Archive for May, 2010
Rendered: 2013 Infiniti DX Compact SUV
Posted on 12. May, 2010 by admin.
BMW has just launched its X1, Mercedes-Benz is working on a compact SUV based on its next-generation B-Class and even Audi is planning a new Q3 positioned below the Q5 and Q7. Now, Infiniti is reportedly planning a compact SUV of its own. This computer-generated rendering previews the new compact SUV from Infiniti, revealing similar design traits…
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Cars.com Reviews the 2010 Mazda CX-9
Posted on 12. May, 2010 by admin.
Even if your family is big enough that you’re locked in to buying a three-row vehicle, there are still a surprising number of options out there for seven-seaters, ranging from truck-based SUVs to compact crossovers. The Mazda CX-9 tries to split the difference, offering a roomy-enough third row with gas mileage that won’t make you immediately wince. Stuck in a crowded field, the 2010 CX-9 still manages to distinguish itself, according to Cars.com senior editor Joe Wiesenfelder. Read his full review to find out how the CX-9 reaches a healthy balance.
2010 Mazda CX-9 Review
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2011 Porsche 911 GT2 RS Preview
Posted on 12. May, 2010 by admin.
The Porsche 911 GT2 is the last variant of the 997-series 911 to receive its mid-cycle update and in typical GT2 style the last update comes just before the current generation of Porsche’s iconic supercar reaches the end of its product cycle. The all-new ’991′ Porsche 911 is just over a year away so the facelifted 911 GT2, seen previously testing…
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Spy Shots: 2012 Volkswagen Passat
Posted on 12. May, 2010 by admin.
Volkswagen’s next-generation Passat is expected to up the stakes against Germany’s luxury automakers, with the car’s designers hoping it will be mentioned in the same breath as the BMW 3-Series, Mercedes-Benz C-Class and Audi A4. These are the first spy shots of a prototype for the new car, revealing a longer and wider platform. Though the new car…
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Rendered: Volkswagen Polo R Hot-Hatch
Posted on 11. May, 2010 by admin.
Back in March Volkswagen established a new division to handle development and sales for all future models designated under the company’s R performance label. While the division is still in its early stages, we’ve already seen the first of its fruits in the form of the recently revealed Golf R and Scirocco R sold overseas but you can rest assure…
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Think Could Roll Out City EV This Year
Posted on 11. May, 2010 by admin.
Finnish electric car manufacturer Think says it has raised enough capital in private offerings to start production on its electric City car by early next year. It also says it will introduce the Think City earlier than planned by importing models from its plant in Finland; the Think City could go on sale in the U.S. before the end of 2010.
Think raised $40 million for its plant in Elkhart, Ind., which we wrote about in our series on Indiana automakers, and expects to become “cash flow positive in 2011.”
The funding will not only get its U.S. operations rolling, but help it bring Think City models to the states on a quicker schedule. With Indiana operations not set to get underway until 2011, the plant in Finland that also builds the Porsche Cayman and Boxster will supply U.S. vehicles.
Think also has a partnership to build electric drivetrains for Mazda.
Think’s updated schedule puts the introduction of its EV in line to face-off against the all-electric Nissan Leaf later this year. Which would you rather drive?
Electric Car Maker Think on Track for Indiana Production (DriveOn)
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Cadillac Is for Hipsters?
Posted on 11. May, 2010 by admin.
That was my conclusion after watching the first three TV commercials from Cadillac’s new ad agency, Bartle Bogle Hegarty. Most of that impression comes from the music because anyone could edit the footage of the cars — CTS, CTS-V and SRX — like these three, but the standout feature seems to be the soundtrack. The exploding emblem is kind of cool, but otherwise I’m not sure how these commercials speak to the product they’re pushing.
Check out all three commercials on Cadillac's YouTube page — because they don't allow embedding — and let us know if you’re impressed.
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Detroit Automakers Bring Wages and Benefits in Line With Toyota
Posted on 11. May, 2010 by admin.
GM, Chrysler and Ford have closed the wage gap with Toyota and are now paying roughly the same amount to their hourly employees, according to the Center for Automotive Research.
For instance, economist Sean McAlinden told the Associated Press that the total cost of wages and benefits now cost GM approximately $58 per hour compared to $56 per hour for Toyota. In fact, in the next few years Detroit’s wages will decline further because it will be hiring fewer skilled-trades workers and hiring more workers at a lower, post-bankruptcy wage.
This could lead to Toyota paying as much as $10 more per hour than its American rivals by 2013 unless the Japanese automaker follows GM’s lead.
In 2007, GM paid an average of $1,400 more per vehicle than Toyota in North American labor costs with most of this coming from a $950 charge to fund health care for retirees. Economic woes and bankruptcy filings allowed Chrysler and GM specifically to change the dynamic by negotiating with the United Auto Workers. The union agreed to cut the wage for new hires in half to $14 an hour, while also reducing pension and health benefits. Automakers also transferred retiree health-care costs to a trust run by the UAW.
The remaining wage gap for Detroit now lies with salaried workers, who make an average of $122,963 compared to $81,506 for competitors. A cynical person might note how quickly the automakers were able to slash wages and benefits for their lowest-paid workers, while a $40,000 discrepancy for well-compensated salaried employees remains entrenched.
GM, Ford, Chrysler Finally Near Wage Parity with Toyota (DriveOn)
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NHTSA Investigates 2005 Toyota Steering Recall
Posted on 11. May, 2010 by admin.
If you thought all of the federal government investigations into Toyota were over, guess again. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has opened a fresh investigation into a 2005 recall of 977,000 Toyota 4Runner SUVs and T-100 pickup trucks. If you own one of these vehicles and have already had the recall work done there’s nothing to worry about. This investigation is about the amount of time it took Toyota to report the problem to the government.
NHTSA claims the company issued a recall of Japan-based trucks in 2004 and assured the U.S. agency that the same problem did not affect U.S. models. It took another year before U.S. vehicles were recalled. NHTSA requires notice of a recall within five business days of the discovery of the safety defect.
Toyota faces new probe (Detroit News)
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2011 Volvo S60 to Start at $37,700
Posted on 11. May, 2010 by admin.
Volvo’s completely redesigned S60 goes on sale later this year, but the company is already touting its starting price of $37,700, before an $850 destination charge. That’s competitive for the segment, which offers some tough competition in the Infiniti G37 sedan and the Audi A4 when you’re talking value. Our editors were mixed on the S60 after seeing it at the New York International Auto Show last month, but their opinions may change once they drive it.
The S60 comes with a standard 300-horsepower, turbocharged six-cylinder and all-wheel drive as well as a six-speed automatic transmission. It also comes with five years or 60,000 miles of free scheduled maintenance.
Also standard are 18-inch alloy wheels, Bluetooth connectivity, HD radio and a 7-inch touch-screen for entertainment and vehicle settings.
There are a number of option packages we’ve listed below with their prices. Volvo says the S60 will be on sale in “late 2010,” so we’d expect it to be late fall or winter before you can put down $40,000 or so for one.
2011 Volvo S60 T6 AWD – $37,700
Destination charges – $850
Premium Package – $1,500
- Power glass moonroof
- Power passenger seat
- Dual xenon-gas-discharge headlights with Active Bending Light
Climate Package – $800
- Heated front seat
- Heated windshield washer nozzles
- Headlight washers
- Rain-sensor wipers
- Interior Air Quality System
Multimedia Package – $2,700
- Premium Multimedia Sound System with MultEQ XT by Audyssey
- Dolby Pro Logic II, 650 watts, 12 premium loudspeakers
- Rear park assist camera
- Navigation system with real-time traffic updates
- Map Care with two complimentary navigation updates
Technology Package – $2,100
- Pedestrian Detection with Full Auto Brake
- Adaptive Cruise Control with Queue Assist
- Collision Warning with Full Auto Brake
- Distance Alert
- Lane Departure Warning System
Single Options
- Metallic paint – $550
- Premium Electric Silver paint – $675
- Urbane wood inlays – $300
- Front and rear park assist – $500
- Blind Spot Information System – $700
- Personal Car Communicator – $550
- Touring chassis – N/C option
- FOUR-C (Continuously Controlled Chassis Concept) Active Chassis – $750
- 17-inch “Njord” alloy wheels – N/C option
- 17-inch “Njord” alloy wheels with self-supporting tires – $500
