Auto News & New car review

Since 1962, the Pontiac Grand Prix has been a family-size car with custom-car styling and a performance-car attitude. The first two generations of Grand Prix were big cars, too, even by 1960s standards. For 1969, the Grand Prix shrank to mid-size, but its theme of dramatic style continues to today. Pontiac released the best Grand Prix yet as a 2004 model, made it even better in 2006 with the addition of V8 power, and has kept a good thing going for 2007.

The Grand Prix is fun to drive in the twisties yet it’s practical: You can stuff a nine-foot kayak into it and still close the trunk.

For 2007, detail improvements include a standard power driver seat and more standard features for the topline GXP model. Those features include leather/suede upholstery, heated front seats, and a front passenger seat that folds flat. Read the rest of this entry »

The full-size SUV, species Gigantus Utilitas Amnericanus, stands like a mighty and proud American Bison. The even-toed ungulate’s wet nose nervously sniffs the threatening winds of change that blows across the prairie and buffets its coarse brown mane. For now, the herd stands proud and strong in suburban habitats. But today the mighty beast catches the scent of three long rifle-wielding predators: Panic, Price and Patriotism. Squarely in their sights stands the Ford Expedition King Ranch Edition. Read the rest of this entry »

The Audi A5 and the performance-oriented Audi S5 are Audi’s first mid-size coupes in more than a decade, larger than the TT which offers a token rear seat only in coupe form. The A5 is built on a new structure that also forms the basis for the next generation A4 sedan.

A distinctive shape identifies the A5 and S5 models from virtually any angle, with flowing curves bringing some musculature to Audi’s sleek, aerodynamic forms and arresting light patterns. From dead behind there’s slight chance of mistaking it for a British GT car, but from any other angle it’s unmistakably Audi. Read the rest of this entry »

Euro NCAP today releases results for its assessment of the modified Nissan Navara. The upgraded car has achieved three stars for adult occupant protection. After Euro NCAP’s earlier tests highlighted serious safety concerns, Nissan promptly modified all new production vehicles and initiated a Service Campaign to upgrade the airbag software of all Navaras produced since 2005. Read the rest of this entry »

We could name a number of midsize, import-badge sedans that ride comfortably and quietly, handle responsively, and offer an optional V6 that provides ample power for passing. All feature roomy, nicely appointed cabin space, and all represent good value in the family-car market.

Mitsubishi Galant does all that, but offers sharp styling, the kind that turns heads in traffic. Not everyone will like what they see, but none of them will accuse the Galant of being a wallflower. Read the rest of this entry »

Peugeot is recalling 240,000 of its 307 models in Europe due to a problem with the anti-lock braking system (ABS) and electronic stability programme (ESP) functions. A Peugeot spokesman said 80,000 of the models affected are in Germany, but could not confirm if models were outside Germany. Read the rest of this entry »

The Lexus IS 300 stuffs snappy performance and superior quality into a sassy compact four-door sedan. It’s the enthusiast’s choice among the more affordable cars in the Lexus stable and, inside and out, it looks like nothing else in the lineup.

The Lexus IS 300 is comparably priced with the more conservative Lexus ES 330, but is targeted toward a younger audience. While the ES 330 uses a V6 and front-wheel drive, the IS 300 uses an inline-6 and rear-wheel drive. The ES is smooth and sophisticated; the IS is hip and aggressive. With 215-horsepower, rear-wheel drive and road-hugging handling, the IS 300 is an alternative to the benchmark BMW 3 Series and Nissan G35. The SportCross sport wagon brings practicality to the mix. Read the rest of this entry »