Auto News & New car review

The Acura RL receives a host of changes for the 2009 model year, but the most recognizable one is its new front end, which takes on the shield theme the automaker uses on its MDX luxury SUV. It’s a distinctive look for sure, but I’m not convinced it’ll resonate with luxury sedan buyers. Read the rest of this entry »

If Lexus gave out awards to its own cars, the second-generation IS unveiled at Geneva would certainly garner the company’s Most Significant trophy, just as it scored the coveted AutoWeek hardware (AW, March 14) of the same name. Forget about a Formula One-inspired, six-figure supercar in the vein of the LF-A concept shown at Detroit (AW, Jan. 17). Build such a bank breaker and the Jay Lenos of the world will undoubtedly come, but the IS will serve as Lexus’ Sherpa. It needs to carry the company’s new look, new mechanicals and hoped-for buffed image up the mountain that forms the ultra-competitive entry-level luxury sport sedan segment. Read the rest of this entry »

Entering each new season in motorsport, BMW feels new and fresh ambition, query formally proven recipes for success, and focus on new records and outstanding achievements. And precisely this also applies to the debut of the new BMW M3. Having completed its test cycle with flying colors, the new high-performance sports car from BMW M GmbH is ready and waiting to take over pole position. Indeed, with its superior power, performance and dynamism, the new BMW M3 ensures truly unique sheer driving pleasure of the highest caliber. Read the rest of this entry »

As part of the CAP 2010 project and the acceleration of the Marque’s product offer, Mr Jean-Philippe Collin, Director General of Automobiles Peugeot, announced today at the Lisbon Motor Show that the RC Z Concept Car will be going into full production. Read the rest of this entry »

Volkswagen famously got into a game it didn’t know how to play a few years ago when it debuted the Phaeton luxury sedan with a big price tag, putting it into a segment it didn’t have a place in. Minivans are actually a VW trademark, with the iconic Microbus and even the Eurovan in the 21st century. The Routan hopes to reclaim the minivan mantle for the company, but it looks to be not much more than a Chrysler underneath the skin. Read the rest of this entry »

In 2008 Audi continues by introducing a mid-sized “coupe” model for the very first time. According to those familiar with the program the debut will take place at the 2008 Geneva Motor Show with the vehicle — to be named the Audi A7 — going on sale for model year 2009 in Europe and shortly thereafter in calendar 2009 in North America. Read the rest of this entry »

Business owners will have a fuel-efficient gasoline-powered option for delivery vans in 2009. The Ford Transit Connect has been on the scene in Europe for years, and the recent success of Dodge’s Sprinter in the states makes Ford’s Transit Connect a little more understandable. Read the rest of this entry »

Price, performance, and refinement aren’t always compatible attributes, but Acura has successfully combined all three in the Integra family of coupes and sedans. Smart-looking, comfortable, and fun to drive, any Integra represents a satisfying choice.

Our favorite is the GS-R: sport coupes don’t come much better than this. The GS-R makes any driver feel like a hero, almost anticipating your wishes, filling your senses with delicious sounds and seat-of-the-pants sensations. Open the throttle, and the twin-cam engine growls with authority and revs like there’s no tomorrow. Read the rest of this entry »

The Suzuki Equator midsize pickup trucks on display at the Chicago Auto Show are customized trucks, not the production versions that will arrive at Suzuki dealerships late this year. They do, however, exhibit the general shape of the truck, and it’s a reasonably nice looking pickup — even if it does look a lot like the Toyota Tacoma. Read the rest of this entry »

I had a chance to poke around the Yes! Roadster 3.2 Turbo at the Chicago Auto Show yesterday. First up: Get the headlights and taillights in black. One of the two display cars had them in black, but the other had them in silver. Up close, the silver ones’ molded backings look unfinished and almost tacky. Read the rest of this entry »