2009 LINCOLN MKS Test Drive

  

ALL NEW 2009 LINCOLN MKS – ‘THE NEW LINCOLN FLAGSHIP’

Finally, Lincoln has come to market with a world-class, mid-luxury sedan that is competitive in all the right categories. This is the first Lincoln in a very long time that hits all the right notes, but is it enough music to sway luxury buyers away from Cadillac, Mercedes-Benz, BMW and Audi? Only time will tell but it is a very good start from a brand known for luxury.

Lincoln designers and engineers knew that they had to produce a car that would have eye-catching appeal and an interior with high levels of comfort, luxury with the latest high-tech features and conveniences. On these two categories, Lincoln has come through. Unfortunately, power and performance are still lacking against the competition but that should be taken care of in next year’s model, which I will talk about later in this review.

 

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The Fastest Cadillac Yet: 2009 Cadillac CTS-V

2009 Cadillac CTS-V: Loads and loads of power!

Remember when we posted an article about how manufacturers and car fanatics are utilizing the Nurburgring as a new meter stick for measuring the performance of new vehicles? Well, no different with Cadillac when it comes to their fastest Cadillac yet, the new Cadillac CTS-V. This new CTS-V is new using components from the new Corvette ZR1 making a mighty 556hp and 551 ft. lbs. of torque all in a package that can actually handle that type of power, not to mention 0-60 in 3.9 seconds. Garage 419 did an excellent video with a drive and interview with Nurburgring record holder, John Heinricy. Hold on to your butts, this is going to be one serious drive!

Enjoy the video!

The Real Halo Warthog In Action – Funny Video

 
Pretty interesting and funny video of a life-life Halo (Xbox video game) Warthog vehicle. This All-Terrain vehicle aka Halo Warthog seems just as difficult to drive in real-life as it is in all of the Halo series of games.

Enjoy the video!

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What’s Up Next? Chevy Cruze and More

It’s no secret that all the GM lines have been struggling. All US automakers are being forced to deal with a cataclysmic shift in consumer buying trends. All across the US, soccer moms are abandoning their SUVs in favor of smaller, lighter cars that get better fuel economy.

In answer to this dominant trend, numerous new cars are coming about. The recent exposure of the Chevy Cruze (once thought to be the replacement for to Cobalt) has sparked new interest and new life in the ailing automaker. The Chevy Cruze is just one of the new cars set to take the stage in the near future. However, Europe will get a taste of the Cruze before the US. The Cruze will debut in 2009 in Europe, while the US release comes in 2010.

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45TH ANNIVERSARY 2009 FORD MUSTANG GT CONVERTIBLE Test Drive

Ford celebrates Mustang’s 45th Anniversary in 2009 by designing a new silver 45th anniversary commemorative badge placing it on each front fender, just before the door… America’s favorite tanning machine, the fun-to-drive Ford Mustang convertible has led the segment in sales for the past several years.

Ford has stayed true to the muscle car heritage with the GT model by continuing to give consumers the biggest bang for their buck in a sporty two-door package. That pony car package is a long, aggressive hood with a short deck, short front/rear overhangs, and packing a powerful V8 engine.

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Modern Car Construction Materials

  

Modern Car Construction Materials

Once upon a time, cars and trucks were made of heavy steel. That changed decades ago, leading to the use of aluminum and lighter metal alloys. Other materials that have been used are fiberglass and even plastic (ala Saturn and even some Hondas). However, carbon fiber is rapidly becoming the material of choice for both automakers and tuners alike. Will we see cars with carbon fiber body panels rolling off the assembly line? While that is not likely (the costs would be somewhat prohibitive), it has not stopped automakers from using the material in other places.

While most tuners focus on replacing their OEM hoods and trunk lids with carbon fiber accessories, OEMs have focused on trim and accessory parts, (you can find a carbon fiber hood or trunk lid for your ride at AndysAutoSport.com). OEMs cite the increased cost that would be associated with manufacturing body panels from carbon fiber, as well as the need to pass those costs along to the customer. In their view, it would reduce owner loyalty, simply due to price.

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Interesting Car Sighting: Lamborghini Gallardo Spider at McDonalds

  

Lamborghini Gallardo Spider at McDonalds

My buddy Lloyd in Atlanta Georgia was so nice to send me a photo of a Lamborghini Gallardo Spider picking up some items off of the value menu at a local McDonalds. While our economy is fundamentally strong, so says John McCain, the guy driving the Lamborghini Gallardo Spider (retails for $200,000+), has chosen to pick up an item from McDonalds (not coffee) for whatever reason. It seems someone who drives a $200K vehicle may not be so different than the rest of us… maybe, maybe not. Maybe he has to save up some cash to supplement what he has lost in the stock market over the past few days? You decide.

Oh, and while I threw in a little politics in this article, go register to VOTE! If you are not registered to vote, now is a good time to get yourself registered before it is too late!

2009 VOLKSWAGON TIGUAN SEL 4MOTION Test Drive

  

ALL NEW 2009 VOLKSWAGON TIGUAN SEL 4MOTION – ‘THE FIRST COMPACT SUV FROM VW’

Sales of small, compact sport utility and crossover vehicles continues to grow, while sales of full-size and mid-size models continue to fall. With VW’s experience engineering and building the superb mid-size Touareg sport utility, the time seemed right for VW to introduce the all-new 2009 Tiguan compact sport utility vehicle.

The Tiguan has been under development for several years and was not put together hurriedly to grab a piece of the expanding new segment, but the competition will be tough from the likes of the BMW X3, Ford Escape, Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4 and Saturn Vue.

 

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