Motor Trend 2009-11

★ THE ULTIMATE TRUCK AND SUV BUYER’S GUIDE ★
TH
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Think About It
SURVEY SAYS, “HYUNDAI.”

First the critics voted Genesis 2009 North American Car of the Year, and now after a survey of over 80,000 new vehicle
owners, J.D. Power and Associates have named Genesis “The Most Appealing Midsize Premium Car.” But awards
aren’t our motivation for building quality vehicles. The reason we put so much focus on innovation, design, safety,
handling, driver satisfaction and value is because it’s the right thing to do. You see, we don’t just want to make your
next car a Hyundai, we also want to make your car after that a Hyundai as well. Find out more at HyundaiGenesis.com.
The Hyundai Genesis received the highest numerical score among midsize premium cars in the proprietary J.D. Power and Associates 2009 Automotive Performance Execution and Layout StudySM. Study based on responses from 80,930 new-vehicle owners,
measuring 245 models and measures opinions after 90 days of ownership. Proprietary study results are based on experiences and perceptions of owners surveyed in February-May 2009. Your experiences may vary. Visit jdpower.com. For more information on
North American Car of the Year visit northamericancaroftheyear.org. Hyundai is a registered trademark of Hyundai Motor America. All rights reserved. © Hyundai Motor America.
www.storemags.com & www.fantamag.com

The Hyundai Genesis — 2009 North American Car of the Year
“Most Appealing Midsize Premium Car”— J.D. Power and Associates

november 2009
(contents) (contents)
44 52
34 66
74 80 V,
TR
97
UC K,
A
U
N
S
D
10 - 2 011
M IN I VA N
20
B
UY
E
ER’S G UI D
90
■ Cover ■ Features
34 A Grand Design 80 Six Decades of Pop Culture
Corvette Grand Sport & the Automobile
The Vette team cuts and pastes up an Our 60th-anniversary party continues.
awesome new model from existing parts. Matt Stone
Frank Markus
90 Terror Australis
Three adventurers replicate an historic
■ Tests & Drives crossing Down Under in another Mini.
Gavin Green
44 Speed Demon
Mazdaspeed3
Can the new hot hatch dethrone the current king? ■ Special Section
Allyson Harwood
97 2010-2011 SUV, Truck,
52 Taking It to the Streets and Minivan Driver’s Guide
McLaren MP4-12C Let the shopping begin.
After decades of battling Ferrari on the track, Sherri Collins & Bob Nagy
McLaren is bringing the fight to the road
with an all-new supercar. ■ Cover photograph Wesley Allison
Angus MacKenzie Digital retouching Steve Hewett
66 No Compromises, No Competition
Ford SVT Raptor
What do you get when a bunch of hot-rod guys
build an off-road-racing truck?
Edward Loh
74 Leaf-y Green
Nissan Leaf
Is this all-new electric vehicle the seed
of a zero-emissions revolution?
Edward Loh
continued on page 6
MOTOR TREND.COM NOVEMBER 2009 5

(contents)
november 2009 (contents)
continued from page 5
14
28 30
120 146
130 132
this month @ motortrend.com ■ Departments
8 The Big Picture
Making history
Angus MacKenzie
14 Trend
2
24 Your Say
2
28 The Asphalt Jungle
Ring engagement Arthur St. Antoine
30 Technologue
3
Light fantastic Frank Markus
120 Newcomers
112
Nissan 370Z Roadster Matt Stone
Cadillac CTS Sport Wagon Todd Lassa
■ International Showtime
BMW 760Li Paul Horrell
Alfa Romeo 8C Spider Matt Stone
The general malaise that’s infected the auto industry
around the globe hasn’t stopped most of the world’s 128 Long-Term Arrivals
12
biggest automakers from showcasing their latest and Honda Insight Kim Reynolds
greatest wares on the big stage. In case you missed it, Audi A4 Avant 2.0T quattro Mike Floyd
the Frankfurt show press days just passed, and we have
showfloor photos, information, and insight on all the 132 Long-Term Update
13
biggest debuts from the home turf of BMW, Benz, and Infiniti FX50 S/Mini JCW Clubman
VW. We’ll also be on the floor of the upcoming Tokyo BMW 335d/Hyundai Genesis 4.6
show (October 21-22 press days), which is expected to Volkswagen Jetta TDI/Ford F-150
premiere the long-awaited Lexus LF-A supercar among Acura TL SH-AWD
other surprises from the Asian market powerhouses. Ron Kiino
Catch all the action at www.motortrend.com/auto_shows
136 Long-Term Verdict
13
Chrysler Town & Country Ltd. Kim Reynolds
146 Archive
114
Hard-working horsey Matt Stone
6 NOVEMBER 2009 MOTOR TREND.COM

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(the big picture) angus mackenzie
“ SO THE REAL STORY WASN’T

RON DENNIS QUITTING F1.
THE REAL STORY WAS RON DENNIS ANNOUNCING
HE WANTED TO MAKE MCLAREN
A FERRARI RIVAL OFF THE RACETRACK.
”
hurriedly conceived mockup, but a detailed
and functioning prototype, the product of two
years’ work, and which boasted some truly
impressive technology.
So the real story wasn’t Ron Dennis quitting
F. The real story was Ron Dennis announcing
he wanted to make McLaren a Ferrari rival off
the racetrack.
making history Dennis concedes now is not the best time to

be launching an expensive new supercar. But
he points out the sales targets for the MP-C
Is McLaren’s Ron Dennis the next Enzo Ferrari? are modest—just  units in the first full year,
or about a three-percent share of where the
supercar market was in terms of sales back in
. That car won’t be fully launched until ,
by which time the global economy should
have recovered somewhat. And although the
Mercedes-McLaren SLR program has been
fractious one at times—Gordon Murray and
AS BOSS of “I watched the Malaysian Grand Prix on his engineers at McLaren repeatedly clashed
one of the most television, and I couldn’t believe how easy with their counterparts in Stuttgart during the
successful Formula it was,” Dennis told Fleet Street’s skeptical F car’s development—Dennis says his company
 teams of all reporters. “I expected to have some hang-ups, has learned a lot about manufacturing road
time, McLaren’s some emotion, some withdrawal symptoms. cars from Mercedes.
Ron Dennis often I had nothing, and I realized at that point As I toured through the gleaming, white
seemed to tolerate I wanted to change. No doubt Max and SLR assembly hall at the McLaren Technology
the media as Bernie will not be displeased,” he said, in a Centre, not more than a few hundred feet from
an irritating but necessary evil that existed sly reference to the rancorous row with F’s the immaculate workshops where the Silver
purely to provide the publicity to generate powerbrokers that had simmered through Arrows Grand Prix racers of Lewis Hamilton
the cash he needed to fund his all-consuming , “but no one asked me to step down. It and Heikki Kovalainen are meticulously
passion—racing. “We make history,” I recall was completely my decision.” constructed, the handful of roadsters on the
him scolding a media colleague of mine who’d Dennis will remain a shareholder of line were surrounded by the exactly same
presumed to query the strategy behind some McLaren Group, owning  percent of the system and process paraphernalia you see at
now-forgotten McLaren incident during a company. (Longtime partner Mansour Ojjeh Bentley or Rolls-Royce. McLaren built just 
press conference at the Australian Grand Prix holds  percent through his TAG Group of the stupendously fast, money-no-object
in the late s. “You just write about it.” Holdings operation, while Daimler owns McLaren Fs in five years. By the time the last
I thought about that line as I sat in a spotless  percen and the Kingdom of Bahrain  of the  Stirling Moss editions rolls off the line
conference room at the futuristic McLaren percent.) But his new day job is executive this year, it will have built more than  SLRs
Technology Centre in Woking, England, chairman of McLaren Automotive, the division over the same period. “We know how to build
last April and listened while Dennis calmly he co-founded in  to build the -mph, cars now,” Dennis says.
announced he was stepping down as team BMW-powered, Gordon Murray-designed Enzo Ferrari got into the road-car business
principal and CEO of McLaren Racing. Now F and since  been responsible for the to help fund his race team. And how does
this was history in the making. All around me, design, engineering, and assembly of the Ron Dennis justify McLaren’s move into the
hacks scribbled furiously in their notebooks Mercedes-McLaren SLR. road-car business? “I have consistently said
and fumbled with their voice recorders: One of Unlike the others in the room that day, I’d that F teams inevitably come and go. We
the most obsessively competitive individuals, already been given an in-depth sneak-peek believe [making cars] is the future of the
in a sport awash with obsessively competitive at P, the mid-engine sports car Dennis was Group. There may be an economic situation
individuals, was quitting F to concentrate on about to reveal (see our story, page , for all in the future where McLaren Automotive
building roadgoing sports cars. No one could the details on the car, now officially named supports the Formula  team.”
quite believe his ears. the MP-C). I’d already seen this was no I think Enzo would have approved. ■

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(trend)
(trend)
NEWS/OPINION/GOSSIP/STUFF
GM: The New

More small cars,
and some
surprises
MARK STEHRENBERGER x2
2012 CADILLAC ATS COUPE
GENERAL MOTORS outlined its new-model strategy into There’s a new GMC on the way that undoubtedly was designed
the 2013 model year and unveiled a few other new models further as a Pontiac, plus a new “baby Enclave” from Buick. There will be
out into the decade in a recent press preview. No photos of the no Vuick, however. The biggest surprise was that GM’s Executive
myriad new products were allowed or handed out. Committee killed plans to make the Saturn Vue a Buick a week
We’ve predicted most of these in previous issues and at after the company showed a prototype to the press and to
motortrend.com. There were a couple surprises, however. For one, bloggers at the preview.
the Super-Epsilon Cadillac, codenamed GM 166, which we broke The Vuick fiasco was the product of two conflicting
at motortrend.com and in the July issue, isn’t designed to slot in philosophies at the New GM: (1) Don’t dilute any of the four
below the ATS (Alpha RWD platform) in price. It will be Cadillac’s core brands by creating models that don’t fit a brand via badge
“flagship” until a proper large RWD sedan can be developed off engineering, and (2) Don’t throw away any projects on which it
Gen III CTS hardware. has spent lots of money, such as the plug-in hybrid Vue. Or was
The Chevrolet and GMC lineups are what we predicted, the Vuick simply an elaborate public relations ploy?
although the Aveo replacement won’t get a name change to Viva. Meanwhile, here’s how GM’s new model range shapes up:
CADILLAC 2012 XTS: Cadillac has been working Greater use of high-strength steel, a cost
2012 ATS: Cadillac showed the coupe- on a convergence of the STS and DTS, but Cadillac can afford to absorb, would allow
version of its new BMW 3 Series-fighter, the Super-Epsilon-based FWD/AWD large the CTS to grow in size without adding the
on its new, high-strength steel-intensive sedan, handsome as it is, is not an STS/ same proportion of pounds.
Alpha platform. It sports a thick, wedgy, DTS convergence. It replaces only the DTS.
and fast C-pillar, large sweptback The profile sports a very fast C-pillar and CHEVROLET
rectangular headlamp covers surrounding powerful, masculine swag line, and the 2012 SPARK: Retains much of the
a wider, squatter grille (reminiscent of grille features the kind of high-cost detail Beat hatchback concept’s design, with
the Mk I CTS’s grille), a long dash-to-axle previewed by the Converj concept. ATS and four doors instead of two. While smaller
relationship and short front overhangs. XTS are working names so far. Cadillac also than the Aveo, Chevy figures it has an
A source says the coupe has a longer dash- noted it’s working on an all-new RWD CTS, “aspirational” design people will want
to-axle and different dimensions from the which should launch about the ’13 model because it’s small, not because it’s cheap.
Alpha sedan (illustrated), like the current year. As the Mk II CTS continues to gain Features include ambient lighting and the
3 Series coupe versus sedan. Expected traction in the luxury car market, expect motorcycle clusterlike instrument panel.
early in the 2011 calendar year, about the the Mk III CTS to grow longer and take over 2012 AVEO: It’s an astonishing design
same time as the XTS’ release. from the XTS status as Cadillac’s flagship. improvement over the current car, with a

words motor trend editors
Model Lineup
fast,, wedgelike
g shape and wheels pushed
out to the corners. To be available as
C7 Corvette may make the ’13 m
but ’14 is more likely.
model year,,
a four-door sedan and a hatchback, it

sports the biggest headlamp to front-end BUICK
size ratio we’ve seen. On the hatchback, 2012 COMPACT: As we reported
rear door handles are hidden in the last month, it shares its Delta platform
window frame, Alfa Romeo-style. GM said with the Chevrolet Cruze and Opel Astra,
the car will be built in several factories but it gets the upcoming Astra sedan’s
around the globe, but declined to confirm 2012 CADILLAC ATS SEDAN sheetmetal and upgraded chassis. Buick
what we already know: that it’s headed believes the C-segment compact soon
for Orion Township, Michigan. Launches will surpass the C/D-segment midsize as
first in calendar ’11, just ahead of the the predominant sedan size in the U.S.
Spark. market.
2011 CRUZE: Chevrolet now says 2012 “BABY ENCLAVE”: Based
the 1.4-liter turbo version will get “about on a hybrid Gamma/Delta platform, the
40 mpg highway.” A 1.8-liter naturally small, tall, five-seat crossover will need a
aspirated four will be standard. It’s on good dose of interior elegance to offset its
sale in the U.S. in the second quarter of inelegant proportions.
2010. 2011 REGAL: We drove this car in
2011 VOLT: GM believes the 2012 SPARK China earlier this year and reckoned it
Environmental Protection Agency test was a no-brainer for the United States.
cycle will result in a city figure of at least General Motors, after some dithering,
230 mpg. now seems to agree. The midsize sedan
2012 ORLANDO: Looks just like is a rebadged Opel Insignia and, as the
the 2009 Detroit show concept. With Vuick was initially designed to replace a
three capacious rows of seats and four Saturn, in this case, the Aura. It rides on
conventional doors, it’s designed to be the same 107.8-inch wheelbase as the ’13
a Mazda5 competitor with more of a Malibu and has a very nicely appointed
crossover look. interior.
2013 MALIBU: Has a hard act to OTHERS: The Enclave is due for an
follow. Moves to Epsilon II on the shorter 2011 CRUZE update for ’13. It’s not likely to be a major
of its two wheelbases, 107.8 inches change. The new-for-’10 LaCrosse becomes
(from 112.3 inches currently) as shared Buick’s flagship car when the Lucerne goes
with the Opel Insignia. Overall length is away after ’10. GM is likely considering a
even shorter. The interior gets a further switch to the Super-Epsilon platform
upgrade, with an unusual horizontal for 2015.
heating/air-conditioning vent that runs
through the width of the dashboard, GMC
which is covered with a new, leather-like 2011-12 SOUL/XB/CUBE-
pad. The trunk is improved for size and FIGHTER: GMC showed a small,
ease of loading. The exterior features a boxy four-door hatchback concept that
prominent hood bulge and two-piece 2012 ORLANDO obviously was designed to be a Pontiac,
taillamps—it looks like a stretched before GM pulled the plug on the idea
Cruze. of making that division a “niche brand.”
2012 CAMARO CONVERTIBLE: We hear the vehicle is slated to become
Delayed one more quarter, to the second the new entry-level model in Buick-GMC
quarter of 2011. Chevy has switched top dealers.
suppliers. 2011 ACADIA DENALI:
OTHERS: Trucks are on the back GM says there’s virtually no cross-shopping
burner. Chevrolet confirms there will be a between the Acadia and Enclave in Buick-
new Impala. We don’t expect one before GMC dealers. Is that still true if there’s an
the ’13 model year, and the Super-Epsilon Acadia Denali?
platform appears to be a possibility. The 2011 REGAL todd lassa

(trend)
Is VW Taking Porsche
Mainstream?
Wolfsburg wants three new models, more volume
WE SPOKE with Martin (Porsche had sold 98,652 cars Boxster. They no longer call
Winterkorn, Volkswagen between July 2008 and July ‘09.) the shots. They’re not against
Group chief, just days after the Winterkorn later told Germany’s expanding Porsche, as they did
denouement of the VW-Porsche Manager Magazin that Porsche first with the Cayenne and now
takeover saga. Porsche had to should add three new cars, with the Panamera. They want
give up its four-year attempt including one smaller than the the expansion to be measured,
to take over VW and was Boxster. and done with expensive
itself taken over. Porsche CEO This ties in with a strategy vehicles.
Wendelin Wiedeking lost his outlined in our reports in past Winterkorn is also considering
job while VW chief Martin months. VW brand chief Ulrich reviving a Porsche twin (bottom
Winterkorn got named CEO of Hackenberg told Motor Trend the photo) to the Audi Q5 small SUV. gets more profiled side panels
the new combine, which will BlueSport mid-engine roadster The tie-up between the Cayenne, with obvious shoulders over
merge in 2011. And shortly needs a sister car from another Touareg, and Audi Q7 has been a the rear wheels. The tailgate
after Wiedeking departed, brand to make a business case. It sales success for all three brands. is faster, and the third side
German prosecutors raided his would make a good Audi R4, but As with the new Touareg, (“Trend,” window more rakish and
office and others to investigate that might sit uneasily alongside September), the new Cayenne triangular.
possible market manipulation. the TT roadster. From a new fuel is on its way. It still uses the The cabin features a dash
Winterkorn was, as expected, economy/emissions standard Touareg platform, this time in Mk architecture and switchgear
in an expansionist mood. How perspective, an entry-level four- II form. It’s based on the original rather like the Panamera’s.
many cars might Porsche build cylinder Porsche (top photo) but is lighter in base-model form, The main new engine is the
a year? “There’s no limit,” he said. does make sense. by making heavyweight off-road supercharged V-6 hybrid
Is 150,000 worldwide possible? At least to Winterkorn it does. hardware optional. edition. Other powertrains
“Why not?” Porsche management, The design has a more continue with little change. The
He advocated doing this including new CEO Michael Porschelike nose: The hood new Cayenne will be shown in
by 2012 or 2013, by entering Macht, has spoken against cutline comes forward between 2010 for sale in 2011.
new sectors with new models. making a car cheaper than the the headlights. The new model ■ paul horrell
VW Chases Camry, Accord

Targets up to 300,000 U.S. sales with New Midsize Sedan

(trend) (trend)
● MT CONFIDENTIAL ●
MIKE CONNOR
THE LAB is General Motors’ online clinic

within the Fast Lane blog. CEO Fritz Henderson
is very proud of it: “It allows customers to talk to
designers,” he says. This is not necessarily a good
thing, however. The previous-generation Chevy
Malibu went through more customer clinics than
almost any car in GM history and ended up looking
like it was designed by Wal-Mart. Customers are not
visionaries; they’re reactionary. What’s more, on the
Internet no one knows who you are; if you work for
Ford, Toyota, or Mercedes…So did the Twitterverse
really kill off the Buick version of the Saturn Vue, as
new media junkies jubilantly proclaimed? Actually, it
was probably dead already. Consumers and bloggers
who attended GM’s preview a day ahead of the press
claimed the Vue looked too cheap to be a Buick and
slammed the crossover on Twitter. A week later,
GM announced it had pulled the plug. To this old
cynic, it’s pretty obvious someone high up within
GM was waiting for the chance to kill the idea. And
New GM got good press by showing how quickly it
can make such decisions…Toyota is kicking around
the idea of a mid-engine two-seat sports car (not the
joint-venture sport coupe with Subaru), a follow-up
to the MR Spyder and sporting a high-tech hybrid
battery pack. It would be marketed under the Prius
sub-brand. Sounds like just the sort of thing to meet
Akio Toyoda’s new edict to make his grandfather’s
brand more fun and interesting…Bentley scored a
PR coup at the Pebble Beach Concours by getting
Calfornia Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger
to wax lyrical about its new Mulsanne sedan’s
environmental credentials. Granted, the new
Bentley flagship has displacement on demand,
will run on E85, and has an eight-speed transmission.
It will probably have an EPA highway number in
VOLKSWAGEN’S New Midsize because it’s built locally and because the low 20s. But listening to the Governator, you
Sedan (NMS) may displace the smaller some of the Passat’s expensive running would’ve sworn the thing was a Prius-fighter…How
Passat from the North American market, refinement and noise/vibration/ did Ross Brawn pull together the money to form his
says VW chief Ulrich Hackenberg. The harshness suppression hasn’t been eponymous Formula 1 team so quickly after Honda’s
NMS is aimed, in terms of size, power, engineered in. In line with the group’s sudden decision to pull out of Grand Prix racing?
price, and taste (read: lots of big push for clean diesel, it will be offered Especially as Richard Branson’s Virgin sponsorship
cupholders), directly at the heartland of with a TDI option as well as four and V-6 isn’t coming close to picking up the $150-200 million
cars such as the Camry, Accord, Fusion, gas engines, mounted transversely. A tab? One well-connected source says a deeply
and Malibu, but with VW’s premium feel. double-clutch transmission is also on embarrassed Honda gave Brawn enough cash
VW will start building the car in early the list. It gives better fuel efficiency to run the team for one season, while he searched
2011 in its new Chattanooga, Tennessee, than a conventional auto. for a buyer. Word is the championship-contending
assembly plant. It will be joined later The NMS is part of VW’s Golf-Passat team now has a new owner, who paid plenty…
by a Jetta replacement designed with platform matrix. The imported Passat Impeccable sources in Germany have confirmed
the States in mind. Hackenberg says is smaller than the domestic-built NMS, the new E-Class coupe was originally planned as
he hopes to sell 150,000 NMSes a year but would need to sell at a similar price, a new CLK, and is in fact based mostly on C-Class
initially, with plant capacity expandable and by VW’s own reckoning have no hardware, like previous CLKs. Which explains why
to 300,000. VW currently sells about higher visible quality. The Chattanooga the chassis is always playing catch-up with the V-8
50,000 Passats in the U.S. in a good year. car will sell beyond the bounds of the engine in the E550 version. But justifying a higher
To get the necessary quality, VW will Americas: It will also be built in China sticker was only part of the reason for the name
use many of the same suppliers as as a replacement for the local long-- change: Word is a new C-Class-badged coupe is now
Mercedes’ Alabama plant. The critical wheelbase Passat, called Passat Lingyu. on the way to the U.S. How many more niches can
thing for the NMS is its costs will be low ■ paul horrell Mercedes fill? ■

(trend)
C-Max Now Global Ford

FORD’S big Frankfurt show Ford isn’t talking engines,
splash triggers the beginning Ours will be a seven-seater but an updated version of the
of the new, global Blue Oval. current Focus’ 2.0-liter four
A dozen years ago, the North will be standard, and a new
American Focus launched with 1.6-liter EcoBoost engine will
hopes we would get a small, be optional in the Focus/
C-segment Ford as good as C-Max lineup. A 2.0-liter
the European one. Instead, it EcoBoost four could power a
was brought down by recall hot hatch version of the Focus
problems and lacked the up to a year after the
European model’s constant 2010 launch.
updates. Ford says it’s growing its
The 2011 Focus, which also North American sub-C/D-class
underpins the C-Max and (Fusion/Milan/MKZ) lineup
makes its debut at January’s from four models (two- and
Detroit show, is different. Ford four-door Focus, Escape, and
says the ’11 Fiesta coming to Mercury Mariner) to nine: four-
America will share 60 to 70 and five-door ’11 Focus (the
percent of its parts worldwide. two-door is being cut), Focus
The ’11 Focus and Focus C-Max C-Max, the Focus BEV (Ford
will score more like 75- to counts its electric version as
80-percent common parts. a separate car) a C-segment
And suppliers of the new Mercury on the Focus platform,
Focus will make the same parts and two ’11 Fiestas, four- and
and components around the five-door.
world. Like General Motors, Ford
Europe gets a five-passenger sees huge growth in sub-C/D
and a new seven-passenger cars in the coming decade.
C-Max, while North America Ford and GM are selling much
is slated just for the seven- better-equipped compacts
passenger C-Max, so far. and four-cylinder midsize
There’s good reason for this: cars at higher transaction
Ford also will update the prices these days than in the
Escape/Mariner C-segment recent past. This is important
crossover, a big seller here but to Ford’s strategy: Popular
not overseas. C-segment cars already sell for
The U.S.-bound Focus front-three-quarter view, but rear doors. It’s more Mazda5 the equivalent of $25,000 to
C-Max looks much like this the seven-passenger model competitor than Chevy $30,000 in Europe.
five-passenger model in a will have minivan-style sliding Orlando competitor. ■ todd lassa
We’ll have to wait

No Fusion EcoBoost. Yet until MY 2013
SO WE jumped the gun reacting to EcoBoost
Fusion mules spotted around Dearborn. Fact
is, Ford will not launch its first four-cylinder
EcoBoost (turbocharged, gas direct-injection)
in the 2011 Fusion midsize sedan. That car will
have to wait until its next complete redesign,
expected for the ’13 model year. Meanwhile, the
first four-cylinder EcoBoost will be a 1.6-liter
engine expected as an option in the Focus and
Focus C-Max. The 2.0-liter EcoBoost is likely to be
introduced in a performance Focus before the
next Fusion gets it. ■

(trend)
Suzuki’s Shrinking Kizashi

production Kizashi’s wheelbase
Not small. is listed at 106.3 inches, even
though length has grown over
Not too big, the concept by 0.1 inch,
either to 183.1.
So the Suzuki Kizashi is
just slightly bigger than the
Chevrolet Cruze (178.5 inches
long on a 105.7-inch wheelbase).
Its wheelbase is slightly shorter
than the Epsilon II platform’s
Opel Insignia (107.8 inches)
although it’s 7.1 inches shorter
overall than that car.
Clearly, Suzuki’s separation
from GM changed plans for a
midsize car, although Suzuki
holds a stake in GM’s Daewoo
Automotive. GM’s bankruptcy
and paring down to four brands
KIZASHI is not a “tweener” V-6 was the clue. It was to be GM’s Epsilon platform, possibly intervened. With Suzuki’s North
car, a Suzuki official told Motor the same gas direct-injection in a North American factory American sales hit particularly
Trend at the official unveiling of engine found in the Cadillac (as was the discontinued XL7). hard during the recession, an
the production model recently. CTS and Chevy Camaro. But The three Kizashi concepts “international”-size car, whether
It was always meant to be a General Motors sold 17 percent had the same size wheelbase you consider it C- or C/D-
C/D-segment sedan. Still, we of its 20-percent stake in Suzuki as the Chevrolet Malibu, 112.2 segment, made more sense
couldn’t help but think that it in 2006 and then sold the inches. Instead, the Kizashi is than a larger midsize. And in the
had lost … something. remainder in November 2008 for built in Japan. It launched with end, Suzuki may be in a better
Suzuki previewed three $230 million, as it sought loan a 2.4-liter inline four, and Suzuki position as most automakers
concept versions at auto shows guarantees to float it through brass are coy about a V-6 option, expect Americans to shift from
around the world, including a the Great Recession. although a hybrid version midsize to compact cars in the
2.0-liter turbodiesel four wagon The production Kizashi, we using the four is in the cards, coming decade.
and a 3.6-liter V-6 sedan. The reported, was to be built on and a turbo-four is likely. The ■ todd lassa
BAR TALK: MAKING YOU THE INSTANT EXPERT
THIS MONTH: THE EPA’S HEROES AND VILLAINS

UNDER ENVIRONMENTAL Protection Agency testing figures since CAFE was established in 1984? Even those numbers
methods, General Motors says, the 2011 Chevrolet Volt will have changed; a stricter 2008 standard lowered fuel mileage
SOURCE: ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
achieve at least 230 mpg in city driving. That would go a long estimates for most models. Here are some of the best and worst
way toward meeting Corporate Average Fuel Economy standards of the past 25 years, expressed using both the new formula’s
of 35.5 mpg for cars and 30 mpg for trucks by 2016. This got us numbers and the original estimates that appeared on window
to thinking: Which cars and trucks got the best and worst EPA stickers:
MOST FUEL- BEST CITY WORST GAS- WORST HIGHWAY

EFFICIENT MILEAGE GUZZLER NUMBER
2000 HONDA INSIGHT 2010 TOYOTA PRIUS 1988 LAMBORGHINI 1984 ROLLS-ROYCE
■ 2008 formula: 49/61 ■ 51 mpg (48 mpg COUNTACH SILVER SPUR LIMOUSINE
E
mpg/53 mpg combined highway, 50 mpg ■ 2008 formula: 6/10 ■ 2008 formula: 9 mpg
■ Window sticker: 61/70 combined) mpg/7 mpg combined (7 mpg city/8 mpg
mpg/65 mpg combined ■ Window sticker: 6/10 combined)
mpg/8 mpg window ■ Window sticker: 9
sticker mpg (8 mpg city/9 mpg
combined)

'/4/9/52$)034)#+#/-
50'2!$%4/#!342/,%$'%
7)4(8"%44%27%!202/4%#4)/.4(!.-/"),7
4HEREARESYNTHETICS!NDTHENTHERES#ASTROL%$'%7ITHANADVANCEDFULL SYNTHETICFORMULATHATS
PROVENTOSAFEGUARDAGAINSTFRICTIONANDENGINEFAILURE3ODOWHATSBESTFORYOURCAR
2ESULTSBASEDONINDUSTRYSTANDARD3EQUENCE)6!WEARTEST
)43-/2%4(!.*534/),)43,)15)$%.').%%2).'
4-

(trend)
(trend)
Hyundai keeps pressure on Against

Shows new
Tucson, confirms
the grain
Equus for U.S. Benz still believes
AFTER a spring/summer in lux wagons
tour of U.S. dealerships, for the U.S.
Hyundai announced
it will import the new THE LUXURY wagon business
Equus flagship sedan here, isn’t growing in the U.S. BMW is likely to
beginning in summer or scrub importation of its 5 Series wagon
fall 2010. Target is the after the hatchback 5 Series Grand
Lexus LS, though the pricey Touring makes its debut here, evening
Equus (sticker is expected equipment as adaptive cruise Hyundai showed its MY out the lux estate business as Cadillac
to be between $50,000 and control. Launch powertrain is 2011 replacement for the adds the CTS Sports Wagon. And the
$60,000) could also pick up likely to be the new 5.0-liter Tucson compact crossover bestseller in this category is the Audi A4
near-lux buyers left stranded direct injection version of at Frankfurt. Conceived and Avant, which moves about 4000 units
by the disappearance of the the Tau V-8, which will drive designed at the automaker’s here in a good year.
Lincoln Town Car. the rear wheels through a Frankfurt-based design/ That’s not enough to keep the king of
Although the South Korean new eight-speed automatic tech centers, the ix35 is its luxury import wagons away, though. The
version doesn’t include transmission. Our versions will latest model to benefit from latest generation of the Mercedes-Benz
groundbreaking technology also likely get a more toned- a newfound emphasis on E-Class wagon goes on sale in the U.S. in
as do a Mercedes S-Class down grille, and much crisper design. Hyundai hints the ix35 June 2010. Why is it the king? Because
or BMW 7 Series, U.S.-spec steering and suspension name will replace Tucson in it gives up the “sport wagon” conceit
models will include such tuning. North America. ■ and the fast D-pillar in favor of a more
some things can’t be replaced. don’t let unfair laws take you off the road.
stay informed. join today. www.semasan.com

(trend)
we hear
PRESIDENT OBAMA was expected to name Ron Bloom to a new position that would set U.S.
manufacturing policy. Earlier this year, Bloom replaced Steven Rattner as the car czar, head of
the Treasury Department’s Automotive Task Force. Bloom is a former United Steelworkers Union
advisor and Lazard investment banker. Last summer, before he pulled his Brett Favre, GM’s Bob
Lutz suggested that the U.S. needs a permanent agency dealing with automotive and other
manufacturing issues, like similar agencies throughout Western Europe, or Japan’s Ministry of
International Trade and Industry.
upright look and cargo capacity greater TOYOTA Motor’s new president, Akio Toyoda, wants the brand his grandfather launched to
than the GLK’s, but less than the M-Class’. add flavor and passion to its high-quality road appliances. So a joint-venture sport coupe with
Still, Mercedes isn’t taking many Subaru is back on track. “Toyota plans to build an exciting, fun-to-drive, affordable sports car
chances with the W212 estate, its fifth- and launch it within the next few years. I am very excited about it, and I plan to fast-track it,” he
generation E-Class wagon. Like the said. The project was put on hold early this year for cash conservation. Toyoda also confirmed a
model it replaces, the non-AMG version plug-in version of the Toyota Prius hybrid before the end of the year, and a pure electric vehicle
of the wagon comes only as the E350 (probably based on the iQ) by 2012. “We’re also making great progress on hydrogen fuel-cell
4MATIC. In Benz-speak, that means it’s vehicles and hope to make this technology available and affordable for customers within the
available only with the 268-horsepower, next half-dozen years,” Toyoda added.
3.5-lilter V-6 and latest-generation all-
wheel-drive system, with a seven-speed KIA’S first U.S. assembly plant is starting production about the time you read this. Kia Motors
automatic transmission. Suspension Manufacturing Georgia, in the town of West Point, starts up with the all-new 2011 Sorento,
is Mercedes’ new Agility Control with a three-row unibody crossover replacing the old body-on-frame model. The first U.S. plant
active damping and self-leveling rear. originally was conceived as a place to build Kia’s now-canceled pickup truck. The Chicken Tax
Expect a price in the $58,000 range still exists and makes it near impossible to import pickup trucks. The Georgia factory employs
when it goes on sale next summer. about 2500 non-union workers and has capacity for 300,000 units per year, so we can expect
■ todd lassa more models to be built there in the future. ■

(your say)
(your say)
blue devil versus blue
letter angel
of the I came to Texas via Pensacola, Florida, and
worked hand in hand with the Blue Angels
month through radio. After reading your story (my
wife and I had a great Sunday morning
chuckling through it), we wanted to pass along
church, grandkids, cars our sentiments. Many of my radio coworkers
He was the fire chief, and with the city’s made it into the Blue Angel # cockpit, but
money, my dad, who was the head nobody made us feel like we were actually in
mechanic at the local Chevy dealer, it ourselves, feeling the gs. We also felt like we
bought a junked fire truck from Warner were along for the ride in Blue Devil; and with
Robbins Air Force base and rebuilt it. The everything that’s going on with GM, it’s nice
Jackson, Georgia, fire department had to see somebody giving credit where credit is
a special phone arrangement so citizens due. Thanks again!
could dial one number and all volunteer Evan and Becca Chancey
firefighters would drop everything, head Temple, Texas
to the firehouse, and follow the big truck to
the flames. But one evening, Dad got the Thank you, Mr. St. Antoine and Mr. Allison, for
call on our regular home number because the Blue Angel F/A- versus Corvette ZR
the KKK had set fire to a big cross in a local story. The eloquent words about naval aviators
man’s yard. My father rushed to the scene, brought back some pride to this old enlisted
put out the fire by himself. The next night, air crewman from the Vietnam era, and as
men wearing white hoods began driving a car enthusiast, the pictures of “Jet versus
by our house. But my two brothers and I Vette” were phenomenal. Kudos all around for
just waved at everyone in the procession, subjects well chosen.
because we knew who owned every car Neil Cleveland
that drove by. The drive-by ended almost Walpole, Massachusetts
immediately. See, this was the early ’s,
and the three Rooks kids were way into
cars as were most of our cohorts. I’m
still in that mode, a -year-old female.
Cars are right up there after my church
and grandkids when it comes to joy.
Particularly loved “The Birth of a Notion”
column (September ). I’m glad the car
industry is a part of American life.
Beverly Wittler
McDonough, Georgia
write us at Just received my August issue of your

6420 Wilshire Blvd. magazine. The front cover is the Blue Devil
Los Angeles, CA 90048 ZR Corvette pictured with a Blue Angel
e-mail us online at F/A  Hornet aircraft above. I have my own
motortrend.com picture of my car, a  Ford Thunderbird,
or send an e-mail direct to with the Blue Angel #. It was taken at the
motortrend@motortrend.com Marine Corp Air Station in Beaufort, South
Carolina. Long-time subscriber; enjoy your
magazine!
■ letter of the month wins! Peter Eisenberg
Ms. Wittler wins this groovy ’ Pawleys Island, South Carolina
Mercury Surf Woodie /-scale
metal model from The Danbury Mint. Sorry, guys, Luke Air Force Base beat you to
DanburyMintDieCast.com the supercar versus fighter-jet thing. Started
about three years ago, at our Luke Days air
show. A local Viper Club brings their race
team out to Luke and does a drag race: Viper
versus Viper (new name for F- Falcon since
Lockheed took over). The race usually goes
to the modified, race-only Viper, but the
jet usually wins against the stock Viper. It’s
pretty fun to watch as the squadron that flies
against the car, the th Wild Ducks, is my

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(your say)
readers on
location
where do you read
motor trend?
E-mail digital photo(s) of you and
Motor Trend to: motortrend@gmail.
com or mail them to: Motor Trend,
c/o Mail, Readers on Location, 
Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 
Chief Warrant Officer  (Ret) Steven Kelley sent these images of his sons, st Sgt. Troy and
TSgt. Jim. Troy watched for insurgents placing IEDs and “loves his new Challenger,” writes
Dad. Jim repaired runways and built roads near Baghdad International Airport.
old unit, and the prep on the jet takes priority if you have to ask… what appears to be the need to Photoshop
before the big event, e.g., stripping pylons, You guys really must be running low on ideas. the planes used in the article. Clearly, Lt.
launchers, etc., anything to get an edge. You What is the point of putting a souped-up Vette Walborn’s plane is #, a two seat F/A-
should check it out sometime. up against an F/A- Hornet? with his name. But, the # shown racing the
Aaron Harms, TSgt, USAF Brent South Corvette on the bottom of page  is only a
 Emerald Knights (new unit of Muscle Shoals, Alabama single seat-cockpit with a different name on
assignment),  Fighter Wing the side. I’m no aviation expert, but these
Luke Air Force Base, Arizona thin blue line are obviously not the same planes. Taking
Really enjoyed St. Antoine’s article the license to unnecessarily distort reality
We should. But our first “Jet versus Vette” story comparing the Blue Devil Corvette with detracts from the credibility of the article
appeared in our June  issue, when we pitted the Blue Angels’ F/A- Hornet. Both are and does a disservice to your readers.
a twin-turbo, -mph Corvette against Chuck incredible rides and the “race” made a Glenn Boundy
Yeager’s Northrop T- Talon.—Ed. great read. However, I have to question Fort Pierce, Florida
He was a hardworking farm boy.
She was an Italian supermodel.
He knew he would have just

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Okay, come clean. You didn’t really expect
that no one would notice that there were two
different jets with the number  on them, did
you? The one shown on the cover and in the
“cool down” photo is clearly a single-seater with
a different pilot name on the side. The one
used for the actual video was the two-seater
with two names on the side. I’m also guessing
the cover photo was a Photoshop job; the
plane wasn’t really that close to the Vette.
Mike Forman
Henderson, Nevada
No conspiracy. The Blues’ two-seat # wasn’t

available for all of our photography, so a few
of the team’s single-seaters filled in. We added
the s for continuity—fully expecting you more
persnickety types to notice.—Arthur St. Antoine
High-horse brigade
While reading the August issue on “Devil
versus Angel,” your Arthur St. Antoine made
a very unfortunate remark concerning the
pilots of the Blue Angels. The comment read:
“Clearly, testing hot cars for a living is one of
the few jobs in the world (maybe Playboy
photographer too) that can make a fighter
jock envious.” Here’s where I stopped reading
what this undisciplined man had to say. Is it
reasonable to assume that Art would take
advantage of foolish young girls so they
can be exploited for selfish reasons? If this
pervert thinks that way it is one thing, but to Crisp, comfortable white 100% cotton pinpoint oxford
impose his immoral attitude concerning this dress shirts in Regular, Big & Tall or Trim Fit at a
cancerous industry onto the top of their class,
highly disciplined, and motivated servants SPECIAL
of America’s safety is inexcusable. This would
demand an apology to these pilots. I guess Art
INTRODUCTORY
couldn’t conceive of these people trading their PRICE...
careers for something righteous and good.
John Klucznik
Via the Internet
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(the asphalt jungle) arthur st. antoine
“ WHEREAS MOST CIRCUITS

AVERAGE TWO OR THREE MILES IN LENGTH,
THE RING, COMPLETED IN 1927,
RISES AND FALLS
AND FEINTS FOR…13.
”
crashed to their deaths (in , Niki Lauda
suffered his nearly fatal burns here; F cars
never raced on the Nordschleife again).
Because the Ring is open to anyone willing
ring engagement to pay for a lap (now  euros; about $),

amateur drivers and motorcyclists continue to
perish every year—officially three to five on
average,  annually if you believe the lore. My
Now I know why drivers are entranced by the AMG hosts (I’m here to drive the new SLS AMG
Nordschleife. And terrified of it Gullwing; MT October) tell the apocryphal
story of a motorcyclist who showed up at
the Ring alone, plowed into the trees, and
■ illustration doug fraser disappeared until a hiker discovered his
helmeted skeleton three years later.
Time to face the serpent, to become a
driving Dante amid the Green Hell. Enveloped
in Nomex and belted into a -horsepower
AS WE exit the autobahn, first I see the Today I will take my first laps around the Mercedes C AMG sedan, I ease out of the
castle, the medieval Tower of the Nürburg, Nürburgring Nordschleife, “the Ring,” Jackie pits behind AMG development boss Tobias
an Oz of crumbling stone atop the rolling Stewart’s “Green Hell,” the most challenging Moers (he in an SL AMG). Immediately Moers
Eifel hills. Minutes later, like lightning flashes and dangerous racetrack on earth. Whereas plants his throttle. I’m focused on remaining
escaping the tenebrous forest, I catch fleeting most circuits average two or three miles in on Moers’ bumper, yet distracted. I can’t
glimpses of coiled asphalt—or is it a serpent length, the Ring, completed in , rises and shake the stony gaze of invisible observers;
safeguarding its keep above? Across much of falls and feints for…. the spectacle of long-faded skidmarks in the
the black skin lie German words and graffiti Stewart hated the Ring but drove his tarmac that’s trying to unseat my shrieking
stains etched in colorful chalk. greatest race here, winning the monsoon-like tires. We rocket up a steep incline, then Moers
Our car pulls into the pits. Above, dark clouds  German Grand Prix by four minutes. In brakes hard just before we pitch over Flugplatz
are threatening rain. I walk to the pit exit but , “the maestro” Fangio, taking shocking (“flying place”). Soon we’re nearing  mph
can see only one corner, which drops away risks, caught and passed two dominating through the downhill Schwedenkreuz (Stewart
sharply left before disappearing into the trees. Ferraris in his underpowered Maserati. And says here his F Tyrrell would top  mph).
What lies beyond kept me up most of the within these turns—now officially  of Hard on the binders, then back on the power
previous night. them—several dozen brilliant drivers have through Fuchsröhre (“the foxhole”). Moers is
quick but careful. There is zero margin for error.
The guardrail looms just feet away. Everywhere.
The lap goes on. Bergwerk (Lauda’s crash),
the bowl-like Carousel, ricocheting like a
billiard ball through Pflanzgarten. And on. It’s
intoxicating, driving this hard for this long
without retracing your path again and again.
Outside several turns, car fans with picnic
baskets line the fence, undoubtedly waiting
to see who or what crashes next. Nearly nine
minutes pass. Then we start our second lap.
That night, again I lie awake, this time trying
to imagine how anyone raced a Formula 
machine making  to  horsepower or
more, open wheel to open wheel, around this
perverse, tree-lined tightrope.
If you want to sleep, Arthur, better not think
about it. ■

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(technologue) frank markus
“ PLASMA DISCHARGES
FORM IN AS LITTLE AS 100 NANOSECONDS—
ABOUT AS LONG AS
IT TAKES THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT
TO SPEND $13.
”
air-fuel mixture. Such plasma discharges form
in as little as  nanoseconds ( billionths of
a second—about as long as it takes the federal
government to spend $). Regular sparks last
some  times longer, so it’s possible to
light fantastic create numerous laser plasma blasts during

a single combustion stroke. And the laser’s
energy is expected to keep the lens blasted
Ford lasers will shoot first, ask questions later clear of soot automatically, so no maintenance
is likely to be required. Leaner operation
promises greater fuel efficiency, while more
■ illustration nigel buchanan complete combustion at lower temperatures
should reduce emissions (nobody’s talking
percentages yet).
THE WEAPON of the future, the has to travel farther for a complete burn But perhaps the real genius of laser ignition
blunderbuss of Buck Rogers, may soon be of the mixture. Spark-plug electrodes wear, is its ability to diagnose the spent combustion
aimed at the air-fuel mixture inside your and providing for easy replacement dictates gasses after ignition. By fitting the lens with
“spark-ignition” engine. Yes, after reinventing placing the plug right where bigger valves and a receiver to pick up laser light reflected
practically every other element of Old direct fuel injectors want to be. back through the exhaust cloud the engine
Smokey, the spark plug—virtually identical Laser ignition promises a way around all controller can measure how completely the
in its essential form and function to the one these shortcomings. Researchers at Colorado fuel is burning (particularly during cold starts)
patented  years ago—may soon be ditched State University began working on laser or determine what type of fuel was burned
in favor of laser beams. ignition for heavy-duty natural-gas engines (in flex-fuel cars) and adjust accordingly. This
First let’s examine the case against Sparky. back in , and more recently Ford and the added sophistication should help bring
Despite laudable upgrades like long-lived University of Liverpool in the U.K. have teamed homogeneous-charge compression-ignition
platinum tips, computer-controlled coil-on- up to develop a passenger-car application. (HCCI, the gas engine with near diesel
plug ignition, and even fancy multispark Here’s how it works: A near-infrared laser beam efficiency, “Technologue,” December )
electrodes, there’s no getting around a few shines through a lens that focuses the light closer to reality and the ability to produce
basic drawbacks: The spark gets generated at a particular point (or possibly at multiple multiple sparks throughout the cylinder might
very near the cylinder wall, which complicates points) in the cylinder, generating intense also help bring ammonia-fueled engines to
cold starts when all that engine metal is energy that causes the air molecules to ionize. the fore (“Technologue,” November ).
frigid and results in lots of heat transfer to This creates a plasma discharge (it looks like Getting that laser light into the cylinder is
the engine and plug. The flame front also a spark formed in mid air) that ignites the tricky. One laser per cylinder would be easy
but far too costly. Splitting a single laser source
into multiple beams aimed down light pipes
with mirrors presents problems with vibration
and packaging. Fiberoptic cables are most
convenient, but in early trials normal materials
lost up to  percent of the laser energy in
tighter bends and the cables deteriorated
rapidly. The Colorado State folks devised
special hollow, silver-lined, helium-filled fiber
optic wires that seem up to the task.
Those certainly sound pricier than spark-
plug wires, and a laser probably rings in higher
than a handful of coils. Nobody’s talking price
yet, but I expect the incremental cost (and
fuel-economy benefit) for laser ignition will be
slightly less than that of direct fuel injection.
But slap a “Laser-Fired” badge on it, and the
Sci-Fi set will happily pony up. ■

(first test) chevrolet corvette grand sport
THE CORVETTE TEAM CUTS AND PASTES UP

AN AWESOME NEW MODEL
FROM EXISTING PARTS
● words frank markus
● photographs wesley allison


DIGITAL RETOUCHING: STEVE HEWETT
Underneath all the shiny/pretty, it’s a

base steel-frame LS3-powered Vette, to
which are fitted a mix of Z51 performance
package parts (spring rates, closer-ratio
manual transmission gearing and shorter
axle ratio on the automatic), and Z06 bits
(front and rear fascias, hood, anti-roll bars,
brake rotors and calipers, wider tires,
and the bodywork to cover them). The
dry-sump oiling system from the Z06 and
ZR1 is also fitted to manual Grand Sports,
which means these special motors will
now be hand-assembled alongside their
big-brother stablemates, the LS7 and LS9
engines in Wixom, Michigan, each by a
single technician who'll sign his work.The
only major parts they had to tool up were
the front fenders—which feature double-gill
NOW HERE'S a Corvette after from Martha's book, ripped it out, and headed cove styling and are made of RIM plastic
Martha Stewart’s heart. The domestic diva to the garage. By scrounging up some of like the base car’s—the rear quarter panels,
is forever transforming things found around their best performance hardware, they’ve unique new wheels, and the actual springs
the house into lovelier new things that sit managed to cobble up a new car that just and dampers tailored to the GS’s unique
around the house. In these rather tough might be cool enough to warrant resurrection weight and characteristics (they ride almost
times, the Corvette team has taken a page of the storied Grand Sport moniker. exactly like the old Z51’s.

AN $1195 HERITAGE PACKAGE
buys fender hashmark stripes in one
of four colors, plus two-tone seats
with Grand Sport embroidery on the
headrests. Lore has it the original race
cars were occasionally identified with
such duct-taped hashmarks on the
fender in lieu of proper numbers.
The Grand Sport replaces the Z51 in the

lineup as the highest-performing “base” car,
but it allows folks to enjoy the wide-body
stance and presence of a Z06 in a less extreme
package that permits open-air motoring in
the removable-roof hatchback or convertible
body styles. All those Z06 bits boost the price
by $4510 over the old Z51, but at $55,720 to
start, it’s about 20 grand cheaper than the
aluminum-frame 7.0-liter Z06. Customers control on manual-trans cars, which assesses by pressing and holding either “+” paddle.
evidently have been clamoring so loudly the available traction 100 times per second Torch Red is back and, like the rest of the
for such a package the team expects up to and manages wheelspin to allow any driver eight Corvette colors, can now be had on
half of all Corvette sales to be Grand Sports. to obtain the quickest launch possible under any model.
Other new features shared with the rest of any conditions. Paddle-shifted automatics So is the new Grand Sport worthy of the
the 2010 Corvette lineup include a launch- can now be returned to automatic mode name? Well, the five originals are among the

most highly sought Corvettes extant, and this auction records. And some complain that “special” than the last GS (though the Grand
new one will neither be limited in number without the 10-percent power bump (official Sport Registry will welcome 2010 owners).
nor get its own VIN number sequencing output ratings are unchanged), 1000-car Be that as it may, strap into this rig and whip
(as the 1996 Grand Sports did, and today’s limited-production run, and standard fender it like Martha on soufflé day and you’ll find
ZR1s do), so it’s unlikely to set any collector hashmark stripes, this new model is less yourself struggling to recall why folks made
STEALTH WARRIOR
COPYRIGHT 2009 GM CORP. USED WITH PERMISSION, GM MEDIA ARCHIVE
his car needed to shed 1000

pounds, which meant heading
back to the drawing boards.
The Grand Sport was their
answer. A regular, street-legal
production Corvette that just
happened to be racetrack
optimized could surely be
sold (at a princely $9200
each in a run of 100-125 for
homologation purposes)
without running afoul of the
racing ban, right?
The GS looked a lot like
a Sting Ray, but shared
THE HIGHLY REVERED Grand Sport name is rooted very few of its parts: special lightweight frame, ultra-
in Chevrolet’s furtive forbidden racing history. General thin oriented fiberglass bodywork, disc brakes, and
Motors, in lockstep with its Automobile Manufacturers (eventually) a 377-cubic-inch all-aluminum engine with
Association cohorts, outlawed factory racing in 1957, quad sidedraft Webers, all of which helped achieve
but the competitive spirit of folks like Zora Arkus- the target 2000-pound curb weight (roughly 4.1 per
Duntov and his Corvette team is not so easily snuffed horsepower with the 377). Sad to say, the Big Boss—GM
out. They’d been quietly designing special race-ready board chairman Frederic Donner—caught wind of a
equipment packages like the Z06 (360-horse 327, heavy- clandestine test session in Sebring and pulled the plug.
duty suspension, Al-fin brakes, posi, and 36-gallon fuel There would be no “production” run, but enough parts
tank) and laundering race-support money through their existed to make five Grand Sports, all of which went on
ad agency Campbell-Ewald. Then the FIA dropped its to race for several years to come—always in the tougher
displacement limit on production-based GTs, and Zora SCCA modified class—with back-door help from Zora
could taste a Le Mans victory. Based on the drubbing and his racing elves. And along the way they managed
his Z06 Sting Rays had already taken from the new to earn at least a few delicious victories over Carroll
Ford-powered Shelby Cobras, he knew winning meant Shelby’s snakes.

*Based on a severe sludge clean-up test using SAE 5W-30. ©2009 SOPUS Products. All rights reserved.
CLEAN OUT UP TO 15% OF SLUDGE IN THE 1ST CHANGE *. Nothing feels better than a
clean-running engine. But over time, sludgy deposits can rob you of that clean feeling. So choose an oil that’s packed
with active cleansing agents that not only help prevent sludge,
they clean out up to 15% of sludge in your first oil change.
Time for an oil change? Change with Pennzoil® and Feel The
Clean. Learn more at Pennzoil.com.

2010 CHEVROLET CORVETTE GRAND SPORT
POWERTRAIN/CHASSIS
DRIVETRAIN LAYOUT Front engine, RWD
ENGINE TYPE 90-deg V-8, alum
block/heads
VALVETRAIN OHV, 2 valves/cyl
DISPLACEMENT 376.1 cu in/6162 cc
COMPRESSION RATIO 10.7:1
POWER (SAE NET) 436 hp @ 5900 rpm*
TORQUE (SAE NET) 428 lb-ft @ 4600 rpm*
REDLINE 6500 rpm
WEIGHT TO POWER 7.6 lb/hp
TRANSMISSION 6-speed manual
AXLE/FINAL-DRIVE RATIOS 3.42:1/1.92:1
such a big deal about the Z06. Okay, sure, of the machine-built LS3s destined for
SUSPENSION Control arms, transverse leaf
the GS is down 69 horsepower (with the marriage with an automatic and the hand- spring, anti-roll bar
$1195 sport exhaust option that practically balanced, manually assembled LS3s that STEERING RATIO 15.0:1-17.1:1
everybody orders; 75 without it), but on the go with the manuals are rated the same, TURNS LOCK-TO-LOCK 2.5
chicaned Lutzring road course at GM’s but the engineers winked and admitted BRAKES, F;R 14.0-in vented, drilled disc;
proving ground, the immense capability of that it’s possible more of the Wixom motors 13.4-in vented, drilled
disc, ABS
the huge vented and drilled brakes—six- just happen to skew toward the top of the
WHEELS, F;R 9.0 x 20 in; 10.0 x 20 in
piston front, four-piston rear, with a separate tolerance range for output. How better to
cast aluminum
pad for each piston—and the impressive explain the 0.2-second lead it enjoyed over TIRES, F;R 275/35R18 87Y; 335/30R19 94Y
bite of the fat Goodyear Eagle F1 Supercar the Z51 at the 60-mph mark (3.9 versus 4.1 Goodyear Eagle F1 Supercar
tires utterly distracts one’s attention from seconds), which widened to 0.3 second and DIMENSIONS
any perceivable horsepower deficit. 2 mph at the quarter mile? If you’re thinking WHEELBASE 105.7 in
Our testing on imperfect, cracked it’s the launch control and the improved TRACK, F/R 63.5/62.5 in
pavement showed consistent stops from traction of the wider (335/30ZR19 versus LENGTH x WIDTH x HEIGHT 175.6 x 75.9 x 48.7 in
60 mph in 104 feet and from 100 mph in 294, the Z51’s 285/35ZR19s) Eagle F1 Supercars, TURNING CIRCLE 37.0 ft
exactly matching those of our first Z06 test you should know that the 0-to-30 times were CURB WEIGHT 3324 lb
WEIGHT DIST., F/R 51/49%
car.We didn’t have the opportunity to run identical, at 1.7 seconds. (Our best Z06 ran
SEATING CAPACITY 2
a figure eight, but steady-state cornering 3.5 and 11.5 seconds at 127.1 mpg in the
HEADROOM 37.9 in
grip registered at 0.99 g (Chevy is claiming quarter).We were also able to outperform LEGROOM 43.0 in
1.0 g, and possibly in a car that hadn’t been the launch control on the Grand Sport (ZR1s SHOULDER ROOM 55.0 in
tracked all day an extra 0.01g might be were also on hand for demonstration, and CARGO VOLUME 22.0 cu ft
achievable). the computer beat every journalist who TEST DATA
StabiliTrac’s competitive driving mode sampled those beasts), but that doesn’t ACCELERATION TO MPH
permits nice controlled drifts on the carousel mean we weren’t mightily impressed with 0-30 1.7 sec
portions and steps in just enough to avert the system. For one thing, it’s incredibly 0-40 2.3
disaster on the hill-cresting curves. The easy to use. Just pop the traction control into 0-50 3.0
0-60 3.9
burble and snarl of the X-pipe dual-mode competitive driving mode, engage first, floor
0-70 4.9
exhaust system (base cars get an H-pipe) the gas, and pop the clutch. Revs climb to a
0-80 6.1
seems worth every penny, especially if level way higher than a pro would launch at, 0-90 7.7
you stray into the rev limiter, unleashing but the computer dithers down to precisely 0-100 8.8
its angriest brap-brap-brap. Our biggest the right amount of slippage faster than most PASSING, 45-65 MPH 1.7
complaint on the handling circuit was with novices could. It’s a boon for bracket racers QUARTER MILE 12.2 sec @ 117.0 mph
the shifter, which occasionally hung up in or anyone who occasionally faces a situation BRAKING, 100-0 MPH 294 ft
the neverland between third and fifth when when it just won’t do to flub the launch. BRAKING, 60-0 MPH 104 ft
going for a quick 2-3 upshift. You know, like if Martha encountered one LATERAL ACCELERATION 0.99 g (avg)
Oh, and as for that power ratings? We’re of her Big House buds at a traffic light, tryin’ TOP-GEAR REVS @ 60 MPH 1500 rpm
CONSUMER INFO
skeptical. The SAE certified horsepower to start somethin’. ■
BASE PRICE $55,720
PRICE AS TESTED $57,310**
STABILITY/TRACTION CONTROL Yes/yes
AIRBAGS Dual front, front side
BASIC WARRANTY 3 yrs/36,000 miles
POWERTRAIN WARRANTY 5 yrs/100,000 miles
ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE 5 yrs/100,000 miles
FUEL CAPACITY 18.0 gal
EPA CITY/HWY ECON 16/26 mpg
CO 2 EMISSIONS 1.00 lb/mile
RECOMMENDED FUEL Unleaded

*SAE Certified premium
**1LT tester less equipped
than photo car

CLEANER. FAS

TER. SMARTER.
355 hp EcoBoost™ V6, with new twin-turbo direct-injection technology, delivers
30% more hp, less CO2 emissions, and higher fuel efficiency than MKS AWD 3.7L V6.*
INTRODUCING THE NEW

2010 LINCOLN MKS
with available
*Horsepower achieved with premium fuel. Faster than MKS AWD 3.7L V6 based on 0-60 mph times.
EPA-estimated 17 city/25 hwy mpg, EcoBoost™ AWD. Optional features shown.

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mazdaspeed3 (first test)

(first test) mazdaspeed3
THE SPEED3 OFFERS FUN

ON TWISTY ROADS AT
A BARGAIN PRICE,
GOOD LOOKS,
AND A ROOMY
INTERIOR.
with the standard Mazda3 sedan and five-

door. There are definite differences in its
appearance from that of its milder-mannered
kin, though:The Speed has round foglights
that flank the smile, there are well-defined
fender flares front and rear, it has a larger
spoiler than does the regular five-door,
and there’s a hood scoop, which is new for
2010. The scoop is functional too, said to
improve the efficiency of the intercooler
by improving airflow. There’s also a new
18-inch wheel design—and the wheel and
tire package is wider by about half an inch.
The dual exhaust tips are larger than on
last year’s hatch.
The cabin received a refurb as well.The
interior is still mostly black with red accents REFURBISHED
and stitching and receives the new-for- cabin includes new nav, LED
2010 improvements seen in the regular 3, turbo-boost gauge, supportive,
including the new nav system near the top comfortable seating.
of the dash at the base of the windshield.
The Speed also gets an LED turbo-boost
gauge within in the cluster. The interior is drive.The cabin is not whisper-quiet by any traction control are all standard. Structural
easy to get acquainted with, and once you means, but it’s as if the interior has been improvements include use of thicker steel
get the hang of the nav system’s controls treated to sound deadening and benefits in high-stress areas, plus use of high- and
(located only on the steering wheel), it’s from less unwanted noise inside. And while ultra-high-strength steel throughout the
fairly simple as well. Some may not like there are plenty of good-looking, sporty structure. Suspension benefits from stiffer
the small size of the screen, but for those touches throughout, the interior feels more springs and higher damping rates.
used to the smaller-size screens on some refined now without seeming that it appeals Pushing the button to start the engine
aftermarket systems, this is about the same to an older crowd. creates a nasty, rumbling sound from the
and shows just enough of the map to get Returning for 2010 is the 263-horsepower, exhaust, a note very different from that
you where you want to go. Seats offer turbocharged four, backed by a six-speed of the normal 3. Accelerating, though, we
enough support to keep you in place manual transmission. While horsepower immediately recognized something that’s
on spirited jaunts, yet proved and torque numbers have not changed, been a signature of the Speed3 since it
plenty comfortable on Mazda has made gear ratios taller in second first went on sale: torque steer. It was the
our 350-mile through fifth gears. Four-wheel ABS with biggest complaint we had with the previous-
electronic brake-force distribution and generation, and returns here.While it isn’t
brake assist, dynamic stability control, and as bad as it was in other cars we’ve tested,

FOR DEMANDING WEATHER CONDITIONS
When you’re seeking versatility and flexibility, the choice is clear:

the Falken HS439 Eurowinter. Available in 39 sizes, from 13”
to 19” diameters for today’s most popular import and domestic
coupes, sedans and wagons, the HS439 offers superior tread life
and performance across multiple temperature ranges. HS439 also
delivers traction consistency, biting through snow and ice, and
maintaining excellent stability in dry conditions. It’s the all-weather
performer for all kinds of purposes.
TIRE
13649 Valley Blvd. / Fontana, CA 92335 / Tel: 800.723.2553 Fax: 909.466.1169 www.falkentire.com

(first test) mazdaspeed3
SUSPENSION is firm and taut, without

being uncomfortable, and the car is
confident and highly entertaining in turns.
(although we’re still trying to get used to the

new nose), roomy interior for the car’s size,
and the practical function of a hatchback.
It’s also faster at the track than the GTI is.
The Mazda is definitely catching up to the
GTI, but unless the next-generation VW has
gotten worse than those that came before,
the MazdaSpeed3 isn’t quite there yet.
Refinements and other improvements
have absolutely made the car better than
it was, but until Mazda does something to
alleviate the torque steer, the Volkswagen
will still be king. We won’t know for sure
until we can get behind the wheel of both.
Looks like we just came up with an excuse
for another hot-hatch comparison… ■
2010 MAZDASPEED3
BASE PRICE $23,945
PRICE AS TESTED $25,840
VEHICLE LAYOUT Front engine, FWD, 5-pass,
it’s noticeable enough that we hope to temperamental; it wasn’t as progressive as 4-door hatchback
see the addition of all-wheel drive in the we would’ve liked, and on a few occasions, ENGINE 2.3L/263-hp/280-lb-ft
future—or a slight power reduction. The the gates seemed so close together that turbocharged DOHC 16-valve I-4
suspension is firm and taut without being engaging second gear was difficult when TRANSMISSION 6-speed manual
uncomfortable, and the car was confident downshifting. CURB WEIGHT (F/R DIST) 3239 lb (62/38%)
and highly entertaining in turns. However, At the track, the new Speed3’s performance WHEELBASE 103.9 in
when it comes to day-to-day driving, you’ll was not all that different from what it was the LENGTH x WIDTH 177.6 x 69.7 x 57.5 in
feel bumps and dips, as we noted on some last time we tested it (on a 2009 model). x HEIGHT
of the poorly maintained roads where we did This year, the hatch reached 60 mph in 5.6 0-60 MPH 5.6 sec
part of our driving. Steering feel is nicely seconds, which was exactly the same time QUARTER MILE 14.1 sec @ 99.9 mph
weighted and communicative. Brakes also as last year. It completed the quarter mile in BRAKING, 60-0 MPH 112 ft
felt firm and provided excellent response, 14.1 seconds at 99.9 mph (as opposed to LATERAL ACCEL 0.92 g (avg)
showing no signs of fade. The last year’s 14.1 at 100.6 mph), and braking MT FIGURE EIGHT 26.2 sec @ 0.69 g (avg)
clutch was a little in both cases was 112 feet. EPA CITY/HWY FUEL ECON 18/25 mpg
Can the new MazdaSpeed3 beat the next- CO 2 EMISSIONS 0.94 lb/mile
generation GTI? The Speed3 offers fun on
twisty roads at a bargain price, good looks

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AFTER DECADES OF BATTLING FERRARI
ON THE TRACK, MCLAREN IS BRINGING THE FIGHT
TO THE ROAD WITH AN ALL-NEW SUPERCAR
● words angus mackenzie

mclaren mp4-12c (first look)

(first look) mclaren mp4-12c
RACING is in Ron Dennis’ blood. Dennis the fabled F1—and is expected to weigh engines is you’re tied to their cycle plans,”
began his racing career in 1966 as a mechanic just over 3000 pounds, at least 100 less than says American Antony Sheriff, who runs the
with Cooper, the British race team whose an F430 coupe and almost 300 less than a McLaren road car business.
giant-killing hot-rod Minis are remembered Gallardo. It will boast a host of performance- The engine, dubbed M838T, will rev to
with today’s Mini Coopers and the John enhancing technologies that could come 8500 rpm—impressive for a roadgoing
Cooper Works Special models. Since 1980, only from a company operating at the cutting- turbo motor—and will deliver 80 percent
he’s run McLaren Racing,which has won seven edge of Grand Prix race-car engineering, of its 442 pound-feet of torque at less than
Formula 1 Constructors’ World Championships including a carbon-fiber chassis, light and 2000 rpm. It drives the rear wheels through
and 10 Drivers’World Championships with compact McLaren-developed seven-speed the previously mentioned seven-speed dual-
such drivers as Alain Prost, Ayrton Senna, dual-clutch manual transmission, active roll clutch transmission, which offers a variety
Mika Hakkinen, and, of course, 2008 World control, and advanced aerodynamics. of shift protocols, from full automatic to full-
Champion Lewis Hamilton. Mercedes, which owns 40 percent of commando race mode, along with launch
Intensely competitive and obsessively McLaren Group, offered an engine for control. Ratios are selected via steering-
perfectionist, Dennis was the very archetype the car, but the MP4-12C is powered by wheel-mounted paddles with two-stage
of the modern Formula 1 team boss. But in a bespoke 3.8-liter twin-turbo V-8 with haptic (feel) control. Slight pressure on either
April this year, he suddenly announced he quad cams and four valves per cylinder, paddle (right for upshifts, left for downshifts)
was stepping down from the day-to-day a dry sump, and a flat-plane crankshaft. primes the clutch and torque handover
operation of the McLaren F1 team. “The problem with using other people’s processes for near seamless shifts.
You’re looking at one of the reasons
why: The McLaren MP4-12C, a brand-new
supercar, the first from McLaren since 1993’s
radical, 240-mph F1. But while the F1 was little
more than a money-no-object side project,
the MP4-12C is the centerpiece of a grand
plan to turn McLaren into a company that
builds and sells up to 4000 high-performance,
road-legal sports cars a year.
Did someone just say “Ferrari”?
The new McLaren is aimed squarely
at the new Ferrari 458 Italia, as well as
Lamborghini’s Gallardo, Porsche’s 911
Turbo, Bentley’s Continental GT, and Aston
Martin’s DB9. But Dennis says the MP4-12C
will offer the performance and technology of
megabuck hypercars such as the Mercedes- CENTER STACK has buttons
McLaren SLR, Porsche Carrera GT, Ferrari for engine start/stop, dynamic-
Enzo, and, yes, even the Bugatti Veyron. control activation, winter-
Here’s how: The MP4-12C will have around driving mode, launch control.
600 horsepower—just 27 horses less than

Truly Unique
Time travel at the speed of a 1935 Speedster?

The 1930s brought unprecedented receiving compliments, please return
innovation in machine-age technol- the watch for a full refund of the
ogy and materials. Industrial designers purchase price. If you have an
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like radios and toasters. It was also a This watch is a limited edition, so
decade when an unequaled variety please act quickly. Our last two
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into being. In lieu of hands to tell True to Machine Art esthetics, the sleek sold out!
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jumping mechanism, utilized Not Available in Stores
numerals on a disc viewed through a Stauer 1930s Dashtronic Watch $99 +S&H or
window. With its striking resem- distinctive, retro look of a jumping 3 easy credit card payments of $33 +S&H
blance to the dashboard gauges and display (not an actual jumping com- Call now to take advantage of this limited offer.
radio dials of the decade, the jump plication). The stainless steel 1 1/2"
hour watch was indeed “in tune” case is complemented with a black 1-800-859-1602
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(first look) mclaren mp4-12c
EXHAUSTS exit high, keeping

plumbing to a minimum and allowing
room for the rear diffuser. Rear wing
is integrated into overall form.
The suspension and powertrain components estate for the rear diffuser. A rear wing is guess what’s coming: A convertible version
are hung off lightweight aluminum subframes integrated into the overall form, somewhat and an ultralight track-oriented model are
bolted to the front and rear of a molded like that of the Acura NSX. On the McLaren, no-brainers. The MP4-12C will also be a
carbon-fiber core structure that weighs just however, the center section pivots to deploy global car, built in left- and right-hand drive,
176.4 pounds. This core structure, dubbed as an airbrake that also helps move the and the company is already talking with
the MonoCell, is a truly innovative piece: center of aerodynamic pressure toward potential dealers in the United States, which
While the Porsche Carrera GT’s carbon-fiber the rear of the car under heavy braking is expected to take 25 percent of the 1000
chassis was made up from 1000 separate and can be set at a higher angle of attack cars a year initially planned.
pieces patched together by hand, and took to generate more downforce. “I’d love to aspire to be Ferrari,” says
one week to complete, the McLaren’s is resin Stephenson’s interior is minimalist, yet Dennis candidly, in answer to the obvious
molded in just four hours. elegant and spacious for a two-seater. The question. And he believes McLaren has
Suspension is double wishbone all graceful center stack is reminiscent of that the credentials to take on the storied
around, with coil springs and hydraulically of the Porsche Carrera GT and features a Italian marque: “No disrespect to any
interconnected shocks that allow adaptive seven-inch touch-screen mounted in portrait sports car brand, but few can list 20 World
damping and adjustable roll control.The AP fashion, instead of the traditional landscape Championships and wins at Indy and Le
Racing brakes are composites, featuring cast scenario. The screen accesses functions Mans,” he says.That’s true, as not even Ferrari
iron rotors mounted on forged aluminum such as audio, navigation, and telephony. can claim racing’s triple crown. And if the
bells, saving 17.6 pounds per corner over The center stack also contains buttons MP4-12C drives anywhere near as well as its
conventional brakes. Carbon ceramic brakes for engine start/stop, dynamic-control specification suggests, the guys at Maranello
will be available as an option. activation, a winter-driving mode, and had better be on their game. ■
The MP4-12C’s exterior is the work launch control.Two rotary switches manage
of another American, designer Frank powertrain and handling, the former 2011 MCLAREN MP4-12C
Stephenson, whose credits include the changing throttle response, transmission
new Mini, the Fiat 500, as well as a stint as shift strategy, shift times and feel, with a BASE PRICE $220,000-$250,000 (est)
Ferrari’s design chief. The non-structural coaxial Manual button controlling the use VEHICLE LAYOUT Mid-engine, RWD, 2-door,
aluminum and composite panels are of manual transmission functions,the latter 2-pass coupe
wrapped tightly around the 105.1-inch changing stability control, steering weight, ENGINE 3.8L/600-hp (est)/442-lb-ft
wheelbase. The car’s signature graphic is suspension firmness and roll stiffness, with twin-turbo, DOHC 32-valve V-8
the swooping intake scoops on either side, a coaxial Aero button that deploys the rear TRANSMISSION 7-speed twin-cl auto
which riff off the McLaren logo shape. spoiler into high downforce mode. CURB WEIGHT 3100 lb
The exhausts exit high, above the license The MP4-12C is the first in a range WHEELBASE 105.1 in
plate, keeping the amount of plumbing of McLaren sports cars, and though no LENGTH 177.4 in
required to a minimum (hence saving one will elaborate further, you have only ON SALE IN U.S. 2011
weight) and allowing uninterrupted real to look at the Ferrari F430 playbook to

Tires are like shoes.
Winter tires are designed for surefooted travel in the worst conditions.
What’s your vehicle wearing?
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RESEARCH BUY DELIVER INSTALL
1-888-372-8473 www.tirerack.com
©2009 Tire Rack

Ask about our Tire Road
Hazard Service Program
Winter 210/240/270 Sottozero Serie II

Winter 210/240 Sottozero
Performance Winter / Snow
Winter Sottozero tires are available in H-, V- and W-speed rated
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Winter 190/210/240 SnowSport also available at
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Serie II Serie II
Winter Carving Edge & Winter Carving

Studdable Winter
For sport cars, coupes, sedans, minivans as well as CUVs and SUVs. A directional
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Winter BRIDGESTONE
BLIZZAK LM-60
BRIDGESTONE
BLIZZAK WS60
CONTINENTAL
EXTREMEWINTER
CONTACT
DUNLOP
GRASPIC DS-3
GENERAL
ALTIMAX
ARCTIC
MICHELIN
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PIRELLI
WINTER 210/240
SOTTOZERO
Tires Many winter tires have limited availability. Call now for best selection!
Blizzak DM-V1 Graspic DS-3 Latitude Alpin HP

215/70 R- 15 $90 P245/70 R- 17 $121 265/60 R- 18 $149 175/70 R- 13 $57 205/65 R- 15 $77 225/60 R- 16 $97 235/55 R- 17 $187 235/50 R- 18 $194 255/50 R- 19 $274
235/75 R- 15XL 97 245/75 R- 17 120 265/65 R- 18 153 175/70 R- 14 65 205/70 R- 15 75 215/45 R- 17XL 128 235/65 R- 17 193 255/55 R- 18XL 237
215/70 R- 16 102 P255/65 R- 17 124 P265/70 R- 18 136 185/60 R- 14 65 215/65 R- 15 85 215/50 R- 17 129
225/70 R- 16 104 P255/70 R- 17 125 275/60 R- 18 155 185/65 R- 14 68 215/70 R- 15 78 215/55 R- 17 121 Latitude Alpin HP ZP RFT
P225/75 R- 16 97 265/65 R- 17 133 P275/65 R- 18 156 185/70 R- 14 64 205/50 R- 16 77 215/60 R- 17 106 255/55 R- 18 $217
235/70 R- 16 107 265/70 R- 17 129 285/60 R- 18 162 195/70 R- 14 66 205/55 R- 16 96 225/45 R- 17 136
P235/75 R- 16XL 105 P285/70 R- 17 143 P235/55 R- 19 133 185/60 R- 15 70 205/60 R- 16XL 77 225/55 R- 17 123
245/70 R- 16 112 235/55 R- 18 130 P245/55 R- 19 166 185/65 R- 15 72 205/65 R- 16XL 83 235/45 R- 17 139 Latitude Alpin
P245/75 R- 16 105 235/60 R- 18XL 133 P255/60 R- 19 162 195/55 R- 15 87 215/55 R- 16 107 225/50 R- 18 179 265/70 R- 16 $137 265/65 R- 17 $152 275/40 R- 20 $208
275/70 R- 16 124 235/65 R- 18 137 P245/50 R- 20 161 195/60 R- 15 75 215/60 R- 16XL 88 225/55 R- 18 173 225/65 R- 17 130 235/60 R- 18XL 154
225/65 R- 17 107 245/60 R- 18 138 P265/50 R- 20 163 195/65 R- 15 76 215/65 R- 16 89
235/65 R- 17XL 110 255/55 R- 18XL 144 275/45 R- 20XL 186 205/60 R- 15 75 225/55 R- 16 108 Latitude X-ICE
P235/75 R- 17 115 P255/65 R- 18 149 P275/55 R- 20 167 P215/75 R- 15 $99 255/65 R- 16 $140 245/70 R- 17 $135
245/65 R- 17 117 P255/70 R- 18 128 P285/45 R- 22 216 SP Winter Sport 3D 225/70 R- 15 99 265/70 R- 16 129 255/70 R- 17 142
195/65 R- 15 $96 225/50 R- 17 $152 245/40 R- 18 $219 P235/75 R- 15XL 115 275/70 R- 16 142 265/65 R- 17 147
205/65 R- 15 90 225/55 R- 17 157 255/35 R- 18XL 226 265/70 R- 15 119 215/65 R- 17 108 235/55 R- 18 154
Blizzak DM-Z3 205/55 R- 16 98 235/45 R- 17XL 157 255/40 R- 18 233 245/70 R- 16 120 235/65 R- 17 132
205/55 R- 16 108 235/55 R- 17 196 255/45 R- 18 240 P245/75 R- 16 118 245/65 R- 17 136
P215/70 R- 15 $69 P235/75 R- 17 $105 P265/60 R- 18 $126
P215/75 R- 15 69 P245/70 R- 17 105 P265/70 R- 18 118 215/55 R- 16 112 235/65 R- 17XL 141 265/35 R- 18XL 256
235/75 R- 15C 95 P245/75 R- 17 95 275/60 R- 18 125 205/60 R- 16 108 245/40 R- 17XL 181 285/35 ZR- 18XL 277 Pilot Alpin PA3
P235/70 R- 16 89 265/70 R- 17 114 265/45 R- 21 287 215/55 R- 16 119 245/45 R- 17 166 235/35 R- 19XL 225 205/55 R- 16 $126 225/55 R- 17 $175 235/45 R- 18 $188
P245/75 R- 16 79 235/55 R- 18 119 215/65 R- 16 116 255/45 R- 17 195 225/50 R- 17XL 251 205/50 R- 17 168 235/45 R- 17XL 193 245/40 R- 18XL 223
225/65 R- 17 103 235/60 R- 18 115 225/55 R- 16 124 225/40 R- 18 179 275/45 R- 19 246 215/50 R- 17 169 235/55 R- 17XL 179 245/45 R- 18XL 218
205/50 R- 17 136 235/40 R- 18 199 RFT (Runflat) 215/55 R- 17XL 165 225/40 R- 18 200 255/45 R- 18 227
215/55 R- 17XL 149 235/40 ZR- 18XL 203 195/55 R- 16 $118 225/45 R- 17XL 177 225/45 R- 18XL 183 255/45 R- 19 212
225/45 R- 17 147 235/50 R- 18 231 245/50 R- 18 299 225/50 R- 17 178 235/40 R- 18XL 206 285/40 R- 19 276
Blizzak LM-18 225/45 R- 17XL 149 235/60 R- 18XL 175 245/45 R- 19 275
145/65 R- 15 $65 175/55 R- 15 $84 Pilot Alpin PA2
SP Winter Sport M3 205/50 R- 17 $155 245/45 R- 18 $220 265/40 R- 18 $252
225/60 R- 15 $112 215/50 R- 17 $140 245/50 R- 18 $197 235/40 R- 18 213 255/40 R- 18 228 295/35 R- 18 300
Blizzak LM-25 205/45 R- 16 124 215/55 R- 17 137 ROF (RunOnflat) 235/40 R- 18 216 265/40 R- 18 250
195/55 R- 15 $77 255/35 R- 18 $226 RFT (Runflat) 215/60 R- 16 105 225/45 R- 18XL 185 205/55 R- 16 $138
185/55 R- 16XL 85 255/40 R- 18 199 205/55 R- 16 $139 225/50 R- 16 129 235/45 R- 18 206 225/45 R- 17 187 Primacy Alpin PA3
205/45 R- 16 88 255/45 R- 18 150 205/50 R- 17 149 225/60 R- 16 116 245/45 R- 18XL 224 225/50 R- 17 205 195/60 R- 15 $107 205/60 R- 16 $113 205/45 R- 17 $153
235/45 R- 17 109 225/40 R- 19 175 225/45 R- 17XL 189 235/60 R- 16 119 255/35 R- 18XL 203 195/65 R- 15 104 215/55 R- 16 129 215/45 R- 17 156
235/45 R- 17XL 149 225/40 R- 19XL 175 245/50 R- 17 211 215/45 R- 17 137 255/40 R- 18 215 205/65 R- 15 107 215/65 R- 16 125 225/45 R- 17 159
225/40 R- 18 155 225/45 R- 19 148 245/45 R- 18 247 205/50 R- 16 137 225/50 R- 16 141 225/45 R- 17 167
225/45 R- 18 185 255/35 R- 19 185 255/40 R- 20 358 205/55 R- 16 122 225/55 R- 16 138 225/55 R- 17 153
225/50 R- 18 162 275/35 R- 19 188 285/35 R- 20 394
225/60 R- 18 153 265/35 R- 19 149 X-ICE Xi2
Scorpion Ice & Snow 175/70 R- 13 $68 205/70 R- 15 $89 215/45 R- 17 $142
215/65 R- 16 $96 235/60 R- 18 $161 255/50 R- 20 $267 175/65 R- 14 80 215/65 R- 15 104 215/50 R- 17XL 138
Blizzak LM-25 4X4 215/70 R- 16 97 235/65 R- 18XL 168 265/45 R- 20XL 247 175/70 R- 14 75 215/70 R- 15 92 215/55 R- 17 135
275/55 R- 17 $205 RFT (Runflat) 225/70 R- 16 110 255/55 R- 18XL 162 275/40 R- 20NO 265 185/60 R- 14 86 195/55 R- 16XL 114 215/60 R- 17 117
235/60 R- 18 190 235/55 R- 18 $268 235/70 R- 16 107 255/55 R- 18 175 275/50 R- 20 281 185/65 R- 14 81 205/50 R- 16 128 215/65 R- 17 114
285/45 R- 19 248 255/50 R- 19 339 245/70 R- 16 112 255/60 R- 18XL 176 295/40 R- 20XL 285 185/70 R- 14 80 205/55 R- 16 122 225/45 R- 17XL 149
255/65 R- 16 119 235/55 R- 19XL 166 295/35 R- 21 298 175/65 R- 15 81 205/60 R- 16 107 225/50 R- 17 137
225/65 R- 17 117 255/50 R- 19N0 217 P275/45 R- 22XL 358 185/55 R- 15 96 205/65 R- 16 108 225/55 R- 17XL 138
235/60 R- 17XL 143 255/55 R- 19 195 RFT (Runflat) 185/60 R- 15 87 215/55 R- 16XL 129 225/60 R- 17 133
Blizzak LM-60 235/65 R- 17 131 265/50 R- 19 217 255/55 R- 18 $203 185/65 R- 15 88 215/60 R- 16 112 235/45 R- 17XL 153
215/45 R- 17 $144 245/45 R- 18 $199 275/35 R- 19 $276 245/65 R- 17XL 152 265/55 R- 19 235 255/50 R- 19XL 252 195/55 R- 15 103 215/65 R- 16 106 235/55 R- 17XL 149
225/45 R- 17 150 255/40 R- 18XL 210 245/40 R- 20 272 255/60 R- 17 147 275/45 R- 19XL 212 275/40 R- 20XL 317 195/60 R- 15 93 225/55 R- 16XL 114 215/45 R- 18 150
235/45 R- 17XL 160 255/45 R- 18 205 245/45 R- 20 260 265/65 R- 17 164 285/45 R- 19 223 315/35 R- 20XL 348 195/65 R- 15 94 225/60 R- 16 116 225/45 R- 18 164
235/50 R- 17 168 265/35 R- 18XL 234 P245/50 R- 20 247 275/55 R- 17 173 245/45 R- 20XL 235 205/60 R- 15 96 235/60 R- 16 119 225/60 R- 18 148
235/55 R- 17XL 158 275/35 R- 18 234 255/35 R- 20XL 293 235/55 R- 18XL 146 255/45 R- 20 243 205/65 R- 15 99 205/50 R- 17XL 132 245/45 R- 18XL 179
245/40 R- 17 171 225/40 R- 19 215 255/45 R- 20 269
215/45 R- 18XL 177 225/45 R- 19 205 RFT (Runflat) Winter 190 Snowcontrol
225/40 R- 18XL 172 235/35 R- 19XL 243 195/55 R- 16 $138
225/45 R- 18XL 184 245/40 R- 19 234 205/45 R- 17 158 165/65 R- 13 $52 155/60 R- 15 $73 175/65 R- 15 $62
225/50 R- 18 186 245/45 R- 19 223 225/40 R- 18 211 145/65 R- 15 77 175/55 R- 15 82 Winterforce (studdable)
P225/60 R- 18 182 255/35 R- 19XL 264 255/40 R- 18 240 175/70 R- 13 $44 185/65 R- 15 $60 205/60 R- 16 $66
235/45 R- 18 188 255/40 R- 19XL 252 255/55 R- 18 254 Winter 190 Snowcontrol Serie II 175/65 R- 14 55 195/60 R- 15 59 215/55 R- 16 79
235/50 R- 18XL 201 255/50 R- 19XL 228 185/60 R- 15XL $66 195/60 R- 15 $75 205/55 R- 16 $113 185/60 R- 14 57 195/65 R- 15 62 215/60 R- 16 71
245/40 R- 18XL 199 265/35 R- 19 265 185/65 R- 15 71 195/65 R- 15 69 185/65 R- 14 60 205/60 R- 15 63 P225/50 R- 16 85
185/70 R- 14 49 205/65 R- 15 65 225/60 R- 16 77
Winter 210 SnowSport P185/75 R- 14 49 205/70 R- 15 55 215/55 R- 17 84
Blizzak WS60 245/50 R- 17 $179 195/70 R- 14 53 P205/75 R- 15 53 P215/65 R- 17 80
175/65 R- 14 $71 215/65 R- 15 $88 205/50 R- 17 $133 P195/75 R- 14 49 215/60 R- 15 68 225/50 R- 17 109
175/65 R- 14XL 76 215/70 R- 15 85 215/45 R- 17 127 205/70 R- 14 51 215/65 R- 15 66 225/55 R- 17 87
Winter 240 SnowSport P205/75 R- 14 51 215/70 R- 15 54 225/60 R- 17 84
185/60 R- 14 74 195/60 R- 16 85 215/60 R- 17 135 205/45 R- 17 $165 235/40 R- 18 $210 265/40 R- 18 $267 215/70 R- 14 53 P265/75 R- 15 67 235/55 R- 17 89
185/65 R- 14 77 185/55 R- 16XL 102 215/55 R- 17 115 205/50 R- 17 170 235/40 R- 18N0 216 RFT (Runflat) 185/60 R- 15 58 205/55 R- 16 77 225/60 R- 18 92
185/70 R- 14 73 195/55 R- 16 106 215/60 R- 17 107 225/40 R- 18 214 235/40 R- 18N1 232 205/45 R- 17 $179
195/60 R- 14 77 205/50 R- 16 109 P215/65 R- 17 101 225/45 R- 18 169 265/35 R- 18 274
195/70 R- 14 75 205/55 R- 16 107 225/45 R- 17 137 Winterforce UV (studdable)
145/65 R- 15 68 205/60 R- 16 90 225/50 R- 17 142 P215/75 R- 15 $56 P215/70 R- 16 $67 P255/70 R- 16 $75
175/55 R- 15 83 205/65 R- 16 92 225/55 R- 17 119 Winter 210 Sottozero 225/70 R- 15 61 P225/70 R- 16 68 P265/70 R- 16 78
175/65 R- 15 73 215/55 R- 16 109 225/60 R- 17 108 225/55 R- 16 $147 225/55 R- 18 $207 RFT (Runflat) P225/75 R- 15 57 P225/75 R- 16XL 68 P265/75 R- 16 73
185/60 R- 15 76 215/60 R- 16 96 235/45 R- 17 152 215/60 R- 17 178 225/60 R- 18 159 205/50 R- 17 $181 P235/70 R- 15 63 P235/65 R- 16 82 P235/65 R- 17 90
185/65 R- 15 76 215/65 R- 16 94 235/60 R- 17 112 235/55 R- 17 171 225/45 R- 17 212 P235/75 R- 15 62 P235/70 R- 16XL 71 P265/70 R- 17 85
195/55 R- 15 90 225/50 R- 16 119 245/45 R- 17 153 P235/75 R- 15XL 65 P245/70 R- 16 72 245/65 R- 17 92
195/60 R- 15 81 225/55 R- 16 114 225/40 R- 18 153 Winter 240 Sottozero 215/65 R- 16 70 P245/75 R- 16 70 P245/70 R- 17 78
195/65 R- 15 82 225/60 R- 16 101 235/40 R- 18 162 225/55 R- 17 $201 255/35 R- 18 $229 285/40 R- 19 $361
205/60 R- 15 85 P225/65 R- 16 99 245/40 R- 18 166 235/45 R- 17 199 265/40 R- 18 278 265/35 R- 20 432
205/65 R- 15 88 235/60 R- 16 106 245/50 R- 18XL 159 215/45 R- 18XL 204 275/40 R- 18XL 335 RFT (Runflat)
205/70 R- 15 82 235/65 R- 16 105 225/45 R- 18XL 216 285/40 R- 18 350 245/45 R- 17 $222
215/60 R- 15 87 205/40 R- 17XL 115 235/40 R- 18N1 232 295/35 R- 18 322 225/40 R- 18XL 258 ExtremeWinterContact
235/45 R- 18XL 244 255/40 R- 19XL 333 245/40 R- 18XL 268 175/70 R- 13 $55 215/55 R- 16 $103 215/45 R- 17 $127
235/50 R- 18XL 255 275/40 R- 19XL 360 255/35 R- 18XL 326 175/65 R- 14 64 215/60 R- 16 92 215/50 R- 17 124
Blizzak LM-50 245/40 R- 18 239 285/35 R- 19 381 185/65 R- 14XL 69 215/65 R- 16XL 92 215/55 R- 17XL 121
RFT (Runfl at) Blizzak MZ-03 185/70 R- 14 63 225/55 R- 16XL 110 215/60 R- 17 114
225/60 R- 17 $123 165/65 R- 14 $70 Winter 210 Sottozero Serie II 185/60 R- 15XL 72 225/60 R- 16 96 225/45 R- 17XL 130
215/45 R- 17 $175 215/55 R- 17 $193 245/45 R- 17 $240 185/65 R- 15XL 71 225/70 R- 16 98 225/55 R- 17XL 117
195/55 R- 15XL 87 LT225/75 R- 16E 143 235/45 R- 17 138
Blizzak W965 195/60 R- 15XL 71 235/60 R- 16 105 235/55 R- 17XL 132
215/85 R- 16E$136 245/75 R- 16E$145 245/70 R- 17E$157 Winter 240 Sottozero Serie II 195/65 R- 15XL 71 235/75 R- 16 111 235/65 R- 17XL 127
225/75 R- 16E 132 265/75 R- 16E 151 265/70 R- 17E 168 205/55 R- 17 $179 265/40 R- 18 $285 285/35 R- 20 $471 205/60 R- 15 73 LT235/85 R- 16E 142 LT235/80 R- 17E 171
235/85 R- 16E 144 LT235/80 R- 17E 157 225/45 R- 17XL 201 275/45 R- 18 360 RFT (Runflat) 205/65 R- 15 77 245/75 R- 16 109 245/65 R- 17 129
235/50 R- 17 236 295/35 R- 18 336 215/40 R- 18 $246 205/70 R- 15 73 LT245/75 R- 16E 144 245/70 R- 17 128
235/40 R- 18 241 235/35 R- 19 285 245/35 R- 18XL 332 215/60 R- 15 85 255/70 R- 16 123 LT245/70 R- 17E 165
245/50 R- 18 270 295/30 R- 19 355 215/65 R- 15 81 265/70 R- 16 125 265/65 R- 17 143
255/40 R- 18 269 255/40 R- 20XL 425 215/70 R- 15 78 265/75 R- 16 119 265/70 R- 17 129
205/55 R- 16XL 90 LT265/75 R- 16E 151 LT265/70 R- 17E 168
205/60 R- 16XL 83 205/50 R- 17XL 114 LT285/70 R- 17D 194
Altimax Arctic (studdable) Winter 270 Sottozero Serie II
175/70 R- 13 $45 205/60 R- 16 $70 215/45 R- 17 $111 255/35 ZR- 19 $382 275/35 ZR- 20 $489 275/35 R- 20 $583 Vanco Vanco Winter
175/65 R- 14 56 215/55 R- 16 80 215/50 R- 17 106 235/45 R- 20XL 449 RFT (Runflat) WinterContact
245/35 ZR- 20XL 456 245/40 R- 20 $480 LT185/0 R- 14C $75 LT205/65 R- 16D$135
185/65 R- 14 60 215/60 R- 16 75 215/55 R- 17 100 205/65 R- 15 $98 205/65 R- 15C 110 LT215/65 R- 16D 137
185/70 R- 14 51 215/65 R- 16 79 215/60 R- 17 99
185/60 R- 15 60 225/55 R- 16 94 225/45 R- 17 105 Winter Carving (studdable)
185/65 R- 15 61 225/60 R- 16 79 225/55 R- 17 105 185/65 R- 14 $78 195/55 R- 15 $100 225/45 R- 17 $167
195/55 R- 15 75 225/70 R- 16 83 235/45 R- 17 114 185/70 R- 14 88 195/60 R- 15 91 225/55 R- 17 169
195/60 R- 15 63 LT225/75 R- 16E 126 235/55 R- 17 116
195/65 R- 15 63 235/60 R- 16 93 235/65 R- 17XL 113 Ultra Grip SUV
205/60 R- 15 65 235/75 R- 16 97 LT235/80 R- 17E 142 Winter Carving Edge (studdable) 265/70 R- 16 $108 255/60 R- 17 $102 255/55 R- 19 $212
205/65 R- 15 67 LT235/85 R- 16E 127 245/65 R- 17 120 175/65 R- 14 $79 205/55 R- 16 $119 225/55 R- 16 $147 235/55 R- 17 150 255/65 R- 17 114
205/70 R- 15 61 LT245/75 R- 16E 129 265/65 R- 17 128 185/60 R- 14 82 205/55 R- 16XL 155 225/60 R- 16 149 235/65 R- 17 112 265/65 R- 17 121
215/60 R- 15 72 255/70 R- 16 105 265/70 R- 17 118 185/65 R- 15 86 205/60 R- 16XL 118 225/50 R- 17XL 212
215/65 R- 15 71 265/70 R- 16 109 LT265/70 R- 17E 154 195/65 R- 15 85 215/65 R- 16 136 235/65 R- 17 169
215/70 R- 15 67 265/75 R- 16 104 LT285/70 R- 17D 172 205/60 R- 15 92 215/55 R- 16XL 188 255/55 R- 18XL 195
225/70 R- 15 71 LT265/75 R- 16E 133 205/65 R- 15 106 215/60 R- 16XL 162 255/60 R- 18XL 196 Full pattern studding
205/55 R- 16 78 205/50 R- 17 91 195/55 R- 16 148 215/65 R- 16 112 Available for $15 per tire on tires marked studdable.
SPECIALS
Pricing Effective October 1-31, 2009
Hours: EST M-F 8am-8pm SAT 9am-4pm 1-888-372-8473 Prices Subject to Change www.tirerack.com ©2009 Tire Rack

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Tire Rack’s Winter Tire & Wheel Packages
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Total Package Price: $1,092 IdemYedjhebI[h_[?? Total Package Price: $720 ((+%+&#'-:kdbefIFM_dj[hIfehj): XL
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Optional Set of TPMS Sensors: $124 Optional Set of TPMS Sensors: $128
Build Your Own at tirerack.com What About TPMS?
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™

WHAT DO YOU GET WHEN A BUNCH OF HOT-ROD GUYS
BUILD AN OFF-ROAD-RACING TRUCK?
● words edward loh ● photographs brian vance
I MEAN, this is amazing, right?” shouts SVT Vehicle I’m not having fun, so he decides to show me what a little
Dynamics engineer, Ford Tier 3-certified test driver, and full-throttle opposite lock can do.
possible asylum candidate Gene Martindale over the din of It’s when we launch off a huge whoop while yawed at 45
35-inch tires pulverizing desert gravel. degrees, that I realize I should let Gene know how much I’m
Amazing? No, this is utterly ridiculous. It’s 106 degrees F, and digging it. I let off a whoop of my own, and his response is an
we’re streaking across the rock- and sand-strewn frying pan immediate, “I know, right? You just can’t do that in any other
that is Borrego Springs, California, in August. It’s absolutely truck!”
miserable out here, so hot and dry the scorpions have taken Which is precisely the point. Back in 2006, when Ford’s
refuge under the sidewinders. Special Vehicles Team set out to create a performance variant
You’d never know it from inside our truck. The A/C is blowing of the next-generation F-150, they considered creating another
cubes, and Gene keeps his right foot flat as we literally glide slammed and supercharged street truck like the 1999-2004
over whoop after whoop (an off-road-racing term for the SVT Lighting. Then SVT chief engineer Jamal Hameedi studied
thousands of beige speed bumps scattered before us). what was hot at the annual SEMA aftermarket show. What he
We’re maxed out at 100 mph. At half this rate, any regular saw was a resurging trend among Southern California truck
truck would explosively dismantle as fast, hard, and repeated enthusiasts toward prerunners modeled after Baja desert
hits induce massive suspension or tire failure. Our truck simply racers. So he issued a challenge to his SVT team: Build the
strides over them, without any gut-wrenching, bolt-stripping, baddest off-road truck ever offered by an OEM. Have they
metal-on-metal indications of imminent disaster. succeeded?
Gene keeps hollering and looking over to gauge my reaction, Well, let’s look at the numbers: Compared with a standard
but because of my helmet, he can’t see the big, goofy grin on F-150, the 2010 F-150 SVT Raptor’s track is 6.6 inches wider
my face. Apparently, he takes my stoicism as evidence that to accommodate longer and stronger upper-and-lower control

ford svt raptor (first drive)

(first drive) ford svt raptor
arms, tie-rods, and halfshafts. The Raptor tuned rubber tucked under a 5900-pound
uses special composite fenders flared out truck would make for an obnoxiously loud
four inches on each side to help cover this ride, but the opposite is true. Surprisingly,
wider track and the specially designed, the BFGs don’t howl or scream however
35-inch BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A tires. hard you push them, allowing the Raptor’s
In fact, the Raptor is so wide, it’s required subtle but sonorous exhaust note to fill
to run the federally mandated marker lights the cabin.
normally seen on dually trucks. At this point, it would be easy to poo-poo
Ground clearance is 10 inches, which Ford’s effort as just another big, bad car
is easily soaked up by 11.2 inches of front company coopting the trends of a hard-core
and 12.1 inches of rear suspension travel enthusiast scene. Surely Ford and SVT let
provided by the specially designed Fox experts like BFG and Fox Racing develop
Racing shocks.These shocks use patented the hard stuff, and then they just packaged
internal-bypass technology and are an it all up and marketed it as their own, right?
industry first for a production vehicle. At Absolutely not.
normal ride height, the Raptor shocks are What makes the Raptor such a formidable
three times stiffer than those in a standard off-road performer is not just the battle-
F-150, yet they’re supple and compliant. tested hard parts, but the subtleties of its
Near the bottom of travel, the Raptor shocks SVT tweaked electronics—a realm the
grow roughly seven times stiffer than the aftermarket is loath to enter. For example,
F-150’s, which prevents hard impacts and the Raptor’s electronic-locking rear
undercarriage destruction. differential engages at all speeds, in any
While bodywork and suspension are mode from 2HI to 4LO, with a simple pull
almost entirely unique, the engine and of the drive-selector knob. Clicking the
interior are only slightly tweaked. Underhood Raptor into Off-Road mode initiates a unique,
is Ford’s stalwart 5.4-liter V-8 that makes 310 higher-performance throttle map and shift
horsepower at 5000 rpm and 365 pound- schedule for the six-speed transmission.The
feet of torque at 3500 rpm and mates to a result: more aggressive shifting with revs
six-speed automatic transmission. It’s just held longer and the flickability of a 2WD
enough to get the job done, but the real prerunner with the traction of a 4x4. Hill
desert racers will want the all-new, high- Descent Control, a Raptor exclusive, utilizes
feature 6.2-liter V-8 that comes out early next the ABS actuators and allows for slow-speed
year. That engine makes an estimated 400 downhill crawling in forward and reverse,
horsepower and 400 pound feet of torque. without ever touching the brake pedal.
Inside, the Raptor matches its aggressive The Raptor is not only aggressively
exterior with a leather-wrapped steering equipped, it’s aggressively priced. At
wheel with centering sightline, beefed-up $38,995, it is only $2500 more than the
leather seat bolsters, SVT gauges, and a F-150 FX4, yet an order of magnitude more
four-pack of prewired and fused auxiliary capable.When they become available early
switches—perfect for controlling everything next year, 6.2-liter-equipped Raptors will
from KC lights to a winch. retail for $41,995.With this level of capability
With its huge tires, flared fenders, at that price point, we’d have to agree with
enormous grille, and optional graphics chief engineer Hameedi:The Raptor has no
package, the Raptor looks like the ultimate compromises and no competition. ■
desert toy. But it’s more than that; with a
1000-pound payload, 6000-pound towing 2010 FORD F-150 SVT RAPTOR
capacity, and all the bells and whistles of
the regular F-150—including the factory- BASE PRICE $38,995
installed integrated trailer brake controller VEHICLE LAYOUT Front engine, 4WD, 5-pass,
and trailer sway control—the Raptor can 2-door pickup
serve as the toy hauler and everyday work ENGINE 5.4L/310-hp/365 lb-ft
truck as well. SOHC 24-valve V-8
SVT made sure the Raptor isn’t a penalty TRANSMISSION 6-speed automatic
box on-road. The key here is those shocks CURB WEIGHT 5900 lb
again; with all that travel and progressively WHEELBASE 133.0 in
firm ride, the Raptor always feels like it’s LENGTH x WIDTH 220.9 x 86.3
moving in a giant suspension sweet spot. x HEIGHT x 78.4 in
When cornering, it doesn’t roll as much your 0-60 MPH 8.5 sec (MT est)
average full-size street truck, and it imparts EPA CITY/HWY FUEL ECON 14/18 mpg
a feeling of confidence and stability. CO2 EMISSIONS 1.25 lb/mile
FOX Racing shocks use patented Those tires deserve special mention ON SALE IN U.S. Currently
internal-bypass technology. too.You’d think such enormous off-road-

THE RAPTOR looks like the
ultimate desert toy, but it
serves as the toy hauler and
everyday work truck as well.
MOTOR TREND.COM OCTOBER 2009 69

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(first look) nissan leaf

IS NISSAN’S ALL-NEW ELECTRIC
IC VEHICLE
EHICLE
THE SEED OF A ZERO-EMISSION
O REVOLUTION?
ON RE OL TI ?
● wordss edward loh
FORD, HONDA, AND TOYOTA have tied their all-electric, zero-emissions driving,
v which, it claims, covers
fortunes to gas-electric hybrids. BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and n the needs of 90 percent of the world’s drivers. This is a bold
VW have been pushing clean diesels for years. Next year, r, assertion, but one Nissan hopes will help secure its status as
General Motors is going all out on plug-in hybrids. Where is the world leader in zero-emissions motoring.
Nissan, Japan’s number-three automaker, on the clean, green, How does it work? The Leaf uses a battery and electric-motor
alternative-fuel front? powertrain on a modified front-drive, C-segment, hatchback
Quietly preparing the Leaf—what could be the most platform. Advances lie primarily in n battery
ba packaging and
significant vehicle of the century. With plans for a limited, technology as the Leaf runs on a large battery pack composed
worldwide launch in 2010, Nissan claims the Leaff will be the of 192 lithium-ion cells. These are not typical cylindrical
first affordable, mass-market electric vehicle. For roughly batteries, but flat, laminated cells developed in conjunction
$25,000, Nissan says the Leaf will provide 100 miles off with Japanese consumer electronics maker NEC. According to

TO COMBAT wind noise, the headlamps and side mirrors direct airflow around the sides of the car.
Nissan, the key advantages of these flat cells design studios.While we see a bit of Honda accessory fans) to a center stack dominated
include reduced complexity, better cooling, Fit in the shape of the front end, the overall by a large, bright multi-information
and superior packaging.The battery pack shape and greenhouse of the car, from the touchscreen. This controls Nissan’s EV-IT
lies under the floor and between the wheels fast angle of the windshield to the kink of system, which provides range, recharging,
in a position Nissan says optimizes vehicle the C-pillar, recalls Nissan’s Murano SUV and navigation information. A futuristic-
handling and interior room. A fully charged with a touch of Versa. looking semispherical transmission
pack delivers enough power to support the What’s up with those headlights? “When controller rests on the center console. Honda
80kW (107-horsepower, 207 pound-foot) driving 75 mph, you can hear only the tires styling cues resurface in the split instrument
AC electric motor for roughly 100 miles and wind, as there is no engine noise. If panel: A lower housing features another
of driving. Recharging at home or work is you have lots of wind noise, it sounds even large, bright display, while a secondary hood
possible in 16 hours on 110V current and greater,” says Shiro Nakamura, Nissan’s chief above shows speed and other EV-specific
in eight hours on 220V. For quick charging, creative officer. To combat this, his team information.
a special higher-voltage charger promises developed those oddly bulging headlamps If the Leaf is so high tech on the inside,
to return 80-percent battery capacity in to direct airflow around the sides of the car why is it so plain on the outside? Nakamura
about 30 minutes. and paid special attention to the shape and explains: “There is a perception in some
At first glance, the Leaf doesn’t look orientation of the side mirrors. At the nose markets that EVs are toys or cheap.That, like
particularly green. Absent is the one-motion, is another EV-specific feature: Under the a golf cart or city car, they are not a real car.
Kamm-back profile of the Toyota Prius and Nissan logo is a door that flips up to reveal We didn’t want to create a car that’s toylike
its doppelganger, the Honda Insight. The the standard and quick-charging ports. or cheap-looking. Ours is a real car. It can
Leaf looks more familiar and traditionally The Leaf has a lot of this kind of high go 87 mph and can seat four to five.”
Japanese. It should; its exterior and interior technology built in, from the optional roof- We haven’t been able to verify either
styling are the result of Nissan’s Japanese mounted solar panel (said to help power claim, as our drives have been limited

everybody knows somebody
wholovesahonda
facebook.com/honda
We have a theory: everybody knows somebody who loves a Honda. If you think about it,
it’s probably true. And that’s pretty cool. Come help us prove it at facebook.com/honda.
Civic Si Coupe, Pilot EX-L, Fit Sport, Element SC, Accord EX V-6 and Insight EX 2010 models shown. ©2009 American Honda Motor Co., Inc.

AT THE NOSE, under the Nissan logo (bottom right) is a door that
flips up to reveal standard and quick-charging ports.
to EV development mules based on the from the single speed transmission and markets that have or are now building
Nissan Cube and Versa. If the Leaf performs absence of combusting fuel. charging stations to support their use. U.S.
anything like those two, you can expect brisk At first, Leafs will be sold (with leased cities include Portland, Oregon, San Diego,
but quiet acceleration and eerie smoothness battery packs) only in predetermined California, Seattle, Washington, Phoenix/
Tucson, Arizona, and parts of Tennessee
near Nissan’s headquarters.
ELECTRIC COMPANY
While there are significant questions
as to whether there will be enough EV
infrastructure to support the Leaf when
it goes on widespread rollout in 2012, it
looks like Nissan will be able to make a
sizeable push into this new market. Capacity
at Nissan’s Oppama, Japan plant is 30,000
vehicles a year, but when battery and
vehicle production come online in Smyrna,
Tennessee, capacity will grow by another
150,000 units a year.
So is there a healthy green future for
the Leaf or will it wither away as other
manufacturers’ EV attempts have in the
past? That will depend on how well Nissan
NISSAN, MITSUBISHI, AND SUBARU parent company Fuji Heavy educates potential buyers and stimulates
Industries are working together to build a grid of charging stations in Japan EV infrastructure construction, but so far, the
for EVs. Nissan’s interest obviously makes sense, but so does the others’. Leaf looks green and green means go. ■
Subaru’s Stella plug-in EV went on sale in Japan earlier this year as did
Mitsubishi’s i-MiEV electric vehicle. Like the Leaf, the i-MiEV is also coming
2010 NISSAN LEAF
to the U.S. The i-MiEV (i is the minicar this model is based on; the rest stands
for Mitsubishi innovative electric vehicle) is powered by a battery composed BASE PRICE $27,500 (est)
of 88 lithium-ion cells connected in series and also uses a permanent magnet VEHICLE LAYOUT Front-engine, FWD, 5-pass,
synchronous electric motor and a single-speed reduction gear transmission. 4-door hatchback
An on-board charger allows you to charge the battery with 100V/200V AC, MOTOR 107-hp/207-lb-ft AC electric
taking seven to 14 hours for a full charge. There’s also a quick-charge option TRANSMISSION 1-speed auto
similar to Nissan’s: 30 minutes yielding 80 percent of full charge. Range is as CURB WEIGHT 3400 lb (mfr)
much as 99 miles on a single charge, but with varying congestion, weather, WHEELBASE 106.3 in
and driving style, that number will be lower. There is room for four inside, but LENGTH x WIDTH x HEIGHT 175.0 x 69.7 x 61.0 in
don’t be surprised if this car isn’t chock full of creature comforts beyond air 0-60 MPH 10.0 sec (MT est)
conditioning and a driver display that shows power consumption, remaining EPA CITY/HWY FUEL ECON 350 mpg (est)
range, and energy recovery. Mitsubishi has yet to announce when the i-MiEV CO 2 EMISSIONS 0.0 lb/mile
will go on sale in America or how much it will cost. ■ allyson harwood ON SALE IN U.S. Fall 2010

(feature)
AUTOMOBILES ARE AN ELEMENTAL INSTRUMENT IN THE SOUNDTRACK OF OUR LIVES. WE DRIVE

THEM FAST, SLOW, AND FROM POINT A TO POINT B. THEY REPRESENT WHO WE ARE, OR WHO WE’D
LIKE TO BE, AND SYMBOLIZE THE INTERACTION BETWEEN SOCIETY AND TECHNOLOGY. WE RACE,
WRECK, AND RESTORE THEM. CARS STAR IN MOVIES AND TELEVISION, IN BOOKS, AND ON-LINE. SOME
REPRESENT GREAT DESIGN AND ARE OFTEN WORKS OF ART. AUTOMOBILES ARE FAR MORE THAN
TRANSPORTATION: THEY’VE BECOME EMBEDDED IN POPULAR CULTURE. IT’S ALL THIS WE CELEBRATE
HERE, AS MOTOR TREND’S 60TH-ANNIVERSARY PARTY CONTINUES.
● words angus mackenzie/art st. antoine/matt stone
CARS AND GUITARS
You could say rock ’n’ roll started with a song about a car, Ike Turner’s “Rocket 88,” a 1950 homage to the latent sex appeal
of Oldsmobile’s seminal musclecar. Like the man said, they don’t write songs about refrigerators. Here, in no particular
order, are just a few of the car-culture tracks from the past 60 years—the good, the bad, and the obscure.
■ 3. ■ 4. ■6
6. ■ 7. ■ 13. ■ 14.
■ 19. ■ 21. ■ 22. ■ 26. ■ 28. ■ 30.
■ 1. “Little Deuce Coupe” The Beach Boys ■ 16. “Always Crashing in the Same Car” David Bowie
■ 2. “Drive My Car” The Beatles ■ 17. “The Race” Yello
■ 3. “Ramrod” Bruce Springsteen ■ 18. “2-4-6-8 Motorway” Tom Robinson Band
■ 4. “Little Red Corvette” Prince ■ 19. “Brand New Cadillac” The Clash
■ 5. “Hot Rod Lincoln” Charlie Ryan ■ 20. “Chevrolet” ZZ Top
■ 6. “Dead Man’s Curve” Jan and Dean ■ 21. “Crazy ’Bout an Automobile” Ry Cooder
■ 7. “Hey Little Cobra” The Rip Chords ■ 22. “Elvis’ Rolls-Royce” Was, Not Was
■ 8. “Jeepster” T. Rex ■ 23. “Stickshifts and Safety Belts” Cake
■ 9. “Mercedes-Benz” Janis Joplin ■ 24. “Fast Car” Tracey Chapman
■ 10. “Jump in My Car” Ted Mulry Gang ■ 25. “Jesus Built My Hot Rod" Ministry
■ 11. “I Can’t Drive 55” Sammy Haggar ■ 26. “My Hooptie” Sir Mix-A-Lot
■ 12. “Highway Star” Deep Purple ■ 27. “Mercury Blues” Alan Jackson
■ 13. “Radar Love” Golden Earring ■ 28. “The Passenger” Iggy Pop
■ 14. “Paradise By the Dashboard Lights” Meat Loaf ■ 29. “Wouldn’t you Like to Ride” Malik Usef
■ 15. “Fuel” Metallica ■ 30. “Travelling Without Moving” Jamiroquai

■ 1.

VANISHING BULLITT
POINT
MOVIE-STAR CARS Natascha McElhone hurling cops. We, on the other the Top 100 Films instead),
Dreadful as the silver screen BMWs, Benzes, and Audis hand, prefer to ponder the this Burt Reynolds smash
can be at times—skyscraper through Paris and the deep meaning of man and ensured that the screaming-
closeups of Brad Pitt, south of France at Grand machine traversing the chicken hood decal would
subtlety-free directing by Prix speeds? Director John bleached canvas of the Old mean to the ’70s what the
Michael Bay, the occasional Frankenheimer hired F1 West, the pathos of one's alligator polo shirt would
“intelligent” English frilly- pilots to tackle the chases— quest to find tru—…ouch! mean to the ’80s.
frocks-and-horse-carriages which put the famed
drama—at other times, “Bullitt” scene on a trailer. GRAND PRIX (1966) MAD MAX (1979)
nothing beats a Hollywood Before Stallone wrote Arguably, Mel Gibson’s
motion picture. Curious that BULLITT (1968) his emetic car-race finest-ever film (you do
all those times seem to be Okay, we just slammed “film” (2001’s “Driven”), an engagingly bizarre,
when the movie in question “Bullitt” (above). But he should’ve watched cannibalized-cars Aussie
features a car front and McQueen’s Mustang versus Frankenheimer’s brilliant Western, and then you
center. Here, in no particular Charger flog through San Formula 1 opera at least do "Braveheart"? Curious
order, are a few of our Francisco is just too damn once. No, 10,000 times. career path, Mel). Bet you
favorites. iconic to leave off a list of didn’t know: Only Gibson is
movie-star cars. For a lesson GONE IN 60 SECONDS wearing real leather in the
THE ITALIAN JOB (1969) in moviemaking continuity, (1974) Again, if you movie. Due to the miniscule
If you think the stars are count the number of times think we’re referring to budget, all the other cops
Marky Mark and Charlize the chase cars pass the yet another travesty of a are clad in vinyl.
Theron, you’re banished to downhill VW Bug. remake, please exit the
cleaning the lint from Rush airliner now. Writer/director/ THE FAST AND THE
Limbaugh’s navel. We’re RENDEZVOUS (1976) star H.B. Halicki’s original, FURIOUS (2001) Imagine
talking about the original Director Claude Lelouch’s a full-length car chase, was “West Side Story” without
“Job” here—the one with illegal dash through Paris a true labor of love—and the singing, L.A. instead of
Michael Caine, Benny Hill, used to be viewable only remains the “Citizen Kane” New York, and tuner cars
and a wild chase in which in select dungeons and the of smash-up flicks. instead of jackknives. The
’60s Minis rocket from sewer fortified panic rooms of hair gel is about the same.
tunnels to rooftops. illegal casinos. Now you can THE FRENCH
watch it on YouTube. Never CONNECTION (1971) THE F.J. HOLDEN (1977)
DEATH RACE 2000 mind the haters—it's not a Combine “Exorcist” director The fact that both this car
(1975) The writer of the Ferrari, the engine sound William Friedkin, Oscar- flick and our editor-in-chief
movie-poster tagline is fake, it wasn’t an F1 ace winner Gene Hackman, a are Australian has nothing to
deserves the Nobel Prize but Lelouch himself driving. 1971 Pontiac LeMans, and do with it being on this list.
for Literature: “In the Year “Rendezvous” is a must-see. an escaping hit man in a When we asked him if the
2000, Hit and Run Driving Is Brooklyn elevated train, and movie essentially represents
No Longer a Felony. It's the VANISHING POINT you have car chase as art. a Down Under “American
National Sport!” (1971) Many fans of this Graffiti,” our ed replied:
cult hit focus on Kowalski’s SMOKEY AND THE “It’s got a 2.2-liter six and a
RONIN (1998) We don’t hopped-up, pistol-shifter BANDIT (1977) Still three-speed manual column
understand the plot, either. Dodge Challenger R/T—and snubbed by the American shiftah. Fair dinkum, mate.”
But who cares when you’ve the countless scenes in Film Institute (oh, fine, put Uh, that probably doesn’t
got DeNiro and the yummy which the pair outrun the “Lawrence of Arabia” in work in U.S. DVD players…

■ 1. ■ 3.
TOPS ON THE TUBE

Television has provided its share of automotive classic artistry. Here are 11 favorites (we couldn't stop at 10).
■ 1. THE BATMOBILE (“Batman” 1965-68). Still can’t top Barris’ original.

■ 2. BLACK BEAUTY (“The Green Hornet” 1966-67). Stole scenes nearly as well as Bruce Lee.
■ 3. VOLVO P1800 (“The Saint” 1962-1969). Yep, Roger Moore made a Volvo cool.
■ 4. THE MONKEEMOBILE (“The Monkees” 1966-68). Designer Dean Jeffries’ Mona Lisa.
■ 5. THE GENERAL LEE (“The Dukes of Hazzard” 1979-1985). Confederate flag-plastered Charger got almost as
much attention as Daisy Duke. Almost.
■ 6. MUNSTERMOBILES (“The Munsters” 1964-66). Two more George Barris gems: the Munster Koach and the
Drag-U-La.
■ 7. KITT (“Knight Rider” 1982-86). The Trans Am that outsmarted Hasselhoff. Easily.
■ 8. FERRARI 308GTS (“Magnum, P.I.” 1980-88). Thanks to this bella roadster, guys enjoyed watching
Magnum too.
■ 9. SUNBEAM TIGER (“Get Smart” 1965-69). Put a tank in your Tiger.
■ 10. PEUGEOT 403 CABRIOLET (“Columbo” 1968-2003). Well…James Bond he isn’t.
■ 11. FERRARI CALIFORNIA (“Entourage” 2004-present). When the fictional Vinnie wanted to gift Turtle with
L.A.’s hottest car, the real-life Scuderia was only too happy to oblige.
■ 8.
■ 5. ■ 6.

ENZO FERRARI AUDI QUATTRO HENRY FORD II
AUTOMOTIVE understood the importance given consumers had proven and temperamental. Both
EVENTS THAT of statistical process control, largely unwilling to pay for cars changed luxury sedans
CHANGED THE and its impact on product them. GM’s inept attempts and supercars forever—and
WORLD quality, but American to discredit Nader backfired proved Japan had arrived at
The auto industry is still manufacturers weren’t and perhaps unwittingly the very top.
the world’s largest single interested. The Japanese led to greater government
industry. It’s still mostly paid attention, though, and regulation of the auto 1990: FORD BUYS
run by accountants and Deming’s ideas underpinned industry. JAGUAR
engineers—folks who the Japanese auto industry’s Jaguar was a disaster
understand the business in relentless rise during the 1980: AUDI QUATTRO for Ford. It paid way too
terms of system and process postwar period. Toyota, APPEARS AS A COURSE much, and never found a
and metrics—even though Honda, Nissan—all owe their CAR ON THE ALGARVE way to make the storied
its products sell largely on success to the sage America RALLY British marque pay its way,
fluffy intangibles such as ignored. Finnish driver Hannu but without Ford Jaguar
emotion and image and Mikkola drove the all-new, would have almost certainly
desire. Not surprisingly, 1962: HENRY FORD II all-wheel-drive Quattro as perished, and the move
then, there have been some DIVORCES FIRST WIFE an official course car on this paved the way for other
remarkable turning points Four names appeared on the Portuguese event. Stunned mainstream automakers to
that have changed the world shortlist at a 1962 product observers noted that had acquire luxury brands. The
beyond the realms of the strategy meeting to discuss he been a competitor, results have been mixed: GM
mere enthusiast. a new Ford: Monte Carlo, he would've won by nine and Saab never worked, but
Monaco, Torino, Cougar. GM minutes. With its all-wheel- VW Group’s stewardship of
1947: ENZO FERRARI and Chrysler owned the first drive traction, the Quattro Bentley and Lamborghini
LAUNCHES HIS FIRST two. The design team had dominated the 1981 World has been exemplary.
CAR called their car Cougar from Rally Championship, and
For Ferrari, his road-car the beginning, and Ford set the traction template for 2009: DETROIT, AS WE
business was always about boss Lee Iacocca preferred rally cars—and many high- KNOW IT, CEASES TO
supporting his true passion— Torino. When news leaked performance road cars—that EXIST
racing. The 125 S looked of Henry II’s two year affair exists to this day King-hit by the collapsing
like a roadgoing sports car, with Italian divorcee Cristina economy, and their requests
but it was designed to win Vettore Austin, Torino was 1989: LEXUS LS 400 AND for bridging loans rebuffed
races, which it did, taking out. The car became the ACURA NSX LAUNCH by Washington, GM and
1st place in its first race, the Mustang instead. These were two very Chrysler announced
1947 Grand Prix of Rome. different cars from two very prepackaged bankruptcies
The core DNA that has since 1965: “UNSAFE AT ANY different car companies, in 2009, and both
helped make tiny Ferrari one SPEED” IS PUBLISHED but each absolutely emerged with—shock!—the
of the world’s most valuable Activist lawyer Ralph stunned the world’s auto government as the majority
brands dates from right here. Nader’s book was more than industry. The smooth, silent, shareholder. It’s too early to
just a shot at GM’s Chevy beautifully built LS 400 tell what the outcome will
1950: W. EDWARDS DEMING Corvair: Nader detailed how sent imperious Mercedes be, but this much is certain:
LECTURES THE JAPANESE all Detroit automakers were S-Class engineers scuttling The Detroit once defined by
UNION OF SCIENTISTS AND reluctant to spend money back to the drawing board, wealthy, insular, patrician,
ENGINEERS on safety features, which while the NSX proved arrogant auto companies is
Iowa-born Deming was perhaps understandable Ferraris need not be fragile gone. Forever. ■
LEXUS LS 400 JAGUAR XJ

(feature) mini across australia
THREE ADVENTURERS REPLICATE

AN HISTORIIC CROSSING
DOWN UNDER IN ANOTHER MINI
● words gavin green ● photographs mark bramley


“TURN AROUND,”yelled the motorcyclist on the The first half of our 10-day crossing was largely incident-free.
rust-red outback trail.We were in the southwest corner of Australia’s We averaged 500 miles a day, the road was sealed and in mostly
Northern Territory, one of the most remote parts of the world’s most good condition, traffic was light to nonexistent, and the only hazards
deserted continent. He was riding toward us on a big performance were the gray kangaroos that reached plague proportions at
dirt bike, the sort you see in the Paris-Dakar desert race, and his dusk—and which regularly bounded in front of our Mini. If we
leather overalls and Darth Vader helmet were covered in dust. had hit a ’roo, it would have been the end of our Mini adventure
“The sand ahead is terrible,” he said. “You have no hope of and very likely of us.
getting through. Especially,” he paused, nodding rather dismissively The major concern was the locals.Though universally intrigued
at our car,“in this.” (and amused) by our choice of car, they all warned that our journey
At our Mini. was doomed. A “proper car” in this part of the world is typically a
Turning around was unthinkable. Forty-four years after the first big 4x4 Toyota—pickup or SUV—with a ’roo protection bar the size
east-west crossing through the center of this massive country by of a palace gate, tractorlike tires, and enough ground clearance
car, there’s still no paved road through the middle that connects the to vault a small sedan.
east and west coasts.The only paved roads that link the two coasts The most characterful naysayer—we met him on day three— was
are far to the north or way to the south. Both involve diversions of the owner of the Middleton Hotel in western Queensland, one of the
well over 1000 miles. There was, for us, no alternative. world’s most isolated pubs. (The nearest hotel is 150 miles away.)
Why were we driving a Mini when we could have easily chosen When we pulled up, Lester Cain came out to greet us, in well-worn
a more sensible vehicle? Well, one of the four adventurers on that outback hat, scruffy shirt, shorts, and bare feet.“G’day,” he said in that
first-ever east-west crossing of Australia in 1965 was my dad. time-honored Aussie outback greeting.“Where ya headin’?”
And he did it in a Mini. We were also commemorating the most His eyes narrowed when we told him.“What?” he asked, nodding to
extraordinary journey ever undertaken by the world’s most iconic the Mini.“In that?” He scratched his chin stubble, and his face broke
small car, on the Mini’s 50th birthday. out into a half smile, half laugh.“Whaddya gonna do. Carry it?”
My dad’s journey was not without mishap. The Mini’s front Our first serious setback happened soon after meeting Lester.
suspension collapsed on Western Australia’s rough desert tracks, The unsealed road that would take us on a two-day, 500-mile drive
and to prop up the car’s front end, they used pieces of wooden from Queensland into the Northern Territory—the euphemistically
fence posts grabbed en route.The little car bounced across much named Donohue “Highway”—was closed to all but high-clearance
of Western Australia without any effective front suspension. 4x4s. Recent rain had cut up the rough road surface.We debated
Our journey promised to be easier. More than two-thirds of the merits of “giving it a go.” But capitulated. Fortunately, there
our route would be on proper roads, many sealed since my dad’s was a diversion, a loop north on sealed roads, before our halfway
travails. But that still left more than 1000 miles of gravel, dirt, deep destination of Alice Springs. It added 400 miles to our journey.
sand, rocks, and ruts. The latest Mini is no more suitable for these After Alice Springs, in Australia’s geographic hub, we sped on
than Gucci loafers are for desert trekking. Our Mini Cooper was to Uluru (Ayers Rock), the world’s biggest rock, and watched it
standard apart from a steel sump guard (to protect the motor majestically change color from the parched terracotta red of late
and other vital mechanicals from rocks). The rear seat had been afternoon to the rich orange of sunset. We enjoyed the luxury of
removed to make it easier to carry two spare tires and two five- a hotel bed and proper meal for the last time in three days.We’d
gallon fuel containers (the fuel supply on outback roads is at best be camping until Perth.
inconsistent and in many places nonexistent). The road after Uluru, was sometimes rocky, sometimes sandy,
A backup vehicle was essential. A BMW X3 would carry two never smooth, but the Mini scooted along well enough. Rich, red
more spare tires for the Mini, more fuel cans, other spare parts. sandhills grew between clumps of hardy acacia and eucalyptus.
Behind the wheel of the X3 was BMW engineer Darryl Cook, Weird rock formations and giant termite mounds bordered the
responsible for maintaining our Mini. A satellite phone ensured road, so did large majestic gum trees.We were entering Australia’s
we could ring for help even in the most isolated part of this huge Great Sandy Desert, one of the driest areas of the world’s driest
unpopulated country. continent. It was over 100 degrees F. The sun was now hot and
Tires were a worry. I wanted all-terrain “rally” tires, but the strong, standing smugly over one of its greatest conquests.
Mini’s unusual run-flat rims would not accept those.The BMW/Mini Then we saw the motorcyclist heading our way, gesticulating
engineers insisted the strong sidewalls of the standard “run flat” wildly. Turn around, he said.We’d been told this section of the sandy
tires would cope with the rough roads and sharp rocks.They could gravel road—from Uluru to the Western Australian border—would be
give no reassurance on ride comfort on the corrugated tracks. the toughest test.We ignored the biker’s warning and continued.
On a cool fall morning in Sydney, we set off across the Harbour In six miles, we hit sand. Big ruts, cut deep by previous vehicles,
Bridge, passing the Opera House, just visible in the gray dawn light. scarred the soft road. We hit the sand fast, trying to use our
Our destination, Perth, capital of Western Australia, was 4000 miles momentum to skim over the loose surface. Initially, we slowed as
away. The plan was to replicate my dad’s original east-west journey the nose dug deep into the rough, and the Mini very nearly ground
where possible.This meant heading north from Sydney to the Tropic to a halt as it hit that wall of sand. I turned the traction control off,
of Capricorn—that took two days—and following that latitude west to get the front wheels to spin, and we broke loose. The engine
for much of the way, until veering southwest for Perth. revved with newfound freedom, and we magically gained speed.

PASSING Sydney, with its lovely Opera House, to cross
beneath the Harbour Bridge. (Clockwise from center left) Evan
Green's Mini during the historic record-breaking event 44 years
Uluru
Uluru ago; author Green, photog Bramley, and engineer Cook take
Perth
Perth a break; at speed on the rich, red highway; checking out the
Mini's condition to tackle the day's adventures.
Sydney

The combination of light weight, wide tires, and high entry speed So we crossed the Northern Territory/Western Australian border,
meant the little Mini kept surfing over the sand. Cook, following just as rain started pelting our windscreen.That night, we camped
in the X3, reckoned it looked like a little radio-controlled toy car near the small settlement of Warakurna, almost a third of the way
skipping over a beach. across the dirt road—the Great Central Road—that cuts through
We swept past a deserted SUV stuck in the sand, then, soon after, central Western Australia. It rained hard. Not the sort of camping
on the other side of the road, a stricken road train (150-foot-long, we’d expected in an Australian desert. A storm destroyed our
150-ton truck). About 20 miles later—or just under 30 minutes of temporary roof, made of a groundsheet tethered to the BMW and
intense driving—the sand thinned and a solid gravel surface gave some small mallee trees.
the car’s tires solid purchase. Next morning, the sky was a deep blue and the light was achingly
bright.The road was well graded and smooth and wide for much of
the way. Occasionally the iron-rich red soil of the road was replaced
DETAILS by white-gray limestone. Rocky patches caused us to slow, and I
frequently feared for the tires. The rocks and stones attacked the
GAVIN GREEN’S DRIVING DISTANCE was 4130 belly of the car like a fusillade of machine-gun fire.
miles—the equivalent of driving from New York to Los We saw another car—invariably a big SUV—every three hours
Angeles and halfway back again. or so. Of the many attractions of the outback, surely the greatest
AUSTRALIA’S LAND AREA is 2,967,908 square miles, is its emptiness. In an overcrowded world, there is nothing more
slightly smaller than the USA minus Alaska and Hawaii. appealing than space. Occasionally, we’d pull over to the roadside,
AUSTRALIA’S POPULATION density is seven people cut the engine, and simply enjoy the quiet and solitude. Sometimes,
per square mile, compared with the USA’s (including road trains coming the other way forced us to pull off the road and
Alaska) 86. Canada’s is nine. Apart from Mongolia, it is give the giant vehicles, which weighed 100 times as much as our
the least densely populated country on earth. Mini, as much space as possible. We saw herds of feral camels,
WESTERN AUSTRALIA, the state that makes up the descendants of the beasts imported to help build the telegraph
western third of the country, has a population density of lines and railways over 100 years ago. Every time we stopped, flies
2.2 people per square mile (and three-quarters of them attached us.The dreaded insects may not be the most dangerous
live in one city, Perth). Take away Perth, and Western creatures in the outback, but they are the most annoying.
Australia has half the population density of Alaska. The stars, astonishingly vivid in that ink-black sky, entertained us,
NOT CONTENT with “just” an east-west crossing in as we drifted off to sleep. Next morning, two emus wandered into
his Mini back in 1965, Evan Green (Gavin’s dad) then our campsite and tried to steal our breakfast. These indigenous
proceeded to do a north-south crossing of Australia as ostrich-like birds are as tall as men, and their big claws and sharp
well. His total mileage for the “figure of 8” journey was beaks are specially menacing.
12,000. As we prepared to leave, with the sun just starting to paint the
EVAN GREEN’S TRIP wasn’t merely the first east-west sky a bright azure blue, a truck driver told us the road ahead was
crossing of Australia through the center by car. It muddy and storms were expected. We headed off, seeking to
was the first east-west crossing, through the middle, average 50-60 mph. Occasionally, the deep corrugations made
by land, by any form of transport. A special Great such speeds impossible, but normally the Mini skipped over the
Explorers map was produced to commemorate the trip. bumps like a surfboard skimming the waves. Soon after, the sky
TRAVEL THROUGH much of outback Western Australia darkened to the color of coal and rain fell, hard. River crossings,
requires Aboriginal permits, issued mostly by the usually bone dry, gushed with muddy water. Nearing Laverton,
native tribes (Gavin Green needed two separate where the sealed road to Perth began, the road was impassable
permits for his journey). because of a deep flowing creek. A simple yet rough diversion
THERE IS SUCH A PROBLEM with gasoline sniffing, routed us around the water and back onto the main track. Finally,
among the indigenous Aboriginal communities, we reached Laverton, and the smooth hum of tarmac under-tire
that normal unleaded fuel is banned in much of the replaced the thump of rocky gravel and the swoosh of sand.
Western Australian outback. Instead, cars must run on On the final run on good roads to Perth via the gold-mining town
something called Opal fuel, an aroma-free gasoline of Kalgoorlie, we had more heavy rain. We crossed the hills that
developed by BP. form Perth’s eastern border, and below us, twinkling prosperously,
THE MAIN DIRECT ROUTE from Sydney to Perth, which was the capital of Australia’s mineral-rich west. It was 6.50 p.m. on
runs mostly along the south coast, is sealed the whole day 10 of our crossing.
way. Total journey distance is about 2500 miles. The So our journey ended. We had covered 4130 miles, had no
only other sealed road, from the east to west coasts, punctures, were never stuck, and the car had suffered no mechanical
goes far to the north and is about 4500 miles. problem apart from a rattling hatch, a dashboard squeak, and a
EVAN GREEN WROTE A BOOK of his trip—“Journeys brake warning light illuminated on the fascia (dust had affected a
with Gelignite Jack”—and a film was also made called sensor, reckoned engineer Cook).
“Crossroads Alice.” We put the car on a hoist and inspected its belly.The sumpguard
SIX OF THE 10 DEADLIEST SNAKES in the world live in was battle-scarred but unbroken. The standard plastic shroud
Australia. that protects the fuel tank was ripped, but the plastic tank itself
THERE ARE AN ESTIMATED 40 MILLION kangaroos— was intact.
double the number of people who live in Australia. Unlike my dad, 44 years before, we had achieved nothing
But a lot fewer than the total number of sheep (140 of historical importance. Except that, in all likelihood, we had
million). completed the second-ever crossing of Australia through the
center by Mini. ■

MORE THAN TWO-THIRRDSS OF OU
O R ROUTE WOULD BE ON PROPER ROADS.
BUT THAT STILL LEFT MORE THAN 1000 MILES OF GRAVEL, DIRT,,
DEEP SAND, ROCKS, AND RUTS..
ULURU, Ayers Rock (above), in the center of Australia, is the world's biggest rock.
Destination reached: capital city of Perth lies beneath frothy clouds.

WHAT A DIFFERENCE A YEAR MAKES.
TRUCKS, VANS, AND SUVS SURVIVED
LAST YEAR’S GAS PRICE SPIKE TO
LIVE ANOTHER DAY. THE NOTION
OF WHAT A SPORT/UTILITY IS
HAS EVOLVED. AND CROSSOVER
UTILITY VEHICLE (CUV) IS A MORE
COMMON ACRONYM THAN EVER.
CONFUSED? DON’T SWEAT IT. WE
SORT IT OUT FOR YOU RIGHT
HERE, INCLUDING SPECS ON ALL
THE NEW MODELS, AND OUR
FAMOUS TONGUE-IN-CHEEK
STAR RATINGS.
LET THE SHOPPING BEGIN.
● words sherri collins

bob nagy
, T R U C K, A
V
U N
S
D
10-2011
MINIVAN
2 0
UY
E
E R ’ S G UI D
STAR RATINGS
BEATS WALKING ★
FOR YOUR NEIGHBORS ★ ★
RIGHT ON THE MONEYY ★★★
FUEL FOR YOUR SOUL ★ ★ ★ ★
DRIVE BEFORE YOU DIE ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

(buyer’s guide)
Acura MDX BASE ENGINE 3.7L/300-hp SOHC V-6
BASE PRICE: $,* BODY TYPE: SUV OPT ENGINE None
WHAT’S NEW: The MDX is the last vehicle in Acura’s lineup to get the
new edgier corporate look—the beaklike grille, sport-styled exhaust tips,
sharper lines. Big news is the seven-seater now boasts a -sp Sequential DRIVETRAIN Front engine, AWD, 6A
SportShift gearbox and a retuned V- for improved mileage. Interior has 0-60 MPH 7.6 sec*
more leather and tech features, such as the blind-spot info system. TOW/PAYLOAD 5000/1259 lb*
COOL FACT: High-end -watt, -speaker stereo system includes a GB EPA ECON CITY/HWY 16/21 mpg*
hard drive for storing music and movies onboard. BASIC WARRANTY 4 yrs/50,000 miles
SUM UP: MADE OVER AND MADE BETTER. ★★★ SAFETY ABS: S; Trac: S; Stab: S; Airbags: 6
Acura RDX BASE ENGINE 2.3L/240-hp turbo DOHC I-4

BASE PRICE RANGE: $,-$, BODY TYPE: SUV OPT ENGINE None
WHAT’S NEW:  RDX gets an exterior touch up (wheels, bumper
fascias), more interior tech appointments (USB port, electronic compass),
and a new FWD option for better fuel economy and a lower price point. DRIVETRAIN Front engine, FWD/AWD, 5A
Additional content changes include revised braking system components, a 0-60 MPH 6.5 sec
rearview camera, and auto-function headlights as standard. TOW/PAYLOAD 1500/870* lb
BEST BUY: The new FWD model saves money and gas—and you know EPA ECON CITY/HWY 17/22 mpg
you’re never going off-roading in it anyway. BASIC WARRANTY 4 yrs/50,000 miles
SUM UP: THINKS IT’S A SPORTS CAR. ISN’T. ★★★ SAFETY ABS: S; Trac: S; Stab: S; Airbags: 6
Acura ZDX BASE ENGINE 3.7L/300-hp SOHC V-6

BASE PRICE: $,* BODY TYPE: SUV OPT ENGINE None
WHAT’S NEW: All-new ZDX is Acura’s entry into “sport coupe” SUV segment.
Sharing exterior design cues from the new TL, the ZDX has a rakish roofline
and hidden rear door handles that emphasize the coupe look. .L V- is DRIVETRAIN Front engine, AWD, 6A
mated to the new A found in the MDX. Interior is Acura’s most upscale to 0-60 MPH 6.5 sec
date, with swathes of leather and loads of high-end gadgetry. TOW/PAYLOAD 5000/N/A lb*
COOL FACT: New A and a new multiclutch torque converter combo EPA ECON CITY/HWY 16/21 mpg*
enhances acceleration in gears  to  while improving mileage in th. BASIC WARRANTY 4 yrs/50,000 miles
SUM UP: THE FASHIONISTA’S SUV. ★★★★★ SAFETY ABS: S; Trac: S; Stab: S; Airbags: 6
Audi Q5 BASE ENGINE 3.2L/270-hp DOHC V-6

BASE PRICE: $, BODY TYPE: SUV OPT ENGINE None
WHAT’S NEW: Rolling into its second year, the stylish and sporty Q
receives a few minor changes to its equipment and package offerings,
including new -in. S line wheels, Fine Grain Ash wood finish, ventilated DRIVETRAIN Front engine, AWD, 6A
front seats, and a new luxury package for the Prestige model, which also 0-60 MPH 6.7 sec
gains side assist as standard. TOW/PAYLOAD 4400/N/A lb
COOL FACT: Audi is the first company in the U.S. to sell all its gas engines EPA ECON CITY/HWY 18/23 mpg
with direct injection. BASIC WARRANTY 4 yrs/50,000 miles
SUM UP: A PRICEY EURO HATCH DISGUISED AS AN SUV. ★★★★ SAFETY ABS: S; Trac: S; Stab: S; Airbags: 6
Audi Q7 BASE ENGINE 3.6L/280-hp DOHC V-6

BASE PRICE RANGE: $,-$,* BODY TYPE: SUV OPT ENGINES 3.0L/225-hp t-diesel DOHC V-6;
WHAT’S NEW: A refreshed exterior, new wheel designs, and more 4.2L/350-hp DOHC V-8
standard features and options are on the menu for the  Q. A new
grille, head- and taillights, tailgate, and mirrors update the outside, while DRIVETRAIN Front engine, AWD, 6A
chrome accents, ventilated seats, the next generation of MMI (G), and 0-60 MPH 7.3-8.5 sec
door-panel ambient lighting add improvements to the interior. TOW/PAYLOAD 6600/1279 lb*
COOL FACT: TDI’s advanced exhaust emissions control reduces nitrogen EPA ECON CITY/HWY 13-17/18-25 mpg
oxides by up to  percent as compared with older diesel techs. BASIC WARRANTY 4 yrs/50,000 miles
SUM UP: A PRICEY EURO WAGON DISGUISED AS AN SUV. ★★★★ SAFETY ABS: S; Trac: S; Stab: S; Airbags: 6
BMW X1 (2011) BASE ENGINE 3.0L/260-hp DOHC I-6*

BASE PRICE: $,* BODY TYPE: SUV OPT ENGINE 2.0L/201-hp t-diesel DOHC I-4*
WHAT’S NEW: Sporting five doors and capable of carrying five people,
BMW’s fully loaded compact-size SUV will make its U.S. debut in ,
nearly a year after it goes on sale in Europe, where it will be offered with DRIVETRAIN Front engine, RWD/AWD, 6A
two drivetrains and four engine configurations—one gas and three 0-60 MPH 6.7-7.2 sec*
diesel. BMW has yet to decide which engines will power the U.S. models. TOW/PAYLOAD 4410/N/A lb
COOL FACT: A chief aspect of the xDrive system is its ability to reduce EPA ECON CITY/HWY N/A
understeer by shifting more power to the rear wheels on winding roads. BASIC WARRANTY 4 yrs/50,000 miles
SUM UP: SLICING THE NICHE ONE MORE TIME. NOT RATED SAFETY ABS: S; Trac: S; Stab: S; Airbags: 6
98 NOVEMBER 2009 MOTOR TREND.COM * estimated

(buyer’s guide)
BASE ENGINE 3.0L/260-hp DOHC I-6* BMW X3
OPT ENGINES 3.0L/300-hp DOHC BASE PRICE: $,* BODY TYPE: SUV
twin-turbo I-6; WHAT’S NEW: Complete treatment with a less boxy, more sporty look
3.0L/265-hp DOHC twin t-diesel I-6* (photo is of current gen), added passenger and cargo room, a more
DRIVETRAIN Front engine, AWD, 6A driver-friendly interior, and myriad standard and optional high-end
0-60 MPH N/A appointments, such as adaptive headlights, night vision, and head-up
TOW/PAYLOAD 3500/1036 lb display.
EPA ECON CITY/HWY N/A COOL FACT: The new X will be built alongside the X and X in
BASIC WARRANTY 4 yrs/50,000 miles Spartanburg, N.C., instead of at Magna Steyr in Graz, Austria.
SAFETY ABS: S; Trac: S; Stab: S; Airbags: 6 SUM UP: FOLLOWS THE FORMULA. NOT RATED
BASE ENGINE 3.0L/260-hp DOHC I-6 BMW X5

OPT ENGINES 3.0L/265-hp twin t-diesel DOHC I-6; BASE PRICE RANGE: $,-$,* BODY TYPE: SUV
4.4L/555-hp DOHC twin-turbo V-8; 4.4L DOHC twin-turbo WHAT’S NEW: The M. With a slightly lower stance (. inch), adjustable
V-8 + elec-motors/485-hp comb; 4.8L/350-hp DOHC V-8 dampers, an M-tuned A gearbox, and a newly developed -hp twin-
DRIVETRAIN Front engine, AWD, 6A turbo V-, the M model is not just an X with new exterior and interior
0-60 MPH 4.5-7.8 sec* badging. A X hybrid using the same setup as on the X is expected to
TOW/PAYLOAD 6000/1202-1345 lb follow the hi-po version onto the market later in the year.
EPA ECON CITY/HWY 12-19/18-25 mpg COOL FACT: The X and X are the first M models equipped with run-flat
BASIC WARRANTY 4 yrs/50,000 miles tires and without cross-drilled rotors.
SAFETY ABS: S; Trac: S; Stab: S; Airbags: 6 SUM UP: EVEN FASTERAND MORE EXPENSIVE. ★★★★
BASE ENGINE 3.0L/300-hp twin-turbo DOHC I-6 BMW X6

OPT ENGINES 4.4L/400-hp twin-turbo DOHC V-8; BASE PRICE RANGE: $,-$,* BODY TYPE: SUV
4.4L twin-turbo DOHC V-8 + elec motors/485-hp WHAT’S NEW: BMW aims to show with its two new  X models that
comb; 4.4L/555-hp twin-turbo DOHC V-8 power to the max and eco-friendly behavior are not necessarily mutually
DRIVETRAIN Front engine, AWD, 6A exclusive. The M-tweaked X boasts  hp and  lb-ft of torque, while
0-60 MPH 4.5-6.8 sec* the ActiveHybrid version outputs a more modest  hp and a -percent
TOW/PAYLOAD 7500-8200/1025-1190 lb gain in fuel economy. The existing X models are expected to remain
EPA ECON CITY/HWY 12-16/18-24 mpg* relatively unchanged.
BASIC WARRANTY 4 yrs/50,000 miles COOL FACT: In the SUV world, only the Cayenne Turbo S has more torque.
SAFETY ABS: S; Trac: S; Stab: S; Airbags: 6 SUM UP: SMOOTH AND SWIFT…AND SILLY. ★★★
BASE ENGINE 3.6L/288-hp DOHC V-6 Buick Enclave

OPT ENGINE None BASE PRICE RANGE: $,-$, BODY TYPE: SUV
WHAT’S NEW: Buick’s sole SUV rolls into  with minor modifications,
such as optional -in. chrome-clad wheels, the USB port with premium
DRIVETRAIN Front engine, FWD/AWD, 6A radios is now located in the center console, and standard OnStar .
0-60 MPH 7.8-8.1 sec* safety and security technology includes enhanced emergency, vehicle
TOW/PAYLOAD 4500/1500-1650 lb diagnostics, and navigation capabilities.
EPA ECON CITY/HWY 16-17/22-24 mpg DRIVER’S CHOICE: The Enclave CX w/FWD provides plenty of luxuries and
BASIC WARRANTY 4 yrs/50,000 miles gets decent gas mileage for an eight-seater.
SAFETY ABS: S; Trac: S; Stab: S; Airbags: 6 SUM UP: THE ENCLAVE NEEDS AN ENCORE. ★★★★
BASE ENGINE 6.2L/403-hp OHV V-8 Cadillac Escalade/ESV

OPT ENGINE 6.0L OHV V-8 + elec BASE PRICE RANGE: $,-$,* BODY TYPE: SUV
motors/332-hp WHAT’S NEW: The Hybrid’s .L has a new . axle ratio for even better
fuel economy and its .L V- is now FlexFuel compatible. The “base” .L
DRIVETRAIN Front engine, RWD/AWD, 6A/CVT engine gains Active Fuel Management Technology and all models receive
0-60 MPH 6.4-8.1 sec a revised inner door design for better side-impact protections and a new
TOW/PAYLOAD 5600-8300/1435-1610 lb locking steering column. The Platinum model clock is also standard.
EPA ECON CITY/HWY 12-20/19-21 mpg COOL FACT: The Hybrid’s Energy Storage System’s internal fan is tuned to
BASIC WARRANTY 4 yrs/50,000 miles be quiet at low vehicle speeds, when occupants could more easily hear it.
SAFETY ABS: S; Trac: S; Stab: S; Airbags: 6 SUM UP: CADDYS CAN HUG TREES. REALLY BIG TREES. ★★★★
BASE ENGINE 6.2L/403-hp OHV V-8 Cadillac Escalade EXT

OPT ENGINE None BASE PRICE: $,* BODY TYPE: Pickup
WHAT’S NEW: The Escalade EXT receives the same upgrades as the SUV
siblings. Also on the list for  are side thorax airbags on the front
DRIVETRAIN Front engine, AWD, 6A outboard seats, a battery-saver mode that shuts off power when the
0-60 MPH 7.2 sec* battery gets low due to extended accessory use, a revised parking brake
TOW/PAYLOAD 7500/1210 lb release, and a new exterior color, Silver Lining.
EPA ECON CITY/HWY 12/18 mpg* AVOID: If you really need a pickup, buy one; otherwise you’re better off
BASIC WARRANTY 4 yrs/50,000 miles with the SUV.
SAFETY ABS: S; Trac: S; Stab: S; Airbags: 6 SUM UP: IF YOU MUST SPEND TOO MUCH ON A PICKUP. ★★★
* estimated MOTOR TREND.COM NOVEMBER 2009 99

(buyer’s guide)
Cadillac SRX BASE ENGINE 3.0L/265-hp DOHC V-6
BASE PRICE RANGE: $,-$,* BODY TYPE: SUV OPT ENGINE 2.8L/300-hp turbo DOHC V-6
WHAT’S NEW: Everything. All-new design with two new engine offerings,
including a turbo V-, marks Cadillac’s true entry into lux crossover market.
Offered in FWD and AWD modes (the turbo is AWD only), SRX’s all-new DRIVETRAIN Front engine, FWD/AWD, 6A
chassis features a real-time damping system. A well-apportioned interior 0-60 MPH 7.6-8.6 sec*
and oodles of safety features round out this impressive package. TOW/PAYLOAD 2500-3500/1243 lb
DRIVER’S CHOICE: The SRX Turbo’s additional oomph makes it the dance EPA ECON CITY/HWY 15-18/21-25 mpg
partner of choice. BASIC WARRANTY 4 yrs/50,000 miles
SUM UP: TRIES TO TAKE ON EUROPE’S BEST. FAILS. ★★★ SAFETY ABS: S; Trac: S; Stab: S; Airbags: 6
Chevrolet Avalanche BASE ENGINE 5.3L/310-hp OHV V-8

BASE PRICE RANGE: $,-$,* BODY TYPE: Pickup OPT ENGINE None
WHAT’S NEW: A smaller lineup. Chevy’s multitrick pony still comes in
RWD and WD configurations with LS, LT, and LTZ trim levels, but the
more powerful .L engine is gone. Other changes include a single-speed DRIVETRAIN Front engine, RWD/AWD/4WD, 6A
transfer case as standard on AWD with a two-speed being optional and 0-60 MPH 8.4-8.8 sec
an expanded LT package offering, among other extras, dual-zone auto TOW/ PAYLOAD 7900-8100/1320-1350 lb
climate control. EPA ECON CITY/HWY 14/20 mpg (RWD)
DRIVER’S CHOICE: LTZ-trimmed AWD model to haul any load with style. BASIC WARRANTY 3 yrs/36,000 miles
SUM UP: A NOTASBIG GULP. ★★★ SAFETY ABS: S; Trac: S; Stab: S; Airbags: 4
Chevrolet Colorado BASE ENGINE 2.9L/185-hp DOHC I-4

BASE PRICE RANGE: $,-$,* BODY TYPE: Pickup OPT ENGINES 3.7L/242-hp DOHC I-5;
WHAT’S NEW: The Silverado’s oft-forgotten sibling rolls into  with 5.3L/300-hp OHV V-8
only a few, yet significant, changes. The top-end .L V- now utilizes
variable valve timing and all models receive head curtain side airbags as DRIVETRAIN Front engine, RWD/4WD, 5M/4A
standard. Three new exterior metallic paints (Cardinal Red, Steel Green, 0-60 MPH 6.9-9.6 sec
and Sheer Silver) have been added as well. TOW/ PAYLOAD 1900-6000/1168-1422 lb
BEST BUY: A WD regular cab with the .L is a perfect workaday truck at EPA ECON CITY/HWY 14-18/19-24 mpg
a bargain price. BASIC WARRANTY 3 yrs/36,000 miles
SUM UP: THE FORGOTTEN CHEVY TRUCK. ★★ SAFETY ABS: S; Trac: S; Stab: S; Airbags: 4
Chevrolet Equinox BASE ENGINE 2.4L/182-hp DOHC I-4

BASE PRICE RANGE: $,-$, BODY TYPE: SUV OPT ENGINE 3.0L/264-hp DOHC V-6
WHAT’S NEW: An all-new compact crossover hits the streets for . The
redesigned Equinox takes styling cues from its Malibu cousin for an edgier
and sportier look. The two new engines, a stylish and content-heavy DRIVETRAIN Front engine, FWD/AWD, 6A
interior, and an exceptionally quiet cabin make it a worthy contender in 0-60 MPH 7.8-8.7 sec*
its market segment. TOW/PAYLOAD 1500-3500/1190 lb
COOL FACT: This is the first application of GM’s Active Noise Cancellation EPA ECON CITY/HWY 17-22/24-32 mpg*
technology, which uses counteracting soundwaves to ensure a quiet drive. BASIC WARRANTY 3 yrs/36,000 miles
SUM UP: MORE THAN EXPECTED, MUCH MORE. ★★★★ SAFETY ABS: S; Trac: S; Stab: S; Airbags: 6
Chevrolet Express BASE ENGINE 4.3L/195-hp OHV V-6

BASE PRICE RANGE: $,-$, BODY TYPE: Van OPT ENGINES 4.8L/280-hp OHV V-8;
WHAT’S NEW: Chevy’s utilitarian business van maintains its pragmatism 5.3L/310-hp OHV V-8; 6.0L/323-hp OHV V-8;
in  with a short list of upgrades. The .L, .L, and .L engines are 6.6L/250-hp t-diesel OHV V-8
now E capable and all utilize variable valve timing. The  and  DRIVETRAIN Front engine, RWD/AWD, 4A/6A
models receive the L A gearbox, as well as revised rear axles for 0-60 MPH N/A
improvements in low-rpm torque, fuel economy, and driveability. SEATS/FOLDAWAY 8-15/none
COOL FACT: Compared with truck engines of a decade ago, the Gen IV EPA ECON CITY/HWY 13-15/17-20 mpg (1500)
engine family is approximately -percent cleaner. BASIC WARRANTY 3 yrs/36,000 miles
SUM UP: PRACTICALITY THROUGHOUT. ★★★ SAFETY ABS: S; Trac: S; Stab: S; Airbags: 2
Chevrolet Silverado BASE ENGINE 4.3L/195-hp OHV V-6

BASE PRICE RANGE: $,-$,* BODY TYPE: Pickup OPT ENGINES 4.8L/302-hp OHV V-8; 5.3L/315-hp
WHAT’S NEW: The superlative engendering pickup receives several OHV V-8; 6.0L V-8 + elec motors/332-hp;
changes for . The -sp tranny is standard on regular and extended 6.0L/367-hp OHV V-8; 6.2L 403-hp OHV V-8
cabs with the .L, as is a . axle ratio. StabiliTrak and side curtain DRIVETRAIN Front engine, RWD/4WD, 4A/6A
airbags are standard across the line, and the engine changes in other  0-60 MPH 6.8-8.5 sec*
Chevys apply here as well. Last, the interior door trim is revised. TOW/ PAYLOAD 5900-10,000/1418-1802 lb
COOL FACT: The Silverado (and Sierra) .L V- pickup achieved best-in- EPA ECON CITY/HWY 14-21/18-22 mpg*
class fuel economy, based on the latest EPA estimates. BASIC WARRANTY 3 yrs/36,000 miles
SUM UP: THE BENCHMARK PICKUP. ★★★★ SAFETY ABS: S; Trac: S; Stab: S; Airbags: 4

(buyer’s guide)
BASE ENGINE 6.0L/322-360-hp OHV V-8 Chevrolet Silverado HD
OPT ENGINE 6.6L/365-hp t-diesel OHV V-8 BASE PRICE RANGE: $,-$,* BODY TYPE: Pickup
WHAT’S NEW: Chevy’s ultimate workhorse powers into  with two
adjustments to its lineup. HD and HD models receive USB
DRIVETRAIN Front engine, RWD/4WD, 6A connectivity in center console, enabling audiophiles playing through
0-60 MPH 7.7-10.5 sec* the system, and battery charging for some handheld devices. Two new
TOW/PAYLOAD 11,600-13,000/2331-5309 lb exterior colors, Taupe Gray Metallic and Sheer Silver Metallic.
EPA ECON CITY/HWY Not rated COOL FACT: The HD’s tailgates are easily removed by simply opening to 
BASIC WARRANTY 3 yrs/36,000 miles deg. and pulling straight out and away from the vehicle.
SAFETY ABS: S; Trac: O; Stab: O; Airbags: 2 SUM UP: TOUGH AS NAILS. ★★★★
BASE ENGINE 5.3L/310-hp OHV V-8 Chevrolet Suburban

OPT ENGINE 6.0L/352-hp OHV V-8 BASE PRICE RANGE: $,-$,* BODY TYPE: SUV
WHAT’S NEW: A host of relatively minor changes, in line with those
across the entire Chevy line. E capability arrives for the .L, a single-
DRIVETRAIN Front engine, RWD/4WD, 6A speed transfer case is standard on WD models, and all radios feature a
0-60 MPH 7.8-8.8 sec USB port. The Interior Plus, Exterior Plus, and LT packages gain content
TOW/PAYLOAD 7900-9600/1514-2421 lb and the Z off-road suspension is now available on the latter.
EPA ECON CITY/HWY 14/19-20 mpg* (1500 RWD) COOL FACT: The heavy-duty trailering package provides enhanced cooling
BASIC WARRANTY 3 yrs/36,000 miles capacity to deliver maximum towing capability with the . axle ratio.
SAFETY ABS: S; Trac: S; Stab: S; Airbags: 6 SUM UP: FOR HAULING PEOPLE AND STUFF. ALL AT ONCE.★★★★
BASE ENGINE 5.3L/320-hp OHV V-8 Chevrolet Tahoe

OPT ENGINE 6.0L OHV V-8 BASE PRICE RANGE: $,-$,* BODY TYPE: SUV
+ elec motors/332-hp WHAT’S NEW: Best-selling Tahoe reduces  offerings with elimination
of two engines, the . and ., and a gearbox, the A. Additions include
DRIVETRAIN Front engine, RWD/4WD, 6A/CVT the same list of modifications on its larger sibling, as well as an XFE option,
0-60 MPH 8.0-9.0 sec* which offers an mpg of /. The Hybrid’s changes are limited to center
TOW/ PAYLOAD 6000-8400/1380-1838 lb console USB connectivity and three new exterior colors.
EPA ECON CITY/HWY 14-20/19-22 mpg* BEST BUY: The Tahoe XFE with the basic LS package at under $K offers
BASIC WARRANTY 3 yrs/36,000 miles good value and gas mileage in a better-than-average SUV.
SAFETY ABS: S; Trac: S; Stab: S; Airbags: 6 SUM UP: UNLESS YOU TOW A LOT, GET A TRAVERSE. ★★★★
BASE ENGINE 3.6L/281-288-hp DOHC V-6 Chevrolet Traverse

OPT ENGINE None BASE PRICE RANGE: $,-$, BODY TYPE: SUV
WHAT’S NEW: Introduced last year with an impressive array of features
and accoutrements, Chevy’s SUV of the future rolls into  with just
DRIVETRAIN Front engine, FWD/AWD, 6A one modification: All premium radios now include a USB port located in
0-60 MPH 7.9-8.1 sec* the center console. Hopefully, next year GM will see fit to equip this very
TOW/PAYLOAD 5200/1534-1739 lb modern looking sport/ute with an equally modern hybrid engine.
EPA ECON CITY/HWY 16-17/23-24 mpg COOL FACT: The Traverse has optimized aerodynamics that enhance fuel
BASIC WARRANTY 3 yrs/36,000 miles economy and reduce wind noise.
SAFETY ABS: S; Trac: S; Stab: S; Airbags: 6 SUM UP: CHEVY MODERN FULLSIZE SUV. ★★★★
BASE ENGINE 3.3L/175-hp OHV V-6 Chrysler Town & Country

OPT ENGINES 3.8L/197-hp OHV V-6; BASE PRICE RANGE: $,-$,* BODY TYPE: Minivan
4.0L/251-hp SOHC V-6 WHAT’S NEW: All trim levels receive driver and front-passenger active
head restraints. Rear-obstacle detection display is in the electronic vehicle
DRIVETRAIN Front engine, FWD, 4A/6A information center (EVIC is now offered in all T&Cs). The only other news:
0-60 MPH 8.1-10.1 sec the axle ratio in the Limited goes from . to .. Features such as Swivel
SEATS/FOLDAWAY 7/2nd, 3rd rows ’N Go, Stow ’N Go, and a removable table are still available.
EPA ECON CITY/HWY 16-17/23-25 mpg COOL FACT: One option is a rear dome light that also serves as a
BASIC WARRANTY 3 yrs/36,000 miles removable flashlight.
SAFETY ABS: S; Stab: S; Trac: S; Airbags: 4 SUM UP: STILL INNOVATIVESTILL COMPETITIVE. ★★★★
BASE ENGINE 3.7L/210-hp SOHC V-6 Dodge Dakota

OPT ENGINE 4.7L/302-hp SOHC V-8 BASE PRICE RANGE: $,-$,* BODY TYPE: Pickup
WHAT’S NEW: To improve ride and handling, Dodge gave the Dakota new
Tokico front-shock modules and Arvin rear-spring assemblies. Also, the
DRIVETRAIN Front engine, RWD/4WD, 4A/5A M trans has been dropped. Other than that, the changes affect only the
0-60 MPH 6.6-7.4 sec eight-color palette: Bright White replaces Stone White, Flame Red and
TOW/PAYLOAD 3200-7200/1180-1840 lb Mango Tango are new exterior hues, while Detonator Yellow and Sunburst
EPA ECON CITY/HWY 14-16/18-20 mpg Orange have been discontinued.
BASIC WARRANTY 3 yrs/36,000 miles COOL FACT: Longest standard bed (. ft) in its class.
SAFETY ABS: S; Stab: N/A; Trac: N/A; Airbags: 2 SUM UP: COMPACT, WITH FULLSIZE MUSCLE. ★★★

(buyer’s guide)
Dodge Grand Caravan BASE ENGINE 3.3L/175-hp OHV V-6
BASE PRICE RANGE: $,-$,* BODY TYPE: Minivan OPT ENGINES 3.8L/197-hp OHV V-6;
WHAT’S NEW: Grand Caravan SE receives three-zone manual climate 4.0L/251-hp SOHC V-6
control standard, plus rear-obstacle detection display is now located in
the electronic vehicle info center. When equipped with the .L six, the DRIVETRAIN Front engine, FWD, 4A/6A
SXT’s axle ratio is now . instead of ’s . ratio. Options include 0-60 MPH 7.8-10.3 sec
Sirius Backseat TV, ParkView backup camera, and blind-spot monitoring. SEATS/FOLDAWAY 7/2nd, 3rd rows
BEST BUY: Parents with small children should consider Swivel ’N Go EPA ECON CITY/HWY 16-17/23-25 mpg*
seating, with in-floor cargo bins, face-to-face seats, and a stowable table. BASIC WARRANTY 3 yrs/36,000 miles
SUM UP: THE MOST POPULAR MINIVAN GETS BETTER. ★★★★ SAFETY ABS: S; Stab: S; Trac: S; Airbags: 4
Dodge Journey BASE ENGINE 2.4L/173-hp DOHC I-4

BASE PRICE RANGE: $,-$,* BODY TYPE: SUV OPT ENGINE 3.5L/235-hp SOHC V-6
WHAT’S NEW: Sophomore season brings improved fuel economy ( mpg
better on all AWD models and FWD SXT and R/T), fuel-saver and an ECO
lamp in cluster, driver and front-passenger head restraints, and a larger DRIVETRAIN Front engine, FWD/AWD, 4A/6A
LCD screen. Four-wheel disc brakes with ABS now use hydraulic-boost 0-60 MPH 8.4-10.1 sec*
compensation, remote keyless entry is standard on SE. TOW/PAYLOAD 1000-3500/1036-1386 lb
COOL FACT: Optional integrated child booster seats pull out from the EPA ECON CITY/HWY 15-19/23-25 mpg
second-row seat cushions—no need to lug bulky child seats. BASIC WARRANTY 3 yrs/36,000 miles
SUM UP: A STATION WAGON, REALLY. ★★ SAFETY ABS: S; Stab: S; Trac: S; Airbags: 6
Dodge Nitro BASE ENGINE 3.7L/210-hp SOHC V-6

BASE PRICE RANGE: $,-$,* BODY TYPE: SUV OPT ENGINE 4.0L/260-hp SOHC V-6
WHAT’S NEW: Interactive Decel Fuel Shut Off turns off the fuel supply
when the Nitro is decelerating, said to improve fuel economy without
noticeably affecting performance. New standard fare includes active DRIVETRAIN Front engine, RWD/4WD, 4A/5A
head restraints in the front row and an air filtration system. Power heated 0-60 MPH 7.4-8.5 sec*
folding side mirrors are available, as is a new premium stain-repellent TOW/PAYLOAD 2000-5000/950-1150 lb
cloth interior, new leather seat trim, and auto-up driver window (SXT). EPA ECON CITY/HWY 15-16/20-22 mpg
COOL FACT: Fuel-saver indicator on dash lights with driving efficiency. BASIC WARRANTY 3 yrs/36,000 miles
SUM UP: GOOD LOOKS, NOT MUCH ELSE. ★★★ SAFETY ABS: S; Stab: S; Trac: S; Airbags: 4
Dodge Ram 1500 BASE ENGINE 3.7L/215-hp SOHC V-6

BASE PRICE RANGE: $,-$,* BODY TYPE: Pickup OPT ENGINES 4.7L/310-hp SOHC V-8;
WHAT’S NEW: The new Ram’s second year brings improvements in 5.7L/390-hp OHV V-8
function: GCWR increases from , to , lb w/.L, .: rearend,
and .-in. wheelbase; integrated trailer brake controller, folding DRIVETRAIN Front engine, RWD/4WD, 4A/5A
trailer-tow mirrors, and power trailer-tow mirrors now available, and 0-60 MPH 7.0-10.5 sec*
efficiency: Fuel shutoff during decel standard with all engines. TOW/PAYLOAD 3400-10,450/1340-1900 lb
COOL FACT: Still the only new body-on-frame full-size pickup with a coil- EPA ECON CITY/HWY 13-14/18-20 mpg
sprung rear suspension. BASIC WARRANTY 3 yrs/36,000 miles
SUM UP: RIDES WELL, WORKS HARD. ★★★★ SAFETY ABS: S; Stab: S; Trac: S; Airbags: 4
Dodge Ram 2500/3500 HD BASE ENGINE 5.7L/383-hp OHV V-8

BASE PRICE RANGE: $,-$,* BODY TYPE: Pickup OPT ENGINE 6.7L/350-hp turbodiesel OHV I-6
WHAT’S NEW: The heavy-duty lineup is new, inside and out, for .
Both  and  use a hydroformed, fully boxed frame, with coils
up front and leaf springs in the rear. Crew cabs are available for the first DRIVETRAIN Front engine, RWD/4WD, 6M/5A/6A
time, and Cummins-equipped Heavy-Duty Rams come with an exhaust 0-60 MPH 7.2-10.2 sec*
brake—the only one in its class to offer it standard. TOW/PAYLOAD 8150-18,500/1810-5110 lb
DRIVER’S CHOICE: Power Wagon, with locking front/rear diffs, electronic EPA ECON CITY/HWY Not rated
disconnecting anti-roll bar, ,-lb winch, -in. tires, . axles. BASIC WARRANTY 3 yrs/36,000 miles
SUM UP: FOR THE MAN WHO HAULS EVERYTHING. NOT RATED SAFETY ABS: S; Stab: O; Trac: O; Airbags: 4
Dodge Sprinter BASE ENGINE 3.0L/185-hp t-diesel DOHC V-6

BASE PRICE RANGE: $,-$,* BODY TYPE: Van OPT ENGINE None
WHAT’S NEW: Thanks to the use of a .L common-rail turbodiesel with
aftertreatment, the Sprinter meets  federal emissions standards.
Engine also provides more power (up  to ) and torque (up  to ) DRIVETRAIN Front engine, RWD, 5A
than last year. Other news: trailer-sway control was added to the ESP, hill- 0-60 MPH 12.0 sec*
start assist is now standard. SEATS/FOLDAWAY 2-12/none
COOL FACT: During MT’s recent Best Driver’s Car event, a Sprinter  EPA ECON CITY/HWY Not rated
served as a generator for the test equipment, running  hours each day. BASIC WARRANTY 3 yrs/36,000 miles
SUM UP: FINEST FULLSIZE VAN MONEY CAN BUY. ★★★★ SAFETY ABS: S; Stab: S; Trac: S; Airbags: 2

(buyer’s guide)
BASE ENGINE 3.5L/265-hp DOHC V-6 Ford Edge
OPT ENGINE None BASE PRICE RANGE: $,-$,* BODY TYPE: SUV
WHAT’S NEW: Fuel economy improves in the -hp V- by as much as
 mpg in the city. Otherwise, the Edge still comes with two rows of seats
DRIVETRAIN Front engine, FWD/AWD, 6A and FWD or AWD. A new Limited interior package comes with Sienna
0-60 MPH 7.3-7.8 sec leather seats, special stitching, dark brushed aluminum center stack, and
TOW/PAYLOAD 3500/1058-1077 lb unique floormats. The Edge Sport receives new -in. wheels standard.
EPA ECON CITY/HWY 17-18/23-25 mpg* COOL FACT: James Bond briefly drives a Ford Edge in the film “Quantum
BASIC WARRANTY 3 yrs/36,000 miles of Solace.”
SAFETY ABS: S; Stab: S; Trac: S; Airbags: 6 SUM UP: HIGH STYLE, MODEST SUBSTANCE. ★★★★
BASE ENGINE 2.5L/171-hp DOHC I-4 Ford Escape

OPT ENGINES 3.0/240-hp DOHC V-6; BASE PRICE RANGE: $,-$, BODY TYPE: SUV
2.5L DOHC I-4+ elec motors, WHAT’S NEW: Following last year’s updates, including new engines and
177 hp comb transmission, the Escape and Escape Hybrid receive only minor changes
DRIVETRAIN Front engine, FWD/AWD, 5M/6A/CVT for . There is now an integrated Blind Spot Mirror, a rearview camera
0-60 MPH 6.5-8.6 sec* system is available, and there is Active Park Assist for parallel parking.
TOW/PAYLOAD 1000-3500/1000-1150 lb* Sync is also a new option for the Escape line.
EPA ECON CITY/HWY 17-34/24-31 mpg* COOL FACT: With Active Park Assist, you apply throttle and brake—it
BASIC WARRANTY 3 yrs/36,000 miles does the steering.
SAFETY ABS: S; Stab: S; Trac: S; Airbags: 6 SUM UP: GETTING OLD. BUT GRACEFULLY. ★★★
BASE ENGINE 4.6L/225-hp SOHC V-8 Ford E-Series

OPT ENGINES 5.4L/255-hp SOHC V-8; BASE PRICE RANGE: $,-$, BODY TYPE: Van
6.8L/305-hp SOHC V-10; WHAT’S NEW: The E-Series returns unchanged for . It’s available as
6.0L/235-hp t-diesel OHV V-8 a wagon or commercial van, with four engines and two transmissions.
DRIVETRAIN Front engine, RWD, 4A/5A It comes with airbags for the driver and front passenger, AdvanceTrac,
0-60 MPH 9.0-15.0 sec* tire-pressure monitoring, and side-intrusion door beams standard, and
SEATS/FOLDAWAY 2-15/none options include integrated trailer brake controller and a rearview camera.
EPA ECON CITY/HWY Not rated COOL FACT: Optional Ford Work Solutions allows you to keep track of tools,
BASIC WARRANTY 3 yrs/36,000 miles access the Internet, and offer diagnostics from the cab.
SAFETY ABS: S; Stab: O; Trac: O; Airbags: 2 SUM UP: LIKE GRANDPA’S AX. ★★★
BASE ENGINE 5.4L/310-hp SOHC V-8 Ford Expedition/EL

OPT ENGINE None BASE PRICE RANGE: $,-$, BODY TYPE: SUV
WHAT’S NEW: The Expedition and longer EL are now available with
the programmable MyKey vehicle key, and trailer sway control becomes
DRIVETRAIN Front engine, RWD/4WD, 6A standard equipment (works with AdvanceTrac to detect trailer sway and
0-60 MPH 8.1-8.7 sec apply braking and reduce torque to bring the vehicle and trailer under
TOW/PAYLOAD 8700-9200/1570-1670 lb control). Voice-activated Sync is an option.
EPA ECON CITY/HWY 14/20 mpg (SWB RWD) COOL FACT: You can use MyKey to program the Expedition’s top speed
BASIC WARRANTY 3 yrs/36,000 miles and maximum radio volume.
SAFETY ABS: S; Stab: S; Trac: S; Airbags: 6 SUM UP: SHARK APPROACHING. GET READY TO JUMP. ★★★★
BASE ENGINE 2.0L/275-hp turbo DOHC I-4* Ford Explorer (2011)

OPT ENGINE 3.5L/335-hp twin-turbo DOHC V-8* BASE PRICE RANGE: $,-$,* BODY TYPE: SUV
WHAT’S NEW: All systems were go on the unibody Explorer, introduced
as the Explorer America concept (pictured). Engine choices are said to
DRIVETRAIN Front engine, FWD/AWD, 6A* be a -hp, .L four-cylinder or the .L, -hp EcoBoost V-, helping
0-60 MPH 7.0-8.0 sec* provide a --percent fuel economy improvement over the current V-
TOW/PAYLOAD 2500-5500/1400-1500 lb* Explorer. Both engines will be backed by a A with auto shift control.
EPA ECON CITY/HWY 16-20/22-29 mpg* COOL FACT: The V- version is said to weigh  lb less than the current
BASIC WARRANTY 3 yrs/36,000 miles* generation.
SAFETY ABS: S; Stab: S; Trac: S; Airbags: 8* SUM UP: CAN FORD BOTTLE LIGHTNING TWICE? NOT RATED
BASE ENGINE 4.0L/210-hp SOHC V-6 Ford Explorer Sport Trac

OPT ENGINE 4.6L/292-hp SOHC V-8 BASE PRICE RANGE: $,-$, BODY TYPE: Pickup
WHAT’S NEW: The sort-of pickup truck with the SUV cabin returns
relatively unchanged, with a choice of V- or V- in one body style. Little
DRIVETRAIN Front engine, RWD/4WD/AWD, 5A/6A improvements for  include the availability of Sync communications
0-60 MPH 8.0-8.8 sec and entertainment system. In addition, chrome roof rails and side steps
TOW/PAYLOAD 5080-7160/1350-1390 lb are now standard on the Limited.
EPA ECON CITY/HWY 13-15/19-21 mpg COOL FACT: While the rest of the truck is built in the USA, the V- is
BASIC WARRANTY 3 yrs/36,000 miles manufactured in Cologne, Germany.
SAFETY ABS: S; Stab: S; Trac: S; Airbags: 6 SUM UP: DOES ANYONE STILL BUY THESE? ★★★

(buyer’s guide)
Ford F-150 BASE ENGINE 4.6L/248-hp SOHC V-8
BASE PRICE RANGE: $,-$, BODY TYPE: Pickup OPT ENGINES 4.6L/292-hp SOHC V-8;
WHAT’S NEW: All-new for , changes are minor for . All RWD 5.4L/310-hp SOHC V-8
F-s are now rated at  city/ hwy fuel economy, which had been only
the SFE’s rating last year. Programmable MyKey ignition is now standard DRIVETRAIN Front engine, RWD/4WD, 4A/6A
on every model above the XL. King Ranch and Platinum models now come 0-60 MPH 7.6-10.5 sec*
with second-row heated seats, power sliding window with defroster. TOW/PAYLOAD 5100-11,300/1420-3030 lb
COOL FACT: In the future, the fuel-efficient, -hp EcoBoost V- will be EPA ECON CITY/HWY 14-15/18-21 mpg
added to the F- lineup. BASIC WARRANTY 3 yrs/36,000 miles
SUM UP: STILL AMERICA’S FAVORITE PICKUP. ★★★★★ SAFETY ABS: S; Stab: S; Trac: S; Airbags: 6
Ford F-150 SVT Raptor BASE ENGINE 5.4L/310-hp SOHC V-8

BASE PRICE RANGE: $,-$, BODY TYPE: Pickup OPT ENGINE 6.2L/400-hp SOHC V-8*
WHAT’S NEW: The Raptor is purpose-built for extreme high-speed sand
runs, yet is designed to still be a capable daily driver. It comes with such
features as an electronic rear locking differential, hill-descent control, DRIVETRAIN Front engine, 4WD, 6A
tougher components, and an off-road mode with a third throttle map and 0-60 MPH 9.5-11.5 sec*
shift schedule. A new .L V- will debut after the Raptor’s initial launch. TOW/PAYLOAD 6000-8000/1020-3000 lb*
COOL FACT: Because the Raptor is  in. wider than a regular F-, it EPA ECON CITY/HWY 12-14/14-18 mpg*
needs the federally mandated marker lights normally seen on duallies. BASIC WARRANTY 3 yrs/36,000 miles
SUM UP: THE COOLEST F150 EVER BUILT. ★★★★★ SAFETY ABS: S; Stab: S; Trac: S; Airbags: 6*
Ford F-250/350/450 Super BASE ENGINE 5.4L/300-hp SOHC V-8*

Duty (2011) OPT ENGINES 6.8L/362-hp SOHC V-10;
BASE PRICE RANGE: $,-$,* BODY TYPE: Pickup 6.7L/375-hp twin-t-diesel OHV V-8*
WHAT’S NEW: Big changes for : The new Super Duty gets a
redesigned exterior and interior ( model shown), plus a Ford-built DRIVETRAIN Front engine, RWD/4WD, 6M/6A*
turbodiesel engine, a .L common-rail V- that’s quieter, cleaner, and 0-60 MPH 8.5-10.0 sec*
more fuel-efficient, along with a choice of gas engines. TOW/PAYLOAD 16,000-25,000/3000-6300 lb*
COOL FACT: Piezo injectors in the new .L reduce engine clatter by nearly EPA ECON CITY/HWY Not rated
 percent. BASIC WARRANTY 3 yrs/36,000 miles*
SUM UP: HEAVYDUTY FIGHT JUST GOT INTERESTING. NOT RATED SAFETY ABS: S; Stab: N/A; Trac: N/A; Airbags: 4*
Ford Flex BASE ENGINE 3.5L/262-hp DOHC V-6

BASE PRICE RANGE: $,-$, BODY TYPE: SUV OPT ENGINE 3.5L/355-hp twin-turbo DOHC V-6
WHAT’S NEW: Flex’s second year brings several improvements to the
seven-passenger crossover. A .L twin-turbo EcoBoost engine is a new
premium option (AWD only, SEL models and above), with the power of DRIVETRAIN Front engine, FWD/AWD, 6A
a V- ( hp,  lb-ft) and V--comparable fuel economy. Also new 0-60 MPH 6.3-8.5 sec*
are the tilt/telescoping wheel, auto-folding second row, paddle-shift TOW/PAYLOAD 4500/N/A lb
transmission (with EcoBoost), trailer-sway control, and Active Park Assist. EPA ECON CITY/HWY 16-17/22-24 mpg
COOL FACT: The Flex is available with a second-row refrigerator. BASIC WARRANTY 3 yrs/36,000 miles*
SUM UP: 21ST CENTURY FULLSIZE FAMILY WAGON. ★★★★★ SAFETY ABS: S; Stab: S; Trac: S; Airbags: 6
Ford Ranger BASE ENGINE 2.3L/143-hp DOHC I-4

BASE PRICE RANGE: $,-$, BODY TYPE: Pickup OPT ENGINE 4.0L/207-hp SOHC V-6
WHAT’S NEW: Old, old, old Ranger soldiers on for another year, but
rumors suggest a world-market replacement is around the corner.
Nothing changes for now, so you can choose from regular cab or - or DRIVETRAIN Front engine, RWD/4WD, 5M/5A
-door SuperCabs, and a .L four or a .L six. A -ft bed is available, a 0-60 MPH 7.6-9.7 sec*
Class III trailer hitch is standard equipment. TOW/PAYLOAD 1580-6000/1260 lb
COOL FACT: Some elements of the current Ranger haven’t changed since EPA ECON CITY/HWY 14-21/18-26 mpg*
. No kidding. BASIC WARRANTY 3 yrs/36,000 miles
SUM UP: WHAT METHUSELAH WOULD DRIVE. ★★★ SAFETY ABS: S; Stab: S; Trac: S; Airbags: 4
Ford Transit Connect BASE ENGINE 2.0L/136-hp DOHC I-4

BASE PRICE RANGE: $,-$, BODY TYPE: Van OPT ENGINE None
WHAT’S NEW: Ford’s van may be new to North America, but it’s been
a popular seller in Europe for nearly a decade. The Transit Connect is
shorter than a midsize sedan, yet is said to provide the cargo capacity of a DRIVETRAIN Front engine, FWD, 4A
commercial van (but will fit in a garage), and is aimed squarely at small- 0-60 MPH 12.0 sec*
business owners. The only powertrain option is a .L four backed by a A. SEATS/FOLDAWAY 2-5/none
COOL FACT: The Transit Connect’s -lb payload is comparable to that EPA ECON CITY/HWY 22/25 mpg
of a half-ton pickup. BASIC WARRANTY 3 yrs/36,000 miles
SUM UP: FINALLYA LITTLE VAN FOR GUYS. ★★★★ SAFETY ABS: S; Stab: O; Trac: O; Airbags: 4

(buyer’s guide)
BASE ENGINE 3.6L/288-hp DOHC V-6 GMC Acadia
OPT ENGINE None BASE PRICE RANGE: $,-$, BODY TYPE: SUV
WHAT’S NEW: Not that much. GMC’s well-thought-out crossover can now
be equipped with -in. chrome-clad wheels, a Yukon Denali-style roof
DRIVETRAIN Front engine, FWD/AWD, 6A rack, and Cashmere interior. It should come as no surprise that the Acadia’s
0-60 MPH 7.8-8.2 sec* audio system also gains a new feature: a USB port in the center console.
TOW/PAYLOAD 5200/1534-1739 lb BEST BUY: The FWD SLE at $K has an impressive list of standard
EPA ECON CITY/HWY 16-17/23-24 mpg* features for a sport/utility that can seat up to eight passengers and carry
BASIC WARRANTY 3 yrs/36,000 miles cargo.
SAFETY ABS: S; Trac: S; Stab: S; Airbags: 6 SUM UP: BADGE ENGINEERING DONE RIGHT. ★★★★
BASE ENGINE 2.9L/185-hp DOHC I-4 GMC Canyon

OPT ENGINES 3.7L/242-hp DOHC I-5; BASE PRICE RANGE: $,-$,* BODY TYPE: Pickup
5.3L/300-hp OHV V-8 WHAT’S NEW: The ZQ Sport Suspension package is now available on
WD extended- and crew-cab SLE- and SLT equipment groups; head
DRIVETRAIN Front engine, RWD/4WD, 5M/4A curtain side airbags have become standard on all models; and last, GMC’s
0-60 MPH 6.9-10.0 sec* understated pickup gets three new exterior metallic paint colors: Merlot
TOW/PAYLOAD 1900-6000/1168-1422 lb Jewel, Gray Green, and Pure Silver.
EPA ECON CITY/HWY 14-18/19-24 mpg* BEST BUY: Still the fully loaded V--powered crew cab. You’d be hard
BASIC WARRANTY 3 yrs/36,000 miles pressed to find this much equipment for the relatively low price.
SAFETY ABS: S; Trac: S; Stab: S; Airbags: 4 SUM UP: YOU STILL HERE? ★★
BASE ENGINE 4.3L/195-hp OHV V-6 GMC Savana

OPT ENGINES 4.8L/280-hp OHV V-8; 5.3L/ BASE PRICE RANGE: $,-$, BODY TYPE: Van
310-hp OHV V-8; 6.0L/323-hp OHV V-8; WHAT’S NEW: As with its slightly downscale Chevy cousin, the more
6.6L/250-hp t-diesel OHV V-8 upscale, yet still practical people and cargo mover receives remote vehicle
DRIVETRAIN Front engine, RWD/AWD, 4A/6A start and E capability for its .L, .L, and .L engines. The Savana
0-60 MPH N/A  and  models also benefit from a A tranny and revised rear axles,
SEATS/FOLDAWAY 8-15/none which deliver autograde braking.
EPA ECON CITY/HWY 13-14/17-20 mpg (1500) COOL FACT: A fast-idle option on models powered by the .L V-, makes
BASIC WARRANTY 3 yrs/36,000 miles it easier to run accessories while the vehicle is idling.
SAFETY ABS: S; Trac: S; Stab: S; Airbags: 2 SUM UP: WHEN YOU NEED A BIGGER BOX. ★★★
BASE ENGINE 4.3L/195-hp OHV V-6 GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali

OPT ENGINES 4.8L/302-hp OHV V-8; 5.3L/315-hp BASE PRICE RANGE: $,-$,* BODY TYPE: Pickup
OHV V-8; 6.0L/367-hp OHV V-8; 6.0L OHV V-8 + WHAT’S NEW: Most of the Sierra’s engine lineup (the .L is the
elec motors/332-hp; 6.2L/403-hp OHV V-8 exception) gains FlexFuel capability. Other notable changes include side
DRIVETRAIN Front engine, RWD/4WD, 4A/6A curtain and seat-mounted side airbags as standard on all  models, as
0-60 MPH 6.8-8.5 sec* is StabiliTrak. The A is added to regular- and extended-cab .Ls and all
TOW/PAYLOAD 5900-10,000/1418-1802 lb .Ls get the fuel-saver mode.
EPA ECON CITY/HWY 12-21/18-22 mpg* COOL FACT: The hybrid technology system enables the Sierra to launch
BASIC WARRANTY 3 yrs/36,000 miles and drive up to  mph on electricity alone.
SAFETY ABS: S; Trac: S; Stab: S; Airbags: 6 SUM UP: PROOF PROFESSIONALGRADE ADS WORK. ★★★★
BASE ENGINE 6.0L/322-360-hp OHV V-8 GMC Sierra HD

OPT ENGINE 6.6L/365-hp t-diesel OHV V-8 BASE PRICE RANGE: $,-$,* BODY TYPE: Pickup
WHAT’S NEW: GMC’s heavy-duty champ lumbers into  relatively
unchanged. New features include OnStar . with long-range remote start
DRIVETRAIN Front engine, RWD/4WD, 6A and traffic probe and the now ubiquitous USB connectivity with uplevel
0-60 MPH 8.3-8.5 sec* radios. Two new exterior paint colors have also been added, Storm Gray
TOW/PAYLOAD 12,100-13,000/2331-5309 lb Metallic and Sheer Silver Metallic.
EPA ECON CITY/HWY Not rated DRIVER’S CHOICE: A HD extended cab fitted with .L V- and WD
BASIC WARRANTY 3 yrs/36,000 miles to haul both friends and most of the known world.
SAFETY ABS: S; Trac: O; Stab: O; Airbags: 2 SUM UP: BECAUSE YOU THINK CHEVYS ARE FOR WIMPS. ★★★★
BASE ENGINE 2.4L/182-hp DOHC I-4 GMC Terrain

OPT ENGINE 3.0L/264-hp DOHC V-6 BASE PRICE RANGE: $,-$, BODY TYPE: SUV
WHAT’S NEW: This year brings GMC an all-new five-passenger crossover
in tandem with Chevy’s new Equinox. The new engines feature fuel-
DRIVETRAIN Front engine, FWD/AWD, 6A saving direct injection and are mated to efficiency-enhancing -sp
0-60 MPH 7.8-8.7 sec* trannies. Befitting a GMC model, the Terrain’s equipment list is extensive,
TOW/PAYLOAD 1500-3500/1162 lb including a rear-vision camera, programmable rear liftgate.
EPA ECON CITY/HWY 17-22/24-32 mpg* COOL FACT: The .L’s “eco” mode lowers the torque converter lockup
BASIC WARRANTY 3 yrs/36,000 miles speed to  rpm to help save fuel.
SAFETY ABS: S; Trac: S; Stab: S; Airbags: 6 SUM UP: HONEY, I SHRUNK THE TRUCK! BADLY. ★★★★

(buyer’s guide)
GMC Yukon/Yukon XL BASE ENGINE 5.3L/310-320-hp OHV V-8
BASE PRICE RANGE: $,-$,* BODY TYPE: SUV OPT ENGINES 6.0L/367-hp OHV V-8;
WHAT’S NEW: An eclectic laundry list of changes for  Yukons. The 6.0L OHV V-8 + elec motors/332-hp;
.L engine is gone, as is the -sp gearbox. The .L replaces the optional 6.2L/403-hp OHV V-8
.L engine on the Yukon XL. All Yukons gain OnStar ., as well as an DRIVETRAIN Front engine, RWD/4WD, 6A/CVT
enhanced battery-saver mode. In addition, the .Ls receive E capability 0-60 MPH 6.7-9.2 sec*
and cam phasing. A Yukon version of the Tahoe’s XFE is also available. TOW/PAYLOAD 5700-8600/1315-2421 lb
COOL FACT: GM’s hybrid system allows the .L V- to operate in its more EPA ECON CITY/HWY 12-21/17-22 mpg (1500)
economical V- mode for longer periods to improve overall mileage. BASIC WARRANTY 3 yrs/36,000 miles
SUM UP: THE SUBURBAN’S PLAIN SISTER. ★★★★ SAFETY ABS: S; Trac: S; Stab: S; Airbags: 6
Honda Accord Crosstour BASE ENGINE 2.4L/190-hp DOHC I-4*

BASE PRICE RANGE: $,-$,* BODY TYPE: SUV OPT ENGINE 3.5L/271-hp DOHC V-6*
WHAT’S NEW: With Accord Crosstour, Honda is testing the same waters as
Acura has with its ZDX. The coupelike SUV is based on the Accord platform
and can be expected to share powertrains with the sedan—minus DRIVETRAIN Front engine, FWD/AWD, 5A*
manual, we expect. This crossover will likely match up with competitors 0-60 MPH 9.5 sec*
like Toyota Venza and is rumored to provide more interior volume. TOW/PAYLOAD 1500-3500/1100-1300 lb*
COOL FACT: Honda hasn’t offered an Accord wagon since —and this EPA ECON CITY/HWY 17-18/22-23 mpg*
is much cooler. BASIC WARRANTY 3 yrs/36,000 miles
SUM UP: BECAUSE NO ONE WOULD BUY AN ACCORD HATCH. NOT RATED SAFETY ABS: S; Stab: S; Trac: S; Airbags: 6*
Honda CR-V BASE ENGINE 2.4L/180-hp DOHC I-4

BASE PRICE RANGE: $,-$,* BODY TYPE: SUV OPT ENGINE None
WHAT’S NEW: The CR-V’s  refinements include upgrades to the
I- that provide a -hp power increase and -mpg fuel-economy
improvement city and highway. There’s also a freshened grille, front/rear DRIVETRAIN Front engine, FWD/AWD, 5A
bumpers, and hood, and new, -spoke alloy wheels. It has wider center 0-60 MPH 9.1 sec*
armrests, the satellite-linked nav system now comes with Bluetooth. TOW/PAYLOAD 1500/1011-1171 lb
BEST BUY: With a boatload of safety equipment and A standard, the LX EPA ECON CITY/HWY 21/27-28 mpg
is a great value. BASIC WARRANTY 3 yrs/36,000 miles
SUM UP: PRECISIONBUILT ENTRYLEVEL SUV. ★★★★ SAFETY ABS: S; Stab: S; Trac: S; Airbags: 6
Honda Element BASE ENGINE 2.4L/166-hp DOHC I-4

BASE PRICE RANGE: $,-$,* BODY TYPE: SUV OPT ENGINE None
WHAT’S NEW: In mid-, the Element got a more chiseled body and
a refreshed interior, so not much is happening for . The Dog Friendly
Element, which includes an extendable ramp, cushioned pet bed with DRIVETRAIN Front engine, FWD/AWD, 5M/5A
platform, pet restraints, rear fan, seat covers, rubber floormats, and a spill- 0-60 MPH 8.6-10.8 sec
resistant water bowl, will be on sale this fall. TOW/PAYLOAD 1500/893-917 lb
COOL FACT: Optional center console can also serve as a removable EPA ECON CITY/HWY 18-20/23-25 mpg
cooler. BASIC WARRANTY 3 yrs/36,000 miles
SUM UP: AIMED AT THE YOUTH MARKET. MISSED. ★★★ SAFETY ABS: S; Stab: S; Trac: S; Airbags: 6
Honda Odyssey BASE ENGINE 3.5L/244-hp SOHC V-6

BASE PRICE RANGE: $,-$, BODY TYPE: Minivan OPT ENGINE None
WHAT’S NEW: New color choices. Otherwise, all remains the same—
-hp V- with optional cylinder shutoff, A, third-row Magic Seat, and
a choice of four trim levels. Options include nav, DVD rear entertainment DRIVETRAIN Front engine, FWD, 5A
with -in. screen, backup camera, power side doors/tailgate, Bluetooth. 0-60 MPH 8.2 sec
COOL FACT: One-touch third row folds flat into the floor; optional second SEATS/FOLDAWAY 7-8/3rd row
row provides extra storage when in place, creates a walk-through to third EPA ECON CITY/HWY 16-17/23-25 mpg
row when removed. BASIC WARRANTY 3 yrs/36,000 miles
SUM UP: TOPNOTCH PEOPLEHAULER. ★★★★★ SAFETY ABS: S; Stab: S; Trac: S; Airbags: 6
Honda Pilot BASE ENGINE 3.5L/250-hp SOHC V-6

BASE PRICE RANGE: $,-$, BODY TYPE: SUV OPT ENGINE None
WHAT’S NEW: Not much: three new colors. Otherwise, the SUV basically
stays the same as when it was completely redesigned for . The large
unibody sport/ute is powered by a -hp V- with cylinder deactivation DRIVETRAIN Front engine, FWD/AWD, 5A
and comes in LX, EX, EX-L, and Touring trim levels. Options include nav, 0-60 MPH 8.0-8.5 sec*
DVD entertainment, Bluetooth, satellite radio, tri-zone climate control, TOW/PAYLOAD 3500-4500/1592-1642 lb
leather seats, and rearview camera (EX-L only). EPA ECON CITY/HWY 16-17/22-23 mpg
COOL FACT: Hidden underfloor storage area can hold . cu ft of valuables. BASIC WARRANTY 3 yrs/36,000 miles
SUM UP: A YEAR OLD. LOOKS OLDER. ★★★★ SAFETY ABS: S; Stab: S; Trac: S; Airbags: 6

(buyer’s guide)
BASE ENGINE 3.5L/250-hp SOHC V-6 Honda Ridgeline
OPT ENGINE None BASE PRICE RANGE: $,-$, BODY TYPE: Pickup
WHAT’S NEW: The Ridgeline was treated to  changes and additions for
, including more power, more torque within a broader torque band,
DRIVETRAIN Front engine, AWD, 5A and revised A gear ratios. Two tie-downs were added, and the Class III
0-60 MPH 7.7 sec hitch and daytime running lights are standard. For , there are three
TOW/PAYLOAD 5000/1497-1546 lb new colors: Alabaster Silver, Crystal Black, and Polished Metal.
EPA ECON CITY/HWY 15/20 mpg COOL FACT: The Ridgeline is the only truck on the market that has a
BASIC WARRANTY 3 yrs/36,000 miles lockable trunk in the bed.
SAFETY ABS: S; Stab: S; Trac: S; Airbags: 6 SUM UP: A PEOPLEFRIENDLY MULTITOOL. ★★★★
BASE ENGINE 3.7L/239-hp DOHC I-5 Hummer H3/H3T

OPT ENGINE 5.3L/300-hp OHV V-8 BASE PRICE RANGE: $,-$,* BODY TYPE: SUV/pickup
WHAT’S NEW: Sichuan Tengzhong and GM have agreed (pending
finalization) to maintain H production at the latter’s Shreveport,
DRIVETRAIN Front engine, 4WD, 5M/4A Louisiana, plant until , enabling this all-American icon to stay that
0-60 MPH 8.3-11.1 sec* way for the time being. Hs are expected to receive little to no changes for
TOW/PAYLOAD 4400-6000/1031-1312 lb the coming year.
EPA ECON CITY/HWY 13-14/16-18 mpg COOL FACT: The HT offers first-in-its-class front and rear locking
BASIC WARRANTY 4 yrs/50,000 miles differentials for true slow-go trail crawling.
SAFETY ABS: S; Trac: S; Stab: S; Airbags: 4 SUM UP: CAPABILITY TO SPARE. BUT NOT MUCH ELSE. ★★★
BASE ENGINE 2.4L/175-hp DOHC I-4* Hyundai Santa Fe

OPT ENGINE 3.5L/275-hp DOHC V-6* BASE PRICE RANGE: $,-$,* BODY TYPE: SUV
WHAT’S NEW: Both engine options have changed. The .L six has been
replaced by a .L four in the GLS and Limited, and the .L six is now a
DRIVETRAIN Front engine, FWD/AWD, 6M/6A .L V- (SE and Limited V). The automatic is a -sp, and the I- comes
0-60 MPH 8.2-8.6 sec* with a M. A new alternator management system helps improve fuel
TOW/PAYLOAD 2000-3500/1292 lb economy. Rear spoiler and heated mirrors are now standard.
EPA ECON CITY/HWY 20-23/26-28 mpg* DRIVER’S CHOICE: The new V- is more powerful and more refined—the
BASIC WARRANTY 5 yrs/60,000 miles SE is worth the minor extra cost.
SAFETY ABS: S; Stab: S; Trac: S; Airbags: 6 SUM UP: THE QUIET ACHIEVER. ★★★★
BASE ENGINE 2.4L/140-hp DOHC I-4* Hyundai Tucson

OPT ENGINE None* BASE PRICE RANGE: $,-$,* BODY TYPE: SUV
WHAT’S NEW: All new for . Exterior design is much sleeker and
sportier than that of the first-gen SUV. Under the hood, there’s a fuel-
DRIVETRAIN Front engine, FWD/AWD, 6M/6A efficient .L four-cylinder with a choice of -sp manual or automatic
0-60 MPH 8.7-10.0 sec* transmission. Fuel economy is up to  mpg highway, a -percent
TOW/PAYLOAD 1500-2000/1205 lb* improvement over the I- predecessor with the automatic.
EPA ECON CITY/HWY 19-22/25-30 mpg* COOL FACT: Exterior styling is based on the looks of the ix (pictured),
BASIC WARRANTY 5 yrs/60,000 miles revealed earlier this year.
SAFETY ABS: S; Stab: S; Trac: S; Airbags: 6* SUM UP: REDEFINES ITS CATEGORY. NOT RATED
BASE ENGINE 3.8L/260-hp DOHC V-6 Hyundai Veracruz

OPT ENGINE None BASE PRICE RANGE: $,-$, BODY TYPE: SUV
WHAT’S NEW: Hyundai has made more equipment standard on GLS
and Limited trims of the seven-passenger SUV, including power driver’s
DRIVETRAIN Front engine, FWD/AWD, 5A seat, roof-rack side rails, backup warning system, foglights, automatic
0-60 MPH 7.7-8.0 sec headlights, and leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob. The only
TOW/PAYLOAD 3500/1466-1477 lb other change is to paint color.
EPA ECON CITY/HWY 15-16/22-23 mpg COOL FACT: For the Veracruz’s cabin noise levels, Hyundai benchmarked
BASIC WARRANTY 5 yrs/60,000 miles the Lexus RX .
SAFETY ABS: S; Stab: S; Trac: S; Airbags: 6 SUM UP: STILL SURPRISES. ★★★★
BASE ENGINE 3.5L/297-hp DOHC V-6 Infiniti EX35

OPT ENGINE None BASE PRICE RANGE: $,-$,* BODY TYPE: SUV
WHAT’S NEW: Largely carryover, the sporty RWD/AWD compact EX (base/
Journey) crossover gets revamps to various option packages, adds heated
DRIVETRAIN Front engine, RWD/AWD, 5A front seats to AWD models, Bluetooth to Journey trim, and USB/iPod
0-60 MPH 7.0-7.5 sec inputs to all versions. Navigation becomes a stand-alone option, also with
TOW/PAYLOAD 3000/948-1076 lb new features, while the Bose Package gains the Around View Monitor.
EPA ECON CITY/HWY 16-17/23-24 mpg BEST BUY: Available---and more-affordable---navigation upgrade makes
BASIC WARRANTY 4 yrs/60,000 miles the already well-appointed “base” EX an even more compelling choice.
SAFETY ABS: S; Stab: S; Trac: S; Airbags: 6 SUM UP: STYLE STILL TRUMPS UTILITY. ★★★

(buyer’s guide)
Infiniti FX35/50 BASE ENGINE 3.5L/303-hp DOHC V-6
BASE PRICE RANGE: $,-$,* BODY TYPE: SUV OPT ENGINE 5.0L/390-hp DOHC V-8
WHAT’S NEW: Infiniti simplifies/revamps option packages for its five-
passenger sport wagon set (FX RWD/AWD and FX AWD) and makes
Bluetooth/USB/iPod connectivity standard on all three of these high- DRIVETRAIN Front engine, RWD/AWD, 7A
styled V- and V- haulers. The available Bose Premium Audio and Infiniti 0-60 MPH 5.2-6.1 sec
Hard Drive Navigation System packages also get feature enhancements. TOW/PAYLOAD 2000-3500/1182-1213 lb
BEST BUY: An FX in either configuration nets most of the meaningful EPA ECON CITY/HWY 14-16/20-23 mpg
flash and fury of the FX at a far more affordable price point. BASIC WARRANTY 4 yrs/60,000 miles
SUM UP: WAY MORE FUN THAN FUNCTION. ★★★★ SAFETY ABS: S; Stab: S; Trac: S; Airbags: 6
Infiniti QX56 BASE ENGINE 5.6L/320-hp DOHC V-8

BASE PRICE RANGE: $,-$, BODY TYPE: SUV OPT ENGINE None
WHAT’S NEW: On sale since May, this full-size, full-featured SUV lost two
exterior colors but is otherwise unchanged for . RWD and dual-range
All-Mode WD versions of the /-seat QX come loaded with leather, a DRIVETRAIN Front engine, RWD/4WD, 5A
navigation system, -speaker Bose premium audio, and a .-gig Music 0-60 MPH 6.9-7.0 sec*
Box hard drive and offer a rear-seat DVD entertainment system option. TOW/PAYLOAD 8900-9000/1397-1553 lb
COOL FACT: The QX’s spacious second-row seat still offers the most EPA ECON CITY/HWY 12/17-18 mpg
legroom—. inches—of any vehicle in its class. BASIC WARRANTY 4 yrs/60,000 miles
SUM UP: BIG. WHICH IS GOOD. AND BAD. ★★★ SAFETY ABS: S; Stab: S; Trac: S; Airbags: 6
Jeep Commander BASE ENGINE 3.7L/210-hp SOHC V-6

BASE PRICE RANGE: $,-$,* BODY TYPE: SUV OPT ENGINE 5.7L/357-hp OHV V-8
WHAT’S NEW: The .L Hemi is now standard on Limited models and
optional on the Sport—and the .L V- is gone. The .L V- and the
Hemi are backed by different -sp automatics. Power liftgate is now DRIVETRAIN Front engine, RWD/4WD, 5A
standard on the Limited, and there are new chrome options (wheels, trim, 0-60 MPH 7.9-9.0 sec*
assist handles) throughout the line. TOW/PAYLOAD 3500-7400/1110-1370 lb
DRIVER’S CHOICE: The Hemi. It adds  lb of tow capacity and  hp EPA ECON CITY/HWY 13-15/19-20 mpg
with the same highway mpg as the .L (and only loses  mpg in the city). BASIC WARRANTY 3 yrs/36,000 miles
SUM UP: BOXY. BUT NOT ROOMY. ★★★ SAFETY ABS: S; Stab S; Trac: S; Airbags: 4
Jeep Grand Cherokee (2011) BASE ENGINE 3.6L/280-hp DOHC V-6

BASE PRICE RANGE: $,-$,* BODY TYPE: SUV OPT ENGINE 5.7L/360-hp OHV V-8*
WHAT’S NEW: Redesigned off-roader is all new for , based on a
version of the Mercedes-Benz ML’s platform, with a lux cabin and a
choice of the .L Hemi or an all-new .L V- with VVT. QuadraLift air DRIVETRAIN Front engine, RWD/4WD, 5A
suspension lifts the G.C. up to . in., for . in. of ground clearance. No 0-60 MPH 6.8-8.5 sec*
news on whether the SRT or the diesel will return for . TOW/PAYLOAD 3500-7400/1480-2030 lb
COOL FACT: Selec-Terrain is a new dial-controlled traction control that lets EPA ECON CITY/HWY 13-16/19-23 mpg*
the driver choose between sand/mud, sport, auto, snow, and rock modes. BASIC WARRANTY 3 yrs/36,000 miles*
SUM UP: A COOLER, CLASSIER JEEP. NOT RATED SAFETY ABS: S; Stab: S; Trac: S; Airbags: 6
Jeep Liberty BASE ENGINE 3.7L/210-hp SOHC V-6

BASE PRICE RANGE: $,-$,* BODY TYPE: SUV OPT ENGINE None
WHAT’S NEW: The Liberty receives interactive Decel Fuel Shut Off,
which turns off fuel during deceleration to improve fuel economy. Also,
front-row active head restraints, air filtration, front-passenger fold-flat DRIVETRAIN Front engine, RWD/4WD, 4A
seat, and premium stain-repellent seat fabric are now standard on 0-60 MPH 9.0-9.5 sec*
all models. The Limited gets Uconnect (Bluetooth), front-passenger TOW/PAYLOAD 2000-5000/950-1150 lb
express-up power window, leather seat trim, and heated front seats. EPA ECON CITY/HWY 15-16/21-22 mpg
DRIVER’S CHOICE: WD Liberty with the full-length Sky Slider canvas top. BASIC WARRANTY 3 yrs/36,000 miles
SUM UP: IT SEEMED LIKE A GOOD IDEA AT THE TIME. ★★★ SAFETY ABS: S; Stab S; Trac: S; Airbags: 4
Jeep Patriot BASE ENGINE 2.0L/158-hp DOHC I-4

BASE PRICE RANGE: $,-$,* BODY TYPE: SUV OPT ENGINE 2.4L/172-hp DOHC I-4
WHAT’S NEW: The Patriot is now available with a M behind the .L four,
upping highway fuel economy on the WD Sport to  mpg. Standard
automatic is gone—the only other trans option is a CVT. All models now DRIVETRAIN Front engine, FWD/AWD, 5M/CVT
have driver and front-passenger active head restraints. Remote start is 0-60 MPH 9.2-10.1 sec*
available and automatic climate control is available on the Patriot Limited. TOW/PAYLOAD 1000-2000/925 lb
BEST BUY: Optional fold-flat front passenger seat and fold-flat second EPA ECON CITY/HWY 20-23/22-29 mpg
row make this one of the most versatile interiors in its class. BASIC WARRANTY 3 yrs/36,000 miles
SUM UP: CUTEBUT NOT TOO CUTE. ★★★ SAFETY ABS: S; Stab S; Trac: S; Airbags: 4

(buyer’s guide)
BASE ENGINE 3.8L/202-hp OHV V-6 Jeep Wrangler
OPT ENGINE None BASE PRICE RANGE: $,-$,* BODY TYPE: SUV
WHAT’S NEW: Sunrider soft top becomes easier to remove for , and
foglights and tow hooks are standard on all models. The base two-door
DRIVETRAIN Front engine, RWD/4WD, 6M/4A Sport now gets cloth seats (vinyl no more), and two-tone leather seats
0-60 MPH 9.5-10.0 sec* are available on the Sahara and Rubicon. Wranglers also have new wheel
TOW/PAYLOAD 1000-3500/740-1150 lb designs and changes have come to the color palette.
EPA ECON CITY/HWY 15/19-20 mpg DRIVER’S CHOICE: Those who love the rough stuff should get the
BASIC WARRANTY 3 yrs/36,000 miles Rubicon, arguably the best-equipped rock-crawler from the factory.
SAFETY ABS: S; Stab S; Trac: S; Airbags: 2 SUM UP: A TRUE AMERICAN CLASSIC. ★★★★★
BASE ENGINE 3.8L/276-hp DOHC V-6 Kia Borrego

OPT ENGINE 4.6L/337-hp DOHC V-8 BASE PRICE RANGE: $,-$,* BODY TYPE: SUV
WHAT’S NEW: As of press time, Kia had not announced any changes to
the midsize body-on-frame SUV. The sophomore Borrego is available in
DRIVETRAIN Front engine, RWD/4WD, 5A/6A LX and EX trims, with fully independent suspension and a choice of RWD,
0-60 MPH 6.5-7.5 sec* part-time WD, or full-time WD (with a dual-range transfer case), with a
TOW/PAYLOAD 5000-7500/1256-1604 lb standard -hp V- and an optional -hp V-.
EPA ECON CITY/HWY 15-17/20-22 mpg COOL FACT: The Borrego represents the first time Kia used a V- in a
BASIC WARRANTY 5 yrs/60,000 miles vehicle.
SAFETY ABS: S; Stab: S; Trac: S; Airbags: 6 SUM UP: GOOD. IN PARTS. ★★★
BASE ENGINE 2.4L/167-175-hp DOHC I-4 Kia Rondo

OPT ENGINE 2.7L/192-hp DOHC V-6 BASE PRICE RANGE: $,-$,* BODY TYPE: Minivan
WHAT’S NEW: Falling somewhere in function between a minivan and a
small SUV, the Rondo is still offered with I- and V- engines, and LX and
DRIVETRAIN Front engine, FWD, 4A/5A EX trim levels. The side mirrors now have integrated turn-signal indicators,
0-60 MPH 8.7-9.7 sec* and there are new wheel designs for . An EcoMinder indicator is
SEATS/FOLDAWAY 5-7/3rd row standard and a rear backup camera and trip computer are new options.
EPA ECON CITY/HWY 18-20/26-27 mpg BEST BUY: Opting for the third row and the V- will provide efficient
BASIC WARRANTY 5 yrs/60,000 miles power and the ability to carry seven people at a bargain price.
SAFETY ABS: S; Stab: S; Trac: S; Airbags: 6 SUM UP: BARGAIN PEOPLEMOVER. ★★★★
BASE ENGINE 3.8L/250-hp DOHC V-6 Kia Sedona

OPT ENGINE None BASE PRICE RANGE: $,-$,* BODY TYPE: Minivan
WHAT’S NEW: The Sedona is available as a base-model short wheelbase
or as a long-wheelbase minivan in LX or EX trims. The .L V- was
DRIVETRAIN Front engine, FWD, 5A recalibrated for  for improved refinement. There are new chrome
0-60 MPH 8.0-8.5 sec accents inside and out, and the EX gets a new rear spoiler. A rearview
SEATS/FOLDAWAY 7/3rd row backup camera is standard on the EX and optional on the rest of the line.
EPA ECON CITY/HWY 16/23 mpg* COOL FACT: One of very few minivans on the market offered in two
BASIC WARRANTY 5 yrs/60,000 miles wheelbase lengths.
SAFETY ABS: S; Stab: S; Trac: S; Airbags: 6 SUM UP: BEST VALUE IN ITS CLASS. ★★★★
BASE ENGINE 2.4L/174-hp DOHC I-4 Kia Sorento (2011)

OPT ENGINE 3.5L/277-hp DOHC V-6 BASE PRICE RANGE: $,-$,* BODY TYPE: SUV
WHAT’S NEW: Everything is new for , and in the meantime, there is
no  Sorento. However, what you do have to look forward to is the new
DRIVETRAIN Front engine, FWD/AWD, 5M/6M/6A Sorento’s unibody, a dramatic change from the previous body-on-frame
0-60 MPH 9.2-10.5 sec* structure. This change helps allow for seven-passenger seating, as does
TOW/PAYLOAD 3500-5500/1100-1400 lb* the .-in.-longer vehicle.
EPA ECON CITY/HWY 16-19/22-28 mpg* COOL FACT: Kia gave the world a preview of the new Sorento by revealing
BASIC WARRANTY 5 yrs/60,000 miles the Korean-market version at the Seoul Motor Show earlier this year.
SAFETY ABS: S; Stab: S; Trac: S; Airbags: 6* SUM UP: NEW PLATFORM MAKES IT COMPETITIVE. NOT RATED
BASE ENGINE 2.0L/140-hp DOHC I-4 Kia Sportage

OPT ENGINE 2.7L/173-hp DOHC V-6 BASE PRICE RANGE: $,-$,* BODY TYPE: SUV
WHAT’S NEW: Minor changes grace the interior of the  Sportage,
but you won’t notice the new model year by checking out the exterior, as
DRIVETRAIN Front engine, FWD/AWD, 5M/4A there’s nothing new there. The cabin has a new illuminated vanity mirror
0-60 MPH 10.3-10.7 sec* on the visor (standard), eight-way driver-seat adjustment (standard),
TOW/PAYLOAD 1500-2000/1263-1323 lb EcoMinder indicator (standard), and rear sonar (optional). It’s still offered
EPA ECON CITY/HWY 18-20/23-25 mpg with front or all-wheel drive, with I- or V- power.
BASIC WARRANTY 5 yrs/60,000 miles BEST BUY: If you aren’t in a big hurry, the four-cyl LX is a terrific value.
SAFETY ABS: S; Stab: S; Trac: S; Airbags: 6 SUM UP: WAIT FOR THE ALLNEW 2011 MODEL. ★★★

(buyer’s guide)
Land Rover LR2 BASE ENGINE 3.2L/230-hp DOHC I-6
BASE PRICE: $, BODY TYPE: SUV OPT ENGINE None
WHAT’S NEW: THE LR continues its successful run with minimal change
for . The premium compact SUV receives a new digital clock in its
driver information center, a new interior color combination (Storm Grey DRIVETRAIN Front engine, AWD, 6A
Napoli perforated leather seating surfaces and Ebony carpeting) and an 0-60 MPH 8.8 sec
optional HD Digital radio. Four new exterior paint colors are added. TOW/PAYLOAD 3500/1100 lb
COOL FACT: Special Rear End Ancillary Drive arrangement was engineered EPA ECON CITY/HWY 15/22 mpg
to trim the overall length of the LR’s I- engine to only .-in. BASIC WARRANTY 4 yrs/50,000 miles
SUM UP: LOOKS LIKE A SOFTROADER. ISN’T. ★★★★ SAFETY ABS: S; Trac: S; Stab: S; Airbags: 7
Land Rover LR4 BASE ENGINE 5.0L/375-hp DOHC V-8

BASE PRICE RANGE: $,-$, BODY TYPE: SUV OPT ENGINE None
WHAT’S NEW: All-new  LR comes with a new, powerful -hp V-
mated to a super-smooth -sp adaptive tranny. In addition, LR is even
more off-road capable than before thanks to revised Terrain Response and DRIVETRAIN Front engine, 4WD, 6A
Hill Descent Control systems. 0-60 MPH 7.5 sec*
COOL FACT: On steep descents, Gradient Release Control maintains brake TOW/PAYLOAD 7716/1325 lb
pressure after brake pedal release, then progressively eases the pressure EPA ECON CITY/HWY 12/17 mpg
to control momentum and acceleration. BASIC WARRANTY 4 yrs/50,000 miles
SUM UP: A THOROUGHBRED THROUGH AND THROUGH. ★★★★★ SAFETY ABS: S; Trac: S; Stab: S; Airbags: 8
Land Rover Range Rover LRX BASE ENGINE 2.0L t-diesel DOHC I-4 + elec motors
(2011) OPT ENGINE None
BASE PRICE: $,* BODY TYPE: SUV
WHAT’S NEW: Unveiled at Detroit , LRX concept may finally see
production thanks to a possible grant from the U.K. government, which DRIVETRAIN Front engine, AWD, 6A*
is seeking ways to promote creation of smaller, higher-mileage vehicles. 0-60 MPH N/A
Diesel, hybrid, and small-capacity gasoline engines are part of the plan. TOW/PAYLOAD N/A
COOL FACT: Very green with vegetable-tanned, chromium-free leather EPA ECON CITY/HWY 50 mpg (comb)*
and headliner and vanilla “suede” door inserts of recycled glass bottles. BASIC WARRANTY 4 yrs/50,000 miles
SUM UP: LOOK OUT, AUDI, BENZ, AND BMW. NOT RATED SAFETY ABS: S; Trac: S; Stab: S; Airbags: 6
Land Rover Range Rover BASE ENGINE 5.0L/375-hp DOHC V-8

BASE PRICE RANGE: $,-$, BODY TYPE: SUV OPT ENGINE 5.0L/510-hp s-charged DOHC V-8
WHAT’S NEW: A host of new features and improvements for the  MY
keeps the Range Rover at the top of its class: two new .L V-s, one of
which sports a sixth-gen Eaton supercharger; an advanced new Adaptive DRIVETRAIN Front engine, 4WD, 6A
Dynamics system, new braking system, and updated Terrain Response. 0-60 MPH 5.9-7.2 sec*
COOL FACT: The new V-s boast an industry first: a centrally mounted, TOW/PAYLOAD 7716/1164-1358 lb
multihole, spray-guided fuel-injection system that delivers fuel at up to EPA ECON CITY/HWY 12/18 mpg
 psi directly to the cylinder. BASIC WARRANTY 4 yrs/50,000 miles
SUM UP: A LUXURY CAR FOR ALL OCCASIONS. ★★★★★ SAFETY ABS: S; Trac: S; Stab: S; Airbags: 9
Land Rover Range Rover BASE ENGINE 5.0L/375-hp DOHC V-8

Sport OPT ENGINE 5.0L/510-hp s-charged DOHC V-8
BASE PRICE RANGE: $,-$, BODY TYPE: SUV
WHAT’S NEW: Major revamp for . In addition to the two new
engines, the Sport benefits from an updated exterior and the same chassis DRIVETRAIN Front engine, 4WD, 6A
refinements as on the new Range Rover. 0-60 MPH 5.9-7.2 sec*
COOL FACT: One connectivity port on the new Portable Audio Interface is TOW/PAYLOAD 7716/1164-1358 lb
a dedicated iPod point that helps prevent the device from coming loose in EPA ECON CITY/HWY 12-13/17-18 mpg
extreme driving conditions. BASIC WARRANTY 4 yrs/50,000 miles
SUM UP: ARMANIWEARING URBAN WARRIOR. ★★★★ SAFETY ABS: S; Trac: S; Stab: S; Airbags: 6
Lexus GX 460 BASE ENGINE 4.6L/310-hp DOHC V-8*

BASE PRICE: $,* BODY TYPE: SUV OPT ENGINE None
WHAT’S NEW: Lexus would provide no details at all about the next
generation of its midsize luxury SUV, which goes on sale in December
( GX  pictured). We suspect this WD all-terrain traveler will be DRIVETRAIN Front engine, 4WD
slightly larger and more refined, seat seven, and swap its current .L V- 0-60 MPH 8.1 sec*
for a new, more powerful/efficient .L, becoming a GX  in the process. TOW/PAYLOAD 7000/1500 lb*
ONLY FACT: Parent company Toyota trademarked GX  badging EPA ECON CITY/HWY 15/19 mpg*
nomenclature back in . BASIC WARRANTY 4 yrs/50,000 miles
SUM UP: BADGE ENGINEERING 101. NOT RATED SAFETY ABS: S; Stab: S; Trac: S; Airbags: 6

(buyer’s guide)
BASE ENGINE 5.7L/383-hp DOHC V-8 Lexus LX 570
OPT ENGINE None BASE PRICE: $, BODY TYPE: SUV
WHAT’S NEW: All changes for the full-size, WD LX  are confined to its
lavishly appointed interior. Updates include Enform with Safety Connect
DRIVETRAIN Front engine, 4WD, 6A telematics, Bluetooth and iPod/USB inputs, and revamped wide-view
0-60 MPH 6.5 sec front/side monitors, plus real-time traffic capabilities for the Navigation
TOW/PAYLOAD 8500/1280 lb system. Optional rear-seat DVD gains more legible LED displays.
EPA ECON CITY/HWY 12/28 mpg COOL FACT: LX ’s blatant luxury conceals an extremely capable AWD
BASIC WARRANTY 4 yrs/50,000 miles system with a dual-range transfer case, Hill Start Assist, and Crawl Control.
SAFETY ABS: S; Stab: S; Trac: S; Airbags: 10 SUM UP: HOW TO PAY TOO MUCH FOR A LAND CRUISER. ★★★★
BASE ENGINE 3.5L/275-hp DOHC V-6 Lexus RX 350/RX 450h

OPT ENGINE 3.5L DOHC V-6 + f or f/r BASE PRICE RANGE: $,-$, BODY TYPE: SUV
elec motors/295 hp WHAT’S NEW: A full makeover for the world’s first and still most-popular
luxury crossover endows the  RX  and its RX h Hybrid alter
DRIVETRAIN Front engine, FWD/AWD, 6A/CVT ego with better performance, improved fuel economy, upgraded cabin
0-60 MPH 6.4-6.9 sec amenities for five, and enhanced vehicle dynamics in FWD and AWD. New
TOW/PAYLOAD 3500/1307-1452 lb Sport Package offers stiffer suspension and bigger wheels/tires.
EPA ECON CITY/HWY 18-32/24-28 mpg COOL FACT: Despite its additional  hp, the new AWD RX h Hybrid
BASIC WARRANTY 4 yrs/50,000 miles boasts --percent-better fuel economy than its RX h predecessor.
SAFETY ABS: S; Stab: S; Trac: S; Airbags: 10 SUM UP: CURRENT RX OWNERS WILL LOVE IT. ★★★
BASE ENGINE 3.7L/268-270-hp DOHC V-6 Lincoln MKT

OPT ENGINE 3.5L/355-hp twin-turbo DOHC V-6 BASE PRICE RANGE: $,-$, BODY TYPE: SUV
WHAT’S NEW: You wouldn’t know by looking at it, but Lincoln’s crossover
is based on the same platform as the Ford Flex. Power comes from a
DRIVETRAIN Front engine, FWD/AWD, 6A choice of a .-liter Duratec V- or a -hp twin-turbo direct-injection
0-60 MPH 6.0-8.0 sec* EcoBoost V-, said to provide V- power with V- fuel economy. It’s
TOW/PAYLOAD 4500 lb available with such lux features as adaptive cruise control, adaptive
EPA ECON CITY/HWY 16-17/22-23 mpg* headlamps, and active park assist.
BASIC WARRANTY 3 yrs/36,000 miles DRIVER’S CHOICE: EcoBoost’s  hp. You won’t regret it at the pump.
SAFETY ABS: S; Stab: S; Trac: S; Airbags: 6 SUM UP: HUGE SIZE + USELESS THIRD ROW = WHY? ★★★★
BASE ENGINE 3.5L/265-hp DOHC V-6 Lincoln MKX

OPT ENGINE None BASE PRICE RANGE: $,-$, BODY TYPE: SUV
WHAT’S NEW: Integrated blind-spot mirrors are standard, and fuel
economy improves by  mpg city/highway. The Limited Edition package
DRIVETRAIN Front engine, FWD/AWD, 6A includes cashmere/black leather seats with unique stitching; the Midnight
0-60 MPH 7.3-7.7 sec Limited Edition includes Tuxedo Black paint, body-color grille, -in.
TOW/PAYLOAD 3500/950-970 lb wheels, sport-tuned suspension, and an Ebony interior. AdvanceTrac with
EPA ECON CITY/HWY 17-18/23-25 mpg Roll-Stability Control, six airbags, and ABS are standard.
BASIC WARRANTY 3 yrs/36,000 miles BEST BUY: The Edge—for those who don’t need the Lincoln luxury.
SAFETY ABS: S; Stab: S; Trac: S; Airbags: 6 SUM UP: BADGE ENGINEERING DONE BADLY. ★★★
BASE ENGINE 5.4L/310-hp SOHC V-8 Lincoln Navigator/L

OPT ENGINE None BASE PRICE RANGE: $,-$, BODY TYPE: SUV
WHAT’S NEW: The standard-length Navigator and the -in.-longer
Navigator L are available for —one engine, one transmission, and
DRIVETRAIN Front engine, RWD/4WD, 6A a choice of RWD or WD. One new option is the newest version of Sync,
0-60 MPH 7.8-8.4 sec* with traffic and information. New standard items include MyKey, power-
TOW/PAYLOAD 8500-9000/1550-1620 lb operated running boards, trailer sway control, new premium leather seats.
EPA ECON CITY/HWY 14/20 mpg (SWB RWD) COOL FACT: Going from the Navigator to the L ups cargo volume from .
BASIC WARRANTY 3 yrs/36,000 miles to . cu ft behind the third row.
SAFETY ABS: S; Stab: S; Trac: S; Airbags: 6 SUM UP: THE ORIGINAL. BUT NOT THE BEST. ★★★
BASE ENGINE 2.2L/140-hp diesel DOHC I-4* Mahindra Pickup

OPT ENGINE None BASE PRICE RANGE: $,-$,* BODY TYPE: Pickup
WHAT’S NEW: Mahindra plans to start rolling out its compact pickup
truck—name TBD—on a regional basis at the end of , with national,
DRIVETRAIN Front engine, RWD/4WD, 6A low-volume sales beginning in the second half of . The truck’s engine
0-60 MPH 9.5 sec* is a .L clean diesel, body style either a regular or crew cab with a short
TOW/PAYLOAD 4000/2413-2765 lb* bed, and buyers can choose from two- or four-wheel drive.
EPA ECON CITY/HWY 25/40 mpg* COOL FACT: This will be the smallest pickup available with a diesel in the
BASIC WARRANTY 3 yrs/36,000 miles* U.S. Next smallest: a /-ton.
SAFETY ABS: S; Stab: S; Trac: S; Airbags: 4* SUM UP: IF WALMART MADE TRUCKS. NOT RATED

(buyer’s guide)
Mahindra SUV (2011) BASE ENGINE 2.2L/140-hp diesel DOHC I-4*
BASE PRICE RANGE: $,-$,* BODY TYPE: SUV OPT ENGINE None
WHAT’S NEW: As little as we know about the pickup, we know even
less about the SUV Mahindra is bringing to North America. What we’ve
heard, though, is that the SUV will probably go on sale a year after the DRIVETRAIN Front engine, RWD/4WD, 6A
pickup—late . We expect the SUV—name not yet announced—to 0-60 MPH 10.0 sec*
be powered by the same .L common-rail clean diesel four as the pickup. TOW/PAYLOAD 4000/2315-2600 lb*
COOL FACT: Mahindra is ready to partner with any automaker. You could EPA ECON CITY/HWY 25/35 mpg*
see Mahindras sold next to everything from Dodges to Hondas. BASIC WARRANTY 3 yrs/36,000 miles*
SUM UP: CHEAP. BUT NO THRILLS. NOT RATED SAFETY ABS: S; Stab: S; Trac: S; Airbags: 4*
Mazda5 BASE ENGINE 2.3L/153-hp DOHC I-4

BASE PRICE RANGE: $,-$,* BODY TYPE: Minivan OPT ENGINE None
WHAT’S NEW: The littlest minivan on the market in North America
returns with six-passenger seating, -hp I- propulsion, and a choice
of M or sport automatic. Six airbags—including three-row side air DRIVETRAIN Front engine, FWD, 5A
curtains—are standard. Climate control, touch-screen nav, Bluetooth, 0-60 MPH 8.5 sec
rear-seat DVD, rain sensing windshield wipers, and second-row captain’s SEATS/FOLDAWAY 6/2nd, 3rd rows
chairs are available. EPA ECON CITY/HWY 21-22/27-28 mpg
COOL FACT: Basically a six-passenger Mazda with sliding doors. BASIC WARRANTY 3 yrs/36,000 miles
SUM UP: AS CLOSE TO A COOL MINIVAN AS YOU CAN GET. ★★★★ SAFETY ABS: S; Stab: S; Trac: S; Airbags: 6
Mazda CX-7 BASE ENGINE 2.5L/161-hp DOHC I-4

BASE PRICE RANGE: $,-$, BODY TYPE: SUV OPT ENGINE 2.3L/244-hp turbo DOHC I-4
WHAT’S NEW: A total refresh, including a new normally aspirated .L
engine backed by a A as standard. The .L returns unchanged as the
optional choice. Interior and exterior get minor updates, and there are DRIVETRAIN Front engine, FWD/AWD, 5A/6A
new wheel designs as well. The redesigned steering wheel now telescopes, 0-60 MPH 7.7-8.5 sec*
and a color backup camera and blind-spot monitor are optional. TOW/PAYLOAD 1500-2000/1000 lb*
COOL FACT: The CX-’s -deg. windshield angle is smaller than that of EPA ECON CITY/HWY 17-20/23-28 mpg
some sports cars. BASIC WARRANTY 3 yrs/36,000 miles
SUM UP: MOST SPORTING ENTRYLEVEL CROSSOVER. ★★★★ SAFETY ABS: S; Stab: S; Trac: S; Airbags: 6
Mazda CX-9 BASE ENGINE 3.7L/273-hp DOHC V-6

BASE PRICE RANGE: $,-$,* BODY TYPE: SUV OPT ENGINE None
WHAT’S NEW: Like the CX-, the CX- also gets a refresh for . The
front end was redesigned, and there are new headlights, taillights,
foglights, and side mirrors. Inside, there are new rear HVAC controls, and DRIVETRAIN Front engine, FWD/AWD, 6A
optional heated seats allow a choice of high or low warmth. The console 0-60 MPH 7.8 sec
lid is now dual-opening, and leather and cloth seats have been refined. TOW/PAYLOAD 2000-3500/1493-1521 lb*
COOL FACT: First in its class to offer blind-spot monitoring, Bluetooth EPA ECON CITY/HWY 15-16/21-22 mpg
audio, and is said to have the best turning radius in its class. BASIC WARRANTY 3 yrs/36,000 miles
SUM UP: AN SUV WITH DRIVER APPEAL. ★★★★★ SAFETY ABS: S; Stab: S; Trac: S; Airbags: 6
Mazda Tribute BASE ENGINE 2.5L/171-hp DOHC I-4

BASE PRICE RANGE: $,-$,* BODY TYPE: SUV OPT ENGINES 3.0L/240-hp DOHC V-6;
WHAT’S NEW: The s Sport and Touring models are eliminated, and the 2.5L I-4+ elec motors/177-hp comb
towing package is now standard on the s GT. The .L six is now FlexFuel
compatible. There is an ambient temp gauge, electrochromatic rearview DRIVETRAIN Front engine, FWD/AWD, 5M/6A/CVT
mirror with rearview display, and an overhead console with a storage bin 0-60 MPH 6.5-8.6 sec*
and map lights standard on Touring hybrid. TOW/PAYLOAD 1000-3500/1000-1500 lb*
COOL FACT: Fabrics used in the interior of the Sport and Touring models EPA ECON CITY/HWY 17-34/24-31 mpg
are made from -percent recycled yarns. BASIC WARRANTY 3 yrs/36,000 miles
SUM UP: IT IS EASY BEING GREEN. ★★★ SAFETY ABS: S; Stab: S; Trac: S; Airbags: 6
Mercedes-Benz G-Class BASE ENGINE 5.4L/382-hp DOHC V-8

BASE PRICE RANGE: $,-$,* BODY TYPE: SUV OPT ENGINE 4.5L/500-hp s-charged SOHC V-8
WHAT’S NEW: The increasingly retro-looking G-wagon gets several
exterior enhancements, such as body-color door handles, new side
molding, a spare wheel cover, and a sport-tuned exhaust system. Both the DRIVETRAIN Front engine, 4WD, 7A
G and G AMG interiors gain ambient lighting as standard, a leather 0-60 MPH 5.4-6.0 sec
dashboard, an updated key and a heated wood/leather steering wheel. TOW/PAYLOAD 7000/1500 lb*
COOL FACT: G-Class WD features a two-speed transfer case and three EPA ECON CITY/HWY 11/15 mpg
independent locking differentials to tackle a wide range of terrain. BASIC WARRANTY 4 yrs/50,000 miles
SUM UP: OLD SCHOOL. AND PROUD OF IT. ★★★★ SAFETY ABS: S; Trac: S; Stab: S; Airbags: 6

(buyer’s guide)
BASE ENGINE 3.0L/210-hp t-diesel DOHC V-6 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class
OPT ENGINES 4.6L/335-hp DOHC V-8; BASE PRICE RANGE: $,-$, BODY TYPE: SUV
5.5L/382-hp DOHC V-8 WHAT’S NEW: Last year’s GL BlueTEC is renamed the GL BlueTEC
for  and gains new -in., five-twin-spoke wheels in the bargain. The
DRIVETRAIN Front engine, 4WD, 7A BlueTEC and GL models get a noticeable restyle with new headlamps
0-60 MPH 6.4-7.1 sec and LED taillights, grille, front and rear bumpers, chrome skidplates.
TOW/PAYLOAD 7500/1509-1631 lb GL gets new -in. wheels and heated/ventilated front seats standard.
EPA ECON CITY/HWY 13-18/17-24 mpg COOL FACT: M-B’s new Post Safe system features automatic door
BASIC WARRANTY 4 yrs/50,000 miles unlocking and engine and fuel-system shutdown following an accident.
SAFETY ABS: S; Trac: S; Stab: S; Airbags: 9 SUM UP: MERCEDES’ BEST SUV. ★★★★★
BASE ENGINE 3.5L/268-hp DOHC V-6 Mercedes-Benz GLK350

OPT ENGINE None BASE PRICE RANGE: $,-$, BODY TYPE: SUV
WHAT’S NEW: “Junior-size” GLK receives a few mid-model-year flourishes,
including a Premium leather steering wheel and an advanced tire-
DRIVETRAIN Front engine, RWD/AWD, 7A pressure-monitoring system as standard. New options, such as Keyless-Go,
0-60 MPH 6.5-6.6 sec a tilting parking mirror, Parking Assist (rearview camera required), and
TOW/PAYLOAD 3500/1200 lb Sirius Traffic, have been added to the already extensive mix.
EPA ECON CITY/HWY 16/21-22 mpg DRIVER’S CHOICE: A fully loaded RWD version because this SUV is never,
BASIC WARRANTY 4 yrs/50,000 miles ever going off-road.
SAFETY ABS: S; Trac: S; Stab: S; Airbags: 6 SUM UP: LOOKS LIKE A REAL SUV. ISN’T. ★★★★
BASE ENGINE 3.5L/268-hp DOHC V-6 Mercedes-Benz ML-Class

OPT ENGINES 3.0L/210-hp t-diesel DOHC V-6; BASE PRICE RANGE: $,-$, BODY TYPE: SUV
3.5L DOHC V-6 + elec motors/335-hp comb; WHAT’S NEW: A fifth model is added to the ML’s lineup as the ML
5.5L/382-hp DOHC V-8; 6.2L/503-hp DOHC V-8 Hybrid bows in . Powered by a .L V- and two electric motors,
DRIVETRAIN Front engine, 4WD, 7A/8A the Hybrid features an -sp tranny that can act as either a fixed-gear
0-60 MPH 4.5-8.1 sec automatic or a CVT. Other changes include the renamed and rewheeled
TOW/PAYLOAD 7200/1600-1650 lb ML BlueTEC, along with standard burled-walnut trim on all models.
EPA ECON CITY/HWY 11-21/14-24 mpg COOL FACT: Hybrid is the only two-mode from GM/DaimlerChrysler/BMW
BASIC WARRANTY 4 yrs/50,000 miles development project employing Atkinson-cycle engine for max economy.
SAFETY ABS: S; Trac: S; Stab: S; Airbags: 8 SUM UP: WHEN A LEXUS HYBRID IS TOO DOWNMARKET. ★★★★
BASE ENGINE 3.5L/268-hp DOHC V-6 Mercedes-Benz R-Class

OPT ENGINE 3.0L/210-hp t-diesel DOHC V-6 BASE PRICE RANGE: $,-$,* BODY TYPE: Minivan
WHAT’S NEW: Limited changes. It shouldn’t come as a surprise that the
R BlueTEC is now the R. Besides a new name, the BlueTEC gains, as
DRIVETRAIN Front engine, AWD, 7A standard, chrome trim, blue-tinted glass, and darkened tail lenses. The
0-60 MPH 8.0-8.6 sec R Matic gets -in. wheels, privacy glass, and the darker tail lenses.
SEATS/FOLDAWAY 6-7/none As with other M-Bs, all models get a new leather steering wheel.
EPA ECON CITY/HWY 15-18/19-24 mpg BEST BUY: While the R BlueTEC costs some $ more, its better fuel
BASIC WARRANTY 4 yrs/50,000 miles economy and greater low-end grunt make it the perfect team hauler.
SAFETY ABS: S; Trac: S; Stab: S; Airbags: 8 SUM UP: FOR THE MINIVAN PHOBIC. ★★★
BASE ENGINE 2.5L/171-hp DOHC I-4 Mercury Mariner

OPT ENGINES 3.0L/240-hp DOHC V-6; BASE PRICE RANGE: $,-$, BODY TYPE: SUV
2.5L I-4+ elec motors/177-hp comb WHAT’S NEW: Big changes for —a more powerful, more efficient
four (also the basis for the Hybrid powertrain), a A replaced the
DRIVETRAIN Front engine, FWD/AWD, 6A/CVT -sp—mean few updates for the  model year. An integrated blind-
0-60 MPH 6.5-8.6 sec* spot mirror is added, MyKey is standard, and optional fare includes a
TOW/PAYLOAD 1000-3500/1000-1500 lb* rearview camera system, Active Park Assist, and newest version of Sync.
EPA ECON CITY/HWY 17-34/24-31 mpg* COOL FACT: The Hybrid’s interior uses eco-friendly seat fabric made from
BASIC WARRANTY 3 yrs/36,000 miles -percent recycled materials.
SAFETY ABS: S; Stab: S; Trac: S; Airbags: 6 SUM UP: THRIFT, WITH A SPLASH OF STYLE. ★★★
BASE ENGINE 4.0L/210-hp SOHC V-6 Mercury Mountaineer

OPT ENGINE 4.6L/292-hp SOHC V-8 BASE PRICE RANGE: $,-$, BODY TYPE: SUV
WHAT’S NEW: Most changes for  are to the availability of features on
the Premier trim level. The moonroof, premium audio, and heated leather
DRIVETRAIN Front engine, RWD/AWD, 5A/6A seats with perforated leather and power memory are now standard with
0-60 MPH 7.6-8.8 sec the Premier package. Other than that, the Mountaineer is essentially the
TOW/PAYLOAD 5000-7040/1353-1440 lb same—but there are two new colors, Blue Flame and White Platinum.
EPA ECON CITY/HWY 13-15/19-21 mpg COOL FACT: Sirius Travel Link provides current weather, fuel prices, sports
BASIC WARRANTY 3 yrs/36,000 miles scores, and movie showings.
SAFETY ABS: S; Stab: S; Trac: S; Airbags: 6 SUM UP: HEY, LOOK AT ME! ★★★

(buyer’s guide)
Mini Crossman/Crossman S BASE ENGINE 1.6L/118-hp SOHC I-4
BASE PRICE RANGE: $,-$,* BODY TYPE: SUV OPT ENGINE 1.6L/172-hp turbo SOHC I-4
WHAT’S NEW: Crossman is the longest Mini to date ( in.) and features
AWD, four doors, and four single seats. It gets same two I- engines that
power the Clubman/Clubman S. Even if only half the bells and whistles DRIVETRAIN Front engine, AWD, 6M/6A
from the concept make it into the production version, the Crossman will TOW/PAYLOAD N/A
be Mini’s most techno-savvy vehicle on the market. 0-60 MPH N/A
COOL FACT: Concept’s central instrument panel is a globe that uses laser- EPA ECON CITY/HWY N/A
projection tech, enabling driver and passenger to view separate displays. BASIC WARRANTY 4 yrs/50,000 miles
SUM UP: GROWING THE MINI FRANCHISE. LITERALLY. NOT RATED SAFETY ABS: S; Stab: O; Trac: O; Airbags: 4
Mitsubishi Endeavor BASE ENGINE 3.8L/225-hp DOHC V-6

BASE PRICE RANGE: $,-$, BODY TYPE: SUV OPT ENGINE None
WHAT’S NEW: While the LS AWD departs, the remaining Endeavor
models (LS/SE/SE AWD) get a restyled grille and tailgate plus revised alloy
wheels. All versions of this midsize, five-seat V- SUV add Bluetooth with DRIVETRAIN Front engine, FWD/AWD, 4A
the SEs also gaining auto climate control and leatherette console trim. The 0-60 MPH 8.3-8.8 sec*
SE AWD offers a new Navigation & Sunroof Package with backup camera. TOW/PAYLOAD 1500-3500/1081-1181 lb
BEST BUY: The SE step-up nets a host of value-matched features, EPA ECON CITY/HWY 15/19-21 mpg
including full leather, auto-climate control, and Rockford-Fosgate audio. BASIC WARRANTY 5 yrs/60,000 miles
SUM UP: TRIES HARDERMODESTLY SUCCESSFUL. ★★★ SAFETY ABS: S; Stab: S; Trac: S; Airbags: 6
Mitsubishi Outlander BASE ENGINE 2.4L/168-hp DOHC I-4

BASE PRICE RANGE: $,-$,* BODY TYPE: SUV OPT ENGINE 3.0L/230-hp SOHC V-6
WHAT’S NEW: Highlight of Mitsu’s SUV lineup, the Outlander (ES/SE/
XLS/GT) gets an Evo-inspired restyle of its front quarters backed by a host
of tasteful interior tweaks. The .L V- in the XLS and new enthusiast- DRIVETRAIN Front engine, FWD/AWD, 6A/CVT
oriented GT moves from  to  hp and offers fatter power/torque 0-60 MPH 8.1-10.1 sec*
curves plus better mpg. New GT also comes with unique Evo-derived AWD. TOW/PAYLOAD 1500-3500/1048-1334 lb
COOL FACT: The GT borrows the Evo’s Super All-Wheel Control logic and EPA ECON CITY/HWY 17-20/24-25 mpg
uses an electronically controlled limited-slip diff on its front axle. BASIC WARRANTY 5 yrs/60,000 miles
SUM UP: COOLISH. BUT NO ONE NOTICES. ★★★ SAFETY ABS: S; Stab: S; Trac: S; Airbags: 6
Nissan Armada BASE ENGINE 5.6L/317-hp DOHC V-8

BASE PRICE RANGE: $,-$, BODY TYPE: SUV OPT ENGINE None
WHAT’S NEW: A lineup revamp sends full-size body-on-frame SUV into
 in SE, Titanium, and Platinum Edition guises. All models seat seven,
share the same -hp V-, offer RWD/WD configs, and benefit from new DRIVETRAIN Front engine, RWD/4WD, 5A
NVH-attenuating motor mounts. Revised/enhanced option packages net 0-60 MPH 8.0-9.0 sec*
the SE a new Tow Package and the SE RWD gains front-side airbags. TOW/PAYLOAD 9000-9100/1309-1742 lb
COOL FACT: The Armada’s slick dual-range AWD system can send up to  EPA ECON CITY/HWY 12/18 mpg
percent of the engine’s torque to the front wheels as traction dictates. BASIC WARRANTY 3 yrs/36,000 miles
SUM UP: SWALLOWS PEOPLE, STUFF, AND GAS. ★★★ SAFETY ABS: S; Stab: S; Trac: S; Airbags: 6
Nissan Frontier BASE ENGINE 2.5L/152-hp DOHC I-4

BASE PRICE RANGE: $,-$, BODY TYPE: Pickup OPT ENGINE 4.0L/261-hp DOHC V-6
WHAT’S NEW: King Cab and Extended Cab body styles with RWD/AWD
and I-/V- drivetrain choices, the midsize Frontier receives a host of
functional upgrades for . All V- models add side/side-curtain airbags DRIVETRAIN Front engine, FWD/4WD, 5M/6M/5A
and VDC while SE/LE V-s add Active Brake Limited Slip. Autoshifted SE/LE 0-60 MPH 7.3-8.5 sec*
WD models get standard Hill Start Assist/Hill Descent Control. TOW/PAYLOAD 3500-6500/994-1484 lb
DRIVER’S CHOICE: Off-road-raging PRO-X model brings serious chassis/ EPA ECON CITY/HWY 15-19/19-23 mpg
wheel/tire upgrades, skidplates, and an electronic locking rear diff. BASIC WARRANTY 3 yrs/36,000 miles
SUM UP: PRIMO PERFORMER ON ANY TERRAIN. ★★★ SAFETY ABS: S; Stab: O; Trac: O; Airbags: 2
Nissan Murano BASE ENGINE 3.5L/265-hp DOHC V-6

BASE PRICE RANGE: $,-$,* BODY TYPE: SUV OPT ENGINE None
WHAT’S NEW: Redone for , the midsize Murano (S/SL/LE) gets
modest tweaks. Nissan’s five-seat FWD/AWD crossover adds a new FWD LE
variant and makes Intelligent Key standard on S and SL models. The latter DRIVETRAIN Front engine, FWD/AWD, CVT
also adds a Vehicle Security System and privacy glass and expands the 0-60 MPH 7.2 sec
option list for the SL FWD to include Leather and Moonroof Packages. TOW/PAYLOAD 3500/1091-1246 lb
BEST BUY: New standards and enhanced upgrade possibilities make the EPA ECON CITY/HWY 18/23 mpg
SL an even more attractive value for . BASIC WARRANTY 3 yrs/36,000 miles
SUM UP: BECAUSE A LEXUS RX IS BORING. ★★★★ SAFETY ABS: S; Stab: S; Trac: S; Airbags: 6

(buyer’s guide)
BASE ENGINE 1.6L/107-hp DOHC I-4* Nissan NV200 (2011)
OPT ENGINE 1.5L/85-hp diesel DOHC I-4* BASE PRICE RANGE: $,-$,* BODY TYPE: Van
WHAT’S NEW: While Nissan would only admit “considering the possibility”
of bringing its new NV to the U.S., we can confirm that this compact
DRIVETRAIN Front engine, FWD, 5M/CVT* hauler is built on the firm’s B-platform, offers seating for up to seven in
0-60 MPH 9.5-11.0 sec* passenger form, and space/features/flexibility to rival the new Ford Transit
SEATS/FOLDAWAY 2-7/3rd row* Connect. Euro/Japanese versions have .L gas and .L diesel engines.
EPA ECON CITY/HWY 24-26/30-32 mpg* COOL FACT: NV Concept was conceived as a mobile office/work center
BASIC WARRANTY 3 yrs/36,000 miles* for marine biologist/underwater photographer Dr. Alex Mustard.
SAFETY ABS: S; Stab: S; Trac: S; Airbags: 2* SUM UP: IF FORD CAN DO IT... NOT RATED
BASE ENGINE 5.0L/275-hp t-diesel DOHC V-8* Nissan NV2500 (2011)

OPT ENGINE 5.6L/317-hp DOHC V-8* BASE PRICE RANGE: $,-$,* BODY TYPE: Van
WHAT’S NEW: While specifics remain TBD, next year Nissan will introduce
a production version of the NV to compete with vehicles like the
DRIVETRAIN Front engine, RWD/AWD, 5A* Dodge Sprinter and Chevy Express/GMC Savana. The concept NV—
0-60 MPH 10.0-12.0 sec* dubbed a “rolling idea lab”—is based on a modified Titan chassis and
SEATS/FOLDAWAY 2-12/none* features innovative and flexible approaches to storage, access, and utility.
EPA ECON CITY/HWY N/A COOL FACT: The NV will be built in Canton, Mississippi, offer a Nissan-
BASIC WARRANTY 3 yrs/36,000 miles* Cummins turbodiesel V-, and use a new ZF automatic trans.
SAFETY ABS: S; Stab: S; Trac: S; Airbags: 2* SUM UP: RETHINKS THE COMMERCIALVAN FORMULA. NOT RATED
BASE ENGINE 4.0L/266-hp DOHC V-6 Nissan Pathfinder

OPT ENGINE 5.6L/310-hp DOHC V-8 BASE PRICE RANGE: $,-$, BODY TYPE: SUV
WHAT’S NEW: Rugged seven-seat, midsize SUV gets a host of package
revamps. The LE V- adds a standard moonroof while the LE V- gains
DRIVETRAIN Front engine, RWD/4WD, 5A nav as well as a Value Package with a DVD player/moonroof/new rear-
0-60 MPH 6.4-7.3 sec seat monitor. New SE Premium Journey Package nets Bose audio/XM/
TOW/PAYLOAD 6000-7000/1193-1564 lb Bluetooth, RearView Monitor, unique -in. alloys, and more.
EPA ECON CITY/HWY 13-15/18-22 mpg BEST BUY: A well-appointed SE gets our nod, now offering both a
BASIC WARRANTY 3 yrs/36,000 miles dedicated Off-Road variant as well as the new Premium Journey Package.
SAFETY ABS: S; Stab: S; Trac: S; Airbags: 6 SUM UP: TRAMPLES TRAILS, PAMPERS PEOPLE. ★★★★
BASE ENGINE 2.5L/167-170-hp DOHC I-4 Nissan Rogue

OPT ENGINE None BASE PRICE RANGE: $,-$,* BODY TYPE: SUV
WHAT’S NEW: Brightening an otherwise unchanged Rogue (S/SL) lineup
are the availability of chrome door handles and a new -deg Value
DRIVETRAIN Front engine, FWD/AWD, CVT Package for the Rogue S that adds a RearView Monitor, chrome grille,
0-60 MPH 8.0-8.9 sec -in. alloys, privacy glass, rear spoiler. The five-seat FWD/AWD crossover
TOW/PAYLOAD 1000-1500/953-1053 lb matches its capable .L I- with Nissan’s slick Xtronic CVT.
EPA ECON CITY/HWY 21-22/26-27 mpg COOL FACT: The Rogue’s safety features include stability/traction control,
BASIC WARRANTY 3 yrs/36,000 miles ABS, Active Front Head Restraints, a rollover sensor, and six airbags.
SAFETY ABS: S; Stab: S; Trac: S; Airbags: 6 SUM UP: JUNIOR ACHIEVER WITH SENIOR ASPIRATIONS. ★★★★
BASE ENGINE 5.6L/317-hp DOHC V-8 Nissan Titan

OPT ENGINE None BASE PRICE RANGE: $,-$,* BODY TYPE: Pickup
WHAT’S NEW: Nissan hopes to pump more appeal into super-size King
Cab/Crew Cab Titan (XE/SE/PRO-X/LE) for , adding features and
DRIVETRAIN Front engine, FWD/4WD, 5A revising option packages. All models now come with VDC, Active Brake
0-60 MPH 6.7-7.6 sec Limited Slip, side-curtain airbags while the SE offers new Utility, Premium
TOW/PAYLOAD 9200-9500/1650-2062 lb Utility/Value Truck Packages, and Bluetooth connectivity with PRO-X.
EPA ECON CITY/HWY 12-13/17-18 mpg BEST BUY: Its also-ran status in a segment that continues to suffer means
BASIC WARRANTY 3 yrs/36,000 miles there are good deals to be had on all versions of the V--only Titan.
SAFETY ABS: S; Stab: S; Trac: S; Airbags: 4 SUM UP: TOO BIG TO SUCCEED? ★★★
BASE ENGINE 4.0L/261-hp DOHC V-6 Nissan Xterra

OPT ENGINE None BASE PRICE RANGE: $,-$, BODY TYPE: SUV
WHAT’S NEW: Five-seat Xterra (X/S/Off-Road/SE) trims its color choices
and eliminates the S with M trans combo. All S/SE versions now include
DRIVETRAIN Front engine, RWD/4WD, 6M/5A revised X Gear Package content while SE/Off-Road Xterras add the
0-60 MPH 7.4-7.7 sec Technology Package (Rockford Fosgate audio, six-CD changer, Bluetooth,
TOW/PAYLOAD 5000/1004-1138 lb auto-dimming mirrors, and steering-wheel touch controls).
EPA ECON CITY/HWY 15-16/20-21 mpg COOL FACT: Xterra bested the Jeep Wrangler, Toyota FJ Cruiser, Hummer
BASIC WARRANTY 3 yrs/36,000 miles H Alpha, and Land Rover LR in our most recent x SUV off-road flog-off.
SAFETY ABS: S; Stab: S; Trac: S; Airbags: 6 SUM UP: KNOWS HOW TO PLAY DIRTY. ★★★★★

(buyer’s guide)
Porsche Cayenne BASE ENGINE 3.6L/290-hp DOHC V-6
BASE PRICE RANGE: $,-$, BODY TYPE: SUV OPT ENGINES 3.0L s-charged DOHC V-6 + elec
WHAT’S NEW: Last year Porsche gave us the Turbo S, this year it’s the S motors/385 hp comb; 4.8L/385-405 hp DOHC
Hybrid. It’s powered by a supercharged Audi .L V- mated to a three- V-8; 4.8L/500-550-hp twin-turbo DOHC V-8
phase electric motor that can move the SUV from  in . seconds while DRIVETRAIN Front engine, AWD, 6M/6A/8A
emitting -percent-less CO than similarly powered vehicles. Parallel 0-60 MPH 4.7-7.3 sec
full-hybrid design is joined to an A. TOW/PAYLOAD 7716/1731-1885 lb
COOL FACT: The parallel full-hybrid design enables the Hybrid to drive up EPA ECON CITY/HWY 11-14/17-20 mpg
to . miles on electric power alone. BASIC WARRANTY 4 yrs/50,000 miles
SUM UP: SUV HYBRID FOR THE ELITE. ★★★★ SAFETY ABS: S; Trac: S; Stab: S; Airbags: 6
Saab 9-4X (2011) BASE ENGINE 2.0L/300-hp turbo DOHC I-4

BASE PRICE: $,* BODY TYPE: SUV OPT ENGINES None
WHAT’S NEW: Saab is Swedish again, thanks to new owner Koenigsegg
Group AB, a consortium led by Koenigsegg Automotive AB, with GM
agreeing to provide powertrain and architecture for a specific time period. DRIVETRAIN Front engine, AWD, 6A
In light of the changes, the -X’s launch may be delayed until late / 0-60 MPH 7.9 sec*
early . TOW/PAYLOAD N/A
COOL FACT: According to Saab, the -X is expected to be produced in EPA ECON CITY/HWY 24 mpg (comb)*
Mexico under Saab’s direction. BASIC WARRANTY 4 yrs/50,000 miles
SUM UP: SAAB’S SAVIOR? MAYBE. NOT RATED SAFETY ABS: S; Trac: S; Stab: S; Airbags: 6
Saturn Outlook BASE ENGINE 3.6L/281-288 hp DOHC V-6

BASE PRICE RANGE: $,-$,* BODY TYPE: SUV OPT ENGINE None
WHAT’S NEW: A new owner. Even though Penske Corp.’s purchase of
Saturn will be finalized this fall, GM will continue to produce the Outlook
until , giving Penske enough time to arrange a new production source, DRIVETRAIN Front engine, FWD/AWD, 6A
since the owner will not manufacture cars directly. As such, the  0-60 MPH 8.1-8.4 sec*
Outlook lineup should remain the same as ’s. TOW/PAYLOAD 5200/1493-1698 lb
COOL FACT: Near the top of Penske’s source list is Renault Samsung, EPA ECON CITY/HWY 16-17/23-24 mpg
which produces, among other vehicles, the stylish SM compact. BASIC WARRANTY 3 yrs/36,000 miles
SUM UP: NEW OWNER, SAME RIG. ★★★★ SAFETY ABS: S; Trac: S; Stab: S; Airbags: 6
Saturn Vue BASE ENGINE 2.4L/169-hp DOHC I-4

BASE PRICE RANGE: $,-$,* BODY TYPE: SUV OPT ENGINES 3.5L/222-hp SOHC V-6;
WHAT’S NEW: As with the Outlook, GM will continue to produce the Vue 3.6L/257-hp DOHC V-6;
until , at which time Penske will switch over to a new manufacturer. 2.4L I-4 + elec motor/172-hp
The anticipated plug-in hybrid version will not be produced as a Saturn DRIVETRAIN Front engine, FWD/AWD, 4A/6A
and could revert to another GM brand. Until the details are hammered out, 0-60 MPH 6.7-10.6 sec*
the Vue rolls into  relatively unchanged. TOW/PAYLOAD 1500-3500/N/A lb
BEST BUY: The Vue Hybrid offers excellent mileage at an affordable price, EPA ECON CITY/HWY 15-25/22-32 mpg
as well as good looks and a well-equipped package. BASIC WARRANTY 3 yrs/36,000 miles
SUM UP: SEE ABOVE. ★★★ SAFETY ABS: S; Trac: S; Stab: S; Airbags: 6
Subaru Forester BASE ENGINE 2.5L/170-hp SOHC flat-4

BASE PRICE RANGE: $,-$, BODY TYPE: SUV OPT ENGINE 2.5L/224-hp turbo DOHC flat-4
WHAT’S NEW: Modest changes for Subaru’s compact AWD SUV, which
offers a host of repackaged/renamed Premium and Limited variations
in .X and turbocharged .XT forms. Restyled instrument cluster while DRIVETRAIN Front engine, AWD, 5M/4A
the .X Premium and all Limiteds add a -way power driver’s seat. Nav- 0-60 MPH 6.6-9.9 sec
equipped models now come with Bluetooth connectivity. TOW/PAYLOAD 2400/1180 lb
DRIVER’S CHOICE: The turbo XT Premium brings WRX power, nets EPA ECON CITY/HWY 19-20/24-26 mpg
upgraded standards, and offers an optional navigation system. BASIC WARRANTY 3 yrs/36,000 miles
SUM UP: FEISTY, FUN, CAPABLE, AND CHARMING. ★★★★★ SAFETY ABS: S; Stab: S; Trac: S; Airbags: 6
Subaru Outback BASE ENGINE 2.5L/170-hp SOHC flat-4

BASE PRICE RANGE : $,-$, BODY TYPE: SUV OPT ENGINE 3.6L/256-hp DOHC flat-6
WHAT’S NEW: Completely redesigned, but sharing much of its structure/
mechanicals and AWD with the also-new Legacy, the  Outback
(.i/.R in base/Premium/Limited) offers more style, space, comfort, DRIVETRAIN Front engine, AWD, 6M/5A/CVT
and performance. Upgraded powertrains pair a revised -hp/.L four 0-60 MPH 6.8-8.7 sec*
with a new M or CVT and a new -hp/.L six with a revamped A. TOW/PAYLOAD 2400/1180 lb
BEST BUY: A .i Premium with optional Sport-mode CVT delivers EPA ECON CITY/HWY 18-22/25-29 mpg
respectable acceleration as well as the Outback’s best mpg numbers. BASIC WARRANTY 3 yrs/36,000 miles
SUM UP: CROSSING OVER FROM THE OTHER SIDE. ★★★★★ SAFETY ABS: S; Stab: S; Trac: S; Airbags: 6

(buyer’s guide)
BASE ENGINE 3.6L/256-hp DOHC flat-6 Subaru Tribeca
OPT ENGINE None BASE PRICE RANGE: $,-$,* BODY TYPE: SUV
WHAT’S NEW: Back in standard/Limited trims—now with seating for
seven—gets minor exterior trim/headlamp tweaks and a standard rear
DRIVETRAIN Front engine, AWD, 5A A/C unit with dedicated outlets plus reclining second-row seatbacks. The
0-60 MPH 8.2 sec Limited also adds XM Satellite Radio, Bluetooth, and a backup camera and
TOW/PAYLOAD 2000-3500/1157 lb offers new Navigation, Touring, and Moonroof Packages.
EPA ECON CITY/HWY 16/21 mpg COOL FACT: The Tribeca boasts Subaru’s most sophisticated AWD system
BASIC WARRANTY 3 yrs/36,000 miles and earns top overall safety ratings from NHTSA and the IIHS.
SAFETY ABS: S; Stab: S; Trac: S; Airbags: 6 SUM UP: HIGH UTILITY, LOW VISIBILITY. ★★★
BASE ENGINE 2.5L/152-hp DOHC I-4 Suzuki Equator

OPT ENGINE 4.0L/261-hp DOHC V-6 BASE PRICE RANGE: $,-$,* BODY TYPE: Pickup
WHAT’S NEW: A new arrival in Suzuki’s  lineup, the compact Equator
(base/Premium/Sport/RMZ-) rolls into  unchanged, save for a new
DRIVETRAIN Front engine, RWD/AWD, 5M/5A nav option on the Crew Cab Sport. Based on Nissan’s well-proven Frontier,
0-60 MPH 7.5-10.2 sec the Suzuki incarnation brings unique styling tweaks and is available in
TOW/PAYLOAD 3500-6500/883-1471 lb Extended Cab (RWD) and Crew Cab (RWD/AWD), with I-/V- power.
EPA ECON CITY/HWY 15-19/19-23 mpg COOL FACT: The Crew Cab RMZ- gets Dana  axles, electric rear locking
BASIC WARRANTY 3 yrs/36,000 miles diff, Bilstein shocks, skidplates, and BFG Rugged Trail P/R tires.
SAFETY ABS: S; Stab: O; Trac: S; Airbags: 6 SUM UP: NICE VARIATION ON A SOLID THEME. ★★★
BASE ENGINE 2.4L/166-hp DOHC I-4 Suzuki Grand Vitara

OPT ENGINE 3.2L/230-hp DOHC V-6 BASE PRICE RANGE: $,-$,* BODY TYPE: SUV
WHAT’S NEW: Following major upgrades to its I-/V- powertrains for
, the compact five-seat Grand Vitara (base/Premium/XSport/Luxury)
DRIVETRAIN Front engine, RWD/AWD, 5M/4A/5A adds Garmin nav and Bluetooth to its  standards roster. It also gains
0-60 MPH 9.5-10.5 sec* an AWD-only Special Edition that slots between the Premium and XSport
TOW/PAYLOAD 3000/992-1178 lb and brings alloy wheels, a six-disc CD changer, and more.
EPA ECON CITY/HWY 17-19/23-26 mpg COOL FACT: Nav setup in all but the base/Premium trims includes MSN
BASIC WARRANTY 3 yrs/36,000 miles “suite” with real-time traffic, gas pricing, Doppler weather, and more.
SAFETY ABS: S; Stab: S; Trac: S; Airbags: 6 SUM UP: STILL CHASING ITS COMPETITION. ★★★
BASE ENGINE 2.7L/160-hp DOHC I-4* Toyota 4Runner

OPT ENGINE 4.0L/270-hp DOHC V-6* BASE PRICE RANGE: $,-$,* BODY TYPE: SUV
WHAT’S NEW: All new for , the more boldly styled Gen V Runner
is taller, wider, and longer than before. With seating for five or seven, it’s
DRIVETRAIN Front engine, RWD/4WD, 4A/5A* available in SR, Limited, and off-road-spec Trail trims, offers RWD and
0-60 MPH 7.5-9.5 sec* part- or full-time WD, and is powered by Toyota’s .L I- or a more
TOW/PAYLOAD 5000-7000/1200-1500 lb* potent variant of the existing .L V-.
EPA ECON CITY/HWY 18-20/22-24 mpg* COOL FACT: The upgraded .L V- gets better mpg than the previous
BASIC WARRANTY 3 yrs/36,000 miles* Runner’s .L V- while delivering similar performance levels.
SAFETY ABS: S; Stab: S; Trac: S; Airbags: 6 SUM UP: FOLLOWS THE FORMULA. ★★★★
BASE ENGINE 4.0L/258-hp DOHC V-6 Toyota FJ Cruiser

OPT ENGINE None BASE PRICE RANGE: $,-$, BODY TYPE: SUV
WHAT’S NEW: Dual VVT-i and roller rockers add  hp to the FJ’s .L V-,
which now gets better mpg and drinks regular gas. A new Special Edition
DRIVETRAIN Front engine, RWD/4WD, 6M/5A brings unique cosmetics, functional go-anywhere items (Bilstein Shocks,
0-60 MPH 7.2-7.6 sec* skidplates, A-Trac, locking diff, BFG all-terrain tires, TRD wheels), and
TOW/PAYLOAD 5000/1272-1285 lb comfort/convenience touches (Garmin Portable nav, AC/DC outlets).
EPA ECON CITY/HWY 14-16/18-20 mpg* BEST BUY: Boonie bounders will love the Special Edition; street types
BASIC WARRANTY 3 yrs/36,000 miles should consider RWD with the Convenience or Upgrade II Packages.
SAFETY ABS: S; Stab: S; Trac: S; Airbags: 6 SUM UP: A RARE THING: A TOYOTA WITH PASSION. ★★★★
BASE ENGINE 2.7L/187-hp DOHC I-4 Toyota Highlander

OPT ENGINES 3.5L/270-hp DOHC V-6; BASE PRICE RANGE: $,-$, BODY TYPE: SUV
3.3L DOHC V-6 + elec WHAT’S NEW: Modest tweaks, but carryover prices for Toyota’s popular
motor/270 hp comb midsize SUV that offers carlike ride/comfort, /-place seating, the choice
DRIVETRAIN Front engine, FWD/AWD, 5A/CVT of I-/V- power, and FWD/AWD in base/Sport/Limited trims. Buyers can
0-60 MPH 6.8-8.0 sec* now add a moonroof to the base four-cylinder or get a backup monitor on
TOW/PAYLOAD 2000-5000/1359-1822 lb* the base V-. The AWD-only Highlander Hybrid carries over intact.
EPA ECON CITY/HWY 17-27/23-25 mpg* BEST BUY: Many will find a nicely optioned I- Sport—consider the JBL
BASIC WARRANTY 3 yrs/36,000 miles sound system, with/without navigation and rear A/C—their top deal.
SAFETY ABS: S; Stab: S; Trac: S; Airbags: 7 SUM UP: ALL THE SUV MOST PEOPLE NEED. ★★★★

(buyer’s guide)
Toyota Land Cruiser BASE ENGINE 5.7L/381-hp DOHC V-8
BASE PRICE: $,* BODY TYPE: SUV OPT ENGINE None
WHAT’S NEW: Minor enhancements bring rear-hatch privacy glass as
well as audio upgrades that include XM Satellite Radio ( days free),
Bluetooth, aux/USB inputs, and Toyota’s Safety Connect service. Optional DRIVETRAIN Front engine, 4WD, 6A
navigation system gains XM real-time traffic feature while Upgrade 0-60 MPH 6.5 sec
Package gets rain-sensing wipers. TOW/PAYLOAD 8500/1585 lb
COOL FACT: Land Cruiser’s adventurous character is underpinned by a EPA ECON CITY/HWY 13/18 mpg
locking center diff, dual-range transfer case, and adjustable suspension. BASIC WARRANTY 3 yrs/36,000 miles
SUM UP: UNSTOPPABLE, UNBEATABLE, UNASSUMING. ★★★★★ SAFETY ABS: S; Stab: S; Trac: S; Airbags: 10
Toyota RAV4 BASE ENGINE 2.5L/179-hp DOHC I-4

BASE PRICE RANGE: $,-$, BODY TYPE: SUV OPT ENGINE 3.5L/268-hp DOHC V-6
WHAT’S NEW: While its price, I-/V- power, FWD/AWD, and /-place
seating don’t change, compact RAV (base/Sport/Limited) adds a JBL
audio/Bluetooth/steering wheel controls option for the Sport model and DRIVETRAIN Front engine, FWD/AWD, 4A/5A
makes the Sport Appearance Package available on the I- FWD Sport. 0-60 MPH 6.3-8.4 sec*
Base model offers a rearview-mirror-mounted backup monitor. TOW/PAYLOAD 1500-3500/955-1370 lb
BEST BUY: RAV Sport in FWD or AWD matches the best handling with EPA ECON CITY/HWY 19-22/26-28 mpg
the most cost-effective combo of standards and available options. BASIC WARRANTY 3 yrs/36,000 miles
SUM UP: SMART SIZE, SMART PRICE, SMART BUY. ★★★★ SAFETY ABS: S; Stab: S; Trac: S; Airbags: 6
Toyota Sequoia BASE ENGINE 4.6L/310-hp DOHC V-8

BASE PRICE RANGE: $,-$, BODY TYPE: SUV OPT ENGINE 5.7L/381-hp DOHC V-8
WHAT’S NEW: More standards and fewer options for the  full-size
SUV (SR/Limited/Platinum). All add front knee airbags and Bluetooth/
USB/iPod capability and become satellite radio-ready. The SR gets the DRIVETRAIN Front engine, RWD/4WD, 6A
new, more powerful/frugal .L iForce V-, the Limited adds a power rear 0-60 MPH 6.2-8.9 sec*
liftgate, and the Platinum gains laser cruise control. TOW/PAYLOAD 7100-10,000/7000-7300 lb
COOL FACT: SR’s new .L i-Force V- makes  hp— more than the EPA ECON CITY/HWY 13-14/16-19 mpg*
previous .L—but bumps highway mileage of the RWD model by  mpg. BASIC WARRANTY 3 yrs/36,000 miles
SUM UP: THINK LAND CRUISER LITE. ★★★★ SAFETY ABS: S; Stab: S; Trac: S; Airbags: 8
Toyota Sienna BASE ENGINE 3.5L/265-hp DOHC V-6

BASE PRICE RANGE: $,-$, BODY TYPE: Minivan OPT ENGINE None
WHAT’S NEW: Nothing new for the  Sienna (CE/LE/XLE/XLE
Limited)—including its price that also remains in  trim. All versions
of Toyota’s personable people mover feature a responsive -hp V-, DRIVETRAIN Front engine, FWD/AWD, 5A
smooth-shifting A, and the comprehensive STAR safety system. Three top 0-60 MPH 8.8-9.5 sec*
trims offering category-exclusive optional AWD as well as baseline FWD. SEATS/FOLDAWAY 7-8/3rd row
COOL FACT: Sienna AWD models come with larger 225/60 run-flat tires, EPA ECON CITY/HWY 16-17/21-23 mpg
17-in. alloys, daytime running lights, and windshield-wiper deicers. BASIC WARRANTY 3 yrs/36,000 miles
SUM UP: A MINIVAN WITH MAXI COMFORTS. ★★★★ SAFETY ABS: S; Stab: S; Trac: S; Airbags: 6
Toyota Tacoma BASE ENGINE 2.7L/159-hp DOHC I-4

BASE PRICE RANGE: $,-$, BODY TYPE: Pickup OPT ENGINE 4.0L/236-hp DOHC V-6
WHAT’S NEW: No changes—price included—for the  version of
Toyota’s compact pickup. Variations run from standard/Access/Double
Cabs and I-/V- engines to short/long beds and RWD/dual-range WD DRIVETRAIN Front engine, RWD/4WD,5M/6M/4A/5A
configurations—all with the comprehensive STAR safety system. Also 0-60 MPH 7.8-11.0 sec*
returning are the street-chic X-Runner and the off-road-look PreRunner. TOW/PAYLOAD 3500-6500/910-1570 lb
COOL FACT: Tacoma buyers can choose to add either a TRD Sport or TRD EPA ECON CITY/HWY 14-20/19-26 mpg*
Off-Road Package, with or without premium JBL audio systems. BASIC WARRANTY 3 yrs/36,000 miles
SUM UP: STILL MVP IN THE COMPACT PICKUP LEAGUE. ★★★★★ SAFETY ABS: S; Stab: S; Trac: S; Airbags: 2
Toyota Tundra BASE ENGINE 4.0L/236-hp DOHC V-6

BASE PRICE RANGE: $,-$, BODY TYPE: Pickup OPT ENGINES 4.6L/310-hp DOHC V-8;
WHAT’S NEW: Beyond minor trim tweaks, Toyota’s full-size Tundra (base/ 5.7L/381-hp DOHC V-8
SR/Limited) gets a host of meaningful functional upgrades starting
with a new, more potent/efficient -hp/.-liter iForce V- and driver/ DRIVETRAIN Front engine, RWD/4WD, 5A/6A
passenger knee airbags. Its even wider-ranging  mix also includes 0-60 MPH 6.0-9.0 sec*
enhanced audio system options and Work Truck and Platinum Packages. TOW/PAYLOAD 5000-10,800/1350-1990 lb
COOL FACT: Although corralling  extra horses, the Tundra’s new .L EPA ECON CITY/HWY 13-15/16-19 mpg*
iForce V- is smaller and almost  lb lighter than the outgoing .L. BASIC WARRANTY 3 yrs/36,000 miles
SUM UP: DOES BIG WELL, JUST NOT BEST. ★★★★ SAFETY ABS: S; Stab: S; Trac: S; Airbags: 8

(buyer’s guide)
BASE ENGINE 2.7L/182-hp DOHC I-4 Toyota Venza
OPT ENGINE 3.5L/268-hp DOHC V-6 BASE PRICE RANGE: $,-$,* BODY TYPE: SUV
WHAT’S NEW: Unchanged, save for adding a USB port, iPod connectivity,
and Bluetooth on all models. This versatile five-seat transporter offers
DRIVETRAIN Front engine, FWD/AWD, 6A I-/V- power and FWD/AWD choices, an impressive array of comfort/
0-60 MPH 6.5-9.1 sec convenience/safety standards, and a plethora of personalization options/
TOW/PAYLOAD 2500-3500/1200-1225 lb packages.
EPA ECON CITY/HWY 18-21/25-29 mpg COOL FACT: Despite its easy-going personality, the Venza can hold . cu
BASIC WARRANTY 3 yrs/36,000 miles ft of cargo with its rear seat flipped down and tow up to  lb.
SAFETY ABS: S; Stab: S; Trac: S; Airbags: 6 SUM UP: TOYOTA SAYS IT’S A CAR. IT AIN’T. ★★★★
BASE ENGINE 3.8L/197-hp OHV V-6 Volkswagen Routan

OPT ENGINE 4.0L/253-hp SOHC V-6 BASE PRICE RANGE: $,-,* BODY TYPE: Minivan
WHAT’S NEW: The Routan heads into its sophomore year with a complete
change up in trim levels. Taking a page from Honda, there are now several
DRIVETRAIN Front engine, FWD, 6A trim levels packaged with options (S, SE, SE w/RSE, SE w/Nav+RSE, SEL
0-60 MPH 7.8-10.3 sec w/Nav, SEL w/Nav+RSE, and SEL Premium w/Nav+RSE). All the levels
SEATS/FOLDAWAY 7/3rd row improve their offerings, with Bluetooth now standard on all but the S.
EPA ECON CITY/HWY 16-17/23-25 mpg COOL FACT: The name Routan is a play on Touran, the name of
BASIC WARRANTY 3 yrs/36,000 miles Volkswagen’s small van sold around the world.
SAFETY ABS: S; Trac: S; Stab: S; Airbags: 4 SUM UP: A MODERN MICROBUS. BUT NOT AS COOL. ★★★★
BASE ENGINE 2.0L/200-hp turbo DOHC I-4 Volkswagen Tiguan

OPT ENGINE None BASE PRICE RANGE: $,-$,* BODY TYPE: SUV
WHAT’S NEW: Introduced last year, the diminutive yet sporty SUV heads
into  relatively unchanged, the most notable difference being a new
DRIVETRAIN Front engine, FWD/AWD, 6M/6A instrument cluster. Bluetooth is now standard on the SE and SEL trim
0-60 MPH 7.5-8.2 sec levels, and the Premium VIII radio w/touchscreen replaces the outgoing
TOW/PAYLOAD 2200/1330-1352 lb VII version. In addition, MDI w/iPod cable is now only available in the Nav
EPA ECON CITY/HWY 18-19/24-26 mpg package.
BASIC WARRANTY 3 yrs/36,000 miles DRIVER’S CHOICE: M and front drive for light weight and full control.
SAFETY ABS: S; Trac: S; Stab: S; Airbags: 6 SUM UP: ENTRYLEVEL EURO LUX. ★★★★
BASE ENGINE 3.6L/280-hp DOHC V-6 Volkswagen Touareg 2

OPT ENGINE 3.0L/221-hp t-diesel DOHC V-6 BASE PRICE RANGE: $,-$,* BODY TYPE: SUV
WHAT’S NEW: The V- FSI follows the V- TDI out the door, leaving the
stalwart V- and its late-cycle-launch V- TDI as the lineup’s two offerings
DRIVETRAIN Front engine, AWD, 6A for . The V-s have minimal changes with “walnut” wood interior trim
0-60 MPH 7.9-8.3 sec and Bluetooth High Speed now standard. In addition three of the option
TOW/PAYLOAD 7716/1325-1400 lb packages, Luxury, Technology, and Premium Technology, gain content.
EPA ECON CITY/HWY 14-17/20-25 mpg DRIVER’S CHOICE: The V- TDI, of course, for the best of both worlds: off-
BASIC WARRANTY 3 yrs/36,000 miles the-line grunt and decent gas mileage.
SAFETY ABS: S; Trac: S; Stab: S; Airbags: 6 SUM UP: TOUAREG + DIESEL = PERFECT MATCH. ★★★★
BASE ENGINE 3.2L/235-hp DOHC I-6 Volvo XC60

OPT ENGINE 3.0L/281-hp turbo DOHC I-6 BASE PRICE RANGE: $,-$, BODY TYPE: SUV
WHAT’S NEW: A dynamic, fun, exceptionally stylish, small premium
SUV, the XC comes in two satisfying flavors, . and T AWD, both
DRIVETRAIN Front engine, FWD/AWD, 6A loaded with class-leading safety systems, as well as lux and techno-
0-60 MPH 6.8-8.2 sec* gadget appointments. In addition, the two-row, five-seat SUV boasts an
TOW/PAYLOAD 3300/1194-1356 lb impressive . in. of ground clearance for a variety of crossover adventures.
EPA ECON CITY/HWY 16-18 /22-27 mpg* COOL FACT: City Safety, a driver support system, precharges the brakes or
BASIC WARRANTY 4 yrs/50,000 miles automatically brakes the XC to avoid or lessen a rear-end collision.
SAFETY ABS: S; Stab: S; Trac: S; Airbags: 6 SUM UP: STYLEMEISTER OF THE SEGMENT. ★★★★
BASE ENGINE 3.2L/235-hp DOHC I-6 Volvo XC90

OPT ENGINE 4.4L/311-hp DOHC V-8 BASE PRICE RANGE: $,-$, BODY TYPE: SUV
WHAT’S NEW: V- R-Design joins its departed V- Sport stablemate in
the discontinued bin for , while the remaining three model
DRIVETRAIN Front engine, FWD/AWD, 6A offerings (., . R-Design, and V-) receive new lux equipment as
0-60 MPH 7.6-8.9 sec standard.
TOW/PAYLOAD 3970-4960/N/A lb COOL FACT: The Multimedia package includes a premium sound system
EPA ECON CITY/HWY 13-14/19-20 mpg with Dolby Pro-Logic II Surround Sound, a -watt amp,  speakers,
BASIC WARRANTY 4 yrs/50,000 miles Sirius radio, and nav with Real Time Traffic.
SAFETY ABS: S; Stab: S; Trac: S; Airbags: 6 SUM UP: AGING GRACEFULLY. ★★★★

(newcomers) nissan 370z roadster
second time right

Get your performance out in the open
NOT everyone was a fan of takes for the light to go from red far greater resistance to twisting LED fuel/temp/computer readout
the - Z Roadster. But to green. The old top resembled and bending. The stronger gauge is more attempted form
the new Z version gets it right. a football helmet, but this one platform means the suspension than worthwhile function.
The body is more curvaceous and touches down farther back on can be tuned with much greater Track rats will still go for the Z
better proportioned, with more the rear deck for a longer, sleeker precision, and there’s less cowl coupe. It weighs less and offers
of the visual mass moved to the appearance. It’s neatly self- shake and body shudder. We an even stiffer chassis platform.
rear. The top is much improved. covering, with the hard tonneau pounded the Z over our favorite But the Roadster gives up
The interior has gone upmarket. nicely integrated into the design. really crappy road and came away commendably little in terms of
Bonus tracks: More power, less Two roll-hoops just aft of the seats impressed. performance, and adds all that
weight, and a base price increase look good too, and there’s a glass The -horse motor has open-air driving pleasure.
of just a hundred bucks. wind-blocker fixed between them. power everywhere, with a linear ■ matt stone
The ’s top stack, made Heated and ventilated seats are delivery. The six-speed manual’s
by Magna in Germany, is a standard, although the cooler fans SynchroRev Match technology 2010 NISSAN 370Z ROADSTER
much higher quality piece. It’s hiss too noisily. is magic stuff : Just hit the clutch
a one-touch deal and will fully The new Z Roadster’s chassis and downshift, and the computer BASE PRICE $37,690
raise or lower in less time than it is more rigid structurally, with delivers a Schumacher-quality, VEHICLE LAYOUT Front engine, RWD,
rev-matched throttle blip. 2-pass, 2-door conv
The old ’s driver inputs felt ENGINE 3.7L/332-hp/
artificially heavy. The ’s are 270-lb-ft DOHC
24-valve V-6
still meaty, but better balanced.
Windnoise and buffeting are TRANSMISSIONS 6-speed manual,
commendably low too, with 7-speed auto
normal conversation still easy at CURB WEIGHT 3450-3500 lb (MT est)
 mph. WHEELBASE 110.4 in
Gripes? A few. The new .-liter LENGTH x WIDTH 167.2 x 72.8
engine sounds harsh and grainy, x HEIGHT x 52.2 in
lacking the sweetness of the old 0-60 MPH 4.8 (MT est)
.. The accessory power point is EPA CITY/HWY FUEL ECON 18/25 mpg
located below the glovebox, at CO 2 EMISSIONS 0.94 lb/mile
about shin level. The hard-to-read,

SO 2
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United States Government. Facts and figures were deemed accurate as of July 2009. ©GovMint.com, 2009 ®

(newcomers) cadillac cts sport wagon
euro dash
Who needs a luxury crossover?
IN A SNEAK peek a few Styling alone could make it a rear header intrudes into the cargo space with the / split rear
years back, Cadillac said the CTS sales breakout here. Cadillac has area, making the optional nav seat up nearly doubles sedan
Sport Wagon was designed to transformed perhaps the best- system’s rear camera screen helpful. trunk space. With the seats down,
lead its assault on the European looking modern luxury sedan into Motivating  pounds more its  cubic feet is eight feet shy of
market, where BMW  Tourings the best-looking luxury estate. Its than the sedan, the optional the new SRX’s. The ’ SRX may be
and Benz E-wagons sell like luxury roof extends to a very fast D-pillar .-liter direct-injection V- as great a leap forward for Cadillac
crossovers. Cadillac expected and power tailgate. The “finlike” provides plenty of power. It’s hard crossovers as the CTS is for its
to sell just  per year in the taillamps are exaggerated into to break the rear tires loose at sedans. Given a choice between
U.S. Finances have since put the vertical light pipes that run nearly launch, but the mid- to upper-rev SRX and CTS Sport Wagon, we’d
brakes on the European foray. No to the cargo roof rails. Unlike ranges are strong. There’s no choose the car. ■ todd lassa
more diesel program. No more wagons of yore, the rear window reason to expect anything better
right-hand-drive CTS. The Sport doesn’t provide an exemplary than adequate power from the 2010 CADILLAC CTS SPORT WAGON
Wagon has to sell here on its own outward view. Modern wagons new -horse,  pound-foot
merits. need rollover protection, so a thick .-liter gas direct-injection V-, BASE PRICE $40,485
which replaces the port-injected VEHICLE LAYOUT Front-engine, RWD/AWD,
. as the base CTS engine. 5-pass, 4-door wagon
Other changes include more ENGINES 3.0L/265-hp/223-lb-ft
refined powertrain mounting and DOHC 24-valve V-6;
3.6L/304-hp/273-lb-ft
a slightly softer suspension. A DOHC 24-valve V-6
new -inch summer tire option TRANSMISSION 6-speed automatic
(RWD only—all-season s are CURB WEIGHT 4100-4300 lb (mfr est)
available next year) adds grip WHEELBASE 113.4 in
while mostly maintaining the LENGTH x WIDTH 191.3 x 72.6
CTS’ excellent ride-handling x HEIGHT x 59.1 in
balance. The ’s are noisy though 0-60 MPH 6.5-7.5 sec (MT est)
and add bump-thump on rough EPA CITY/HWY FUEL 18/26 mpg (3.6L)
Detroit roads. Steering is precise ECON
and communicative, and the CO 2 EMISSIONS 0.93 lb/mile
brakes feel positively German. The ON SALE IN U.S. Currently
wagon’s  cubic feet of cargo

(newcomers) bmw 760li
tech my ride
You’ll be surging along in serene performance
IT’S A LITTLE hard to To ensure it’s a technology And, boy, this car is a tech-fest. each passenger gets his own
spot the point of the BMW Li. showcase, this direct-injection You can alter the setup of the screen, audio and three-way
Does anyone consider the current unit has two turbos, one for each engine response, transmission climate control with separate rear
top Seven, the twin-turbo V- bank, and it’s hooked up to a shift points, adaptive dampers, A/C compressor. As long as the
Li, too slow? Too unrefined? new ZF eight-speed automatic and adaptive anti-roll bars suspension is set to Normal, it’s
Doesn’t BMW look a little flat- transmission. through a rocker switch on the close to benchmark refinement.
footed for launching such an On the autobahn, the Li is tunnel. But only the Normal And that’s the right use for the
engine into today’s constricted magnificent. The engine merely setting feels harmonious. In . It’s not a driver’s car. But oddly
market? whispers, its efforts drowned by Comfort, the soft damping it comes with a load of technology
Well, yes, the engine (it’s pretty the wind and road roar, and they can’t control wheelhop; and in that implies it wants to be. Treat it
much all-new) was given the in themselves are subdued to Sport, there’s an agile car waiting as the Ultimate Riding Machine.
go-ahead in better times. near-subterranean levels. to come out, but the artificial ■ paul horrell
steering suppresses your urge to
find it, and the ride becomes too 2010 BMW 760LI
wooden to allow good traction.
The new eight-speed transmission BASE PRICE $130,000 (est)
is attentive and smooth enough, VEHICLE LAYOUT Front engine, RWD,
though with all those ratios to 5-pass 4-door sedan
choose from, it can seem busy. ENGINE 6.0-liter/537-hp/
The ’s cabin shows a move 553-lb-ft twin-turbo
DOHC 48-valve V-12
away from the austerity of recent
big BMWs. The headliner is TRANSMISSION 8-speed automatic
Alcantara and leather, and the CURB WEIGHT 4800 lb (mfr)
switchgear can be had with black WHEELBASE 126.4 in
ceramic touch-points. The wood LENGTH x WIDTH 205.2 x 74.9
trims are less plasticky, and the x HEIGHT x 58.4 in
graphics of the TFT panel behind 0-62 MPH 4.6 (mfr est)
the main dials are superbly EPA CITY/HWY FUEL ECON Not yet rated
resolved. At the rear, the two ON SALE IN U.S. Fall 2009
outer seats recline and tilt, and

©P&G 2009
Soap. Rinse. Play.

®
With PUR filter technology, the all-in-one Mr. Clean AutoDry Carwash
allows your car to dry itself to a spot-free shine so you don’t have to.

ALBERTO ALQUATI, COURTESY ALFA ROMEO x2
(newcomers) alfa romeo 8c spider
bella voce
Want to understand an emotive, Italian auto? Just listen
WE FIRST drove the rare, rigidity suffers by nearly  Power is -horses at  revs, hard suspension. This is a car you
expensive, sonorous-sounding percent, the coupe was so strong its -pound-fot torque peak cannot only drive  miles a day
C Competizione coupe in late to begin with that the Spider shows up at , and redline is on your favorite ocean/mountain/
, and track-tested one just a is a mostly body-wiggle-free  rpm. The biggest functional deserted road, but you’ll want to.
few months ago. We’ve now had a machine. Alfa bagged the notion difference is that the Spider gets The big disappointment is that it
crack at the open-topped version, of a retractable hardtop in favor standard carbon-ceramic brake doesn’t have the latest seven-
and we’re pleased to report it’s of the more coachbuilt nature of a rotors, which were not available speed dual autoclutch transaxle of
more of the same, just al fresco. rich-looking soft top. Weight goes on the coupe. The cabin is a a (less expensive) Ferrari California.
Carbon-fiber bodywork bolts and up about  pounds. dazzling smorgasbord of sexy-yet- Alfa will bring only  made-to-
bonds to a steel and aluminum Underhood is the Ferrari- functional materials. order C Spiders to the U.S., so it
tubular chassis. There’s additional designed-and-built .-liter V- The C Spider isn’t a “numbers” will be a rare and lucky club that
bracing to compensate for the offered in all current Maseratis, car. It’s plenty fast, but Ferrari owns them. ■ matt stone
structural strength given up by backed by the same six-speed  Scuderia or Lamborghini
the loss of its lid. While structural autoclutch manual transaxle. Gallardo LP- will run away 2010 ALFA ROMEO 8C SPIDER
and hide. Its performance is still
impressive, and it’s a handler too. BASE PRICE $299,000
The well-worn C Competizione VEHICLE LAYOUT Front engine, RWD,
coupe we tested ran  to  in . 2-pass, 2-door conv
seconds, cornered at . g, and ENGINE 4.7L/450-hp/
braked from  to  in  feet. A 354-lb-ft DOHC
32-valve V-8
fresh Spider on good tires will
be within a pinch and an inch of TRANSMISSION 6-speed auto-cl man
these numbers. CURB WEIGHT 3550 lb (mfr)
What sets this macchina WHEELBASE 104.1 in
Italiana magica apart is the fact LENGTH x WIDTH 172.5 x 74.6
that its performance is so easily x HEIGHT x 53.9 in
accessible. You won’t need to 0-60 MPH 4.6 (mfr est)
fold yourself into an inhospitable EPA CITY/HWY FUEL ECON Not yet rated
cabin, leave your luggage at home, ON SALE IN U.S. Fall 2009
or be beaten to death by a rock-

words kim reynolds
(long-term test) arrival
JULIA LAPALME
2010
Honda Insight EX
George Jetson’s car—with everything but Mabel the robot
AFTER WEEKS of rumors our vehicle The same allergy to hydrocarbons is
swirling around our Long Term-Vehicle Fleet expected of our $, EX Navi example,
Department, there it was. Parked, otherworldly Base price $22,010 which differs most noticeably from the $,
among our rows of somber-colored, Price as tested $23,810 EX by a navigation system (utterly unavailable
technologically conservative long-termers Vehicle layout Front engine, FWD, 5-pass, as an EX option). It’s also festooned with such
4-door hatchback
was a fish-shaped, electric-blue Honda Insight. goodies as automatic climate control, tilt/
At first glance, I spontaneously blurted, “Ack! Engine 1.3L/88-hp/88-lb-ft SOHC telescoping steering wheel, steering wheel
8-valve I-4; 13-hp/58 lb-ft
Ack!”—then looked around to see if anybody motor; 98 comb hp
audio controls, USB and MP connectivity, and
had heard that. It’s my understanding that driver-seat height adjustment. Of note to hard-
Ack! Ack! is Martian-speak (per Tim Burton’s Transmission Cont variable auto drivin’ hybrid fans are our car’s paddle shifters
authoritative film, “Mars Attacks!”) for, well, just Curb weight (dist f/r) 2735 lb (58/42%) that let you liberally bang up and down
about anything. It felt like the best language in Wheelbase 100.4 in through the CVT’s seven, er, synthetic ratios.
which address this most foreign of visitors who Length x width 172.3 x 66.7 The engine/electric motor combo moving it
x height x 56.2 in
will be staying with us for a year. The Insight is an -horse, .-liter four pancaked against
didn’t respond, but seemed to be smiling. 0-60 mph 10.4 sec a -horse (but  pound-foot) motor that
And for good reason. If you were to plot Quarter mile 17.8 sec @ 78.1 mph doubles as a starter (and triples as a flywheel).
ultra-gas-stinginess against low initial cost, Braking, 60-0 mph 127 ft Elegant. And though this might sound like any
way up in the corner of the graph sits the Lateral accel 0.79 g (avg) of Honda’s previous Integrated Hybrid Assist
Insight. Of course, only Insighters (© Reynolds, MT figure eight 29.2 sec @ 0.54 g (avg) system’s, they’ve hacked away about  percent
) would have any inclination to plot such EPA city/hwy econ 40/43 mpg of the Insight’s “hybrid premium” compared
things, but no matter, it’s still true. The Insight CO2 emissions 0.47 lb/mile with the Civic’s version of IMA.
starts at $, (including its unavoidable $ Total mileage 4695 miles But even at that, will the Insight prove
destination charge) and delivers a combined Average fuel 38.2 mpg a practical, dependable (and fun) driving
economy
 mpg. And in the spec box, note that . proposition in the long term? The wheels
pound/mile of CO production. In fact, get out have already started turning and the fill-up
a pen and underline it: The low-CO car of  tabulations have begun. Until our first
is here today, folks. update—Ack! Ack! ■

words mike floyd
(long-term test) arrival
WILLIAM WALKER
2009
Audi A4 Avant 2.0T quattro
Hip to be square?
YOU’VE GOT to give it up to the our vehicle which started at $,, got the kitchen-sink
Germans. No matter how out of fashion the treatment, with the $ Prestige package
wagon has become in this crossover-crazy Base price $35,675 featuring an assortment of upscale touches
land of ours, they keep bringing them over. So Price as tested $52,250 including Bluetooth, a Bang & Olufsen sound
we figured, what the heck, instead of testing Vehicle layout Front engine, AWD, system, power tailgate, and Xenon headlamps.
5-pass, 4-door wagon
out Audi’s new A in sedan form, we’d add the For $ we also checked off the navigation
 Audi A Avant .T quattro Tiptronic (say Engine 2.0L/211-hp/258-lb-ft option with backup camera that integrates
turbo DOHC 16-valve I-4
that five times fast) to our long-term fleet. Is it with Audi’s slick Multi Media Interface system.
hip to be square? We’re going to find out. Transmission 6-speed automatic Bringing both bling and grip to the Avant
Looking at the numbers, it’s a virtual dead Curb weight 3932 lb is the S line package, which for $ adds a
(dist f/r) (53/47%)
heat at the dragstrip between the Avant and sport tuned suspension, -inch rims shod with
a similarly equipped  A sedan we tested Wheelbase 110.6 in high-performance summer rubber, steering-
last year. Audi’s -horse, .-liter turbo is as Length x width 185.2 x 71.9 wheel-mounted shift paddles, and several
x height x 56.5 in
stout a four-banger as they come and boogies interior and exterior trim bits–including
the Avant to  in . seconds and on to a 0-60 mph 6.4 sec some sweet, black Alcantara-leather-swathed
.-second quarter mile at . mph (the Quarter mile 14.9 sec @ 90.8 mph buckets. We also opted for the Audi Drive
sedan hit  in . seconds and the quarter in Braking, 60-0 mph 102 ft Select feature ($), which allows the driver
 flat at  mph). Ah, but the wagon has way Lateral accel 0.93 g (avg) to choose several vehicle setups from comfort
more cargo room, you say? Not exactly. The A MT figure eight 26.3 sec @ 0.66 g (avg) to sport. The upgrades helped the Avant pull
sedan’s trunk holds . cubic feet, just . less EPA city/hwy econ 21/27 mpg a very respectable . g on the skidpad and
than the Avant with the rear seats up. As you’d CO2 emissions 0.92 lb/mile buzz through our figure-eight course in .
expect, the Avant wins hands down with the Total mileage 9642 miles seconds at . g.
seats folded (. versus .), and of course, Average fuel economy 21.1 mpg So the Avant can carry the mail and canyon
its hatch makes loading cargo easier. carve all the way home–it’s a formula all those
You’ll pay more for the added room cool crossovers aspire to, but only unhip
though, as the Avant’s base price is roughly wagons can really pull off. Yep, we’re looking
four grand more than the sedan’s. Our tester, forward to our year of being square. ■

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words ron kiino
(long-term test) update
KIRILL OUGAROV
2009
Infiniti FX50 S
Vroom with a view
“I GOT a chance to take the FX on a ride stitching in the leather is nice for a car in this in the opposite direction.”), but the radar
up to Sacramento to watch some rowing races,” class, as are the individual LED lights in each cruise control “was at times too imposing.
says assistant Web producer Nate Martinez, door handle. Dash layout, with its buttons A system with a ‘radar off ’ button would be
“and it proved a comfortable long-hauler. Like and knobs, is comfortable and within reach of ideal.” Overall, Martinez enjoyed his time in
my four passengers, I most enjoyed the well- front passenger and driver. Best feature of all: the Infiniti, once he grew accustomed to
put-together cabin, with its soft, somewhat the Around View camera. I’ve never backed up the driving experience. “The FX takes a little
worn leather, easy-to-use navigation, and into so many parking spots—for no apparent while to get used to due to its size. The front
clean-sounding stereo system.” Martinez, who reason—as I have with this car.” shoulders, like those on the GT-R and the
has an eye for detail, wasn’t missing the FX’s. Martinez also appreciated the FX’s lane- Maxima, are clearly visible from the driver’s
“The Infiniti’s intricate interior details are worth departure warning system (“I expected a seat and can throw off cornering and lane-
noting. The clock, although a brand staple, is simple beeping to go off once I swerved placement judgment. Smooth throttle tip-in,
a bit too old-school for my taste and seems off course, but was happily surprised when too, takes some time to master. I felt bad for
contrary to the overall modern styling. The I felt a slight brake and tug of the wheel my friends whose heads rocked back into their
respective headrests at nearly every stoplight.”
“There’s not enough rear legroom,” adds
Martinez. “Even my girlfriend, who is a tad
over five feet, complained about the dismal
back seat space. The same can’t be said of the
cargo area, though. We packed in lots of bags,
folding chairs, and other tidbits with ease.”
■ Months/miles in service 11/24,573

■ Avg econ/CO2 17.0 mpg/1.14 lb/mi
■ Unresolved problems None
■ Maintenance cost $764.99 (3 - oil
BRIAN VANCE
change/inspection/rotate tires, replace

engine and cabin air filters)
■ Normal-wear cost $0

update (long-term test)
WILLIAM WALKER
2009 MINI JCW also impressed that I was able to rake in 
CLUBMAN miles on a tank of gas, especially considering
my occasional lead foot and three-hour daily
AT AROUND , miles, the Mini’s commute).” Nits? “The lack of an armrest left
OE Continental run-flat tires were showing me hanging, and I fumbled with the radio on a
exposed wear bars, so we replaced them regular basis.”
with a set of Michelin’s new Primacy HP ZP
run-flats. Total cost, including installation, ■ Months/miles in service 13/18,692
was a healthy $.. Wearing fresh shoes, ■ Avg econ/CO2 26.6 mpg/0.73 lb/mi
the Mini had little trouble impressing Truck ■ Unresolved problems None
Trend Web producer Melissa Spiering. “The ■ Maintenance cost $0 (oil change/
Clubman’s third door made it easy to take my inspection/rotate tires/replace cabin air
two-year-old nephew to daycare and when filter)
I had to pile friends into the back seat. I was ■ Normal-wear cost $993.87 (replace tires)
WILLIAM WALKER
2009 BMW 335D repaired for around $, was still driveable,
so our staff continued to rack up the miles.
EDITOR at large Arthur St. Antoine was “After Art’s misadventure a few weeks
at the d’s wheel when an oblivious driver ago,” logs associate Web producer Rory
of a Volkswagen Jetta, going about  mph, Jurnecka, “the car still feels remarkably solid,
rear-ended the Bimmer at a stoplight. “The and I can’t believe how little damage was
d took the impact remarkably well,” notes done to the car. It still rides and drives just
St. Antoine. “It was still driveable, and the rear fine.”
glass was intact. The kid’s Jetta, the lighter
of the two vehicles, didn’t fare so well. The ■ Months/miles in service 7/11,613
entire front end had stepped backward a ■ Avg econ/CO2 27.8 mpg/0.80 lb/mi
few inches, the hood was folded, and the ■ Unresolved problems None
radiator was likely damaged.” As St. Antoine ■ Maintenance cost $0
has stated, the d, which would later be ■ Normal-wear cost $0

(long-term test) update
MOTOR
TREND
ON THE
WEB
JULIA LAPALME
New, exclusive
2009 HYUNDAI GENESIS
online articles 4.6
is filled with comfortable, quality materials. The
center interface works well and is no iDrive,
though the knob is almost the same diameter
and photos: WHILE MANY luxury cars subject
their owners to pricey maintenance costs,
as a Big Gulp. Besides the interior, the big
V- provides plenty of grunt and a properly
the Genesis ., thus far, has been downright subdued soundtrack for a car that can be
thrifty: only $. for a -mile oil change, called an E-Class for C-Class money.”
full inspection, and tire rotation. “To call the
Future Forecast Genesis ‘the best Hyundai ever’ wouldn’t be
at all unreasonable,” states associate Web
■ Months/miles in service 7/10,684
■ Avg econ/CO2 18.8 mpg/1.03 lb/mi
producer Kirill Ougarov. “Aside from hard ■ Unresolved problems None
First Drives plastics in areas that will rarely be felt by the ■ Maintenance cost $42.87 (oil change/
occupants—a cost-cutting measure but hardly inspection/rotate tires)
Video Spotlight the worst offense in the industry—the interior ■ Normal-wear cost $0
Race Results
Breaking News
Auto Shows
Buyers Guides
Tire Center
JULIA LAPALME
Forums
Contests
2009 VOLKSWAGEN  Mercedes TD,” says Martinez. “This diesel
Reader Polls JETTA TDI is as smooth and quiet as any gas- drinking car. It
feels quicker than most too. Thanks to its torque
and more… AT 20,000 miles, our long-term Jetta
TDI needed new brake pads, per the service
curve, I frequently chirped tires without much
enticement of the skinny pedal.”
techs at Neftin VW in Thousand Oaks, California.
VW recommends replacement when there is ■ Months/miles in service 11/21,718
 mm of remaining wear in the pads, which ■ Avg econ/CO2 35.1 mpg/0.63 lb/mi
only at measure  mm when new. Cost for the fresh

pads was $.. The second service—an oil
■ Unresolved problems None
■ Maintenance cost $0 (2 - oil change/
change, full inspection, tire rotation, and cabin inspection/rotate tires, replace cabin air
air filter replacement—was free, part of VW’s filter)
-year/,-mile no-cost maintenance. “Gone ■ Normal-wear cost $158.09 (replace rear
are the days of my dad’s clunky, smoky, and slow brake pads)

JULIA LAPALME
2009 FORD F-150 on the dash; however, it must be done while the
vehicle is in park. A busy boat ramp is not the
AFTER 15,000 miles had accrued place to do this. The sensors will automatically
on the odo, the F- made its second service reset to the On position each time the vehicle is
visit, a $. oil change, full inspection, and started. I’d forget about that until it was my turn
tire rotation. With fresh oil running through its to back down the ramp—too late to stop and
V- veins, the F- hauled managing editor toggle through the menu again.”
Rusty Kurtz to Laughlin, Nevada, for some
jet-skiing fun. “The F-’s backup camera made ■ Months/miles in service 8/15,733
hooking up the jet-ski trailer a breeze. That said, ■ Avg econ/CO2 15.0 mpg/1.29 lb/mi
the backup sensors were another story: Their ■ Unresolved problems None
constant beeping while backing down the boat ■ Maintenance cost $97.92 (2 - oil change/
ramp was unnerving. You can turn the sensors inspection/rotate tires)
off by toggling through a menu with a button ■ Normal-wear cost $0
BRIAN VANCE
2009 ACURA TL SH-AWD someone on the phone reverts the Bluetooth

to handset instead of sending sound through
“I LIKE the use of materials inside,” the speakers. Multiple people I talked to
opines assistant Web producer Carlos Lago. complained about the sound quality and
“Everything’s comfortable and easy to the preferred I talk over speakerphone. (As an
touch, which is a good thing because you almost redeemable plus, you can use the nav
have to touch a lot—there are many buttons system while moving. Thank you, Acura!)” ■
and menus.” Lago did have a less than
favorable experience with the TL’s Bluetooth. ■ Months/miles in service 7/13,387
“I experienced nothing but frustration with ■ Avg econ/CO2 19.9 mpg/0.97 lb/mi
the system,” he notes. “It wouldn’t auto- ■ Unresolved problems None
connect to my phone after engine restart, ■ Maintenance cost $92.26 (oil change/
causing me to delve into a submenu to force inspection/rotate tires)
a connection. Even when connected, calling ■ Normal-wear cost $0

words kim reynolds
(long-term test) verdict
JESSICA GERMILLER
2008
Chrysler Town & Country Ltd.
The inventor of the minivan is still ironing out wrinkles
“AH, I STILL DON’T hear anything, our car ponied up for a power-steering hose and yet
sir,” offered the polite technician from Orange another radiator cap, though the radiator count
Coast Jeep/Chrysler in Costa Mesa. We were Base price $37,345 remained at two. And just prior to return, the
heading back down the  freeway again, me Options Dual DVD w/Sirius always-dicey, electrically folding third-row seat
backseat TV ($2020),
at the wheel, trying to reproduce a frightful MyGIG multimedia finally jammed up completely, though frankly,
aerodynamic howl that had recently cropped system w/Nav & its correct operation was a bit of an on-going
Sirius traffic ($1300),
up along a breezy desert stretch during a pwr folding 3rd-row mystery. A tidbit from the notebook: “Had an
cross-country vacation. But, of course, no seat ($595), Inferno episode where a piece of luggage accidentally
Red paint ($225)
matter what I did (sorry about that, big-rig), the hit the ‘close’ button on the side pillar and it
banshee wail was being coy today—and was MSRP, as tested $41,485 tried
t to crush a passenger belted into the seat.”
that technician giving me doubtful side glances, Total mileage 32,244 Ideal for James Bond, perhaps—“Goldfinger, I
or was I just imagining things? Avg fuel economy 18.9 mpg have the perfect place for you to ride”—but a
Oh, well, perhaps it was better to not add any Brake wear, radiator, rude way to treat the Purple Stars girls soccer
pwr steering hose,
more to our Chrysler Town & Country minivan’s Problem areas pwr 3rd-row seat, team.
t
swelling list of heavily documented miseries. rattles So, as they say, other than that, Mrs. Lincoln,
On its third visit to the dealer (at a still-new- Maintenance cost $299.56 how did you enjoy the play? Believe it or not,
smelling , miles), we had staggered out Normal-wear cost $864.98 we
w actually liked it nevertheless.
with a bill for $. (including tax) to replace Three-year residual value* $15,026* If you scrape away the layers of creature-
the front brakes and flush the brake fluid Recalls None comfort content Chrysler has festooned it with,
* Automotive Lease Guide
($), service the transmission ($), swap in the
t Town & Country’s foundation is genuinely
new filters, change the oil, and various other likable. There’s power aplenty from the .-liter,
whatnots ($). And that’s what we paid for; the -horse
 V-, it steers without complaint, and
warranty took the hit for a replaced, leaking a clogged A/C filter and the usual service the ride is cushy. And, of course, the staggering
radiator (a leaking radiator?). necessities, a brake inspection was deemed utility of such a rolling storage shed/seven-
Okay, so this was an atypical spike in its necessary—as was a new radiator cap. In seat people-hauler/go-anywhere-vacation
service cost history, as the bill for its first addition, the software for the MyGIGRadio mothership is unapproachable by even the
dealer visit was scot-free, and the second system was updated under warranty. Later, most clever of new-gen crossovers. Say what
was a digestible $.. But even here, in during the T&C’s fourth and final scheduled you will, but I’m proudly cuckoo for minivans.
retrospect, dark clouds were forming: Besides service with us, the long-suffering warranty also Including this one.

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(long-term test) verdict 2008 Chrysler Town & Country LTD
POWERTRAIN/CHASSIS
Drivetrain layout Front engine, FWD
Engine type V-6, alum block/heads
Valvetrain SOHC, 4 valves/cyl

Displacement 241.2 cu in/3952 cc
Compression ratio 10.3:1
Power (SAE net) 251 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque (SAE net) 259 lb-ft @ 4100 rpm
Redline 6000 rpm
Weight to power 18.5 lb/hp
Transmission 6-speed automatic
Axle/final-drive ratios 3.25:1/2.24:1
Suspension, front; rear Struts, coil springs,
anti-roll bar; twist
beam, coil springs
Steering ratio 16.9:1

JESSICA GERMILLER
Turns lock-to-lock 3.1

Brakes, f;r 11.9-in vented disc;
12.0-in disc, ABS
Wheels 6.5 x 17 in,

cast aluminum
Tires 225/65R17 100T

What’s perplexing is how so many of our completes its descent to the concrete, then Bridgestone Turanza
EL400 M+S
Town & Country’s multitude of promising what? If you’re me, you lay on the ground and
features wind up undermined by compromised kick the spare like mad to maneuver it into a DIMENSIONS
execution. We’ve touched on the conceptually reachable location (our Paleolithic ancestors Wheelbase 121.2 in
excellent Stow ‘N Go seats already. But its would have used a found tool, like a stick, Track, f/r 65.0/64.8 in
dazzling double DVD screen, multi-bin overhead but my first choice is to kick things). All very Length x width x height 202.5 x 78.7 x 68.9 in
console also was a non-stop rattlefest. On one amusing in retrospect, but what if I hadn’t Turning circle 38.0 ft
long drive, while the kids sat transfixed by “Mary managed to limp to a dry, (dimly) lighted Curb weight 4633 lb
Poppins,” I spent about an hour patroling its location? On the other hand, the importance Weight dist, f/r 56/44%
various rattle epicenters, silencing them one of tire-pressure monitoring that instantly shows Seating capacity 7
by one with squashed Power Bars (gradually you exactly which tire is deflating and how Headroom, f/m/r 39.8/39.7/37.9 in
replaced by folded bits of the L.A. Times as we quickly its pressure is dropping is worth any Legroom, f/m/r 40.6/36.3/31.8 in
became hungrier and the paper got read). number of Stow-‘N-whatever option boxes. Ten
Shoulder room, f/m/r 63.0/64.7/62.0 in
A dire consequence of the in-the-floor- minutes later I would’ve been doing  mph on
Cargo volume beh, f/m/r 140.6/83.0/32.7 cu ft
stowing Stow ‘N Go seats is that the spare the freeway. In the rain.
TEST DATA
tire (a space saver) has wound up under the When we introduced this Town & Country
Acceleration to mph
front row’s floor, along the van’s centerline. to you in our August  issue, we concluded
0-30 2.8 sec
So…on a rainy night (these things always by asking: “So, will its durability and dense
0-40 4.2
happen on rainy nights, right?), I suddenly saw concentration of creature comforts keep us
0-50 5.8
tire-pressure numbers for the left rear rapidly giddy  months from now?” Answer: The giddy
0-60 8.1
dropping. Fortunately, I was able to skedaddle is gone. While—at least conceptually—we
back to our (dimly) lit garage to change wheels, applaud its numerous clever features, too 0-70 10.7
but, ahh, it’s not so simple. The spare has to be much about their execution leaves plenty to be 0-80 14.0
lowered by a creaky crank, and after it finally desired. ■ 0-90 17.7

Passing, 45-65 mph 4.1 sec
Quarter mile 16.3 sec @ 8.65 mph
from the logbook Braking, 60-0 mph 135 ft
I was impressed with the ease with which you can reconfigure the cabin. I needed the Lateral acceleration 0.70 g (avg)
full flat cargo space, and had it in no time. The van held a lot of gear—it didn’t seem MT figure eight 30.1 sec @ 0.52 g avg
like that much when I stowed it all in there, but taking it out took several trips! CONSUMER INFO
■ Allyson Harwood Stability/traction control Yes/yes
Airbags Dual front, f/m/r crtn
Despite being somewhat familiar with the navigation system, I had to refer to the Basic warranty 3 yrs/36,000 miles
manual too often. The useable map area is small, and why can you zoom out to a view Powertrain warranty Unlimited
of the Northern Hemisphere? How useful is that? If you have to consult the nav system Roadside assistance 3 yrs/36,000 miles
to find out what hemisphere you’re in, well…
Fuel capacity 20.5 gal
■ Thomas Voehringer
EPA city/hwy econ 17/25 mpg
CO2 emissions 0.98 lb/mile
The powertrain is a little rough when you do weird things (abruptly get off the gas
Recommended fuel Unleaded regular
while accelerating for instance), but otherwise it’s a hoot to drive. Gears one and two
feel very short, but all the shifts have a smooth, uninterrupted feel.
■ Ed Loh

performance marketplace
TO ADVERTISE IN THIS SECTION CALL 323/782-2852

TO ADVERTISE IN THIS SECTION CALL 323/782-2852 performance marketplace
140 NOVEMBER
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(archive) words matt stone
MOTOR TREND ARCHIVES

hard-working horsey
Raptor latest in a lineup of mud-slinging Ford trucks
IT WAS SHORT, light, with an engine coverage january 1975 MOTOR TREND (ISSN 0027-2094)
November 2009, Vol. 61, No. 11 Copyright 2009 by Source
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Curve sweetener.
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Dealer sets actual price. Legacy 2.5i Premium pictured has an MSRP of $20,995.

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