For 2010 the Lincoln MKX is offering available all-wheel-drive, standard heated-and-cooled front seats and available heated rear seats. And for 2010, its 265-hp engine and six-speed automatic transmission have been extensively refined to increase fuel mileage. Prices for the MKX start at $38,345 for the FDW version and at $40,195 for the AWD version.
With its distinctive chrome grille, sophisticated flowing exterior lines, and broad, athletic stance, Lincoln MKX takes vehicle design to a whole new level. The interior features genuine wood, bright-nickel and chrome accents as well as a stylish, contemporary instrument panel. There’s also available ambient lighting in multiple color choices.
The Lincoln MKX features a 3.5L Duratec V6 engine that delivers a total of 265 hp and 250 lb. ft. of torque, and an impressive 25 mpg highway. The engine is mated to a smooth-shifting six-speed automatic transmission that uses a wide 6.04:1 gear ratio. Short first and second gears provide impressive launch and acceleration, while the tall overdrive gears deliver seven percent better fuel economy than a four-speed automatic.
For 2010 Lincoln is offering a new package: Midnight Limited Edition Package that includes a unique body-color grille and Tuxedo Black Metallic paint offset by assertive 22-inch bright polished aluminum wheels.
Press release after the jump.
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Already in its second generation model, the TSX is entering the 2010 model year with major enhancements - including an available V-6 engine. With prices ranging from $29,310 for the TSX, or $32,410 for the TSX with Technology Package, the TSX competes with vehicles such as the A4 2.0T, 328i, IS 250 and C300. The TSX V6 with a price of $34,850, or $37,950 for the TSX V-6 with Technology Package is targeting models like Audi A4 3.2, BMW 335i, and Lexus IS 350.
For 2010, customers will can choose from two different engines: a 3.5L SOHC V-6 that develops 280 hp and 254 lb-ft of torque or a 2,4 liter four-cylinder engine that develops a total of 201 hp and 172 lb-ft of torque. The four-cylinder engine have a choice of two transmission styles as standard equipment - a 6-speed close-ratio manual or a Sequential SportShift 5-speed automatic, while the V6 features a sophisticated Sequential SportShift 5-speed automatic transmission that can be operated manually via steering wheel mounted racing inspired paddle shifters.
The 2010 TSX features a wide and muscular body which translates into outstanding handling and performance. The wide body (72.4 inches), long wheelbase (106.4 inches) and overall length (185.6 inches) give the TSX excellent ride quality and ample interior space for passengers. The TSX uses Showa dual-mode suspension dampers, which provide superior suspension damping characteristics at both lower and higher damper speeds. The TSX employs Electric Power Steering (EPS) that delivers precise input during performance driving.
Press release after the jump.
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While the current economic crisis has resulted in a few interesting partnership with a number of unlikely automobile manufacturers and other manufacturers weary of risky high priced ventures, the man from Prodrive feels that his super car company can sell premium compact city car for the not so unheard of asking price of $32,000; after all it is an Aston Martin. As part of the English coach builder’s plans to unroll a few new vehicles in order to recuperate some profits the powers at be behind Toyota and Aston Martin have joined forces to create a fashionable compact city car for the crowded narrow streets of densely populated European urban environments. What they ended up with is the upscale Aston Martin Cygnet based on the economical Toyota i.Q.
The venture actually sounds like another English sport/luxury hybrid when Mini commissioned the design team at Rolls Royce to produce a series of extremely extravagant small cars. The car’s foundation will be built at Toyota’s factory in Japan and then shipped to the Aston Martin factory in Gaydon where the team of hand built super car interiors will have a go at restyling the lowly Toyota’s interior bringing it up to super car status. Obviously the Cygnet should also wear some unique body work like an Aston Martin style twin vented hood, some flared arches and plenty of winged emblems.
This is a very bold move for the English automaker, attempting to sell a car smaller than a Smart for a little over $30,000. The German luxury automaker Audi has recently admitted to having a hard time justifying a premium hatchback for the U.S. market, dooming whatever chances we might have had for an RS3 stateside. The Vantage should be happy because it can now pass on the title of being the baby Aston; if they can keep production limited and watch the demand skyrocket, they should have no problem selling out of their Cygnet inventory. After all, who would pass up on the chance to buy a brand new Aston Martin for the price of a Nissan Maxima.
The Japanese luxury automaker Infiniti has just release details about the 2010 EX35 luxury crossover, and it is still selling for the same price as it did in 2009, but with a long list of available features, including standard leather appointed seating and Around View Monitor, as well as a coat hanger integrated into the back of the driver’s seat, advanced audio systems and a power folding 2nd row seat. The 2010 Infiniti EX35 will start from just $33,800 for the rear wheel drive version and go all the way up to $37,400 for the top of the line all wheel drive EX35 Journey.
Just like the previous model year, the 2010 EX35 is powered by a 3.5 Liter VQ35 V6 engine that produces a maximum of 297 HP and is mated to a 5 speed automatic transmission and is available the automaker’s Intelligent All-Wheel Drive system.
Some of the more attractive features of the EX35 are the new Bose Audi system and Around View Monitor Package that includes an Advanced Climate Control System (ACCS) with Plasmacluster air purification. The Navigation Package adds hands free Bluetooth Streaming Audio, XM NavWeather (XM subscription required, sold separately) and Zagat Restaurant Guide. The Navigation Package is offered at no additional charge when you choose the Bose and AVM Package.
Press release after the jump.
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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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Top Speed had the pleasure of trying out a greener option for that other necessary item in any weekend racers garage, a work truck. Sure its nice to have a classic Ferrari or a an all out race car in your garage, but what good are they if you cannot get them to an appropriate environment. That is where our GMC Sierra 2WD Hybrid Crew Cab comes into play, this pick up can haul up to 6,100 pounds of trailer and seat six individuals inside the cab. Aside from the nice touches like the 18 inch chrome rims and larger than life front grill, the Sierra Hybrid has the benefit of being an alternatively fueled vehicle.
The full sized trucks 2-Mode Hybrid/Electric power train is tuned to get as much as 21 MPH when driving around town, impressive for any vehicle that weighs over 5,000 pounds. Don’t let the size discourage you, the Sierra Hybrid is easy to drive and the power adjustable front seat allows the driver to find the perfect vantage point.
The truck uses a combination of an electric module and a 6.0 Liter Chevrolet small block to make 332 HP, but you most likely won’t have to use much of those ponies, we found ourselves driving the Sierra around on electric only power most of the time, negating the need for any of the eight pistons. It was nice to know that they were there when we needed them like when passing on the highway or pulling a heavy load. One thing was for certain, the GMC Sierra Hybrid is working hard to give trucks a good name again.
Continued after the jump.
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