2009 Dodge Journey for an Enjoyable Road Trip

 

Chrysler, formerly owned by Daimler, has come a long way since it was left to fend for itself in the very competitive auto industry a few years ago. Prior to it being sold it produced well-styled and cool cars and the best-looking full-sized pick-up trucks. But now it seems to have lost its focus and drive.

 

The new 2009 Dodge Journey fro Chrysler is set to resurrect its reputation from the ashes, but can it live up to expectations? There have been some improvements but most of the features of the Dodge are not that interesting. It provides a good ride but he engine seems to have a problem since there are times that it produces an unsettling clunk while decelerating.

 

Its interior is a plus point. Comfortable and roomy, there are also some ingenious new storage features. Just flip forward the hidden storage compartment under the cushion of the front seat and you can hide documents and small bags. There is also the removable inserts under the floor in front of the second-row seats so that you can wash any dirt or drain water if you use them as coolers. Aside from the usual glove compartment, there’s also a Chill Zone where you can put several cans or bottles of liquid and keep them cool through the air-conditioning system.

 

A little problem may be encountered with the center stack that Dodge needs to rectify. The audio controls and display is located all the way down the bottom. If you want to look at the time, you have to look all the way down because that’s were it is located. It can be a bit tiresome. Maybe Dodge can just switch positions of the climate and audio controls in order to solve this minute problem.

 

The journey has a pair of engine/transmission choice. You can select the entry level SE. with starting price of $21,300 and the car comes with a 2.4 liter four cylinder and a four-speed automatic transmission. Or you can have SXT or R/T and you get 3.5-liter V-6 with a six-speed automatic. The V-6 has been used by Chrysler for many years but it has become outdated by the emergence of newer features like the variable valve timing. Fuel efficiency is a downside because it just comes at 16 mpg city driving and 23 in the highways.

 

For those buyers who need the space that the Journey provides but are unwilling to pay the higher prices of the competition, this car might just be the one for you.

VW Golf Plus Unveiled In Bologna, Italy

The Volkswagen is one of the most popular vehicles today. From the time of its conception until now it has never failed in bringing quality vehicles to the market. The company recently unveiled the second-generation Volkswagen Golf Plus at the Bologna Motor Show in Italy. The architecture of this model is based on the MK V Golf. The difference in the new Plus is that it is a raised-roof MPV version of the new sixth generation Golf. The new Golf Plus is very stylish with its sort-of mini minivan style.

 

The new VW Golf Plus is now made with dynamic and distinctive appearance. The front is made with horizontally aligned band of the radiator grille that’s integrated with two high-gloss lack cross-bars and an integrated roundel, between modified headlights. Further on the exterior is the lower profile with newly–designed integrated roof rails. A fully color-coded redesigned bumper and revised “cherry red” rear lights incorporating LED technology can be found at the rear. Some more of the modifications done is a range of new wheel and tire options just like the Bilbao alloy wheels from Volkswagen Individual.

 

The cabin also offers convenience and luxury. The enhancements made to it bring the new Golf Plus to another level. It’s another level of quality for the Golf Plus all the while still being the practical and most versatile vehicles in its class. Brand new upholstery materials and details are carried over from the new Golf. Aside from this the VW Golf Plus also carries white backlit instruments, with brushed chrome surrounds, steering wheel options and air conditioning systems comparable to those in the new Golf and Passat CC.

 

The planned engine for this new model is a 1.4-liter 122 PS TSI engine that is said to provide 44.8 mpg with carbon emission of 146 g/km and a maximum speed of 124 mph. Rail TDI engines will be fitted with a Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF). The 2.0-liter TDI produces max speed of 127 mph and emits just 135 g/km while returning 55.4 mpg.

 

A big highlight in the Golf Plus is the ParkAssist. This feature is very convenient because it can operate the steering wheel automatically when doing reverse parallel parking maneuvers.

 

Prices have yet to be announced for this Volkswagen Golf Plus.

Exciting Audi A5/S5 Cabriolet Coming Soon!

The newly unveiled 2010 Audi A5/S5 Cabriolet makes me want to let out a long, shrill whistle! It is a great beauty! Well, right now the only thing available about this car is pictures. We have to wait for the Geneva Motor Show in March to see it in metal. But, based from the pictures it looks really astounding! This 2010 Audi A5/S5 is a variant of the popular and beautiful A5 and S5 Coupe. In designing this exciting cabriolet Audio chose wisely in using the traditional fabric top instead of the metal type. The soft top is more lightweight than metal tops making it easier to put up or down. In addition, it does not take up much space that when the top is folded, there still 11.3 cubic feet space available. That’s ample if you need to store some more cargo.

 

 

Impressive and dynamic-looking, the 2010 Audi A5/S5 will be a head-turner when driven on the road. Most of its exterior design is similar to the hardtop sister car, the difference is in the slightly redesigned rear deck to give room for the folding top. There’s a trunklid spoiler lip that comes as a standard. Overall, this car measures 15.2 ft in length and 6.1 ft in width.

 

Great road performance can be expected because of their superb engine configuration.  The S5 Cabriolet will have a supercharged 3.0L TFSI V6 engine with direct injection. This engine is capable of producing 333 hp and 324 lb-ft of torque. It’s also a Quattro all-wheel drive with a sport suspension and 18-inch wheels. It can sprint from 0-62mph in just 5.6 seconds. On the other hand, the A5 Cabrio is equipped with 1.8L TFSI engine that generates 160hp. This is matched with a manual transmission. The A5 Cabrio will come with a base price of $47,625 or €37,500 in Europe.

 

The A5 and S5 will also have the following exciting features:

• Unique 50/50 slit rear folding seats for maximum storage flexibility
• Sport seats with unique color offerings
• 1-liter bottle holders in each door
• New head-level heating system with heated/cooled front seats
• MMI operating logic standard with central display screen
• Audi Drive Select
• Audi Intelligent Key
• Advanced keyless entry and starting
• Bluetooth hands-free telephone interface
• Audi Parking System rear with rearview camera

 

It’s still going to be a long wait before actually see the A5 and S5 in metal. But just hold on there, it’s going to be worth it.

Pave the Way for Faster Farbio GTS 400

If the topic of a conversation is sports cars, the names usually mentioned are Ferrari, Lamborghini, and Porsche. Sometimes, people’s minds are so limited on these brands that they don’t see there are other sports car brands out there. There is also the Farbio brand. An example of this make is the Farbio GTS. This model is the best epitome of British sports car design. No one will be disappointed in the Farbio GTS because it bears unique style, engineering, and performance. The Fabrio GTS is pure excellence inside and out.

 

Farbio just made things better with the freshly unveiled GTS 400. This is the hottest British sports car of late. Amounting to £94,000, the GTS 400 would bring a totally new experience. Unlike the standard GTS model that produces 262 bhp, the GTS 400 provides a more exhilarating driving experience with 410 hp. This amazing power is made possible through the new parts that compose the engine. The 2967 cc bent six installed in the Farbio GTS 400 is matched with upgraded conrods and trick pistons to improve high-rev durability and to lower compression ratio. When the going gets tough, the Rotrex blower lowers the air temperature from 95 degrees Celsius to 40 degrees Celsius.

 

Expect the Farbio TS 400 to be quick. In fact, it can propel itself to 60 mph in just 3.7 seconds. And top speed it can reach is 180mph. This figure is so exhilarating, no doubt about it! It’s going be an amazing ride if you drive it along highways with no traffic. And even if you push the pedal to the floor the sound remains amazing – “mixture of engine waarp, supercharger whine, and wastegate whoosh.”  

 

Its other features are carbon fiber body, touch-screen control with radio and heater controls, Bluetooth, electric windows, remote central locking, electric folding mirrors, upgraded sound system, European Sat Nav, carbon fiber seats, and a lot more. All of these features combined adds even more to the vehicle’s outstanding performance, comfort, and luxury.

 

When it comes to looks and performance the Farbia GTS 400 can compete with the other well-known sports car brands in the market today. There won’t be many owners of this vehicle since it’s been designed for passion. Not only that, because with a price tag of $143,000 not a lot can afford it. By the way, this faster Farbio GTS 400 is developed by former Marcos and Invicta head Chris Marsh.

A List of Green Cars at the L.A. Auto Show Part II

Here is a continuation, the second pat of the list of green cars that made their way to the L.A. Auto Show.

 

• MINI E – This is the cutest little car that you can easily navigate in heavily trafficked areas. It’s convenient and it’s highly efficient. The MINI E makes use of a 150 kW (204 hp) electric motor. All its power comes from superior rechargeable lithium-ion battery. Due to the technology used, this car is said to be able to run 240 kilometers on a single full charge. The maximum speed it is capable of is 152 km/h and a peak torque of 220 Newton meters.
• Toyota Camry – The hybrid comes with a 2.4-liter DOHC 16-valve VVT-i-4-cylinder Hybrid that produces 147 horsepower at 6000 rpm and 138 lb-ft of torque at 4400 rpm. Because of its configuration, the Camry gives ultra low emission. So, if you are looking for a fuel-efficient sedan, a good choice would be the Camry. Apart from that, this vehicle also comes with roomy interior, stronger acceleration, and excellent crash test score.
• Honda FC Sport Concept – This is an innovatively-designed vehicle. Its exterior is extremely unlike any Honda ever produced before. That’s why it’s called a concept.  This is a three-seat hydrogen-powered concept. The electric motor equipped in it gives it the capability to show excellent road performance with zero emissions.

• VW Jetta TDI - This particular model will be sold either as a 4-door sedan or as a Sportwagen. Only making use of a 2.-0-liter, 4-cylinder direct-injection diesel engine, this car is expected to have a fuel economy of up to 40 mpg city/50 mpg in the highway. Even at first glance once can see the excellence of this car as is evident in the large Brembo Spotec alloy wheels and Yokohama performance tires.

• Saab 9-X Air BioHybrid Convertible – A sleek convertible that helps out the environment, that’s the Saab 9-X Air BioHybrid Convertible. It’s one package that shows luxury and economy at the same time. Sounds confusing right? By its appearance this vehicle pure luxury but, when you look inside the engine it runs on 1.4-liter turbocharged bioethanol hybrid powertrain that produces 200 horsepower. It uses up 85% bioethanol and 15% gasoline.  

 

So, if you are thinking of buying a fuel-efficient vehicle anytime soon keep these cited models in mind. They can be costly but, it’s worth it in the long run.

A List of Green Cars at the L.A. Auto Show

If you are dying to see a parade of new cars in one setting don’t forget to check out then 2008 L.A. Auto Show. This Auto Show is still underway since it’s from November 21 until November 30. It’s still a few days to go before the final showing so, you still have time to go see the show case.

 

As you know, many car makers are venturing into the production of environmentally-friendly vehicles or those that use “green” technology. So, I guess it is not surprising that the L.A. Auto Show is full of them. I will be presenting a two-part entry of green cars that made it to the L.A. Auto Show. This is the first one. If you’d be so interested to know what green cars sped their way to California, just read on!

 

• 2010 Mitsubishi i MIEV – MIEV means Mitsubishi Innovative Electric Vehicle. It’s a mini car with unique-looking, futuristic exterior design. Instead of nickel-metal hydride batteries, it has modern lithium-ion batteries, which is considerably lighter, smaller and more powerful. The motor is located under the floor in the luggage area. It is here that the 22 lithium-ion cells are strategically position. Its motor produces 63 horsepower and 133 lb-ft of torque. The direct drive also helps in making it fast on the road. The distance you’ll get out of one full charge is about 100 miles, that’s if you don’t use the AC. By the end of 2009, the 2010 Mitsubishi i MIEV will be coming to the stores near you with a $24,000 price tag.

• 2010 Lexus RX 450 Hyrbid – The unit for 2010 is already the third generation of the said model. It exudes innovation, styling, performance, and comfort. This hybrid is equipped with a 3.5-liter V-6 gas engine operating on the Atkinson cycle. It has efficient power inverter with 295 horsepower.

• BMW 7-Series ActiveHybrid – This is a stylish sedan that operates on a twin-turbo V-8 engine matched with an electric motor that’s located on the transmission housing. This configuration allows the car to produce 450 horsepower but with less fuel consumption and toxic emissions. It also generates as much as 155 lb-ft of torque. It has lithium-ion batteries in the luggage compartment that power up all on-board electronics. The batteries are linked with an Auto Start Stop function that ensures efficient power use. 
•  BMW 335d – This is another great hybrid from German Automaker BMW. It has advanced diesel engine with electric personality. The 3-liter, in-line six-cylinder configuration produces 265 horsepower and 425 lb-ft of torque. The only transmission available though is a 6-speed automatic.  
• Hyundai Sonata Hybrid – This is the company’s first hybrid that has “Blue Drive” system matched with high-tech lithium-polymer battery pack. It comes with a 3 kW motor working with a 2.4-liter engine. A

Porsche Panamera Coming Your Way in 2009

It seems like it has been a while since Porsche had something new for its enthusiasts to look forward to. As far as I can remember the one that created such buzz was the Porsche 911. But nowA, enthusiasts have something to look forward to. Make way for Porsche Panamera! This upcoming vehicle is a four-door saloon, or sedan as other would all it. You should know that this is the first four-door model in the Porsche marquee. Pictures of this new model are all over the internet so it’s not hard to see what you can look forward to.

 

In terms of appearance, the upcoming Panamera displays the contours that are present in all Porsche vehicles. The front portion has the sloping hood that is just like those in other Porsche models. It looks low on the ground which makes it appear more sporty and stylish. In front are dual-element headlamps with integrated turn signals, air dam-located daytime running lights. Though it is a four-door sedan, the Panamera is still decidedly a Porsche outside and inside.

 

Road performance is still not compromised in the Porsche Panamera due to the kind of engine it is equipped with. The company specifically developed a new range of engines for its very first Panamera. In the base Panamera the power is 225 kW and in the Panamera Turbo power is up to 373kW. Porsche is also planning on a mid-range Panamera S that is expected to produce about 302kW in a V8. All these engines are going to be teamed up with a six-speed manual and the Porsche-Doppelkupplung (PDK) dual-transmission. Porsche also imparted that a hybrid engine is not far in the offing. Yes, that sure is something to look forward to.

 

Though not much is said about the Panamera’s interior we can expect that it’s as excellent as those in previous models. It also said that it has two rear seats that may fold down to accommodate more cargo.

 

It’s only going to be a few more months before the Porsche Panamera go on sale. It will make its word debut at the Geneva Motor Show one month before it goes on sale in the U.S. in April. No price has been quoted yet. Well, expect it to have a five or six-figure tag.

Mercedes-Benz Announces C180 BlueEfficiency Saloon

No one will doubt that Mercedes-Benz has changed so much since it was first created in 1886. But, all those changes were good. They only made every Mercedes-Benz vehicle better than the last. This brand specially improved on the technology it uses in auto manufacturing. In addition, the technological improvements made on the cars are impressive, catering to the needs and wants of every Mercedes-Benz enthusiast. The latest venture that this brand is into is green technology.

 

This company recently launched its own version of eco-friendly car. The C180 BlueEfficiency saloon is the environment-friendly car that Mercedes is proud to introduce. Mercedes seems to compete with other companies that have almost similar technology. Just check out BMW’s EfficientDynamics, Volkswagen’s BlueMotions models, SEAT’s Ecomotives, Ford’s ECOnetics and many others. Since these technologies are almost similar what would set the Mercedes C180 BlueEfficiency saloon apart from them all?

 

 

The Mercedes-Benz C180 BlueEfficiency is actually has a new type of engine. This engine bears the combined fuel devices that help reduce consumption by 11 percent and C02 emission by 18g/km. You may be amazed that the one responsible for helping you save much on fuel consumption is a 1.8-liter engine that generates 156bhp and 230 NM of torque.

 

Aside from the highly-efficient engine, the Mercedes-Benz C180 BlueEfficieny also comes with 195/60 low-rolling resistance tires. Improved aerodynamics is also evident in the car with the smaller mirrors. New LED arrows shaped indicator lens is also shown in the models that came out early this year. The power-assisted steering is also helpful for having an efficient energy management system.

 

Other great features of this vehicle include optional Media Interface fitted onto the Audio 50 or COMAND. Support for iPod or mp3 player is also present. In fact it can be played through the speaker system while being controlled by means of the car’s multifunction steering wheel. Bluetooth conectivity facilitates the safe use of the phone while driving. Safety features cannot be faulted as well. Impressive safety technology as standard, including Brake Assist, ESP&, Adaptive Brake and Pre-Safe, the preventive protection system developed by Mercedes-Benz. Occupant protection includes two-stage front airbags, a kneebag for the driver, front sidebags, windowbags and crash-responsive Neck-Pro head restraints.

 

The C180 Mercedes-Benz BlueEfficiency will be delivered in January 2009. It comes with a three-year unlimited warranty and up to 30-year anti-corrosion and European breakdown assistance package.

Volkswagen Jetta TDI is the Green Car of the Year

New car models get unveiled every year. Splendid car shows are prepared every year to showcase the latest cars that various auto makers have to offer. Car shows is a time of rejoicing for auto enthusiasts. One of the car shows that a lot of car enthusiasts look forward to is the L.A. Auto Show. In the recently held 2008 L.A. Auto Show plenty of high-powered and superb-looking vehicles were unveiled. The latest trend in the automotive industry is green technology. Do you want to know which car was hailed as the greenest car for this year? You’ll be surprised; it’s the Volkswagen’s new Jetta TDI! It’s so unexpected right?

Whenever I browse for auto news, I always stumble on green cars by Toyota, Honda, and BMW; but not Volkswagen. So, it’s really a big surprise that their Jetta TDI is named 2009 Green Car of the Year. It triumphed over two hybrids and a diesel car. These finalists were the BMW 335d, Ford Fusion hybrid, and the Smart Fortwo hybrid.

I’m sure you’re as curious as me to know what features convinced folks over at the L.A. Auto Show to make it the Green Car of the Year. The VW Jetta TDI is a sporty diesel-powered sedan. It has a 2.0-liter common rail turbocharged oil burner that produces 140 horsepower and 236 lb-ft of torque. With this kind of power, the Jetta TDI seems like a perfect candidate for towing. With a new engine, this car will gladly take you anywhere you want to go. It’s partnered with either a six-speed stick or six-speed DSG. But on top of these superb capabilities, what mattered most to the judges is the fact that it produces cleaner and more environment-friendly emissions.

Ron Cogan, editor and publisher of Green Car Journal, the sponsor of the said award said, “It breaks new ground in the field of clean diesel”. He was impressed by the Jetta’s “satisfying driving experience” because of its low emissions.

It’s good that “green” or environment-friendly cars are gaining support. As Ron Cogan said, “Green cars represent the future of the industry.”

2009 Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4 Spyder Revealed at the L.A. Auto Show

I can imagine that yesterday was a busy day for Los Angeles people. Car enthusiasts in particular had a field day I’m sure with the L.A. Auto Show going on. One of the cars that took center stage was a Lamborghini. Care to take a guess which model? It’s no other than the Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4 Spyder!

 

 

What was unveiled at yesterday’s L.A. Auto show is another amazing display of craftsmanship. The new Gallardo LP560-4 Spyder is made of fascinating design, inside and out. Any bystander will appreciate the clean lines and contours of the panels composing the exterior ornamentation. A noticeable factor in this car is the low stance that adds to its aerodynamic capability. Among the features highlighting the exterior are the headlights and bi-xenon lamps where 15 LEDS arranged in Y shape run underneath them.  It also sports revamped rear end where rear lights, air cooling vents, bumper and diffuser are installed. The rear diffuser in particular has been designed to provide more downforce for better road performance.

 

This new Gallardo LP560-4 Spyder is built with enhanced exhaust system. Protruding at the end of the vehicle is four chrome-plated tail pipes. The brakes ahs been modified as well. The standard brake is made up of 14.4-inch vented discs with eight-piston Brembo calipers in front and four-piston calipers at the rear. Aside from these, Lamborghini also provides carbon-ceramic brake package consisting of monster 15.0-in discs up front and 14.0-in discs at the rear.

Now, the interior will not fall short of your expectations. Everything about the interior features exudes luxurious individuality and top-notch workmanship. Within it are sports seats wrapped in leather or Alcantara upholstery. The low-mounted seats provide firm hold and support. There’s also the wide middle console that houses the standard audio and multimedia entertainment system and climate control. The console’s design makes the interior look even more dynamic and sporty. Different colors and stitching are used for the interior to give it contrasting look and feel.

 

The superbly stylish exterior and interior are complemented by dynamic performance coming from the 5.2-liter engine that generates 552-horsepower and 398-lbs-ft of torque. Helping it is the Lambo’s reprogrammed e.gear six-speed transmission. Thanks to this engine, the new Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4 Spyder is able to spring from 0-62 mph in just 40 seconds. In just 13.1 seconds it can reach its maximum speed of 201 mph. This kind of speed will make you feel like you’re already flying along the highways.

 

The company has big expectations regarding its latest release. Here’s a statement made by Automobili Lamborghini President and CEO, Stephan Winkelmann, “The LP560-4 is the best example of the Gallardo to date and will be a great contribution to Lamborghini’s future success. The entirely new LP560-4 Spyder adds another dimension to the Gallardo’s lineage with extreme design language and class-leading performance.