Variance

TCC Test: 2007 Mercedes-Benz E320 Bluetec It's no secret that most Americans are less than fond of diesels. Past U.S.-market diesels have been clattery, smoky and painfully slow compared to gas-powered counterparts, and U.S. diesel fuel has been sticky, stinky, harder to find and little (if any) cheaper than gasoline. Unless they've traveled to Europe lately, where quicker, quieter and nearly smokeless modern diesels have become more popular than gas burners due to their higher fuel economy and lower fuel taxes, they've had little reason to change that opinion. Until now. Read "2007 Mercedes-Benz E320 Bluetec: The world’s cleanest diesel, Benz promises" @ The Car Connection

Quintessential 80s: Nothing screams "80s" more, IMO. Or at least 80s exotic.

"Small"? Looks pretty big to me. Isn't this the biggest Hyundai passenger vehicle ever?

I'm sorry but I don't see a shred of Aura styling (wanna-be or otherwise) in that car.

Kind of puts me in mind of a four-door 350Z in exterior design. Interior design is pretty nice, too; it could put some of those from "premium" brands to shame.

Major Lexus IS vibe from the rear. Overall, the first small Hyundai I would actually consider to be not so cheap-looking.

It's pretty nice overall but I just think the taillights could've been better executed.

Ribbed...for no one's pleasure.

I cringe at the thought of what your insurance premiums must be like...

Spied: 2009 BMW 7-Series A more sedate 7? Read "Spied: 2009 BMW 7-Series prototype" @ Leftlane News Update at post #5.

Introducing the HUMMER First Responder Package DALLAS – In emergency response, every second counts. It’s why the nation’s first responders choose a vehicle that can get them to the scene of an emergency quickly and safely, regardless of the terrain or weather. It’s also why HUMMER is first on the scene for these brave men and women with the exclusive First Responder package on the capable, midsize H3. Between October 1 and December 31, 2006, when an active member of the fire and rescue community – volunteer or career firefighter or emergency response personnel associated with a fire association – purchases or leases a new HUMMER H3, the vehicle will include the HUMMER First Responder package at no additional cost. The HUMMER First Responder package includes the purchaser’s choice of either an emergency signal package from Whelen Engineering Inc. (whelen.com) or Federal Signal (federalsignal.com) valued at up to $2,500, or a black wraparound brushguard and lower grille-mounted off-road lights. According to the U.S. Fire Administration, 95 percent of the nation’s volunteer firefighters are in rural departments where the go-anywhere capability of the H3 combined with its size and efficiency makes the H3 the ideal emergency response vehicle. An example of the HUMMER H3 equipped with the First Responder package will be first shown to the emergency response community in the GM display at the Fire-Rescue International 2006 show, September 15-16, 2006, in Dallas. Roughly the same length as a midsize family sedan, H3 delivers HUMMER’s best-in-class all-terrain capability, like the ability to ford two feet of water or climb a 16-inch obstacle. And with a responsive 242-horsepower Vortec inline five-cylinder engine, turning radius comparable to a compact sedan and fuel economy ratings as high as 20 miles per gallon, the H3 comfortably navigates city traffic making it just as refined on-road, as it is capable off-road. About HUMMER HUMMER is a division of General Motors Corp. (NYSE: GM), the world’s largest vehicle manufacturer, which employs about 321,000 people globally. HUMMER is one of the nation’s fastest growing truck brands, with a product line-up that consists of the H2, H2 SUT, H3 and the H3 x. There are 173 HUMMER dealers nationwide. Source: General Motors

Pricing: 2007 Acura MDX TORRANCE, Calif. 09/15/1906 -- Acura today announced pricing of the all-new 2007 MDX seven-passenger luxury performance SUV. Making its debut next month at Acura dealerships on October 17th, the 2007 MDX will have a manufacturer's suggested retail price starting at $39,995. Track-tuned at the famed Nurburgring racetrack in Germany, the MDX is poised to once again set the benchmark in the luxury SUV segment. Featuring Acura's most powerful engine in its history, a 3.7-liter VTEC® V-6 engine coupled with the innovative Super Handling All-Wheel Drive™ system (SH-AWD™), the MDX pushes the limits of SUV performance while retaining the functionality currently enjoyed by the award-winning first generation MDX. The best-in-class engine produces 300 horsepower at 6000 rpm and 275 lbs-ft of torque at 5000 rpm making it competitive with many V-8 engines without sacrificing fuel economy or low emissions. A new 5-speed automatic transmission with Sequential SportShift and an available Active Damper System sport suspension is designed to satisfy the most performance-oriented drivers. "The 2007 MDX gives Acura its most powerful lineup ever," said Dick Colliver, executive vice president sales. "With its track-tuned development, bold styling and cutting-edge technology coupled with generous SUV utility, the MDX skillfully balances performance with functionality." The MDX offers a comprehensive list of standard electronic and convenience features that clearly put it ahead of the competition. The MDX is equipped with a tri-zone automatic climate control system with humidity control, the HandsFreeLink™ wireless telephone interface, a 253-watt, 8-speaker Acura Premium Sound System with a multi-format 6-disc changer, XM® Satellite Radio and a convenient MP3/auxiliary input jack for connecting personal audio players. The MDX's class-leading performance and cutting edge technology complements its state-of-the-art safety features. An Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) body structure enhances passenger protection by helping to absorb and disperse the energy of a frontal impact while directing it around the passenger cabin to preserve the passenger space. It also helps to minimize misalignment in frontal collisions with vehicles of differing sizes, helping prevent override and enhancing the safety of passengers. Inside the MDX, a full complement of passive safety features are found, such as the latest generation of dual-stage, dual-threshold airbags for the driver and front passenger, side airbags for the driver and front passenger and side curtain airbags with a rollover sensor for all outboard occupants. While the MDX is generously equipped right from the start, it is also available with three option packages. Priced at $43,495, the MDX with Technology Package engages the tech-savvy buyer with a 10-speaker, 410-watt, Acura/ELS Surround® Premium Sound System engineered by legendary recording producer Elliot Scheiner to create an unmatched listening experience. In addition, the Technology Package also includes several visual and audio communications features such as the Acura Navigation System with Voice Recognition™ and rearview camera and the AcuraLink™ Satellite Communication System with Real Time Traffic. The MDX with Sport Package, priced at $45,595, includes all features found in the Technology Package. It also adds the breakthrough Active Damper System sport suspension, which gives the MDX outstanding levels of handling responsiveness while maintaining refined levels of ride comfort. Also included in the Sport Package is upgraded leather interior trim, a unique alloy wheel design, auto-leveling Xenon headlights and exclusive interior trim. The available Entertainment Package includes a factory installed DVD Rear Entertainment System along with a 110V outlet, heated second row seats and a remote-linked power operated tailgate, all of which can be added to the Technology Package or Sport Package for an additional $2,200. Based on a sales weighted average, pricing for the generously equipped 2007 MDX increases 6.17% or $2,546.50 when compared to the previous generation MDX. The all-new MDX offers a whole new level of luxury and provides additional standard equipment including Super Handling All-Wheel Drive ™ (SH-AWD™), a larger displacement engine, HandsFreeLink™, Tri-Zone climate control, in-dash 6 disc CD player, HID Xenon headlights and a host of others. In addition, the 2007 MDX is available with a substantially higher level of optional features. The destination and handling charge for all 2007 Acura vehicles is $670. For additional information about the new MDX and other Acura vehicles, please visit www.acura.com. For media inquiries and high resolution images of the MDX and other Acura vehicles, please visit www.acuranews.com. 2007 Acura MDX Pricing MDX: $39,995 MDX with Technology Package: $43,495 MDX with Technology and Entertainment Packages: $45,695 MDX with Sport Package (includes Technology Package features): $45,595 MDX with Sport and Entertainment Packages: $47,795 Destination and handling charge: $670 Source: American Honda

Pricing: Scion xA Release Series 3.0 September 15, 2006 – Torrance, CA - Scion, of Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc., announced today that the xA Release Series 3.0 will arrive at dealer showrooms beginning in October. The 2006 xA Release Series 3.0 will come in a stunning Stingray Metallic light blue exterior paint and offer unique exterior and interior enhancements. Standard features include front and rear KenStyle® ground effects, Release Series wheel covers, color-tuned seat fabric and a rear spoiler. This xA is also satellite-radio ready and comes with a paid three-month subscription to XM Radio, wherever XM service is available. A keyless Scion Security System with a radar intrusion sensor helps protect this highly-equipped xA. Individual numbered badging completes the uniqueness of this vehicle. Only 2,100 units of the xA Release Series 3.0 will be built. The xA Release Series 3.0 model will carry a manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) of $1,840 over the base price of the xA. The base MSRP for the xA starts at $12,780. Source: Toyota Motor Company

Kentucky-Fried Camry Number 5,000,000 to Roll Out September 15, 2006 – Georgetown, KY - Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Kentucky, Inc. (TMMK) is about to reach another milestone when the five-millionth Camry rolls off the assembly line during second shift production this Friday, September 15, 2006. TMMK is Toyota's largest manufacturing facility in North America and is celebrating its 20th Anniversary. The Camry, introduced in 1983 and first built in Kentucky in 1988, has been the number one selling sedan in America four years in a row and eight of the last nine. The all-new 2007 Camry is in its sixth generation and is being built in eight different plants around the world. Along with the Camry, TMMK also produces the Avalon sedan, Solara coupe and convertible, V6 and four-cylinder engines as well as engine components. To date, TMMK has produced a total of about 6.7 million vehicles. Groundbreaking for TMMK occurred in May 1986 with vehicle production starting up two years later (May 1988). TMMK has the capacity to produce 500,000 vehicles and engines annually. As one of the state's largest employers, TMMK represents a $5.4 billion investment with an annual payroll that exceeds $500 million. TMMK uses more than 350 suppliers across the U.S., including about 90 in Kentucky. Through this supplier network, nearly 35,000 jobs have been created across the state. TMMK will begin production of the 2007 Camry hybrid next month. It will be the first Toyota hybrid vehicle to be produced in North America. Source: Toyota Motor Company

2007 Sebring Production Starts Today The Chrysler Group today officially launched production of the all-new 2007 Chrysler Sebring Sedan at its Sterling Heights Assembly Plant (SHAP). The Chrysler Sebring Sedan represents Chrysler Group’s expanding Flexible Manufacturing Strategy (FMS) allowing the Company to bring its new vehicles to market more quickly and the assembly plants the ability to manufacture multiple products on one assembly line. Read "All New 2007 Chrysler Sebring Sedan Production Launched" @ World Car Fans

Oh Scheiße: DCX Forecasts Greater 3Q Losses Stuttgart, Sep 15, 2006 - DaimlerChrysler (stock exchange abbreviation DCX) lowered its operating profit forecast for full-year 2006 to be in the magnitude of €5 billion ($6.4 billion) based on an expected full-year operating loss of approximately €1.0 billion ($1.2 billion) for its Chrysler Group. Chrysler Group had earlier announced an anticipated operating loss of up to €0.5 billion ($0.6 billion) in the third quarter which is now expected to be at €1.2 billion ($1.5 billion). The Chrysler Group is facing a difficult market environment in the United States with excess inventory, non-competitive legacy costs for employees and retirees, continuing high fuel prices and a stronger shift in demand toward smaller vehicles. At the same time, key competitors have further increased margin and volume pressures – particularly on light trucks – by making significant price concessions. In addition, increased interest rates caused higher sales & marketing expenses. Chrysler Group will take additional production cuts in the third and fourth quarters to reduce dealer inventories and make way for its current product offensive. In the third quarter, the Chrysler Group was unable to follow customer demand with its existing product portfolio, as customers shifted towards smaller vehicles. However, in the second half of the year, the Chrysler Group will introduce a total of eight new vehicles, of which many are in the growing small vehicle segment. Like the Dodge Caliber, which was launched in second quarter 2006, the Jeep® Compass, Jeep Patriot and the new Chrysler Sebring are equipped with the fuel-efficient, 2.4 liter, four cylinder World Engine and offer better than 30 miles per gallon highway mileage. Also this year, the Chrysler Group will offer the smallest Dodge SUV in history, the Dodge Nitro as well as an all-new version of the quintessential Jeep Wrangler. After the anticipated loss of €1.2 billion ($1.5 billion) in the third quarter the Chrysler Group strives to achieve positive results in the fourth quarter. DaimlerChrysler is forecasting that the Chrysler Group will end 2006 as a whole with a loss in the magnitude of approximately €1 billion ($1.2 billion). Earnings development at the Mercedes Car Group, the Truck Group, Financial Services and Van, Bus, Other segment is fully in line with planning. As a result of this reassessment of the earnings situation at the Chrysler Group, the earnings forecast for the DaimlerChrysler Group must also be adjusted. DaimlerChrysler is now assuming that the operating profit for 2006 will be in the magnitude of €5 billion ($6.4 billion). This figure includes charges for the implementation of the new management model (€0.5 billion; $0.6 billion), the focus on the smart fortwo (€1 billion; $1.2 billion), the staff reductions at the Mercedes Car Group (€0.4 billion; $0.5 billion), as well as gains on the disposal of the off-highway business (€0.2 billion; $ 0.2 billion), on the sale of real estate no longer required for operating purposes (€0.1 billion; $0.1 billion) and the release of provisions for retirement-pension obligations (€0.2 billion; $0.2 billion). In its half-year report, EADS indicated that the review of the Airbus program could lead to a reduction of earnings. DaimlerChrysler’s updated earnings forecast does not yet include these potential effects on its earnings. In order to improve the earnings situation of the Chrysler Group as quickly, comprehensively and sustainably as possible, measures to increase sales and cut costs in the short term are being examined at all stages of the value chain, in addition to structural changes being reviewed as well. The positive development of volumes and earnings in Mexico and Canada as well as in other international markets also offer opportunities for further improvements. Source: DaimlerChrysler

Chinese Chery U.S. Debut Postponed Again Malcolm Bricklin once again has pushed back the entry date for the vehicles he wants to import to North America from Chinese automaker Chery — this time until late 2008 or early 2009. Bricklin, founder of Visionary Vehicles and onetime importer of the Yugo, originally laid out an aggressive timetable, saying the first Chery cars would reach the U.S. in early 2007. He has moved the date back several times since then, citing various reasons for the delays. This time, he claimed the Wuhu-based manufacturer couldn't meet his ambitious targets. Read "Bricklin Again Delays Chinese Imports" @ Edmunds

Edmunds Evaluation: 2006 Chevy Malibu SS The real question is whether the 2006 Malibu SS sedan is worthy of wearing those double-S badges. Like SS cars of the past, the 2006 Malibu SS sticks to a proven formula: Start with an affordable, high-volume car, and add mild suspension tweaks, special wheels and tires, a little extra motor (OK, a lot of motor if you're old enough to remember 409 Impalas and 396 Novas) and top the whole thing off with some exterior styling cues to set it apart from the grocery-getters and rental cars. Read "Hits the numbers" @ Edmunds

Edmunds Evaluation: 2007 Acura RDX Attenzione, per favore. While driving the all-new 2007 Acura RDX, we were listening to Italian language CDs. It might seem odd to be studying Italian while driving a Japanese SUV but we figured Honda is learning to speak a new language with its first turbocharged engine, so why shouldn't we? After one minute in the charismatic new RDX, we realized we should have been brushing up on our German. The RDX is a Japanese SUV, made for the American market, but it drives like a German sport sedan. When the RDX's turbocharger kicked in, we actually giggled in four languages. Read "Turbocharged language lessons" @ Edmunds

For Porsche's sake, I hope that is extra sheetmetal thrown on the rear to hide the true shape.

Spied: Porsche Panamera Yuck. Read "Porsche Panamera spied" @ Edmunds Straightline (See post #23 for update.)

Revealed: 2007 Hyundai Tiburon Our good buddy Dave Thomas over at Kicking Tires alerted us to the appearance of an official photo of the 2007 Tiburon that magically appeared today on Hyundai's media site. The pic appeared stag without any accompanying information, but we already know there will likely be no mechanical changes to the coupe, which means it will again be offered with either the 2.0-liter four-cylinder or 2.7-liter V6. However, Dave informs us that the 2007 Tib will receive a few new features like a standard tire-pressure monitoring system and available stability control. Read "2007 Hyundai Tiburon magically appears" @ Autoblog Update at post #14.

Wilkommen Wiesmann German coachbuilder Wiesmann is dramatically boosting production as it gears up for sales in the United States by 2010. “The decision has been taken,” company co-owner Martin Wiesmann told AutoWeek. “There is no elaborate plan yet. We won’t start our own dealer network, and we need partners." Read "Wild, Wild Wiesmann" @ Autoweek

Nissan Studying Anti-Drunk Driving Tech Nissan said it is considering installing a straw-like tube on the driver's seat which the driver would have to blow into to start the car. The engine would not start if the machine shows the driver is intoxicated. Nissan is also studying a device that requires drivers to enter personal identification numbers of many digits, which may be a difficult task if they are drunk, Nissan Motor Corp. spokeswoman Ikue Matsuura said. Read "Japan's Nissan to develop anti-drunk driving cars" @ Yahoo

Do you what you need to do, Northstar. Whatever can help you in your carrer and/or future should have greater priority over any brand bias.