Featured Vehicles

2013 Mercedes-Benz SL Debut

David Walker, LeaseTrader.com — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 17:40:39 GMT

2013 Mercedes-Benz SL Debut

It's the eve of press days at the Detroit Auto Show, and Mercedes-Benz has kicked off the week in fine style with the premiere of its 2013 SL. While the 60-year-old franchise has periodically undergone radical revisions, the sixth-generation should look familiar to anyone who has seen the outgoing model, but that doesn't mean that Benz hasn't tugged and pulled the SL every which way. While the general form looks very similar to the fifth-generation roadster, there are subtle tweaks everywhere, the most noticeable being the eagle's-eye LED daytime running lamps.

As before, the two-seat roadster relies on a power folding hardtop, though the folding roof can now be had with Magic Sky Control, the trick bit of electrochromatic glass with variable opacity first offered on the SLK. The original SL nomenclature stood for Sport and Lightweight, but in recent years, the latter descriptor hasn't really applied to the big coupe. The 2013 model seeks to reclaim some of that featheriness with a new all-aluminum structure and body, and Mercedes says the new SL550 weighs about 275 pounds less than the exiting model.

Powered by Mercedes' 4.6-liter twin-turbo V8, the SL550 delivers 429 horsepower at 5,250 rpm and a whopping 516 pound-feet of torque from 1,800 rpm. As before, that power is routed through a seven-speed auto to the rear wheels. Apart from its lightweight aluminum construction and downsized engine, Mercedes has made a few other concessions to greener motoring including standard stop/start. Despite this, the 32-percent swell in torque and 12-percent bump in horsepower means that 60 miles per hour hits in just 4.5 seconds – the old car required 5.2 seconds. Top speed is limited to 130 mph, and judging from the engine, it sounds like you'll be able to say hello to the governor rather quickly.

Over the years, Mercedes has made many contributions to the art of year-round top-down motoring, with items like heated seats, HVAC systems with dedicated top-down modes, Airscarf, and so on. For 2013, the SL gains a new wiper blade system dubbed Magic Vision Control that streams wiper fluid along the blade to avoid overspray into the interior when the top is dropped. The entire wiper is heated as well.

The model seen here is the limited edition "Edition 1" launch specification, which wears 19-inch AMG alloys, Designo leather, Airscarf, Harmon Kardon surround audio and available Designo crystal silver magno paintwork. We should know a bit more about pricing before the car arrives in dealers this spring

Press Release

The all-new 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL
The all-new 2013 SL continues a tradition that began 60 years ago. For six decades the letters "SL" have been synonymous with a blend of sport, style and comfort – infused with groundbreaking innovation. For the first time, the SL is being produced almost entirely from aluminum and consequently weighs considerably less than its predecessor. Its highly rigid all-aluminum bodyshell provides the basis for agile, sporty handling that has been taken to an entirely new level, coupled with outstanding bodyroll and ride characteristics. Even better driving dynamics come courtesy of the new direct injection engine, which is more powerful and economical than the outgoing generation. Other new features include the unique FrontBass system, which turns the luxury sports car into a concert hall – with the top down or up – and the highly efficient MAGIC VISION CONTROL. The 2013 SL550 will be available in U.S. showrooms this spring.
Compared with its successful predecessor, the 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL offers considerably more comfort and athletic character, setting new standards in the luxury roadster class. This includes amazing everyday usability, making the SL the most versatile of all sports cars. In short, anyone talking about the new SL is surely talking about the ultimate in passionate, refined motoring.
Dr. Dieter Zetsche, Chairman of the Board of Management of Daimler AG and Head of Mercedes-Benz Cars: "There are around 900 million cars in the world and thousands of models. But there is only a handful of automotive icons. Our SL is one of them: It has class, it has style, it is the ultimate in comfort and luxury. And it combines all that with an incredibly sporty and dynamic character. You would struggle to find a car that embodies Gottlieb Daimler's aspiration more perfectly than our new SL – the best or nothing."
Lighter and more rigid – sophisticated all-aluminum bodyshell
The 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL takes the meaning of the famous letters "SL" – sporty, lightweight – quite literally. Weight reduction across the board is one of the most outstanding design characteristics of the new SL, as was the case for its namesake, the original SL of 1952 with its lightweight tubular frame. For the first time, Mercedes-Benz has implemented an all-aluminum bodyshell in a series-production model. Only very few components are made from other materials. The designers used even lighter magnesium for the cover panel behind the fuel tank and roof. High-strength steel tubing is integrated into the A-pillars for added safety.
The new aluminum bodyshell weighs around 242 pounds less than it would using the steel technology of its predecessor. "The effect is as if a large passenger has stepped out of the car" says Dr. Thomas Rudlaff, responsible for the aluminum bodyshell at Mercedes-Benz. "The result is perceptible and measurable. Less weight means improved performance and efficiency. In other words, the driving pleasure increases and the environmental impact decreases."
In terms of rigidity, safety and comfort, the aluminum structure is superior to the previous model's steel construction. One contributing factor is its intelligent lightweight construction with components optimized for their specific task. As a result, diverse processes are used to make different kinds of aluminum depending on component use. The parts are made by chill casting or vacuum die casting, worked into extruded aluminum sections or into aluminum panels of varying thickness. The outcome – high rigidity and excellent safety combined with low resonance and vibrations.
The new SL is even more comfortable and has more assistance systems on-board than its predecessor, sacrificing some of the weight saved through the aluminum bodyshell as a result. Nevertheless, the scales show some astonishing readings – the 2013 SL550 weighs around 275 pounds less than its predecessor. This is due to a host of other intelligent details that Mercedes-Benz has also implemented in the new SL in addition to the aluminum bodyshell.
Driving pleasure – powerful engine and agile suspension
Powerful acceleration, effortless at all speeds, nimble on winding roads – the new SL delivers outstanding driving pleasure. As well as a powerful engine, the SL550 boasts a fine suspension that is both sporty and comfortable, and also features intelligent lightweight construction. The steering knuckles and suspension arms on the front axle, for instance, are also made from aluminum to reduce the unsprung masses. The same applies to virtually all the suspension components on the rear axle.
The new SL is available with two different suspension systems – with the Agility Control Suspension as standard equipment. The ABC (Active Body Control) suspension system is available as an option.
Both suspension variants are combined with a new electromechanical Direct-Steer system featuring speed-sensitive power steering and a ratio that can be varied in accordance with steering wheel angle. This provides excellent directional stability and safety when traveling at highway speeds, and adds to the SL's agility. It also reduces the amount of steering effort required when parking and maneuvering.
The new V8 in the SL550 develops 429 hp from its displacement of 4663 cc, which is around 12 percent more than its predecessor despite some 0.8 liters less displacement. Fuel consumption has been reduced while at the same time the torque has increased from 391 lb-ft to 516 lb-ft – a gain of 32 percent. The engine features an ECO stop/start function as standard equipment, while the 7-Speed Driver-Adaptive automatic transmission has been optimized for fuel consumption and comfort. The fuel economy of the direct injection engine does not detract in any way from the roadster's sporty character. Quite the opposite in fact – the SL550 takes just 4.5 seconds from 0 to 60 mph – eight tenths less than the previous SL550.
Interior – aesthetic, stylish, sporty
The 2013 SL combines its finely honed profile with a luxurious feel. Premium materials, perfectly finished with great attention to detail define the style and character of the interior.
Compared with its predecessor, the new-generation SL is much longer (1.97 inches) and wider (2.24 inches), providing more room for greater comfort in the interior, too. Shoulder room (1.46 inches) and elbow room (1.10 inches) have been increased, exceeding the norm for this class of vehicle. Clear lines create a coherent look & feel in this comfortable interior. A generous sweep of fine wood trim extends from the center console across the dashboard into the doors, creating a pleasant wrap-around effect. A choice of two wood trims is available. Perfectly in tune with the roadster's character, the interior combines the unpretentious atmosphere of a high-performance sports car with the comfortable, stylish ambience you might expect from a luxurious touring car.
Design – classic SL proportions
The designers have brought the latest generation of the SL to life with a firm foundation in tradition, but with new perspectives and visions. The result is a stylishly sporty and elegant luxury sports car with balanced proportions that are classic SL. The long hood gives way to a compact passenger compartment that is set well back. A wide, powerful rear end with a strong racing character provides the finishing touch. Just a few carefully drawn lines define the powerfully sculpted, yet calm surfaces along the flanks. Finely crafted details, a striking rear end plus ventilation grilles with chromed fins from the dynamic tradition of the Mercedes- Benz heritage evoke the SL legend.
An upright classic sports car radiator grille clearly identifies the new SL as a prestigious member of the current Mercedes-Benz sports car lineup. The centrally positioned star is a contemporary reinterpretation of the famous trademark, and now extends into the center section with its organically flowing contours.
Dynamically slanting headlamps set well to the outside frame the striking front end and give the new roadster its own unmistakable face. The Bi-xenon headlamps come with active curve illumination and corner illuminating lamps as a standard feature, as well as Adaptive Highbeam Assist. With different lighting functions tailored to typical driving and weather conditions and activated in accordance with the driving situation, they offer the driver a much better illuminated field of vision. The striking sidelights and the horizontal line of the daytime running lamps in the far ends of the bumper feature LED technology.
Retractable hard top – with optional MAGIC SKY CONTROL
The sixth generation of the SL also offers a retractable hard top that can be operated using a space-saving electrohydraulic mechanism, converting the SL from coupe to roadster and back again in a matter of seconds. In contrast to its predecessor, the new SL offers two versions of the retractable hard top – glass or the unique panoramic roof with MAGIC SKY CONTROL. The transparent roof switches between light and dark at the push of a button. In the light setting it is virtually transparent, offering an open-air experience even in cold weather. In its dark state the roof provides welcome shade and prevents the interior from heating up in bright sunlight. The frame of both versions is made from magnesium, reducing weight by around 13 pounds compared with the outgoing model, lowering the vehicle's center of gravity and delivering greater agility.
The engineers have refined the operating mechanism for the roof and trunk lid. It now takes less than 20 seconds to open or close the roof completely.
Aerodynamics – new standards
The design of the new SL is not only aesthetically beautiful, it also boasts outstanding aerodynamic characteristics, giving the roadster top marks in its segment in three crucial areas:
the lowest wind noise, virtually on par with a closed sedan;
the best comfort during open-air driving, meaning the roof can stay down even at high speed;
virtually no accumulation of dirt on the side windows.
Two world premieres – FrontBass and MAGIC VISION CONTROL
The 2013 SL remains true to its tradition as technological trendsetter with two innovations:
MAGIC VISION CONTROL is a new, intelligent and highly efficient wipe/wash system. The innovative wiper blade judiciously dispenses wash fluid just in front of the wiper blade via channels integrated into the blade – in both directions of travel. The result is no water splash on the windshield to disrupt driver visibility and a perfectly clean windshield. The water also stays on the windshield, with no risk of overspray into the passenger cabin when the roof is down. A fully heated wiper blade is included as standard equipment, preventing the build-up of snow and ice on the blade in winter. This heating function also allows warm water to be applied directly onto the windshield for the first time, even in cold temperatures.
Equally unique is the FrontBass system, which makes intelligent use of the spaces in the aluminum structures forward of the footwell. These spaces function as resonating chambers for the woofers and mark the first time ever that a sound system has been integrated into the body-in-white. As a result, the new SL features clear, rich bass sounds that deliver a concert hall ambience even with the top down. The new layout has the added bonus of freeing up space in the doors and interior.
Both innovations are part of the extensive standard equipment of the new SL.
HANDS-FREE ACCESS – swipe to open
The HANDS-FREE ACCESS system is another Mercedes-Benz innovation that provides easy, hands-free operation of the trunk lid. The driver simply moves their foot in the vicinity below the rear bumper. Mercedes-Benz is the only car maker to offer a system that not only automatically opens the trunk lid but closes it as well.
The safest roadster
The SL is the world's safest roadster, thanks to the collision-optimized aluminum structure, standard equipment that includes PRE-SAFE® and ATTENTION ASSIST, plus further assistance systems on the same high level as the S-Class. The rigid aluminum bodyshell forms a sturdy passenger compartment along with precisely defined deformation zones at the front and rear ends. The passenger compartment is protected in the event of the vehicle overturning by two roll-over bars and Apillars made from a mix of steel and aluminum. The restraint systems including the two-stage driver and front passenger airbags have been further developed, while a head airbag covers the side impact area. An additional thorax airbag in the seat backrest protects the upper body in the event of a side impact. Another new feature is the crash-responsive NECK-PRO head restraints developed by Mercedes- Benz which are also standard equipment in the SL.
One safety highlight in the standard equipment package is the unrivalled anticipatory occupant protection system PRE-SAFE® developed by Mercedes-Benz. If the system detects the imminent threat of an accident, it reflexively activates precautionary protective measures for the vehicle occupants, ensuring that the seat belts and airbags are able to provide maximum protection during an impact.
Additional post-impact measures supplement the integral safety concept and facilitate rapid assistance. Regardless of the severity of the impact, the doors are automatically unlocked after an accident, the interior lighting is activated and the side windows lowered by 2 inches to ventilate the interior more effectively. The steering wheel also moves upward.
Standard – ATTENTION ASSIST and ADAPTIVE BRAKE
A unique combination of driver assistance systems in the new SL helps prevent accidents. These include the drowsiness detection system ATTENTION ASSIST and the ADAPTIVE BRAKE, both of which are standard equipment. The latter features ABS, acceleration skid control (ASR) and active yaw control, and offers comfort and convenience functions in addition to safety features.
PRE-SAFE® Brake – autonomous partial and emergency braking in response to the serious risk of a rear-end collision
Optional equipment includes DISTRONIC PLUS adaptive cruise control with PRESAFE ® Brake, which is already well proven in other Mercedes-Benz models. The systems use radar sensors to detect the serious risk of a rear-end collision. The PRESAFE ® Brake warns the driver and can initiate autonomous braking if the driver fails to react, thus either preventing the accident or at least mitigating its severity. PRESAFE ® can also activate occupant protection measures.
Active Parking Assist – automatically maneuvers into a parking space
Active Parking Assist is new in the SL. Using ultrasound sensors it can identify parking spaces and automatically steer the vehicle into the selected space.
Infotainment – COMAND with internet access
COMAND with Internet access capabilities and DVD changer is standard equipment in the new SL. It provides Web browsing while the vehicle is stationary, along with access to Mercedes-Benz Apps – such as Google Local Search, Yelp and Facebook – with a paid subscription to Mercedes-Benz mbrace2 in-vehicle connected services after the complimentary trial period ends. There are also the options to send individual routes to the vehicle from Google Maps and destinations from iPhone® and Android® phones using the Mercedes-Benz mbrace Mobile App.
The COMAND system features a high-resolution 7-inch TFT color display (800 × 480 pixels) next to the instrument cluster. This screen arrangement helps to avoid driver distraction.
The 2013 SL550 will be available in U.S. showrooms this spring.
To coincide with the launch of the 2013 SL, Mercedes-Benz will also be offering a special-edition model, the "Edition 1", for a limited period. The "Edition 1" is superbly equipped and comes standard with AMG 19-inch alloy wheels, designo exclusive leather with contrasting topstitching, AIRSCARF, the Harman/Kardon® Logic7® surround sound system and much more. The designo crystal silver magno special paintwork is available exclusively for the "Edition 1". Interior upholstery is designo classic red/black exclusive with designo black piano lacquer wood trim.

TOP 20 VEHICLE MODEL SALES FOR 2011 YTD

David Walker, LeaseTrader.com — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 19:59:10 GMT

TOP 20 VEHICLE MODEL SALES FOR 2011 YTD

Dec-11

% Chg from
Dec '10

YTD 2011

Ford F - Series PU

68,278

24.4

584,917

Chevrolet Silverado PU

47,787

12.4

415,130

Toyota Camry / Solara

33,506

7.3

3
08,510

Dodge Ram PU

26,013

11.9

244,763

Nissan Altima

25,976

12.9

268,981

Ford Escape

25,574

36.8

254,293

Ford Fusion

21,622

-4.5

248,067

Honda CR-V

21,586

-6.7

218,373

Toyota Corolla / Matrix

21,009

-4.8

240,259

Honda Civic

20,545

-27.3

221,235

Chevrolet Equinox

18,195

-20.1

193,274

Honda Accord

17,667

-40

235,625

Jeep Grand Cherokee

17,346

127,744

Hyundai Sonata

17,340

8.6

225,961

Toyota Prius

17,004

8.7

136,463

Chevrolet Cruze

16,675

53.5

231,732

GMC Sierra PU

16,495

-1.8

149,170

Volkswagen Jetta

14,422

177,358

Ford Focus

14,281

12.1

175,717

Toyota RAV4

14,107

-19.3

132,237

Investors advise Proton to Sell Lotus

David Walker, LeaseTrader.com — Fri, 30 Dec 2011 17:47:12 GMT

Investors advise Proton to Sell Lotus

There's a lot of smoke going on over at Lotus, but we still have a while to wait before we get the first evidence of fire: the new Lotus Espirit and it's in-house V8 won't be here until 2013. On the other side of the world, there's a fair bit of smoke and fire happening at Malaysian automaker Proton, which owns Lotus.

The Malaysian government controls Proton and has been investigating a partnership for or sale of the company for a couple of years, but despite its efforts, it hasn't made any deals. The 28-year-old automaker has been losing large chunks of market share, and the government feels that sale to a well-funded global player would be the best solution to insure Proton's long-term future. Although it has named its chosen candidate for a purchase, it isn't clear if anyone has made any serious overtures to that end.

Outside observers believe the first thing Proton should do is get rid of Lotus. The mass-market Malaysian carmaker has almost nothing in common with the tiny, English niche sports car producer, and has done nothing but throw money at Lotus' carmaking arm since 1996 (Lotus Engineering, the technology consultancy, is profitable).

Proton has said it has no intention of selling Lotus. However, if Proton is sold then the new owners could reverse that stance. And if Lotus were unloaded, that puts everything CEO Dany Bahar has planned in serious doubt.
News Source: B

Subaru Tribeca SUV and Mazda6 mid-sized will be discontinued

David Walker, LeaseTrader.com — Tue, 10 May 2011 20:49:39 GMT

Subaru Tribeca SUV and Mazda6 mid-sized will be discontinued

TOKYO -- Two U.S.-b uilt Japan-brand vehicles may soon get the ax.

The Subaru Tribeca SUV and Mazda6 mid-sized Japan will be discontinued as their manufacturers seek to improve the efficiency of U.S. assembly plants, a Japan newspaper says.

Subaru has decided to stop r&d of a next-generation Tribeca and end production after the current version, the Nikkan Kogyo business daily reported today.

Meanwhile, Mazda plans to stop making the Mazda6 at the Flat Rock, Mich., plant it operates as a joint venture with Ford Motor Co. Doing so may lead to Mazda pulling out all together, the newspaper said.

A Subaru spokesman declined to comment on the report.

Mazda spokesman Jeremy Barnes denied the Mazda6 report, saying: "The Mazda6 will continue to exist -- no ifs, ands or buts about it.

He declined to comment, however, on production plans for the Flat Rock plant.

Ford spokesmen had no comment. Ford has previously declined comment on Mazda's plans.

Both Subaru and Mazda face some painful decisions on these troubled models.

Valuable space

The aging Tribeca, which saw flat sales of only 910 units in the year through April, is sucking up valuable production space at Subaru's Indiana plant, where the company is aching for more capacity to build the popular Outback and Legacy.

The Nikkan Kogyo didn't say when the Tribeca would be dropped. But the model, still on its first generation, was introduced in 2005.

Meanwhile, the Mazda6 is a big reason Mazda can't turn a regional operating profit in North America -- one of its most important markets.

The company planned to produce 100,000 Mazda6 units annually at the Flat Rock, Mich., plant, when the redesigned sedan was launched there in mid-2008. Then the financial crisis hit.

Last year the plant built only 45,168 units.

Mazda is cagey about what options it is mulling. If it quits producing the Mazda6, it could bring in another vehicle -- or Mazda could quit the plant completely. Speculation abounds in Japan that Mazda is eyeing a new, lower cost North American production base in Mexico.

Source: [ Automotive News ]

Forbes 2011 Worst Cars on the Road list

David Walker, LeaseTrader.com — Wed, 27 Apr 2011 22:20:32 GMT

Forbes 2011 Worst Cars on the Road list

Forbes has released its 2011 Worst Cars on the Road list, and the outcome is not pretty for American manufacturers. With the exception of the 2011 Mercedes-Benz S-Class, the 2011 Smart ForTwo and the 2011 Nissan Titan, the cars on the list are all American-made. Worse than that, they all come from two manufacturers: General Motors and Chrysler. Ford managed to avoid the list completely.

To determine which cars get the dubious honor and which don't, Forbes compiles results from six studies by Consumer Reports including the Most Reliable Cars Report, Best and Worst Safety Performance Survey, Best and Worst Fuel Economy, Highest Cost of Ownership, the Best and Worst Values Report and Consumer Reports' overall scores for new cars.

Chrysler made the list with the 2011 Chrysler Town & Country, which racked up dismal scores for reliability and cost of ownership. Both the 2011 Jeep Wrangler and the Jeep Liberty made the cut, with the Liberty scoring poorly for reliability and fuel economy. The Wrangler joined the Liberty in the reliability department, and also ranked for worst value, and made a spot on Consumer Reports' Worst Cars list. The 2011 Dodge Nitro and Dodge Dakota made the list for similar reasons.

The picture is almost as bleak at GM, where offerings from Chevrolet and Cadillac crowded the picture. The base model 2011 Cadillac Escalade earned spots on the Worst Value, Highest Cost of Ownership and Worst Safety Performance lists. The 2011 Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid hung with the Cadillac for Worst Value and safety, and earned a spot on the Least Reliable roster as well. The Chevrolet Aveo and Chevrolet Colorado rounded out the worst General Motors offerings for 2011

Check out the article FORBES The Worst Cars On The Road

Source: [ Forbes, Autoblog.com ]

Passengers on Back Seat Avoid Using Belts

David Walker, LeaseTrader.com — Mon, 14 Mar 2011 14:29:30 GMT

Passengers on Back Seat Avoid Using Belts

Present in all of the cars currently sold on the world's markets as a required safety feature, the seat belts for the rear seats rarely get used by those seated at the back of the cars. While this fact was generally known in the industry, a new study conducted by LeaseTrader.com shows the extent of the problem.

The trader questioned 1,000 men and 1,000 women from the US about the use of the rear seat belts, and found that about 80 percent of them do not wear a seat belt while riding in the back. The main reason, most of those questioned answered, was the fact that they... forget to buckle up.

According to the study, men use the back seat belts 14.3 percent of the time, while women said they wore one 18.4 percent of the time. The same people make extensive use of the seat belt while riding on the front seat, with each wearing it, on average,75.2 percent of the time.

In the US, there are still several states that do not have a law in place requiring back seat passengers to use the seat belts. As a consequence, in these states (Florida, Arizona, Colorado, New York, Pennsylvania), the people wear the seat belts even less, about 9.6 percent (for men) and 16.3 percent (for women).

“What’s most disturbing is that in this day and age of always-on news coverage and awareness, there is no excuse why more people aren’t wearing seat belts in all parts of the vehicle,” said Sergio Stiberman, LeaseTrader.com CEO.

Rear seat belt largely unused in the US

2012 Ford C-Max demonstrates its hands-free liftgate

David Walker, LeaseTrader.com — Mon, 20 Dec 2010 23:26:11 GMT

2012 Ford C-Max demonstrates its hands-free liftgate

2012 Ford C-Max shows off its hands-free liftgate

Fortune Magazine(s) Top 10 luxury rides

David Walker, LeaseTrader.com — Fri, 15 Oct 2010 18:51:24 GMT

Fortune Magazine(s) Top 10 luxury rides

Two-seat sports car: Ferrari F430 Scuderia

Starting price: $277,456

Power: 4.3-liter, 503-hp V8

2nd place : Porsche 911 Turbo

3rd place: Chevy Corvette

If you can stomach the price, this is a scary-fast, insanely competent (0 to 60 in 3.5 sec), sexy purebred that makes operatic engine sounds unlike any other. Oh yes, and former Formula 1 champion Michael Schumacher was crucial to its development.

Purists can argue about the superiority of a mid-engine V-8 Ferrari like the F430 vs. the big front-engine V-12 599 GTB, but my money goes to the playfulness of the mid-engine car. For those who prefer German, the 911 in any guise is unimpeachable, while Audi's R8 is the hottest new entrant. The Corvette, starting at $46,1000, is still the best deal around

2 + 2/GT car: Nissan GT-R

Starting price: From $69,850

Power: 480-hp 3.8-liter twin-turbocharged V-6

2nd place : Bentley Continental GT Speed

3rd place: Aston Martin DB9

When was the last time you were able to watch a g-meter record in real time the lateral forces you were pulling in while cornering, braking, and accelerating? The crazy-quick (0 to 60 in 3.3 sec), capable GT-R offers, in addition to race-car performance, Ultra-Low Emission Vehicle status in all 50 states.

Benchmarked against the Porsche 911 Turbo, this car is serious business on a budget -- and manages out-run its more expensive all-wheel drive competitors, including the 911 Turbo, the Lamborghini Gallardo, and the Audi R8. It may not have the hand-honed feeling of a European sports car, but picking on a little plastic in the interior is like pointing out a small blemish on a supermodel.

Small coupe: BMW M3

Starting price: From $56,500

Power: 414-hp V-8

2nd place : Audi S5

3rd place: Infiniti G37

It's almost boring to name the M3 the winner -- its engineering and emotional appeal make it a perennial standout. And yet, once in the driver's seat, there's nothing boring about its godlike dynamics, power, and technical prowess, This latest edition is the most serious track star yet, with a carbon fiber roof that not only looks trick to look at but saves weight, too.

Its high-performance pedigree stands out when you drive. BMW has built in multiple electronic systems to tailor the car's performance, from various levels of traction control, suspension sportiness, throttle response, transmission shift points, etc.

Large coupe: Bentley Brooklands

Starting price: From $340,990

Power: 6.7-liter, 550-hp V-8

2nd place : Rolls-Royce Phantom Drophead Coupe

3rd place: BMW M6

Bentley wins for its ability to craft a car that is exclusive to the extreme, -- only 550 will ever be built -- graceful in its grand proportions and flashy yet not overly ostentatious. It requires 660 man-hours to build one, and one man one month to match and finish the wood veneers alone.

The performance is no less to-the-manor-born: the 530-hp V-8 is the most powerful eight-cylinder Bentley has ever brought to market. The engine produces a jaw-dropping 774-ft lb of torque -- which produces what Bentley engineers rightly describe as a tidal wave of power.

Small sedan: Audi RS4

Starting price: $66,910

Power: 4.2-liter, 420-hp V-8

2nd place : Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG

3rd place: BMW 335xi

Ask an automotive engineer -- off the record -- to state a benchmark, and chances are he'll pick an Audi. And then there's a high-water mark like the RS 4, which is innovation-rich, ridiculously quick, and competent at everything from daily driving to track-tough floggings.

Touches like bi-xenon high intensity discharge headlights, an aggressive front diffuser, and a svelte spoiler on the rear deck are icing on a rocket.

Mid-size sedan: Jaguar XF Supercharged

Starting price: $62,975

Power: 420 hp 4.2-liter V-8

2nd place : BMW 550i

3rd place: Audi S6

If Jaguar's new owners, India's Tata Motors, needed any convincing about whether the British marque was capable of building great cars, the XF surely put those to rest.

The sexy XF is one of the freshest and chicest designs around, and compared to the competition, it's loaded for the money. Remarkably, the XK serves up that ever-elusive "customer surprise and delight" that car marketers drone on about but rarely deliver.

To wit: The start-stop button silently heart-throbs in red -- ba-boom, ba-boom, ba-boom -- and on start-up, all air vents swing open, while the cylindrical gear selector, which sits flush at rest, rises to the occasion. I applaud moving away from those old-fashioned forms and conventional ideas. Oh, and it drives like the wind, too.

Large sedan: Mercedes-Benz S550

Starting price: $86,700

Power: 382-hp V-8

2nd place : Maserati Quattroporte Automatic

3rd place: Lexus LS 600h L

Mercedes is masterful at crafting top-flight luxury sedans, and this latest edition of its flagship sets a new gold standard. The S550, although not as powerful as the super-high performance 518-hp S63 AMG, strikes the perfect balance between power (382 hp), space (109.4 cu. ft. of passenger space vs. 95.8 average for the competition), and relative value (the S63 AMG starts at $127,000).

Throw in the luxury-hotel feeling of the interior -- complete with concierge-like electronic systems -- and it's easy to see why Mercedes still owns this segment.

Crossover/Wagon: Lexus RX400h AWD

Starting price: $42,980

Power: 268-hp 3.3-liter V-6

2nd place : BMW X6

3rd place: Mercedes-Benz R320 CDI

Luxury? The RX400h is dripping with perks.

Gas mileage? 25 mpg average, 27 highway.

Conscience? It was the first luxury hybrid.

There's also an amazing 38.3 cu. ft. of cargo volume--suitcases ahead of the competition. And impressive refinements and Toyota dependability. Lexus thinks of everything.

Mid-size SUV: Porsche Cayenne GTS

Starting price: $69,300

Power: 405 hp 4.8-liter V-8

2nd place : Range Rover Supercharged

3rd place: Volvo XC90

Of all the Cayennes (there are now four models), this is the standout: The aggressive front and rear fascia come from the Cayenne Turbo, and a 20-mm-lower stance and improved dynamics give it insanely impeccable ride and handling. The performance is so good, you'll marvel at how Porsche engineers managed to make a 2 1/2 ton truck feel almost as dynamic as one of their precision sports cars.

Large SUV: Lexus LX 570

Starting price: $74,700

Power: 383-hp 5.7-liter V-8

2nd place : Audi Q7

3rd place: Cadillac Escalade

Elegance and proficiency are hard to bake into big SUVs -- but Lexus has. From a power-sliding middle row to more over-the-top gadgetry than any other SUV in its class (there is a 19-speaker Mark Levinson stereo, for example, and you can -- get this -- control the speed of the electric windows!).

Dynamically, systems such as Active Height Control and terrain-sensing antilock brakes (they allow the LX 570 to stop quickly even in sand, which normally defeats conventional ABS technology) make the LX 570 a superlative-spewing winner. If you need so many seats, you won't find better.

Jaguar targets L.A., New York and Miami for XJ sales

David Walker, LeaseTrader.com — Wed, 05 May 2010 16:59:51 GMT

Jaguar targets L.A., New York and Miami for XJ sales

Everyone is most certainly going hear about the new Jaguar XJ. Jaguar has targeted the three most entertainment-oriented cities in the United States - Los Angeles, New York and Miami.

Jaguar believes it has the greatest chance of marketing its new model by using the most influential people in the entertainment world. Like an NBA Player marketing sneakers for kids, it will be a must have item!

Stuart Schorr, a Jaguar vice president. Said "We felt like a small brand, we needed to do something bold and concentrated,"

To give you some background , Jaguar sell more than half of its cars in that three city market, making one believe that the glam and glitz influence shoppers to be noticed.

Just this past week Jaguar held a special presentation for executives and agents from one of the world’s largest talent and literary agencies in Los Angeles, International Creative Management (ICM), hoping to get a buzzabout the new XJ in the industry.

We are told that Jaguar will be spending tens of millions of dollars on marketing in the three city market, from TV ads to hundreds of billboards "we're everywhere," said Schorr

The 2011 Jaguar XJ will have 2 modes with 3 choices per model

The XJ and an XJL will be priced from $71,650 for the base XJ model to $114,150 for the XJL Supersport model.

2011 Jaguar XJ Details

4dr Sedan XJ (3)	MSRP/Invoice	Fuel City/Hwy
4dr Sedan XJ Specs	$71,650 / $65,202	16 / 23
4dr Sedan XJ Supercharged Specs	$86,650 / $78,852	15 / 21
4dr Sedan XJ Supersport Specs	$111,150 / $101,147	15 / 21
4dr Sedan XJL (3)	MSRP/Invoice	Fuel City/Hwy
4dr Sedan XJL Specs	$78,650 / $71,572	15 / 22
4dr Sedan XJL Supercharged Specs	$89,650 / $81,582	15 / 21
4dr Sedan XJL Supersport Specs	$114,150 / $103,877	15 / 21

2011 Jaguar XJ Powertrains and Performance

The 2011 Jaguar XJ is powered by a 5.0-liter V8 that produces 385 hp and 380 pound-feet of torque. As with all XJ models, a six-speed automatic with manual shift control is standard. Jaguar estimates a 0-60-mph sprint of 5.4 seconds and combined fuel economy of 19 mpg.

The 2010 Jaguar XJ Supercharged features a supercharged 5.0-liter V8 good for 470 hp and 424 lb-ft of torque. Jaguar estimates a 0-60 time of 4.9 seconds and combined fuel economy of 18 mpg.

The 2010 Jaguar XJ Supersport gets a more powerful version of the supercharged V8 good for 510 hp and 461 lb-ft of torque. Jaguar estimates a 0-60 time of 4.7 seconds and combined fuel economy of 18 mpg.

To find out more about the Jaguar XJ visit website our website and Jaguar.com

2011 Hyundai Elantra, photo’s

David Walker, LeaseTrader.com — Fri, 30 Apr 2010 14:15:28 GMT

2011 Hyundai Elantra, photo’s

Hyundai is working on a brand new generation of its Elantra sedan that’s due to go on sale later this year as a 2011 model, but we can already get a look at the new car thanks to the unveiling of its South Korean cousin, the Avante, at the 2010 Busan Auto Show this week.

With sportier and even more elegant lines than its predecessor, the new Elantra features a design shared with the 2011 Hyundai Sonata and dominated by a coupe-like profile with tapered back headlights.
Premium features fitted on the Avante model include HID headlights, heated seats and a color LCD nestled in the instrument cluster. Here in the U.S. the current generation Elantra is priced from less than $15,000 and competes with the likes of the Toyota Corolla and Ford Focus, so expect many of these luxury amenities to be absent when the car arrives in local showrooms.

Hyundai is yet to confirm which powertrain options will be available on the 2011 Elantra but in South Korea the Avante is debuting with a new 1.6-liter GDI (gasoline direct injection) engine rated at 140 horsepower and matched to a six-speed automatic gearbox. This combination is said to be 10 percent more fuel efficient than the powertrain setup in the current 2010 model.

The Elantra is Hyundai’s most popular model, with sales of more than six million units worldwide since the car’s launch back in 1990. The new 2011 Hyundai Elantra will go on sale in the second half of the year and is only set to build on that past success.

[GreenCarReports.com , Hyundai]