2009 Chevy Traverse – the $40k vibrator
Traverse, the name chosen for General Motor’s latest new people mover, refers to the verb and not the city in upstate Michigan where many of these vehicles will undoubtedly be headed each summer.
Cars
2009 Jaguar XF supercharged – Kitty has claws!
The 2009 XF from Jaguar – the new midsize luxury sedan-in-coupe-clothing that replaced both S- and X-type models last year – quickly became one of my favorite new cars, and my recent test of the supercharged version of the new cat only solidifies my stance.
2009 Chevrolet Tahoe 2-Mode Hybrid
My relationship with the new fullsize GM hybrid SUVs continues to be a love/hate one. I love the fuel savings and cleaner emissions delivered by these “green beasts,” but I hate that consumers still cannot get one for less than 50 grand.
2009 Volkswagen Tiguan
In a field already so overcrowded it can make ones head spin just trying to keep up, what’s one more model to further challenge for consumer dollars in the crossover utility vehicle segment? Volkswagen of America recently launched its all-new and highly anticipated compact sport utility vehicle Tiguan. Staying true to Volkswagen’s autobahn heritage, the Tiguan is truly the “GTI of compact sport utility vehicles.”
2009 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
I never really took notice of the benchmark status of Highlander until recent new model introduction events held by competitor automakers. More and more I heard the name “Highlander” included in their marketing and technical presentations when reciting segment target data.
USB Heated Slippers Review
Forget that tie or bottle of aftershave. What you should have gotten him are these USB-powered heated slippers from USBfever.com.
2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid
This week’s Wednesday Walkaround takes place on a brisk 15 degree (F) day in Dearborn, Mich. as we check out the all-new 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid. (Click on the image for video) UPDATED with review!
Lexus IS F: Fast, Fun, Fierce!
“Military Intelligence” seems to have been the poster child for oxymoron for as long as I can remember. Since entering automotive journalism prior to the end of the last millennium I have had extreme difficulty using the words “Lexus” and “performance” to describe each other as well. Not anymore. Seriously … stop laughing. While Lexus has been giving the European luxury sedan segment fits for the past couple of decades, they have won many battles but fell short of winning the war. This may change things. Toyota’s luxury division has unleashed a new weapon – codename “F” – in hopes…
2009 Toyota Venza
This week’s Wednesday Walkaround features a look at the all-new 2009 Toyota Venza. Is it a car? Is it an SUV? Is it the new Camry station wagon?
2009 Nissan 370Z
(Click on image to see video) We got to spend a little time behind the wheel of the all-new 2009 Nissan 370Z on its Dallas stop during the national Follow the Nissan Z Tour making its way across country since the car’s debut at the LA Auto Show. While having the larger 3.7-liter V-6 engine first used in the Infiniti G37 Coupe last year, we really liked the new styling and the new SynchroRev Match technology that automatically serves up throttle blips during downshifts with the six-speed manual gearbox, a first for the industry. We did not have any time…
The Pony rides again – 2010 Ford Mustang
The LA Auto Show is the backdrop for the newest Pony Car as the world is introduced to the 2010 Ford Mustang.
Houdini Tool – the Automotive Escape Device
When it comes to escaping from a wrecked vehicle or one submerged in water, you don’t dare lose a minute. With two new automotive Houdini Tools introduced by Houdini™, Inc., you can put your fears to rest.
Dodge Ram vs. Ford F-150: Round two
Even before my Oct. 23 AutoworldToday hit the newsstands, controversy was brewing over which new pickup can lay claim to being the best. Our review looked at the 2009 versions of the Dodge Ram and Ford F-150 half-ton trucks, each completely made over from the ground up. As I was preparing that piece for the print edition, press releases began flooding electronic mailboxes from the Dodge and Ford marketing divisions, who were apparently burning the midnight oil following the Texas Auto Writers’ annual Texas Truck Rodeo Oct. 17-19.
2008 Honda Accord Coupe – Who says reliable can’t be fun?
What better way to celebrate 25 years of manufacturing cars in America than with an all-new version of your best-selling model. Honda North America did just that.
The Ford Rouge Factory Tour: Featuring the 2009 F-150
Last week I had the opportunity to not only take the all new 2009 F-150 for several grueling test drives, I also got to see its creation from the frame up. Grinding Gears editor David Goodspeed and I met with other journalists at the Ford Rouge Plant in Dearborn, Michigan. Our day started at the Henry Ford Rouge Factory Tour…
2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS550: The four-door sport coupe
Coupe: Stylish, sporty two-door presentation by automakers, designed to energize sales and attract drivers passionate about the motoring experience. Saloon (sedan): Usually upright, boxy styling on four-door platform, rarely evoking enthusiasm or excitement, suitable for family transportation. CLS550: unique synthesis of the two.
Wednesday Walkaround: Most capable 2009 Ford F-150
OK, granted it is now Friday, but we could not bring you the entire story of the all-new Ford F-150 before today due to embargo restrictions. The GearDiary team of Judie Lipsett and David Goodspeed spent two days in Michigan for a first-hand, full-tilt experience with the latest version of the world’s best-selling vehicle.
Wednesday Walkaround: 2009 Dodge Challenger SRT8
This is the one I have been waiting for – and I was not disappointed! Click on image for video walkaround. UPDATED: Review now posted.
The 2009 GM Collection Event at Texas Motor Speedway
This week I had the opportunity to spend a day at the Texas Motor Speedway test driving 2009 GM Collection. There were so many gorgeous and impressive vehicles present, I would be hard pressed to say which was my favorite; but of course I had one…
M3 vs. C63: Battle of the Bavarian supermodels!
Despite the uncertain state of fuel prices and overall economy, there are still a few who place “fun” above “sensible” when making a new car purchase. We recently got to test a pair of German imports aimed at that extreme side of the “fun” factor: a BMW M3 sedan and Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG sedan.
2009 Suzuki Equator and Grand Vitara
UPDATED WITH REVIEWS: Special Wednesday Walkaround: Two new models coming from American Suzuki – the all-new 2009 Equator pickup and the refreshed 2009 Grand Vitara. Suzuki hosted this press launch in the Texas Hill Country at the historic Knibbe Ranch. Click on image for video.