February 2008

The Archives

• 2009 Toyota Corolla

  
  

  02.29.08 | No Comments | Toyota

  As Toyota celebrates their top spot in American sales, the new 2009 Toyota Corolla is a solid entry in its class. The Corolla remains one of America’s top five selling vehicles, and there is definitely a reason. They haven’t done much to the design however, so don’t expect any major changes for the 2009. They’ve kept it to basic upgrades and a few tweaks here or there. Although the interior doesn’t shout luxury, it does the job quite nicely. All the materials are of the highest quality and should provide several years of high quality service. You’ll find a lot of plastic inside, but it’s usually finished off with a little silver and a high gloss finish to make it look a little better. As always, it’s not hard to read the interior gauges in a Corolla, since they focus on making everything easy to find and easy to see. Continue Reading...
  
  

• 2009 Rolls Royce Phantom

  
  

  02.28.08 | No Comments | Rolls Royce

  The Rolls Royce Phantom is one of the world’s most iconic and expensive cars, and the 2009 Coupe does not disappoint. These cars are all about the luxury and smothering drivers with every conceivable thing they could ever hope for in a vehicle. The 2009 Rolls Royce Phantom Coupe manages to do that and a little bit more. Right off the bat, you’ll appreciate the looks that were originally unveiled as a concept car back in 2006 at the Geneva Auto Show. Although it looks remarkably like a regular Phantom sedan, the company still expects to have solid sales, even from those who already own the other Phantom variations. What makes them so sure? Let’s take a look inside. Continue Reading...
  
  

• 2009 Nissan GT-R

  
  

  02.27.08 | 1 Comment | Nissan

  The 2009 Nissan GT-R is a car that many people have dreamed about for a very long time. Not only is it capable of getting up to 200mph, but it is so efficient that it creates aerodynamic downforce. This is a true super car that Nissan has been developing for nearly ten years and the work they put into this model really shows. First off, you notice the extremely cool exterior and the overwhelming use of carbon fiber and cast aluminum. These components add to the overall curb weight of the vehicle, bringing it in at around 3850 pounds, definitely one of the heavier entries in this class. However, despite the extra weight, the performance of the vehicle isn’t affected in the least. Continue Reading...
  
  

• 2009 Mercedes Benz SLK

  
  

  02.26.08 | No Comments | Mercedes

  The SLK model has been a best seller for Mercedes Benz since 1996. They’ve managed to move over half a million units since then and for good reason. This is a roadster that can really perform and looks incredible doing it. The 2009 model has several improvements that are sure to get many fence sitters off and moving. The overall design of the 2009 SLK is very much race inspired. The nose has been sliced back a bit, and the side wings have been plumped up as well. The grille has been redesigned and the headlamps got special attention as well. Not to be outdone, the taillights are now tinted and the exhaust tips have a new look as well. Continue Reading...
  
  

• 2009 Jaguar XF

  
  

  02.25.08 | No Comments | Jaguar

  The new Jaguar XF for 2009 may just convince fence sitters to give this car company a try. They’ve gone all out with the features on this one, and it certainly is not your father’s Jaguar. Right off the bat, when you get inside, you’ll notice the difference. When you fire up the engine, the shift knob deploys, which is really only needed in drive or reverse, but this is one feature that is sure to catch people’s eyes quickly. Have a tendency to forget to put your car in park? With this model, you’ll never have to worry about it again. The car automatically puts itself in park when you press the stop button on the shift knob. The knob retracts back into the dash and you’re all set to go. This isn’t the only innovation you’ll find inside however. The glove box can be opened with just a slight touch of your finger and the entire cockpit is designed with your comfort in mind. The windows have been lowered a bit, in order to allow more natural lighting inside the vehicle. Oversized armrests keep you comfortable in the driver’s seat and there is plenty of head and leg room. The new design does scrimp a little bit on backseat place, but otherwise, it’s hard to find a reason to complain with the interior on this model. The backrests even fold forever to give you more storage space inside. Moving on to the engine, this is a decidedly more powerful model and it features 4.2L V8 engine capable of producing 300hp. If you need a little more get up and go, the Supercharged XF is available with 420hp. Either way, you’ll get their six speed automatic transmission, which doesn’t fail to impress. Shifting is smooth and without any jolts or skips. The suspension on this model comes from the XK Jaguar and offers an incredibly smooth ride for the driver and passengers. Handling is a dream and overall, this is a car you definitely need to take for a test drive. Top speed for this model, depending on drag, ranges from 121 to 155mph. It’s capable of reaching 0 to 60 in 5.1 to 6.2 seconds, depending on the model that you select. Fuel economy is decent for both models at around 15/24. Lastly, the exterior is pure Jaguar. It’s a bit bigger than other models, at 195.3 inches total. The roofline was raised a bit, to make more room for the interior cargo space and the changed windows. Don’t forget to check out the warped metal bars that are located right under each headlight. You’ll find a little message from Jaguar’s director of design. The back scoops down a bit and lends a very aerodynamic look to the whole vehicle. The standard 300hp model starts at around $49k, while the Supercharged version will set you back a little more than $62k. Considering the improvements Jaguar has made to this model, it’s a small price to pay for the combination of comfort, design, innovation and sleek looks.
  
  

• 2009 Ford Flex

  
  

  02.24.08 | No Comments | Ford

  Although the American market may be getting a little tired of cross-over vehicles, Ford feels confident that their 2009 Flex will change things up quite a bit. Caught somewhere between a wagon, a minivan and a small SUV, Ford is betting that this model will appeal to a wide swath of consumers. It is set to replace the Freestar which had paltry sales and will be made available in dealerships during the summer of 2008. The Flex features a very streamlined exterior and Ford execs feel that it has the opportunity to become as iconic as the Mustang. That may be jumping the gun a bit, but at first look, the Flex is definitely a cross-over that will catch your eye. The squared off body and low roof should appeal to consumers who are more comfortable with a car than an SUV but need a little more space for their dollar. Continue Reading...
  
  

• 2009 Audi A-4

  
  

  02.23.08 | No Comments | Audi

  Although Audi is typically known for its handling and suspension features, this model breaks down the barriers and brings in a conglomeration of features that make it a solid competitor against its two main opponents, the BMW and the Mercedes Benz. Audi has gone all out for the 2009 A-4 and you’ll be able to see it in dealerships later this fall. Let’s start with what’s under the hood. The A-4 comes standard with a 2.0L engine capable of reaching 211hp. This is an improvement from the 2008 model which came in it at right around 200hp. You’ll get your choice of a six speed automatic or manual transmission for the famed Quattro models, or the Multitronic transmission that comes with the front wheel drive variation. If you want a little more power, you can upgrade to their 3.2L engine with 265hp just as long as you don’t mind an automatic. The V8 engine is largely being abandoned by Audi as they get ready for upcoming regulations that will make it difficult to bring the larger engines in line with the 35mpg cutoff. The A-4 is quite large and is much longer than other Audi models. The company uses this to their advantage to create an interior that is incredibly roomy and very comfortable. The trunk is absolutely enormous and the cockpit is chock full of all the latest advances. In fact, you’ll feel like you’re sitting in a much more expensive car, thanks to the types of materials used and the quality of the instrumentation. The navigation monitor has been moved a little higher in this model, making it easier to see. All the controls are placed in a logical fashion and work together in a nice flow while you’re driving. You’ll have plenty of headroom and legroom in the A-4, which is a definite improvement from some of their other models. Not to be outdone when it comes to handling, Audi continually produces incredible cars that are capable of taking on anything you throw at them. The A-4 features a new dynamic steering that blows away the competition and the utilization of homogenous calibration ensures and incredibly smooth ride and transitions. The wideness of the vehicle and the positioning of the tires practically negates any risk of a roll over, and the A-4 is a very sturdy and capable vehicle. You won’t feel pulled in any direction, other than the one you’re headed in. It is the perfect vehicle for areas with lots of twists and turns, or roads that may not be ideal. You won’t even notice the little bumps when you’re sitting in the A-4. For the money, the A-4 is a solid entrant that manages to combine class and comfort with streamlined looks, above average safety and an incredible ride. If you have been hesitant to make the switch into this class, thinking that the vehicles are staid and boring, the A-4 will definitely be happy to prove you wrong.
  
  

• Mercedes SL Range Gets an Upgrade

  
  

  02.22.08 | No Comments | Mercedes

  Mercedes is giving its SL range a major face lift with the 2009 model year giving way to the SL63 and the SL65.  The SL63 is powered by the naturally aspirated 6.3 liter V8 engine, which gives it the ability to produce 525 HP along with 465 lb – feet torque.  With an acceleration from 0 – 62 in 4.6 seconds, the SL63 certainly wouldn’t be expected to be considered the less powerful option in most instances. The fact is, though, that in the SL range for Mercedes – Benz, the SL63 is exactly that, the less powerful option.  This is because the flagship car of the range is the SL65, which features the 612 HP 6.0 liter twin turbo V12, which features 738 lb – feet of torque.  It can take its passengers from 0 to 62 in 4.2 seconds. Both of the new SL’s have a top speed that is limited to 155, which should be plenty of speed for even the most pronounced thrill seeker.  Both also have a new look front end, which has a more pronounced wedge shape along with larger air intakes, a black painted radiator grill, and a lower transverse fin which is also painted black.  Even the lights have gotten a facelift on these two new cars, with new Bi-xenon headlamps and set back fog lamps adding to the entire facelift to give the car a brand new look. The doors have been redesigned as well, conforming to the new look of the car, and now feature LED indicators.  The body has been given a slight upgrade with a rear apron with a diffuser insert and side skirts.  The roof opens in a very quick time of 16 seconds, and is available in a glass version for anyone that prefers that option. The SL63 is the first Mercedes to find itself in the enviable position of having the brand new Speedshift MCT 7 speed twin clutch sports transmission.  The transmission is designed to withstand a high level of torque along with a maximum of rev of up to 7200 RPM.  The car comes in four models including the comfort, sport, sport plus, and manual.  The manual comes with double declutching and a race start function, making this a perfect car to race almost immediately after purchase. The SL65 on the other hand finds itself with the more common five speed automatic transmission.  It comes with a multi disc slip differential, which gives the car optimal traction.  While the 65 isn’t designed in quite the same manner as the 63, it is still set to withstand the same high level of torque, allowing the driver to really put the power in the car to the test. All things considered, the new SL range from Mercedes Benz has to be considered one of the highlights of the 2009 model year.  The redesigned style and substance of the cars allows the driver to be attracted to the look of the car from the first moment, while also being blown away the first time behind the wheel.
  
  

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