2010 Ford Flex SEL AWD

Seven-passenger crossover gets Ford’s new EcoBoost engine

By Nina Russin

2010 Ford Flex

The name says it all: the Ford Flex offers the versatility to haul a bunch of people and their gear in a surprisingly stylish package. Features such as Ford Sync, keypad entry, an available panoramic sunroof and  refrigerated center console give the Flex a competitive edge against other vehicles in its segment. Last year’s model won our ALV Best Value award for 2009.

This year Ford adds a host of new technologies, including the six-cylinder EcoBoost engine, also featured on the Ford Taurus SHO. The engine uses twin turbochargers to boost engine power under load. Because turbochargers increase the amount of air entering the engine, they also enhance fuel efficiency and reduce emissions. The idea is to duplicate the power of a V8 engine with much better gas mileage.

The EcoBoost engine produces 355 horsepower and 350 foot-pounds of torque: 25 percent more power than the base Duratec V6. A six-speed automatic transmission comes with paddle controls on the steering wheel for manual gear selection. Read the rest of this entry »

2009 Infiniti EX 35 AWD Journey

Mid-sized crossover with race-inspired performance

By Nina Russin

2009 Infiniti EX35

The EX35 is similar to Infiniti’s FX crossover, but with more compact proportions. The EX exterior appears to combine elements from a station wagon and sport-utility vehicle. But looks can be deceiving. Ride and handling are akin to a sports coupe, thanks to Infiniti’s front midship platform and exceptional aerodynamics.

The EX is available in two grades, with rear or all-wheel drive. The test car is the upscale EX35 Journey with all-wheel drive. Base price is $37,400, not including the $865 destination charge. Three option packages, upgraded wheels, roof rails and illuminated kick plates bring the price as tested to $45,285.

Power comes from a 297-horsepower V6 engine and five-speed automatic transmission with manual gear selection. Infiniti’s all-wheel drive system uses an active center clutch to distribute torque between the front and back, or side-to-side, depending on which wheels have the best traction. Read the rest of this entry »

2010 Nissan 370Z Roadster

Open-air fun for driving enthusiasts

By Nina Russin

2010 Nissan 370Z Roadster

In my next life, I think I’d like to come back as a roadster. Coveted by car enthusiasts, roadsters combine the thrill of driving for sport with the visceral appeal of the wind in one’s hair.

What exactly is a roadster? While definitions vary, most aficionados agree that a roadster is a two seat sports car with no B pillar and a deployable top. Some purists argue that roadsters should have plastic side curtains in lieu of windows, but current safety regulations prohibit manufacturers from going that route.

Despite their appeal, roadsters represent a small percentage of new car sales. Two-seat interiors aren’t practical for families with children. Since the top stows in the trunk, there isn’t a lot of room for cargo. 

Because of their limited practicality, roadsters are typically the second or third car in an owner’s garage. Models with luxury price tags can be a hard sell. An overabundance of engineering and design talent combined with its small customer base makes the competition within the segment daunting.

Z appeal

To its credit, Nissan has faced the challenge swimmingly, due in part to the coupe’s considerable fan base. The first Z roadster, introduced in 2004, added a new dimension to the coupe‘s winning formula. Read the rest of this entry »