Diesel Touareg Arrives in May

Buyers qualify for a motor vehicle income tax credit

Volkswagn Touareg TDI

Fans of the Volkswagen Jetta TDI will be pleased to know that the Touareg, a fully off-road capable sport-utility vehicle, is joining the clean diesel family. The Volkswagen Touareg TDI rolls into US dealerships next month. Base price is $42,800: buyers qualify for a $1,150 federal income tax credit.

The six-cylinder turbocharged engine rated at 225 horsepower produces 407 foot-pounds of torque, making it an ideal choice for towing. The diesel Touareg averages 25 miles-per-gallon on the highway, and has a range of over 600 miles between fill-ups.

Engineers utilized third-generation common rail fuel injection to minimize emissions and enhance gas mileage. The technology delivers fuel to the engine at extremely high pressure to reduce the amount of unburned fuel. Eight-hole injector nozzles spray a fine mist of fuel directly into the engine cylinders, to optimize combustion.

A new type of catalytic converter on the Touareg TDI converts oxides of nitrogen, one of four major exhaust pollutants, into nitrogen and water. An aqueous solution of urea is sprayed into the exhaust stream ahead of the catalyst. The solution reacts with the nitrogen oxides, splitting them into nitrogen and water. The solution itself is nontoxic, odorless and biodegradable.

Volkswagen is equipping the Touareg TDI with a high level of standard safety features, including front, side and side curtain airbags, vehicle stability control, tire pressure monitoring and an intelligent crash response program. Buyers can opt to add adaptive cruise control, and lane change assistant that monitors blind spots to the sides and back of the car.

All models come with a bumper-to-bumper three-year warranty that includes 24-hour roadside assistance and three years of free scheduled maintenance.

Mercedes-Benz Unveils S 400 Hybrid

Automaker stages world premier of its flagship sedan at Auto China

Dr. Dieter Zetsche presents the new S-Class and E-Class in Shanghai

Dateline: Shanghai. This week, Mercedes-Benz took the wraps off the 2009 S-Class at Auto China: the international auto show in Shanghai. China is now the biggest market for the automaker’s flagship sedan: sales growth exceeded thirty percent over the past year.

S-Class offerings include the new S 400 Hybrid and redesigned S 65 AMG. The new hybrid is capable of going 100 kilometers or about 62 miles on 7.9 liters of gasoline: less than two gallons. The powertrain has extremely low carbon dioxide emissions: carbon dioxide is a major contributor to global warming.

In addition, the S-Class will be available with several gasoline and clean diesel engines, paired up with a seven-speed automatic transmission. Enhanced safety technology includes speed limit assist, attention assist, drowsiness detection and adaptive high beam assist.

Night view assist technology that debuted on the outgoing model now features pedestrian detection. When the system recognizes pedestrians in front of the car, it highlights them in the display to make them more noticeable.

BlueZERO concepts

Mercedes-Benz introduced three new electric car concepts in Shanghai. They include a battery-driven electric car with a range of up to 125 miles, a fuel cell with a range of over 250 miles, and an extended-range electric car that can travel 62 miles on electric power, with an overall range of 372 miles.

Shanghai was also the site for the Asian E-Class debut. Enhanced safety features on the new E-Class include drowsiness detection, adaptive high beam assist and automatic emergency braking.

Toyota Releases 2010 Prius Pricing

Third-generation hybrid goes on sale in May

2010 Toyota Prius

This week, Toyota released pricing for the all-new 2010 Prius hybrid that rolls into dealerships next month. The new model comes in five grades, but only four come available in May. Pricing on those grades ranges from $22,000 for the Prius II, to $27,270 for the upscale Prius V. The base Prius I, priced from $21,000 rolls out later this year.

Toyota expects the Prius II to be its volume leader. Standard equipment includes keyless start, fifteen-inch wheels, a multi-information display with energy monitor, MP3-compatible audio system with satellite radio connectivity, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel and six-way driver’s seat. The Prius II features Toyota’s star safety system that integrates antilock braking, traction and vehicle stability control, seven airbags and cruise control.

The Prius V is the sportiest model, with standard seventeen-inch alloy wheels, LED headlamps and integrated foglamps. Power for all models comes from a 1.8-liter engine and electric motors rated at 134 horsepower, with a continuously variable automatic transmission. Average fuel economy is 50 miles-per-gallon.

A navigation package available on the III, IV and V grades adds a JBL audio upgrade and Bluetooth connectivity. An optional solar roof panel available on the Prius III and IV includes remote air conditioning: the driver turns on the air conditioner using a button on the remote fob. Buyers of the upscale Prius V can add an advanced technology package with navigation, dynamic cruise control, pre-collision, lane keep assist and park assist.

Pricing does not include a $750 delivery charge.

2009 Toyota Corolla Matrix S

Five-door hatchback is a great value for active lifestyles

By Nina Russin

2009 Toyota Matrix S

The Corolla Matrix is an ideal choice for buyers needing a compact car with enough versatility for active lifestyles. Its base price of $19,550 doesn’t break the bank. Available all-wheel drive on the mid-grade S model adds all-weather capability. The rear seats are easy to fold flat, creating a cargo floor long and wide enough to hold my mountain bike with the front wheel in place.

The Matrix has better-than-average good fuel economy: 21/29 mpg city/highway for the automatic model tested. Its 1.8-liter and 2.4-liter engines aren’t barn burners, but they do a good job around town, in typical highway traffic, and have enough low-end torque for a drive through the mountains.

The Corolla’s platform’s small  footprint functions well in crowded cities. Testing one on narrow streets in the Midwest, I found the Matrix easy to parallel park, and slip into the compact parking spots in area garages. Visibility is good all the way around the car: front and rear wipers keep the glass clear in rain and snow.

Ground clearance is 5.3 inches: not enough to clear obstacles on true off-road trails. On the other hand, the car’s low liftover height makes it easier to load up the back and reach the top. The test car has an optional rubber step on the rear bumper that also protects the paint from scratches. Read the rest of this entry »

2009 Shanghai Motor Show Begins

Chinese market growth attracts Automakers’ debuts and green initiatives

By Jol Dantzig

Porsche Panamera World Premier

Record numbers of automakers have come to China to participate in the Shaghai Motor Show which opened today, Monday April 20th. Despite the financial turndown around the globe, China remains a strong market for cars, showing an increase of 5% in March. The rise in sales is across all ranges and accordingly displays of major and minor brands included luxury, exotic and increasingly more hybrid and alternative fueled vehicles as well.

As if to underscore the importance of this show, Porsche chose Shanghai for the world launch of the Panamera, the maker’s first-ever four-door sedan. Porsche is also promising a hybrid version in the near future. Hybrids from Toyota, Honda and Nissan are featured prominently along with Ford’s Fusion and eco-friendly Iosis MAX concept. Similarly, Mercedes Benz is highlighting their new C Class with Bluetec Diesel technology.

Clearly, the emphasis on green engineering for China and the rest of the world is on display in Shaghai. How soon we see all of these ideas here in the US may depend upon their reception overseas.

2009 Ford F-150 Supercrew

Ford’s newest light-duty pickup truck features enhanced cargo, towing and safety technology

By Nina Russin

2009 Ford F-150

The F-150 Supercrew has more affinity to sport-utility vehicles than traditional pickup trucks, despite the open cargo bed. This isn’t to say that Ford’s best-selling pickup lacks toughness or durability. It’s fully off-road capable, and has a 11,000 pound towing capacity.

Crew cabs, especially upscale models, are all about the passengers. The F-150 Lariat has many of the same comfort and convenience features as luxury SUVs: navigation, satellite radio, downloadable hard drive, 5.1 surround sound audio, heated and cooled leather seats, and a power moon roof. The only thing missing is a rear-seat DVD unit for the kids.

The new crew cab is six inches longer than the previous model, offering second-row passengers more legroom. The rear seats flip up and out of the way to create a large cargo space behind the front seats.

The white metal flake exterior is almost too sweet to get dirty: ditto for the twenty-inch aluminum wheels. A three-bar chrome grille, similar to the design on the F-Series super duty trucks, is macho enough for the rodeo king.

Easier to load

Designers added some important features that ease cargo box access. An available box sidestep on 6.5 and 8-foot Styleside boxes stows under the cargo box when not in use. The eleven-inch step deploys with the push of a button, and holds up to 500 pounds.

Ford has added the available rear tailgate step introduced on its super duty series to the F-150 lineup. The step, which is integrated into the tailgate, can support up to 300 pounds.

An optional bed extender legnthens the Supercrew’s relatively short cargo bed. The bed extender adds a couple feet of storage space by securing cargo with the tailgate down. It can also act as a divider, to keep smaller items from shifting around.

A cargo management system available with the 6.5-foot cargo bed adds side rails and cleats for securing items. Side mounted tool bins hold up to sixty pounds and are waterproof. A lockable toolbox available on regular and Supercabs provides lockable, weather and dustproof storage, mounted to the front of the cargo box.

Easier to drive

Ford added a couple of key features that enhance visibility around the truck and make it easier to tow large trailers. A rearview camera on the test truck displays a wide angle view to the rear on the navigation screen, when the driver shifts into reverse. It’s a feature I strongly recommend to parents with small children. Considering the F-150’s large footprint, the rearview camera also makes parking much easier.

An integrated trailer brake controller lets the driver to operate the trailer’s electronic brakes using a control module on the instrument panel. Trailer sway control works in conjunction with the truck’s traction and roll stability control systems to determine if the trailer is swaying. The system can apply the truck brakes or reduce engine power to bring the trailer under control.

A tow-haul mode modifies transmission shift points to boost power on uphill grades. The system downshifts on downhill grades to add engine braking, and can apply the truck’s brakes as necessary. Read the rest of this entry »

Scion xB Gets Audio Upgrade

2010 model features 160-watt Pioneer head unit with no price increase

Scion xB

The Scion xB gets an audio upgrade for 2010: a 160-watt Pioneer head unit. Base MSRP remains the same: $15,750 for cars with the five-speed manual transmission, and $16,700 for the four-speed automatic. MSRP doesn’t include a $670 delivery charge.

USB and auxiliary ports allow owners to plug in iPods or MP3 players, and listen to them through the xB’s six Pioneer speakers. Music is controlled through the head-unit and steering-wheel mounted audio controls.

Scion is also offering a new Alpine premium unit that’s navigation and back-up camera ready. The 200-watt Alpine system includes a 4.3-inch thin film transfer screen, high-definition radio technology and a media expander. An available navigation unit uses the Alpine head unit for display. Navigation features include voice guidance, day and night screen modes, support in English, French and Spanish, and 200 available address book entries.

Both the Pioneer and Alpine systems are prewired for satellite radio, and have MP3, AAC and WMA capability. Both units also feature speed-sensitive volume.

All Scions come with standard power steering, windows and door locks, keyless entry, four-wheel antilock brakes, front, side and side curtain airbags, and a tilt steering wheel. Monospec pricing eliminates haggling at the dealership.

The 2010 models roll out later this month.

Volvo Launches Three New Child Restraints

Infant, convertible and booster seats protect children from birth to age ten

Volvo Infant Seat

Volvo is taking child safety beyond the automobile with three new seats, developed in conjunction with Britax Romer. A rear-facing infant seat protects newborns up to about a year: a handle makes it easy to carry to and from the car. A convertible seat allows children to face rearward or forward, and is comfortable for the child to sit or sleep in. The booster seat fits children between ages four and ten: it ensures correct positioning of the car’s safety belts over the child’s thighs and shoulder.

“With our new rearward facing child restraints, children can travel rearward for far longer than before, something that may save many lives,” says Jessika Andreasson, product manager at Volvo. Volvo recommends that children travel facing rearward as long as possible, preferably up to age four or more.

At this age, the child’s neck is still growing and the head is proportionately larger than an adult’s. If the child is facing rearward, collision forces from a frontal impact spread across the back and the head, reducing the load on the neck.

The booster seat protects an older child’s underdeveloped hips and the abdomen by positioning the belt correctly across the thigh. All three of the safety seats have undergone thorough evaluation, including crash testing. All of the fabrics are allergy free: the covers are removable and machine washable.

Volvo will sell the new child seats at its dealerships in Europe and Asia, beginning this summer. No word yet as to when or if the automaker will bring its child safety seats to the United States.

Aston Martin Rapide Debuts This Fall

Automaker plans to deliver first production models in early 2010

Aston Martin Rapide

Aston Martin’s first production four-door sports car is in the last stages of development. The automaker will sign off on the final stages of climate, endurance and performance testing at Nurburgring, before introducing the production car in September.

Director of design, Marek Reichman, describes the Rapide’s styling as a ‘long distance runner,’ compared to the sprinter-like stance of the Aston Martin V8 Vantage and DBS.

Up front, two ‘swan wing’ doors rise up and out as they swing open. The Aston Martin side strake extends through the front doors into the rear doors, creating an illusion of motion. A character line sweeps up and around the rear wheel arches, enveloping the back two doors.

Power comes from a six-liter, V12 engine rated at 470-horsepower, produced at the company’s engine plant in Cologne, coupled with a Touchtronic gearbox. The automaker has yet to reveal acceleration figures: no doubt they’ll be impressive.

The interior follows in Aston Martin’s tradition of incorporating upscale materials, assembled by hand. Press materials describe the Rapide’s rear seats as being large enough for children or adults on short trips. If nothing else, the rear seats might lower what will likely be exorbitant insurance costs.

Production takes place at an all-new plant in Graz, Austria, managed by Magna Steyr, and coordinated by an Aston Martin team from the UK.

“In 2010, there will be an Aston Martin for every type of sports car customer regardless of the demands of their lifestyle, said chief executive, Dr. Ulrich Bez. “The Rapide is the most versatile, bringing a new benchmark of luxury and refinement to both driver and passenger.

Mitsubishi Begins Production of i MiEV

Four-passenger electric car goes on sale in Japan this July

Mitsubishi i MiEV

Mitsubishi Motors is taking its I MiEV (Mitsubishi Innovative Electric Vehicle) into production: fleet sales begin this July in Japan.

Power for the four-passenger I MiEV comes from a 22-cell, lithium-ion battery pack. Lithium Energy Japan, a joint venture between GS Yuasa, Mitsubishi Corporation and Mitsubishi Motors, produces the proprietary batteries.

The battery pack is located under the car’s floor, to maximize interior space. An onboard charger recharges in 12 to 14 hours using a conventional 110-volt outlet, about half that time using 220-volt.

The automaker has conducted cold-weather testing of production prototypes at its research and development facility in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Mitsubishi has also partnered with Southern California Edison and Pacific Gas and Electric, to explore infrastructure options and connectivity to the electric grid.

At the New York International Auto Show, Mitsubishi announced a partnership with the state of Oregon and Portland General Electric, to test production prototypes.

“We believe the I MiEV delivers on the promise of sustainability, suitable range, performance and innovative packaging and styling,” said Mitsubishi Motors North America president and CEO, Shinichi Kurihara.  “The state of Oregon and Portland General Electric will become valuable partners in helping validate the future of all electric cars.”