2010 Mercedes-Benz E350 Coupe

Four-passenger coupe replaces the CLK

By Nina Russin

2010 Mercedes-Benz E350 Coupe

This year, Mercedes-Benz combines its mid-sized coupe and sedan within the E-Class series. The 2010 E-Class coupe replaces the CLK, adding a standard panoramic sunroof and enhanced safety features over the former model.

The new coupe’s most obvious attribute is its style: the car is drop-dead gorgeous. While visceral appeal shouldn’t be the sole determinant for a new car purchase, style matters. Given the choice between surrounding myself with beauty or blight, I’ll choose beauty any day of the week.

Up front, two large rectangular headlamps frame the grille and Mercedes-Benz emblem. By eliminating the B-pillar, designers create a continuous sweep of glass from the front of the car to the back. Not only do the frameless doors enhance the coupe’s appearance, they also maximize over-the-shoulder visibility.

The standard panoramic sunroof consists of two glass panels, giving both rows of occupants an abundance of ambient light. Mouse controls on the center console and steering wheel allow the driver to program the audio and navigation systems with a minimum of confusion. By eliminating excess buttons, the designers created a clean, modern-looking instrument panel. Read the rest of this entry »

Lexus Displays Compact Hybrid Concept in LA

LF-Ch makes North American debut at auto show in December

Lexus LF-Ch Hybrid Concept

Following the introduction of the HS 250h, Lexus’ first dedicated  hybrid car, the automaker is unveiling what may be the second. The Lexus LF-Ch, a five-door hybrid concept, made its world debut this month in Frankfort. In December, the compact LF goes on display at the Los Angeles Auto Show.

The LF-Ch has North American roots: designers from Toyota’s Calty Design Research Center in Newport Beach oversaw the project. The idea is to appeal to young urbanites looking for a combination of style, sporty performance, and a green footprint.

Designers blacked out the B-pillar and hid the rear door entry button, giving the LF-Ch the appearance of a coupe. An aggressive grille, front air dam and bright LED headlamps complete the sporty exterior.

Inside, the LF-Ch seats four passengers. High-tech features include integrated paddle shifters on the steering wheel, and headrest-mounted iPod docking capability for the rear passengers. Lexus’ remote touch controller uses a mouse device, allowing both the driver and front passenger to operate the navigation, audio and climate systems.

The LA Auto Show at the Los Angeles Convention Center opens to the public December 4, and runs through December 13th. For more information on the auto show, visit the official web site.

New Honda Personal Mobility Device

U3-X provides free movement in all directions

Honda U3-X

Honda has conducted robotics research since the mid-1980s, to develop technology that mimics walking. The U3-X is a single-wheel device that fits between the rider’s legs. The U3-X mimics walking, in that it can move in all directions: forward, side-to-side and diagonally. The rider controls the direction by shifting his body weight.

An incline sensor detects the incline of the device based on the rider’s weight shift. It uses this information to determine the rider’s intention in terms of direction and speed.

Multiple small-diameter motor-controlled wheels are connected in-line to form one large-diameter wheel. The large diameter wheel moves the device forward and backward. Moving the small-diameter wheels causes the device to move side-to-side. By combining the movements the device moves diagonally.

The U3-X’s lightweight monocoque body stows a foldable seat, footrests and body cover. The device weighs about 22 pounds.

Honda will showcase the U3-X at the upcoming Tokyo Motor Show at the end of October. The U3-X runs on a lithium ion battery: it will run for one hour when fully charged.

Truck News from the Texas State Fair

Toyota and Ford unveil new models in the nation’s biggest truck market

2011 Ford F-Series Super Duty

Toyota and Ford reached out to truck fans attending the Texas State Fair in Dallas by unveiling two new models: the 2010 Toyota 4Runner, and 2011 Ford F-Series Super Duty. The fifth-generation 4Runner appeals to off-road enthusiasts with a more powerful V6 engine, and new off-road handling features such as a multi-terrain select system. The 2011 F-Series Super Duty series trucks are available with a new turbocharged diesel engine that’s biodiesel compatible. Read the rest of this entry »

2010 Mazda CX-7 i Sport

Five-passenger crossover gains in fuel economy

By Nina Russin

2010 Mazda CX-7

Mazda has a talent for making the most mundane car fun to drive, without sacrificing practicality or value. Nowhere is this more apparent than in the CX-7: the smaller of the automaker’s two crossover vehicles.

This year, the five-passenger CX-7 gets a new four-cylinder engine, available on the front-wheel drive models. While it lacks the power of the 2.3-liter turbo, the new engine delivers exceptional highway fuel economy, while maintaining enough low-end torque to satisfy the average commuter. During the test drive, my highway fuel economy exceeded the 28 mpg EPA estimate.

Drivers will immediately find value in convenience features such as the rear backup camera, digital information display, multiple power points and Bluetooth interface. But greater value lies beneath the car’s surface.

For example, Mazda employs chain rather than belt drives, which are more durable over the long haul. Four-wheel vented disc brakes with four-channel antilock braking provide superior stopping power in a variety of weather conditions. Balance shafts eliminate the vibration and noise that can be the bane of large, four-cylinder engines. Read the rest of this entry »

Volvo Tests Electric Car Safety

Safety center tests battery protection in electric C30

Volvo crash tests the electric C30

Electric cars have great potential in the market, since they are a viable alternative to gas-powered vehicles. But their large battery packs present some serious safety risks in the event of a collision.

Following the reveal of its electric C30, Volvo describes how its safety lab is evaluating the battery pack’s integrity. Safety testing includes five scenarios: normal driving, changes in performance, accident avoidance, collision, and post collision.

For normal driving, safety engineers determine if each battery cell maintains the correct voltage and operating temperature by regulating the cooling system. Since the battery pack weighs about 150 kilograms (330 pounds), it changes the vehicle’s front-to-rear weight balance. Engineers must make sure that the brakes, dynamic stability and traction control systems can handle the extra weight.

Volvo uses accident avoidance technology including collision warning and city safety to prevent or reduce the severity of collisions. Volvo’s proprietary city safety system debuted on the new XC60. The system automatically applies the brakes if the driver is distracted in stop-and-go-traffic. It can prevent rear-end collisions at speeds under 19 miles-per-hour.

To protect passengers if a collision occurs, the battery is encapsulated between the car’s wheel housings. Structural elements prevent intrusion to the area around the battery. If battery damage occurs, special ducts evacuate gas leaks away from the car and its occupants. At the point of impact, crash sensors signal the car’s on-board computer to shut off power, preventing a short circuit.

After the collision, the battery has a security cut-out that works like a circuit breaker. It shuts down and isolates the battery if current travels in the wrong direction. This could occur if the battery leads are pressed together as a result of the collision.

Bridgestone unveils two new Blizzaks

Winter tires enhance traction on snow and ice

Bridgestone Blizzak DM-V1

Tires are like running shoes: the more specific the application, the better the tires function. The difference between winter tires and all-season radials is that the former are compounded for colder temperatures than the latter. As a result, they stay stickier in extreme cold temperatures, for improved grip.

Winter tires also have different tread patterns, designed to maximize traction on snow, rain and ice-covered roads. The treads typically have larger void or open areas, and sipes: rubber blades that scrape standing water out of the tire’s way.

While winter tires may seem like an unnecessary investment, they can make a significant difference in performance for drivers who live in areas with severe weather. Bridgestone Blizzaks are known for their quality and value: they rival the performance of more expensive European brands.

This year Bridgestone is introducing two new Blizzak models: the R-rated DM-V1 for high-performance cars, and the H-rated LM-60, for more general applications. The DM-V1 uses a proprietary rubber compound to disperse water. A directional tread pattern enhances performance on dry roads, while “multi-Z” tread grooves improve grip on snow and ice.

The Bridgestone LM-60 was designed specifically for North American road conditions, with continuous lugs and zigzag sipes to enhance snow and ice traction. Grooves around the tires’ circumference channel water out of the way, in order to prevent hydroplaning.

The Bridgestone web site has more complete information on the complete line of Blizzak winter tires. The Tire Rack, based in South Bend, Indiana, is a good resource for information as well as products. Their web site includes product reviews by in-house evaluators, as well as information on regional tire installers. The Tire Rack has a huge inventory of tires from all of the major manufacturers, and can drop ship tires throughout the United states.

2010 GMC Terrain

Big truck features in a compact package

2010 GMC Terrain

The 2010 GMC Terrain shares chassis components with the compact Chevrolet Equinox. Designer John Cafaro Jr. gave the Terrain a more aggressive front end than its Chevrolet sibling, featuring a three-bar chrome grille and large headlamps. Although they share a 112.5-inch wheelbase, the Terrain is slightly longer than the Equinox, translating to a larger cargo bay.

The second-row seat slides fore and aft up to eight inches, making it easier for parents to install a rear-facing infant seat, or to extend the cargo floor. The 60/40 split rear seats also fold flat to make the Terrain bicycle friendly.

Buyers have a choice of two engines: a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine or more powerful V6. Both come with a standard six-speed automatic transmission, and both are available with either front or all-wheel drive. In eco mode, the four-cylinder engine averages 32 miles-per-gallon on the highway. The mode switches the transmission from a liquid to friction coupling at lower speeds to save gas.

The 264-horsepower V6 appeals to buyers who need to tow trailers, meeting our ALV 3500-pound towing capacity. All models come with a fully-independent suspension, front and rear disc brakes with four-channel antilock braking. The base model rides on 17-inch wheels: buyers can upgrade to 18 or 19-inch rims.

Inside, the Terrain offers many features normally limited to larger sport-utility vehicles, including an available two-screen rear entertainment system. All models come with standard USB and Bluetooth interface, XM satellite radio, remote vehicle start, and an available navigation system with 10-gigabyte downloadable hard drive.

A programmable power liftgate allows the driver to adjust the height of the door, making it easier to open and close. A standard rear backup camera eliminates blind spots to the back of the vehicle.

Standard safety features include front, side and side curtain airbags, electronic stability control, antilock brakes, and a year of complimentary OnStar Safe and Sound Service.

Pricing for the Terrains starts at $24,995 for the front-wheel drive four-cylinder model. The upscale SLT2 model with standard 18-inch wheels, heated leather seats, a sunroof and power liftgate starts at $29,995. All prices include the $745 destination charge.

GMC builds the Terrain at General Motors’ Ingersoll, Ontario assembly plant.

2010 Kia Forte SX

Kia’s stylish new compact sedan is an ALV super value

By Nina Russin

2010 Kia Forte

Kia and I have history together. When the Korean automaker began selling cars in North America fifteen years ago, I was one of the journalists who took an active interest. Driving the Forte brings back memories of the Sephia: Kia’s first North American model.

The Sephia couldn’t match the build quality of comparable Toyota and Honda sedans. What Kia offered was value: buyers who would otherwise be forced to buy a used car could afford a Sephia.

Over time Kia raised its internal bar, improving fit and finish across the model line-up. By the end of the 1990s, the automaker led its competitive segments in terms of standard safety, while maintaining its value pricing strategy.

Opening a North American design studio gave Kia the ability to respond quickly to styling trends. This year, a brand new production facility in Georgia gives Kia a similar footprint in North America to its Asian and European competitors.

The 2010 Forte replaces the compact Kia Spectra. Kia rolled out the first model, the Forte sedan, last spring. The two-door Forte Koup rolls into dealerships this Fall. So far, Kia hasn’t announced plans to build a five-door model. But considering the success of the Spectra5, it would be surprising if a hatchback isn’t in the works. Read the rest of this entry »

2009 Nissan NISMO 370Z

Performance model takes Nissan’s sports car to the next level

By Nina Russin

2009 Nissan NISMO 370Z

NISMO is Nissan’s performance arm: responsible for producing specially-tuned cars, parts and accessories. Whereas the Nissan 370Z is a sports car that can go to the track, the NISMO 370Z is a street-legal race car.

The NISMO grade is one of three 370Z models available, the other two being the coupe and roadster. Based on the coupe, the NISMO 370Z comes in one completely-equipped version, including a retuned exhaust for enhanced engine power, close-ratio six-speed manual gearbox, bigger wheels, special suspension and brakes. Nissan’s front-midship platform creates a near-perfect front-to-rear weight ratio: 53/47.

Designers added functional ground effects and a rear spoiler to the exterior, while the interior sports unique upholstery, gauges, aluminum pedals and a plaque of authenticity. MSRP is $39,130, not including the $720 destination charge. Read the rest of this entry »