2010 BUICK LACROSSE STYLING | [8 out of 10] Jalopnik: “Lacrosse is a beautiful car in person” Cars.com: “Easily the best-looking Buick since the Clinton administration” Motor Trend: “If the exterior entices, the interior could seal the deal” The 2010 Buick LaCrosse offers up a new look for the Buick brand in some ways. Overall, … Browse Photos Originally posted here: 2010 Buick LaCrosse

Kia has unveiled the pricing for their 2010 Forte Koup today, starting form $16,595, plus $695 destination.  The standard model is a manual EX model, although upgrading to automatic will raise the price to $17,595. A five speed auto-plus will bump the price up to $18,695. Other options include a leather interior ($1,000) and sunroof ($600). Related Posts 2010 Kia Forte Koup is Best in Show Pick Kia Forte Koup 2010 Kia Forte Koup Comes Out This Summer All-New Kia Forte Sedan Launched in Seattle Today on CarBuyersNoteBook.com No tags for this post. Related posts No related posts. See original here: 2010 Kia Forte Koup pricing listed Read the original post: 2010 Kia Forte Koup pricing listed

We’re wrapping up our test-drive of the 2010 Mazda3 and that means it’s finally time for some fun facts on Mazda’s new compact sedan. – Starting MSRP is set at $16,045 : Our 2010 Mazda3 Grand Touring starts at $22,300 but with a Moonroof and the Bose sound system, the final price tag came in at $24,835 – which we think is a bit steep for a car in this segment. – EPA estimated fuel-economy comes in at 22/29 mpg (city/highway) : During our week long test drive we averaged 25.2 mpg. – Key competitors : 2009 Honda Civic, 2009 Toyota Corolla, 2009 Volkswagen Jetta, 2009 Ford Focus and the 2009 Nissan Sentra. Compared to its rivals, we were very impressed with the 2010 Mazda3 and believe it deserves a lot more attention when shopping in this segment. – Things you probably wouldn’t notice when checking it out in a dealership : At night time, the interior of the Mazda3 glows very bright with ambient blue lighting; push-button start is also available on some models; there is actually a navigation option but we wouldn’t go for it since it appears in that little tiny vehicle information display; there is no air/conditioning or climate control options on the i SV model, so if you’re like us and need your AC you’ll probably start by looking at the i Sport model, which starts at $16,955. Look out for the full review coming out next week. Click through for more pictures . 2010 Mazda3 (Weekly Test-Drive) : – By: Stephen Calogera                         See more here: 2010 Mazda3 Test-Drive Updates: Fun Facts Continued here:  2010 Mazda3 Test-Drive Updates: Fun Facts

Novitec Rosso has just released a new customization package for the Ferrari 599 GTB that increases the output of the V12 engine by 40-hp. But doesn’t Novitec already offer an 808-hp tuning program for the 599 GTB? Yes, they do; however, this new Performance State 3 package is much cheaper (cheap only if 40-hp is worth 10,490 euros to you) and gives you extra horsepower from the V12 without any alterations to the engine’s inner workings. With a total of 660-hp, this Ferrari 599 GTB can travel at a top speed of up to 208 mph. Of course, along with the extra power Novitec is offering a bunch of body modifications, which you can learn more about in the press release posted after the jump. Click through for the press release and the high-res image gallery . Novitec Rosso – Ferrari 599 GTB Performance Stage 3 Package : Press Release : New from NOVITEC ROSSO for the Ferrari 599 GTB: An Extra 40 hp, Striking Design and Exclusive Accessories The Ferrari 599 GTB is the focus of the latest new product developments from NOVITEC ROSSO, the worldwide leader in customizing the great cars from Maranello. The new developments include a performance kit that increases power output of the V12 engine by 40 hp / 29.4 kW, a striking and aerodynamically efficient design program and numerous exclusive accessories. In addition to the familiar twin compressor engines with up to 808 hp / 594 kW NOVITEC ROSSO now also offers classic engine tuning for the six-liter twelve-cylinder four-valve engine. The Performance Stage 3, starting at 10,490 Euros, increases power output from standard 620 hp / 456.3 kW to 660 hp / 485.7 kW without any alterations to the engine’s inner workings. The conversion consists of new engine electronics and a complete NOVITEC ROSSO stainless-steel high-performance exhaust system. The new engine management system comprises new mapping for ignition and injection as well as increase in maximum engine speed to 8,550 rpm. The NOVITEC ROSSO sport exhaust system features four tailpipes with diameters of 90 millimeters and is available in two different versions. In addition to a conventional version there is also a system with controllable exhaust flap. Using the little ‘Manettino’ switch on the steering wheel, the driver can change the...

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. As such, we don’t rate styling – but that doesn’t mean we don’t find some cars more attractive than others. To my eyes, the Audi A6 is aging rather well, both inside and out. (Visit the Audi A6 model overview , available to online subscribers.)   The current generation appeared in 2005 and a recent freshening for 2009 keeps a fresh look. Even though some nipping and tucking went on, the biggest change was under the hood. If you get Audi’s Quattro all-wheel-drive system (like the vast majority of buyers do), the new base engine is a 300-hp, 3.0-liter supercharged V6 instead of Audi’s 3.2-liter. (It’s a bit odd that the badge on the car’s rump has a “T,” implying a turbocharger, rather than an “S.”) The old engine did a pretty good job, fuel-economy and performance-wise, but Audi felt like it needed a more powerful V6, since opting for the V8 these days is both politically incorrect and expensive.  It will be interesting to see how this new one compares.   Our A6 is a Premium plus model, adding “no-charge navigation,” 18-inch wheels, HID headlights, and other interior features. That’s lots of optional equipment for $1,400. Heated seats and winter mats brought the price to $53,075.   Despite the freshening, some of the A6’s minor eccentricities remain. The MMI controller still takes a lot of button twirling and presses for navigating through the radio functions, although you can change stations through the steering wheel controls. (Still, traditional “hard” preset buttons would be handier.) The glove box is mostly consumed by an old-school six-CD changer, as well as Audi’s multimedia drives/slots.   We’ll let you know how this stylish and posh executive transport fares as we put more miles on its clock.   — Tom Mutchler More here: Just In: 2010 Audi A6 3.0T

According to, CEO of Volkswagen North America Stefan Jacoby, the German company needs to get a lot more “local” in order to be competitive in the U.S. market. Part of that will be through the new plant under construction in Chattanooga, TN, and the two vehicles that will start rolling out of its doors in 2012. During a media roundtable session last week, Jacoby and his executive team laid out some of Volkswagen Group’s North American goals, product plans, and obstacles that have to be overcome in order for the company to reach its goal of selling 10 million vehicles worldwide by 2018. Evidently, the company thinks the U.S. market should play a bigger role. Even though sales for January through July 2009 are down 13.5 percent compared with 2008 (117,598 vs. 135,966), U.S. market share is up 25 percent, at 2.1 percent through July 2009 compared with 1.4 percent in 2008. In order to really grow, both Jacoby and his staff explained that VW has to move into new segments where they currently aren’t competitive. VW has recently entered two segments–small SUV ( Tiguan ) and minivan ( Routan )–that they were never been before (not counting the EuroVan which was not quite a minivan but not a full-sized van, either). The lack of vehicles in those segments meant they lost customers who were looking to buy in those categories. But there are still several segments here where VW lacks an entry. They’re working to fill those holes. Subcompacts, for example, are another segment where they still don’t compete in North America. Look for a vehicle that is similar in size to the tiny Volkswagen Polo, but don’t expect the exact same car as the one sold in Europe. As Jacoby said, “American consumers need bigger vehicles than European customers.” There is some truth to this: American family size is larger than those in Europe (not sure if he meant because of children or Big Macs), and there is a greater dependency on cars in the United States. In addition, a seven-passenger SUV will be offered to take on the Honda Pilot and Toyota Highlander. The Jetta replacement, a Honda Accord/Chevrolet Malibu/Toyota Camry mid-sized sedan competitor built in Chattanooga, will go on sale for the 2012 model year. The current Jetta is both smaller and more expensive than...

It’s true – Less than a year since production commenced on the 2009 Pontiac Solstice Coupe, it has ceased. July 29, 2009 marked the last day of production for General Motors Company’s Boxwood plant in Delaware, which is responsible for making GM’s Kappa-platform, the Pontiac Solstice, Saturn Sky and the recently introduced 2009 Pontiac Solstice Coupe. The hard-top Solstice Coupe took the 2008 New York Auto Show by storm. The more aggressive and sleeker looking targa-top fastback offers up an alternative for those who aren’t always looking for fun in the sun, but alas, as the rest of the Pontiac faces extinction, so does the Solstice. “To me, it’s not a celebration,” said James Graves, a 29-year veteran of GM’s Boxwood plant. “It’s a sad day. It’s like a funeral.” Click through to read more and to view the high-res image gallery . Reviewed: 2009 Pontiac Solstice Coupe GXP : 2009 Pontiac Solstice Coupe GXP Specifications : Base Price : $30,375 Price as Tested : $33,140 Engine : 2.0L turbocharged 4-cylinder Ecotec – 260-hp/260 lb-ft of torque. Transmission : 5-Speed manual Curb Weight : 3018 lbs 0 to 60 mph : 5.5 seconds Fuel-Economy : 19/28 mpg city/highway Exterior : “The new Solstice coupe has all the design cues and pleasing performance of the original roadster, and is an all-season alternative for people who enjoy open-air driving,” said Susan Docherty, vice president of Buick-Pontiac-GMC. There is no doubt that the 2009 Pontiac Solstice Coupe looks outstanding. Put it on the road next to any other coupe or sportback, and it is sure to attract the lion’s share of the attention. However, despite the dramatic new look, GM says that engineers made minor changes to create a hard-top version of the Solstice. The model features a fixed roof aft the B-piller, complete with side windows and a rear lift-glass providing easy access to the storage compartment behind the seat. The sloping roofline provides the look of a classic fastback, as it runs from the front of the roof and merges with the ever fashionable ducktail style rear spoiler. The roof, which weighs 31 pounds, can be removed easily by one person – or so GM says. I personally had trouble taking the roof...

BMW 5 Series GT will launch late this year with the international launch taking place in November. BMW is intensifying their marketing efforts in order to promote this new niche vehicle that has received mixed reviews so far. Based on the platform of the new BMW 7 Series, the 5 Series GT was built on the same principle that made the original Gran Turismo vehicles so popular: a high-performance luxury automobile designed for long-distance driving. BMW has taken the interior design a few notches up and it all started with the new Z4 which features one of the best interiors we have seen to date in a BMW. The cockpit provides all the  necessary gadgetry and comfort, but it maintains a level of sportiness. Without a doubt, the new BMW 7 Series has served as a starting point for the 5 Series GT and not only from platform sharing aspect. The 4.4 liter V8 engine will power the highest-end model to be sold in the United States: 550i GT. As seen in the 750i, the V8 twin-turbo produces 400 horsepower and 450 lb-ft of torque. All this power is sent to the rear wheels through the new ZF 8-Speed automatic transmission. At the end of 2010, a 5 Series GT xDrive will be made available as well. The footage in this commercial was filmed in several locations around the world, from the Namib Desert to Milwaukee, US. Read more: New Video: BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo

While the first BMW X5 M and X6 M models are starting to show up at U.S. dealerships across the country, we thought it would be interesting to show you some new, real life photos of the BMW X5 M, the first Motorsport SAV built by the Munich based automaker. BMW X5 M is powered by a tuned up 4.4 liter V8 M engine delivering 555 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 500 lb-ft of torque from 1,500 to 5,650 rpm. The engine uses the twin-scroll twin turbo technology with High Precision Direct Injection. By positioning the twin-scroll turbochargers together with the catalytic converters in the “V” section between the cylinders, it minimizes the turbo lag and offers better fuel efficiency. The M X models come equipped with Dynamic Performance Control, special M suspensions and Adaptive Drive, along with a new Servotronic power steering and Active Roll Stabilization system. Other available options are: Head Up Display, Rear View Camera and High Beam Assistant. BMW X5 M and BMW X6 M run from 0-60 mph in ONLY 4.5 seconds, making the M twins the fastest SUV/SAVs out there. The 6-speed M Sports Automatic transmission is featured for the first time on a BMW M vehicle. There are two other modes available beside the regular Drive, Sport and M Manual. Gears can be manually shifted through the paddles located on the M steering wheel. Due to the M Suspension, the BMW X6 M and X5 M are sitting about 0.4 inch lower compared to the regular models. The M twins sit on 20-inch light-allow whels and runflat tires: 275/40 at the front and 315/30 at the rear. In the U.S., the base price for the BMW X5 M is set at $85,400 [Source: Bimmerschwag ] Read more from the original source: BMW X5 M looks great in silver

The Hurst Challenger Series 4 is a limited-production “gentleman’s hot-rod”. If you like cars at all, you have most likely stumbled across an automotive auction on TV. Auction workers screaming at bidders interested in a low-mileage piece of automotive history. I am currently in the driver’s seat of a rumbling and gurgling piece of future automotive history, the 2009 Hurst Challenger Series 4 . A supercharged beast of a modern muscle car that will be built in very limited quantities. This car that I have been given the keys to is wearing a dash badge reading “No.00001”. Don’t expect too many low-mileage examples in the future though; Hurst is building these bad boys to be driven daily. For one great weekend, I did just that. My journey with the Hurst Challenger started not with the car, but with the company and the men behind it. I drove over to the headquarters of Hurst Performance Vehicles which was located just 3 miles from the NADAguides.com offices. I was met by Chairman Nate Shelton, President Ron Flint, and Vice President of Sales & Dealer Relationships Tony Baumgartner. Later in the weekend I met with Chris Phillips, the CEO of the company. One thing was clear in talking with all of these guys… they love cars. They love cars and they also love the Hurst brand. It was truly a pleasure to listen to Nate talk about his background with SEMA and how that fits so well with the company. I enjoyed talking to Tony about the Hurst interaction with dealers and how his product is such a great added benefit for all customers, not just those looking for a limited edition muscle car. I had a blast talking to Chris about muscle cars, new and old. It was a true pleasure to walk the factory floor with Ron and have him point out every little detail that makes a Hurst Challenger so unique. Ron and I spent time simply staring at the car before he gave me the keys. Their designer, Charles Taylor, spent a lot of time providing the Hurst Challenger with special touches and features that really make it stand out against a normal Dodge Challenger. The rear spoiler flows out rather than up for a sense of speed when the car is standing still. The classically-styled wheels mimic the original Hurst design (Hurst was the first company...

Next month at the Frankfurt Motor Show BMW will show a new kind of sports car called Vision EfficientDynamics Concept. This unique futuristic 2+2 seater is more fuel efficient than most city cars while offering M3-like performance. Power comes from an all new 3-cylinder turbodiesel, that is mated to a pair of electric motors(one on the front and the other at the rear axle). Maximum output is 356 horsepower and 590 lb-ft of torque. Top speed is electronically limited to 155 mph (250 km/h), 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) comes in 4.8 seconds. Average fuel consumption is just 3.76 liters/100 kilometers (62.6 mpg). CO2 emission management is even more outstanding when driving in the all-electric mode after charging the battery from a plug-in source: Taking all emissions in the generation of electricity into account, as prescribed by the EU formula, the car’s emission rating is just 50 grams per kilometer. Purely on electric power it can run about 31 miles (50 km) and emits no emissions. One of the most interesting features on this concept is called forward-looking energy management. Central control unit offers an overview of current and upcoming driving conditions. Then, evaluating such data, the on-board computer is able to forecast driving conditions on the stretch of road immediately ahead, such calculations serving to prepare the car for upcoming requirements and make efficient use of the energy available through optimum operation of all systems. Its body is made of most advanced and lightweight materials available taking inspiration from last year’s BMW M1 Hommage concept. Rumor is that vehicle based on this concept will be available in few years. For more details take a look at the press release below. Press release: Woodcliff Lake, New Jersey, 29 August 2009, 6pm Eastern… For decades, BMW has made the reduction of emissions and fuel consumption a key part of its product development strategy, just as enhancements to the dynamic ability of each BMW have been a lasting, sustained brand value. BMW’s EfficientDynamics engineering philosophy – the pursuit of an enhanced, athletic driving experience while simultaneously lowering the consumption and emissions of each vehicle – resulted in the most dramatic drop in fleet consumption of any automaker from...

Earlier this year (March to be exact), Mercedes-Benz announced that it has  completed winter testing for the upcoming 2010 Mercedes-Benz B-Class with fuel-cell drive in northern Sweden. Well, here it is in its complete production form. Power comes from a new generation of fuel-cell drive mated to an electric motor that produces 136-hp and a maximum torque of 213 lb-ft. Along with zero-emission fuel-cell drive, the B-Class F-CELL gets an outstanding fuel-consumption of 71 mpg with a total driving range of 239 miles. 0 to 62 mph will take around 11 seconds with a top speed of 105 mph. Mercedes-Benz said that production of the B-Class F-CELL will start in 2009. The first 200 units will be delivered to customers in Europe and the United States at the beginning of 2010. It has been previously reported that Mercedes-Benz plans on offering 100,000+ fuel-cell vehicles a year by 2014 or 2015 . Follow the jump for the high-res image gallery and the press release . 2010 Mercedes-Benz B-Class F-CELL : Press Release : Mercedes-Benz B Class F-CELL – New fuel cell car from Mercedes-Benz: 100 percent driving pleasure, zero emissions Mercedes-Benz is launching its first series-produced fuel cell car on the road: the new B‑Class F-CELL. The environmentally friendly electric car has better a performance similar to than a 2,0-litre petrol car and is fully suited for everyday driving. The zero-emission drive system consumes the equivalent of 3.3 litres of diesel per 100 kilometres in the NEDC (New European Driving Cycle). Production of the B‑Class F-CELL will commence in late 2009 with a small lot. The first of around 200 vehicles will be delivered to customers in Europe and the USA at the beginning of next year. The new fuel cell vehicle offers everything that people expect from a Mercedes-Benz: High comfort and safety as well as no reduction in interior space and boot capacity. Customers will not have to sacrifice any driving pleasure either, because the electric motor has a peak performance of 100 kW/136 hp and a maximum torque of 290 Nm, which is available from the first rotation. It ensures that the B‑Class F-CELL, whose impressive dynamic handling properties are in some cases far better than those of a two-litre petrol car, gets off to an excellent start. Despite...

Aggressively stylish – The 2009 Lincoln MKS has a very modern look with a subtle retro-feel. This car is big. I knew it was going to be big, but this car looks big . The 2009 Lincoln MKS is here at the NADAguides.com office and it is currently eyeing an employee’s Cadillac CTS-V as if it were a MINI Cooper. Once inside however, the car performs some modern magic and drives much more like the LS than the Town Car. The interior of the MKS is extremely comfortable. The front seats are fitted with that pin-cushion leather which alerts me that the car is equipped with heated and cooled seats; one of my favorite features of modern cars. However, the MKS takes this a step further and lets the back seat passengers join in on the back-sweat eliminating fun with their own set of heating/cooling settings. With my seat all the way back, the rear seat passengers still have good legroom and everyone stays cool and comfortable. Besides the temperate leather, the design inside is a modern step for Lincoln yet somehow still evokes feelings of a bygone era. The new Sync system connects to my iPhone for phone calls and to play my music. At the same time, the wood trim and art deco-styled gauges make me think about Lincoln models of the past, including the still Continentals of the Sixties. If this taillight reminds you of the one from the Maserati Quattroporte … is that a bad thing? (no) On the outside, the 2009 Lincoln MKS looks big as I said before. Comparing it to the aforementioned Cadillac CTS, the MKS is almost 13 inches longer, 3 ½ inches taller, and 3 ½ inches wider. The style mixes aggressive lines, seen most clearly in the prominent grille, with softer features, such as the way the hood rolls into the shoulder line. The overall effect really works and this car stands out in a great way. The upgraded 19 inch wheels, featuring 255/45 size tires, wrap nicely into the fenders and continue to counter-balance the mix of aggressive and soft style elements. Big, bold, and clearly visible – the design of the gauges is form and function working together. The MKS looks big outside and has plenty of room inside so I was expecting it to drive like a boat. Not just any boat, but a sluggish one seeing as it is fitted with a 273 hp 3.7L V6 moving...

It’s been rumored for a while that Mini is working on a coupe model to expand its product offering; well, here it is. Scheduled to debut at next month’s 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show, Mini today provided us with our first look at the Mini Coupe Concept. The new two-seater concept measures 146.2″ in length 66.3″ in width. It stands 53.4″ tall and has a body design that gives it a muscular sports car stance. Lightweight construction and fuel-efficiency were important factors to Mini engineers when developing the Mini Coupe Concept. It features ride and suspension quality already featured in Mini’s current production models. Mini says that the Coupe Concept is designed to accommodate even the most powerful engine available from Mini – the 1.6L twin-scroll turbocharged unit from Mini John Cooper Works. The engine produces 211-hp with a maximum torque of 192 lb-ft, which can be increase for a short while to 206 lb-ft. The Mini Coupe Concept also follows BMW’s EfficientDynamics strategy to offer better fuel-economy and stick to Mini’s philosophy of “MINIMALISM in a particularly attractive manner.” When can we see a production version of the Coupe Concept? For now, Mini says that the Coupe Concept shows an “unusually attractive vision of how the model family may well develop in future.” Guess we’ll have to wait and find out. Make the leap for the high-res image gallery and the press release . Mini Coupe Concept : Press Release : Concentrated Driving Pleasure: The MINI Coupé Concept. MINI is celebrating a great birthday: Exactly fifty years ago, on 26 August 1959, the classic Mini was presented to the public for the first time, a unique story of success starting out and today giving MINI the perfect opportunity to look ahead without losing sight of the brand’s great tradition. The MINI Coupé Concept is an expression of MINI design and the great ability of the brand’s designers to fill the elementary values of the brand with new life, using the options of modern drivetrain and suspension technology, and developing fascinating perspectives for the future of the brand on this basis. Presenting the concept of an uncompromisingly sporting two-seater to be seen for the first time...

Press Release MINI Coupe Concept MINI is celebrating a great birthday: Exactly fifty years ago, on 26 August 1959, the classic Mini was presented to the public for the first time, a unique story of success starting out and today giving MINI the perfect opportunity to look ahead without losing sight of the brand’s great tradition. The MINI Coupé Concept is an expression of MINI design and the great ability of the brand’s designers to fill the elementary values of the brand with new life, using the options of modern drivetrain and suspension technology, and developing fascinating perspectives for the future of the brand on this basis. Presenting the concept of an uncompromisingly sporting two-seater to be seen for the first time at the Frankfurt Motor Show (17–27 September 2009), MINI is unveiling an unusually attractive vision of how the model family may well develop in future. The source of inspiration is once again the fundamental motive so characteristic of every MINI: driving pleasure. The MINI Coupé Concept therefore represents the ideal of a car destined in every respect to offer a thrilling experience and make every journey a truly unique thrill. The MINI Coupé Concept brings together a wide range of features for a truly sporting and ambitious style of motoring. Limited to two seats and following a philosophy of consistent lightweight construction, the car clearly meets all the requirements made of a particularly active and dynamic coupé. Compact dimensions, perfect axle load distribution and a low centre of gravity offer ideal conditions for enhancing the agility typical of MINI to a level never seen before. Through its design alone, the MINI Coupé Concept brings out all the thrill of individual mobility and the focus on pure driving pleasure. Powerful proportions and dynamic design language evoke a sense of desire and strong appeal, the MINI Coupé Concept offering a particularly undiluted expression of the brand through its sporting and unconventional stance on the road. The MINI Coupé Concept: an invitation to enjoy spontaneous mobility. With the growing model portfolio, the popularity of the MINI brand has also grown consistently in recent years. The MINI has moved beyond the restraints of urban mobility, opening up additional options and...