Featured Vehicles

2010 Ford Tauras, Will Ford Prevail

David Walker, LeaseTrader.com — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 14:40:39 GMT

2010 Ford Tauras, Will Ford Prevail

Ford's marketers and PR types have a tremendous task ahead of them: Educating the American consumer on what company's new Taurus is all about. It's a Herculean task that amounts to nothing more than rebuilding a brand that was once broadly considered an icon – not just of the auto industry – but of American business at large.

Fortunately for the Blue Oval team, they may have an ace-in-the-hole. As we learned driving the 2010 Ford Taurus through Tennessee and North Carolina's Smoky Mountain roads, this new bull shows promise and takes the marque upscale like never before. But be under no illusions – this is a risky move. The Taurus name has never been extended upmarket like this before (let alone in such a waterlogged economy), and it isn't immediately clear who the model's competitors are – a detail that could prove problematic when trying to target customers.

The Chicago-built Taurus is no longer a logical Toyota Camry, Honda Accord and Chevrolet Malibu cross-shop – that's the Fusion's turf now. In size, technology, and aspirations, Ford is pushing its new sedan several of rungs up the ladder. Is it the right product for the right time? Perhaps of more immediate concern, is it carrying the right name and will Ford be able to overcome the Taurus brand's baggage and sell America on its virtues?

SOURCE: [ Autobolg.com ]

Porsche Panamera in production

David Walker, LeaseTrader.com — Thu, 14 May 2009 21:44:03 GMT

Porsche Panamera in production

It is here!! After years of anticipation and ramp-up, Porsche has finally begun production of the Panamera four-door model at its factory in Leipzig. But don't take our word for it, you can go and see for yourself as the German automaker has re-opened the factory to the public.

While preparing the German assembly plant, where the Cayenne is also built, for production of the Panamera, Porsche had shut down the location for eight months, during which some 22,000 square meters of capacity were added to accommodate the new assembly line. Now that the renovations are complete, visitors are once again welcome to tour the facility, free of charge, by booking online. So if you find yourself headed to Saxony, why not take a swing by? If not, you can check out the images in the gallery below and the press release after the jump.

SOURCE AUTOBLOG

2010 VW Scirocco GT with a new 2.0-liter TDI Diesel

David Walker, LeaseTrader.com — Wed, 06 May 2009 22:47:33 GMT

2010 VW Scirocco GT with a new 2.0-liter TDI Diesel

The Europeans just got another turbocharged diesel engine option for the Volkswagen Scirocco, The new Volkswagen Scirocco TDI won't be making its way to America making us more jealous.

The new powerplant is the same unit that VW recently introduced in the Golf GTD, and it offers up the same 168 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque in this application.

The torque-rich oil-burner can be mated to either a six-speed manual or VW's excellent six-speed DSG dual-clutch gearbox. Either way, the TDI is capable of pushing the Scirocco to 60 mph in about eight seconds and on to a top speed of 138 mph. According to Volkswagen, the new powerplant manages to score 53.3 mpg (44 in U.S. gallons) on the EU combined cycle.

VW is only putting the new diesel in vehicles equipped with the up-level GT trim. As such, standard features include a six-disc CD changer, dual-zone climate control, electronic stability control and VW's Adaptive Chassis Control, which offers three separate suspension settings. Also newly available are 19-inch "Lugano" alloy rims.

[Source: Autoblog.com]

PRESS RELEASE:

SCIROCCO GT TDI 170PS COMBINES PERFORMANCE, STYLE AND ECONOMY

The new performance diesel variant of the Scirocco GT equipped with a 2.0-litre TDI 170PS engine is now available to order. Combining effortless acceleration, made possible by 258 lbs ft of torque delivered from 1,750 rpm, and the ability to return 53.3 mpg on the combined cycle, the new model mixes style, economy and sharp dynamics.

The refined and powerful 2.0-litre common rail TDI engine develops 170 PS at 4,200 rpm and is available linked to either a six-speed manual or six-speed DSG gearbox. Both gearboxes accelerate the Scirocco to 62 mph from a standstill in 8.1 seconds and on to a top speed of 138 mph (DSG: 136), while emitting just 139 g/km (DSG: 147) of CO2.

The latest addition to the Scirocco range is available linked exclusively to the GT trim level and offers a comprehensive list of standard equipment including a six-CD autochanger, rain and dusk sensor, multifunction computer and 2Zone air conditioning. In terms of safety, ABS, ESP (Electronic Stabilisation Programme) and six airbags are all standard.

For the first time new 19-inch 'Lugano' alloy wheels are available as an option.

As with all models in the Scirocco range, the new GT 2.0-litre TDI 170PS is fitted with Adaptive Chassis Control (ACC) operating through pneumatic valves in the damper units. The system allows the driver to select from normal, comfort or sport modes to define the desired suspension and steering response settings for the conditions.

For more information on the Scirocco visit your local Volkswagen Retailer, call 0800 333666 or log on to www.volkswagen.co.uk.

GIRLS OF THE AUTO SHOW!

David Walker, LeaseTrader.com — Tue, 05 May 2009 19:45:33 GMT

GIRLS OF THE AUTO SHOW

Within the past year we have seen some of the most beautiful automobiles on our blog site. From the Bugatti to the Rolls Royce but we neglected to show some you the hardest workers at the auto shows. The models of the auto show are some of the most exposed hard working people there. They are required to look pretty and work long hours for little pay!
Here is a compilation of the hard working beautiful girls of the auto show. I hope you enjoy…

Source; www.anvari.org & www.damncoolpictures.com

Hyundai Nuvis

David Walker, LeaseTrader.com — Tue, 05 May 2009 13:56:43 GMT

Hyundai Nuvis

The Hyundai Nuvis concept was revealed at this past 2009 New York Auto Show. The sweeping creases echo and expand upon Hyunadi's design direction that could be seen on the Genesis coupe and sedan and the Korean market Equus that stood on display nearby. Like so many other concepts at the show this year, this one featured doors that will almost certainly not be duplicated in production, extra-long gull-wings in this case.

The interior is designed for exactly four occupants instead of going for the maximum possible seating with three rows. Nuvis designers have dispensed with all the usual switch gear in favor of a river of information flowing throughout the concept's interior, all of which is accessible through touch-sensitive surfaces. All of the interior fabrics are also made from 100% recycled materials.

Under the skin, the Nuvis is spec'd out with the same Hyundai-developed BlueHybrid drivetrain that was shown at the LA Auto Show last November. The hybrid system uses lithium polymer batteries, which give designers more flexibility in packaging compared to more typical lithium ion batteries. The production version of this hybrid system debuts next year in the next-generation Sonata, while the design elements of this concept will likely appear on the new Tucson later this year.

Source: AutoBlog.com

2009 Nissan 370Z - NISMO Z

David Walker, LeaseTrader.com — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 15:19:14 GMT

2009 Nissan 370Z - NISMO Z

Not having an official presence at this year New York Auto Show didn’t keep Nissan away. The new 2010 Nissan 370Z Roadster and NISMO 370Z made its presence known with a smash it for Nissan.

Take a look at the photo taken at the 2009 New York Auto Show

Visible changes from the standard 370Z include the wheels, rear spoiler, ground-effects kit, and lowered stance. If history is any indicator, expect to see a host of additional upgrades from interior niceties including trim and seats, as well as some performance items to help the new Z's expected 3.7L engine breathe better

2010 Mazda CX-9

David Walker, LeaseTrader.com — Mon, 27 Apr 2009 14:53:04 GMT

2010 Mazda CX-9

Mazda's new CEO Takashi Yamanouchi introduced the Brand new 2010 Mazda CX-9 at the New York Auto Show.

Mazda is continuing to use the international auto show circuit to roll out its revamped model lineup, bringing its updated 2010 Mazda CX-9 to the 2009 New York Auto Show along with the refreshed CX-7 and the new Mazdaspeed3, both of which are making their debuts on U.S. soil.

Mazda also promises interior updates for the seven-passenger CX-9, along with slight tweaks to the ride, and additional options and safety features.

Source: MOTORTREND

Hyundai Equus

David Walker, LeaseTrader.com — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 15:00:34 GMT

Hyundai Equus

The new Hyundai Equus was released at the New York Auto Show , though it looks nice from the inside and out it still have a cheesy-ness about it! as written before it is meant to do battle with the likes of the Mercedes Benz S-Class, Lexus LS and BMW 7 Series, by the sticker price of $96,000.00? that right!

My only advice for Hyundai to refine the interior a little more, you will never get our $100k for nice care with a Sonata interior (the center computer looks like cheep plastic with a gearshift that came from the Hyundai Sonata.)

I will take that back , You will never get anyone to pay $100k for a Hyundai, No matter what you call it! If you want to play with the likes of Mercedes Benz or BMW you need to put in your Time, Money and craftsmanship just to be considered. Look at Lexus they are lucky they can get $80k for that LS , but they already have a proven recorded of reliability and quality.

Previously posted

If you think the Genesis sedan is nice, wait'll you get a load of Hyundai's home-market luxu-flagship, the Equus. The automaker has one prominently on display here at the New York Auto Show this week, and while it's supposed to merely be a "Look, this is how awesome we can be" thing (there's no plan for the Equus to be sold here at this time), you can bet Hyundai is taking note of people's reactions. Outside, the Equus is more ornate than the Genesis, with a bright grille, highly-polished wheels and a pedestrian-impaling hood ornament. The sheetmetal details are nice, too. We especially dig the subtle fender bulges over the rear wheels.

While that's all well and good, it's inside the cabin where the Equus shows that it's truly meant to do battle against the likes of the Mercedes S-Class, Lexus LS and BMW 7 Series. All the toys are present: push-button start, a console-mounted control interface for the in-car systems, classy wood accents, upmarket switchgear, and even Grey Poupon snack trays for the rear passengers. Oh, those rear passengers get massaging back seats, as well. It's very impressive looking and it stinks of quality. If Hyundai ever decides to gamble and attack the next price segment up from the Genesis sedan, they clearly have the ammo to do so. The Equus is the real deal.

Source: Sports Car Fans

2010 Kia Forte Koup

David Walker, LeaseTrader.com — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 14:57:07 GMT

2010 Kia Forte Koup

The New Kia Forte sedan was reveled at February’s Chicago auto show, and we knew a two-door variant was on the way. Today, the company unveiled that coupe, calling it the Forte Koup. We’re not sure why automakers feel the need to mess with the English language, but considering the trim levels of the Kia Soul use “!” and “+” in their names, this isn’t quite as annoying.

The Forte Koup offers a 156-horsepower, 2.0-liter four-cylinder with CVT, or 173-horsepower, 2.4-liter four-cylinder with six-speed manual or five-speed automatic

The bigger news is that the base engine gets 25/34 mpg city/highway, which is similar to the Focus’ mileage and 1 mpg less than the Civic coupe’s 26/34 mpg. However, the Kia has at least 10 more horsepower than either.

There are just two trim levels: the EX and the SX, which adds a more powerful engine and returns 22/32 mpg with a manual transmission and 23/31 mpg with an automatic.

Standard equipment on all Forte Koups include 16-inch alloy wheels, stability control, height adjustment for the driver’s seat, cruise control, a six-speaker sound system, Sirius Satellite Radio, steering-wheel-mounted audio controls, USB and standard auxiliary audio inputs, and Bluetooth hands-free phone connection.

Price will play a big factor in determining the Forte Koup’s value, but if recent releases like the affordable Soul are any indication, we’d guess the Forte Koup will be competitive.

SOURCE CARS.COM

Alfa Romeo Giulia

David Walker, LeaseTrader.com — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 21:46:25 GMT

NEW 2010 Alfa Romeo Giulia is US bound

2010 Alfa Romeo Giulia

Unconfirmed reports released yesterday state that the Fiat group will include the new 2010 Alfa Romeo Giulia in their plan with Chrysler LLC. Again, it is not confirmed but sources inside state that they are looking for the most marketable line of cars to bring to the US.

This is Alfa Romeo successor to the 159 and Alfa Romeo’s last attempt to revive the Giulia nameplate. The powertran has not been reviled, but we are told that Alfa is working directly with Maserati on a Rear wheel drive chassis.

Since the Fiat, Chrysler negotiations began this past month rumors have been flying on what model cars will be included in the overall plan. It’s not known if the new 159 “Giulia” is among the Alfa models bound for U.S, but it seems like a suitable candidate. The 8C Competizione and 8C Spider have already hit the beaches of the North American market, and the Alfa Romeo CXover sport utility seems like a good candidate.

The 1969 Alfa Romeo Giulia Coupe GT