0-60 in less than 4 seconds, 460 horsepower 4.3L V8 and a 7-speed dual clutch tranny. Did we mention the engine is in the front of this new Ferrari? This Ferrari is a bit more plushy than the normal. Laced with some extra luxury accents and luxury features this new Ferrari is still able to push you up to 193mph. You still get the best of both worlds in a hard top convertible that retracts in about 14 seconds. Time for another Ferris Bueller!… OH YEA!!!

Enjoy the images and video after the jump!

Images:

On The Cutting Edge of Performance and Luxury

The all-new 2009 Infiniti FX50 stands at the top of the performance luxury sport utility segment. I can say that because after my first drive, I was so impressed with the added power, handling, the luxurious appointments, high-tech gear, and the multitude of safety systems that also includes more sensors than you can shake a stick at. My only disappointment was that there is no power liftgate available. No big deal but it could come in handy when you are carrying cargo to the rear with both arms.

None the less, the new FX50 continues with head-turning styling and sporty proportions that enabled the first generation FX45 to stand out from all other performance luxury crossovers on the market with its long hood, stretched wheelbase, short front and rear overhangs, and a low stance.

The aggressive styling serves notice of its performance capability, yet FX50 also offers room for five and the cargo capacity to hold four full-size golf bags.

New distinctive, chrome side air vents have been added behind the front fenders and are functional, allowing air to flow through the engine compartment and out the side of the vehicle, reducing front end lift by a full 5%, thus improving high-speed stability.

The front fascia retains the FX’s lustrous Infiniti signature double-arch front grille, fog lamps, and Adaptive High Intensity Discharge bi-xenon projector headlamps. The wheelbase has been stretched 1.4in. with the front wheels moved forward and out-providing a more pronounced performance stance.

The aggressive silhouette is once again highlighted by a strong front-to-rear shoulder line, a tight greenhouse with a wraparound chrome strip, kicked-back roofline and integrated rear spoiler. The large LED taillights extend beyond the body, helping create aerodynamic downforce, while big dual exhaust outlets with chrome tips cap the action-ready appearance.

The vehicle’s unique sporty styling works for me with its sexy, curvy lines, lowered stance, and big, 21in. wheels and tires stuffing the flared, rounded fenders. Black molding wraps around each wheelwell to further the aggressive look.

The only straight line is at the bottom of the doors that now feature a tasteful chrome strip. Deep side extensions below give it a lower the center of gravity, enhancing stability even more.

Under the FX’s polished, assertive styling is an equally advanced body structure. It uses the rigid platform architecture from the performance-oriented Infiniti G sedan, G coupe and M sedans. The FM (front-midship) flatform offers a performance foundation and balanced front-to-rear weight distribution for exceptional handling.

Efforts were taken to reduce weight and enhance body strength, including the use of new aluminum outer door panels. The overall FX body structure weighs nearly 200lbs. less than the previous FX, but the overall vehicle weight is increased due to additional equipment.

The new FX comes standard with the industry’s first use of Infiniti’s Advanced Scratch Shield paint which is a special ‘self-healing’ clearcoat paint that repairs fine scratches, such as fingernail scratches under door handles. Over a period of several days, using sunlight to heat the clearcoat, causes the small scratches to fill in.

Open the wide-opening doors, easily step over the stainless steel Infiniti kick plate, and you’ll discover a driver-oriented cockpit design that is sporty, comfortable, ergonomic, and luxurious with several breakthrough innovations.

The command center-style cockpit is designed to enhance your driving experience. The optional quilted leather-appointed 10-way power-adjustable sports driver’s seat includes variable air-inflating side bolster and lumbar support, and available thigh extensions. The front passenger seat offers 8-way power adjustments, and both seats are available with a new, quieter, more efficient heating and cooling functions for maximum comfort in any season.

The attention to detail and materials such as the real, hand-cut and rubbed wood, premium leather, aluminum, chrome, and quality soft-to-the-touch materials are designed beautifully around the Infiniti signature double-wave instrument panel, door trim, and easy to see white/violet Fin Vision electroluminescent gauges.

Optional is a new Automatic Driving Position system, which moves the seat, steering wheel and outside mirrors adaptively into the correct position-allowing you to change seat position while driving and keep the same mirror viewpoint and relationship between the steering column and your shoulder position.

The incredible FX50 interior comes standard with an array of comfort and convenience equipment, including a sporty, tilt/telescoping 3-spoke, leather-wrapped steering wheel for the perfect reach and angle, leather-wrapped shift knob, front door pockets, front seatback pockets, dual front and rear cupholders, locking glove box, center console with soft leather armrest, four assist grips, overhead sunglass holder, four 12-volt power plugs, power windows with front/rear one-touch up/down on FX50, dual map lamps, thick-cut pile carpeting with signature Infiniti front/rear/cargo floor mats, Infiniti Intelligent Key with Push Button Start/Stop ignition, power door locks, sporty aluminum pedals, auto-diming rearview mirror, power-remote/heated side mirrors, cruise-control with steering wheel controls, front/rear intermittent wipers/washers and a special Welcome Lighting system with 12-point sequential lighting that starts by turning on the puddle lights under the side mirrors as you approach the vehicle, and continues to light key areas as you and your passengers settle into the interior. All buttons, dials and switches are within easy reach and fully illuminated for safer nighttime driving.

Another new option is an Advanced Climate Control System with Plasmacluster ionizer that removes or neutralizes interior airborne contaminants. The system includes a ‘clean mode’ which emits a low concentration of negative and positive ions that attach to airborne particles (mold, fungi, spores, etc.); causing an attraction to interior surfaces so they are no longer floating around, while rendering them harmless.

An ‘ion mode’ creates a high concentration of negative ions to impart a freshness and crispness to the air, similar to what people say they experience after a thunderstorm or near a waterfall.

In addition, the FX50 utilizes a new filter using fibers impregnated with natural grape seed polyphenol, which has the ability to neutralize allergens that conventional filters cannot remove due to their incredibly small size (0.3 to 0.5 microns).

The new FX comes equipped with state-of-the-art audio-an advanced Bose audio system, acoustically engineered by Bose to optimize sound within the FX’s interior. The 11-speaker system features an AM-FM-6CD player, an advanced Burr-Brown digital-to-analog converter (DAC) system, XM satellite radio, diversity antenna and steering wheel-mounted remote buttons.

The optional Infiniti Hard Drive Navigation System features XM NavTraffic with real time traffic information and a 9.3GB Music Box Hard Drive for digital music storage and playback. The Interface System works with an iPod, the compact flash card slot, and Voice Recognition system for climate control, navigation, audio system and phone functions.

Other high-tech features inside include RearView Monitor and an optional Infiniti DVD Mobile Entertainment System with a 9in. flip-down console-mounted rear monitor, two wireless headphones and remote controller. Both the front and rear screens can display DVD content (front only when parked), a good idea.

I was blown away by the new interior design, sportiness, luxury, convenience and high-tech creature comfort and fun-to-use features. The FX50’s fully loaded interior really gives me the feeling of being more connected to the vehicle. Once acquainted with all of the controls and features, it just further moves the FX50 on up the ladder to the top of the luxury class sport utilities.

Firmly placing the all-new 2009 FX50 atop the segment is the exhilarating power and responsive, high-performance handling that I experienced once I put my foot down hard on the throttle.

The FX50 features a new 5.0 liter DOHC 32-valve, all-aluminum V8 engine rated at 390hp and 369lb.ft. of torque. The engine also features a high rev limit, a powerful, throaty engine sound from the specially tuned dual exhaust system, and improved fuel economy verses the previous 4.5 liter V8 engine. One of the keys to the new V8’s impressive performance is the adoption of Infiniti’s patented Variable Valve Event & Lift (VVEL) valve control technology, which was first introduced on the high-performance 2008 Infiniti G37 coupe.

The VVEL system continuously adjusts valve event and lift amounts, enabling higher fuel efficiency with higher torque and improved emissions over conventional VV designs. The VVEL intake camshafts, which feature continuously variable lift control teamed with a continuously variable valve timing control system (CVTCS), allow for a 6,800rpm redline and a high compression ratio of 10.9:1.

For those economical-minded consumers, the FX35 comes with a 3.5 liter DOHC 24-valve V6 engine that is rated at 303hp at 6,800rpm and 262lb.ft. of torque.

Only one transmission is offered on the new FX-an all-new 7-speed automatic transmission, the first ever offered on an Infiniti vehicle. This new transmission offers both a wide ratio of coverage and a wide lock-up area, as well as a manual shift mode, downshift rev matching and adaptive shift control (ASC).

The standard ASC system adapts the transmission’s shift time, depending on your driving style, ensuring more responsive performance. ASC can switch between several different programs –adjusting gear hold and downshifting, helping the FX feel more like a manual shift transmission when you want. The standard solid magnesium paddle shifters on the FX50 enable you to shift the transmission without releasing you hands from the wheel which helps you maintain stability when accelerating or decelerating or when cornering at high speeds.

FX50 AWD and FX35 AWD models are equipped with Infiniti’s advanced ATTESAE-TS (Advanced Total Traction Engineering System for All Electronic Torque Split) all-wheel drive system, which uses an advanced torque split control strategy that automatically transfers optimum torque to the wheels according to road and driving conditions. The system provides outstanding torque to the wheels according to road and driving conditions. The system provides outstanding handling due to optimum torque distribution from the front to rear (50:50 up to 0:100). ATTESA E-TS also provides high starting traction performance and smooth, stable acceleration, especially in snow-covered or off-road situations with a 50:50 torque split at standing start.

Allowing you to maintain a rock solid ride at speed straight-ahead, when challenging curving back roads, and getting around slow moving city traffic is the fully independent suspension with a new double-wishbone design up front. This new front setup offers better ride and improved handling reflexes.

The rear setup utilizes the multi-link design from the last FX45, but is refined to weigh less and provide more wheel travel-again for improved ride and handling. Large diameter stabilizer bars front and rear keep body lean to a bare minimum improving handling performance. The suspension system also incorporates special ‘dual flow path’ shock absorber technology with rebound springs for a responsive, yet comfortable ride. and firm, tight reactions to your inputs.

A new optional Continuous Damping Control (CDC) suspension system offers special electronically controlled shock absorbers. Using input from a variety of sensors, the system continuously alters the damping of the shocks to provide optimal ride and handling response. A selectable switch on the center console has two settings, ‘Auto’ and ‘Sport’, allowing you to control the shock valving levels depending on how you want the vehicle to react to your inputs at the time.

The FX50 is available with an advanced Rear-Active Steer system-the first of its kind for a SUV, which uses precise, electronic motor-driven control to turn the rear wheels up to one-degree, helping generate a nimble steering response at low speeds, and enhance stability at high speeds, especially on curving roads. The result is a vehicle that is able to change direction with improved quickness, precision and stability.

The FX50 comes standard with huge, 21X9.5in., lightweight, six-spoke aluminum alloy wheels developed by Enkei, and were created using a special type of ultra-lightweight casting and are as light as many smaller 18X8in. alloy wheels. These deluxe wheels are wrapped with 265/45R21in. all-season tires or W-rated high-performance summer tires.

These giant tires improve traction and stability, while improving the already compliant ride over poorly paved roads.

When you want to let your search for thrills take over you can always shut down the Infiniti advanced Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) system with Traction Control by pushing on the VDC button on the lower dashboard to your left, canceling out the computer controlled vehicle intervention that uses the throttle and brakes to prevent oversteer and understeer in certain situations. The ride is like they say,’ riding on rails’.
Powerful and secure braking performance is provided by the FX50’s 4-wheel ventilated disc brakes with Brake Assist, ABS, and Electronic Brake Force Distribution enhancements. The FX50 system includes 4-piston front/2-piston rear (opposed piston) calipers clamping down on large 14in. rotors. The brakes are very strong and when I pushed on the pedal the feel was very linear and precise.

Infiniti engineers and designers pretty much covered everything about what an up-to-date, luxury and performance-driven sport utility should include, and I now want to mention the breakthrough, advanced automotive safety warning technologies and systems.

The intelligent brake assist system (IBA) uses the laser rangefinder from the Intelligent Cruise Control’s (ICC) system and analyzes closing speeds to an obstacle ahead to prevent or reduce damage caused by a rear-end collision.

Also available is a Distance Control Assist (DCA) system. Designed for low-speed, heavy traffic situations. DCA uses the Intelligent Cruise Control sensors to measure distance to the car a head. The DCA allows one-foot driving in heavy traffic-you depress the throttle to move forward, but when the car ahead slows, DCA ‘pushed back’ on the throttle, and automatically applies the brakes, even to a stop. You then depress the throttle to get moving again.

The available Intelligent Cruise Control (full speed range) system combines the brakes, throttle sensor and laser rangefinder with the cruise control system to automatically maintain a set distance between you and the vehicle in front.

Also available is the advanced Infiniti Lane Departure Prevention (LDP) system, which takes Infiniti’s existing LDP one step further. LDP utilizes the FX’s Vehicle Dynamic Control System to apply slight brake pressure to the wheels opposite the side of the lane departure direction to help prevent the vehicle from inadvertently traveling out of its intended lane. If no action is taken by the driver, alarm bells will sound.

The breakthrough, optional, ‘Around View Monitor System’ is fantastic, and utilizes four small superwide-angle cameras-mounted on the front, side and rear of the FX-to project an all-around view of potential objects on every side of the vehicle, helping reduce blind spots when parking. The system uses advanced image processing to provide a unique one-of-a-kind ‘birds-eye-view’ of the vehicle, making it easy for you to position the FX for parallel parking by simultaneously confirming the exact placement of the front and rear of the vehicle. I love the system, it even showed the red paint on the curb as I backed as close to its beginning as I wanted to. It really gives you an overhead view.

When you put the transmission into reverse the 8in. screen is split between a TV image showing what is behind the vehicle, and the Around View.

Standard safety equipment includes 3-point front seat belts with pretensioners and load limiters, and three, three point seat belts in the standard 40/60 split back seats, dual-stage front supplemental airbags with passenger seat occupant classification system and seat belt sensor, roof-mounted side-impact and rollover curtain airbags for enhanced outboard seat occupant head protection, active head restraints, tire pressure monitoring system and LATCH child seat anchors.

FX also has an optional Pre-Crash seat belts that automatically cinches-up the FX’s seat belts if the system detects emergency braking, skidding movements or an emergency handling situation-based on information from the brake pedal stepping speed and stroke.

I don’t know what I have left out but the all-new 2009 Infiniti FX50 is phenomenal, easily ahead of the rest in the growing luxury sport utility segment with the spirit of a high-performing luxury sport sedan that can’t be beat!

COPYRIGHT:2008:HARVEY SCHWARTZ

SPECIFICATIONS

Price: MSRP $58.400 Invoice $53,893
Type: Midsize SUV
Where Built: Japan
EPA Class: Sport Utility Vehicle

Dimensions

Exterior
Length: 191.3 in.
Width: 75.9 in.
Height: 66.1 in.
Wheel Base: 113.6 in.
Ground Clearance: 7.36 in.
Curb Weight: 4575 lbs.
Gross Weight: 5766 lbs.
Interior
Front Head Room: 39.3 in.
Front Hip Room: 54.9 in.
Front Shoulder Room: 57.3 in.
Rear Head Room: 38.5 in.
Rear Shoulder Room: 57.4 in.
Rear Hip Room: 54.2 in.
Front Leg Room: 44.7 in.
Rear Leg Room: 34.6 in.
Luggage Capacity: 24.8 cu. ft.
Maximum Cargo Capacity: 62 cu. ft.
Maximum Seating: 5

Performance Data

Base Number of Cylinders: 8 Base Engine Size: 5 liters
Base Engine Type: V8 Horsepower: 390 hp
Max Horsepower: 6500 rpm Torque: 369 ft-lbs.
Max Torque: 4400 rpm Maximum Payload: 1182 lbs.
Maximum Towing Capacity: 3500 lbs. Drive Type: AWD
Turning Circle: 36.7 ft.
0-60mph: 5.3 seconds (some sources have reported 5.0 seconds for 0-60mph)

Fuel Data

Fuel Tank Capacity: 23.8 gal.
EPA Mileage Estimates: (City/Highway)
Automatic: : 14 mpg / 20 mpg
Range in Miles: (City/Highway)
Automatic: 333.2 mi. / 476 mi.

2008 Pontiac G8 GT Sedan: Bringing Back Pontiac Excitement!

With the all-new 2008 G8 GT, Pontiac is once again offering real high-performance thrills for the whole family. Unlike the two-door GTO coupe that lasted only two model years, the all-new G8 GT offers a thrilling ride with more comfort and safety for the whole family at a very reasonable price.

The G8 is the first application of GM’s new global rear-wheel-drive architecture. Available in either the base 3.6 liter engine making 256hp, or the GT model that makes a whopping 361hp. Each delivers a broad range of standard performance, convenience and safety features including: four-wheel independent suspension, four-wheel vented disc brakes with ABS and traction control, StabiliTrak electronic stability control system, seat-mounted thorax airbags and dual-stage frontal airbags, roof rail side-impact airbags for both seating rows, OnStar, XM Satellite Radio, power-adjustable front seats, fog lamps, polished stainless steel exhaust tips, and a low-profile rear lip spoiler. A sport package is available for the G8 GT models that add 19in. aluminum wheels and performance tires, a leather wrapped sport steering wheel and alloy foot pedals.

Both G8 models share a progressive styling package highlighted by strong Pontiac design cues, such as a dual-port grille, fog lamps, 5-spoke aluminum wheels and a confident, wheels-at-the corners stance. The design accents the car’s performance lineage, with fenders that flare over the wheels, seemingly hugging the wide tires and enhancing the sporty stance.

Distinctive elements include working hood scoops and front fender vents, projector headlamps housed in crystal-clear lenses. At the rear, taillamps feature bright detail work and clear lenses, a lower air diffuser better manages underbody airflow, a full-width spoiler at the end of the trunk lid increases downforce,
and quad polished stainless steel exhaust tips. From the side are steeply raked windshield pillars and beautifully formed and working fender air-extractor vents. A bright chrome strip surrounding the greenhouse give a touch of elegance while deep lower side extensions enhance aerodynamics and give the car a lower-to-the-ground stance.

Designed to meld form and function with world-class fit and finish, the G8’s interior delivers both comfort and convenience, packaged in a level of sophistication not often found in its price range. The cockpit is wonderfully designed with big, white on black rally gauges positioned for an easy, direct line of view.

An electronic driver information screen is located between the 180mph speedometer and 8,000rpm tachometer. Attention to detail is seen everywhere from the easy-to-read instruments, selective use of satin and chrome trim, and rich-feeling, grained textures throughout. The instrument cluster glows with crisp, white light on the primary instruments and Pontiac’s signature red lighting illuminates the rest of the instrument panel cluster. The sport bucket seats give bottom and rear comfort, and utilizes thick side bolstering to keep you in place during spirited driving times. All buttons, switches and dials are reached easily and fully illuminated for safe nighttime travel. The sport designed 4-spoke steering wheel is leather wrapped and tilt/telescoping for the perfect reach and angle.

Standard interior features in the G8 GT include auto dual zone climate control, cruise-control, intermittent wipers/washers, 4-way power seat adjustment for both front bucket seats, theft deterrent alarm system, lighted visor mirrors, inside mirror with compass, power windows/door locks with express down up front, grab handles for rear doors, center console with dual cup holders, storage bins, dual map lamps and sunglass holder in overhead console, rear pull-down center armrest, Blaupunkt Premium AM-AM-CD Audio System with 11-speakers, 320-watt and subwoofer, front and rear floor mats and cargo convenience net. Optional leather seats come with heating elements up front.

At 6ft. 3in. I found that my head was only 1in. from the headliner, but that the interior did feel roomy and enough space front and back plus the trunk for taking care of all my daily driving chores.
The base G8 model receives a 3.6 liter DOHC, all-aluminum V6 with VVT and is rated at 256hp and 248lb.ft. of torque.

The G8 GT that I tested was powered by a uniquely configured 6.0 liter all-aluminum V8 generating 361hp and 285lb.ft. of torque. It features GM’s Active Fuel Management technology which allows the engine to switch from V8 power to four-cylinder operation during light-load driving conditions, enhancing fuel economy.

This high-performance V8 engine is mated to a standard Hydra-Matic six-speed 6L80 automatic transmission turning the rear wheels. This robust transmission uses a clutch-to-clutch operation and an integrated 32-bit transmission controller to deliver smooth and precise shifts. The six-speed has a generous 6.0:1 overall ratio that enables a ‘steep’ first gear. The result is strong launch acceleration along with ‘tall’ overdrive ratios that lower engine rpms for better fuel economy and reduced noise. The 6L80 also features Driver Shift Control that enables you to take the rpms to redline for even faster acceleration.

A limited-slip rear differential is standard and helps get the power down on the pavement more efficiently.

The G8 GT blasts out to 60mph from a standstill in just 5.3sec., one of the fastest 4-door sedans for under $32,000.00.

Engineered and manufactured by GM’s Australian ‘Holden’ division, it is built on GM’s global rear-wheel-drive architecture, and is designed to deliver world-class levels of strength and refinement, along with crisp driving dynamics. Among the architecture’s design attributes is a layout that promotes a nearly 50/50 front-to-rear weight balance ratio, thanks a design features that include a steering rack mounted ahead of the front axle, engines mounted low and rearward in the front chassis cradle and a trunk mounted battery. GM’s rear-drive architecture also has an exceptionally strong unitized chassis/body structure, including advanced-strength steel used in more than 80% of its construction. This strong foundation enables several factory that benefit the G8 GT’s driving dynamics and experience, including smoother, more solid ride characteristics and more precise suspension tuning, as the stiffer structure allows engineers to tune the suspension without having to account for chassis flex.

The unique, four-wheel independent, performance-tuned suspension is integrated with the G8’s structure, and is the result of eight years of development. It uses the strength of the body structure to enhance the driving experience through optimized steering, handling and driving control.

The G8 rides on a long, 114.8in. wheelbase, with the wheels set wide on 62.7in. front, and 63.3in. rear tracks. The front suspension features a multi-link, MacPherson strut design that includes a direct-acting stabilizer bar, while the rear suspension uses a four-link design with progressive-rate coil springs over gas-charged shocks and a decoupled stabilizer bar.

The front suspension uses a hydraulically damped bushing on the forward end of the tension link for improved ride isolation. The lateral link features a rubber spherical joint that enhances lateral stiffness. Camber, caster and toe are fully adjustable. With the rear suspension, a high degree of lateral stiffness is achieved with the use of two lateral ball joints per side. A rubber-damped suspension frame further isolates body structure from noise, vibration and harshness from the road.

The G8 GT rides on big 18X8in. 5-spoke alloy wheels wrapped with Goodyear 245/45R18in. Eagle RS-A performance tires. The unique suspension geometry and the wide tires give the GT remarkable handling ability at triple-digit speeds on the open road and road hugging cornering ability when challenging curving back roads. It’s as if you were riding on rails.

The steering rack is mounted forward of the front axle centerline-with dual lower links and individual ball joints at the outer ends-which enhances the balanced feel of the car while also contributing to a more direct and connected steering feel. Turn-in is quick and precise. You can turn off the traction control system to let the rear hangout at the apex of turns, then ease off the throttle to get it back in line as you exit.

The G8 GT’s brakes are big and strong to quickly and safely slow you down from speed. All four disc brakes are vented and feature 12.64in. rotors up front, clamped by alloy, dual-piston calipers, and 12.76in. rear rotors clamped alloy calipers with single-piston actuation.

Your braking control is enhanced with standard ABS, all-speed traction control and StabiliTrak electronic stability control.

Standard safety features include efficient, energy-absorbing front structure and a strong occupant safety cage, six-standard airbags including dual-stage front airbags, side thorax airbags, for front passengers, and roof-mounted head curtain airbags for both seating rows, multiple airbag sensors, front safety belts with load limiters and dual pretensioners, ride-down steering column and breakaway pedal system, LATCH system for child seats, OnStar for emergency situations, and a tire pressure monitoring system.

The all-new 2008 Pontiac G8 GT is the real deal in mid-size performance sedans costing less than $32,000.00. Engineered and manufactured in Australia by GM’s Holden division, known throughout the world for its high-performance track record, then styled in Detroit with signature Pontiac design cues, the all-new Pontiac G8 GT makes for the perfect family sedan where the consumer enjoys high-performance driving when the kids and the wife are away.

COPYRIGHT:2008:HARVEY SCHWARTZ

SPECIFICATIONS

Price: MSRP $31,555  Invoice $29,819
Type: Large Sedan
Where Built: Australia
EPA Class: Large Cars

Dimensions

Exterior
Length: 196.1 in.
Width: 74.8 in.
Height: 57.7 in.
Wheel Base: 114.8 in.
Curb Weight: 3995 lbs.
Interior
Front Head Room: 38.7 in.
Front Hip Room: 56.7 in.
Front Shoulder Room: 59.1 in.
Rear Head Room: 38 in.
Rear Shoulder Room: 59.1 in.
Rear Hip Room: 58 in.
Front Leg Room: 42.2 in.
Rear Leg Room: 39.4 in.
Luggage Capacity: 17.5 cu. ft.
Maximum Cargo Capacity: 18 cu. ft.
Maximum Seating: 5

Performance Data

Base Number of Cylinders: 8 Base Engine Size: 6 liters
Base Engine Type: V8
Horsepower: 361 hp
Max Horsepower: 5300 rpm
Torque: 385 ft-lbs.
Max Torque: 4400 rpm
Maximum Towing Capacity: 2000 lbs.
Drive Type: RWD
Turning Circle: 37.4 ft.
0-60mph: 5.2 seconds

Fuel Data

Fuel Tank Capacity: 19 gal.
EPA Mileage Estimates: (City/Highway)
Automatic: : 15 mpg / 24 mpg
Range in Miles: (City/Highway)
Automatic: 285 mi. / 456 mi.

Trans AM for sale

Ford adds a new sporty looking package for the new, 2009 Ford Fusion by offering more standard features and the new Blue Suede Appearance Package available on front-wheel-drive SE and SEL models.

The package consists of exterior metallic paint color choice of dark ink blue, brilliant silver, sport blue and tuxedo black. The interior is charcoal black trim with Alcantara suede seat inserts in blue, charcoal black leather trimmed side bolsters with blue stitching, Alcantara blue suede-colored door panel trim inserts, blue stitching on the leather-wrapped steering wheel and on the center floor console armrest. The instrument panel, center stack and door panel appliqués in black, ambient lighting is added to the SE models, and larger 18X8in. painted aluminum wheels wrapped with Goodyear 225/45R18in. performance tires.

In the hotly contested mid-size car market, the Ford Fusion stands out now even more with its distinctive design, award-winning quality, an impressive list of safety features, state-of-the-art technologies and segment-leading value.

For 2009, ambient lighting, Sirius Satellite Radio, a 5-speed automatic and traction control for the SEL’s 4-cylinder engine, joining Fusion’s long list of standard features.

Also standard on SEL models is ambient lighting which allows drivers to personalize their Fusion’s interior with one of seven colors-blue, red, violet, orange, indigo, green and yellow. These accent colors can be changed at any time and found inside the cupholders, and in the front and rear foot wells. Sirius Satellite Radio is also standard on SEL models.

For enhanced handling and performance, Fusion now offers optional AdvanceTrac electronic stability control AdvanceTrac uses sensors to detect and measure oversteer and understeer by monitoring the vehicle’s steering wheel angle versus actual yaw. When the system senses wheel side slip-the difference between the driver’s intended and actual path-engine torque is reduced and braking is applied at individual wheels to help keep the car tracking safely on its intended path.

Fusion offers a choice of Ford’s 2.3 liter Duratec 23 inline 4-cylinder or 3.0 liter Duratec 30 V6 engine. Both feature aluminum construction, DOHC, four valves per cylinder, intake variable cam timing and electronic throttle control that delivers smooth, spirited driving performance along with good fuel economy and emissions ratings.

The 4-cylinder engine develops 160hp and can be paired with a 5-speed manual or five-speed automatic on the SEL model. For added performance, you can step up to the 221hp, 3.0 liter V6, which is mated to an advanced six-speed automatic. Fusion was the first car in its class to offer such a sophisticated automatic.

The fully independent front and rear suspensions systems give Fusion smooth, confident handling in both front-and all-wheel-drive configurations. Standard ABS provides even more control during severe braking maneuvers on dry or slick pavement.

The available all-wheel-drive transmission, a feature Fusion first introduced to the mid-size segment-contributes to more responsive handling for improved confidence in all types of driving and road conditions.

In addition to traction control and ABS, standard safety equipment includes six airbags, safety belt pretensioners, seat weight-sensing system for the front passenger seat, beltminder which reminds when a safety belt is not buckled, LATCH anchors for child seats, and a tire pressure monitoring system.

Options not mentioned above includes Ford SYNC voice-activated hands-free communications and entertainment system, Voice-activated navigation system, MP3 audio input jack and rear parking assist that emits a tone that increases in frequency and intensity when it detects close proximity to an object at the rear of the car.

Ford has listened to the call for more standard and optional features to make the ride more enjoyable and safe, along with a great looks and performance in Ford’s best-selling, mid-size family sedan.

Both I-4 and V6 models get great gas mileage-20mpg/city and 29mpg/highway for the 2.3 liter and 18mpg/city and 26mpg/highway for the V6 models. The base price for the SEL model that I tested starts at $23,340.00.

COPYRIGHT:2008:HARVEY SCHWARTZ

Specifications

Price: MSRP $25,190 Invoice $23,071
Type: Midsize Sedan
Where Built: Mexico
EPA Class: Midsize Cars

Dimensions

Exterior
Length: 190.2 in.
Width: 72.2 in.
Height: 57 in.
Wheel Base: 107.4 in.
Interior
Front Head Room: 38.7 in.
Front Hip Room: 54 in.
Front Shoulder Room: 57.4 in.
Rear Head Room: 37.4 in.
Rear Shoulder Room: 56.5 in.
Rear Hip Room: 53.3 in.
Front Leg Room: 42.3 in.
Rear Leg Room: 37.2 in.
Luggage Capacity: 15.8 cu. ft.
Maximum Seating: 5

Performance Data

Base Number of Cylinders: 6 Base Engine Size: 3 liters
Base Engine Type: V6
Horsepower: 221 hp
Max Horsepower: 6250 rpm
Torque: 205 ft-lbs.
Max Torque: 4800 rpm
Drive Type: AWD
Turning Circle: 40 ft.

Fuel Data

Fuel Tank Capacity: 17.5 gal.
EPA Mileage Estimates: (City/Highway)
Automatic: : 17 mpg / 25 mpg
Range in Miles: (City/Highway)
Automatic: 297.5 mi. / 437.5 mi.

2009 Rolls Royce Phantom Coupe Launch September 30, 2009-St. Regis Hotel, San Francisco, California

Rolls Royce Motor Cars chose San Francisco, California, and the magnificent St. Regis Hotel, to launch their all-new 2009 Phantom Coupe. Based on the all-new 2008 Phantom Drophead Coupe Convertible, the all-new Phantom Coupe is even more rigid and exciting to drive than the convertible model because of the fixed roof.

With a fixed roof the Phantom Coupe gives the driver even more performance and handling prowess.

The launch included a drive through early morning San Francisco rush hour traffic, then north over the Golden Gate Bridge, and on to the scenic town of Bolinas along Pacific Coast Highway.

For those persons accustomed to the finest things in life, a new high performing and elegant two-door coupe is now available for sale through their Rolls Royce dealer.

The all-new 2009 Phantom Coupe is a driver’s automobile and is the pinnacle of elegance, performance and safety.

The base price starts at $405,000.00.

COPYRIGHT:2008:HARVEY SCHWARTZ

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.

The most striking exterior design feature is the double-wing grille, inspired by the 1941 Lincoln Continental. The grille sweeps up into the jewel-like HID headlamps to form a single graphic element that further accentuates the facia. A bright chrome Lincoln star rests prominently between the wings. Key design cues include the sculpted hood and fast-raked windshield, which forms a sleek roofline. The broad-shouldered Lincoln MKS also features a beltline that kicks up slightly over the rear wheels, another modern tribute to classic Lincoln design. Below the grille are horizontal slats that increase airflow into the engine. Just below these is a black spoiler, and a deep wide black strip that travels all around the sides to the rear. Underneath each door is a beautiful aluminum strip while each front fender wears a Lincoln star fronting heat extracting mesh to remove excess heat buildup from the engine.

Elegant details include a polished stainless steel side window surround that finishes with a wide flourish at the front end of the C-pillar-accentuating the tapered cantrail of the cantilevered roof. Stainless steel strips also run the length of the car, framing the available twin-panel moon roof and flowing into the tall decklid.

In the rear are beautifully detailed LED tail lamps that are accented by a vertical white light strip that runs along the edge of the decklid, and a horizontal chrome strip is inset with a Lincoln star. A rear decklid lip helps with increasing downforce at high speeds. Just below the bumper are two, 3in wide, polished stainless steel exhaust tips.

From the front, side and rear, this is the best looking Lincoln to come down the road in a long time. Elegant and unique, the styling turns heads, and can hold its own against any luxury sedan on the market.

Inside, the meticulously detailed MKS delivers a precision-crafted environment resplendent in hand-wrapped premium leather, real wood and metal accents. The instrument panel flows horizontally from door to door, its top portion is hand-wrapped in durable, eco-friendly leatherette with double-stitching. With all the leather surfaces Lincoln went further by using thicker, 30-weight thread, 7-stitches per inch, all double-stitched. The instrument panel is divided into upper and lower portions by a strip of sculpted wood highlighted by a line of chrome. Trimmed at the top in real wood, the power tilting/telescoping, leather-wrapped, steering wheel frames an elegant instrument cluster with gauges circled with delicate chrome rings. Details of the interior are also accented in sculpted aluminum. The inside of each door is trimmed in leather with a matching chrome strip. I would have liked to have seen a long, wide strip of matching wood in the middle of the door to add to the interior elegance.

Elegant and flowing surfaces create the feeling that the interior has been sculpted, rather than constructed. The flow-through center stack is topped with an integrated information screen that also serves as the screen for the optional navigation system.

Customers can choose from three distinct interior options, all set off by Lincoln’s signature cool white lighting.

A philosophy of ‘guilt-free luxury’ means MKS uses materials and processes that reflect the finer things in life but not at the expense of the world around us. This includes the leather for the seats by Bridge of Weir, the same Scottish company that supplied hides for the iconic Continental Mark II. Chosen for its high quality and its organic, chromium-free tanning, this is the softest leather I have ever felt in a Lincoln. Ebony wood, used for some models, reclaimed from furniture makers and other sources offers a beautiful and rare wood with minimal environmental impact. My test MKS came with dark burl wood trim.

The MKS offers best-in-class interior volume of 105.9cu.ft. and best-in-class luggage space of 18.4cu.ft., nearly four-times larger than some competitors. There is only one problem I encountered with the trunk, which is truly spacious, it didn’t have a power-opening option, and it had no handle or indentation to safely close the lid. I am looking forward to seeing that standard luxury feature in next year’s edition.
New Lincoln front bucket seats are very comfortable, were developed first for the MKS, and feature side bolster support designed for spirited driving fun. The standard heated and cooled, 12-way power driver and front passenger seats offer four-way lumbar (up, down, inboard and outboard) for added comfort on long trips. Rear seat passengers also enjoy a luxury that begins as they enter the cabin via the largest rear-door openings in its class, and offers segment-exclusive standard heated rear seats.

Recessed into the front and rear door openings, cleverly-designed hidden rocker panels allow for a lower step-over height, making it easier to enter or exit the vehicle. This design shields the rockers from the elements, reducing the chances of soiling shoes or pants when entering or exiting the car. Also, above each passenger door is a grab handle to further enhance ease of entry and exit.

The all-new MKS offers the largest selection of comfort and convenience technology features of any mid-level luxury car in its class, including: Adaptive Cruise Control; Intelligent Access with push button start; Securi-Code Keyless Entry which is a next-generation keypad that should be familiar with Lincoln owners as the new system is now flush-mounted to the car’s driver-side B-pillar, using technology similar to that found on the MP3 music players to create heat-sensitive, backlit numerals that become visible once they’re touched; Adaptive Headlamps with standard HID lamps; Auto High Beams that automatically switch to high beam intensity when no other vehicles are in range and automatically revert to low beam intensity when they detect other vehicle lights: Rain-Sensing Wipers uses an advanced optical sensing system to detect how hard rain or snow is falling and determine when to activate windshield wipers and how fast to run the wiper motor; the Forward Sensing System uses four hidden sensors mounted in the front fascia and audible beeps to help drivers determine how close they are to objects in front of the car when parking; the Rearview Camera System works in conjunction with the vehicle’s reverse sensing system and uses the navigation screen as a display; Easy Fuel Capless Fuel-Filler System is an industry-exclusive feature that provides owners hassle-free, odor-free and more-consistent seal than a manual fuel cap. When fueling is completed and the nozzle is removed, the system automatically seas shut. The system also has an invisible benefit, too-fewer evaporative emissions; SYNC is standard on an array of 2009 Lincoln vehicles. This award-winning, industry-exclusive, voice-activated hands-free communications and entertainment system developed by Ford and Microscoft, fully integrates most Bluetooth-enabled mobile phones and digital media players into the car.

Voice-Activated Navigation System with SIRIUS Travel Link offers a host of convenient features including more than 150-hours of music storage. Users can browse the music juke box via touch-screen or by using voice recognition. The system also integrates the climate control and SIRIUS satellite radio into easy-to-use, smudge-resistant, 8-in. touch-screen display. Users can even upload personal pictures from CD to be displayed on the system’s home screen. SIRIUS Travel Link provides users access to up-to-the-minute information including real-time gas prices at the closest stations as well as movie listings and sports scores through the vehicle’s navigation system; THX II Certified 5.1 Surround Sound Audio System delivers true 5.1 surround sound from DVD movies and DVD-Audio music. A 12-channel, 600-watt ‘smart amp’ delivers digital sound to the system’s 16-specially-placed speakers, including 10in. and 8in. subwoofers. The precision-tuned system sues state-of-the-art digital technology to turn the cabin into a theater or concert hall.

The new MKS sedan offers exceptional quietness and comfort. The body structure of the MKS was optimized for strength and stiffness using high-strength steel, 6-millemeter-thick laminated windshield and side glass, sound-absorbing carpeting and acoustic headliner, and tire and bushing development focused on further tuning out low-frequency road noise and vibration. The high-end sound package centers on a new technology that a first for Lincoln and the MKS-an injection-molded rubber dash panel that runs from the floor, just under the carpet, up to the top of the dash and back over the cowl to block unwanted wind or powertrain noise. The same technology is used inside rear wheel wells.

Standard equipment not mentioned above includes rear window defroster, power locks, remote keyless entry with trunk release, two-person memory for the seats, steering wheel, outside mirrors, power steering, tire pressure monitoring system, power, one-touch/up and down windows all around, fog lamps, manual fold, power adjustable/heated/self-dimming, side mirrors, 18in. bright, machined aluminum wheels, premium AM/FM in-dash 6-CD/MP3/Clock and 6-speakers, dual-zone automatic climate control, front center armrest with two separate leather tops that each move fore and aft 6in. with storage bin/dual cup-holders and storage with sliding security covers, overhead console with map lights and sunglass storage, rear reading lamps, thick-cut pile carpeting, front/rear floor mats, 3-12-volt power plugs, illuminated door and steering wheel switches, courtesy lamps, auto-dimming rearview mirror with compass, rear fixed pass-through with pull-down armrest and two cupholders, leather-wrapped shifter, universal garage door opener, and visors with illuminated mirrors.

Key options include all-wheel-drive, 19in. premium painted aluminum wheels, 20in. polished aluminum wheels, SIRIUS satellite radio, THX II Certified sound system, voice activated DVD navigation system, rear-view camera, adaptive cruise control, dual panel power moonroof, all-weather floor mats, power rear sunshade, and Power-Code remote start.

This is quite a list of standard and optional features befitting the best mid-luxury sedan in the segment.

Under the skin, the new MKS offers exceptional quietness and comfort and a confident driving experience, providing intuitive feedback to drivers along with a secure feeling behind the wheel.

The car puts you in command. Its chassis provides isolation from road noise and harshness but doesn’t isolate you from the road. Steering is precise and responsive, requiring little input from the cockpit. The beefy, 4-spoke steering wheel feels perfect in your hands with the perfect reach and angle that the power tilt/telescope features.

The MKS comes with a new, fully independent, multi-link rear suspension that has been designed and tuned to deliver a perfect balance of performance, handling and comfort. A unique design places vertically mounted, coil-over shocks at the outboard end of the suspension arms, near the wheels. This configuration increases the motion ratio of the suspension allowing for more precise tuning while also facilitating the larger wheels and tires that are desired by today’s luxury customers. This setup significantly increases the efficiency of the shocks, allowing Lincoln to tune the suspension more finely across a wider range of attributes and deliver the optimum in both handling and ride comfort.

The MacPherson strut and rear-facing L-shaped lower control arm front suspension was designed to maximize suspension travel and tuned to work in harmony with the rear suspension. It attaches to the body with a subframe to minimize noise, vibration and harshness. When I lifted the hood to photograph the engine it was good to see that Lincoln engineers mounted a strut tower brace to enhance front suspension performance.

Together, the new front and rear suspension design can accommodate available, class-exclusive 20in. wheels and tires without compromising ride comfort.

When behind the wheel in the city and on the open road, I found that this blend of performance and comfort performed well at damping when traveling over poorly paved city streets, and remained flat when cornering. On the open road at speed, the feel was rock solid with no drift or direction disturbance when traversing over different road surfaces.

The MKS is powered by a new 3.7 liter DOHC, VVT, all-aluminum V6 engine. It pumps out a healthy 273hp and 270lb.ft. of torque, and doesn’t require premium fuel. The engine is tuned to maximize the increased torque band and improve performance where you need it most, in standing acceleration and when passing. While the V6 performed well at slow or high speeds, it took to long to get there. The MKS weighs 5,250lbs. for the front-wheel-drive system and 5,400lbs. for the AWD model. What it needs now is more power-a minimum of 300hp for the FWD, and 400hp for the AWD model. These figures are industry standards found in the competition. Right now Ford is developing their Hurricane twin-turbo-charged V6 engine and it should be ready for next year’s edition. I hope so because it should boost sales of the MKS.

This car looks great like it was taken from a solid piece of metal. It is very contemporary in styling, and is geared to sell to younger buyers from M-B, BMW and Audi owners.
All of the styling and interior amenities mean nothing if not backed up with more power for crisper and quicker acceleration and passing power.

The V6 engine is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission with Select-Shift that delivers smoother shifts, better fuel economy and acceleration as well as enhanced performance feel. Select-Shift, making its Lincoln debut in the MKS, allows you to select gears manually when desired.

The all-wheel-drive system provides for a more confident driving experience in all weather conditions. The unit uses a sophisticated system of clutches to quickly distribute torque between front and rear wheels-up to 100% in either direction-as needed, to avoid wheel slip. All models come with standard traction control and electronic stability control to enhance your control during severe maneuvers.

Quickly slowing the MKS down from speed are large, 4-wheel disc brakes with ABS, and Brake Force Distribution for correct braking bias during emergency braking.
Up front are 12.25in. vented discs clamped with dual-piston aluminum calipers, and 12.75in. solid discs clamped with single-piston aluminum calipers.

Driver and passenger safety is of the utmost importance at Lincoln and they come through with industry standard and new technologies. Using computer-aided engineering, engineers and designers have developed the MKS for optimal strength, stiffness and superb crashworthiness. Its energy-absorbing front structure-with octagonal front frame rails, tunnel rails and ‘shotgun’ front structural members-is designed to absorb and redirect crash forces away from the passenger compartment. The MKS also features the class-exclusive Side Protection and Cabin Enhancement Architecture designed to optimize side impact protection. The body structure features ultra high-strength boron steel in the B-pillar for added protection in a side impact and improve roof strength. The side impact door beams also have been configured to provide optimal protection. Standard safety features include dual-stage driver and front-passenger airbags, seat-mounted side airbags, safety belt pretensioners and load-limiting retractors and driver seat positioning sensor. Other key safety features include adaptive collapsible steering column, safety canopy for front/rear outboard passengers, Advance Trac stability control system that sensors yaw, the vehicle’s speed, throttle position and steering wheel angle and selectively applies individual brakes to help correct skids.

Like I said before, the all-new 2009 Lincoln MKS is the best luxury sedan that Lincoln has produced in a very long time. It has great, eye-appealing looks, a very comfortable, luxury equipped cabin, but needs more power to run successfully with the competition.
I hope that next year the MKS will come with the optional 400hp hurricane V6 engine.
Prices for the base front-wheel-drive MKS starts at $38,465.00 and $40,355.00 for the base AWD model.

COPYRIGHT:2008:HARVEY SCHWARTZ

SPECIFICATONS

Price: MSPR $39,555, Invoice $36,419
Type: Large Sedan
Where Built: United States
EPA Class: Large Cars

Dimensions

Exterior
Length: 204.1 in.
Width: 75.9 in.
Height: 61.6 in.
Wheel Base: 112.9 in.
Curb Weight: 4276 lbs.
Gross Weight: 5400 lbs.
Interior
Front Head Room: 39.7 in.
Front Hip Room: 55.3 in.
Front Shoulder Room: 58.6 in.
Rear Head Room: 38.6 in.
Rear Shoulder Room: 57.4 in.
Rear Hip Room: 55.3 in.
Front Leg Room: 41.9 in.
Rear Leg Room: 38.6 in.
Luggage Capacity: 18.4 cu. ft.
Maximum Cargo Capacity: 18 cu. ft.
Maximum Seating: 5

Performance

Base Number of Cylinders: 6
Base Engine Size: 3.7 liters
Base Engine Type: V6
Horsepower: 270 hp
Max Horsepower: 6250 rpm
Torque: 265 ft-lbs.
Max Torque: 4250 rpm
Maximum Towing Capacity: 1000 lbs.
Drive Type: AWD
Turning Circle: 39.7 ft.

Fuel Info

Fuel Tank Capacity: 19 gal.
EPA Mileage Estimates: (City/Highway)
Automatic: : 17 mpg / 23 mpg
Range in Miles: (City/Highway)
Automatic: 323 mi. / 437 mi.

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.

The 2009 Mustang reveals a menacing ‘shark-like nose’ front fascia with Bi-Xenon headlamps, big, round fog lamps integrated into the front grille, a galloping silver Pony placed in the middle of the grille, and an aluminum power-dome hood that leads to a sweptback windshield. From the side are flared fenders, C-scoops, deep side extensions, and aerodynamic side mirrors. The flared fenders are stuffed with mag-style, 5-spoke, 18X8in. polished aluminum wheels. These stunning wheels are wrapped with sticky, low profile, BF Goodrich 235/50ZR18in. g-Force T/A high-performance tires.

The rear shows 3-element vertical tail lamp clusters, a round, centered GT badge,
and a bold bumper with dual stainless steel exhaust tips nicely spaced underneath.
The styling is pure muscle car, retro and modern, using the latest in automotive engineering with high-tech automotive convenience features.

My GT convertible was painted brilliant silver with a light graphite leather interior.
A real ‘silver bullet’.

The 2009 Mustang GT is powered by a 4.6 liter, SOHC, 3-valves per cylinder,
all-aluminum V8 engine with variable camshaft timing. This high-output V8 engine produces a robust 300hp at 5,750rpm, and 320lb.ft. of torque at 4,500rpm. It is mated to a standard, smooth-shifting, Tremec 3650 5-speed manual, or to a 5-speed automatic transmission. My test vehicle came equipped with the manual and the optional 3.55 ratio limited slip rear end. Ford says that this model should hit 60mph from a standstill in just 5.5sec. The lighter GT coupe does it in just 5.3sec.

I believe their specs as this car didn’t disappoint by pushing me deep into the bucket seats when I mashed the throttle, and heard the loud, sweet deep throaty sounds coming from
the tuned dual exhaust system.

Keeping the Mustang GT pinned to the ground is the unique suspension system that was lacking in the original muscle cars from the ‘60’s and ‘70’s. The independent sport-tuned front features reverse-L links, MacPherson struts, and a 34mm tubular stabilizer bar. The rear setup includes a 3-link solid rear axle with sport-tuned coil springs and gas-charged mono-shocks, strengthened with a Panhard rod. The 20mm solid stabilizer bar keeps body lean to a bare minimum.

While not as high-strung as the GT coupe’s sport-tune, because of the extra weight resulting from the convertible top, motor, underside crossmembers and braces, the ride is a little softer and subdued when encountering poorly paved, bumpy roads. With poorly paved roads comes cowl shake and the Mustang is one of the poorest for a convertible. Ford needs to fit a front strut tower brace to all of its Mustang convertibles to stiffen and tie the front end together when traveling over bumpy roads.

Nonetheless, the power-assisted rack & pinion steering always felt right and well connected, whether driving at slow city speeds or at triple-digit speeds. Quick directional changes was easy with the front setup as turn in is lightning fast and precise.

Strong power-assisted 4-wheel disc brakes quickly slow the Mustang GT convertible down from speed. Up front are 12.4in. vented discs, clamped with twin-piston, 43mm floating aluminum calipers, and 11.8in. vented discs, clamped with single-piston, 43mm floating iron calipers, in the rear. Standard 4-sensor, 4-channel ABS keeps you in control and not skidding, when braking hard on slick or wet pavement. Standard traction control enhances your directional control during severe maneuvers.

The inside follows the exterior theme with touches from yesterday and today. The flat black, eye-lash dashboard shelf sets the tone. Below is a dashboard made from a solid piece of aluminum with a charcoal finish. The big, round, retro-styled, chrome-ringed speedometer and tachometer are followed to the right by chrome-ringed air vents.

The center stack has large and easy-to-use buttons, switches and dials to make driving even more fun and easy. The sport bucket seats are very comfortable and supportive when traveling short and long distances, or when the time is right and you want to add some excitement to your day by driving the Mustang GT to its performance edge, increasing your heartbeat.

My Mustang GT convertible came with these standard features-leather trim seats, power 6-way driver’s seat, center console with dual cup-holders, storage bin and armrest, A/C, stubby stick shifter with leather wrap, ambient lighting, which you can change with seven available colors to fit your mood, a Shaker 500 audio system featuring an AM-FM/In-Dash 6-CD player/MP3, with an auxiliary jack and 6-speakers, leather wrapped/tilting, aluminum, 3-spoke, sport steering wheel with cruise-control controls, message center for personalization, trip computer and important engine system readouts, remote keyless entry, intermittent wipers/washers, glass back with defroster, 2-12-volt power plugs, dual map lamps, power express up/down windows, color coordinated carpets and front floor mats. Options not mentioned above include navigation system, Shaker 1000 audio system, SIRIUS satellite radio, active anti-theft system, heated seats, a protective rubber boot for the convertible top when lowered, and HID headlamps.

The 3-layer power convertible top is fast and easy to use. It takes about 20sec. for the top to raise or lower. Just release two windshield-mounted latches and push a button.
Standard safety features include driver/passenger front airbags, side airbags, illuminated entry, personal safety system, LATCH child safety seat system, 3-point safety belts with pretensioners/load limiters up front and a tire pressure monitoring system.

America’s first and favorite pony car is still the best value, and fun-to-drive, two-door sport coupe on the market.

With a starting price of just $36,290.00 for the GT convertible, there is no other convertible out there that can match the car in styling, performance, comfort, convenience, and safety.

COPYRIGHT:2008:HARVEY SCHWARTZ

Sponsored link: Keep your 45th anniversary Mustang’s seats looking great with a set of Ford Mustang seat covers.

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.

Once inside and on the road, or off-road, you will agree that this is one of the best compact sport utility vehicles on the market. VW’s prowess in styling, engineering, performance, manufacturing, quality and safety is easily seen.

VW offers two styles of Tiguan-the Sport & Style comes to the US, and is a more on-road tuned vehicle with a deeper front airdam, while the European only Track & Field models features a higher front end to give it more off-road manners and a better 28-degree approach angle.

None the less, the all-new Tiguan brings news levels of design, driving dynamics, safety features, plus a long list of luxury and conveniences that are sure to win over many consumers.

It is fun-to-drive with excellent handling and performance characteristics. It is also the first compact sport utility to offer a standard 6-speed manual, or an optional 6-speed automatic, and is built on the proven VW GTI and Rabbit chassis.

The unique styling of the front fascia is highlighted with a deep front airdam, crisp lines and brightwork around the new two-stage grille. Jewel-like bi-xenon headlamps lead into a clam-shell styled hood. The tall greenhouse, also comes with a chrome strip surround, and gives a feeling of space. At the rear, large shoulders blend into the flared fenders below the D-pillars giving it the look of strength. The rear fascia features a tall and wide liftgate, step-up bumper, large, wraparound lamp clusters, and two round exhaust pipes peering out from under the left side of the bumper. Even the bright silver roof rails seem to be an integral part of the vehicle. It also expands the cargo-carrying capacity.

From the side is a wedge shape from the low front end all the way to the end of the roof.
Its curving lines create a feeling of motion, even when parked. The flared fenders are stuffed with 18X8in. alloy wheels and wrapped with 235/50R18in. all-season radial tires. The unique styling shows both toughness and elegance, with just the right amount of elements from each.

Under the skin are VW’s proven powertrain, fully independent suspension, powerful 4-wheel disc brakes and stability control systems.

All Tiguan model receive the 2.0 liter turbo-charged inline 4-cylinder engine. It generates a healthy 200hp at 5,00rpm and 207lb.ft. of torque between 1,700 and 5,000rpm. It is one of the best engines for a quick launch, driving at cruising speeds during long trips, and when encountering stop and go rush-hour traffic. This potent engine is mated to either the standard 6-speed manual front-wheel-drive transmission, or VW’s proven 6-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission. On the highway the automatic returns 24mpg, and 18mpg in the city. The 4Motion AWD system is by Haldex and comes with an electronic differential lock with 90% of the torque channeled to the front wheels in normal driving conditions but with the ability to channel torque to any of the wheels that have traction, instantly.

Underpinning the steel monocoque chassis is a fully independent suspension to smooth out the bumps and to give you precise reaction to your inputs whether driving straight-ahead or when encountering curving roads. Up front are wheel-locating MacPherson struts, an axle assembly with triangular lower wishbones, steel coil springs, anti-roll bar, and a single piece aluminum subframe. The rear setup features 4-links, steel coil springs, gas-charged shocks and an anti-roll bar. The ride was impressive when going over poorly paved road surfaces, and with the new electro-mechanical rack & pinion steering system, even faster reaction with more precise feedback from the road. Turn-in was very good and it built up my confidence to push for more speed.

Part of that confidence building was due to the strong stopping power of the all-new Tiguan. These 4-wheel disc brakes really felt like I was stopping on a dime. Up front are 12.2in. vented discs clamped with dual-piston calipers, while the rear features 11.2in solid discs clamped with single-piston calipers. Further enhancing the stopping power and control during severe maneuvers is standard ABS, traction control, brake assist, electronic brake force distribution, and engine brake assist. The standard electronic stabilization program helps to keep you in control of the direction that you want to be headed in.

The interior cabin is roomy and very comfortable. Luxury, convenience and high-tech features abound throughout the cabin, more to the levels found in the BMW X3. Soft-to-the-touch quality material lines the dashboard and shelf for a high-quality look.
The interior is designed for you and your passenger’s convenience with flexible seating including reclining rear seats with 6in. of fore-aft travel, including a front-passenger seat that folds flat to increase the length of cargo that you can easily load. The optional panoramic sunroof lets in lots of air and sunlight that gives a feeling of added space because it is now so much more light and airy.

The doors open wide to make entering and exiting safe and easy. The front bucket seats are very comfortable, supportive and heated. The convenient center console holds storage slots, dual cup-holders, and a storage bin with padded armrest. In front of the cupholders is a shift gate surrounded with aluminum trim. There are more aluminum trim pieces on the dashboard, door handles, audio, navigation, climate control dials and steering wheel.

Visibility is excellent from inside and the privacy glass cuts down on heat and damaging sun rays as well as keeping the interior more secure.

The new instrument panel has big dials for the speedometer and tachometer with smaller gauges for the fuel on board and engine temperature coolant, all surrounded by aluminum bezels. Inside, the center screen gives you vital information about how the systems are doing, plus outside temperature, odometer, trip computer, etc.

The 60/40 split 2nd row also features a drop-down center armrest with dual cup-holders, coat hanger clips and reading lamps at each back door… In the rear of the center console are air-ducts to help channel air to the seat, and pop-out dual cup-holders.

Above each door is a grab handle for easy entry and exit. The rear cargo hold features chrome tie-downs, storage bins, cargo cover, light, and an under-floor storage area.
The loaded Tiguan SEL 4Motion model that I tested came with these standard features: dual-zone climate control with pollen filter, intermittent wipers with rain sensor speed control, DynAudio 300-watt audio system with 9-speakers and a subwoofer, 3-spoke, leather wrapped/tilt/telescope steering wheel with redundant buttons for the audio system and trip computer, leather wrapped shift knob, 12-way power driver seat, map pockets behind the front seats, express up/down power windows, power door locks, anti-theft deterrent system, self-dimming rearview mirror, power, heated rear-view mirrors with heated washer nozzles, privacy glass rear side and tailgate windows, thick-cut pile carpeting with front/rear/cargo floor mats, dual map lamps, and sunglass holder in the overhead console.

Options include DVD navigation system with rear backup camera, and a large, power panoramic sunroof.

Standard safety features include driver/front passenger airbags, driver/front passenger side airbags, front/rear side curtain head impact airbags, 3-point safety belts for all seating areas, LATCH child seat anchors, front/rear crush zones, side impact beams in each door, child safety rear door locks, and a tire pressure monitoring system.

The all-new VW Tiguan compact sport utility or crossover, whichever you want to label it, maybe late to the party, but the party has really just begun as this segment needs high-quality vehicles, like the Tiguan, and is growing in popularity with consumers every month. The base price for a nicely equipped Tiguan is $23,200.00, while my fully loaded SEL 4Motion model stickered at $37,230.00, including $699.00 destination charges.

COPYRIGHT:2008:HARVEY SCHWARTZ

Price: MSRP $32,940 Invoice $30,668
Type: Compact SUV
EPA Class: Sport Utility Vehicles

Dimensions

Exterior

Length: 174.3 in.
Width: 71.2 in.
Height: 66.4 in.
Wheel Base: 102.5 in.
Ground Clearance: 6.9 in.
Curb Weight: 3631 lbs.

Interior

Front Head Room: 39.1 in.
Front Shoulder Room: 56.2 in.
Rear Head Room: 39 in.
Rear Shoulder Room: 54.8 in.
Front Leg Room: 40.1 in.
Rear Leg Room: 35.8 in.
Luggage Capacity: 23.8 cu. ft.
Maximum Seating: 5

Performance

Base Number of Cylinders: 4
Base Engine Size: 2 liters
Base Engine Type: Inline 4
Horsepower: 200 hp
Max Horsepower: 5100 rpm
Torque: 206 ft-lbs.
Max Torque: 1700 rpm
Maximum Payload: 1330 lbs.
Maximum Towing Capacity: 2200 lbs.
Drive Type: AWD
Turning Circle: 39.4 ft.

Fuel

Fuel Tank Capacity: 16.8 gal.
EPA Mileage Estimates: (City/Highway)
Automatic: : 18 mpg / 24 mpg
Range in Miles: (City/Highway)
Automatic: 302.4 mi. / 403.2 mi.