We met up with the Cadillac CTS Coupe crew at Dogpatch Studios in the Dogpatch area of San Francisco.  Grabbed a CTS Wagon and headed to the Carneros Inn in Napa Valley where we tag teamed with a CTS Coupe that was the feature of this drive evaluation. Cadillac lodged the media at the Bardessono Hotel in Yountville.  Environmentally pure, the Bardessono is an experience in itself.  

The CTS Coupe is the third of the three bodystyles Cadillac plans for the CTS.  The first was the sedan introduced in 2008 followed by the European-inspired wagon in 2009 and now the Coupe in 2010.

Don Butler, Vice President of Cadillac Marketing took the gathered press through where Cadillac is and where Cadillac plans to be in the future.  Bold, product-oriented positioning will have Cadillac going head-to-head against Audi, BMW and Mercedes.  Lexus was added as an afterthought. 

Cadillac had set up a flurry of identical specification CTS Coupes for this group of journalists and analysts to drive through the hills surrounding Napa Valley.  Some of the most picturesque and challenging roads in the country put the CTS Coupes to the test.

Continue reading "2011 Cadillac CTS Coupe - Flash and Dash" »

Posted by George Peterson at 9:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

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Buick chose a grand way to celebrate the arrival of their newest model, giving a few the chance to drive the car through its German birthplace. After spending a couple of days in Beijing, visiting the auto show and taking in some time at a local Buick dealer, we flew to Frankfurt to experience the car at GM's Dudenhof test facility, along the autobahn and German country roads on the way to the Nurburgring, and for one lap each of the famed Nordschweife itself.

You may ask why all this globetrotting for such an American brand. While Buick's roots are firmly planted in Detroit, China is a far larger market for Buick right now than the United States. In China, Buick outsells Chevrolet, though the gap is small. Buick is on track to sell more than 500,000 vehicles in China this year; in the States, Buick closed out 2009 selling only 102,000 cars. The last time the U.S. market bought up more than 500,000 Buicks in one year was in 1994.

We have the Chinese market to thank for Buick surviving bankruptcy. And for what you will find at Buick dealers today and tomorrow, including Regal, there is reason to be grateful. Today's Buicks are again graceful, quiet, and responsive and good to drive in a whole new way--they take the brand's traditional values and express them in modern context.

Continue reading "2011 Buick Regal: First Drive Takes Us Around the World" »

Posted by Stephanie Brinley at 5:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)

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The 2010 Suzuki Kizashi was the overall winner in this year's AutoPacific Vehicle Satisfaction Award rankings among 2010MY vehicles, meaning that it not only was best in its mid-size car segment, but was more satisfying to its owners than any other 2010 model year vehicle on the market. Yes, more satisfying than Camry, Accord, or Altima. Heck, it was rated as more satisfying by its owners than Lexus LS460, for crying out loud!

Continue reading "2010 Suzuki Kizashi: Yes, It's a Winner" »

Posted by Ed Kim at 9:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

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We recently had the opportunity to drive the new 2011 Silverado HD and Sierra HD pickups. They may not look very different, but with an all-new frame and chassis and an improved powertrain these vehicles should be considered all-new.
New and improved is the theme, at least in every aspect except exterior and interior appearance.

Continue reading "Driving Impressions: 2011 Chevrolet Silverado HD and GMC Sierra HD " »

Posted by Ed Kim at 11:16 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)

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The King is DEAD, long live the King. Very appropriate for the all new Infiniti QX56 being launched in the USA later this year. But first, we have to set the stage for the review itself - not the vehicle. Infiniti hosted small groups of journalists at the 21C Museum Hotel in Louisville. The hotel itself was worth the trip. Quirky, quaint with 42 plastic red penguins to entertain the guests. Penguins with bibs at dinner. Penguins with a shower cap in the tub. The "museum" part of the hotel's title relates to the art on display - all by artists alive today and produced during the 21st Century. When an artist dies, their works are removed to a private gallery in the owners' quarters on the 4th floor of the hotel. Oh, yeah, THE BOOK - found in the bar with a plain cover is worth the price of a martini.

The great drive in the QX56 through bourbon country and horse country from Louisville to Frankfort (Kentucky's capital) was picturesque and the roads were great. Not much traffic. Rolling hills. Perfect for the large sport ute. Major surprise, however, was that the historic mile-after-mile of white fences Kentucky horse country is known for has transformed into creosote black fences... lower cost and longer life. The drive through northern Kentucky is highly recommended. Hopefully you have more than a stock rentacar. Don't forget to stop at Choctaw Jim's general store in Campbellsburg. They make a mean peanut and jelly sandwich with peanut butter bread. Yum. The only blemish is that the authentic American Indian artifacts mostly are made in China.

Intiniti QX56 Formidable Competitor in Premium Luxury SUV Class Now, about the second generation Infiniti QX56. As you probably know, the first generation QX is based on the Titan pickup and assembled at Nissan's Canton, Mississippi assembly plant. The new QX is based on the Japanese market Nissan Patrol and produced in Japan.

Continue reading "Bourbon, Bluegrass and THE BOOK - Driving the 2011 Infiniti QX56" »

Posted by George Peterson at 9:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

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I'm in love. With my husband, of course, but also with the Audi R8 5.2. For a few days this spring, an R8 V10 graced our office fleet, and my driveway. Four days and three days of automotive bliss, in my book. Days of taking any excuse, and creating a few, for getting on any road. Despite its complexity, technology, and power, from its aluminum space frame to 525HP 5.0L V10 engine to its LED headlights and magnetic ride adaptive damping system, is a civilized and powerful conveyance. The only competitor for my affections in this category is a Porsche 911 Turbo, and the Audi has a sexier wrapping, better navigation, and iPod integration. Since I'm dreaming in any case, I'll take one of each, thank you.

Audi R8 is massively capable and one of the easiest high-powered street cars I've driven. It made me feel like a hero, and while I can hold my own, I know too many truly excellent drivers and I know where my limits are. I preferred the Sport setting for suspension. It is stiffer, but not uncomfortably so. One of the beauties of the system: If you come across a particularly rough stretch of road, turn Sport off and the normal setting will dampen the harshness instantly. Get past that quarter-mile stretch of mild frost heaves, put it back to Sport, and you can be just as instantly happy again. In my three days, I stayed in Sport mode searching out sweeping off ramps and looking for safe acceleration opportunities.

Continue reading "2010 Audi R8 V10 Coupe: Civilized Power" »

Posted by Stephanie Brinley at 6:57 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

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It's not really under debate as to whether or not the Audi S5 is a beautiful road going machine... (both inside and out) It really 'is'. The current debate now centers on which vehicle the S5 comes closest to competing with and will we will miss the S5's outgoing 4.2L V8?

The short answer is a (3") wider 335i with x-drive and NO we are not going to miss the 4.2L V8... except for maybe the exhaust note.

This particular S5 was equipped with everything from a Bang & Olufsen premium sound system to a navigation system and backup camera. The normally aspirated 4.2L V8 does slap you with a $1,300 gas-guzzler tax but if you can afford the car at $53K plus ($66,450 as tested) we're pretty sure you can afford the tax. Well, all right, so maybe you are like many of our 40,000+ new vehicle respondents who say they want the same or better performance as now with better fuel economy. Not to worry!!! Audi promises to deliver the S5 with a 3.0L Supercharged V6 instead of the 4.2L V8...

Continue reading "2010 Audi S5 Quattro MT6 Coupe - NOT an M3... So, what is it?" »

Posted by Keagan Patrick at 9:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

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On sale since August 2009, the Lexus HS 250h was the brand's first dedicated hybrid model. A second, the CT 200h, launches later in 2010 in the compact car space. Being a luxury marque and with a conventional sedan shape prepped to play in the very heart of the car market (mid-size sedans), the HS 250h evolved a 187HP hybrid system from the Camry Hybrid and its 2.4L I4 rather than using that of the smaller Toyota Prius (136HP, 1.8L).

What that means for the HS 250h is a few more ponies under the hood (187HP net power versus 134HP of the Prius), and fuel economy a little less impressive than Pruis's 51/48 city/highway mpg. The HS 250h boasts 35/34 city/highway, though the extra HP is welcome.

Until the 2011 CT 200h arrives, the $36,000 HS 250h is the least expensive Lexus hybrid. No doubt a well-thought-out piece of engineering, the HS 250h incorporates lessons learned from prior Lexus and Toyota hybrids. One example is the exhaust heat recovery system of the RX 450h, which keeps the engine and cabin warmer and allowing for more "stop" time at low speeds. The HS 250h's fuel economy stacks up reasonably well against other conventionally motivated sedans of its size, but not against some current and upcoming hybrid sedans.

Continue reading "On the Road: 2010 Lexus HS 250h Misses the Mark" »

Posted by Stephanie Brinley at 9:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

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As I wrote this, the Audi Q7 TDi we had been evaluating for the past week had just left. Some of us shed tears. Others did not. I am on the "did not shed tears" side of the equation and I'll take you through my dry-eyed rationale.

The Q7 TDi is a nicely styled, outstandingly crafted vehicle, powered by what we consider its best powertrain - the 3.0L V6 turbo diesel with 225-horsepower and 406 lb-ft of torque. Unfortunately, in the Q7, this engine has to pull 5,512 pounds (5,512 !!). Off the line at part throttle the Q7 TDi feels stuck in the sand. Once you are rolling, if you go pedal to the metal, the torque kicks in and the Q7 feels great. I guess this is something you could forgive or get used to, but out-of-the-box the Q7 feels sluggish for having so much torque.

Continue reading "2010 Audi Q7 TDI: Weight Overpowers 406 lb-ft of Torque" »

Posted by George Peterson at 9:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

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Ford's little Fiesta bears the weight of the Ford world on its shoulders, if you believe the hype. Ford's been heavily promoting Fiesta for a year, and very effectively getting the buzz out on social media and at a grassroots level. 100,000 people have requested more information, and another 10,000 put in a no-money-down reservation.

Whether a result of luck or skill, Fiesta launches when media soundbites tell us that the future is small and efficient. Anything else need not apply. Fiesta, on paper, is the godsend of the moment: A car for the city, boasting 30mpg city and 40mpg highway. Sexy and smart, and for all ages.

Some of us have some healthy skepticism as to the depth of demand for small, or B-segment, cars. And because American makers so thoroughly earned their reputations for only building small-as-penalty-box when it came to entry cars, the stakes are particularly high for Ford. That reputation that can only be dented by knocking our socks off and then overcome by doing it again.

So, with that kind of build up: Does Fiesta deliver? In a word: Yes.

Continue reading "2011 Ford Fiesta: Changing the American Small Car Reality" »

Posted by Stephanie Brinley at 5:24 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

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The debate over the usefulness of traditional, capable SUVs in today's world seems to be coming to a close, with the more efficient and car-based crossover winning the argument. Who really needs a rock-climbing 12-mpg mountain goat on four wheels when all it gets used for is to pick up the kids from school and get to the mall?

For mainstream customers, there is no doubt that a crossover is a far better and more rational choice. But at the upper echelons of the marketplace, it's not about rationale. It's about image. It's about knowing that even though the most challenging incline you'll ever encounter is the spiral ramp that goes up the Beverly Center parking structure, your vehicle could scale Everest. Think about it: why else are commercial grade Viking appliances and five-figure digital SLR cameras so aspirational? It's because their image is tied to professional strength capability, no matter that you won't ever use said capability.

Continue reading "2010 Land Rover LR4: An Upscale Journey Through the Urban Jungle" »

Posted by Ed Kim at 9:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)

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With the 2010MY, it could be said that Cadillac launched their first real modern crossover SUV. The 2004-09MY SRX was not without its charm, but it always felt more like a big wagon than SUV, with its length, stiff sides, and flat roof. Today's SRX, previewed by the cleverly named 2008 Provoq concept, brings style and elegance to the formula, evolving and warming the Cadillac design themes.

Our first drive in a 2010 Cadillac SRX came this winter, in a nice, snow white (actually Platinum Ice Tricoat, a color worth its $995 premium) exterior. The interior, a two-tone shale with brownstone, was warm and inviting. Our $47,010 test car, being a Premium FWD model, took navigation as standard, including the 40GB hard drive, Bluetooth phone, rearview camera, Ultraview extra-long sunroof, autosense windshield wipers, intelligent key, and heated rear as well as front seats; the only options were the paint color and a $1295 rear-seat entertainment system. The Premium model makes my favorite, gotta-have features standard, appropriate for Cadillac and easier than sorting through a series of bundles and packages to get the right mix of content.

Continue reading "2010 Cadillac SRX: Stylish and Modern" »

Posted by Stephanie Brinley at 11:13 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

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Has Honda developed yet another blended vehicle--or just a big hatchback? On sale since November 2009, the Accord Crosstour aims to be a modern and stylish CUV. To our eyes, it is more like a hatchback on steroids. Honda's not the only maker exploring this shape, as it is not unlike the idea behind the BMW 5-Series GT or Toyota's Venza or Acura's ZDX (the larger and more expensive ZDX is not a Crosstour in different metal). Accord Crosstour offers everything you expect from the Accord, wrapped in a new shape. Is that enough?

While beauty is in the eye of the beholder, most people we've talked to have not found beauty the shape of the Crosstour. A love-it-or-hate-it shape can be great for image and buzz. But it seems to be difficult to find the love-it Crosstour crowd, at least relative to styling.

Continue reading "2010 Honda Accord Crosstour: Modern Wagon or New-Style CUV?" »

Posted by Stephanie Brinley at 12:35 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

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The 2011 Ford Mustang has all new engines: a new 3.7L V6 and an all-new unique-to-Mustang 5.0L V8. Ford has been rolling out the powertrain news, and the media, buff books, and blogosphere dutifully reporting it for the past couple of months. But after being exposed to the 2011 iteration of the Mustang, we can tell you there is much more than meets the eye. We had the chance for some brief drivetime the 2011 Mustang in most every configuration. Short form: Yeah!

The 2011 Mustang looks like the 2010 but under the skin it is a very different animal. Ford's strategy here is similar to that used for the 2008 - 2009 Escape. The 2008 Escape model got a major styling freshening and interior upgrade and the 2009 saw the major powertrain upgrades. While many scoffed that the 2010 Chevrolet Camaro had Mustang beat in the powertrain department, Ford engineers continued to develop and prepare these engines. Camaro put a bogey in place, to be sure, but neither engine is truly a response to Chevrolet's terrific powertrain lineup.

Continue reading "2011 Ford Mustang - More Than Just Great New Powertrains" »

Posted by George Peterson at 1:48 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

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We recently got a chance to drive the European version of the Ford Fiesta, which is due to hit American Ford showrooms this summer. Engineered and developed mostly by Ford's European unit in Köln, Germany (but using a platform developed by Mazda), the Fiesta is an early example of the company's One Ford initiative that aims to leverage its global resources and commonize Ford products around the world. Up until now, Ford has usually developed specific Fords for specific markets, but the company believes that global tastes are converging and offering greater opportunities for cars like the small Fiesta to come to North America.

Continue reading "2011 Ford Fiesta: Let's Make a Party!" »

Posted by Ed Kim at 9:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

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Who Says You Can't Get Standard Navigation for $18,500? Not Suzuki
We called up the kind folks over at Suzuki this winter and asked if we could check out one of their latest additions, the 2010 SX4 Sportback. Specifically, we wanted to check out the standard integrated Garmin navigation system. Having spent a reasonable amount of time with systems that range from $1500 to $2500, the idea of a cheap but functional system appeals. The expensive systems generally have great graphics, bigger screens, and are nicely integrated into the car's center stack. But are they worth it?

Suzuki is also making some noise with what is now the second-oldest vehicle in its range, the five-door SX4, for 2010MY. Launched for the 2007MY, this five-door hatchback was introduced as an AWD model, causing some to initially confuse it with a small SUV. The range was expanded to include a sedan with the 2008MY, and a front-drive version of the hatchback became available for 2009MY. With 2010MY, these cars take a new engine that boosts power to 150HP and also comes standard with a six-speed manual transmission.

Continue reading "On the Road: 2010 Suzuki SX4 Sportback" »

Posted by Stephanie Brinley at 9:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

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Whenever I evaluate a vehicle, I always pick an appropriate soundtrack. You see, I'm all about immersing myself into the experience of whatever a given car is supposed to represent. A bad-to-the-bone pickup truck? I'll put on some Johnny Cash (or if it's a Chevy truck, Bob Seger, of course). A stylish high-performance German coupe? I'll cue up some nu-jazz, perhaps from the likes of Christian Prommer's Drumlesson or Jazzanova. So, when I grabbed the keys to the Mustang Shelby GT500 with 540 supercharged horses, the only song that could possibly come to mind was the theme song from Team America whose title we can't print here. Expletive-filled and crass, to be sure, but then again, so is the Shelby GT500.

Continue reading "2010 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500: America, Heck Yeah!" »

Posted by Ed Kim at 9:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

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Sexy and Strong. And a Hyundai.
Hyundai has is developing its sense of style, seen in Genesis and followed up with the 2011 Sonata. This Sonata offers style inside and out, interior space and functionality, and entertaining driving dynamics. Easy on the pocketbook and easy on the eyes should be a killer combination.

Hyundai calls this design philosophy fluidic sculpture. Aside from sounding a bit like a physics experiment, the result is an expressive sedan in a sea of sameness. Though the grille could be called over-complicated, the sculpture in bodysides and hood is refreshing, one of the youngest of automakers. The chrome strip that runs below the window line, over the front quarter panels, and all the way down to heavily detailed headlights is a particularly attractive--and difficult to manufacture--element. This Sonata looks more expensive than it is. Even better, this exterior is matched with an equally good-looking, feature-laden interior.

The Sonata will offer four-cylinder power only, a brave choice. The 2.4L example we drove will be followed up by a turbo 2.0L and a hybrid by the end of the year. Details will be revealed at the 2010 New York auto show, but Hyundai has promised "substantially" more than 250HP from the turbo 2.0L.

Continue reading "First Drive: 2011 Hyundai Sonata Delivers" »

Posted by Stephanie Brinley at 9:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

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I recently had the opportunity to drive the all-new Toyota Sienna on public road here in Southern California, and in my mind the segment has a new product leader. As minivan sales have fallen from a peak of 1.3 million units in 2000 to about 460,000 in 2009, many players fell out. Today, the traditional minivans include Sienna, Honda Odyssey, and Chrysler Group's Dodge Grand Caravan and Chrysler Town & Country.

Designed in California, engineered in Michigan, and built in Indiana, Sienna is developed for U.S. buyers. The 2011 Sienna is about the same size and heft as the outgoing Sienna and looks generally similar. Though the new take carries more contemporary style when the 2010 and 2011 are seen together, the functional requirements of any minivan determine much of its presence, footprint, and shadow. Toyota describes the new look as "visually intriguing." They have hidden the sliding door tracks and used elements like sculpted rear corners to lessen a minivan's natural boxy look.

Continue reading "First Drive: 2011 Toyota Sienna" »

Posted by Jim Hossack at 4:26 AM | Permalink | Comments (2)

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I have been looking for a chance to drive the diminutive Mitsubishi i-Cars ever since I first saw the photos of them. When visiting Mitsubishi HQ in Cypress, California, there they are in the lobby on display. But it wasn't until the just finished Outlander and Friends press preview Mitsubishi held in Palm Springs that I was able to drive both of the i-Cars.

There were two i-Cars at the preview - the i-MiEV (Mitsubishi innovative Electric Vehicle) - the all electric Japanese kei car that the press is reporting on continuously and its gasoline-powered base car. Lets talk about the gas-powered version first.

"kei" Car for the USA? First, the Mitsubishi i is a very, very small car. It is a Japanese "kei" car meaning it is designed to be a tiny commuter car for dense urban environments. It also means that the car is limited to a 660cc engine. The example we were able to drive was powered by a turbocharged 660cc engine, had an automatic transmission and all wheel drive.

Continue reading "Mitsubishi i-Gas and i-MiEV - Ready for Prime Time?" »

Posted by George Peterson at 1:34 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

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We recently spent a few days with a Lincoln MKS equipped with EcoBoost and its host of technology features. Not industry firsts, Lincoln's execution is impressive. From headlights that adjust high- or low-beam spread based on conditions to adaptive cruise control and parallel parking assist, these systems work smoothly and confidently. As systems like these tend to get better quickly after their first automotive application, Lincoln should still be commended for putting together a comprehensive and usable package.

If you're driving the MKS EcoBoost, you have a willing and comfortable partner in a stylish package (assuming you're a fan of the chrome-laden signature grille, of course); the 355HP powertrain moves the 4300-pound vehicle along briskly. Not only heavy, MKS is big, and feels it. Looking at its specs on paper tells you that, standing next to it tells you that, and driving it reminds you of it all the time. MKS is relatively nimble, but this is not one of those big-but-drives-small kind of cars, a trait perfectly appropriate for what is functionally a modern Town Car. The MKS driving dynamics seem pretty spot on. There's power, comfort, a compliant but not overly soft ride, and plenty of technology to make being in it as easy as possible. I can't say sporting. This is not a sports sedan, but offers grace and presence, with the muscle to back it up.

MKS is sized between an Audi A6 and A8, BMW 5-Series and 7-Series, and Mercedes E- and S-Classes, and slightly bigger than the Cadillac STS. Our EcoBoost could boast a nearly $57,000 price tag. While a healthy number, to be sure, in context of the amenities, style, and power offered, the price seems quite reasonable.

Continue reading "2010 Lincoln MKS: Technology Improves Driving" »

Posted by Stephanie Brinley at 3:29 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

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OK, OK. I know that title has been used for about every traditional SUV that has evolved into a Crossover SUV in its latest incarnation and that is just what the 2011 Kia Sorento has done. Sorento becomes thoroughly modern with the introduction of its 2011 model.

The first generation Sorento; Kia's first entry in the mid-size SUV arena, was a traditional SUV It had body-on-frame construction, was based on rear wheel drive architecture, had a traditional shape, carried five passengers and was powered by a V6 engine. Many people thought the Sorento was based on the Hyundai Santa Fe, but that was far from the truth.

The first year the Sorento was on the market it won AutoPacific's Vehicle Satisfaction Award for best-in-class Mid-Size SUV. Clearly, its owners liked the product.

Now comes the all, new Sorento...

Continue reading "2011 Kia Sorento Crosses Over - Becomes Soft-Roader" »

Posted by George Peterson at 2:05 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

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We recently drove the new Dodge Ram 2500/3500 Heavy Duty pickups, at one event allowing drive time around San Antonio, Texas, and another at Chrysler's Chelsea Proving Grounds and surrounding locale. The Dodge Boys put on a great show with some fine trucks, providing opportunities for truly heavy-duty towing and off-road driving in the latest Power Wagon.

Five trim levels are offered, ensuring there's something for every trucker. Our favorite? Power Wagon. Power Wagon's overall off-road capability wasn't shocking, coming as it does from a solid reputation, but the big truck maneuvered in tighter off-road trails than expected. Able to make even our novice off-road driver look like a champ, in more experienced hands the Power Wagon would be stopped by trail width sooner than any rock, mud, or rough terrain. Complementing the Power Wagon, Ram HD comes in base ST, volume SLT, mainstream off-road TRX, and coddling Laramie trim levels.

And just in case three cabs, two beds, and five trim levels don't make options complex enough, buyers can choose single or dual rear wheels and between several powertrain (two engines, two transmissions, and three primary axle ratio) combinations. All 2010 HD Rams are built at the Saltillo, Mexico assembly plant; production started to roll out as this was written.

Continue reading "2010 Dodge Ram HD: Brawn and Beauty" »

Posted by Jim Hossack at 1:41 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

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Suzuki Kizashi arrives in showrooms in December 2009. When the car was revealed this summer, we talked about how its size fits into the market (click here), but Suzuki recently invited us to spend an afternoon flogging the car around rural roads in North Carolina and at the Virginia International Raceway. We happily obliged.

Should Americans recent appreciation for cheap chic develop into a sustained shift, Suzuki is ready. Kizashi is a sporting, stylish sedan with premium features and finish at a mainstream price--a mainstream price, not a value price. For Suzuki, if keeping up with the Joneses now means how little did you spend to get fancy tricks of premium cars, Kizashi represents well. Comparing Kizashi against its development targets (Alfa Romeo 159, Acura TSX, and Volkswagen Passat CC), and you find a responsive drive, lots of features, and generic uplevel cues. Suzuki's target was good for the consumer: It resulted in a better car.

Kizashi is smaller than Mazda6, larger than compact Chevrolet Cobalt; smaller than Ford Fusion and larger than Volkswagen Jetta. Kizashi is ahead of the segment offering AWD; sure, Ford Fusion does, but only with more expensive V6 models. Speaking of V6, Kizashi launches without one. AutoPacific's research shows most buyers would put a six-cylinder in their next ideal vehicle--even if they often end up buying a four--and Suzuki has one we wouldn't be surprised to see later.

Continue reading "2010 Suzuki Kizashi: Sporting Personality and Value" »

Posted by Stephanie Brinley at 5:16 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

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Recently, Ford invited us to drive their latest SVT hero, the F-150 SVT Raptor. Our drive involved the roads around San Diego and some desert driving near Borrego Springs, California. Back from that event, I have to say: What a truck! What a ride!

SVT spent three years developing the Raptor, based in Ford's new-for-2009 F-150. Their goal: Create a factory-built and -backed off-road high-performance truck more capable than any but the most highly modified competition vehicles. Based on the fact that they were just announced Truck of the Year by the Texas Auto Writers Association, true truckers appreciate SVT's efforts.

Getting the basics out of the way, the Raptor is powered by Ford's 320HP 5. 4L V8, coupled to a six-speed automatic transmission, and is available in four-wheel drive only. An electronic rear differential is standard, as is hill descent control. The Raptor is based on the Super Cab F-150, with the relatively short 5.5-foot box. The suspension is extensively modified with heavy-duty, high-performance components including a long travel suspension, patented FOX Racing shock absorbers, unique upper and lower control arms, tie rods, front and rear springs and jounce bumpers. 17-inch wheels are used with 35-inch BF Goodrich All Terrain tires. Even the exhaust is unique -- and it sounds great!

Continue reading "2010 Ford F-150 Raptor: Highly Capable, Reasonably Priced" »

Posted by Jim Hossack at 4:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

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