Lexus RX450h hybrid and Cadillac CTS Sport Wagon
Not too long ago a hybrid gas electric vehicle was viewed as some sort of science experiment. Fast-forward a decade and hybrid vehicles are now all the rage and moving into the premium segment. Lexus was one of the pioneers in offering a hybrid in its line-up of luxury vehicles so it was only natural for Lexus to offer a hybrid version of its popular RX350 SUV in the form of the RX450h hybrid.
Style-wise, the RX450h is almost indistinguishable from its gasoline-powered sibling, the RX350. Only a trained eye will spot the hybrid’s specific styling cues, such as the unique wheel design, subtle blue hybrid badging and light blue tinted tail lamp lenses. A cool exterior feature is the available LED headlamps that give the RX450h a high-tech appearance. Read more
Crossovers
Lately, there’s been quite a bit of hype about crossover utility vehicles (CUVs). Are you wondering what the difference between a CUV and an SUV is? Crossovers like the Ford Flex, Mazda CX-7, Jeep Compass and the soon-to-be-released Toyota Venza offer utility in a five-door body style, with handling dynamics that feel very much like a car. Shared machinery includes the chassis, power train and key components. Front-wheel-drive is usually standard, with all-wheel-drive available. Some CUVs, like the Toyota Venza, offer additional SUV-like ground clearance, sans the bulky look. Read more
Lexus IS F – Lexus from the dark side!
Those unaccustomed to the ISF should beware of the beast within. Armed with some serious artillery, the IS F delivers devastating performance!
It’s common knowledge that the German car companies rule the mega horsepower roost with machinery sporting acronyms like AMG by Mercedes, M from BMW and RS from the house of Audi. These bad boys are constantly battling for power supremacy with their steroid induced, four-door sedans and coupes. Their performance matches or exceeds many exotic super cars.
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Audi S5: Add in a V8 with Some Bad Attitude
The mild mannered svelte A5 Coupe transforms into the menacing S5. Setting the Audi apart from the premium coupe segment is a distinctively delicious shape and high-style that puts the S5 on another level.
It’s been a long time coming, but Audi’s new A5 Coupe is a stunner – inside and out. Its graceful, muscular lines grab attention, whether it’s parked or in motion.
Credit has to be given to Audi’s stylists for coming up with a shape that is elegant yet powerful. While Audi’s main competitors, BMW and Mercedes, have had the premium coupe market to themselves for quite a while, they now have to content with the newly minted S5. Read more
Going Hybrid – Lower Pollution and Less Fuel Stops
Open any automotive publication or read any auto industry news and the one underlying theme seems to be either fuel cell vehicles or hybrid vehicles. Right now, gas electric hybrids rule, due to their wide availability and user-friendliness. Why hybrid, you ask? Currently, this is the only cost-efficient technology that works by taking into account practicality, cost and buyer acceptance, if you want your ride to reduce its carbon footprint!
Here’s a little insight into hybrid vehicles: either one or two types of power plants are used to power the vehicle, hence the term hybrid. Currently for sale in our marketplace are gas electric hybrids. These primarily use a gasoline engine that provides power to move the vehicle, and also doubles as a generator to power an electric motor, or to charge up the high-voltage batteries. Read more
NISSAN MURANO – Murano Part II offers more style and sophistication
It seems that most vehicle launches are dominated by a new breed of crossover vehicles. Upon us is the new, second generation Nissan Murano. The current model that was launched five years ago made a huge impact with its futuristic organic styling. Buyers responded enthusiastically as can be seen by the popularity of the Murano. Not wanting to mess with a good thing, Nissan took the cautious route and gave the 2009 Murano an evolutionary styling makeover that is still very recognizable. Most distinctive is the wide front grille, Read more
2007 Vehicle Headliners
Look back and discover 2007’s notable entries from a few auto manufacturers.
The big news from Toyota in early 2007 was the launch of its full-size Tundra pickup that finally made it a legitimate player in the half-ton segment. There was no mistaking it: the gargantuan exterior put the Tundra shoulder-to-shoulder with the established brands in the field, which include the Chevy Silverado, Ford F-150, Dodge Ram and Nissan Titan. Backing up the handsome and butch-like styling is considerable firepower under the hood. How does 381-horsepower from the high-tech 5.7-litre motor that easily shames most high-performance cars through the quarter mile sound? But most impressive is its 10,000-pound towing capability. Read more
AUDI TT evolves in size and power but still very recognizable
The new 2008 Audi TT has retained the styling essence of the original but moved up in size and refinement.
It’s hard to believe that an all-new Audi TT is among us, as the freshness of the original model still lingers. Manufactured in Hungary, the new 2008 TT is distinguished by new familiar styling on a lightweight aluminum space frame construction, balanced handling and powerful power trains.
When Audi introduced the first generation TT in 1998, the swoopy chopped roof profile caused a major sensation in automotive design. Heads would do a double take wherever the TT was spotted. Its brilliant design has such classic lines that Audi wisely chose to offer continuity by evolving the lines to reflect a more modern look. Those with an eye for design will likely Read more
Acura RDX: An Urban SUV for the Sporty Set
Lately there has been a buzzword circulating around the automotive world – crossover vehicles. What are these crossovers, you ask? Essentially, crossovers are SUVs based on car platforms. These crossovers, when compared to a conventional SUV like a Ford Explorer, offer a lighter weight, car-like ride, handling and performance, better fuel economy and improved interior packaging while still looking tough! The downside is diminished rugged off-road capability and less towing capacity.
Those looking for a compact sporty SUV with a premium nameplate have another choice to look at in the form of the new RDX from Acura. Joining Acura’s lineup of vehicles is the compact RDX that is positioned below the larger MDX SUV. When looking at the RDX in person Read more
