised range of engines, standard eight-speed automatic transmission and innovative driver assistance systems that ensure the driving pleasure of the new X5 offers even greater fascination.

“The new model X5 features exterior design changes including new front and rear bumpers, new front fenders, new headlights and new tail lights. This adaptation significantly enhances the presence of the new X5, making it look fresher and more elegant,” said Bobby Hitt, Department Manager for Corporate Affairs, BMW Manufacturing Co. “In spite of significantly improved performance, thanks to BMW EfficientDynamics, fuel consumption and emission levels are lower by up to 10%.”

2010 NY Auto Show: Lexus Announces Compact Hybrid For U.S.

The CT 200h premium compact hybrid was first debuted at the 2010 Geneva Auto Show in early March and will join the HS 250h as Lexus' second dedicated hybrid. At the NY Auto Show this week they announced that it will be available to the U.S. markets in early 2011.

"The CT 200h is expected to lead the class in fuel economy and deliver low emissions, but the CT 200h isn't just about being a hybrid, it's about having fun," said Mark Templin, Lexus division group vice president and general manager. "The stylish CT 200h has an attitude and driving dynamic unlike any other Lexus hybrid. It will excite eco-conscious, young consumers and symbolize urban, luxury living."

With the luxury living car, may as well get the luxury living body with cellulite cures too. The Lexus hybrid will take a new approach in marketing as well. As part of an integrated launch in the U.S., Lexus will release a breakthrough interactive short film that offers a new take on the test drive by providing the viewer a fully immersive way to experience the new Lexus CT 200h. Read review

2010 Subaru Tribeca Racall: Defective Door Latches

Hey...can't read a paper any day and not see something for being recalled these days can you. Of course this one isn't really as significant as the problems with those pesky accelerator issues. Well...maybe they are.

According to the release below the door latches may actually open in traffic! Now wouln't that be scary? Reminds me of a time when I was on a roller coaster going upside down and I felt the latch open up and I thought I was going to fall out. :/

Sound slike a quick fix though so you can probalby have it done before you get done reading these weight loss pill reviews.

Subaru is recalling 1,585 of its 2010 Tribeca vehicles because of faulty door latches that could cause the doors to open in traffic, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

"The door latch cables located inside the vehicle's driver and front passenger doors were improperly positioned during production," said NHTSA in its recalls summary of the problem. "As a result, a cable can catch in the door glass regulator when a window is opened or closed. Should that occur, it may unlatch the door, causing it to come open unexpectedly when raising or lowering the window.

"If a door were to unlatch, it could open suddenly and without warning, creating a risk that an occupant could be ejected as well as a risk that the driver may become distracted, leading to a crash. This condition may also result in the failure of a door latch to operate, in which case occupants would be unable to open the door to exit the vehicle."

Subaru dealers will reposition and secure the latch cable in both front doors for free. The recall is expected to begin in March. Owners can contact Subaru at 800-782-2783.

Wednesday, March 17, 2010

2010 Mitsubishi Lancer GTS Review

While many of us are out looking for employment, we may as well look at some cars that we would buy if we could rub two pennies together right? The Lancer looks like a a pretty badass car to start with.

The Lancer is a small car, front-wheel drive, 4-door, 5-passenger, on par with Civic, Corolla, Cobalt and that ilk. It looks larger, I thought, both inside and out. Lancer visually projects an aggressive image right from the gaping, air-gulping grill back. Standard 18-inch, 10-spoke alloy wheels with low profile (45-series) all-weather tires make it look grippy. A rakish, low front, high tail, profile with modestly sharp contour lines give it an up-to-date look as well. The bobbed tail sports a large, tuner-car-style wing mounted up high. My pretty blonde had trouble seeing through it when she drove the car but it didn’t restrict my field of view at all. A function of our various torso lengths, I suppose. To top it off this one’s premium ($150 extra) “Rotor Glow” (orange) paint just accentuates the already bold look. Full review

Friday, March 12, 2010

2010 Jeep Compass 4x4 Review

For all of you that have stuck with the Jeep SUVs over the years, the Compass 4x4 is probably not the most relevant vehicle for you. The Compass is a 4 cylinder engine, and more or less a "car". This isn't an off-road vehicle for you. It's appearance is more that of a standard car, but with the Jeep look.

A Compass is a Jeep, no doubt about that. With the signature seven-vertical-slot grille, round headlights, and trapezoidal wheel arches in athletic but not muscle-bound flared fenders, it could only be a Jeep, and bears a more-than-passing resemblance to the first-generation Liberty. It does -- appropriately -- have a more car-like, or crossover-like, look, with a sloping, curved windshield, arched roofline (with built-in luggage rack, of course), triangular D-pillars, and decidedly un-boxy proportions and profile. The strong shoulder line and distinct fender flares give it a healthily muscular look, no steroids, and large taillights give it presence from the rear.


Read full review

Wednesday, March 3, 2010

3 Porsche Hybrids at 2010 Geneva Motor Show


This show is fancy. Everything I have seen so far has been some amazing high end super cars instead of industrial supplies shows. Yesterday, at a press conference at the Geneva Auto Show, Porsche revealed three new advanced hybrid vehicles that include a high-performance super sports car concept, a revolutionary new race car and Porsche's first production hybrid, the new Cayenne S Hybrid. more

Here is a video of them all:

Amazing Alfa Romeo at 2010 Geneva Motor Show


That thing looks sick. No funny business down low for the driver while in this car though. Grandma would be looking for more life insurance quotes after the close heart attack she would have on the road...lol

After a two year absence from the international scene, Bertone returns to the Geneva Motor Show, unveiling a concept car that makes its world premiere here: the Pandion, an aggressive yet beautiful coupĂ© designed as a tribute to Alfa Romeos’ one hundred year anniversary.

The Pandion: an extreme and controversial sports car in typical Bertone fashion. The size of the concept car (4620 mm in length, 1971 mm wide, 1230 mm high, 2850 mm wheelbase) offers a compact sports car external dimensions with a large sports car interior feeling, all powered by a 4.7 litre, 450 CV 8-cylinder Alfa Romeo engine. more