“Young Classics” by Mercedes-Benz
“Young Classics” by Mercedes-Benz
Mercedes-Benz vehicles which are about 10 to 15 years are still very much popular these days. Because of the brand’s luxury reputation, originality and uniqueness, more and more people are following the classic models. In US and Europe, classic cars are famous, people from all walks of life likes these vehicles. It has become a cult, with people from their 20s and their 50s wanting to own one, not only because of its beauty, but because of the safety and comfort it provides. With these in mind, Mercedes-Benz put up the ‘Mercedes-Benz Young Classics’ in 2009.’ Located in the Mercedes Museum in Stuttgart, those who wants a young classic car can buy or rent one there. All vehicles are in top shape and are covered by warranty. The store not only buys and sells, they also have insurance and financing services as well as a service repair center. A survey by TNS Emnid showed that Mercedes-Benz classic cars are the number one most liked classic vehicle, followed by Volkswagen. Michael Bock, head of Mercedes-Benz Classic said, “The survey once again confirms the enduring fascination and deep appreciation of our classic cars – and it makes clear that the brand Mercedes-Benz in the German population estimated at far above their actual market share beyond.” Indeed, the company’s move to create the ‘Mercedes-Benz Young Classics Store’ is a great business decision. Source: Daimler The rest is here:  “Young Classics” by Mercedes-Benz
From Beetle to Up!: A Brief History of Volkswagen’s Entry-Level Cars
It’s become something of a truism that Volkswagen has strayed, at least somewhat, from building archetypal people’s cars such as the original Beetle. The mainstay Golf has grown to a near-premium status, and its more-affordable little brother, the Polo, is still pricey for its segment. To broaden VW’s appeal and bring first-time buyers into showrooms, the company is launching the Up! this year—a front-wheel-drive hatchback positioned—and priced—beneath both the Polo and Golf. It uses a new platform that will span an entire family of cars specifically developed for affordable products and efficiency. (You can read our first drive of the Up! here .) But this isn’t the first time VW has ventured downmarket, so for the historians among you as well as the Volkswagen aficionados, we have assembled a list of the company’s notable endeavors to sell truly entry-level models. The Beetle was the brand’s backbone for decades, and it was available with a plethora of engines. Some versions of the Bug, powered by 1.5- and 1.6-liter engines, could reach 80 mph. The entry-level Beetle was the 1200; its cheaper version was called the 1200A for a while. Powered by a 1.2-liter engine, the 1200As were de-chromed, de-contented, and known as “Sparkäfer”—”cost-cutting Beetle.” A subsequent entry-level model was the Polo, launched in 1975 as an entry-level version of the Ingolstadt-developed Audi 50. It was decontented to a shocking extent. Powered by a 39-hp, 900-cc (that’s 0.9-liter) four-cylinder engine, it featured cardboard door trim, but it didn’t include such dispensable items as headrests, external door locks on the passenger side, or rubber trim on the gas pedal. In a subsequent change of strategy, the Polo quickly adopted the Audi 50′s more-powerful engines and better content; the Audi was killed off shortly thereafter. For even more frugal transportation than the Polo, VW developed the Chicco in 1975. Measuring just 10.8 feet and tipping the scales at a mere 1389 pounds, it would have been the perfect city vehicle. Power came from a 39-hp inline-three. The Chicco was developed with simple assembly in mind, and its styling was a prelude to the second-generation Polo, which bowed...
300 sales: Kinks in Chevy Volt production?
Cruze all about sales, Volt all about marketing? Why isn’t Volt production back on track? Back in June GM shut down Chevy Volt production to upgrade manufacturing capabilities, enabling GM to produce more Volts, as well as some Opel Ampera’s – Europe’s version of the Volt. By mid July, everything was supposed to be back online, and GM was aiming to produce up to 16,000 Volts by the end of 2011, although only about 10,000 were intended for consumers. Yet, GM only delivered 300 Volts in August. According to GM, 3,172 Volts have been delivered so far in 2011. That’s almost 7,000 vehicles short of very conservative 2011 goals. Early last month I called August a benchmark month for Volt sales . Good thing that was my call, not GM’s. Otherwise, some real questions about the Chevy Volt would have to be asked. Inevitably, it’s obvious there are still some kinks in the Volt production system. Fortunately, that’s not necessarily surprising, as the Volt is a new technology. Moreover, since the earthquake in Japan, there have been many supply chain disruptions throughout the auto industry. Still, I was expecting at least 1000 Volt sales in August. While I’m confident GM will eventually work out the kinks in the Volt’s production system, these continued sluggish sales do suggest that the Volt wasn’t really ready for its launch late last year. Again, considering the technology involved that’s not necessarily surprising, nor a major corporate sin, but it does renew the argument that the Volt is much more about marketing than it is about sales, or actual change, at least for the foreseeable future. Fortunately, for GM at least, Chevy Cruze sales have bailed the General out. To be sure, GM might still hit its 10,000 vehicle Volt benchmark, and if they do, this will all be water under the dam. However, considering the hype that preceded the Volt into the market, and the hype at its launch, sales thus far can only be described as disappointing. Source: GM Read the original here:  300 sales: Kinks in Chevy Volt production?
Bentley CEO: 12-Cylinders are “Important,” Plug-In Hybrids Coming, Diesels Looking Good
When it comes to future Bentleys, we can safely assume they will stay traditionalist in offering stately styling and the world’s finest leathers, woods, and metals. But underhood, updated and cutting-edge technologies will help Bentleys achieve their characteristic fleetness and refinement, while also acknowledging global emissions and efficiency regulations and giving a slight nod to the environment. We sat down with CEO Wolfgang Dürheimer during the 2011 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance and discussed what will drive his company—literally—in the future. Twelve-Cylinder Engines are “Extremely Important” and “Sexy” Let’s get this out of the way, however: Bentley will offer 12-cylinder motors for a long time to come. “I think it will become one of the cornerstones in the brand profile,” Dürheimer says. Besides, “a 12-cylinder engine is a sexy engine.” (We certainly won’t fight him on that point.) Dürheimer sees a commitment to 12-cylinders as an emerging selling point for Bentley’s well-heeled customer base moving forward, with other luxury brands downsizing to turbocharged six- and eight-cylinder engines. “It’s good to . . . offer our customers the dedication” to 12-cylinder grunt, he says. This should come as good news to Bentley enthusiasts who might have feared that the Continental’s W-12 might eventually be replaced altogether by the upcoming turbo V-8 . Bio-Fuels: “I’m Not Sure This Horse Pulls a Second Time” Bentley has very publicly embraced bio-fuels, claiming customers and “experts” alike were happy with the results, but Dürheimer appears to realize the limitations of E85. He seemingly suggests the brand could be moving away from its use, perhaps forever. “It was a clever decision to focus on bio-fuels . . . The experts and the clients appreciate E85 because it doesn’t only give them the possibility to be environmentally responsible, but it [offers more power]. I like to get customers’ feedback about it, [and] they are going and pushing [for E85]. But after having this discussion about the E85 food chain and so on, bio-fuel’s first generation won’t [cut] it. Period.” While Dürheimer believes that a “second generation” of bio-fuel technology will be much better,...
2012 Toyota Camry Commercial Shows All Camry Models Doing Burnouts—Even the Hybrid [VIDEO]
We’ve all been there—you’re sitting around with all of your buddies and their 2012 Camrys when all of a sudden someone blurts out, “Hey, we should all do burnouts in our front-wheel-drive family sedans!” One among your ranks then declares, “Good luck with that, I’ll do a good ol’ rear-drive burnout, because my Camry is Kyle Busch’s race car!” So you all hop into your Camrys, stomp the go pedal, and shred rubber. Oh right, and you and your vanilla-sedan-loving pals happen to be hanging out at Daytona Speedway. However unlikely the scenario, we’re sure Toyota drummed up this commercial to present the Camry as hip and cool by playing up its NASCAR ties. But all this spot makes us want to do is go attempt a front-drive burnout in a Toyota Camry hybrid, which would gain a few points in our book if it succeeded. You can watch the video of Camrys behaving badly below. Here is the original post: 2012 Toyota Camry Commercial Shows All Camry Models Doing Burnouts—Even the Hybrid [VIDEO] Excerpt from: 2012 Toyota Camry Commercial Shows All Camry Models Doing Burnouts—Even the Hybrid [VIDEO]
Bentley Brigade: More Continentals and Possibly a Four-Door Coupe
Wolfgang Dürheimer provided scintillating insights into the future of the Bentley brand at this year’s Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, much of which we highlighted in separate blog posts on the company’s planned SUV and sports car. But the chairman also touched on plans he has for Bentley’s core products, the Continental and Mulsanne. Continental: As Prolific As the 911? The first-generation Continental came in eight flavors—GT, GT Speed, Supersports, GTC, GTC Speed, GTC Supersports, Flying Spur, and Flying Spur Speed—all of which we expect to return by around mid-decade. But the former Porsche executive wants an even bigger Continental family. The Continental seems capable, he believes, of spawning derivatives in much the same way as the evergreen Porsche 911 does, citing the 911′s calculator-crushing number of variations. So what other Contis might we see? A lightweight model adopting a strict weight-loss program like the Audi R8 GT is one option. Another concept Bentley has been openly considering is a shooting brake-style wagon . The most potential for the Continental, however, seems to rest with the still-popular Flying Spur sedan, which is really “pulling” the Continental brand, Dürheimer said. “In China it is the product. It is also well received in the U.K., and in the States.” The second-generation Continental Flying Spur and its Flying Spur Speed sibling are yet to appear, but don’t be surprised to see a Flying Spur Supersports eventually appear to join the coupe and convertible. We asked if he had thought about something along the lines of the growing number of “four-door coupes” on the market. “Not yet,” he replied as though he definitely has, “but it’s a good idea, thank you.” He went on to say there is potential, but suggested that the company has higher priorities such as the aforementioned SUV and sports car. Still, if they take up the idea, we hereby submit a tongue-in-cheek idea for the car’s name: the Continental Low -Flying Spur. Buh-dum-pum. Don’t Expect Too Much, Too Soon But Dürheimer stressed, “Keep in mind that Bentley is a fairly small company. We need to be quick and sharp. I’d rather take one step after the other rather than run and trip over our own legs. “My...
Lexus Teases 2013 GS350 F-Sport and GS Hybrid; Models Will Debut at SEMA and Frankfurt
Lexus unveiled its new 2013 GS350 sedan last week at the festivities surrounding the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance in California, and it snuck in peeks at two key GS variants that will follow the 350 to market. The first is the enthusiast-minded GS350 F-Sport, which Lexus teased with a zoomed-in shot of the car’s front-left corner. The second is the hybrid variant of the GS, of which we were shown only the grille and badge. Lexus will debut the GS hybrid at the Frankfurt auto show in September, when we should also learn whether it will keep the same GS450h moniker as the last-gen GS hybrid. The bits of the hybrid we can see—the upper and lower grilles—appear to be the same as those on the GS350. The only difference is the Lexus-hybrid-signature blue tinge added to the “L” badge. From what we can see, the F-Sport appears to feature an appropriately aggressive front fascia. The intakes under the headlights are much larger than those on the pedestrian GS350, and their edges are more sharply defined. The F-Sport trades the standard car’s horizontal grille slats for sportier mesh, and also inherits IS F-style dark gray wheels. It should be noted that a GS350 F-Sport is a different animal from an IS F. While Lexus F can be thought of along the lines of BMW’s M or Mercedes-Benz’s AMG—an in-house tuning arm that cranks out high-powered street burners—F-Sport is Lexus’s brand for its line of performance accessories for GS and IS models. The F-Sport will be the sporty member of the GS lineup, but won’t be quite as exciting as the 416-hp V-8–powered IS F. We’ll just have to wait and see what the GS350 F-Sport is all about when Lexus unveils it at this year’s SEMA show in November. See the original post: Lexus Teases 2013 GS350 F-Sport and GS Hybrid; Models Will Debut at SEMA and Frankfurt Go here to read the rest: Lexus Teases 2013 GS350 F-Sport and GS Hybrid; Models Will Debut at SEMA and Frankfurt
The new BMW X3 earns 5 stars in the Euro NCAP crash test.
The new BMW X3 earns 5 stars in the Euro NCAP crash test.
Thanks to its segment-leading dynamic handling and versatility, the new BMW X3 has emerged as a highly successful model in the international car markets within a matter of months. The fact that it also assumes an exemplary role on the safety front has now been confirmed by Europe’s leading crash test programme. In the latest Euro NCAP crash test, the BMW X3 achieved the highest rating of 5 stars. The second-generation Sports Activity Vehicle earned its top marks in this challenging test for new vehicles thanks to its comprehensive range of standard safety equipment and effective occupant protection in various types of collision. Achieving the best rating in the Euro NCAP crash test is proof of the very high level of the safety concept developed for the BMW X models. The new BMW X3 boasts an extremely stable body structure, and the forces exerted on the vehicle in a collision are deflected along precisely defined load paths and absorbed by generous deformation zones. Consequently, the passenger cell fulfils its function as a survival space even in serious collisions. Standard safety equipment inside the new BMW X3 includes front, side and curtain head airbags that protect both the driver and the passengers from injury. Also standard are belt latch tensioners and belt force limiters for the front seats and ISOFIX systems in the rear for attaching child seats, as well as the option of deactivating the front passenger airbag. The restraint systems are controlled by the central safety electronics, which take into account the type and severity of an accident to trigger the most effective protective features in each case. In their evaluation of the crash test results, the assessors concluded that the new BMW X3 provides a high degree of occupant safety in all seats. Its stable passenger cell provides comprehensive injury protection in a front-end collision for both the driver and the passengers, regardless of a person’s size and the position of their seat. Here the Sports Activity Vehicle was awarded outstanding ratings for the protection of children aged around three years or 18 months in the relevant-sized child seats. For its side impact protection, the BMW X3 likewise achieved the maximum available points. The new BMW X3 earned an outstanding rating for its active...
Video: New BMW M5. Green Hell Fly & Drive
Video: New BMW M5. Green Hell Fly & Drive
Here is the entire footage of the “BMW M5 Green Hell Fly & Drive.” BMW has teased yesterday with the short trailer, but the full video gives us a better idea of what to expect from the new M5. Last month, BMW M Power opened the registration gates for an exclusive and unique event. Thousand of M fans and not only already registered for the new BMW M5 at http://www.m-power.com, and six of them from all over the world got the chance to take part in a “once in a lifetime” event. And based on their reaction, this has been the ultimate trip of their life. Below you also have some behind the scenes photos from the videoshoot. See more here:  Video: New BMW M5. Green Hell Fly & Drive
A Ride in the Hyper-Exotic, U.S.-bound Pagani Huayra
When Horacio Pagani migrated to Italy from his native Argentina, he lived in a tent with a bicycle for transportation. Two months later, he landed a job in Sant’Agata Bolognese as a junior mechanic at Lamborghini. Three decades later, he was standing in a ritzy hotel parking lot in Monterey, California, still wearing the boyish grin he must have had as a 10-year-old car-doodling son of a baker in the Argentine Pampas region, about to take me for a spin in his new $1.2-million mid-engine, Mercedes-powered supercar, the Huayra . Named for the god of wind to the Aymara people of the Andean highlands between Bolivia and Argentina, the Huayra (say “WHY-ra”) will be Pagani’s first car to be sold in the United States once it passes all of the requisite crash tests, which will be in about two years. Finally, America will be exposed to Pagani’s handiwork, which has earned a reputation for meticulous attention to detail. Indeed, there are no parts-bin components anywhere on the Huayra. All the interior knobs, gauges, fluid caps, and miscellaneous hardware bits—the stuff that small automakers often steal from larger ones to save money—is completely bespoke to the Huayra, cast or chiseled out of aluminum and stamped with a Pagani logo. The Brembo brake calipers say Pagani, the custom luggage designed by Pagani himself says Pagani on it, even the glass has Pagani written on it. The key is a miniature sculpture of the actual car, separating in two pieces to reveal the key on one half and a USB drive for music on the other. This is why the Huayura, like the Zonda it replaces, is so expensive. That and the fact that the car has 1200 fasteners made of titanium fabricated to Pagani’s specification, each one costing roughly $75 but weighing about half what a steel bolt weighs. It takes six months to build a single car and since 1999, the company of 67 people based in Modena (about five miles from the Maserati factory) has built only 140 cars or so—more like motorized art objects, really—in its entire history. Pagani made his fortune selling carbon-fiber and composite materials to both Lamborghini and the Italian government, so it’s no surprise to find acres of the black stuff in the Huayra. The central tub is carbon-fiber weave, naked and on full display...
Photo Gallery: 2012 Kia Rio (UK)
Kia has released new photos and a video of the new Rio .  Rio centres on the Hyundai i20 , but unlike the i20 , the Rio features eye-catching style and was designed at Kia’s European design studio in Germany, under the firm’s design executive, Peter Schreyer. “The Kia Rio has always been successful, and with this new incarnation we have a car which is extremely attractive with a fresh feeling of sportiness – a car that people will want to buy for its looks, as well as its environmental credentials” comments Benny Oeyen, Vice President Marketing and Product Planning, Kia Motors Europe. Since its launch in 2005, global sales of the third-generation Kia Rio have totalled in excess of 860,000 units. It was the company’s third best-selling vehicle in overseas markets during 2010 with sales of more than 219,000 units. Defined by large headlights, mean lower fog lamp surrounds, and the trademark “tiger” grille, the Rio is longer (by 20mm), wider (by 25mm), but lower (by 15mm) than the outgoing model while also being lighter. The wheelbase is extended by 70mm, to 2,570mm to enhance passenger space and cargo capacity. With an overall height of 1,455mm, the Rio is one of the lowest cars in Kia’s European product range. Luggage capacity is now rated at 288 litres, however, 60/40 split folding rear seats will allow for more space. The interior was designed by the company’s Californian design studio in the U.S. Two interior combinations will be offered; Cognac Brown or Desert Grey, with the UK receiving the latter. Externally, 10 new colours will be made available including Wendy Brown and a Graphite Grey, both colours with a “classic premium flavour”, according to Kia. Optional and standard equipment will include keyless entry w/push-button start, RDS radio/CD player w/MP3 compatibility, AUX, iPod and USB connections, Bluetooth w/voice recognition, cruise control, climate-control air-conditioning, hill-start assist, tyre pressure monitoring system, cornering fog lamps, xenon headlights w/LED day-time running lights, adjustable speed limiter, x6 airbags, rear parking sensors, active front headrests, ESP, heated front seats and a heated steering wheel. In some markets, the dashboard will come pre-wired to accept an...
New Car: 2012 Volkswagen Up!
Volkswagen has taken the wraps off the long-anticipated Up! city-car, ahead of its world debut at the 64th IAA. The Up! is set to overtake the firms own Golf as the best-selling model in the line-up and will be an important vehicle to Volkswagen as it assumes world domination by 2018. The production car holds true to the original concept – that debut four years ago in Frankfurt – with its simple two-box silhouette. Klaus Bischoff, Volkswagen design officer said the layout provides optimum space usage within a compact footprint, making the Up! extremely suitable for metropolis driving. Other design features that mimic the concepts included the low-placed rectangular grille, angular headlights, large wheels, and prominent wheelarches, which give the Up! a more expressive fascia compared to other Volkswagen models. At 3,540mm long, 1,640mm wide and 1,480mm high, the Up is 430mm shorter, 40mm narrower and 20mm higher than the three-door Polo. With a wheelbase of 2,420mm, the Up has class-leading cargo capacity at 251 litres, 951 with rear seats folded, and comfortable seating for four adults. The 2007 Up! concept was rear-engined, rear-wheel-drive, which according to Volkswagen CEO Martin Winterkorn, gave the best packaging result, but was ditched due to high costs, so the Up! now features a transverse, front-mounted engine and front-wheel drive structure, known as MQB. Power comes from a 1.0 litre turbocharged TSI petrol engine in two tunes; 61bhp (60PS/45kW) or 76bhp (75PS/57kW). Mated to these is a 5-speed manual but a 6-speed automated clutchless gearbox will be available after launch. Although no fuel economy data was released, expect upto 67.3mpg (4.2l/100km) and 65.7mpg (4.3l/100km) with CO2 emissions slotting under 100g/km, thanks to standard stop-start. With no diesel engine offered, a natural gas-powered model will emit 86g/km, although this won’t be offered on British shores. In the pipeline, a 5dr Up! will launch in mid-2012, alongside other Up! siblings from Škoda and Seat. An electric Up! is due in late 2013. The entry-level model is called Take Up, a more comfort-orientated Move Up and the range-topping High Up, alongside two special editions based on the High Up called Up Black and Up White, which come with colour-keyed interiors, will...
False Alarm: Ford Won’t Show Production Focus ST At Woodward
The Focus ST show car. Image: Ford Motor Company Yesterday’s rumor du jour had Ford debuting the new Focus ST at this weekend’s Woodward Dream Cruise. It turns out that a Focus ST will be on hand, but it’s the same pre-production show car that’s been making the rounds since last October’s Paris Motor Show. In other words, it’s just to look at and drool on, not to actually drive. Ford will debut the real Focus ST at September’s Frankfurt Motor Show, so we’re still just a few weeks away from seeing what the production car will look like. We expect Ford will announce pricing, availability and final specifications at Frankfurt, so stay tuned for details. If past history is any indication, Ford may opt to introduce the car in Europe first, followed by the United States. If that’s the case, let’s just hope the delay between launches isn’t too long. What we think we know so far is this: the 2012 Focus ST will have a 2.0-liter EcoBoost engine good for 247 horsepower, sent through a six speed manual transmission to the front wheels. We don’t think the Focus ST will have a “conventional” limited-slip differential, but will take advantage of Ford’s torque-vectoring technology to mirror the effects of an LSD without adding additional weight. Expect suspension tuning to be on the stiff side, since the Focus ST is intended to be a driver’s car, and expect the pricing to be competitive with others in the segment. We’ll call it “in the high twenties, low thirties” until Ford tells us otherwise. Source: Ford Here is the original post: False Alarm: Ford Won’t Show Production Focus ST At Woodward Go here to see the original: False Alarm: Ford Won’t Show Production Focus ST At Woodward
2011 Scion tC Review & Test Drive
‘NO BUCKET OF CEMENT’   I just finished testing and photographing the all-new 2011 Scion tC sports coupe painted in the new ‘Cement’ color and had to laugh when I first looked at the Scion tag with the key and read that the color was the new ‘Cement’.  The all-new Scion tC sure is no bucket of cement although the light gray or silver color does look like newly laid cement on a sidewalk. The all-new tC adds new styling, excellent performance, and technologies that enhances your driving experience.  It remains a tremendous value with more power, increased fuel efficiency, superior driving dynamics and more safety features with a starting price of only $18,275.00 The all-new 2.5 liter inline four-cylinder offers the latest in efficient, lightweight technology built using an aluminum block and head.  The engine also features dual variable valve timing with intelligence (VVT-i), roller rocker arms and a variable-induction manifold system that changes the length of the air-intake pipe to supply more torque on demand.  I felt that extra torque push even when I was in sixth gear driving up an incline at 65mph. The new engine produces 180hp at 6,000rpm, 19hp more than last year’s model, and 173lb.ft. of torque 4,100rpm.  Performance is further improved through a new intake-manifold design and a sport-tuned lightweight exhaust system that delivers a noticeably bolder and more aggressive exhaust sound. The all-new tC is offered with the choice of two all-new six-speed transmissions, each adding driving excitement and excellent fuel economy.  The manual transmission features smooth, short, confident shifts that are direct and precise.  The automatic is optional and boasts sequential shifting, providing an additional fun-to-drive element.  As a result the 2011 tC has quicker acceleration, 6.5 seconds with the manual, and an increase in fuel economy, 23mpg/city, 31mpg/highway, over the previous tC model. The all-new tC also adds electronic power-steering that contributes to increased fuel efficiency with its lighter weight.  It gives an outstanding feel for the road with a great on-center feel as well. The 2011 tC enters its second-generation riding on an enhanced, stiffer platform.  The new suspension features a MacPherson strut front, and double-wishbone...
2011 Saab 9-5 Turbo4 Premium Review & Test Drive
The automaker Saab has yet to throw in the towel as they reinvent themselves with the redesign of the all-new 2011 Saab 9-5 midsized luxury sports sedan. With an impressive design that keeps the Saab lineage alive, the 9-5 strives to deliver a unique style in a fun to drive package. The all-new 2011 Saab 9-5 comes in 4 different trim levels, the Turbo4, Turbo4 Premium, Turbo6 and the Aero. The new Saab 9-5 shares its Opel Insignia platform with the Buick Regal as well as the 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine for the Turbo4 variants found in 2011 Buick Regal Turbo. Power delivery from the 2.0-liter turbo powermill makes the 9-5 feel sprightly at times but power output is somewhat inconsistent. The sporty European ride from the new Saab 9-5 aids in its performance ability giving the driver plenty of handling assurance without compromising over-all ride comfort. The Turbo6 and Aero Saab 9-5 trim levels share a 2.8-liter turbocharged V6 engine which was once available in the new Cadillac SRX SUV. The new Saab 9-5 turbo 4 and V6 engines are mated to a six-speed automatic transmission that provides smooth shifts without any abnormal hunting-for-gears behavior. A six-speed manual is standard equipment only on the Turbo 4-cylinder engine models motivated to appease the enthusiast hearted consumer. The design aspects of the new Saab 9-5 set it off from the rest of crowd with its blacked-out A-pillars and flat-tapered roofline. The trademark Saab grill and airplane inspired interior vents inherit Saab’s heritage well. Although the long Swedish lineage must embed itself in several of GM’s mixed bag of parts from the bin of non-luxury vehicles, the outcome works well together. You will find customary GM parts on the Saab 9-5 mainly throughout the dashboard and door trim such as the infotainment systems integrated into the center LCD touch-screen, steering wheel controls and various dashboard buttons. There is no doubt that the new Saab 9-5 has injected a new form of life into the nameplate. The new 9-5 is packed full of technology and European elegance. My 9-5 Turbo4 Premium model was equipped with a lane departure system that alerts the driver audibly when it detects the vehicle drifting out of its current lane. A small camera mounted at the top of the windshield...
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