2010 Ford Taurus SHO - Twin Turbo AWD 4-Door family car ?

Welcome Back to the Ford Taurus SHO! Truly missed for its sleek design and awesome power. This time around the SHO is truly a muscle car to be recognized. With an impressive 365 horsepower @ 5550 rpm along with the AWD to put the 350 lb.-ft of torque to the ground. This beast can still maintain a modest 17 city/25 highway estimated fuel mileage rating from the EPA. The Engine builds all this power from a 3.5 L Twin Turbo Direct Injection system. With 10:1 compression this machine is crisp all the way through the power curve and runs just fine on 91 Octane or better. The transmission is equipped with 6 speed electronically controlled automatic overdrive with paddle activation for easy shifting.

Drive One - 2010 Ford Taurus SHO

What does President Obama Drive ?

2008 Ford Escape Hybrid

President Obama tossed his Chrysler aside for a 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid. Is this a sign that he needs more head room, he supports Union workers, or maybe he just likes the extra cargo space? The 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid receives a bolder, rugged design, higher beltline, raised hood and a new front fascia with headlights that sweep up toward the front corners of the vehicle to short side marker lights. The interior features seating surfaces comprised of 100 percent post-industrial materials, a revised dashboard with “a top of dash” display, Electric Power Assisted Steering system, and Ice Blue interior lighting. Also, the improved center console is large enough to hold a laptop computer and it can also be removed and hung from the front passenger side and rear of the console for additional storage. A number of updates have been made to reduce noise, vibration and harshness levels inside the SUV including changes to the roof panel for a better airflow, a new acoustic laminate sandwiched between two glass panels in the windshield and new carpeting.

Infiniti G37 - 2009

2009 Infiniti G37

MSRP: $33,250 - $38,700 Invoice: $30,727 - $35,747 MPG: 18 City / 26 Hwy

Engine Gas V6, 3.7L Horsepower 330 hp @ 7,000 rpm Torque 270 lb-ft @ 5,200 rpm Transmission : Electronically controlled 7-speed automatic with Adaptive Shift Control (ASC). Manual shift mode offers sequentially selectable manual gearshifts and Downshift Rev Matching (DRM)

The 2009 Infiniti G37 is a serious threat to the traditional favorite in the Upscale Midsize Car class - the BMW 3-Series. The Coupe version of the G37 hit showrooms last year, and was immediately hailed as one of the most spirited performers in a class full of great drivers' cars. For 2009, the G37 sedan arrives (replacing the old G35). Anyone considering a sport sedan should at least schedule a G37 test drive before buying something else.

Ford Escape Hybrid - 2009

2009 Ford Escape Hybrid

MSRP : $29,645 - $33,725 Invoice : $27,422 - $31,135

Engine : 2.5L Atkinson-Cycle I-4 Engine, Horsepower : 153 @ 6,000 rpm Torque : 136 @ 4,500

The 2009 Escape Hybrid is a 4-door, 5-passenger sport-utility, available in 4 trims, ranging from the FWD to the Limited 4WD.

Upon introduction, the FWD is equipped with a standard 2.5-liter, I4 , 153-horsepower, hybrid engine that achieves 34-mpg in the city and 31-mpg on the highway. The Limited 4WD is equipped with a standard 2.5-liter, I4 , 153-horsepower, hybrid engine that achieves 29-mpg in the city and 27-mpg on the highway. A variable speed automatic transmission with overdrive is standard on both trims.

The 2009 Escape Hybrid is a carryover from 2008.

Electric Mini Cooper - MINI E

MINI E: All-Electric Plug-In MINI Cooper with 204HP Revealed!

Over the next year or so, BMW will produce around 500 units which will be leased to selected private and corporate customers in the U.S. states of California, New York and New Jersey, giving the Bavarian automaker the chance to evaluate the viability of a full-scale production EV. MINI said that it also considering the possibility of leasing the vehicle in Europe.

The battery can be fully charged through a standard outlet in about eight hours. However, MINI will offer each buyer a wall-box with higher amperage that will be installed in the customer's garage enabling a full recharge in just 2 1/2 hours. The MINI E also features a brake regeneration system that transforms kinetic energy to electricity replenishing the battery. According to BMW Group officials, the lithium battery offers the MINI E a driving range of more than 240km or 150 miles. Read more

Hybrid Tiger Trucks - Dallas, Texas

While other manufacturers are outsourcing to China, Tiger Truck LLC in Dallas is going the other way. The company has acquired a 250,000 square foot facility in Jasper, Texas to assemble off-road trucks based on designs from China’s Changan Automobile Group.

Currently, Tiger Truck imports gasoline and electric trucks from China and modifies them into hybrid and FFV versions at its Dallas facility. The first actual "made in USA" Tiger Truck units will be delivered in early 2008.

The company’s series hybrids feature a 1.0-liter 4-cylinder gasoline engine producing 58 horsepower. This Changan-built engine’s sole job is to keep the truck’s batteries charged via a generator. The Tiger Truck’s electric motor is powered by six 12-volt lead-acid batteries. The FFV version is the first in its class to receive EPA approval for its E85-compliant engine. Hybrid and FFV power plants are available in several models. These include two- and five-passenger crew cab pickups plus passenger, cargo, and high-volume vans.

Chevrolet Volt - Electric Plug-in Hybrid

The Chevy Volt, due out in 2010, is an Electric Plug-in that will run entirely on electricity. One nice added feature to the Chevy Volt that was not implemented on the old Chevy EV-1 is its small on board gasoline engine that can recharge the battery without plugging it in. This added feature will insure your ability to get home and not be stuck dead in the middle of some unforeseen bumper to bumper traffic. The Chevy Volt is said to go 40 miles before the auxiliary generator is needed to charge the battery.

Not yet confirmed, but Chevy also intends to deliver the Saturn Vue Plug-in Hybrid. The Vue Plug-in won't be as revolutionary as the Volt, but it will probably cost a lot less. (The Volt is expected to cost about $40,000.) For starters, the Vue Plug-in will be an enhancement to an existing vehicle, the Vue Two-mode Hybrid that's expected to go on sale next year. As planned, the Vue Plug-in will be a parallel hybrid. That means that, like a regular Toyota Prius or Ford Escape Hybrid, it will be powered by a gasoline engine with significant assistance from electric motors Starting with a full charge, GM expects to have an electric-only range of about 10 miles. GM expects overall fuel economy twice that of any current SUV.

Electric sports car - Really ?

2008 Telsa Roadster:

• 100% Electric
• 0 to 60 in 3.9 seconds
• 13,000 rpm Red-line
• 135 mpg equivalent
• 225 miles per charge
• less than 2 cents per mile

Telsa Roadsters are being manufactured right now and after some delays, a huge internal shake-up and a couple price increases, the company will finally start delivering Roadsters to customers. The CEO was fast at pointing out that this is "the only zero emission electric vehicle in production today," which is pretty much a big lie. There are lots of people making electric vehicles in America. But it is the only one with a top speed of 125 mph. Though the $100,000 price tag is a bit steep, and Tesla will only be able to produce one or two cars a week (at least at first), 900 people have already reserved a Roadster. Included in that list are Dustin Hoffman, George Clooney, and Arnold Schwarzenegger. Despite all of the uncertainty and delays along the way. Tesla motors has provided an alternative to the speed hungry consumers in today's green minded society.

2008 Infiniti QX56 2WD

MSRP: $52,150 - $55,350 Invoice: $47,905 - $50,838 MPG: 12 City / 18 Hwy Engine Displacement 5.6L/339 HP Engine Type 8 Cylinder Engine (Standard) 5-Speed A/T (Standard) The Infiniti QX56 2WD last had a manufacturer update on 09/06/2007. Infiniti's full-size luxury SUV enters 2008 completely redesigned, with a new interior and exterior look and feel, as well as added technology. The QX56 boasts a 5.6L V8 producing 320 horsepower and 393 lb-ft of torque. Other highlights include a power-folding rear seat, an expanded list of interior trims choices, a Burr-Brown audio system, and an Intelligent Key system. Revisions for this year include new front and rear fascias, redesigned front fog lights, and the addition of chromed aluminum alloy wheels. Two new exterior colors are also newly offered, Lakeshore Slate and Serengeti Sand. Options include an XM NavTraffic system and an rear entertainment system. The Infiniti QX56 2WD was introduced in 2004 and a redesign is expected in 2010.

Hybrids - Here to stay?

Hybrids are still niche vehicles, but at their current rate of growth, they could dominate the roads in another five or 10 years. U.S. hybrid sales jumped more than 34 percent to a total of 338,851 in 2007, according to CNW Marketing Research in Bandon, Ore. The only other vehicle segment that grew faster than hybrids in 2007 was what CNW calls “budget cars.” Sales of these small, inexpensive models, which include the Chevrolet Aveo, Honda Fit, and Toyota Yaris, grew at an astonishing rate of nearly 48 percent.

With rising gas prices and higher fuel economy standards mandated by the federal government, analysts expect hybrid technology to proliferate in the coming years. With new models entering the market and their popularity expected to rise, CNW predicts that 1.1 million hybrids will be sold annually by 2010. To help soften the financial blow and spur sales, the federal government provides an income tax credit for buyers of hybrid vehicles. This credit can be as much as $3,000 .

Nissan Murano - 2009

$26,330 for the S model $27,880 for the SL model $35,910 for the LE model The new Murano is not that much different from the old one, which was a phenomenal success for Nissan. As before, the Murano is based on the Altima platform, which itself was reworked just last year. There's still no third-row seat, which is fine, because the Murano is for people who really want a five-passenger luxury crossover - not a minivan substitute - but who don't want to spend Infiniti or Lexus money. With spiffy new options like heated, power-folding rear seats; a power liftgate; an extra-large glass moonroof; and a 9.3-gig music hard drive, it's not like Murano buyers will feel deprived. Unless, that is, they are hoping for a measure of sportiness - that's what the Infiniti FX and new EX35 are for. The Murano has decent body control, but it can feel a bit floaty. As for the light steering, the main message it communicates is that it would prefer you drive in a straight line. The brakes are strong, though, ride quality is fine, and the familiar VQ-series V-6 and Nissan's second-generation Xtronic continuously variable transmission ought to get Murano owners to the Nordstrom clearance sale in plenty of time. Yes, that slightly odd CVT thrum reverberates through the vehicle as you press the accelerator, but the power delivery is smooth, consistent, and very strong. Maybe too strong: we averaged only 19 mpg in mostly freeway driving in our all-wheel-drive test car.

2009 Hyundai Genesis

The 2009 Hyundai Genesis is this Korean automaker's first rear-wheel drive vehicle. This large car also marks the debut of Hyundai's first available V8 engine. Genesis is about 6 inches longer in wheelbase and 3 inches longer overall than Hyundai's Azera midsize sedan. It offers three engines: a 264-hp 3.3-liter V6; a 290-hp 3.8-liter V6; and a 375-hp 4.6-liter V8. All engines team with a 6-speed automatic transmission that has a manual shift gate. Available safety features include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, curtain side airbags, and front and rear side airbags. Among the available features are heated and cooled front seats, wireless cell phone link, a navigation system with hard drive for storing digital music files, rearview camera, and front and rear obstacle detection. Genesis has a knob in the center console that governs audio, navigation, and other functions. Adaptive cruise control is also available. This will be a fun car to test drive once available.

Ford Focus SES Sedan - 2008

The New 2008 Ford Focus SES Sedan

Invoice Price: $15,650

MSRP: $16,835

Estimated Payments: $351/month

Gas Mileage: 24 mpg city / 35 mpg hwy

Engine/s: 2.0L I4, 16 valve, 140 hp @ 6000 rpm ;2.0L I4, 16 valve, 132 hp @ 6000 rpm

Transmission: 5 speed Manual,4 speed Automatic

Nice bright dash gauges with driver's steering wheel thumb controls.

Online Car Buying

Online Shopping Soars, New-Car Values Drop If the idea of saving thousands of dollars is more thrilling to you than that new-car smell, you'll find your heart's desire in the used car market. A wider pool of quality used cars, and progress in Internet search functionality, have vastly changed the buying experience. In 2007, roughly one in four buyers of late-model used vehicles relied on an Internet vehicle locator or online classified ad service to find the auto they purchased. That's a 44 percent jump over the previous year, according to a study by J.D. Power and Associates. And there's no beating the price. "People don't think of depreciation as an out-of-pocket cost, but it is," says Philip Reed, senior consumer advice editor at Edmunds.com and author of "Strategies for Smart Car Buyers." "There's a steep drop off in [value] in the first year, and 30 percent depreciation by the end of the third year." For example, Edmunds looked at the Lexus GS 430 and GS 450. "The first-year depreciation on the new car is $14,000; if you bought a two-year-old model, the depreciation is $3,000 in the first year of ownership," says Reed. http://finance.yahoo.com/expert/article/moneyhappy/62077

2008 Honda

2008 Honda Fit Sport 5-Spd MT

MSRP: $15,270 Estimated Market Price: Not Available Invoice: $14,720

Standard Engine: 1.5L I4, 16 valve, 109 hp @ 5800 rpm 5 speed manual transmission 28 mpg city / 34 mpg hwy Green Rating: Unavailable

2008 Chevrolet Silverado

2008 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Regular Cab 2WD Work Truck Standard Box

MSRP : $17,500

Invoice: $16,538

Standard Engine: 4.3L V6, 12 valve, 195 hp @ 4600 rpm 4 speed automatic transmission Not Available city / Not Available hwy Green Rating: Unavailable

Optional Engine(s): 4.8L V8, 16 valve, 295 hp @ 5600 rpm 4 speed automatic transmission Not Available city / Not Available hwy Green Rating: Unavailable

5.3L V8, 16 valve, 315 hp @ 5200 rpm 4 speed automatic transmission Not Available city / Not Available hwy Green Rating: Unavailable

5.3L V8, 16 valve, 315 hp @ 5200 rpm, Ethanol 4 speed automatic transmission Not Available city / Not Available hwy Green Rating: Unavailable

Go Green - The Future of the Automobile

2008 Detroit Auto Show: Honda CR-Z Hybrid and FCX Clarity Fuel Cell Vehicle Introduced DETROIT, U.S.A., January 13, 2008–The Honda CR-Z, a lightweight sports hybrid concept vehicle, and the FCX Clarity, a hydrogen fuel cell vehicle set to begin limited retail marketing in summer 2008, are bringing some of the most advanced environmental technologies from Honda to the 2008 North American International Auto Show. CR-Z Making its North American debut, the CR-Z is a next-generation lightweight sports car concept equipped with Honda's original gas-electric hybrid system that achieves both clean performance and a high level of torque. The CR-Z stands for "Compact Renaissance Zero" - an expression intended to capture the idea of a renaissance in the design of compact cars that begins anew from fundamentals. The design research model of a lightweight hybrid sports car features advanced technologies that deliver elevated driving performance while reducing the vehicle's environmental footprint. The key words for the CR-Z's interior design are "Hi-tech and Sporty." The goal was to create an all-new sporty interior that fuses the liberating feel of airy spaciousness with an advanced interface that brings out the fun of driving. Mesh material on a simple framework construction is used throughout the interior to convey a light, sophisticated image. In the cockpit, the meter unit conveys the image of advanced technology ensconced in a piece of glass artwork, offering quick recognition and a futuristic and exhilarating appearance. FCX Clarity -4 Door American Honda plans to lease the FCX Clarity to a limited number of retail consumers in Southern California with the first deliveries taking place in summer 2008. Full details of the lease program will be set closer to launch, but current plans call for a three-year lease term with a price of $600 per month.

Nano - World's Cheapeast Car !!

At a price of only $2500.00 , you can get 50 miles to the gallon but you have to give up Air conditioning and your passenger side mirror. A small price to pay for such a cheap car. And yes it does meet emission standards.

New Delhi: India’s India's Tata Motors Ltd unveiled the world's cheapest car on Thursday, bringing car ownership closer to millions of consumers.

The four-seater Nano will have a dealer price of 100,000 rupees ($2,500), and will go on sale later this year. It costs less than half of India's cheapest car, the Maruti 800."Let me assure you and our critics the car we have designed will meet all safety norms and all foreign environmental criteria," Chairman Ratan Tata said at the unveiling.

The car has a rear-wheel drive, an all-aluminium body, a 623cc engine, a multi-point fuel injection system. It has a roomy passenger compartment with generous legroom.

"It's a dream come true," Ashok Singh, a constable with the Delhi Police. "I look forward to buying that car. My wife will be really happy."

Tata said the car would have a rear-mounted engine and travel 20 kilometres per litre of petrol. It would be offered in a basic model and two deluxe variants. Tata said it would focus on the home market for up to three years before considering exporting the Nano to countries in Africa, Latin America and Southeast Asia.

Have your sayWould you buy a cheap car? What do you take into consideration when buying a new vehicle?

Honda Accord - 2008

MSRP: $20,360 - $30,510Invoice: $18,457 - $27,629Miles Per GallonCity: 17 MPG - 22 MPGHighway: 25 MPG - 31 MPGBody Style: Sedan, Coupe Engines: 2.4L I-4 177 HP, 2.4L I-4 190 HP, 3.5L V-6 268 HP

The Accord comes in two-door coupe or four-door sedan with either a 2.4-liter four-cylinder or 3.5-liter V-6 engine. The four-cylinder engines are available in five-speed manual or automatic transmission for both styles of the Accord, while the V-6 sedan is only available in five-speed automatic. The V-6 coupe is available in six-speed manual. Coupes are available in LX-S, EX, and EX-L trim. Sedans are available in LX-P, LX, EX, and EX-L trim. Cloth upholstery is standard, however EX-L models feature leather-covered steering wheel and leather seats. Safety is enhanced on all Accords by six airbags, including side-impact air bags for front seats and side curtain air bags. All-disc anti-lock brakes, Vehicle Stability Assist with traction control, Brake Assist and active front head restraints also come standard.

For 2008, the Honda Accord has been completely redesigned, boasting more safety features, more spacious rear seating for the sedan, and a more powerful engine.

New 2008 Lamborghini Reventón

The Latest Innovative Design by none other than Lamborghini. This new design was inspired a fighter jet. Lamborghini has done so well with its 25% increase in production that it built this car as a way to still out do themselves. With its 6.5 L V-12 that puts out 650 hp. to its AWD drive line, Lamborghini has defiantly taken to the next level. And of course with its tradition intact, the Reventon is named after a bull. This bull was a winner in 1943 as announced in the debut at the Frankfort Auto Show by the CEO. With its cost of $1,000,000 euro it is the most expensive Lamborghini built to date. With only 20 to built, buyers have already scrambled bought everyone these supercars. The official press release states that only 20 will be built, but it is rumoured that the total number could be 100.