Driven: 2010 Acura RDX
Cutting through marketing hype, the Acura RDX is one of relatively few crossover vehicles that actually do feel like agile sport sedans—especially if you'd like to keep the price well under $40k. That is, provided you're one of those people who won't consider wagons like the BMW 328i Sport Wagon, Cadillac CTS Wagon, or upcoming Acura TSX Sport Wagon. Both the BMW X3 and Audi Q5 are both well over the $40k mark after you add just an option or two. The Mazda CX-7 is one of them; Mitsubishi's upcoming Outlander GT also looks like the real thing. But other than that, if you want a vehicle that's luxurious, too, your only two choices are the Infiniti EX35 and the Acura RDX.
The Acura RDX is the older design of these two; it's already been on sale in the U.S. for three years, but it still manages to look quite fresh. And thanks to some subtle changes for 2010, it's been updated nevertheless. For 2010, the RDX gets its own version of Acura's controversial grills, along with new bumper fascias, slightly different headlight and taillight designs, new exhaust tips, and satin brightwork throughout. Inside, the RDX gets a similar touch-up, with new ambient footwell lighting, a compass, a pull handle for the hatch, automatic headlamps, USB connectibity, and an XM satellite radio Note function for the sound system. Plus, there are some improvements to interior storage.
Of note for 2010 is that the RDX is now offered for the first time in a front-wheel drive model—which costs $2,000 less and gets 2 mpg better both in the city and on the highway, for EPA estimates of 19/24 mpg.
We, however, just got a follow-up drive in an all-wheel-drive 2010 Acura RDX, loaded with the Tech Package and pricing out at $38,430.
First impressions? The engine—2.3-liter i-VTEC turbocharged four-cylinder, making 240 horsepower—initially gives no hints (except if you spot the boost gauge in the dash) that it's the only turbocharged one in Honda/Acura's U.S. lineup, and the first for the automaker to ever bring to this market. It settles into an isolated, distant purr that's worthy of a luxury vehicle.
Spy Shots: 2010 BMW 5-Series
This week's multi-car ride-and-drive in the 2010 BMW X6 M and the 2010 BMW 5-Series GT leaves us wondering, when the sedan version of the new BMW 5-Series might finally break cover? With the latest spy shots making the round at Motor Authority, it seems a 2009 Frankfurt auto show appearance for the 5er is a strong possibility.
The new 5-Series should arrive in Europe by the end of the year, and in the U.S. by early 2010. Sporting a new exterior shape that tones down some of the Bangle-era excesses, it's being preceded to market by the controversial GT fastback--and probably will not be offered as a traditional station wagon in the U.S. as a result.
The four-door version gets a fairly heavy reworking in the new generation. New sheetmetal wraps around the turbocharged 4.4-liter V-8 in one model, while twin-turbo six-cylinders, diesels and an M5 version are all in the works. A six-speed manual and a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox are the most likely transmissions on the order sheet, while an eight-speed automatic with manual shift mode also could be offered.
The new 5-Series will get lots of composite and aluminum body pieces to reduce its curb weight and to improve the distribution of that weight. A front strut/multi-link rear suspension will ensure good handling as always, and high-performance and M5 editions should get even stricter weight-reducing measures.
[Motor Authority: Spy Shots: 2010 BMW 5-Series Interior]
This story originally appeared at The Car Connection
2013 BMW 1-Series: Coupe, Cabrio and More
BMW isn't alone in planning big for a sales rebound in North America: Porsche, Audi, Volkswagen and Mercedes are banking on America and Canada and Mexico to kick in big profits again, someday. But BMW is approaching things a little differently--in part, by plotting a major expansion of North American production and in tandem, a big expansion of its 1-Series lineup.
Today BMW builds two-door coupe and convertible and hatchback versions of the 1-Series; the U.S. gets only the coupe and convertible. That could change with the 2013 BMW 1-Series, which could add sedan, wagon and crossover models as well as a spin-off 2012 Z2 sportscar, according to colleagues at Motor Authority.
The Z2 seems a natural for production, with sportscars approaching a moment of green reckoning: both Porsche and Audi are said to be planning entry-level, four-cylinder roadsters right in step with BMW.
Powertrains for the next-gen 1-Series will likely include small four-cylinders from 1.3 to 2.0 liters, with and without turbocharging. A return of the 3.0-liter six, with and without twin turbos, is also likely, since those models are essential for competition in the luxury-minded U.S. market. Diesels are part of the plan as well, Motor Authority reports.
The first of the new BMW 1-Series vehicles should arrive in European markets in 2011, which likely means a 2013 model year stamp in America.
This story originally appeared at The Car Connection
BMW Guilt-Trips Employees Into Buying BMWs
Maybe we're too sensitive, but if we found this slapped on our windshield, we'd feel a little intimidated: "What's wrong here? You like working with us. You appreciate your job and income. But you drive a vehicle from a competitor." And yet, that's exactly what 7,000 German BMW employees saw written on a flier attached to their non-BMW vehicles. Company spokesman Alexander Bilgeri laughed it off, insisting that no one would be fired if they don't buy a BMW. "It's a totally normal marketing program." His personal assistant then shouted, "I know nothing. NOTHING!" and waddled from the room.
[Bloomberg via MotorAuthority]
This story originally appeared at The Car Connection
2010 BMW 5-Series GT: More Photos, More Details
We've shown you photos of the Geneva motor show concept--now, the 2010 BMW 5-Series GT has been confirmed in a raft of new photos and releases that detail its engine and features for the first time.
Visually, the 2010 5-Series GT is virtually identical to that Geneva concept. It's a striking, controversial blend of wagon, SUV and fastback cues. The 5-Series GT takes a niche between the 2009 BMW 7-Series and theX6 and X5 utility vehicles, and takes its interior cuesa from those cars, too, with a warmer interior than we're used to seeing from BMW of late.
The chief powertrains for U.S.-bound GTs is BMW's 4.4-liter twin-turbo V-8, with 400 horsepower and a new eight-speed automatic transmission. BMW promises 0-60 mph times of 5.4 seconds and a limited top speed of 130 mph, with a 150-mph top end on vehicles outfitted with a Sport package. A braking-energy regeneration system turns dissipated heat into additional power for the alternator. It's an all-independent suspension, with plenty of electronic assistance--there's Active Steering, Dynamic Damping Control, adaptive roll control and Driving Dynamics Control, to tailor the driving experience for different tastes.
The 2010 5-Series GT is fitted with a flexible interior, an elevated seating position and a second-row seat that moves fore and aft on a track up to 4 inches, as passenger and cargo needs change. The back seats also fold out of the way for 58 cubic feet of stow space, and can fold individually for split cargo/passenger room. The tailgate opens as a conventional trunklid or as a large hatch, making cargo loading easier.
Standard safety features will include front, side and curtain airbags; anti-lock brakes, stability and traction control; Brake Standby and Brake Drying, which are said to improve stopping performance; and wheels and tires in 18-, 19-, and 20-inch sizes that can be ordered as run-flat tires. BMW Assist and accident notification hardware is also included.
Features include adaptive headlights with automatic high beams; park-distance control; and dynamic cruise control. A navigation system is offered, as is a music hard drive and satellite radio; Active Steering and Adaptive Drive are options, along with a luxury rear-seat package and a premium audio package; a rearview camera; soft-closing doors and a power liftgate; active ventilated seats; a cold-weather package; and night vision and a head-up display.
Stay with TheCarConnection.com as we cover the 5er GT from the 2009 Frankfurt Auto Show, and as we put the 2010 BMW 5-Series GT through its paces later this year.
This story originally appeared at The Car Connection
Lexus 1-Series: Europe-Only, Hybrid Only?
Lexus has repeatedly refused to market a model below the $30,000 price point in the U.S., effectively saying it's beneath the brand. But in Europe, where luxury knows no bounds, extending well into the compact segment, a small and somewhat less-expensive model may be a key element in becoming competitive with the likes of Audi, BMW and Mercedes-Benz.
Perhaps that's why new reports are saying Lexus is developing a Euro-only model to fight it out with the Audi A3 and the BMW 1-series.
Toyota exec Tokuichi Uranishi revealed that Lexus could develop a new entry-level model for Europe to help reach its European sales target of 150,000 vehicles by 2015. The existence of a Europe-only small car plan was also confirmed last year by Lexus' Australian chief John Roca.
The UK's Top Gear is now reporting that Lexus will have a concept version of its 1-Series rival on show at September's Frankfurt Motor Show, ahead of a market launch due sometime next year. One major difference from the 1-Series it's targeting, however, is that the new Lexus model is expected to be a dedicated hybrid based on the 2010 Toyota Prius.
Designed to compete with Germany's highly efficient four-cylinder diesel lineup, the new car will be a compact hatchback with front-wheel drive and should be priced below the current Lexus IS 220D. How much it will have in common with the 2010 Lexus HS 250h remains unsaid.
[TopGear]
This story originally appeared at The Car Connection
9 Cars for Artfully Dodging the Recession
Mega-bonuses have dried up, McMansions are going empty, and three-car garages and credit cards can no longer be obtained on request. Jeez, this recession sure doesn't feel as much fun as Fox, CNN and the New York Times make it out to be.
Like us, you may have always dreamed of owning a new BMW, or Benz, or maybe even a Tesla. Dreams are nice, aren't they? Like ponies and cupcakes. They are not practical road maps to the future, however, and as the adults in this room, it's our sworn duty to calmly suggest you consider a Plan B at this moment in history. If you're in the market for a new car--and some of you still are--it's the perfect time to maximize the value in your next car while minimizing the chance your children will have to be homeschooled in its back seat.
The millions of new-car shoppers out there are in luck. The cut-rate prices on the current Golden Age of New Cars means you can have your pick of beautiful, capable, safe and relatively inexpensive vehicles without the usual ConEdison-level sticker shock. Cars like the Hyundai Genesis, Honda Accord and Ford Flex give off the sparks normally reserved for much pricier machines, if not the full-tilt image makeover.
So while our men and women in Washington keep giving us reason to use "teabagging" in polite conversation, let us recommend to you these nine "Plan B" cars, so you can hang on to your remaining dignity while the meltdown rolls on: Read more
Usain Bolt and BMW M3: "Love at First Sight"
That's how BMW says the world record-smashing sprinter described his first experience with a BMW M3 in his native Jamaica. And now Bolt's No. 1 sponsor--sportswear maker PUMA--is shipping him his very own black M3. The vehicle is set to arrive before Christmas in Kingston, Jamaica.
Usain Bolt always admired his uncle's BMW, never missing the chance for a ride when he was a kid. And the 22-year-old just got a chance in the driver's seat with a professional BMW instructor, driving at the vehicle's limit through winter conditions at the BMW Vehicle Test Facility in Aschheim, near Munich.
Bolt toured BMW Velt where Ian Robertson (member of the board of management of BMW AG) and Dr. Kay Segler (head of region importers, BMW Group) showed him the entire BMW portfolio. Bolt, who's keen on anything with fleet performance, was said to be particularly impressed with BMW motorcycles and the M3.--Colin Mathews
---
Make sure you check out our partner sites dedicated to focused news, reviews and more for Ford, Chevrolet, Toyota, Honda, and the Toyota Prius.
This story originally appeared at The Car Connection
