Cadillac DTS called ?most satisfying? 2007 model year vehicle
Based on a survey conducted by AutoPacific earlier this year, the Cadillac DTS has been distinguished as the ?most satisfying? vehicle in both the Large Luxury Car segment and across the entire industry. Approximately 24,000 owners of 2007 model year vehicles were surveyed, and the DTS earned the highest overall satisfaction score.
"This achievement for DTS is especially important, as the experiences of actual customers are the ultimate measure," explained Jim Taylor, Cadillac General Manager. "Cadillac, and the DTS in particular, earn excellent consumer loyalty based on the type of satisfaction shown in this important survey of new vehicle owners."
Source: General Motors Media Online
New Audi RS6 Avant demonstrates massive performance potential
Even though United States customers will not see the upcoming Audi RS6 Avant, the car nonetheless must be considered by Audi faithful worldwide as an indication of the caliber of performance that the German automaker is seeking. Pushing 580 horsepower and 479 foot-pounds of torque to all four wheels via the twin-turbocharged 5.2-liter V10 engine and six-speed Tiptronic gearbox, the RS6 reportedly hits 60 miles-per-hour from a stop in 4.6 seconds and reaches a top governed speed of 155 mph.
Available only as an Avant, the RS6 emphasizes the subdued nature of the Audi brand. This is not your average station wagon grocery getter, but the car also does not feel the need to boast its street credentials. Subtle touches include standard 19- and optional 20-inch wheels and tires, a rear diffuser, dual exhaust outlets and widebody fender flares.
Source: Audi media
Acura RL recognized by Insurance Institute for Highway Safety for side impact protection
Following the success of other models in the Acura lineup, the Acura RL has been awarded a GOOD rating in the Side Impact Collision Evaluation conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. As the IIHS?s top distinction, a GOOD rating proves that Acura?s commitment to safety is illustrating itself in real-time applications. The test involves a moving barrier striking the stationary test vehicle at 31 miles per hour.
The RL has already achieved GOOD status in the offset frontal impact evaluation, and the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration has granted the RL a five-star rating.
Source and image: Acura Media Newsroom
Volkswagen uncovers oldest and highest mileage diesel vehicles in the United States
In January of 2007 Volkswagen announced that it was launching a search for both the oldest running and highest mileage diesel vehicles currently running and registered for use. The hunt was part of VW?s 30th anniversary celebration of selling diesel vehicles to U.S. customers, and beginning March 1, 2007, VW owners could submit their information online.
During the third week of August the oldest model was revealed: a 1977 Rabbit in Tehachapi, California owned by Clint Wilson. The following week, Volkswagen proudly declared its highest mileage winner: a 1986 Jetta with more than 562,000 miles owned by Syl Schmid of Blue Rock, Ohio. Both Wilson and Schmid are being awarded with the privilege of driving a brand new Volkswagen Touareg V10 TDI for a six-month time period.
Source: VW media
Suzuki Kizashi concept car shown at Frankfurt Auto Show
Details remain scarce on the Suzuki Kizashi four-door hatchback concept shown at the Frankfurt Auto Show last week, but World Car Fans offers a tidbit of the Suzuki press release:
The Kizashi concept: Breakthrough into the mid-sized segment
Full of energy, flexible and emotionally appealing; a perfect description of the Suzuki Kizashi concept car, which will make its world debut at Frankfurt. Literally meaning ?prelude?, the Kizashi represents the third phase of Suzuki?s world strategy.
The theme for this third phase is ?Status?, with the Kizashi guiding the way to a new direction for Suzuki, representing the continued upward breakthrough of Suzuki and its ability to offer a wider range of vehicles to customers.
Source: World Car Fans
Image: Suzuki News
Isuzu details 2008 product line changes
Isuzu has announced updates to its 2008 product lineup, with all four models from 2007 enhanced for greater utility, reliability and safety. Options packages have also been simplified, as previous luxury items have been integrated as standard.
Extended Cab pickup models continue to be offered in 4x2 configurations only, with the i-290 powered by a 185-horsepower 2.9-liter four-cylinder engine and the i-370 propelled by a 3.7-liter five-cylinder engine good for 242 horsepower. Both a five-speed manual and four-speed automatic are available on four-cylinder models; the five-cylinder is backed exclusively by the four-speed auto.
Towing capacities have grown across the lineup, as the i-370 Extended Cab pulls 1,500 pounds more than last year (now 5,500 lbs.) and i-290 Extended Cab models increase by 100 pounds (2,200 lbs. manual; 3,200 lbs. automatic). A new integrated trailer hitch with a wiring harness is available on i-370 models, and four cargo tie points are included on each truck. Isuzu has dropped the i-290?s LS package and i-370?s Luxury Package. However, i-370 models now arrive with standard fog lights, leather-wrapped steering wheel and sliding rear window. The five-cylinder trucks also get the options of head curtain airbags, an automatic locking rear differential, electronic traction control and a six-disc in-dash CD player.
The Crew Cab is only available in i-370 trim, although both two-wheel-drive and four-wheel-drive models are offered. Isuzu has discontinued the Limited Package but added a Comfort Package, which includes the six-disc CD player, auto-dimming rearview mirror, leather seats with front heaters, power front seat adjustment and adjustable headrests. All Crew Cab models now feature the locking rear differential and sliding rear window, while 2WD models get traction control. Towing capacity is also 5,500 lbs.
Finally, the Ascender SUV remains powered by a 4.2-liter inline six-cylinder engine, although it has been recalibrated for fuel economy/emissions and now makes 285 horsepower (down from 291 last year). Both two- and four-wheel-drive models are offered in S packages, with Preferred Equipment, LS and Luxury Packages available. Curtain airbags are standard across the lineup, and the Leather Package has been discontinued. Various color changes are also implemented.
Isuzu says all of its engines include new, faster processors and improved fuel injectors. Tier II Bin 4 emissions standards are met by each engine.
Source and image: Isuzu News Bureau [2008 Isuzu Ascender pictured]
Land Rover launches LR2 HSE trim level
The 2008 Land Rover LR2 has been on sale since April of 2007 at one base SE trim level. Late last month Land Rover announced the upscale HSE model, paralleling the larger vehicle lineups, will arrive at dealerships on November 1, 2007.
Unique HSE equipment includes 19-inch alloy wheels, body colored side sills and bumpers, ?titanium? door handles, a rear spoiler, ?8x6-way? power adjustable seats and a special storage box. Mechanically, the LR2 HSE is identical to the SE. Power comes from a 3.2-liter inline six-cylinder good for 230 horsepower in front of a six-speed automatic transmission with CommandShift manual control. Permanent all-wheel-drive includes the Terrain Response, providing optimal control in a variety of situations. Both Gradient Release Control and Hill Descent Control work together to keep the LR2 composed on steep surfaces.
Source and image: Land Rover media
Jeep launches ?Have fun out there? advertising campaign
In recognition of its 66-year heritage and largest ever lineup of seven distinct models, Jeep has launched its new ?Have fun out there. Jeep? advertising campaign. The goal of the tag line not only is to emphasize the driving enjoyment available to Jeep drivers, but also demonstrate that Jeep?s broad vehicle portfolio provides options for various drivers. Jeep is hoping to maintain the momentum that the new four-door Wrangler Unlimited is providing the brand, and the company is also aware that Jeep Compass and Patriot models are attracting customers who previously would not have considered Jeep.
Three phases comprise the new marketing strategy. The first began July 1, 2007 and includes outdoor advertising such as billboards, outdoor boards and bus wraps in select metropolitan areas. A dedicated website, havefunoutthere.com, has also been developed, and four 15-second television were aired. Jeep calls this portion the ?fun wheels? component.
The second phase starts in mid-July and includes both 30-second and 60-second television commercials titled ?Jeep Heritage.? Magazine ads will further bolster the phase two effort in publications such as GQ, Maxim, National Geographic and Fortune.
Finally, the third phase launches in early August and includes a 30-second TV spot called ?Sandbox.? All seven Jeep models will be depicted in a large sandbox, and the commercial will be supplemented by a national print ad declaring, ?7 vehicles. 1 purpose.?
Source: DaimlerChrysler media
Mercedes-Benz wins three awards in J.D. Power and Associates 2007 Automotive Performance, Execution and Layout (APEAL) Study
J.D. Power and Associates has released its 2007 Automotive Performance, Execution and Layout (APEAL) Study, and Mercedes-Benz has captured victory in three individual vehicle segments. The APEAL survey ?measures owner delight with the design, content, layout and performance? of new vehicles during the first 90 days of ownership, according to J.D. Power. Over 91,000 buyers and lessees were interviewed between February and May of 2007, and the results determined this year?s rankings.
The three Mercedes-Benz models recognized as winners include the E Class (Midsize Premium Car), S Class (Large Premium Car) and GL Class (tie; Large Premium Multi-Activity Vehicle). Furthermore, Mercedes-Benz ranked third out of 35 manufacturers in overall brand satisfaction.
Source: J.D. Power and Associates
BMW wins three awards in J.D. Power and Associates 2007 Automotive Performance, Execution and Layout (APEAL) Study
J.D. Power and Associates has released its 2007 Automotive Performance, Execution and Layout (APEAL) Study, and BMW has emerged victorious in three individual vehicle segments. The APEAL survey ?measures owner delight with the design, content, layout and performance? of new vehicles during the first 90 days of ownership, according to J.D. Power. Over 91,000 buyers and lessees were interviewed between February and May of 2007, and the results determined this year?s rankings.
The three BMW models recognized as winners include the 3 Series (Entry Premium Car), 6 Series (Premium Sporty Car) and X5 (Midsize Premium Multi-Activity Vehicle). Furthermore, BMW ranked second out of 35 manufacturers in overall brand satisfaction.
Source: J.D. Power and Associates
Honda wins four awards in J.D. Power and Associates 2007 Automotive Performance, Execution and Layout (APEAL) Study
J.D. Power and Associates has released its 2007 Automotive Performance, Execution and Layout (APEAL) Study and Honda has emerged victorious in four individual vehicle segments, besting all other nameplates. The APEAL survey ?measures owner delight with the design, content, layout and performance? of new vehicles during the first 90 days of ownership, according to J.D. Power. Over 91,000 buyers and lessees were interviewed between February and May of 2007, and the results determined this year?s rankings.
The four Honda models recognized as winners include the Fit (tie; Sub-Compact Car), CR-V (Compact Multi-Activity Vehicle), Ridgeline (Midsize Pickup) and Odyssey (Van). In the Compact Car segment, the Honda Civic was also recognized among the top three finishers.
Source: J.D. Power and Associates
Volvo C70 convertible earns Top Safety Pick from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety
Based on a recent round of crash testing in which 10 midsize convertibles were evaluated, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has declared the Volvo C70 convertible a ?Top Safety Pick.? The Volvo was one of only two vehicles to receive the honor, achieving a ?good? rating in front, side and rear impact collisions. Electronic Stability Control and pop-up roll bars are also included, both requirements for a convertible to achieve the Top Safety Pick.
Convertibles lack the inherent structural rigidity of hardtops, and collisions can potentially lead to more vehicle deformation and pose a risk to occupants inside. But Volvo clearly dealt with this challenge appropriately, strengthening other body parts accordingly. The C70 also includes whiplash protection (WHIPS) via specially designed head restraints that move with the occupants? bodies, contributing to the positive rear rating.
Source: Insurance Institute for Highway Safety
Image: Volvo media
Saab 9-3 convertible earns Top Safety Pick from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety
Based on a recent round of crash testing in which 10 midsize convertibles were evaluated, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has declared the Saab 9-3 convertible a ?Top Safety Pick.? The Saab was one of only two vehicles to receive the honor, achieving a ?good? rating in front, side and rear impact collisions. Electronic Stability Control and pop-up roll bars are also included, both requirements for a convertible to achieve the Top Safety Pick.
Convertibles lack the inherent structural rigidity of hardtops, and collisions can potentially lead to more vehicle deformation and pose a risk to occupants inside. But Saab clearly dealt with this challenge appropriately, strengthening other body parts accordingly. The 9-3 also includes whiplash protection via specially designed head restraints, contributing to the positive rear rating.
Source: Insurance Institute for Highway Safety
Image: Saab media
2008 Infiniti G37 Coupe ups performance potential
Boasting a new 3.7-liter V6 engine with Variable Valve Event and Lift (VVEL) and the Continuously Variable Valve Timing Control System (CVTCS), the 2008 Infiniti G37 Coupe produces an estimated 330 horsepower and 270 foot-pounds of torque in front of either a five-speed automatic transmission or six-speed manual. The automatic unit includes paddle shifters, allowing racecar-inspired gear changes, and is augmented by Downshift Rev Matching.
Three trim levels are offered ? G37 Coupe, G37 Coupe Journey and G37 Coupe Sport 6MT. Journey models with the Sport Package and Sport 6MTs include a limited-slip rear differential and the option of Infiniti 4-Wheel Active Steer (4WAS). They also get huge 14-inch front and 13.8-inch rear brake rotors with four- and two-piston calipers, respectively.
Source and image: Infiniti news
2008 Ford Taurus named Top Safety Pick
The 2008 Ford Taurus enters dealership showrooms this summer boasting ?Top Safety Pick? status by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety due to exemplary performance in front-, side- and rear-impact collisions combined with the availability of electronic stability control. Additionally, Taurus achieved five-star crash ratings by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration in all crash test categories. Along with the similar 2008 Mercury Sable, the Taurus stands as the only large family car in the world to earn an IIHS Top Safety Pick and ace the NHTSA?s battery of tests.
Responsible safety features include a well designed vehicle crush zones, Safety Canopy airbags utilized in both side-impact and rollover collisions, advanced occupant classification systems and AdvanceTrac electronic stability control.
Source and image: Ford media
