The Chevrolet Equinox is the car that ushered in the era of the utilitarian Crossover at General Motors, so it is only appropriate that the new model come equipped with certain features that make for a very functional automobile with standard features like a 6 speed automatic transmission, direct injected gasoline engines, XM satellite radio, an iPod input jack, power everything and OnStar roadside assistance. However there is more to the crossover segment than reliability, these are the cars that will take families down the street to soccer practice and across the country to Disney World, so they need to be comfortable, attractive and engaging; especially for the back seat passengers.
Our well equipped 2010 Chevrolet Equinox AWD 2LT also came with some of the more desirable features being offered by GM, like the back up camera with park assist, power tailgate, Vehicle Interface Package that includes Bluetooth, the Chrome Exterior Appearance Package to dress up the outside, the Cargo Management Package that makes storage a snap in the back of the truck and the Rear Seat Entertainment System that includes some of the best designed backrest monitors on any new car today. However our personal favorite was the 18 inch machined aluminum wheels, Chevrolet offers rims as big as 19 inches in diameter, but we didn’t want to be too flashy. Of course, because we are Top Speed, Chevy made sure we tested the 3.0 Liter direct injected V6 that makes 264 HP and 222 lb-ft of torque version that is still able to get 17 MPG in the city and 24 MPG on the highway.
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Nissan today announced prices on the 2010 Maxima sedan which is now on sale. For 2010, Maxima is being offered in two different models, with prices starting from $30,460 USD for the Maxima 3.5 S and $33,180 USD for the Maxima 3.5 SV.
Revisions to the 2010 Maxima include new wheel finishes for 18-inch (Fine Silver) and 19-inch (Hyper Silver) wheels; Bluetooth Hands-free Phone System is now standard on all models; a 7-inch color monitor, RearView Monitor, auxiliary audio/video input jack, iPod net and 2GB Music Server are added to the new optional Monitor Package (USB connectivity also included); DVD playback capability, streaming audio via Bluetooth technology and XM NavWeather are added to Technology Package; XM Satellite Radio becomes standard on Maxima 3.5 SV; and the previous iPod connectivity is changed to USB connectivity. Also added are two new exterior colors, Crimson Black and Ocean Gray.
Press release after the jump.
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The Japanese luxury automaker Lexus recently unveiled the HS 250h in Detroit, showing the world the automaker’s fourth hybrid and the most fuel-efficient vehicle in their lineup. The company has just announced that when it does go on sale, it will be available in two different trim levels: standard and premium, with prices ranging from $34,200 to $36,970.
The Lexus HS 250h is powered by the automaker’s first four cylinder gas burning engine, a 2.4 Liter Atkinson-cycle unit that develops a maximum output of 187 HP. The engine is able to achieve extreme efficiency thanks to Toyota’s Variable Valve Timing with intelligence. The VVT-i system allows the combustion/power stroke to be longer than the compression stroke allowing the thermodynamic energy to be more effectively used to produce power.
The production version of the HS 250h will feature four different drive modes: Normal, Power, Eco and EV. Each different mode can help enhance the vehicle’s efficiency by changing the rate that the engine’s throttle opens no matter how hard the accelerator is pressed. Lexus expects that this type of engine control will be good for 35 MPG in the city and 34 MPG while cruising at highway speeds.
Press release after the jump.
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Nissan has just announced pricing for the 370Z Roadster. The drop top sports car will go on sale this September and start at $36,970 for the 370Z Roadster 6MT and move on up to $38,270 for the 370Z Roadster 7AT.
The Touring models, which add a 6CD Bose; audio system, XM; Satellite Radio, Bluetooth; Hands-free Phone System, HomeLink; Universal Transceiver, aluminum-trimmed pedals and power leather-appointed heated and cooled ventilated seats brings the cost up to $40,520 for the 6MT version and $41,820 for the 7AT version.
The Touring version is made up of two packages: the Sport Package, complete with 19 inch forged RAYS wheels wrapped with Bridgestone Potenza tires, Nissan Sport Brakes, SynchroRev Match for the 6 speed manual transmission only and Viscous Limited Slip Differential; and the Navigation Package, which is made up of the Hard Drive-based Nissan Navigation System, 9.3GB Music Box Hard Drive and USB connectivity.
Press release after the jump.
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Top Speed recently received Toyota’s latest response to a multi-people mover, the Venza. This MPV is perfect for any consumer who needs the space and practicality of a minivan, but wants the attitude and style traditionally associated with a fun to drive vehicle. Overall it looks like a chopped and stretched Lexus RX SUV. Starting off, our Barcelona Red Venza came with options like leather, wood grain, high intensity discharge headlamps, AM/FM/MP3 radio as well as a DVD entertainment system.
One of the first things that you will notice when you get behind the wheel of most modern Toyota’s is the dual LCD displays on the dash. There is the traditional large screen incorporated into the center stack as well as a smaller 3.5 inch display that shows the settings for the dual zone climate control, fuel economy and a few other helpful facts for the driver. Meanwhile the larger LCD displays everything from audio settings to navigation.
The Venza offers seating for 5 and has more than enough cup holders to allow a few passengers to enjoy multiple beverages. There are also plenty of rather large storage compartments that conveniently let you stow away your goods. The Venza shines when it comes to cargo capacity, offering over 30 cubic feet of available space behind the rear seats and over 70 cubic feet when they are laid flat; there is even a 110 Volt outlet and audio/video inputs so you can play some video games while camped out in back of the Toyota.
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