Honda gave the Element a very mild restyle for 2009. Gone is the somewhat menacing grin from the front, and in its place is a happier look that’s more in line with its Pilot brother. It’s on sale today beginning at $20,175 for the 2009 Element 2WD LX.
The 2009 Element is powered by a 2.4-liter i-VTEC(R) 4-cylinder engine available with either a standard 5-speed manual transmission or an available 5-speed automatic transmission. The Element LX and EX continue to be available in two-wheel-drive and four-wheel-drive configurations, while the sport-tuned Element SC continues to be available exclusively in two-wheel-drive.
Press release after the jump.
> More
Chevrolet today announced pricing on the 2010 Camaro, with production scheduled to start in first quarter of 2009. Prices start from $22,995 MSRP for the V-6-powered LS model, and $30,995 for the V-8-powered Camaro SS (all prices include $750 destination charge).
The 3.6-liter V6 engine (used in the LS and LT trims) is rated at 300 hp and 273 lb.-ft. of torque. A six-speed manual transmission is standard with the 3.6-liter engine; a Hydra-Matic 6L50 electronically controlled six-speed automatic, with TAPshift control, is available. LS and LT models are estimated at 27 mpg in highway driving.
The Camaro SS is equipped with a 6.2-liter V-8, with a choice of a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission. Manual transmission-equipped models receive the Corvette-based LS3 engine, estimated at 422 hp and 408 lb.-ft. of torque. The automatic versions of the SS get the L99 V-8 engine (based on the LS3) rated at 400 horsepower delivers an estimated 23 mpg on the highway.
Press release after the jump.
> More
After yesterday’s announcement on better fuel economy, Ford released pricing on the 2009 F-150 pick-up that will go on sale this October. Prices start from $ 21,320 for the XL version and go up to $44,860 for the Platinum one.
Ford may be finding a tougher sale for large trucks in an economy that is been beaten by high gas prices. Like other truck makers in the industry, Ford hopes to spur sales through offering more options as standard equipment and better fuel economy.
Full pricing after the jump.
> More
Nissan announced US pricing on the 2009 Quest, a model that include new automatic door locks and a new Tuscan Sun exterior paint color.
The 2009 Quest is offered in four well-equipped models: Quest 3.5, 3.5 S, 3.5 SL and 3.5 SE – each equipped with standard 235-horsepower 3.5-liter V6 engine, 5-speed automatic transmission, responsive suspension design and numerous standard safety features. Prices start at a Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price of $25,950 for the Quest 3.5; $26,650 for Quest 3.5 S; $30,550 for Quest 3.5 SL; and $35,650 for Quest 3.5 SE.
Press release after the jump.
> More
Subaru has announced that the 2009 Impreza WRX will go on sale at a price under $25,000; meaning that the price will remain relatively unchanged considering the 2008 model is priced at $24,995.
The 2009 WRX features a new STI-type grille that carries the WRX badge. Both models -sedan and five-doors- get a sharpened new look from the standard Aero Package, which was formerly part of the optional WRX Premium Package. Both body styles also feature front and rear under-bumper spoilers and aerodynamic side ground effects. The sedan has a low-profile rear trunk spoiler, while the 5-Door adopts the WRX STI rear spoiler and a rear diffuser. The rear garnish panel between the light clusters is body color on the 5-Door and chrome on the sedan.
One of the most important updates to the WRX is a new, more powerful engine. One of the biggest criticisms of the new WRX when it debuted last year was that it had the same engine as the previous model. The new engine now produces 265 hp at 6,000 rpm and 244 lb.-ft. of peak torque at 4,000 rpm – significant increases from the 224 horsepower and 226 lb.-ft. in the 2008 version.
Toyota announced pricing for the 2009 RAV4 SUV. Set to go on sale in September, pricing will increase by $224 and will range from $21,500 for the Base grade front-wheel-drive with a four-cylinder engine to $27,810 for the Limited grade four-wheel-drive with a V6 engine.
For 2009, RAV4 adds an all-new 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that is more powerful and more fuel efficient than the previous 2.4-liter engine. In addition, all RAV4 models feature numerous interior upgrades and a stylish new Sport Appearance Package is available for the 4WD V6 model.
All RAV4 models provide enhanced safety and security with the addition of standard front seat active headrests and an engine immobilizer. Comfort, convenience and user technology are also significantly enhanced in 2009 RAV4 models. The Limited grade adds a new standard Smart Entry system that allows the driver to open the vehicle by simply carrying the key fob and grasping the door handle.
The Sport and Limited grades offer an available integrated backup camera linked to an electrochromic mirror. Integrated XM satellite radio is a new feature for 2009, and the Sport and Limited grades offer a new low-cost navigation system. All RAV4 models have new standard seat fabric, and the Sport grade exclusively offers a new, unique Charcoal leather option.
> More
Mitsubishi today announced US pricing for the new 2009 Lancer Ralliart All-Wheel Drive, turbocharged sedan that will go on sale for $26,490.00.
The Lancer Ralliart features a modified version of the Lancer Evolution 4B11 turbocharged intercooled 2.0-liter DOHC MIVEC engine, producing 237-horsepower, and is teamed exclusively with Mitsubishi’s advanced Twin Clutch-Sportronic¨ Shift Transmission.
The optional RECARO¨ Sport Package, $2,750.00 MSRP, further enhances the Lancer Ralliart’s sporty appearance with Xenon HID headlamps, 650 watt Rockford Fosgate¨, Sirius Satellite Radio with 6-months subscription and RECARO ¨ front sport seats found on the Lancer Evolution GSR. A new 40-GB HDD navigation system is also available as either a port-installed option or as a dealer accessory.
> More
The new Lancer Ralliart will go on sale this fall at a price below $27,000. A fully equipped model will go up to $30,000.
The Ralliart is powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four cylinder engine that delivers 237 hp and 253 lb-ft of torque, and retains some of the driving characteristics of the speedy Evo. Both also share the twin-clutch SST transmission, which comes with paddle shifters.
Available equipment and options to include: Recaro seats, HID headlights, 650-watt Rockford Fosgate 9-speaker audio system, Sirius satellite radio, power sunroof, and a 30-gigabyte hard drive navigation system with digital music server.
Chevrolet announced the 2009 Traverse crossover will carry a MSRP of $28,990, including a $735 destination charge, for the 2WD LS model. It goes on sale this fall.
“With its great styling, leading fuel economy and comprehensive roster of equipment, the Traverse is a great expression of Chevrolet value,” said Ed Peper, Chevrolet general manager.
The 2009 Chevrolet Traverse is an expressively styled, well-equipped crossover that delivers people-hauling and cargo-carrying capability typically found in larger SUVs. It is offered in LS, LT and LTZ models, in both front-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive configurations.
> More
Nissan announced pricing on the all-new, flagship 2009 Nissan Maxima, which goes on sale today at Nissan dealers nationwide. The seventh generation Maxima returns to its heritage as "The 4-Door Sports Car(TM)," combining thrilling performance with premium sedan comfort, quality and amenities.
It features all-new sports styling, a driver-oriented interior and an enhanced 290hp 3.5-liter DOHC V6 engine - offering 35 more hp than the previous generation Maxima and better fuel economy (EPA estimated 19 mpg City/26 mpg Highway versus 19/25 mpg for the 2008 Maxima).
The 2009 Maxima is offered in two well-equipped models, Maxima 3.5 S and Maxima 3.5 SV, each equipped with standard 3.5-liter V6 and intelligent Xtronic CVT(TM) (Continuously Variable Transmission). Prices start at a Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $29,290 for the Maxima 3.5 S and $31,990 for the Maxima 3.5 SV.
> More
Pages: