Automotive Review Blog

2010 Audi A6

2010-06-09T22:27:00.000-07:00

The redesigned 2010 A6 from Audi is versatile enough to tackle any kind of road conditions, particularly the snow covered roads. It's not only capable to handle all the road situations, the new Audi A6 also provides enhanced drive comfort and safety features.

The 2010 Audi A6 is a luxury touring vehicle with the features similar to that of a sport car similar to the A4 or even BMW 3-Series. Performance will be the key feature for the new A6. Beyond the car's valuable engines, the other standard features in the next generation A6 includes, electronic brake force distribution, pneumatic suspension that provides good ground clearance for all the driving conditions, electronic stabilization program technology, five valves per cylinder in the engine block, electronic differential locks, all road Audi technology that supplies equal power to all the wheels and electronic brake force distribution.

The next gen A6 is expected to be released in the fall of 2010. The new 2010 A6 comes powered with 4.2 liter V8 engine and is also expected to offer bi-turbo 2.7 liter V6 engine as an option for the coupe model. The features include Audi symphony stereo, power memory seats, leather wrapped seats, driver information system, high strength roof, xenon head lights, and skid plates.

2010 Mercedes E-Class Video

2010-03-23T21:23:00.001-07:00

BMW X1 Video

2009-12-13T20:37:00.000-08:00

2010 Lexus ES

2009-10-06T19:34:00.000-07:00

The ES has gotten a facelift for 2010 and even though it is nothing earth shattering it is still worth a quick look.

Buick and Lincoln also have their sights set on directly competing with Lexus (the new Buick LaCrosse TV ad is even engaged in a marketing battle with the Lexus ES) so the ES may have an redesign in a year or two in-order to leave Buick in the rear view mirror.

For 2010 slight changes to the front fascia include a new grill, sharper lines and more bulbous taillight cases and restyled headlights. The rear has subtly revised contour lines and a chrome strip on the trunk. The new styling isn't surprising for Lexus' conservative updates which won't scare away too many customers with radical design changes.

The interior looks pretty much the same as it did in 2007 when the Lexus was restyled

The 2010 ES looks more like a Camry than last years model. This isn't surprising either as they are nearly the same car.

2010 Saab 9-5 Design Review

2009-09-26T21:08:00.000-07:00

The new 9-5 is about to hit the US market and it looks pretty good thanks in part to it's new owner.

Fresh off the sales floor Saab is in the hands of super car maker Koenigsegg and is free from GM. One of the first cars to be redesigned back to Swedish standards is the 2010 9-5. The car has an updated, stylish and sporty look.

Though, how is the new 9-5 design differentiate itself from the old one?

In 2006 Saab redesigned the 9-5 in a bold manner. The front headlights had darker casings installed making the 9-5 look more aggressive and metal trim was installed. The taillights were not only redesigned but were also reshaped. Though, the interior still had the GM dash and it didn't quite match the exterior.

2010 9-5

The new redesign is even more bold than the previous and looks stylishly futuristic without going overdoing it (a lesson learned by the lead designer of the 2002 BMW 7 ) The car sits lower to the ground and is more aerodynamic than the previous model.

The back of the car is where the design really sets itself apart from the old 9-5 design. It really doesn't look like a Saab from the back. Previous models did a good job of gradually changing the design to look updated but still like a 9-5.

The new design takes a leap from the older designs and wipes to board clean. This will be a good thing in a few years but right now it's hard for me to get used to the new rear. It looks like a Lexus LS, but it will grow with time like the front end redesign of the 2006 9-5.

The taillights have an interesting inspiration behind the design. Saab designer, Simon Padian explains the lights "have an ice like character that reflects our Scandinavian heritage." They do look a bit like ice when turned off, imaginative. Plus the wraparound taillight bar is reminiscent of the 96-97 Saab 900.

Plus, they have an nice LED ambient lighting effect that may upstage Audi's lighting effects. The headlight has a single headlight which accentuates the shape of the headlights.

The interior is designed in typical Saab fashion; sporty and simple.

The new look is a good mix of familiar design cues and new inspired design without overdoing it, it may take a little getting used to the back though.

2010 Mercedes E-Class Review

2009-09-08T18:23:00.000-07:00

The newly restyled Mercedes E-Class has rolled out onto showroom floors all around America and is turning heads with an all new style for 2010.

Mercedes has always been an iconic leader and technological innovator in the luxury car market. Free from Chrysler now Mercedes Benz has restyled the E-Class is a modern and artistic way that is sure to set some standards for the S and C-Class' of the future.

The new style of the E-Class does a good job of changing without changing too drastically or looking like a different car.

The new E-Class blends styling from the past with the styling of tomorrow. For example, the rear fender lines mimic the fender lines found on the original E-Class from the 1960's.

Here's a video of the lead designer explaining design philosophy:

"The redesigned midlevel luxury sedan promises blissful comfort and panache. While this might seem like nothing new for the Mercedes-Benz E-Class sedan, the updated 2010 model impresses with slightly larger dimensions, sharper bodylines, more high-tech safety technology and a lower starting price than the 2009 model.

Slightly larger inside and out, the E-Class sedan competes against such premium models as the BMW 5 Series, Infiniti M, and Cadillac CTS. Sitting an inch lower to the ground, Sport sedans have squared-off exhaust tips, "twist" rocker panels and a grille with three horizontal bars, above a massive air intake. Luxury-model grilles contain four bars, with a smaller air intake.

Interiors feature an abundant selection of hand-polished burl walnut wood. The sedan's gearshift lever has moved from the floor console to the steering column, operated electronically. Five-level Ambient Lighting, taken from S-Class sedans, aims to reduce eyestrain. E550 Sport sedans have a three-spoke steering wheel with thumb notches (optional for E350 Sport), versus a plain four-spoke wheel for other models. Seats are 14-way power-adjustable.

Heading the list of safety features is newly standard Attention Assist, a drowsiness monitor that tries to alert a dozing driver. Steering-angle sensors consider more than 70 variables, starting with your profile, over the first 20 minutes of driving. An audible warning is accompanied by display of a coffee-cup icon. Standard enhanced Pre-Safe Braking can provide partial or full-power braking in emergencies. Nine airbags are standard, including driver's knee and pelvic bags.

Additional safety items are optional. Radar-based Distronic Plus maintains a pre-set distance from the car ahead, working like an "invisible rubber band," according to Bernhard Glaser, general manager for product management. Night Vision Assist Plus recognizes pedestrians ahead, using twin infrared beams. Adaptive Highbeam Assist provides the best possible illumination, reaching up to 1000 feet ahead. Lane Keeping Assist uses a camera above the windshield to analyze lines in road, delivering three steering-wheel vibrations when the car begins to leave its path. Blind Spot Assist monitors the area 10 feet back and 10 feet to the side.

Today's Mercedes-Benz sedans are lighter on their feet than those from a few years back, while roomy and comfortable for long-distance treks. On reasonably smooth surfaces, occupants of an E550 Luxury sedan can barely discern bumps and other road imperfections. Even when a jolt occurs, it's stifled virtually instantly, transmitting minimal annoyance to the interior.

Mercedes-Benz offers U.S. buyers a choice of two engines, both available in either Luxury or Sport trim level. In E550 sedans, a 5.5-liter V-8 again develops 382 horsepower and 391 pound-feet of torque, driving a seven-speed automatic transmission. E350 sedans contain a 3.5-liter V-6, still rated at 268 horsepower and 258 pound-feet.

Estimated fuel economy is 18/25 miles per gallon (city/highway) for V-6 models, and 16/23 mpg for E550 sedans. Mercedes-Benz's transmission can skip as many as three gear ratios when downshifting, depending on the situation. A Hold function prevents "creep" at stoplights. Instead of coil springs, an Airmatic air suspension is installed on all V-8 sedans.

Transmission downshifts with the V-8 engine are not only impressively smooth, they happen promptly. Gear changes are hardly discernible. Expect assertive, refined acceleration at any speed. On certain surfaces, one Luxury sedan experienced slight steering-wheel vibration; other models felt fine.

Luxury-sedan steering feels too light and slow-responding to suit some drivers, so that sedan doesn't feel wholly comfortable on curves, or even some straight-aways. Shoppers who favor the most confident control might prefer a Sport V-8, which sticks to the pavement with greater tenacity. Steering feels a tad tauter, more in accord with directional changes.

As expected, response is more ordinary in a V-6 model: sufficiently strong, but lacking the V-8's finesse. Still, the V-8 commands a hefty extra cost. In any version, seats keep you neatly in place. Front space is ample all around, though headroom could be a tad higher. The center controller knob isn't easy to make out, but must be studied.

On sale since June '09, the rear-wheel-drive 2010 E350 sedan has a Manufacturers Suggested Retail Price of $48,600 (plus $875 destination charge). That's actually $4,600 lower than the equivalent 2009 model. Choosing an E550 raises the tariff to $56,300; plus another $2,500 if you want 4Matic all-wheel drive. All-wheel drive sedans go on sale in September, followed in November by the superstar 518-horsepower E63 AMG sedan. Mercedes-Benz also intends to introduce a BlueTec diesel sedan next spring.

AutoMedia boasts more than 60,000 pages of original articles, including more than 2,100 features researched and written by leading automotive experts, covering car buying, maintenance and technology. For automotive advice you can trust, read more about the 2010 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Sedan, including the latest pricing, rebates and incentives, photo galleries and more, along with details on all Mercedes-Benz Models."

2010 Ford Taurus Review

2009-01-13T19:05:00.000-08:00

Despite all the problems US automakers are having The new 2010 Ford Taurus was revealed earlier this year at the Detroit Auto Show. It first caused a stir when photos were leaked all over the web.

Along with the brand new Taurus is the return of the Taurus SHO after a 10 year disappearance. The new Taurus didn't cause as much press as the return of the SHO, yet despite the brand new redesign do Ford's new Taurus' live up to their heritage?

Despite the US auto bailout fiasco the new Taurus is an improvement over the 2008-2009 Taurus. The new design of the Taurus might fall a bit short of living up to it's heritage and appears to be taking styling cues from the Camry and Accord.

When viewed from the side the car looks alright and seems to blend in with the other cars on the road, a good point for a family sedan.

The front end is styled appropriately with in terms of the headlights and grill, (depending on what model you're looking at though.) It's not too bold, but not too boring. In fact the front end looks very much like the Toyota Camry's front end. That could be a good thing considering Toyota has many most American auto consumers attention.

The headlights while similar to the Camry are a hat tip to the 1992-1995 headlights upon closer inspection.

But the SHO has an electric shaver style grill that is a bit flashy and may be more appropriate if it were black.

The interior also appears to be another good thing about the new Taurus (depending on what model again though) The interior appears more luxurious and seems to be competing with luxury cars such as the Lexus GS, LS and the Audi A6. Ford seems to be trying re-brand the car as a full size luxury car. [Aside: Why can't the Taurus stay an affordable family sedan without having an identity crisis?]

The interior of the SHO comes with seating reminiscent of the early SHO's from the 80's and 90's, a nice new retro detail.

The interior materials appear to have improved over more recent years. When I drove a rental in 2005 the interior was made of low grade plastic and was an obvious downgrade over the 2000-2003 interior. The wood components of the dashboard on the 05 Taurus were not wood, but instead plastic.

Now the new Taurus has leather seats in all models and a stylish LED dash on the SEL model.

Now a few bad points.

Alan Mulally said with the release of the 2008 Ford Taurus (and trying to do some PR cleanup after attempting to kill off the Taurus and Sable) "People just want the name."

He was wrong when he looked at their sales figures. People didn't want the Ford 500 to be renamed the Taurus and the Montego to suddenly become the Sable. They wanted the real things made with the quality they used to have, if not better.

Unfortunately, Ford killed off the Sable again. The last true Sable rolled off the assembly line in 2005. [Aside: with this being last year for the Grand Marquis and Mountaineer it seems Mercury is going the way of Oldsmobile]

Also, the rear taillights while interesting have a cheesy chrome strip around them. In fact the rear reminds me of the Ford Flex combined with the new Lincoln MKZ. The rear looks a bit chinsey, a bit out of sync with the Taurus styling history. Also, it appears similar to the Honda Accord rear. Though big rears are back.

Finally, it has a side flare, an unnecessary styling trend.

Overall the new Taurus is not a bad car and is an improvement over the last generation but compared to the design evolution of the 1986-2006 Taurus' the current Taurus seems to be having a bit of an identity crises. Is it trying to be luxury? Family sedan? Sport sedan? It is a modern improvement over the last generation but needs a few tweaks to make it a top selling sedan again.

2010 Lincoln MKZ Video

2008-11-25T20:12:00.000-08:00

Hybrid Luxury Cars: A Comparison

2008-10-21T20:02:00.000-07:00

With the current state of the American economy (and also increasingly the world economy) the, gas prices and other financial woes of consumers the luxury car market has shifted focus to fuel efficient, green luxury cars. But which one not only wins fuel efficiency but also design.

In the past luxury cars driven by the well healed have been gas guzzler's but that has changed in recent years.

Today we'll compare three high end luxury flagship cars: BMW 7-Series, Lexus LS600h, and the Mercedes S-Class

Lexus LS600h

It looks fantastic but how green is the LS600h?

2009 BMW 730d

Fuel efficiency? BMW answers with a 7-Series hybrid

Mercedes S-Class Hybrid

Lexus seems to be leading in the luxury hybrid market so far with Mercedes on it's heels and BMW trying to catch up.

This shift in technology and styling is one of the most important eras of automotive industry since the invention of the airbag and seatbelts. For automakers to stay afloat (especially GM and Ford) they will need to shift toward making green cars for their entire line of vehicles, possibly even branching out to other forms of fuel to stay competitive.

The era of the boxy, awkward Prius hybrid styling is becoming more stylish and appealing. With the growth of hybrid luxury cars such as the Lexus RX Hyrbid and 600h hybrids are becoming a necessity of every garage.

More next time.

2009 BMW X6

2008-09-07T17:54:00.000-07:00

BMW added a new crossover to its lineup called the X6, though is the design too radical for the average BMW driver?

2009 Volvo XC60

2008-08-31T10:16:00.000-07:00

The all new 2009 Volvo XC60 has made its debut, but does the design still appeal to Volvo drivers?

2009 BMW 7-Series Video

2008-07-18T21:15:00.000-07:00

Here's the all new 7-series in action.

2009 Audi Q5 Review

2008-07-16T11:00:00.001-07:00

Audi is competing with BMW's X3 and Mercedes' brand new GLK with it's new Q5. The new Audi Q5 is smaller than the Q7 but still visually linked to the Audi name with its signature grill.

The tailights meld into the body lines in typical Audi fashion and are also visually similar to the Q7. Overall the design is sporty enough to cater to younger drivers than that of the Q7 and stylish.

One of the most interesting design features of the new Q5 is the roof. Innovative sensors detect when the vehicle is carrying a heavy load. When it senses a heavy load the vehicle will lower itself to compensate for having a higher center of gravity.

Though, with Audi's advanced technical features can the Q5 win over BMW X3 or attract speculative GLK drivers?

Green SUV's: Design Editiorial

2008-07-07T12:33:00.001-07:00

Green cars and hybrid cars are quickly gaining in popularity. With rising gas (petrol for reader's across the pond) prices people are looking for more fuel-efficient wheels.

SUV sales are declining and manufactures have to adapt to the change. GM has rolled out its line of green SUV's. It's almost difficult to tell these SUV's are more fuel-efficient than their gas-guzzling counterparts. The new hybrid Chevrolet Tahoe, Cadillac Escalade, and the new Chevrolet Silverado are now attempting to increase lack luster SUV sales.

Though, the design of these cars hasn't changed the perception of a hyrbid car evokes the image of the iconic Toyota Prius which makes it hard to believe for some that the 2009 Cadillac Escalade will be offered as a hybrid version.

When hyrbid cars debuted in the American market around 1999 the Honda Insight with its futuristic, oddly shaped car set the tone of what hybrids should look like- or at least a basic design other automakers could copy to get the emerging hybrid sales. The Toyota Prius was soon to follow and the second generation became the symbol of hybrids.

Though, the bulky shape and somewhat strange design of the current Prius kept some consumers from buying it. If there was a hybrid version of the Camry or Accord consumers would have bought it because it is familiar and the styling of the cars are conservative and familiar.

Recently, hybrids have become trendy with the release of the Lexus RX hybrid and the Ford Escape hybrid. Automakers caught on that hybrids were taking on a mass appeal and shifting in design from nerdy odd shape, little cars to family sized cars with smooth lines. Though, why didn't this design shift happen sooner?

Now American automakers that have been stubborn to produce change are suddenly offering hybrids to the changing auto market; big SUV's, small SUV's and pickup trucks. While the first hybrid SUV's look more conventional than their smaller hybrid cars did when they first hit the market will they be as fuel-efficient? Nonetheless it's a good start.

2010 BMW Z4 Spy Video

2008-06-30T18:02:00.001-07:00

2009 Toyota Venza Review

2008-06-12T16:43:00.000-07:00

With 2008 marking the final year of the Camry Solara Toyota's new CUV, the Venza will succeed the Solara.

From the front the car looks very sculpted and boxy. The winged headlights flow into the enormous chrome grill. The grill sets a new design for Toyota as we haven't seen this much chrome on a four-door Toyota since the Cressida of the 80's . The badge melts down into the grill in a similar fashion as the new Camry making a subtle visual link between the two. Though, that's where the similarities between the Camry and the Venza stop.

The car is more similar to the Sienna with its enormous, wide doors. From the back the vehicle looks similar to a minivan with its large tailgate. The taillights are a new look for North American Toyota's and a bit similar to the new Volvo S60 mixed with the Lexus RX.

Speaking of the RX, Lexus is redesigning the RX for 2009 or 2010. Will it have some styling cues from the Venza? We'll see when it debuts.

2009 Honda Pilot Review

2008-06-09T21:00:00.000-07:00

Honda unveiled the next generation Pilot with some mixed reviews about the design. The new 2009 Pilot has a boxier, brawnier look than the previous version but this design could take a little getting used to.

The body is larger and longer and looks less like a crossover but instead like a small SUV. The headlights are also boxy and are much larger and winder than before. The enormous grill, which is becoming a staple of Honda’s 2009 line-up, reminds me of the large grill on the new Acura MDX.

The rear quarter panel is more boxy than before and similar in style to the 2008 Jeep Liberty. The back also looks similar to another Chrysler vehicle, the Chrysler Aspen from some angles. The rear taillights are also a bit similar to the new Dodge Caravan. Inspiration from Chrysler? Maybe, maybe not.

Moving inside the steering wheel has been redesigned. A major change is the relocation of the shifter from the column to the lower dashboard.

Even though technological practicality is the theme of the interior there are more buttons which on the center console and arm rests. This ads functionality to the vehicle and more options for the driver but it can seem like you’re in the cockpit of a 747 if you’re not familiar with the interior layout of Honda vehicles. Kind of like trying to cook in someone else’s kitchen.

Despite rising gas prices Honda surprisingly does not have a hybrid version of the Pilot. According to a New York Times article, "Honda feels that hybrid powertrains are best suited for small vehicles." Shouldn’t Honda automakers have hybrid versions of all there models by now? Nonetheless, the Pilot is set to be a hit with die hard fans.

Though, the new design might send other consumers to choose the Ford Escape or the Toyota Highlander.

2009 Acura TL Spy Photos

2008-06-05T19:01:00.000-07:00

Acura enthusiasts and members of forums such as the vtech.net have been buzzing with anticipation about the new generation Acura TL for 2009. A member of the vtech forums took these spy photos of new TL out on a test track.

The front end has a more aggressive look and appears to be sporting the large Acura grill with the large crossbar that has gotten mixed reviews. The back end, which was barely concealed, has changed significantly with large rear bumpers, a trunk lid with an overhang and an overall more angular look. The taillights are smaller and look similar to the new Honda Civic coupe.

We'll have a full design review when Acura unveils the 2009 TL later this sumer.

2009 Chevrolet Traverse

2008-06-01T13:05:00.000-07:00

With GM ending its minivan line, Chevy has a crossover that will pick up from where the Venture left off. The Traverse is the newest addition to GM’s CUV line built on the same Lambda platform as the Saturn Outlook and the Buick Enclave.

The front fascia is inspired by the styling of the 2008 Chevrolet Malibu with its signature crossbar and large grill. The body styling is similar to the Buick Enclave and other GM CUV’s not surprisingly though, interestingly the rear window of the car is similar to the BMW X3.

But the back of the car is where the designers took a few risks. The wing shaped tailights are a unique design and even look slightly like tailights on the Audi Q7 but may they may take some getting used to. The taillights look almost over-powered and slightly disproportionate compared to the enormous tailigate.

The two tone interior is typically Chevrolet. Leather seats and a modern, clean appearance are. There is an emphasis on automotive technology inside such as glowing instrument panel and navigation screen.

Even though her design may take a bit of getting used to it is still yet to be determined if the Traverse can get minivan moms to trade in their Dodge Caravan or upper middle class moms to substitute it for their Lexus RX350.

2009 Mercedes SL Review

2008-05-28T11:36:00.000-07:00

The new SL has been redesigned for 2009. The most noticeable changes to the SL are changes to the front.

The old dual headlights are gone and more architectural headlights similar the CLS flow into the more aggressive bumper. The Mercedes badge is also larger than the previous version. Another change in the front is a wider grill with a bar spanning across it. Ridges in the hood give add to the updated sporty look. The turning signals on sideview mirrors are now designed as slits instead of the older light units.

The rear hasn't changed that much compared with the older model. The taillights now have LED's and the backup lighting unit is more clearly defined. The rear bumper has been freshened up also.

Moving inside the car the curvy two-tone dashboard is still similar to the previous generation with some elements added and modernized. The most obvious change is the steering wheel has been brought up to date in and designed in a "T" fashion.

Another interesting design element is the new addition of fans mounted in the back of the head rests. These fans are officially called airscarfs and were first seen in the new SLK. According to Mercedes,

"Airscarf uses ventilation outlets in the seat to circulate warm air around your neck and head. You control the temperature from the central console, and the airflow adjusts to the vehicle’s speed."

Airscarfs may also keep the driver cool on hot days. Though, as useful as they are the installation of airscarfs in the headrests make the headrest look a little bulky and awkward. Other than that the new SL is designed well.

The 2009 SL is modern enough to differentiate itself from the older generation but not too different that it looks like a different car and looses its heritage.

2009 Mercedes SL

2008-05-27T20:04:00.000-07:00

We'll have a full review tomorrow.

2009 BMW M3 Sedan Getting a Facelift?

2008-05-24T10:53:00.000-07:00

M3 fans over at the forum M3 post have spied a M3 E90 sedan on the road with what looks to be a concealed facelift for 2009. The car just hit the roads this spring and already it is getting slight design updates.

It looks like the M3 will get minor cosmetic changes such as an updated rear bumper and redesigned taillights with LED's. Here's a photoshop created by one of the members of the forum of what the updated M3 may look like.

Head over to www.bimmerpost.com for the latest BMW news.

2010 Ford Taurus Announced

2008-05-23T14:42:00.000-07:00

A newly restyled Ford Taurus is coming in 2010. Fourms and blogs have been buzzing with anticipation since April about a photo a probable design for a new Taurus for 2010. (Many of the sites were asked by Ford to take the photo down) Ford’s CEO officially announced this January that a new Taurus is coming in 2010.

The design and styling is similar to the Ford Mondeo and the Ford Falcon.

The design is modern, sleek, and much of an improvement over the current design. It even has a little of a sporty look to it. Speaking of sporty the SHO is reported to be coming back in 2010 also.

Ford recently held a Ford Taurus SHO focus group in Chicago with some invited SHO enthusiast.

Enthusiasts from BringBackTheSHO.com are speculating on what the 2010 Ford Taurus SHO might look like. This ain’t you father’s Taurus:

Whatever the design of the 6th generation Ford Taurus one is for sure; the family sedan will have a whole new look that will keep the Taurus competitive to the Accord and Camry. The new Taurus is expected to hit the roads sometime next year.

We'll have a full review when more becomes available.

2009 Audi A3 Facelift

2008-05-21T18:31:00.000-07:00

2008 Jaguar XF Review: Top Gear

2008-05-05T15:38:00.000-07:00