Mercury 2010

The Mercury Milan is a midsize vehicle that has been around since the 2006 model year, but the 2010 Mercury Milan Hybrid is all new. The Milan, as a line, has a new look for 2010 and the hybrid is based on that new body style. And for what it's worth, it a nice style. There are several hybrids out now and more than a few are in direct competition with the Milan Hybrid in the midsize class. These include both foreign and domestic makes such as the Nissan Altima Hybrid, Honda Civic Hybrid, Toyota Camry Hybrid, Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid, Ford Fusion Hybrid and Saturn Aura Hybrid. The gasoline engine for the Milan Hybrid is a 2.5 liter, 155 horsepower I4. Like many hybrids, the engine is matched with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). It comes only as a sedan. Unlike some other hybrids, the Milan has only one electric motor, but it can run the car up to 47 miles per hour for up to 8 minutes without use of the gasoline engine. It can also run the air conditioner without the gasoline engine. The electric motor is smaller than on previous Ford products and can be cooled without use of the air conditioner. Like most hybrids, the Milan gets better mileage in town, where the electric motor is used more frequently due to slower speeds and stop and go traffic, than on the highway. In city driving the Milan gets 41 miles per gallon, while on the highway it gets 36. That's actually better than class average for hybrids. The Milan also has better front legroom than class average but headroom and torque lag behind. It is worth noting that when matched against the general midsize car population instead of the hybrid population, the headroom is about average. There are no NHTSA or IIHS numbers for the Milan Hybrid, but there are IIHS numbers for the 2010 Milan line in general. It gets a G, Good (the best rating) in all categories but two. It gets an A, Acceptable (the second best rating out of four possible) for the likelihood of head and neck or right leg and foot injuries. The Milan Hybrid has a number of the more common safety features including child safety locks, antilock brakes with traction control and vehicle stabilization system, remote keyless ignition and start, electronic parking aid and inside trunk release. However, some common safety features are missing, such as electronic braking assistance and a first aid kit. Whether considered as a midsize or a hybrid, the 2010 Mercury Milan Hybrid beats class average on price, starting at $27,500. Sooner or later they're going to make these things pay, and the Milan Hybrid may be a step in the right direction.

Toyota 2010

Sensible and cost-effective, the 2010 Toyota Camry hybrid has a lot to offer you starting at only $26,150. This hybrid is actually faster than the base 4-cylinder Camry. And, besides being far better for fuel savings, it is only slightly more expensive than non-hybrid models - a rarity for any brand of automobile today. The most impressive aspects concerning the 2010 Camry Hybrid are its excellent fuel economy, its outstanding near-zero emissions, a large and comfortable interior, spunky speed gains and stellar safety ratings. The very limited down side would be that the trunk is rather small. New frontal styling graces the exterior of the 2010 Toyota Hybrid Camry. There's also a new panel of instruments and innovative upholstery comprised of silk proteins and synthetic fibers. The 2-mode gas-electric technology that drives these cars is what enables Toyota to offer them at such a modest price point. Most hybrid vehicles cost so much more than non-hybrid versions, for example the Honda Civic Hybrid, the saving in fuel costs is barely worth considering. Not true for the Camry Hybrid. You save big on these cars, at the pumps - and at the dealers. Fuel economy ratings measure a combined 34 mpg (33/34 mpg city/highway). That's excellent considering that the combined power output rates at 187 horses from 2.4L engine and 40hp electric motor. The Camry Hybrid's powertrain is able to operate solely with its electric motor at low speeds and while coasting along at higher speeds. It also acts to make a noticeable difference when you stomp the accelerator to pass at higher speeds. The CVT transmission powers the front wheels. You'll feel pleasantly isolated from all external stimuli as you cruise comfortably in the spacious cabin of your new 2010 Toyota Camry. It's quiet inside and surprisingly luxurious as well. The overall driving experience is engaging and instills confidence. When at the helm, you will certainly not feel limited in knowing that you are driving a machine designed to love the environment. 0 to 60 times are measured at 8.4 seconds - not bad at all considering this is not meant to be a race car. There's plenty of pep to excite you while simultaneously appeasing your sense of Green responsibility. Perfect 5-star safety ratings for all frontal and side-based crash tests were earned from the NHTSA, and the IIHS, by the 2010 Camry Hybrid from Toyota. Standard safety features are numerous and include loads of airbags, electronic stability control, anti-lock disc brakes and tire pressure monitoring. Overall, the 2010 Toyota Camry Hybrid is an excellent choice for any environmentally responsible new car purchaser. Hybrid technology is being seriously integrated throughout all sectors of the automotive industry - and this new dual-mode hybrid powertrain offered by the Camry is leading the way to lower prices across the board. Enjoy a test drive in what very well may become your next vehicle.

GTA Spano Challenges Ferrari

It is seldom that a car challenges the might of Ferrari and the GTA Spano is one such car. There is a brewing war between the Spanish and the Italian auto industry and the Ferrari and the GTA Span are in the middle of that war. The GTA Spano made a fitting debut in the Mediterranean coastal city of Valencia right where the European Grand Prix is held. One thing is certain though; car enthusiasts have not stopped speculating about this proud challenger ever since they knew of is existence.

The GTA Spano is not just another supercar even though it sports the generic supercar body. This supercar made of titanium, Kevlar and carbon is powered by an 8.3-Liter V10 engine producing 780 horsepower which allows it to sprint to a 100 km/h in just 2.9 seconds. The GTA Spano’s engine is matched with a seven-speed paddle shifter and it boasts of the latest Pirelli Pzero tires and wheels measuring 19 inches and coated in ultra low-profile rubber grip.

Expect the GTA Spano to be a rarity as only 99 units will be manufactured to the tune of $670,000. However, do not discount the possibility of a competition version considering its racing background.

2010 Subaru Outback Prepare

The 2010 Subaru Outback is a sports utility wagon with a price tag of $22,995 exclusive of the $695 destination and delivery fee. The standard Outback model is powered by a 2.5-Liter engine producing 170 horsepower with a sex-speed manual transmission. If you want to go for a more high-tech shift then swap the stick shift with the new Lineartronic CVT from Subaru which will up the price tag to $23,995.

If you want more kick from your 2010 Subaru Outback then get the Outback 3.6R model powered by a 3.6-:Liter engine producing 256 horsepower with a five-speed automatic transmission. This version is more expensive though and has a price tag of $27,995. If you want a greater kick then get the Outback 3.6R Limited version at a starting price of $30,995.

Depending on how you foresee your Outback to appear you can opt for the power moonroof worth $995, the navigation package which includes back-up camera, upgraded audio, eight-inch LCD touchscreen and iPod power worth $2,000 or the upgraded 440-watt Harman Kardon audio package worth $995.

G-Power M6 Hurricane CS

Expect a hurricane to come by when you display the G-Power M6 Hurricane CS auto in front of your garage. That can be foolhardy though because with all its power this car can disappear in 60 seconds sans your religious attention. This auto meets the standard of the previous Hurricane RS M5 but this time around it comes with superchargers strapped onto the 5.0-Liter V10 engine producing 740 horsepower with a torque of 590 pound-feet.

The G-Power M6 Hurricane CS comes with carbon fiber seats, titanium exhaust and some other tweaks all aimed at reducing the auto’s weight by almost 100 pounds. It is known as the world’s fastest road-going BMW coupe with a top speed of 370 kilometers per hour. The G-Power M6 Hurricane CS has carbon ceramic brakes, coil-over suspension with nine adjustable settings, bespoke body kit, 380mm front discs clamped by six-piston calipers. And oh—it has giant 21-inch wheels. All these blood-rising features can be yours at a price tag of 390,000 Euros or an estimated $570,000. Now did I hear blood pressure rising?

2010 Peugeot 3008 Fuel

The 2010 Peugeot 3008 boasts of a new diesel hybrid drivetrain which can be powered using the diesel engine alone or by the electric motor alone. You can even combine the two powerplants for more power. It has a modular design so expect the technology to prominently figure across Peugeot’s entire line. Prototypes of the 2010 Peugeot 3008 are already being tested and it will be followed by the Citroen DS5 allowing the automaker to achieve CO2 emission reduction of 35% in the future.
The public got its first taste of the 2010 Peugeot 3008 when the Prologue HYmotion concept with almost identical features was shown during last year’s Paris Motor Show. The 2010 Peugeot 3008 itself will debut during the Geneva Motor Show. It will be powered by a 1.6-Litr HDi turbodiesel engine producing 107 horsepower and a torque of 177 pound-feet. A 2.0-Liter HDi diesel engine producing 148 horsepower and a torque of 251 pound-feet will also be made available. The good news is that mileage for the fuel efficient 3008 is set at 4.9 liters per 100 kilometer.

Those who just can’t get enough of the petrol-powered autos can opt for the three petrol engines; one with a 1.6-Liter VTi engine producing 118 horsepower and the other one with a 1.6-Liter THP engine producing 148 horsepower and a 1.6-Liter THP engine producing 154 horsepower. The most efficient petrol engine has a mileage of 7.35 liters for every 100 kilometer.

Highly-Collectible 2009 Pontiac

The 2009 Pontiac Solstice Coupe’s shape may have something to do with the Summer Solstice. As rare as its name is, the 2009 Pontiac Solstice Coupe is a limited edition auto with only 750 to 800 units to be manufactured for this year, all with the sequential VIN numbers so if you’re interested about having a Solstice in your garage then better see your dealers this early.

Putting your money in the 2009 Pontiac Solstice Coupe is a great investment considering that it has all the makings of a collectible car. Aside from the limited number of units that will be produced the Solstice has the aura of an auto that collectors would want to have in their line up someday.

The 2009 Pontiac Solstice Coupe is powered by a 2.4-Liter Ecotec four-cylinder engine producing 173 horsepower. You can however opt for the GXP version which is powered by a 2.0-Liter turbocharged Ecotec engine producing 260 horsepower. The manufacturers of this auto did not just consider it as a passenger car but it has also provided for a cargo area right behind the seats. There is also a storage tray right behind the headrest.

Highly-Collectible 2009 Pontiac

The 2009 Pontiac Solstice Coupe’s shape may have something to do with the Summer Solstice. As rare as its name is, the 2009 Pontiac Solstice Coupe is a limited edition auto with only 750 to 800 units to be manufactured for this year, all with the sequential VIN numbers so if you’re interested about having a Solstice in your garage then better see your dealers this early.

Putting your money in the 2009 Pontiac Solstice Coupe is a great investment considering that it has all the makings of a collectible car. Aside from the limited number of units that will be produced the Solstice has the aura of an auto that collectors would want to have in their line up someday.

The 2009 Pontiac Solstice Coupe is powered by a 2.4-Liter Ecotec four-cylinder engine producing 173 horsepower. You can however opt for the GXP version which is powered by a 2.0-Liter turbocharged Ecotec engine producing 260 horsepower. The manufacturers of this auto did not just consider it as a passenger car but it has also provided for a cargo area right behind the seats. There is also a storage tray right behind the headrest.

Citroen Hypnos Hybrid

The Citroen Hypnos Hybrid concept, which debuted during the 2008 Paris Motor Show, may look plain on the outside but prepare for the mind and eye-boggling psychedelic interiors. This is one quirky auto with jewel-like seats and a double-helix center station styled like a DNA adorning the interior.

The Citroen Hypnos Hybrid concept is powered by a 50-mpg hybrid powertrain producing 200 horsepower. The psychedelic concept car should not come as a surprise considering that it carries a name identified in the Hellenic mythology as Hypnos the god of sleep. But as to whether or not this is a foreboding that the car will be a sleeper once it reaches production version has not been confirmed. The manufacturer or maybe the one who named this Citroen would have done better naming the car with a little more research since he would discover that Hypnos had four sons one of whom is named Morpheus or the god of dreams—this would have been more appropriate.

While the design and the name remain highly debatable the Citroen Hypnos Hybrid is a certified fuel-efficient auto with a low fuel consumption of 4.5 liter per 100 kilometer. It is also environment-friendly with just 120 g/km of CO2 emissions. It is equipped with the HY motion4 technology ensuring Citroen’s commitment to the environment without disregarding the thrill of driving.

Anteros Coupe & Roadster: 2009 Corvette-Based Sportscar on Sale from $149,500

California based custom coachbuilder 'n2a Motors' has announced today that it is taking orders for its latest model, the Anteros that was first displayed at the 2008 Los Angeles International Auto Show. Available in both coupe and roadster body styles, the Anteros is built on the 2009 Corvette and features a body styling reminiscent of Italian, British and American designs. The turnkey Anteros Coupe and Roadster models with the 430 hp /424 lb.-ft. torque LS3 V8 start at $149,500 and $154,500 respectively while the Coupe built on the Corvette Z06 start at $176,500.

Chrysler Sees Sales fall 55% in January, Believes 2009 U.S. Sales Could Fall Under 10 Million Units

Not that we were surprised, but a 55 percent drop in sales is something that should worry the hell out of Chrysler LLC officials. In January, the company sold a total of 62,157 Dodge, Chrysler and Jeep vehicles in the U.S. compared to 137,392 units the same month a year ago. To make matters worse, the company is quite pessimistic for 2009 as it believes that if the January trend for the SAAR continues, the industry could see 10 million units or fewer sold during the year down which is significantly less than the 11.1 million units it estimated in its submission to Congress last year.