Best New Autos » Wendy

2010 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback

Wendy — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 17:41:54 +0000

Part racecar, part sedan, part cargo cruiser, that’s the new 2010 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback. The Sportback design adds a new twist to Mitsubishi’s popular Lancer model. Now this fun-to-drive compact sedan has the added flexibility of a hatchback and up to 52.7 cubic feet of cargo space. The ability to transport just about anything no matter how bulky or awkward in size makes the Sportback a practical solution for many drivers.

However, there are plenty of other practical reasons to consider the Sportback. In government run crash tests the Sportback received a five star-driver and four star-passenger safety rating. This, in part, to front seat side airbags, driver knee airbag, extended head curtain airbags, antilock brakes and stability control. The Lancer Sportback also helps save money at the gas pump with an estimated 20 to 23 mpg highway.

Even though it’s a hatchback this clever vehicle is far from dull. The Lancer Sportback is available in two high-end trim levels, the GTS and Ralliart AWD styles. The GTS models come equipped with either a 5-speed manual or CVT transmission and draw power from a 168hp, 2.4-liter, four-cylinder engine. Similar to racing models, the Ralliart turbocharged 2.0-liter, four-cylinder engine cranks out 237hp and has an automated dual-clutch manual transmission with shift paddles. Both the GTS and Ralliart styles are loaded with special features including; sport-tuned suspension, 18-inch alloy wheels, antilock brakes, lower body skirting. leather-wrapped, tilt-only steering wheel, chrome exhaust outlet, keyless entry, sport bucket front seats, 60/40-split rear seat with center armrest, a six speaker CD/MP3 sound system and Bluetooth connection.

Specialty trim packages are available for both styles. The GTS can be upgraded to the Sun and Sound package adding a sunroof, nine speaker Rockford Fosgate sound system with in-dash six CD changer and satellite radio as well as an optional navigation system with 30GB of hard drive music storage. Upgrading the Ralliart to the Recaro Sport package will include sports seats emblazoned with the Mitsubishi logo and the full Rockford Fosgate sound system.

With a base price around $19,000, the new 2010 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback is sure to gain wide appeal. Whether you are a racing enthusiast who wants to feel the exhilaration of a turbocharged engine, or a yard sale hound that needs to transport your treasures the Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback could be the car for you.

The New 2010 Land Rover LR4

Wendy — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 20:24:37 +0000

The Britt’s call them Landys, but in the US we call them by their God-Given name, Land Rovers. As the name suggests, these super duty, all terrain vehicles come from a long lineage of rugged explorers that could trek through mud, cross flooded paths and even climb mountains with ease. It’s a little heartbreaking that the Land Rovers cruising the American terrain today are reserved only for expeditions to covered parking lots, soccer games and jaunts to the grocery store. Even their look has changed, once comprised of iron, grit and a collection of smashed bugs in the grill, the modern day versions have evolved into sleek and highly manicured purebreds. However there is still something ruggedly handsome about the Land Rover. Perhaps it’s large front bumper that rests below the double bar grill with the signature honeycomb design. Or the distinctive perforated side vents and wide wheel base that add to the Land Rover’s athletic appearance.

By today’s standards the Land Rover LR4 is the new classic. With a base price of $48,100 it stands in the middle of the road between its higher priced Range Rover cousins and the more compact and cost efficient LR2 models. The LR4 is powered by a 5.0-liter LR-V8 engine that delivers 375 hp and 375 ft-lb torque. Four-corner, cross-linked electronic air suspension provides a car like ride and superior control. The vehicle height can be raised, via touch screen controls, by 2.15 inches to climb over obstacles or lowered by 2 inches for easy loading and access. An Adaptive Shift Strategy transmission automatically adapts to driving styles and surface conditions without driver assistance. A Terrain Response feature can be activated with the turn of a dial and simultaneously adjusts the engine, transmission, suspension and traction to adapt for icy roads or in snowy conditions. At night, the Adaptive Front Lighting anticipates curves and directs light beams accordingly.

The luxurious LR4 interior is a far cry from rugged. Windsor leather, wood veneer finishes and fine detail work grace the cabin while vast spans of window space allow for panoramic views. hen the view is less than dynamic, plenty of entertainment options are available in the new 2010 Land Rover LR4. Theater-style audio quality from HD Radio interfaces with USB, MP3 players and iPods for a customized soundtrack. Remote audio controls as well as telephone controls reside on the heated steering wheel for added convenience and comfort. Rear seat passengers can pass the time by watching DVDs or playing portable video games while listening to sound through individual headphones. Driver and passengers alike can adjust the dual climate controls and set temperatures to their liking. One of the most popular assets of the Land Rover LR4 is the abundant room. The collapsible third row allows seating for 7 adults comfortably.

Yes, the Land Rover LR4 is one of the most imressive vehicles on the market today. When good looks, power, smart technology and luxurious get together the result is simply marvelous. Learn more about the Land Rover LR4 or see the entire Land Rover lineup at San Francisco Land Rover Dealer.

Toyota Floor Mat Recall

Wendy — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 19:49:50 +0000

Toyota has recently launched the largest recall in its history with over 4 million Toyota and Lexus models identified with potential safety issues. Last fall the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration received a flurry of reports that driver’s side floor mats were dislodging and causing the accelerator pedal to get stuck. The problem received national attention when a highway patrol officer and his family were killed. The officer’s Lexus crashed after traveling over 120mph as a result of a stuck gas pedal. Apparently the vehicle could not be stopped by the brakes alone. Toyota responded by issuing a safety alert recommending that Toyota and Lexus owners remove the driver’s side floor mats and not replace them until Toyota could investigate the matter further. The National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration also issued an alert in which they strongly urged owners of these vehicles to remove mats or other obstacles that could lead to unintended acceleration. The models with potential safety issues are:

• 2007 – 2010 Toyota Camry
• 2005 – 2010 Toyota Avalon
• 2004 – 2009 Toyota Prius
• 2005 – 2010 Toyota Tacoma
• 2007 – 2010 Toyota Tundra
• 2007 – 2010 Lexus ES350
• 2006 – 2010 Lexus IS250 and IS350

Toyota and Lexus service technicians have undergone training and are now equipped to make the necessary modifications to these models. Although it would seem to be an easy fix; just replace the defective floor mats with a more efficient design, Toyota wants to ensure the safety of their vehicles. Therefore, technicians will actually be reshaping the accelerator pedal and in some models will also install a brake override system. Beginning in April 2010 there will be accelerator pedal replacement part available for those customers that would like to have it installed. Toyota has begun issuing recall letters instructing owners to bring their vehicles in for repair and anticipates a deluge in their service departments. To help combat the inconvenience many Toyota Dealerships are offering rental cars to customers affected by the recall.

The official Toyota website offers more information about the Toyota/Lexus recall including overall safety of both Toyota and Lexus vehicles. For further information Toyota customers can contact the Toyota Customer Experience Center at 1-800-331-4331 or Lexus Customer Assistance at 1-800-255-3987.

Special Edition Aston Martin

Wendy — Wed, 23 Dec 2009 20:22:51 +0000

The Aston Martin sport car is the symbol of wealth, power and style. No matter what you look like or how intelligent you are if you are behind the wheel of an Aston Martin you are James Bond. The superior style and ultra high performance of these magnificent vehicles has captivated car enthusiasts around the world for over nine decades. Recently, the British manufacturer further embellished two of their top performers. The DBS and the V12 Vantage are now available with a Special Edition Black Carbon package.

These special edition cars will be coated with bespoke Carbon Black paint with a hint of metallic to create a deep matte finish. More than 50 man-hours will go into the paint job alone. The V12 will feature real Carbon Fiber side strakes with black mesh backing. Both Black Carbon models will be equipped with 10 spoke diamond turned alloy wheels. Black Obsidian leather graces the interior and is accented with silver hand stitching. Carbon Fibre and Kevlar fashioned seats are exceedingly lightweight and offer a dramatic appearance. Sleek, piano black facia trim runs throughout the cabin, center stack and center console. Anodised black tread plates, sill plaque and steering wheel trim further complement the cabin aesthetics. Standard in the DBS model is the Bang & Olufsen Beosound audio system and the premium Aston Martin 700w audio system is standard issue for the V12 Vantage.

For those that can afford the slight 5% increase above the normal Aston Martin sticker price (if you’re buying an Aston Martin, price is probably not of concern) the Carbon Black models are available for order through Aston Martin dealerships here and abroad.

The Ford Fiesta Returns to America

Wendy — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 18:44:31 +0000

The Ford Fiesta has not been available in American since 1976. This ultra-practical and somewhat boring little vehicle was underappreciated here and therefore discontinued. Ford did find success with the Fiesta in Europe where new models have been rolling off of the assembly line for over 3 decades. Given the large span of time, continuous improvements and some radically innovative technology, Ford is willing to try their luck with the Fiesta here again in 2010.

When the 2011 Ford Fiesta returns to the states, Americans will be pleased with its playful appearance, fuel efficiency and nimble handling. Available in either a hatchback or sedan the new Fiesta has an ultra sporty design. Its teardrop shape, tight body panels, flattened grill, low flexible chin and decklid spoilers were crafted to be aerodynamic as well as aesthetically appealing. The Fiesta will be available in six matchbox-esq colors including plenty of metallics.

The Fiesta interior incorporates sound-deadening materials in the windshield, doors, headliner and pillars to reduce the amount of wind noise. Unlike others in its class the Fiesta has available features such as a powered moon roof, heated front seats with leather trim and seven interior lighting colors to choose from. The center console displays audio settings, phone info and other data on an easy to read 4” multifunctional LCD display screen. Plenty of Ford’s innovative technology is on board as well including SYNC hands-free communication and their Intelligent Access with push-button start.

The fuel efficiency of the New Ford Fiesta can be attributed to a 1.6-liter twin-independent variable cam timing (Ti-VCT) Duratec 14 Engine. When combined with the optional PowerShift six-speed automatic transmission the Fiesta could achieve a highway fuel economy of 40 mpg. The “fill for life” transmission fluid is designed to last up to 150,000 miles and is virtually maintenance free-good news for those that want to reduce the number of service visits. The Fiesta’s electric powered rack and pinion steering with AdvanceTrac makes the Fiesta quick, ultra responsive and fun to drive. Ford also spent extra time ensuring that the Fiesta is a safe vehicle. Unlike any other car in its class the Fiesta comes equipped with seven airbags. One of which is a driver’s knee airbag to provide a cushion between the driver and the instrument panel.

Overall the completely new and abundantly enhanced Ford Fiesta is a great car for around $13.500. It is scheduled to arrive at dealerships in Spring or Summer 2010 and will surely turn some heads.