automotive+women

Women

2012-01-30T05:10:00.000-08:00

Women

2012-01-30T05:07:00.000-08:00

alive.

Women

2012-01-30T04:53:00.000-08:00

Women

2012-01-30T04:38:00.000-08:00

Women

2012-01-30T02:40:00.000-08:00

Women

2012-01-30T02:21:00.000-08:00

Mercedes-Benz SL-Class

2012-01-03T04:06:00.000-08:00

You know the old expression, “All good things must come to an end.” It’s a phrase that must be echoing through Mercedes-Benz hallways as the final current-generation SL-Class rolled off the production line for the final time last week. But the nameplate isn’t gone for good: The German auto maker is preparing to unleash the 2013 SL-Class so it was obvious the current generation’s decade-long run was coming to an end.

The final SL-Class built was a European spec SL 350 doused in Iridium Silver and will come to rest in the Mercedes-Benz Museum in Stuttgart, Germany. The very first model was shown off in 2001 and dressed in SL 500 trim. This was the first of several other versions including customer favorites like the SL 55 and SL 65 AMG models which later morphed into the SL 63 and SL 65 trims.

The SL-Class was assembled at the Mercedes-Benz Bremen facility in Germany, the largest private employer in the region. Benz began building cars in Bremen back in 1978, with the SL-Class operation starting up there in 1989. The SL-Class was first unveiled to the world at the Geneva Auto show in 1989 as well. Over 370,000 SL-Class convertibles began life in Bremen since the facility began piecing the luxury vehicle together over two decades ago.

During its lifespan the SL went under the knife twice with the most recent procedure dropping the circular headlights to make room for the squarish ones seen on the current model. Up next is the 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class, scheduled to have the cloth pulled off it in Detroit next month. As always, more details as we get them.

Acura NSX

2012-01-03T03:51:00.000-08:00

They’ve teased us long enough—even as the last NSX rolled off the assembly line, the rumor mill was already churning—but this time it’s as official as it gets: Acura will showcase a new NSX concept at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, as well as a new RDX SUV and a compact luxury sedan. Perhaps unsurprisingly, the NSX Concept will closely resemble the Acura sports car inserted into the Avengers movie as Tony Stark’s daily driver—even though they adamantly denied at the time that it would have anything to do with a future product, concept or not. But then again, when you’ve got a car that alluring, why throw it away?

The design of the car is reportedly “inspired” by this previous car, with no qualms from us. And like the much-loved older NSX, it will feature a V-6 engine, but this time around, partnered with a hybrid drivetrain consisting of electric motors at the wheels for the ultimate in all-wheel-drive flexibility and grip. In addition to the headline-grabbing NSX, Acura’s been busy. The company will also roll out an entry-level luxury sedan they’re clumsily labeling the “ILX,” which in fact isn’t a Canadian airport code. The compact sedan will slot underneath the TSX as “the gateway to the Acura lineup.” Given the fact that the Acura TSX, the brand’s least expensive car, is already on the small side, we wonder if the ILX will really be the poor man’s Acura or a flop like the Lexus HS 250.

And like the aforementioned Lexus, the ILX will come in hybrid form: Acura’s first gas-electric hybrid will bank off Honda’s experience with the Insight and Civic drivetrains, but there will also be two gasoline engines available. Lastly, expect an updated RDX compact SUV for the 2013 model year. The current example has been around since 2006, so a refresh and some rhinoplasty has been long awaited. Will the ILX reintroduce to Americans the idea of the small luxury car? Will the RDX look better than it ever has? And perhaps more importantly, will the new NSX make associate editor (and shameless Honda fan) Jason Davis’s heart swoon as much as it does for the last one? We’ll find out in about a month.

BMW 6 Series

2012-01-03T03:46:00.000-08:00

Is a coupe still a coupe when it has more than four doors? When that “coupe” just so happens to look like the 2013 BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe, the answer is probably not. The latest BMW to make its introduction, the 6 Series Gran Coupe is a car that not only slots between the 5 Series and full-size 7 Series in terms of size and, likely, pricing. It also serves as a stepping stone for BMW shoppers to step up to when an Audi A7, Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class, or even BMW’s own 5 Series GT just won’t cut it.

Stretched 4.4 inches longer than the 6 Series coupe, BMW says the Gran Coupe is a 4+1 passenger car—which means it can seat five in a pinch. It’s longer, lower, and wider than the BMW 5 Series sedan. With a 16.2-cubic-foot trunk, it has a significantly larger trunk, too; Its trunk is actually larger than a Toyota Camry’s, too. Powering the base 640i version is a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-6, capable of producing 315 horsepower. Additionally, BMW has amped up the 650i with a 445-horsepower version of its 4.4-liter twin-turbo V-8 engine.

On the 650i Gran Coupe, all-wheel drive will be available. For the 6 Series Gran Coupe, the only transmission available immediately will be BMW’s eight-speed automatic.Standard in the 6 Series Gran Coupe are auto start-stop, regenerative energy brakes, and iDrive with a built-in navigation system. Optionally available are LED headlights, active steering and roll stabilization, and a Bang & Olufsen hi-fi audio system.

BMW has also said the 6 Series Gran Coupe will keep in line with the automaker’s sporting heritage, as the 640i Gran Coupe is expected to hit 60 mph from standstill in 5.4 seconds. The 650i Gran Coupe will do the same task in 4.6 seconds, 4.5 for xDrive all-wheel-drive models.

Each is limited to 155 mph. Despite the heightened performance, BMW estimates the 640i will be able to achieve 30 mpg, and the 650i should be able to get 26 to 27 mpg on the highway. Official numbers will be released closer to the car’s launch. Look for the 6 Series Gran Coupe to hit dealerships starting the beginning of summer with the 640i Gran Coupe and later with the 650i Gran Coupe rear- and all-wheel-drive versions. We’ll keep you updated on pricing and other noteworthy details as they emerge.

Bentley Continental GT/GTC

2012-01-03T03:39:00.000-08:00

Bentley claims that the new Audi-derived V-8, which they are presenting in the Continental lineup at the Detroit Auto Show next month, is “widening the appeal of the latest generation of Continentals.” Which is polite speak for “entry-level model.” But if you’re lusting after German-derived Anglophile highway-crushing luxury, don’t let that dissuade you from your latest issue of the DuPont Registry. The new V-8 promises to be just as capable of shuttling you from Nice to Cannes at much the same velocity.

Currently, the Continental features just one engine: the mighty 6.0-liter twin-turbocharged W-12 that pumps out 567 horsepower. This new V-8 also features two turbochargers, but at 4.0 liters it’s a bit smaller, and produces “only” 500 hp, just within earshot of the lofty Double You. (Of course, the massaged and fettled W-12 in the Supersports model produces a dizzying 631 horsepower—but if you’re cross-shopping that against the V-8, your priorities may need some more fine-tuning.)

What’s the big difference, then? Well, even rich people don’t fancy having to pay for their own gasoline, especially if they’ve reached the upper spending limits of their corporate AMEXes this month. To wit, Bentley claims that the smaller engine should get 40 percent better fuel economy than the “big-block,” which after punching it into a Casio wristwatch calculator equates to 17 mpg city, and 27 mpg on the highway (where the big Bentley belongs).

The V-8 Continental achieves this with an eight-speed automatic transmission and advanced engine internals such as direct injection. According to Bentley, it will still do 0-60 mph in less than 5 seconds, while hitting over 180 miles per hour. By contrast, the mileage figures for the 12-cylinder engine are 12 mpg city and 19 mpg highway.

An updated front bumper, a glossy black grille, 20-inch wheels and “figure-eight-shaped” exhausts round out the exterior visual details. Inside, there’s still the same supple blend of cow and tree, now with a few more shades of tree added to the options list. Pricing, of course, has not been announced. It seems that even an “entry-level” Bentley still adheres by the rule: If you have to ask, you can’t afford it.

Mercedes-Benz SL

2012-01-03T03:30:00.000-08:00

When over-eager adolescent males prematurely released photo of LiLo’s underwhelming Playboy shots onto the Internet, Playboy mogul Hugh Hefner felt forced to release the magazine early as well. Well, a certain publication *cough*Autocar*cough* decided to jump the gun and release details on the all-new 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL. Why Autocar felt it had the keys to the castle is anybody’s guess, but it may have decided there wasn’t much to hide after the so-called “accidental” Mercedes SL posting as reported yesterday.

“The result is perceptible and measurable. Less weight means improved performance and efficiency. In other words, the driving pleasure increases and the environmental impact decreases.” Combined with other changes, the 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL dropped around 275 pounds total compared to its predecessor.

Other changes for the 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL include:

The Mercedes SL is nearly two inches longer and more than two inches wider than its predecessor and offers more shoulder and elbow room.
Lighter but more powerful direct injection 4.6-liter V-8 turbo engine which generates nearly 430 horsepower. The 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL has not been tested by the EPA for fuel economy at the time of this post, but the engine is mated to a seven-speed automatic transmission and stop/start system for better fuel economy.
Direct-Steer system that adjusts the Mercedes SL’s suspension depending on the steering wheel’s angle.
The 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL can be equipped with either a standard glass hardtop or Mercedes’ Magic Sky Control which darkens the glass for privacy or simple shade or leaves it transparent for open-air experience without the accompanying wind and noise.
Standard “magic vision control” windshield wiper that sprays wash fluid directly on the wiper blade without affecting the driver’s view of the road.
The optional “hands-free access” feature allows Mercedes SL owners to open the trunk lid with a simple step (literally) near the back of the convertible. Note the system closes the lid automatically as well.
The 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL can automatically park itself courtesy of the optional Active Parking Assist system.

Color-wise, the 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL is offered in Black, Magnetite Black, Shadow Grey, Mars Red, Steel Grey, Iridium Silver, Palladium Silver, Pearl Beige, Diamond White, and Lunar Blue. Leather is standard and wood trims include burl walnut and black ash. The 2013 Mercedes Benz SL goes on sale in the second quarter of 2012. Pricing has not yet been released at the time of this post, but we don’t expect the price to significantly rise from the 2012 model figures. Mercedes will herald the all-new SL with sale of the 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL Edition 1 special edition, which will be equipped with such features like AIRSCARF neck-heating system and 19-inch wheels as standard.

Volvo C70

2012-01-03T03:23:00.000-08:00

Performance and value are not mutually exclusive terms on the 2012 Volvo C70 Inscription. Like other recent models in the lineup, the C70 Inscription receives some engine and computer tweaking from Swedish performance company, Polestar. For 2012, the Inscription package will be a $3900 upgrade, bringing the total price, including destination and fees, to $41,325. The package, which adjusts the air and fuel ratio, timing, and computer tuning, boosts the turbocharged, five-cylinder’s horsepower to an even 250. Also included in the package are special 18-inch wheels, a gloss-black grille, and interior details, including a leather-covered dash, new floor mats, and sport pedals. We’ve recently detailed Volvo’s efforts to go to an all four-cylinder lineup, as well as plans to close the factory where the C70 is built, by 2013.

Alfa Romeo 4C

2012-01-03T02:21:00.000-08:00

Alfa Romeo has continued to tease the U.S. with a concept version its 4C sports car, but has so far failed to give an exact date for its release stateside. Alfa’s also had a cone of silence around other details, although cracks are starting to show. We recently learned of some new developments in the 4C’s gestation, and if they’re true, it may be worth the wait.

Alfa’s engineers are getting more confident as each day passes that they will have a prototype version of the 4C ready for testing in the middle of 2012. The two-door coupe would then hit the production line the following year, with a targeted lifespan of 18,000 copies produced. A price tag hovering around $58,670 is expected on the 4C once it’s released into the U.S. market.

Development of the 4C has been put on the fast track courtesy of a special quick-acting team headed by Mauro Pierallini, head of engineering for Fiat in Europe. It all started when group design chief Lorenzo Ramaciotti requested that a concept version of the 4C to be drawn up by Alfa designers. Alfa’s bosses liked it so much they decided to push the 4C out as a concept at the Geneva and Frankfurt Motor Shows, respectively. However, when pressed by the media Alfa wouldn’t announce how they would build it and when it would actually be made available to the public here in the U.S.

We do know that the concept version of the 4C used a carbon-fiber chassis designed by Dallara, a racecar manufacturer responsible for contributing to the KTM X-bow, Alfa 8C, and the Bugatti Veyron. This will help with aerodynamics of the 4C and enhance handling so that it’s much more responsive. The production version’s frame is an in-house design that also utilizes a carbon tub but the front and rear frames are aluminum. This equals a lower cost to make the 4C and only adds a little more weight. The outer panels of the concept version were made of carbon too but this will be switch out for a lightweight form of fiber glass in order to save money during production.

The good news is that while Alfa’s 4C is getting new materials for the production version it will still keep its concept looks. According to Pierallini the interior won’t look much different either, but as always we still expect it to change a little from its concept form. The 4C is expected to tip the scales at around 1984 pounds and will be about 13-feet long. This is closer to a Lotus Elise than the original targeted competitor, the Porsche Cayman.

Under the hood we expect to see an engine similar to the one that powers the Alfa Romeo Giulietta, but will also utilize an aluminum block and fuel-saving direct injection. This engine is rated at 230 horsepower, good news for a vehicle that doesn’t weight much. Alfa also hopes to strengthen its lineup by bringing over a Giulia sedan, the successor to the 159 which was the last Alfa to be sold here in the U.S. The Giulia is slated to re-enter the U.S. market in late 2013, followed by a new crossover in 2014. Do you think Alfa Romeo’s latest rendition of the 4C is a winner or will it fall flat? Tell us what you think in the comment section below.

Mercedes-Benz

2012-01-03T02:14:00.000-08:00

Even the most closeted, news-shunning American knows that the rest of the world sees us differently than we see ourselves. Why is a different story, but for the record, the European and Asian automakers have had, for several decades, a separate, and sometimes less exciting American car lineup. The latest example magnifies the gulf between regional approaches to CAFE, and unlike the Beta vs. VHS and BluRay vs. HD-DVD battles, you will have no say in the technology available to you.

In late 2012, Mercedes-Benz will produce a new, European-only E300 with a 2.1-liter four-cylinder turbodiesel hybrid engine. With 201 horsepower and 369 lb-ft torque, the European E300 will sprint to 60 mph in 7.5 seconds and score about 67 mpg combined on the European rating cycle. Performance and awesome fuel economy is like having a fantastic Belgian Tripel, and drinking it, too. That sounds great, until you consider that Mercedes-Benz won’t be bringing the turbodiesel hybrid engine to America.

This is expected, but no less a bummer. Instead, we will be getting the E400 with a 3.5-liter hybrid V-6. According to the UK’s Autocar, that engine will rate around 32 mpg on the tougher American cycle. The same 295-hp engine doesn’t do quite as well in the larger S400, at just 21 mpg combined. Still, 32 mpg is impressive, but so were the Texas Rangers. They lost the World Series last year. And the year before that.

This isn’t the first diesel snubbing, and it won’t be the last one, either. Unfortunately, despite Volkswagen’s recent TDI successes, it appears that decades of stubborn tradition and unforgotten memories of choking blue smoke will continue to mar our prospects for change.

Lexus LF-LC

2012-01-03T02:07:00.000-08:00

Lexus was going to unveil its newest LF-LC concept at the Detroit Auto Show. Media members in attendance would have gawked and awed at the Newport Beach-based design studios’ latest design language, highlighted by Lexus’ now defining “spindle grille.” The LFA-like sports coupe might have been one of the most memorable debuts at the show, but thanks to a Newport Beach-based auto magazine, which last night leaked embargoed photos of the sexy new coupe, the element of surprise is gone.

We’ve been covering Lexus’ maddening unveil puzzle, breaking the story here, and highlighting interior details here, but certain tactless, internet trolls preserved the damage even as the original offender rushed to scrap it. Now, in the wake of the broken embargo, Lexus has officially unveiled the LF-LC ahead of its Detroit unveiling. “Crafted from a clean sheet of paper at the request of Lexus headquarters in Japan, the LF-LC blends both high technology and organic shapes to connect the driver to the machine,” said Mark Templin, Lexus group vice president and general manager. “The clean lines of the vehicle emphasize motion, creating a distinctive look for this futuristic sport coupe.” So, what can we speculate now that we’ve seen the pictures? Is this just a one-off showcase for design, or will it be the rebirth of the Lexus SC? We’re hoping for the latter, as there is an opening for a sport coupe in the luxury brand’s lineup between the disappointing IS-C and the awesome but unrealistic LF-A.

Lexus GS

2012-01-03T02:01:00.000-08:00

The all-new 2013 Lexus GS was first unveiled last August, and with it went to rest the stereotype of traditionally conservative Lexus design. Though the GS retains most of the same dimensions as the current GS, Lexus found room to revamp the interior with class-leading technology, improve fuel efficiency by up to 35-percent, and add some much needed sport.

And then there’s the grille, if you can look past it. It’s a combination that Lexus feels is a legitimate in-segment contender. And we agree. In November, we drove the 2013 Lexus GS and concluded that “Lexus has delivered a sport sedan that is every bit as dynamic as similarly-equipped German competition.” And now, the latest bombshell is that prices won’t increase for the 2013 Lexus GS 350 and GS 350 AWD. Pricing has not been announced for the GS 450 hybrid.

The prices, including destination:

2013 Lexus GS 350: $47,795
2013 Lexus GS 350 AWD: $50,325

In addition, the following packages and upgrades are available to the base RWD and AWD models:

F-Sport: + $5690
Premium Package: + $1400
Luxury package: + $5750
Navigation System: + $1735

The F-Sport package will be outfitted with sport body work, grille inserts, badging, special 19-inch wheels, larger Brembo brakes, an Adaptive Variable Suspension, and special interior treatments.The Premium Package includes rain-sensing wipers, heated and ventilated front seats, and power rear sunshade.

The Luxury Package includes everything in the Premium Package plus Adaptive Variable Suspension; an Adaptive Front Lighting System; high gloss espresso wood ornamentation; semi-aniline leather, 18-way power front driver and passenger seats, side bolster and thigh support controls; four-way lumbar; butterfly headrests; driver and passenger seat memory; rear HVAC and audio controls; rear manual side sunshades; 18-inch alloy wheels; and a wood and leather steering wheel. The optional Navigation System adds a 12.3-inch, split-screen that supports simultaneous, split-screen viewing of a map, plus audio, climate or other vehicle information.

Nissan and Infiniti

2012-01-03T00:10:00.000-08:00

Nissan is recalling six 2011 and 2012 models—the 2011 Infiniti FX, 2012 Infiniti M, 2012 Nissan Frontier, 2012 Nissan NV, 2011 and 2012 Nissan Pathfinder, and the 2011 and 2012 Nissan Xterra—for oil leaks caused by faulty bolts connecting the engine’s oil cooler to the oil filter. The recall affects 14,718 vehicles. Possible effects of the defective connector bolts are oil leaks and, in the worst-case scenario, low oil pressure or a seized engine if the oil level becomes too low. Nissan will be contacting affected customers starting Jan. 19, 2012 and will replace the bolts free of charge at its Nissan and Infiniti dealerships. Customers with any questions about the recall can contact Nissan’s customer service number at (800) 647-7261, or they can contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s vehicle safety hotline at (888) 327-4236, referencing campaign number 11V592000.

Cadillac CTS

2012-01-02T23:54:00.000-08:00

Cadillac is making no small deal ahead of the 2013 Cadillac ATS’ arrival, insisting that the car has been tuned with German inspiration, but until the 2013 Cadillac XTS and 2013 Cadillac ATS go on sale, the CTS remains. The CTS has received a reputation as a gallant looker, but one bested by the competition. Enter the Touring Package, available on the sedan, coupe or wagon. The Touring Package will offer many of the V-series features, now to be available on the regular CTS, which will help the Caddy compete with competitors such as the Infiniti G37 and BMW 335i. Two Touring Packages are available, based on the two available 3.0-liter and 3.6-liter V-6 engines.

Features included in the new kits include: Recaro seats; microfiber suede inserts on the seats and steering wheel; a sport-tuned suspension; a V-series spoiler; and 18-inch or 19-inch fancy wheels depending on the package, which range between $2,065 on the 3.0-liter engine and $2,810 on the 3.6-liter. Also new for the 2012 CTS are standard Bluetooth connectivity, and optional rain-sensing windshield wipers and a blind spot assist feature. Three new colors have also been added, Opulent Black Metallic; Black Diamond Tri-Coat and Mocha Steel Metallic.

Ferrari FF

2012-01-02T23:44:00.000-08:00

Santa. Sinterklaas. Kris Kringle. Saint Nicholas. No matter what you call him, most of us imagine him as a jolly bearded man in red velour who delivers presents to all of the good boys and girls. For those who don’t fall under that criterion, sorry, you get coal. Or a flat tire. With our staff in the holiday spirit, we came up with a list five vehicles we think would rule in the Yule. No need to be standing under the mistletoe to fall in love with them, and we imagine Santa would dig these sleigh rides, too.

Volkswagen

2012-01-02T23:37:00.000-08:00

Volkswagen is a company that espouses the benefits of its clean-diesel technology and boasts about its new Passat sedan being able to reach 43 mpg on the highway—all without having to use expensive hybrid technology. It makes one wonder why the German automaker is protesting a law that will mandate an increase from 35.5 mpg in 2016 to 54.5 mpg by 2025 across the industry; after all, it’s already halfway there on some of its cars. “It’s not about VW’s ability to make cars that can do it,” company spokesperson Tony Cervone told Automotive.com. “It’s about the laws themselves. “VW is in favor of national standards, reducing consumption, and reducing greenhouse gases,” Cervone continued. “But it puts a huge disproportionate burden on us to meet the requirements.”

Dodge Caliber

2012-01-02T23:28:00.000-08:00

The little engine that couldn’t, the last of the Detroit Three’s previous generation of duds—the Dodge Caliber—is no more. Chrysler, Dodge’s parent company, is ending production of the ironically named Caliber, which never quite measured up to the competition in terms of refinement, capability or even basic execution. Developed during an era of sub-par American production cars that fell well short of the quality, performance, and efficiency of German, Japanese and most recently Korean autos, the Caliber represented the false notion that economical cars require an economy of thought and development.

Chrysler’s domestic competition has since repented and developed cars that are being well received: the 2012 Ford Fiesta and 2012 Chevy Cruze rank number one and four, respectively, in U.S. News and World Report‘s annual rankings for affordable small cars. Ford’s Focus, and Chevy’s Sonic have also merited attention and represent a shift in philosophy. Not to be outdone, Dodge will unveil the Caliber’s replacement, the 2013 Dodge Dart, at the NorthAmerican International Auto Show in Detroit next month. The Dart is expected to be a far better car than the one it replaces, although to be fair, simply being better than the Caliber is about as low as bars go.

Jaguar car

2012-01-02T23:21:00.000-08:00

There are few cars that light our fancy quite like Jaguars. They have a sound, a smell, and a feel that’s unlike anything from Deutschland. But the fact remains that they’ve struggled with a bit of an image problem for decades. When you think of Jaguar, you sooner think of some stuffy aristocrat rolling down his window and asking you if you have any Grey Poupon than a company with several high-horsepower sports cars and sedans that could lay waste to most anything else on the road.

Jaguar wants to change that, though. In its latest commercial called “Jaguar at Play,” it shows a 2012 Jaguar XKR-S sports car, XFR midsize sports sedan, and XJL Super Sport full-size luxury sedan driving through the woods. Then it shows them in a warehouse district. And through all of it, you hear the rumble of supercharged 5.0-liter V-8 engines cranking out in excess of 500 horsepower apiece. But Jag lets the cars do the talking. The 30-second spot concludes with some sideways drifting and Latin-sounding guitar strumming. Does it whet our appetite for the trio of cars? Sure. But what about the masses who might be in the market for them? Does the commercial make you want a new Jaguar? Let us know in the comments section below.

Chrysler 300

2012-01-02T22:40:00.000-08:00

With the Lincoln Town Car gone and Cadillac ditching its V-8-powered DTS and STS sedans in favor of the V-6-powered 2012 Cadillac XTS, there’s a distinct lack of large, V-8 sedans that both companies once made in abundance. Chrysler took the opportunity to bring it back. The Chrysler 300 sedan has always been large and luxurious. But new for 2012 is the Chrysler 300 Luxury Series, a model to further infuse the car with panache and exclusivity that has been lacking in other 300 models.

Starting with the base V-6 300 and available optionally in the V-8 300C, the Luxury Series adds black or mochachino leather on the dashboard, instrument panel, center console, and door panels. It also adds Nappa leather to the black or mochachino two-tone leather seats, heated and ventilated front and rear seats, hand-sanded matte-finish wood interior trim, die-cast shift paddles mounted behind the steering wheel. Additionally, the 300 Luxury Series comes standard with an 8.4-inch touch-screen infotainment system, Berber floor mats, and satin chrome accents throughout the car’s interior and exterior. Rear-wheel-drive models will come with standard 20-inch wheels in either V-6 or V-8 guise, while all-wheel-drive cars will come with 19-inch wheels.

The 300 Luxury Series with the 292-horsepower Pentastar V-6 engine and eight-speed automatic transmission will start at $40,145, including $825 for destination and handling. Adding all-wheel drive moves that price to $42,495. Moving up to the 363-horsepower Hemi V-8 engine 300C Luxury Series $42,895, and adding all-wheel drive will tally a price of $45,245. Expect the 300 Luxury Series to reach Chrysler dealerships in the first quarter of 2012.

Fisker Recalls 239

2012-01-02T22:34:00.000-08:00

Fisker is recalling the Karma EV built between July and November 2011 for a potential coolant leak. Due to incorrectly placed hose clamps in the battery compartment, the battery compartment cover might come loose, potentially causing the coolant hoses to leak into the battery compartment. Should this occur, the high-voltage battery could short, causing a fire. The Fisker recall affects 239 Karma EV’s, and Fisker will notify owners next week where a replacement part, if necessary, will be installed at no additional cost.

Cadillac Blings Escalade

2012-01-02T22:29:00.000-08:00

In August, we wrote about IIHS findings concerning the relative ease with which certain criminals could take your dubs, namely, your Cadillac Escalade. The report named the Escalade the most stolen vehicle per 1000 units, and the highest cost to repair stolen and damaged parts. This was unacceptable, we wrote, questioning the veracity of Cadillac for not making a secure vehicle, then requiring the very basic theft-deterrent features as an option on what is, essentially, a $60,000+ Chevrolet Tahoe. As a result of the IIHS findings, Cadillac tweaked a few safety components, calling the Escalade “well protected.” Now, four months later, the 2012 Escalade finally receives what the luxury brand says will be “a significant step in helping to reduce vehicle thefts.”

The 2012 security enhancements:

PASS Key 3+, a sophisticated encryption system for the key, key cylinder and ignition system (Deters: Drive-away thefts)
A more-robust steering column-lock system that makes it nearly impossible to maneuver the Escalade onto a flatbed. (Deters: “push-away” thefts)
An available inclination sensor that sets off an alarm when the system senses an unwarranted change of the angle of the vehicle, such as would occur with towing, flat-bedding or lifting the vehicle. (Deters: towing, push-away, and wheel thefts)
An available shock sensor intended to reduce content theft and push-away theft by sounding the alarm when the vehicle is “shocked,” such as by breaking window glass. (Deters: Property theft)
An available new wheel lock system to help prevent the theft of Escalade’s wheels and tires.

“The goal is to make the Escalade a very difficult target for thieves without any added inconvenience for customers,” said Bill Biondo, General Motors’ global leader for vehicle theft prevention. “The new systems work in the background and few people realize they are there, but they are strong added protections.”

Automotive.com’s take: If you didn’t notice, three of the five bullets above still show one important word: available. This means that consumers will still have to shell out extra dollars on top of their rebadged Chevy for should-be-standard theft-deterrent options. Smooth move, Cadillac.