TAKE A LOOK!

 

2009 HONDA FIT BIG ON STYLE AND REFINEMENT, SMALL ON PRICE AND FUEL CONSUMPTION

 Story  provided by Honda        

                                   

 

The completely-redesigned 2009 Honda Fit starts at $14,550, plus a destination and handling charge of $670. The Fit Sport, equipped with additional premium features, begins at $16,060, plus destination and handling.

The Fit is designed to lead the subcompact segment with a quality feel and a multi-functional interior. The Fit has become more refined for 2009 with a sportier demeanor through improved suspension, steering and body rigidity enhancements; an improved rear Magic Seat; and a high level of standard safety equipment, including the addition of the Advanced Compatibility Engineering (ACE) body structure and front seat active head restraints. A new, more powerful 117-horsepower, 1.5-liter i-VTEC 4-cylinder engine further improves the Fit's high-revving, fun-to-drive character.

Dimensionally compact on the outside with an overall length of 161.6 inches, the interior provides a surprisingly spacious passenger volume of 90.8 cubic feet and a rear cargo volume of 20.6 cubic feet. The seats offer multiple seating and cargo-carrying configurations – tall object mode, long object mode and utility mode – in addition to the standard five-passenger mode.

An improved rear Magic Seat provides one-motion dive-down functionality without having to remove the rear seat head restraints to folds flat into the floor, creating a rear cargo volume of 57.3 cubic feet. Dual-stage, dual-threshold front airbags, dual front-side airbags with passenger-side Occupant Position Detection System (OPDS) and side-curtain airbags are standard equipment on all models.

The engine produces 117 horsepower at 6600 rpm and 106 pounds-feet of torque at 4800 rpm. A 5-speed manual transmission is standard and a 5-speed automatic transmission is available. Steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters allow for manual gear selection on the Fit Sport equipped with the available automatic transmission. The Fit equipped with the available automatic transmission achieves an EPA city/highway fuel economy rating1 of 28/35 miles per gallon. The Fit with a manual transmission and Fit Sport with either a manual or the available automatic transmission achieve an EPA city/highway fuel economy rating1 of 27/33 miles per gallon.

The Fit comes with standard amenities such as air conditioning, an AM/FM/CD audio system with four speakers, MP3/WMA playback capability, Radio Data System (RDS), auxiliary audio input jack, power windows, power mirrors and power door locks. The Fit Sport adds alloy wheels, an underbody aero kit, rear roofline spoiler, fog lights, security system with keyless remote entry and cruise control. The Fit Sport audio system provides six speakers, a five-mode equalizer and a USB Audio Interface.

For more information, visit www.honda.com

  

 

2009 CHRYSLER ASPEN, DODGE DURANGO HYBRIDS SET TO HIT THE ROAD

 

2009 CHRYSLER ASPEN HYBRID                2009 DODGE DURANGO 

                     

Looking for a ride with SUV performance, capability, comfort, utility and fuel efficiency? Well, your wait got shorter with the soon-to-debut of the 2009 Chrysler Aspen and Dodge Durango full-size hybrid SUVs.

 

            Both the vehicles feature a 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 engine, which blasts off 385 horsepower at 5400 rpm and 380 pounds-feet of torque at 4200 rpm. Chrysler claims there is a 40 percent improvement in fuel efficiency in city driving and 25 percent overall. This can be attributed to the Multi-Displacement System (MDS), which shuts down four cylinders while cruising, thereby saving fuel.

 

            The two-mode hybrid system in the vehicles, which gets assist from the electric motors, is shared by GM, Mercedes and BMW. In first mode, the vehicle operates in electric or engine power only or a combination of both. In electric-only operation, the engine is shut off with the vehicle moving under electric-only power at about 25 mph. The second mode, used primarily at highway speed, provides power when necessary from the HEMI V-8 engine as conditions demand.

 

            Chrysler folks justify the reason for building the two vehicles. “Both offer performance like any other gasoline-powered vehicles,” they say. “Why a full-size SUV as a hybrid? Because there is a market for such vehicles with 1.5 million SUVs being sold annually. Buyers need the space for hauling cargo and passengers and for tow purposes while simultaneously earning good fuel efficiency.

 

            The Durango hybrid is base-priced at $45,340, the Aspen hybrid is base-priced at $44,570 with EPA estimated fuel economy figures of 19 mpg in city and 20 mpg on the highway (fuel capacity: 27 gallons). Plus, you get a tax credit of $1,800 for purchase. “We’ve the right vehicles, the right technology, the right package,” say the folks at Chrysler. We couldn’t agree more.

 

            For more information, visit www.chrysler.com or www.dodge.com

 

 

2009 NISSAN TITAN 4X4 PRO-4X IS PERFECT FOR OFF-ROADING

 

                                    

 

                                          

 

                                                                          

 

Though the Titan carries over with minor changes such as a revised front end, new headlights, fog lamps and grille designs, it gets a new model PRO-4X. As is apparent from the name, this full-size pickup is geared toward the off-road enthusiast. So, it is equipped with a four-wheel drive, two-speed transfer case, traction control, an electronic locking rear differential and steel skid plates to tackle the vigor of off-road driving.

 

A 5.6-liter DOHC 32-valve V-8 engine pumps out 317 horsepower at 4900 rpm and 385 pounds-feet of torque at 4900 rpm. It is mated to a 5-speed automatic transmission. Tow capability? A creditable 9,500 pounds. The power rack-and-pinion steering system is shifts seamlessly. A double wishbone front and an over slung leaf spring in the rear make up the solid suspension system, resulting in a secure ride. That brings us to some of the numerous standard safety features in the pickup: dual front airbags, four-wheel antilock brakes with Electronic Brake Distribution, front seat active head restraints, 13.8-inch front and 12.6-inch rear vented disc brakes, energy-absorbing steering column, front and rear crumple zones, tire pressure monitoring system and LATCH.

 

The sportier appearance of the body-on-frame Titan can be attributed to a body-colored grille surrounded by halogen headlights with fog lamps underneath. It sits on standard 18-inch aluminum-alloy wheels with a 7-foot bed. Stepping into the cabin is trouble-free, thanks to full-size, forward-hinging doors. That this is more of an off-road vehicle than its counterpart is evident from the PRO-4X embossed on the front seatbacks. The three-spoke steering wheel is bulky as is the leather-wrapped floor shifter. Loading up personal belongings is made convenient because of a huge storage area in the center console that can even hold your laptop computer. The 60/40 rear seat folds flat as does the front-passenger seat. A revised seven-gauge instrument panel is made up of the speedometer, tachometer, water temperature, fuel, oil, temperature/pressure and volt readings.

 

Opt for the $1,250 PRO-4X Utility Package if you would like a factory-applied bedliner, an adjustable multi- tie-downs bed system, tailgate area lighting and 12-volt power point, and Class IV integrated receiver hatch.

 

Off-road enthusiasts don’t have any reasons to complain now. This long overdue PRO-4X model should quench their thirst to venture out and off to the rugged terrain. The powerful pickup is loaded with features and amenities that should make for fun off-road. Safe motoring to all.

 

 

TITAN PRO-4X SPECIFICATIONS

Wheelbase: 159.5 inches

Length: 244.2 inches

Width: 79.5 inches

Weight: 5,618 pounds

Fuel capacity: 37 gallons

Highway: 17 mpg

City: 12 mpg

Base price: $36,290

Price as tested: $41,440

Website: www.nissan.com

 

 

 

 

CHEVROLET UNVEILS 2010 CAMARO

 

Story provided by Chevrolet

 

                                   

 

This heritage-inspired sports car   offers great looks, performance, advanced technology and surprising efficiency – including 26 mpg estimated highway fuel economy. Sales begin in the first quarter of 2009.

Built on GM’s new, global rear-wheel-drive architecture, the Camaro is offered in V-6-powered LS and LT models, as well as the V-8-powered SS. All models and powertrain combinations include fuel-saving 6-speed transmissions.

Advanced powertrain technologies, including engines with direct injection and Active Fuel Management, enable a satisfying balance of exhilarating performance and good fuel economy.

The design concept originated in the United States; engineering was directed by GM’s global rear-wheel-drive team in Australia; validation was conducted on roads around the world and assembly will take place at GM’s award-winning Oshawa facility in Canada.

Product highlights include:

·   Sleek styling with contemporary cues and 10 available exterior colors

·   LS and LT models offered with an advanced, 3.6L direct-injected V-6 engine with variable valve timing and a choice of 6-speed manual or automatic transmissions

·   SS model offered with 6.2L V-8 – including fuel-saving Active Fuel Management on automatic-equipped combinations – and a 6-speed manual transmission

·   Four-wheel independent suspension system, including a 4.5-link rear suspension

·   Variable-rate power steering with the rack mounted forward of the front axle for greater driver feel

·   Four-wheel disc brake systems standard on all models, including four-piston Brembo calipers on SS models

·   Stabilitrak stability control system

·   Competitive/Sport modes for the stability system offered on SS models, including launch control on SS models equipped with the six-speed manual transmission

·   Family of 18-, 19- and 20-inch wheels

·   Detailed interior with heritage-inspired design, excellent attention to detail and available ambient lighting via LED light pipe technology

·   Robust body structure and exceptional build quality

·   Six standard air bags, including head curtain side-impact air bags and front seat-mounted thorax side air bags

·   RS appearance package available on LT and SS, including HID headlamps with integrated halo rings, spoiler, specific tail lamps and 20-inch wheels

The Camaro also has technologies that enhance performance, comfort and convenience, including:

·   Bluetooth phone connectivity

·   Premium Boston Acoustics audio system

·   USB connectivity

·   Ultrasonic rear parking assist (late introduction)

·   Remote vehicle starting system

·   OnStar

·   XM Satellite Radio.

More information and specifications on the new Camaro can be

 

 

2009 TL IS MOST POWERFUL ACURA EVER

 

Story provided by Acura

                       

 

 

It should arrive in fall. The completely redesigned 2009 Acura TL. The all-new gets dramatic new styling along with a luxurious interior that includes more driver relevant technology than ever. Featuring the most powerful Acura engine ever, it will be available in two distinctive versions, including the first ever application of Super Handling All-Wheel Drive on TL. Acura offers a full line of technologically advanced performance luxury vehicles through a network of 270 dealers within the United States. The Acura lineup features five distinctive models including the RL luxury performance sedan, the TL performance luxury sedan, the TSX sports sedan, the turbocharged RDX luxury crossover SUV and the award-winning MDX luxury sport utility vehicle. For more information, visit www.acura.com.

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5.  

ASK MEINEKE JOHN!

TIPS TO MAKE YOUR FUEL DOLLARS GO FURTHER

By JOHN TAYLOR

* AIR PRESSURE IN YOUR TIRES

Tire pressure should be checked when the tire is cold (meaning the car has not been driven in a couple of hours). There is usually a sticker in the drivers doorjamb that indicates the manufacturer's recommended pressure. I read an article a couple of years ago that stated about 40 percent of all the wasted fuel in the United States was due to low air pressure in automobile tires.

* ENGINE AIR FILTERS

A dirty air filter restricts the flow of air going into your engine, thereby causing you to step further on the gas to get up to your desired speed. The more you step on the gas, additional fuel is added to the engine.

* ENGINE OIL

Dirty engine oil carries minute particles of dirt with it to your oil filter. Just like the air filter, it traps the dirt and becomes clogged, restricting the flow of oil. This causes the oil pump to work harder. The result? The engine burns more gas to pump that oil.

* FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM

Deposits on fuel injectors, valves, pistons, throttle bodies, etc., can be the basis for a poor mixture of fuel and air. This can lead the engine to run below its maximum efficiency and burn extra fuel.

* TUNE-UPS

Worn sparkplugs, sparkplug wires, coils and other ignition parts can cause improper burning of the gas when it gets into the engine, reducing the engine's efficiency, causing poor gas mileage!

Have a question about tune-ups alignments, tires, brakes, air conditioning, water pumps or any maintenance-related concern? E-mail editor@motoringtampabay.com and our columnist John Taylor will have an answer for you on this www.motoringtampabay.com

John Taylor is a 30-year plus master technician and former GM master technician. He has worked in a dealership as well as an independent environment. For the last 10 years, he and his wife, Sheila, have owned and operated the Meineke Car Care Center at 6850 N. Dale Mabry Highway in Tampa. They offer complete automotive repairs. Meineke installs mufflers, pipes, catalytic converters, custom dual exhaust and tips as well as performs maintenance, tune-ups, alignments, tires, brakes, air conditioning, water pumps and more. For more information, call Meineke at (813) 886-4941.

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REDESIGNED 2009 AUDI A4 IS A BLAST TO DRIVE

The sporty, stylish and luxurious midsize sedan from Audi has undergone a complete redesign for 2009. It is lighter than its predecessor, thanks to the new unitary steel structure. But at the same time, the A4 also sees an increase of 4.6 inches in length, 6.5 inches in wheelbase and 2.1 inches in width.

The German carmaker annually sells 40,000 A4s in the United States. We can bet that number will go up drastically when the buying frenzy begins for this remarkable quattro permanent all-wheel-drive sedan.

The A4 retains its FSI direct injection V-6 engine, which cranks out 262 horsepower at 6500 rpm and 243 pounds-feet of torque at 3000 rpm. The sedan can scoot from 0 to 60 mph in a mere 6.3 seconds with top speed electronically limited at 130 mph. It is mated to an outstanding 6-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission, which can be shifted into sport, manual or comfort modes.

A five-link, upper and lower wishbone takes up the front suspension while the rear is handled quite efficiently by an independent, trapezoidal-link suspension. The front and rear gets anti-roll bars for enhancing stability and handling, especially around sharp turns and tight corners. A rack-and-pinion hydraulic steering system conveys not just a razor-sharp, on-center feel to the driver but its servo pump also helps save fuel.

Safety is assured by standard dual front and side airbags, side curtain airbag for both rows, four-wheel antilock brakes, brake assist, front seat active-head restraints and a tire pressure monitoring system.

That the A4 is an aggressively styled sedan is apparent by one glance at its high-gloss black front grille, surrounded by chrome-finished 'wings' for its bi-xenon headlights with an orange reflector.

The cabin is plush, upscale and roomy with dark walnut wood trim on the front and rear doors, and sides of the center console. The MMI operating knob, behind the shifter, controls the audio, climate and other functions, portraying the actions on the 6.5-inch LCD screen. The instrument panel, which hosts a trip computer between the white-on-black gauges of the speedometer and tachometer, will come in handy for the driver. So will the 4-spoke thickly paddled leather-wrapped steering wheel. Audi made the smart move by nixing the conventional handbrake lever in place of an electromechanical parking brake, thereby opening up more legroom.

The Premium Package, which includes 18-inch, 5-spoke alloy wheels, all-season tires, Audi rear parking system, advanced keyless start/stop, Bang & Olufsen premium sound system and Audi side assist lane change assistant is worth a consideration (Pricing still to be determined).

Mark our words. The redesigned A4 will be a huge hit when it begins arriving at the dealerships in Tampa Bay this fall. The midsize sedan is a blast to drive. Plus, it's got the looks, exterior and interior, that should appeal to any potential luxury performance sedan buyer. We expect this Audi to give the competition (Mercedes and BMW, are you listening?) a run for the money!

A4
Wheelbase: 110.6 inches
Length: 185.2 inches
Width: 71.9 inches
Height: 56.2 inches
Brakes: 12.6-inch front, 11.3-inch rear
Fuel capacity: 16.9 gallons (EPA figures not available)
Base price: N/A
Web site: www.audiusa.com

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ACURA RDX ON SALE NATIONWIDE

Story provided by Acura

Acura recently announced pricing for the 2009 RDX crossover SUV already on sale at Acura dealerships nationwide.

The smartly designed RDX will be available in two versions: the generously appointed RDX and the fully-featured RDX with Technology Package. MSRP pricing for the RDX is $33,695 and the RDX with Technology Package is $36,995. Pricing for the 2009 model represents a modest 1.08 percent sales weighted average price increase. Destination and Handling fee is $760 and is not included in MSRP.

For 2009, the RDX comes standard with a four-way adjustable power-activated passenger front seat along with four new exterior colors: Basque Red Pearl, Crystal Black Pearl, Grigio Metallic and Palladium Metallic. In addition, the available Technology Package includes expanded AcuraLink Real-time traffic coverage.

The 2009 RDX is fit with Acura's first-ever turbocharged engine combined with the breakthrough technology of Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD). Add to the mix generous standard appointments that include perforated leather seats, power moon roof, HID headlights, Bluetooth HandsFreeLink and a high power audio system with XM Satellite Radio along with AUX jack connectivity.

The 2009 RDX addresses safety with its Advanced Compatibility Engineering (ACE) front body structure, dual-stage front airbags, Active Head Restraint System for front seat headrests, Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), and Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) with traction control.

The RDX's Technology Package features a wide array of technology including the Acura Navigation System with Voice Recognition, Zagat restaurant information, and rearview camera; AcuraLink Satellite Communication System; AcuraLink Real-time traffic; a 10-speaker Acura/ELS Premium Sound System with multi-format 6-disc DVD-Audio changer, AM/FM tuner, XM Satellite Radio and Dolby Pro Logic II; and a GPS-linked, solar-sensing, dual-zone automatic climate control system.

For information about Acura vehicles, visit www.acura.com.

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2009 XTERRA, FRONTIER FEATURE REFRESHED STYLING, NEW EQUIPMENT AND PACKAGE OFFERINGS

Story provided by Nissan

The Nissan 2009 Xterra SUV and Frontier pickup will receive numerous refinements for the new model year. Both vehicles should arrive at Nissan dealerships nationwide in mid-July.

XTERRA

The Xterra, created as tough, essential gear for active outdoor enthusiasts, features a new front end appearance, wheel designs, roof-mounted off-road lights built into the roof rack air dam (Xterra off-road models only), new seat materials and colors and standard roof-mounted curtain side-impact supplemental air bags with rollover sensor for front and rear-seat outboard occupant head protection.

For a limited time, the content of the Technology Package - including an advanced Rockford Fosgate audio system, XM Satellite Radio (automatic transmission models only), Bluetooth, steering wheel audio controls and auxiliary input jack - will be provided at no charge with every 2009 Xterra S, Off-Road or SE. Xterra features an advanced 4.0-liter DOHC V6 engine, rated at 261 horsepower and 281 pounds-feet of torque, along with a rugged "F-Alpha" truck platform. The "F-Alpha" platform is shared with the full-size Nissan Titan and Armada. Xterra is available with a choice of 6-speed manual or 5-speed automatic transmissions and in a choice of part-time 4-wheel drive or 2-wheel drive.

FRONTIER

The Frontier, a no-compromise pickup forged with premium hardware, extraordinary power and off-road athleticism, continues to be a leader in the midsize truck segment. Improving its already impressive packaging, it gets updated with a new front fascia, grille and headlight design and 16-inch and 18-inch wheels. Additionally, a PRO-4X off-road model is added, along with new Frontier Crew Cab LE/PRO-4X Value Truck Packages (VTP) that offers an array of popular optional equipment. Other enhancements include a new center radio and HVAC stack (V6 models), seat cloth for LE models and two exterior colors - Red Brick and Navy Blue.

The Frontier offers a 4.0-liter DOHC V6 engine with best-in-segment horsepower (261 horsepower), torque (281 pounds-feet), towing and payload specifications. An advanced 2.5-liter DOHC inline 4-cylinder engine, with 152 horsepower and 171 pounds-feet torque, is available on the base Frontier King Cab 4x2 model. It is offered in both King Cab and Crew Cab body styles and in 4x2 and 4x4 driveline configurations. For more information, www.NissanUSA.com

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TAKE A RIDE IN THESE 2008 WORLD-CLASS SEDANS

Small cars and hybrids may be the craze but there is nothing like the good ole' sedan - the heart and soul of the U.S. car market. For example, the Toyota Camry is the second-most selling vehicle in the United States after the Ford F-150 pickup.

Here are a few of our picks from some world-class sedans, mostly front-wheel drive, starting with the No. 1 selling car (not pickup!) in the country.

TOYOTA CAMRY

OK, it isn't a car that generates buzz but the sixth-generation Camry is reliable, roomy (101.4 cubic feet of space) and offers a smooth and responsive ride. Power trains are a 2.4-liter inline-4 cylinder (158 horsepower) and a 3.5-liter V-6 (268 hp) engine. And then there is the lifesaver of all lifesavers nowadays - the hybrid Camry! The 2.4-liter 4-cylinder gas/electric motor offers 187 hp with fuel figures of 33 mpg in the city and 34 mpg on the highway. Backed by the Toyota label of dependability and durability, the Camry deserves its rightful place as America's best-selling passenger car. Base price: about $18,570.

HONDA ACCORD

Not far behind in sales is the totally redesigned 2008 Accord, which is now bigger, better and even more powerful. It is available as a 2.4-liter inline-4 cylinder (177 hp or 190 hp) and a 3.5-liter V-6 engine (268 hp). Unfortunately, Honda dropped the Accord hybrid last year but the carmaker will be producing a new hybrid car. The sporty ride boasts mileage figures of 22 in the city and 31 on the highway for the 4-cylinder engine and 22 in the city and 32 on the highway in the V-6 engine. It is offered in numerous trims. Take your pick. You won't be disappointed with any. Base price: about $20,360.

CHEVROLET MALIBU

Gone is the bland styling and cheap-looking interior in the 2008 North American Car of the Year. In its place is an all-new Malibu with aggressive styling, impressive performance and an upscale cabin. It is offered as a 2.4-liter inline-4 cylinder (169 hp) or a 3.6-liter V-6 (252 hp) engine. Also available is a 2.4-liter inline-4 gas/electric hybrid (164 hp) motor, which touts fuel figures of 24 mpg in the city and 332 mpg on the highway. Kudos to General Motors for redesigning the Malibu at a time (call it luck!) when small and midsize cars are the vogue. Reasonably priced, the car definitely has style and content to take on established competitors in the sedan field. Base price: about $19,645.

FORD FUSION

Ford has been behind the curve in the midsize car market but, in the Fusion, it has a tough contender. And unlike most of the rest of the league (which is made up of front-wheel-drive sedans), the Fusion also comes with an all-wheel-drive version. The car is available as a 2.3-liter inline-4 cylinder (160 hp) or a 3.0-liter V-6 engine (221 hp). It boasts an athletic stance and a generous interior with innovative features such as Sync, a hands-free, voice-activated system through which you can operate your cellular phone, iPod or MP3 player. Thanks to the Fusion, Ford can finally rack up sales figures that have been lost by its pickups and huge SUVs because of rising fuel prices. Base price: about $18,135.

HYUNDAI SONATA

This one's a steal! It is dependable, safe and affordable. The Sonata is equipped with a 2.4-liter inline-4 cylinder (162 hp) or a 3.3-liter V-6 engine (234 hp). The 4-cylinder engine touts fuel figures of 21 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway; the V-6 gets 19 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway. Best of all is the 10-year, 100,000-mile power train warranty and the five-year 60,000-mile new vehicle limited warranty, which is tough to beat. If you are in the market for a midsize sedan, you would be remiss to pass on the spacious Sonata. It is great value for the money. Base price: about $17,545.

CHRYSLER SEBRING

Available as an all-wheel-drive sedan in 2008, the Sebring is classy, refined and offers an exciting performance. It comes as a 2.4-liter inline-4 cylinder (172 hp) or the 2.7-liter V-6 (190 hp) and the 3.5-liter V-6 engine (235 hp). The 2.4-liter boasts figures mileage numbers of 20 in the city and 29 on the highway and the 3.5-liter gets 16 in the city and 26 on the highway. Sebring has been overshadowed by Chrysler's huge hit, the 300 sedan. But for its inimitable appearance, laudable performance and generous cabin, this ride deserves a place in your garage. Base price: about $19,110.

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