America is unlike any other country on the planet, larger than most and with the most diversified population. Why do you think they call us the “melting pot”? This diversity is for certain, but another thing that makes America unique is their taste in vehicles. Unlike many countries around the world, the United States seems to enjoy riding high, while having the luxury of a car-like ride. Seems counter-intuitive, as those that like riding high go for trucks and those that want a smooth and cushy ride opt for sedans. Yet, the crossover, or CUV, has become a bigger hit than the Whopper and that’s mighty impressive.
Nissan has come to the table a tad late, but they have made up for their tardiness with a pleasant all-rounder: the Rogue. It blended Murano style with smaller proportions and, for some, it worked. Now, three years later, Nissan has revamped the Rogue in the hopes of garnering strong sales before a major refresh is in order.
More details on the 2011 Nissan Rogue after the jump.
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Dodge has just added a new entry-level model to their Ram line-up. Typically, automakers try to outshine each other with plenty of gizmos and gadgets to warrant a heftier price tag and a power struggle between them. However, Dodge has taken an entirely different route with this new model, whose name has yet to be decided upon. For now, Dodge is choosing to call the new and affordable Ram by its code name "Adventurer." This new model was produced and targeted for the first time truck buyer who doesn’t want to settle for mediocrity. Dodge figures the Tradesman is sure to be a success so why not offer another low budget truck for the masses to swallow up whole.
"We know we have the formula right," said Ram Truck President and CEO Fred Diaz. "Now we just need a great name that promotes pride of ownership. This new Ram model will be an attractive alternative for a younger or first-time buyer looking for performance at an affordable price. Case in point, it will have more horsepower and a lower base price than our competitors’ entry-level performance cars with the added benefit of versatility and capability."
In terms of power, Dodge has promised that the new "Adventurer" will borrow the same formula from the highly acclaimed 2011 Ram Tradesman recently revealed at the Chicago Show. This means we should expect to see a 5.7-liter V8 engine with an output of 390 horsepower and 407 lb.-ft. of torque tucked neatly underneath the truck’s massive hood.
The Dodge Ram 1500 "Code Name: Adventurer" will go on sale in the second quarter of 2011 at a bargain price of $23,830.
Hit the jump to read more about the Dodge Ram 1500 "Code Name: Adventurer".
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For every pencil pusher and paper shuffler sitting in a cubicle is a sweat-producing, muscle-flexing worker with plenty of equipment to tote around to their various projects. These blue-collar workers have places to go and Dodge has created a new entry-level model to make the commute that much easier. The new Dodge Ram Tradesman is an affordable option with a starting price of $22,780 with sales beginning in the second quarter of 2011.
Available in either regular cab short-bed (6 ft., 4 in.) and long-bed (8 ft.) models, the Tradesman comes with a choice of 4x2 or 4x4 powertrains, a bright chrome grille, 17" painted wheels, and numerous interior and exterior updates.
"The Ram Tradesman is named for — and aimed at — the heart of our business," said Fred Diaz, President and CEO, Ram Truck Brand, Chrysler Group LLC. "This is a hard-working truck for hard-working people. Durability, reliability and value for the money are the top three considerations for our customers. Their truck is the most important tool they own and one they’ll use every day. The Ram Tradesman is a truck they can depend on."
Hit the jump to read more about the Dodge Ram Tradesman.
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The sixth generation of Volkswagen’s small family car was only unveiled a short time ago at the 2010 Chicago Auto Show, but the German automaker has already found a way to persuade more money out of the wallets of potential Jetta owners with a new version of the vehicle. The 2011 Chicago Auto Show has welcomed the Volkswagen Jetta GLI, a new model that will be offered in three trim levels: base GLI, GLI Autobahn, and GLI Autobahn with Navigation.
The base model will feature a sportier look, a performance-oriented interior, better performance, and an impressive list of standard equipment. The GLI Autobahn then adds 18-inch alloy wheels, a sunroof, dual-zone climate control, heated V-Tex leatherette seats, and a Fender-branded audio system. Claim the top-of-the-line GLI and you’ll get all of that plus Volkswagen’s RNS-315 navigation system, keyless entry, and push-button start.
Sales for the Jetta GLI will begin in Spring 2011 with prices starting at $23,495. The GLI Autobahn’s goodies will increase the price to $25,545, while the GLI Autobahn with Navigation is priced at $26,445. The extra $10,000 added to the GLI model may scare some potential owners from looking further, but this version may just have enough style and technology to fully make up for the extra bills.
Hit the jump to read more about the 2012 Volkswagen Jetta GLI.
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Mini has released many new models in the past two years, but its bread and butter has always been the Cooper and it still remains a high priority. Updates to the Mini Cooper have been coming steadily every year since day one. The R50 Cooper that started the revival for the company in the United States was utilitarian compared to these new models and had left much to be desired.
For 2011, the car receives some minor updates that will help keep it viable until a replacement model is introduced. Refinement is the one word that we would use to describe the new model and that does not mean it is as refined as its BMW cousins, just refined enough for a Mini. The refresh may only be minor, but it is helpful to this car in every way.
Hit the jump for more details on the 2011 Mini Cooper.
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