Is your Mazda Miata boring you? Time to step over to the more exotic Lotus Elan. This 2nd generation 1991 Lotus Elan SE (also known as the Lotus M100 Elan) is the only front-wheel-drive car produced by the famed British car maker. With its turbo four-cylinder engine, five-speed manual transmission and relatively light weight, the Lotus Elan is the type of car that can keep a smile on your face all day long… This example of the Lotus Elan found on AutoTrader.com appears to be in good shape, although it has fairly high mileage. The price seems great, and whoever ends up buying this car is setting themselves up for some great times behind the wheel…once they ditch those chrome wheels and get something more befitting the car (paging a BBS rep stat, we have a code red). If you are looking for a fun and very sporty two-door convertible but don't want something people see every day, then this Lotus Elan is your answer. Thanks to the turbo-four, you will go from 0-60 mph in about 6.5 seconds…a fantastic time for a small sports car like this. In a sea of Miatas, you will stand alone…which is nice when you are trying to find your car in a parking lot. It will still be amusing for me, however, as I watch you trying to figure out how to fit your groceries in the car. A very daring and artistic angle for a shot of the passenger seat… For more information on 2009 Lotus cars visit NADAguides.com , the vehicle pricing and information leader since 1933. View original post here: AutoTrader.com Find of the Week: 1991 Lotus Elan SE

Based on the US News Ranking and Reviews evaluation, the Honda Fit ranked #1 out of the 35 affordable small cars that they tested, based on 22 published reviews of the 2009 Honda Fit and a detailed analysis of saftey and reliability data on the car. The larger, sportier 2009 Honda Fit has more utility than most cars in its class, and has a strong resale value. It was rated teh 2009 “Best Car for the Money” in the subcompact class according to US News. The Fit has made the top 10 list for Car and Driver’s “Top Ten Urban Vehicles”, for both the 2008 and the redesigned 2009 models for its comfort, fuel efficiency, seating modes and available cargo space. While the price is a bit higher than some of the other “affordable” subcompact cars it has been compared against. One of the only shortcomings among all of the reviews of the 2009 fit is the lack of a stability control option like the one that comes in the VW Rabbit as standard equipment. However in my opinion, you shouldn’t be pushing subcompacts to such limits to require electronic stability control systems. My s2000 doesn’t have stability control, and I drive it a heck of a lot harder than the Fit. Here is a break down of the US News Rankings: Fit Performance – 8.5 (Very Good) Fit Exterior – 7.6 (Good) Fit Interior – 8.5 (Very Good) Fit Reliability – 10.0 (Excellent) Originally posted here:  Honda Fit Ranks #1 among 35 Affordable Small Cars

It’s amazing how much technology has advanced just in the past five years and Audi is all over this new technology. The company is making sure that customers have the latest in infotainment! With the release of the new Audi Q5, owners will get to experience a new generation of the MMI, the supreme solution for multimedia, communication and operation. Here are just some of the features to expect from this latest technology: New joystick control – the central knob can be moved in eight different directions. Now you can easily navigate to a location on the screen and just point and click for directions. New display – a large TFT display measuring seven inches from corner to corner. It has very high resolution of 800 x 480 pixels and LED backlighting. 3D map displays – you now have a choice between the conventional two-dimensional view and the new 3D images Vocal input – no need to spell out individual letters; the new system understands complete words in a multitude of languages Music and entertainment – The system plays music from CDs and SD cards, including those coded MP3, AAC and WMA; DVD soundtracks can be heard in Dolby Digital 5.1 multi-channel sound The Audi Q5 will be offered in the USA in March 2009 with a 3.2 V6 FSI direct injection engine, quattro® all wheel drive, and a six speed Tiptronic transmission. More here: Experience The New Generation of the MMI in the 2009 Audi Q5

The 2009 Impreza 2.5GT has a standout design thanks to the large scoop on the hood. Read these words, "Subaru" and "Impreza"…now close your eyes and think of what those two words conjure in your mind. Is it a rip-roaring rally racer scaled down for street use or perhaps a sporty yet economical all-wheel-drive wagon with solid standout styling? Now open your eyes and take a look at Subaru's attempt to blur these lines–the 2009 Subaru Impreza 2.5GT sedan. Does it work? …not really Subaru offers the 2.5GT a  slot between its base Impreza 2.5i and the top of the heap Impreza WRX STi. Unfortunately, Subaru misses out on the aspects that make the other two models so appealing. With  the four-speed automatic of the Subaru Impreza 2.5GT, I never felt excited to be behind the wheel (like I would in the 305-hp WRX STi with a manual transmission) nor did I see any savings at the pump (like I would with the regular-gas sipping, non-turbocharged 2.5i). Up front, this Impreza 2.5GT has the distinctive Subaru styling, complete with large hood scoop to feed the top-mounted intercooler. The front end is not for everyone, especially the scoop, but I feel it works and it is definitely a necessity to feed the engine, keep the turbo spinning happily and letting me get the most out of all 224 hp. The problem I have with the Impreza, from a design standpoint, is the back of the car. I love the shape of the wagon and think Subaru did a wonderful job there; however, the rear end of this car makes me think they hacked the back off a wagon, slapped on a trunk and called it a day. The interior of the Subaru Impreza 2.5GT wants to be sporty but the rest of the car doesn't deliver. The interior of the car is comfortable and well appointed for an MSRP of $26,995. With my seat all the way back, a passenger could still fit behind me, as long as they were not also over six feet tall. The steering wheel felt good in my hands and everything is within easy reach of the driver. Subaru has done a good job of bumping up the standard features, which begins to help me justify the price increase of $10K over the 2.5i (not to mention the extra 54 hp). I said "begins" however, as these features aren't exciting enough to warrant this...

On February 1st Audi will continue on the journey of progress and is asking everyone to join them for the launch of a brand new commercial that will demonstrate why “Progress Is Beautiful”. To receive a sneak preview of this latest commercial 24 hours before its debut during the Super Bowl, all you have to do is participate in progress. Click here to participate! Read more from the original source:  Join Audi On a Journey of Progress

Even racecars like the Honda S2000 CR stop and take time to enjoy a good sunset. The term "sports car" is thrown around fairly loosely these days. It seems that anything that has a slightly louder exhaust and tuned suspension qualifies. There are few true sports cars out there and I was happy to be sitting behind the wheel of one such car, a 2008 Honda S2000 CR . The CR stands for Club Racer but it could just as easily stand for Crazy Rocket … I got off to a fairly rough start with this 2008 S2000 (we didn't need to test the 2009 Honda S2000 as it is a carryover). I went up to Torrance, CA, to pick it up and it happened to be pouring rain outside. This car is rear-wheel drive and wears high-performance tires. I was expecting the worst. However, I was extremely surprised that I had zero problems on the highway, which is a shock considering this is Southern California and people around here react to rain the same way others might react to meteors pelting the road. If this car were wearing regular tires, I probably would have even been able to relax my white-knuckle death grip on the wheel…just in case. Bright yellow paint? Check. Big rear wing? Check. Nick Hogan? Thankfully, not present… The S2000 CR is created by taking a standard S2000 and then stripping out some of the non-essential items while at the same time adding some essential racing items. This results in a fairly null amount of weight loss but I do appreciate having the removable hardtop over my head. The engine is the same 237-hp 2.2L four-cylinder engine which is efficient in moving the S2000 in a straight line. It is when you turn the wheel that car really comes alive. I don't want to rattle off all the goodies, but the track tuned suspension and steering work very nicely around the bends. The car feels so confident rushing around a corner that I constantly find myself keeping the close ratio six-speed manual transmission in a lower gear to hear the engine push to the 8,000-rpm red line and then upshift as I come out of the turn. When I do get the car pointed straight, it holds a confident line at speed, thanks to the front underbody spoiler and the rear wing spoiler, both of which keep the car planted nicely. The interior is comfortable yet purpose-built to help...

Jaguar Has announced that a further 450 redundancies will be made in th coming months. 300 management poitions and 150 agency staff will be lost in the latest round of Job cuts. This is in an effort to cut costs with the Global recession having a dramatic effect on car sales. Jaguars corporate director Don Hume was quoted: “Our employees understand that Jaguar Land Rover functions as one company and that this move will help both companies’ positioning as we move forward” These job losses come despite the latest figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders revealing that Jaguar cars sales for 2008 actually rose compred to 2007, mainly off the back of the introduction of the new Jaguar XF . Conversley Land Rover was hugely down with sales figures dropping by over 30%. it is a shame that Jaguar has to suffer from its ties with Land Rover, as Jaguar is expected to continue its strong sales improvement having announced a range of new engines in the Jaguar XJ , the XF and the Jaguar XK cars. Read the original post: Jaguar Annouces Further Redundancies

New Jaguar XF diesels announced Jaguar has revealed 2 new diesel engines that will be inserted into the XF and also the Jaguar XJ . The motors are both developments of the current 2.7 diesel unit that has won so many plaudits in the motoring press. The capacities have been raised to 3.0 litres, but with 2 different power levels: The lower power version still has 240 horsepower, well up on the 207 from the 2.7 diesel – a 16% increase and a 15% increase in torque. This gives a 0-60 time of 6.7 seconds and a top speed of 149 mph. Startlingly the larger engine has an increase in fuel economy to 42mpg – a 10% improvement, while keeping the CO2 emissions the same at 179 g/km. The higher power version gives rise to a new model in the XF line up – the XF S diesel. Its is a true high performance version with 275 horsepower, and a huge 600 Nm of torque. These give some seriously impressive performance figures, 0 to 60 time of 5.9 seconds, 50-70 mph in 3.2 seconds, a limited top speed of 155 mph. These numbers mean the new Jaguar XF S is 33 percent more powerful and has 61 percent more torque from 1500 rpm than the old 2.7 litre unit, and with the same 179 g/km emissions. The new 3.0 diesel is definitely a replacement for the 2,7 litre, despite it already being one of the most advanced designs, and corrects the one small chink in the XF’s armour when most road test pitched the 2.7 against the BMW 530 Diesel and E320 CDI – both 3.0 capacities, and should ensure the XF stays top of the class when the new Mercedes E-Class with its worthy but very dull styling hits the market. Read more here:  New Jaguar XF-S Diesel

Latest Jaguar XJ Spyshots Apologies for the absence of posts in December – An office move has limited our time scouring for and posting the latest Jaguar news – normal service is now resumed! Just to prove it, here are the latest shots of the next generation Jaguar XJ that are currently floating round the interweb. Unlike previous spyshots which have been of the current generation XJ body shell being used as a test mule, here we have the real thing – early pressings of the body shell that will make up the new car, heavily disguised of course. From the rear particularly, we can see the cladding around the top of the C Pillar that is designed to disguise the incredibly coupe-like roof line that the new XJ carries. This shows clearly Jaguar is moving away from the traditional 3 box shape completely, and towards the 4 door coupe style that we have seen in the Aston Rapide concept, the latest Maserati, The Lamborghini Estoque, and all started with the Mercedes CLS, which was internally known at Mercedes as the Jag-Beater during its development. The new XJ is expected to be revealed at the Frankfurt show in September, and should have the new generation of engines currently being debuted in the Jaguar XF and Jaguar XK – the new 3.0 diesel in both 237 and 270 horsepower forms, and the 5.0 V8 both as a naturally aspirated and supercharged format. Prices are expected to be up on the £50,000 a current XJ costs. To see more spyshots of the new XJ, follow the link here to EVO magazine: Link. Read the rest here: New Jaguar XJ Spyshots

As someone who is involved in online social networking marketing and social media on a daily basis, I tend to think favorably of companies who are involved with online communities and connect with their customers. Although there are many Audi forums on the internet that have been started by Audi enthusiasts, I’ve yet to see an official Audi forum. The only online social networking profile I came across was this one over at Sugar which is a women’s social network and community. I wonder if Audi is even aware of Twitter and all the people who are “tweeting” about the company . I also must agree with Olivier Blanchard that it seems “scary” that Audi doesn’t have a presence on Twitter. Not to mention that the company has still yet to launch a blog as well. I think Audi is missing out big-time when it comes to establishing a rapport with its customers – especially nowadays when so many customers are online searching for information about Audi cars or trying to find someone to help them with issues or problems. I have no idea how much Audi spends on advertising and sponsoring events, but I’m pretty sure they could save a great deal of money through word-of-mouth marketing and reaching out to Audi enthusiasts. More: Audi and Social Network Marketing

A low-mileage, supercharged Z car for under $30K? I think STILLEN hit the wrong button when submitting this to eBay I have a riddle for you…What produces 385hp, is track ready while still being a daily-driver, has a value over $70,000 and yet is for sale on eBay with a starting bid of $24,999.00 and no reserve? A 2004 Nissan 350Z STILLEN show car! Our good friends at STILLEN are parting ways with their 350Z. This car has every go-fast, turn-fast, stop-fast part under the sun. Even without all the parts on this car, with only 6,900 miles this car is a steal right now. People will be clamoring to get their hands on the new 2009 Nissan 370Z which might end up being more expensive than this STILLEN 350Z being offered. No matter how expensive this auction gets, the STILLEN car will leave the 370Z owners in the dust… If this picture could make a sound it would be WHEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE…which is "supercharger" for hi!) A car like this doesn't come along very often with no reserve. Head over to eBay to see the auction for yourself. For more information on non-racing, supercharged rocketships and the rest of the 2009 Nissan cars, trucks and SUVs visit NADAguides.com , the vehicle pricing and information leader since 1933. View original here: STILLEN Nissan 350Z For Sale!

Upon reading the report in a British magazine, a lot of car enthusiast and car experts are thinking of good epitaphs for marvelous Honda would-have-been cars like the S2000 speed monster, beefed up Acuras, CR-Z hybrid , and V8 engines. The Japanese car maker is re-thinking its strategy and line of cars to mold their approach to market amid dwindling car sales around the globe. Honda experienced an 18% drop of car sales in 2008. The December year over year performance was significantly lower by 35%. The tough times led to Honda’s decision of calling off the production of the NSX supercar scheduled to be out by 2010. The NSX super car was destined to have a V10 power plant in its engine bay. A rear-driven Acura with a V8 engine was being designed by Honda to rival BMW . Plans of having this car by 2015 were also scrapped off. The V8 was seen as an unsuitable option because of the sky rocketing fuel prices. Honda executives discloses that Honda will concentrate more on building more fuel efficient vehicles to better survive and deal with the current economic climate. Other moves to mend the hard punch of the economic crisis include the following: Honda decides to back out from F1 racing. This will enable them to cut on costs. This is a tough decision for the company since Honda has a long history in formula racing. The new research and development center in Japan plus two other factories will not be opened soon. They are also delaying the release of new diesel fuels to the US and Japan. Company expansions to Turkey and India are also being delayed. Salaries of the executives are also being trimmed by as much as 10%. Honda is expected to lay off around 450 people come February 2009. Read the rest here: Honda Scratches Plan to Produce S2000, CR-Z Convertible, and V8 Program

This 1993 GMC Typhoon is the godfather to the Infiniti FX50 and the Porsche Cayenne. Back in the early 90s, Car and Driver tested a vehicle that was on par, in regards to performance, with the Ferrari 348ts, Chevrolet Corvette and the Nissan 300ZX. It wasn't a car however…it was the GMC Typhoon SUV, and this one is available for a steal of a price at $17,995. The power of the turbocharged 4.3L V6 was officially rated at 280 hp; however, there are many reports of stock Typhoons putting down dyno runs over 300 hp. All this energy was transferred to the ground via the Typhoon's all-wheel drive system and the four-speed automatic transmission. From a standstill, the GMC Typhoon is capable of hitting the magical 60 mph mark in around 5.3 seconds. To compare that figure, the new 2009 Dodge Challenger SRT8 with a manual transmission hits that mark in 5.5 seconds. Remove some of the badges and body kit pieces, and you now have a great sleeper on your hands. If you happen to live in the Chicago area, you should check out this 1993 GMC Typhoon on AutoTrader . You have a powerful SUV that has all-wheel drive for the snow as well as plenty of space to carry all your delicious Lou Malnati's deep dish pizza home. This car essentially paved the way for the hot rod SUVs that are available today. The Infiniti FX50, the Porsche Cayenne and the Mercedes-Benz ML63 all owe debt of gratitude to the Typhoon for merging the concepts of "SUV" and "performance" together. Also, since they only made less than 5,000 GMC Typhoons, you just might end up with a collectible. For more information on pricing for the 1993 GMC Typhoon visit NADAguides.com , the vehicle pricing and information leader since 1933. Read the original:  AutoTrader.com Find of the Week: 1993 GMC Typhoon

We’ve got some good news from Audi Land… A great way to start off 2009 Audi Increases Market Share for December and 2008 – Audi’s market share increases in both December and total year sales – Audi A4 named “Car of the Year” by Detroit Free Press – Audi A5 and A6 finish year strong with increases over December 2007 – Audi R8 and TT total year sales surpass 2007 HERNDON, Va., Jan 5, 2009 – Audi today announced sales for the month of December totaling 7,712 units. Despite a challenging marketplace, Audi appears to have outpaced most brands and will record market share increases for December and all of 2008. Read more of the press release here… See more here:  Audi Increases Its Market Share