Let the Dodge Challenger variations begin, Chrysler unveils the 2009 Dodge Challenger SE Rallye appearance package along with a new 5-speed automatic transmission.  The Challenger Rallye package uses the base SE as it’s canvas and adds to it dual-body stripes, chrome ‘Fuel’ door, deck lid spoiler, 18-inch aluminum wheels with black … Here is the original post:  2009 Dodge Challenger SE Rallye Unveiled, Photos & Details

Over at RedLetterDodge.com they posted the above photo of the first 2009 Dodge Challenger R/T classic in B5 Blue to come off the assembly line at the Brampton plant.  Technically it’s not the first B5 Blue Challenger to roll off the line, that title goes to the 43rd Challenger SRT8 that was built to pay tribute to legendary race car driver … Original post:  First B5 Blue Dodge Challenger R/T Classic Rolls off Brampton Line

2009 Acura RL March 2009   In my coverage of the Acura TSX, I mentioned in the beginning that it was my first time ever driving it. So, what better way to come off the TSX than to step it up another level and take the Acura RL for a quick spin? Well, the step between the TSX and RL is actually the TL, but who's counting right? So, this week we are taking the RL for a whirl and we have a slightly more aggressive week in store for this review. During the review, we used the car in rush hour traffic, open lane highways, up in the lower mountains and down to the grocery store. The DRIVE – First Impression Getting behind the wheel of the RL completely took me by surprise. If there is one thing Acura probably doesn't play up enough is it's engine performance. The RL engine is powerful. I couldn't get over the ease in which this full-size sedan breezed through traffic. It's literally one of those cars that if you don't watch your speed you'll be going 90 mph before you know it. As I explained in the Acura TSX review, I seemed to struggle with the Bluetooth HandsFreeLink system. With the RL, I am sorry to report … I again didn't find the Bluetooth to meet my expectations. Acura is going to need to work on how it connects. However, what I did find to be extremely useful and very well calculated was the Adaptive Cruise Control. This system really works well and was very useful on the freeways. It managed to completely control my distance while in cruise control. Under the Hood: Power and Performance Pure horsepower. Powered by a 300 horsepower, 3.7-liter VTEX, V-6, the Acura RL is a true performance sedan. In many ways the horsepower and performance are similar to the BMW 530i. The Sport Mode is aggressive and winds the power band up to 5000/5500 before switching gears. The paddle shifters are responsive and fun to fly through. Oh yeah, and let's not forget that it's all-wheel drive. Inside the RL With similar styling to the TSX, the RL is comfortable with subtle luxury accents. The faux wood paneling gives the RL a sleek and sophisticated look. The navigation system was slightly different than the TSX. In the TSX, the navigation system was recessed into the dash which made it much easier to see in the middle...

2009 Acura TSX March 2009 Having never driven the TSX, I was excited to get behind the wheel. Acura has been one of those auto makers that has quietly found its place among the entry level luxury brands and my goal with this drive was to get a good feeling for the Acura brand. I wanted to put the car to the full consumer test. Before we chat about my experience, let’s talk a little about Acura. As part of the greater Honda family of cars, the Acura brand has been around since 1986. Many cars have adorned the Acura logo, but when I think of Acura…I think of the Acura Integra, which was one of two cars originally launched by the brand. The other was the Acura Legend. The Integra was a customizer's dream. The automotive aftermarket took hold of the Integra. Larger wheels, exhaust systems, custom stereos and suspension kits became common place on an Integra. In 2001, the Integra was replaced by all-new Acura RSX. Hoping to capture the same market, the RSX was more refined and matured than the Integra and opened up a new channel of customers. Over the past few years, Acura has refined its cars to compete with Infiniti, Lexus, Lincoln and Buick. However, one could argue that Mercury and possibly Saab and Volvo are also in the competitive mix, as all of the companies have entered the luxury market in one way or another.    The DRIVE – First Impression Doing a solid vehicle review, having noted this in the past, is never really about horsepower and performance for me. It’s always part of the vehicle review and something worth mentioning, but doesn’t really give the consumer the whole story on the car. So, getting behind the wheel of the TSX for an initial impression was going to involve some great freeway driving and some stop and go city driving. Sounds like fun right? Well, my initial impression of the TSX was great. I expected less creature comforts and amenities for an entry level luxury sedan. With a sticker price of $32,000, the car came equipped with everything needed to make a full court attack on the pavement. Navigation, Park Aide, Bluetooth, Back-up cameras all came equipped on this TSX. In the past, options like this didn’t exist for entry level luxury cars, so I was pleased to see technology making its...

Audi has been known to host top-caliber events and 2009 will be no different. Here are events you may be interested in attending: 2009 Audi Cup – On July 29 and 30 ManU, AC Milan, Boca Juniors and FC Bayern will compete in a top-class soccer tournament at Allianz Arena . Advance ticket sales are handled by participating Audi dealerships, the usual advance ticket sales locations of FC Bayern and the Service-Center on Säbener Strasse. Tickets can also be booked online at www.fcbayern.de . Audi Quattro Cup Golf Tournament Series 2009 – Established in 1991, this golf tournament series has hosted thousands of amateur golfers all over the world. The world finale takes places this year from December 14-18, 2009 at New South Wales Golf Club in Sydney, Australia. For more information, visit: www.audiworldfinal.com See the rest here:  2009 Audi Cups

BRABUS has announced today that just in time for the market launch of the 2010 Mercedes E-Class, they have created a range of enhancements aimed at making the model a bit more appealing to those of you who have a flair for the sporty. Outside, highlights include a new front apron with LED running lights, side skirts, aluminum front sport quarter panels, a new rear apron and spoiler, and of course, a range of Monoblock light-alloy wheels ranging in designs and sized from 17 to 20 inches. See original here:  BRABUS Unveils Tuning Program For The 2010 Mercedes-Benz E-Class

Reprising their roles from the 2008 Formula One season, the Mercedes SL63 AMG and C63 AMG Estate will again be a presence on the F1 tracks in 2009, as the two have been named the Official F1 Safety Car and the Official F1 Medical Car. To handle their track duties, both feature a wealth of performance and practical enhancements, ranging from various cooling improvements to extensive weight saving measures. On the Mercedes SL63 AMG F1 Safety Car, alterations include a newly developed AMG sport exhaust system; a specially developed coil-over suspension setup; additional coolers for the engine oil, transmission oil, coolant and power steering; and a reduction in weight by some 220 kilograms thanks to the extensive use of carbon fiber reinforced plastic. As for the C63 Estate AMG Medical Car, it too features a new exhaust system; coil-over suspension and additional coolers for the engine oil, transmission oil, coolant and power steering; while monitors and an on-board radio system help the C63 AMG Estate’s drivers stay up-to-date with the action on the track. Read more here: Mercedes-Benz SL63 AMG And C63 AMG Estate To Serve As Official F1 Safety Car And Medical Car For 2009 Formula One Season

Daimler has announced today that they have successfully completed the first internal phase of their smart car2go program in Ulm, Germany. For those of you unfamiliar with car2go, it’s a sort of communal car-sharing program. After a one-time free registration, those participating in car2go have access to a fleet of smart fortwos parked across the city. Drivers simply use a card reader to gain access to the smart, and upon operation, pay 19 euro cents per minute of use (which includes tax, mileage, fuel and insurance). There’s also rates by the hour or day: 9.9 euros per hour, and 49 euros per day. When the user is finished operating the smart, it can be returned to any parking spot inside the car2go coverage area. Read the original post:  Daimler Details Plans To Bring Smart Car2Go To Residents Of Ulm And Austin

Daimler today has unveiled the F-CELL Roadster, the latest in their line of “F-Series” concept vehicles (past Mercedes research models can be seen here), and as you’ll see, it draws its inspiration from a diverse variety of automotive eras. From a functional standpoint, it’s a roadster fitted with a 1.2 kW hybrid drive – one that allows the F-CELL to reach a top speed of 15 mph and achieve an operating range of 217 miles. From a design standpoint, however, is where the F-CELL Roadster truly shines, as it manages to blend the overall aura of the original Benz patent motor car with seating and a fiberglass front section both drawn from elements of Formula One racing. View post: Daimler Unveils Mercedes-Benz F-CELL Roadster With Hybrid Drive

Jaguar developing Mechanical KERS system Engineering transmission firm Torotrak announced that is has been working exclusively with Jaguar to develop a mechanical energy recovery system. Unlike several current regenerative braking systems which store the energy developed when the car slows down as electrical energy, this system uses a small infinitely variable transmission, coupled with a flywheel to store the energy. When the Jaguar brakes, the kinetic energy is sent through the IVT and spins the flywheel at speeds up to 64,000 revs per minute. This energy is stored and when the car accelerates again it is released back into the drivetrain, giving an added boost of power. As the energy is not wasted, this makes the Jaguar more fuel efficient. Tototrak and JLR have not said when the system will see an application in production cars, but trial are underway integrating the system into the current crop of petrol and diesel models, and it could be launched in the new Jaguar XJ which we are expecting to see towards the end of 2009. Original post:  Jaguar Working On F1 Style Energy Recovery System

Here’s the newest commercial for the Audi Q5 … Yay or nay? What do you think about this commercial? See the rest here:  Reader Poll: New Audi Q5 Commercial

Daimler has announced today that they have received a contract from the emirate of Dubai to purchase 260 Mercedes-Benz Citaro buses. These buses will join 80 other Mercedes Citaros currently operated by Dubai’s Road & Transport Authority, with production for the ordered buses set to commence this quarter. According to Hartmut Schick, Head of Daimler Buses: “The major order from Dubai fills us with pride, and it shows that our vehicles can thrill and win over customers even in economically difficult times. We will further expand our involvement in the Middle East growth market.” See original here: Dubai Places Order For 260 Mercedes-Benz Citaro Buses

Welcome back ladies and gentlemen; I hope you all had a fantastic March weekend. As you may remember, last week we told you about a batch of new spy photos that had emerged recently highlighting the forthcoming 2010 Mercedes E63 AMG, and today, we can do you one better. The German publication sport auto has published a sneak peak at the Affalterbach-bred model – one that shows half of the model’s front apron and headlights along with its front wheel. Pair it with the previous spy photos depicting the E63 AMG’s unmasked rear along with a little imagination, and you’ve got a pretty clear idea of what to expect from the 2010 E63. Originally posted here: 2010 Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG First Glimpse

Here, ladies and gentlemen, for you reading entertainment, is our third and final 2010 Mercedes E-Class Review Roundup installment (for the time being, at least). In this episode, three of the new 2010 E-Class models are tested, with reviewers weighing in on the 2010 Mercedes E350 CGI, the 2010 E250 CDI and the 2010 E220 CDI. As is the case with all our Mercedes Review Roundups, you can find excerpts from each article as well as links back to the full review immediately after the jump. See the original post here: Mercedes-Benz Review Roundup: The 2010 Mercedes E350 CGI, E250 CDI And E220 CDI

Part two of today’s 2010 Mercedes E-Class Review Roundup installment looks at the V8-powered version of the model, with a total of four publications weighing in on the 2010 Mercedes E550 and E500 (the naming, of course, varies between the U.S. and world markets). As is the case with all our Mercedes Review Roundups, you can find excerpts from each 2010 Mercedes E-Class review as well as links back to the full articles immediately after the jump. Original post:  Mercedes-Benz Review Roundup: The 2010 Mercedes E550 And E500