They Hyundai Genesis sedan stole the show last year taking home many automotive journal’s car of the year awards for its ability to blend attractive styling and high end luxury in a resonably priced package. With the scheduled arival of the Equus, Hyundai will now hava a slew of upsclae offerings for new car buyers. Despite the warm reception that the Genesis received last year, a new car only has the ability to make one first impression, so you can expect to see the classic curvilinear shape and signature waterfall grill going through a few restlings as the Genesis ages in order to keep the design fresh and at the forefront of consumer’s consiousness.
This next generation of Hyundai’s flagship sedan was spotted in the deserts of the mid west, most likely undergoing extensive cooling system analysis along with the new Equus. The Genesis is hiding both its nose and rear quarters draped with the traditional black automotive camoflage that makes most spy photographers either jump for joy at the sight of a new car or swear in frustration at not being able to capture what lies beneath. In this case it looks to be a pair of restyled fenders and maybe even a redesigned set of headlights judging by the careful placement of the disguise. However the most interesting feature of this clothed beauty is the black flap in the middle of the grill.
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Nissan announced details on the 2009 Altima Coupe. It will be available in models and priced as follows: Altima Coupe 2.5 S 6MT $21,750; Altima Coupe 2.5 S CVT $22,250; Altima Coupe 3.5 SE 6MT $26,390; Altima Coupe 3.5 SE CVT $26,890.
New for 2009 is a long list of user-friendly technology features – including standard Nissan Intelligent Key, available Bluetooth Hands-free Phone System, an advanced touch-screen navigation system with XM NavTraffic with real-time traffic information and RearView Monitor.
The 2009 Altima Coupe 2.5 S model is available with 16-inch aluminum-alloy wheels on the 2.5S model with P215/60R16 all-season tires, while new 18-inch aluminum-alloy wheels with Michelin P235/45R18 tires are standard on the 3.5 SE.
The 2009 Altima Coupe also comes equipped with a number of standard safety features, including Nissan Advanced Air Bag System with dual-stage supplemental front air bags with seat belt and occupant classification sensors, front seat-mounted side impact supplemental air bags and roof-mounted curtain side impact supplemental air bags for front and rear-seat outboard occupant head protection.
Press release after the jump.
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The new 2010 GMC Terrain will go on sale in September with a price starting from $24,995 for the front-wheel drive model and from $26,745 for the all-wheel drive model.
The new crossover will be offered with a choice of two engines: SLE1 powered by a 2.4L direct-injection engine that delivers 182 hp and has a fuel economy of 32 mpg and the SLT2 powered by a 3.0-liter V6 engine with 264 hp. THE SLT2 features leather seating, a premium Pioneer sound system, a power liftgate, sunroof and a special chrome appearance package, starts at $29,995.
Press release after the jump.
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When Subaru came up with the current generation Impreza, the Japanese automaker wanted to distance themselves from their once infamous boy racer image in favor of a toned down more mainstream appearance that would not distract a wider audience of new car buyers. Subaru wants to become more than just a niche vehicle for Northeasterners, who appreciate the beauty of all wheel drive; or tuners, who see great bang for your buck in the company’s turbocharged vehicles. The automotive arm of Fuji Heavy Industries is looking for a larger share of the market.
In doing so, the Impreza has grown up. Our $28,000 Satin White Pearl Suabru Impreza GT is fun to drive with its 2.5 Liter turbocharged boxer engine sending 224 HP to all four 17 inch wheels wrapped in low profile 205/50 tires and a comfortable, yet cloth, interior that was just as aggressive as the ride, but the best part is, how the Impreza GT flies under the radar and stays between the lines.
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I feel like a Subaru salesman, just like the Japanese automaker announced the pricing of both their four door sedan, and compact crossover, the subsidiary of Fuji Heavy Industries is letting the world know the pricing for their classic two box shaped SUV the 2010 Forester.
The Forester will be offered with both a 2.5 Liter naturally aspirated engine as the 2.5X, 2.5X Premium and 2.5X Limited. There will also be a turbocharged flat-four with the same displacement, the 2.5XT. The boosted box car only comes in Premium or Limited trim levels. Pricing will start at $20,295 for the Forester 2.5X and goes up to $28,495 for the top of the line 2.5XT Limited.
Full details in the press release after the jump.
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Good news for Subaru fans. The Japanese automaker, just like with their four door Legacy, have announced pricing for what they call the World’s First Sport Utility Wagon; their entrant into the crossover category, the 2010 Subaru Outback. The vehicle will be offered in eight different versions and pricing will start at $22,995 for the 2.5i version mated to a 6-speed manual transmission and goes up to $30,995 for the 3.6R Premium model with all the bells and whistles.
Check out the press release from the New York Auto Show debut after the jump.
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The day has finally come when Dodge wants their Caliber SRT-4 back, and I have to admit that I am sad to see it go. I had just begun to find myself at home in the plush racing buckets racing through the gears of the Getrag transmission and the torque steer had turned into a fun predictable part of the turbocharged SRT-4 experience. However, like all good things my stint with this Mopar must come to an end.
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Under the scooped and vented hood of the Dodge Caliber SRT-4 is a 2.4 liter turbocharged engine with enough oomph to make sure that you can feel the torque steer. The motor is rated at 285 HP and 265 lb-ft of torque with a 6300 RPM redline, about right for a stroked 4 cylinder. Good enough to send the Caliber down the 1320 in only 14.4 seconds at 103 MPH. While manufacturers have a tendency to fib about output, Dodge traditionally underrates their performance machines, so I was very impressed to find out that Edmunds brought a Caliber SRT-4 to a dyno in southern California where they recorded a 281 HP pull. That’s at the wheels. Go Dodge!
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The interior decorators at Mopar have done something with the Caliber SRT-4 that is not easily accomplished. The interior is both functional and stylish at the same time. It incorporates comfortable materials, colorful accents and some high end pieces as well.
The seats are the first thing that you notice, and feel, when you get into the car. They are shaped like traditional racing buckets with large leather bolsters to keep the occupant in place, while the cloth inserts grip the driver even better in the event they decide to push the SRT-4 to the limit. Aside from being functional the seats are also stylish. The black leather is accented by two rows of red stitching running up either side of the buckets and feature large SRT logos embroidered onto the seat backs. The red accents continue with the shift boot and steering wheel. The two pieces also feature a leather material that looks like the weave of carbon fiber.
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The 2009 Dodge Caliber SRT-4 has just arrived at the Top Speed garage and the mini muscle car is looking as good as ever. The Mopar engineers have done an excellent job transforming the appearance of this box shaped people mover into this aggressive looking pavement pounder.
The big mouth front bumper is unique to the SRT-4, the openings are larger to allow more air to flow through the large front mount intercooler, a piece that hints at the turbocharged Caliber’s capability. The redesigned front end also lowers the car to the ground which not only looks good, but is also functional, by blocking air from passing underneath the vehicle at speed, and when combined with the lower side skirts creates a low pressure zone that sucks the SRT-4 onto the pavement. The hood is another muscular touch, not only is made out of aluminum for weight savings, but the forward facing scoop and vents on either side hint at the bygone days of classic Mopar muscle cars.
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