The CarGurus Blog

In this blog, we usually talk about new cars ready to hit the market in the near future. However, older models often fade into obscurity as car companies replace untenable lineups with new technology. The latest replacement involves General Motors dropping the hybrid versions of the GMC Sierra and Chevy Silverado despite rising gas prices.

The recent decision reflected General Motors’ realization that simply slapping the hybrid tag on a rugged pickup wouldn’t cut it in a market where consumers demand true fuel efficiency. The Silverado and Sierra hybrids never ran on electricity alone and saved drivers only 2 mpg compared to gas-powered trims.

In any event, fans of the aforementioned hybrids won’t have to go too long without their favorite models. GM plans to re-introduce the Silverado and Sierra hybrids in late 2008 with a twist: two-mode hybrid transmission. GM, Daimler-Chrysler, and BMW have joined forces to work on new technology that will give drivers the same smooth electric engine performance they’d get with a Toyota Prius without sacrificing towing capacity and fuel efficiency when driving uphill. Early tests show a 25% increase in fuel economy, enough to convince the more environmentally conscious among us that the technology really does save wear and tear on our planet.

With GM losing its spot as the world’s top automaker to Toyota last week, the lineup shuffle represents one small part of a larger movement designed to bring the heavyweight title back to its rightful owner.

- posted by Taeho Lim

The Pittsburgh Auto Show, usually held in February, was postponed by more than two months because the convention center was broken. No, really: a truck drove through a loading bay and triggered a collapse of part of the floor. The good news is that the show opens today as scheduled. The tough news for the show’s organizers is that they’ve lost the “edge” in terms of dramatic unveilings and the like–after Detroit and New York, the energy around new and concept cars has fizzled a bit.

In some ways, though, that’s a good thing. The Pittsburgh show gives us a second look at some of the concept cars that made appearances at the earlier events, especially the ones from American manufacturers. The Chrysler Nassau, for example, didn’t grab headlines in Detroit: with all the new ideas and big-picture concepts out there, the relatively understated Nassau made less of a splash than the folks at Daimler Chrysler probably had hoped. Perhaps at Pittsburgh, the car will get the attention it deserves.

It’s an interesting concept, though you wouldn’t know it from the press release. Whoever thought it would be a good idea to pitch the Nassau by comparing it to English “shooting brakes” needs a stern talking-to from Doctor Z!

The core of the Nassau concept is simple, really. It’s a luxury sedan with a hatchback. See? No blather about “shooting brakes” is needed; it’s as easy as the old Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup commercials to understand. Two great tastes that taste great together.

Or you could think of it as a PT Cruiser that doesn’t look like a toy schoolbus. Or a station wagon that has a bit of flair. Or a lighter-weight crossover with the feel of a limo. The key to the Nassau is that it’s low-slung (and hence, presumably, nimble on the roads) and yet simultaneously roomy and flexible.

In other words, an idea whose time has come, right? Well, according to most of the automotive press, not so fast. Everyone from Car and Driver to Popular Mechanics is proclaiming the Nassau a false start. The hatchback concept, especially, has come in for some harsh criticism.

And so I’m interested in what the Pittsburgh crowds will think of the Nassau. The appeal of the design seems obvious to me–a car that can deliver the comfortable ride of a luxury sedan along with the flexibility and cargo capacity of a hatchback makes sense to anybody who’s tried to load a cart full of groceries into a car filled with dogs and kids. A lot of us Generation X’ers miss the giant station wagons of our childhood; the Nassau offers that kind of room without the top-heavy boxiness of the Honda Element or the Toyota Scion.

Gas prices aren’t going anywhere but up, at least for the near future. I think every automaker would do well to think about new solutions to the age-old question of how to balance comfort and efficiency. And given the theme of the Pittsburgh show, “Fantasy to Reality”, the Nassau seems like one interesting answer!

For more about the Pittsburgh Auto Show, check its website.

More about the Chrysler Nassau at MotorTrend.com.

Introducing the most capable off-roader you will never own.
…or will you?

While other automakers may be busy competing to reach the paramount of eco-consciousness, the folks at Daimler Chrysler are continuing to think outside of that limiting, environmentally friendly box. In a time of fuel cells, three-wheeled solar-powered concepts, and hybrids, Daimler Chrysler has the Hemi V-8. So now, why not two Hemis in one vehicle? The Jeep Hurricane 4×4 is powered by two 5.7 liter Hemi V-8s, for a total output of 670 horsepower and 740 pound-feet of torque. Jeep claims a 0 to 60 time of 4.9 seconds. And it’s not as environmentally neglectful as it sounds either. Chrysler’s Multi-Displacement System allows the Hurricane to run on four, eight, twelve or all sixteen cylinders.

The Hurricane also boasts 14 inches of ground clearance, approach-departure angles of 64.0 and 86.7 degrees, a mechanically controlled four-wheel torque distribution system, four-wheel steering and a 0-foot turning radius. Thanks to a unique tow-steer system, which allows both the front and rear wheels to turn inward, the Hurricane can do a 360 degree turn in place.

Jeep first unveiled the Hurricane concept at the Detroit Auto Show in 2005. Unlike the Gladiator concept, the Hurricane was not intended to demonstrate the future direction of the company. It was merely designed to be a show-stopper, which is was. While it was touted as the “most capable 4×4 ever,” and was named Autoweek’s “Most Fun” concept that year, few off-road enthusiasts had any hope that such a vehicle would ever see production. Since then, Jeep has remained rather ambivalent about the future of the Hurricane.

However, this concept recently became newsworthy once again amidst whispers about the possibility of limited production. Public reception has demonstrated that there is actually a demand for such a vehicle, and there have been discussions about possible military use. Now, one could argue that if the Hurricane concept is called upon for a military application, then the public will eventually get a taste. A quick look at the history of Land Rover, Hummer, and, of course, Jeep will back up such a thesis.

For More Updates and Information, Check Out:

http://www.automobilemag.com/auto_shows/naias_2005/0501_jeep_hurricane/

http://www.edmunds.com/news/autoshow/articles/103626/page014.html

http://www.gizmag.com/go/3599/

Perhaps it comes as no surprise — not really big news at all — that the Porsche Cayenne, the sporty SUV from the maker of the venerable 911, as well as the Boxster and the Cayman, is equipped with more powerful engines for 2008. After all, isn’t that what we expect from Porsche? Shouldn’t all the vehicles produced by the iconic German automaker be the best in their fields, the fastest around the track, and the hunkiest in suburban driveways across the country?

Well, sure. But in the Cayenne’s case, particularly the base model equipped with a V6, the extra power is justified, even necessary, when you consider that the Cayenne is a large, heavy vehicle that can always use a little extra umph to move it along the highway. But when you add in the fact that the new 2008 engines are actually more fuel-efficient that their forebears, and that the Cayenne has received some minor styling upgrades that make it more aerodynamic (and yes, again, more fuel efficient), well, just maybe that is news.

Besides, we can’t help writing about the Cayenne, or any other Porsche, for that matter. They’re cars that demand to be noticed. So we’re noticing them — it’s a tough job, but someone has to do it.

The new Cayenne (which has just arrived in showrooms) is available with a choice of three engines. The base 3.6-liter V6 gets a goose of 43 horsepower, to 290 horsepower, which drives the vehicle from 0 to 60 more than a second faster than the engine it replaced, while the new 4.8-liter V8 (available on the S trim package) receives a boost of 45 horsepower, to 385 horsepower. At the top of the heap is a twin-turbocharged V8, which produces a whopping 500 horsepower, up 50 horsepower from the previous model.

Porsche achieved those boosts in power via direct injection (on all three engines) and variable valve timing (on the V8 engines). The direct injection, by the way, also helps make the engines more fuel-efficient.

Exterior changes are subtle and include a revised front end, which helps improve aerodynamics, as well as new headlights and taillights, and a new rear spoiler. All-wheel-drive is standard across the line. The Cayenne also is equipped with more powerful brakes, and such new features as the Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control system, which helps keep the vehicle level under hard cornering. And with all that additional power under the hood, you might be using that new leveling system more than you think.

Back when I had just graduated college and was looking for my first car, I briefly entertained the notion of owning a Buick. I think it might have been a Century or a Regal. I can’t remember, because I ended up buying a Honda. Since then, I’ve always been a Honda fan and have never once considered buying an American car, particularly not a GM. That may be unfair, and I may have to pull a Sean Connery and redact my “never” after seeing the new concept Buick Riviera that was just released at the 2007 Shanghai Auto Show.

The original Riveria was a Buick icon, a sporty coupe cruiser that is probably best remembered for its early ’70s boattail design. It retired in 1999 after 37 years on the road, the last of the Buick coupes, but is gloriously back as a concept car created in collaboration with Shanghai Automotive Industry Corporation. Designed in China, the new Riviera blends elements of both Buick’s and China’s past and rethinks them for the future. This is not your grandpa’s Buick, and it’s certainly not aimed at the typically conservative 50-70-year-old Buick buyer. Rather, GM says the concept represents a new design direction for the flailing company.

The most striking futuristic feature is the gullwing doors, but there are subtle retro nods thrown in, in the form of the three ventiports, the traditional large waterfall grille with Buick’s tri-shield, and even a hint of that old rear boattail. The curves, flowing soft edges, and nature-influenced hues are directly tied to Chinese symbols and ancient artifacts.

A big difference here is the lighting, however, and not just the sweeping LED lamps up front that are perched over massive air intakes. The Riviera concept is all about creating a mood. At night, the grille, exhaust pipes, side mirrors, and front and rear emblems are backlit an “icy green” that is meant to resemble Chinese jade. And when the gullwing doors are open, a Buick logo is reflected onto the ground. There is even a thin hood-length crease that lights up. This mood lighting carries on into the interior floor and door panels, where it can be adjusted by the driver.

The two-door coupe will seat four, and the concept features a center console with a screen and touchpad controls and a mouse-like gear shift. Materials are a watery blue and creamy white, to reflect an “earth and water” theme. The cabin feels expansive thanks to two glass panels in the roof. The whole effect is meant to cradle the passengers in soothing comfort by eliminating any rough edges or harsh sensory stimulation.

GM says the new Rivieria is designed to hold a hybrid engine that’s being created right now in time for the 2008 Olympics in Beijing. China has now surpassed the U.S. as Buick’s biggest market, so it makes sense that GM would announce its future plans at the Shanghai show, but it does intend to take the concept Riviera on the road to other auto shows. It is unknown whether the Riveria concept will make it into production itself (especially given GM’s low concept-to-production record in the past), but GM execs hint that many of its elements will definitely show up in some sort of future production car. Judging by advance buzz and comments, drivers hope it makes it to these shores sometime soon.

Check out the press release

Have you ever noticed how Asians can manage to capture in one word what Americans need an entire phrase to convey? ‘Hakaze’ means ‘wind blowing through leaves of a tree’ in Japanese and succinctly captures the essence of the crossover concept coupe that made its flashy debut at the Geneva Auto Show in March.

Road and Track had the chance to test drive the Hakaze and liked what it saw. The new concept seats 4 and features a 258 hp 4 cylinder powertrain with all-wheel drive. Exterior highlights include a clear glass top, streamlined ridges around the body, and rotating doors that open up at a 45 degree angle to the ground. The interior features a rectangular steering wheel, sensor-based console controls, and seats made from neoprene, a synthetic rubber often used in wetsuits and insulation.

So when can you try out the Hakaze for yourself? Don’t hold your breath. While the crossover looks intriguing, Mazda intended the Hakaze as a means to an end. In this case, the design and dimensions should find their way into an as-yet-unnamed SUV set to arrive in late 2009. For now, the current Mazda lineup should suffice until the winds of change blow into your local showroom.

- posted by Taeho Lim

I was going to blog, as usual, about some Albanian hatchback that runs on reconstituted soybeans–because that’s how I roll, green and nerdy. But then I was going through the Popular Mechanics website (you see, I wasn’t kidding about the “nerdy”), and I fell in love. In love, I tell you.

So I’ve got a crush on the 2008 Ford Shelby GT500KR, and I don’t care who knows it. Not that this does me much good, you understand–Ford’s only making 1,000 of these special-edition babies, and I couldn’t afford one even if I could beat Jay Leno and Jerry Seinfeld to the dealer.

But you can’t stop a car junkie from dreaming, and there’s a lot to dream about with the Shelby GT500KR. First of all, the “KR” stands for “King of the Road,” and I’m not going to argue with them about that. This limited edition superperformance car was created to honor the 40th anniversary of the 1968 Mustang, the all-star pony car that first bore the KR moniker.

If you can find a ‘68 Mustang today, you can expect to pay a couple of hundred thousand dollars for it. The 2008 Shelby GT500KR’s price hasn’t been announced, but it’s definitely going to be a lot cheaper than that; the Mustang GT500 lists at a little over $40,000.

Of course, the Shelby KR has more to offer than the plain vanilla GT500 (which is already an awesome muscle car). Its supercharged 5.4 liter engine clocks at 550 horsepower, and the Ford SVT team has come up with a “Performance Racing Package” that includes a state-of-the art exhaust system, 14-inch Brembo brakes, and a scooped, aerodynamically designed carbon-composite roof.

There’s something refreshing about a dream machine car like this, a marvel of engineering that reminds you that cars can be fun as well as serious business. In today’s complicated market, it’s good to see Ford turning out this beautiful labor of love. Even if I can’t drive it. (But if one of you gets to, please write a review! And send us pictures!)

But wait! Here’s some good news for the average driver: last year, Ford and Hertz reintroduced the “Rent A Racer” program, a Carroll Shelby brainchild from 40 years ago. Yes, there’s a limited-run series of Mustang GT convertibles produced especially for Hertz and available for rental around the US.

The limited-run Shelby Mustang GT-H Hertz Racer sports a 325-horsepower V8 engine. Body modifications (including rollbars and a stiffer suspension) and engine tuning were done by the Shelby folks in Las Vegas, and every GT-H is badged and plaqued with the Shelby signature.

Even in the odd Hertz colorway, it’s a gorgeous car. And you can rent one! That is, unless I’ve already booked it.

For more about the 2008 Ford Shelby GT500KR, check out PopularMechanics.com. CarAndDriver.com has all the inside information on the Ford Mustang GT-H Hertz Racer.

In many ways, the Japanese automakers always seem to be just one step ahead of their American, and sometimes their European, counterparts. While the Big Three in Detroit struggle to reintroduce and reposition their lines for a changing world, the Japanese are unveiling cars that seem to be a perfect fit for the current, ever-changing automotive climate.

For proof, just take a look at the 2008 Subaru Impreza 2.5i and its high-performance sibling, the 2008 Impreza WRX, both of which were unveiled recently at the New York Auto Show. A few years ago, at the height of the SUV craze, these cars would have been lost in the crowd. But in this day and age of high gas prices and a renewed emphasis on efficient motoring, the Impreza twins take the lead in a new class of high-tech, high-performance compact sport cars.

Both Impreza models are available in four-door sedan and five-door hatchback versions, and both feature a new, more rigid chassis and a longer wheelbase than the previous year’s models, yet both are lighter in weight than earlier versions. In addition, the engines are placed lower in the chassis, lowering the center of gravity. When you do the math, it all adds up to better handling and a sportier ride.

Adding to the cars’ performance are two new 2.5-liter four-cylinder engines that have been modified to improve emissions and fuel efficiency, while delivering improved torque at lower speeds for true high-performance driving. A standard four-cylinder that produces 170 horsepower is dropped under the hood of the Impreza 2.5i, while the WRX gets a turbocharged version of the same engine, producing 224 horsepower.

Both models are equipped with Subaru’s Symmetrical all-wheel-drive system, as well as all-new double-wishbone suspension. New exterior styling details such as new grilles, rooflines, and rear spoilers are also part of the packages, as are new sculpted door panels, more comfortable seats, and an available nagivation screen that can double as a display for hand-held video games, which can plug right into the system. So while the passenger plays video games, the driver can be play his or her own game behind the wheel of the Impreza over the hottest stretches of road in the country. The two new Imprezas will be available globally starting this summer, so sharpen your driving — and your game-playing — skills.

Is it just me, or does the Kia Soul looks a bit like a high-riding dune buggy with a roof?  Maybe it’s the muscular front end with the oversized wheels and wheel flares, long hood, high beltline, and sloping roof that conjures up images of the Banana Splits cruising the mean streets on a Saturday night.  Having so blatantly dated myself with the dune buggy comment (not to mention the Banana Splits), I have also just identified myself as the antithesis of the target audience for Kia’s new entry-level crossover SUV — the iPod-ensconced, MySpace-browsing urban youth market. 

Riffing on the name of Kia’s headquarters (Seoul), the Soul debuted as a concept car at the 2006 Detroit Auto Show, but it was just announced at this year’s New York Auto Show that the Soul was definitely going into production for release late in 2008 as a 2009 model.  Kia’s aim is to “create passion with consumers.”  Translate that as rebranding Kia’s image away from econobox rental car to something hipper, yet still affordable.  Targeting the urban youth market, the Soul will be in direct competition with the Element and Scion, but since it’s a Kia, probably with a lower pricetag. 

How do you create passion in the urban youth market?  By being connected.  Think music, games, Internet.  Though they probably won’t show up in the production model, the interior of the Soul concept features a front console laptop and gaming center.  What will likely carry over to the production model is integrated Bluetooth, USB ports, and Wifi connectivity, and possibly two pop-up video monitors in the backseat.  However, the Soul really lives up to its name with its emphasis on audio.  Using the sound system as a starting point for the interior layout, the innovative dash of the Kia Soul has been designed around the speakers, which have been placed throughout the cabin to achieve optimal sound quality.  Everything else is just decoration to drivers who need a constant soundtrack to their lives.

  As a crossover SUV, let’s not forget that the Soul is also aimed at an active lifestyle.  The roof rack has sliding adjustments, and the power liftgate features a fold-down waterproof “backpack” compartment.  A unique sunroof opens up the entire cabin, which, along with the wraparound A-pillarless windshield, makes the small crossover feel bigger than it is.  The concept car also featured no B pillars, meaning the “freestyle” suicide doors open away from each other for easier access.

Kia is keeping rather mum on the powertrain for the Soul.  It will be equipped with a definitely non-active lifestyle 2.0 I4 engine, most likely the same one in the Spectra, which gets around 138-hp.  A 4-speed automatic with manual mode and adaptive cruise control will be standard.  The look and branding of the Soul is definitely a whole new direction for Kia, one that might just help give the otherwise unassuming automaker, well, a little soul.  Now if you’ll excuse me, Fleegle, Bingo, Drooper, and Snorky are calling…

More info and photos at autosite   

Check out the press release

Have you driven a Ford lately? Possibly not, especially given the domestic automaker’s recent financial issues. However, as Ford gears up for another run at international prominence, it certainly hasn’t given up on pushing the envelope with a new concept car that looks like a spaceship: the Ford Airstream. One look at its futuristic design should tell you that Ford couldn’t have drawn this up on its own, given its historic penchant for understated elegance. So who could have collaborated on this unique project?

A wise man once said that a man’s car is his castle, and Airstream, Inc. would know that better than anyone as a manufacturer of trailers and motor homes for 76 years. Based in Jackson Center, OH, Airstream had a lot of input into this innovative design that defies classification.

When it comes to the car itself, you’ll notice that the special exterior paint makes the sturdy steel body shine like aluminum. In addition, the dimensions match the Ford Edge. Step inside and you’ll appreciate the rich red fabric that lines the cabin. A cylinder-shaped LED screen enables you to pop in your favorite DVD and watch it from just about any angle.

While the interior and exterior design will make you do a double-take, perhaps the most futuristic aspect of the Airstream comes from the powertrain: a hydrogen hybrid fuel cell. In addition to saving the environment, this device works a little differently from your traditional fuel cell. While most fuel cells supply power directly to the wheels, the Airstream’s cell charges a lithium ion battery. The charged battery then fuels the electric motors that rotate the wheels.

So when can you get one? No one knows for sure, although we’ll have plenty of opportunities to see the car for ourselves. After making its debut at the Detroit Auto Show in January, the Airstream will make appearances around the country in 2007 before Ford decides on a potential release date. In any event, Ford and Airstream want to make sure that this unique concept enters your stream of consciousness before it enters the stream of commerce.

For more information, visit the following links:

The Official Website

Yahoo Autos

Research Ford on CarGurus.com

- Posted by Taeho Lim