‘Manufacturers’ Archives
Review: 2010 Suzuki Kizashi SE AWD
Suzuki's automotive division is in the midst of a makeover. The transformation began in 2007 with the introduction of the compact and compelling SX4 sedan and crossover. Next, the company jettisoned its rebadged Daewoo-made Forenza, Reno, and Verona, as well as its General Motors-based XL-7 SUV. Its next and latest move might be its best: The [...]
Review: 2010 Kia Forte SX Sedan
Kia first appeared in the U.S. in the early-to-mid 1990s (Portland, Oregon's Ron Tonkin Kia was the first Kia dealer in the U.S.), and was mostly thought of as an entry-level automaker offering inexpensive, and, well, basic transportation. Hey—we all have to start somewhere. However, Kia has kept its nose to the automotive grindstone, offering [...]
Ford SVT Unveils Improved 2011 Shelby GT500
With 540 horses under the hood, there weren't (and aren't) too many vehicles on the market that will keep up with this thing - the last year's Shelby GT500 model was an absolute beast. Staying true to the Shelby name, the 2010 Shelby GT500 became an instant unicorn to many Mustang lovers. But at times it was just that - a beast. Earlier today, [...]
Review: 2010 Subaru Legacy 2.5i Limited
There are a lot of Subarus in the Pacific Northwest. There is a lot of rain in the Pacific Northwest. Coincidence? I think not. All Subarus come with the company's famous all-wheel drive—great for the area's rain-slicked roads and snow-covered mountain passes. The newly redesigned 2010 Legacy offers more interior room, more MPGs, and more [...]
170 Horsepowered Fiat 500 For the US Market – Confirmed
Chrysler Communications Manager, Scott Brown, confirmed yesterday that a 170 horsepower Fiat 500 will show up on the U.S. market. I spoke with Brown while attending a media preview of the 2010 Portland Auto Show. He specifically stated the turbocharged 170 hp engine would not be part of the initial Fiat 500 launch, but would indeed follow. The [...]
Geo Metro in the Wild, and Captured
Here we see the 1991 1.0-liter Geo Metro attempting to blend into its surroundings. Luckily, we were able to capture it for further study. Courtesy of our content partner: Subcompact Culture
US Market Fiat 500 to have 170 Horsepower?
The blog, Fiat 500 USA, is saying that the U.S. Market Fiat 500 will have 170 hp and 170 ft.lbs. of torque from its turbocharged 1.4-liter MultiAir engine. The blog also says there will be a normally aspirated engine making 100 hp and 95 ft./lbs. or twist, too. I was not able to verify this on Chrysler's media site, but hopefully the blog is [...]
Dajiban
Last week Andy from Subcompact Culture sent me an email alerting me to something beyond awesome. I know what you are thinking. You’re thinking he sent me a link to Bill Cosby fighting the Witch from Narnia and then buying everyone Jell-o pudding cups. No, this is even more awesome than that (hard to believe I know). But it’s truly more [...]
MINI Countryman or Crossman Leaked
There has been a possible leak of photos of the fourthcoming MINI Countryman (also possibly known as the Crossman). You can see, it has four doors, a raised ride height, and some other styling cues that set it apart from a Cooper. Allegedly, it will have an AWD system, too. Perhaps the Suzuki SX4 will have some competition in the subcompact AWD [...]
Nostalgic Subcompact: Daewoo Lanos
The first Daewoo car in the U.S. was the 1988 Pontiac LeMans, which was sold until 1993. Six years later, Daewoo decided to enter the U.S. market under its own name. There were three vehicles sold: The Nubira (sedan and wagon), the Leganza sedan, and the subcompact Lanos hatchback and sedan. The little Lanos was powered by a 1.6-liter DOHC [...]
Exclusive Zeus Nissan Cube
I really like the Nissan Cube. We're now starting to see some custom gen-three Cubes come out of both Japan and the U.S. One of the best looking kitted out examples I've found I ran across on Nissan Cube Life. This Cube wears a host of Exclusive Zeus aero parts from Japan, including (I believe) the company's wheels. So simple, so clean. I [...]
Review: 2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe 3.8 Grand Touring
2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe 3.8 Grand Touring Vital Stats Engine: 3.8 liter V6 (306HP/266TQ) Drivetrain Layout: Front engine/Rear wheel drive Transmission: 6-speed automatic Seating Capacity: 4 Passengers EPA Fuel Economy: 20 city/30 highway Base MSRP $30,000 + $750 (destination charge) Recommended Options: Floor and Cargo Mats ($185), iPod [...]
Quick Take: 2011 Honda CR-Z
As you may have heard, Honda has shown us the production version of its highly anticipated CR-Z hybrid. Dubbed a "Sport Hybrid Coupe" by Honda, many people were hoping for a worthy successor to the iconic CRX. There's been a lot of buzz, so here are my two cents. THE CRX ... The CRX was always light weight, maneuverable, frugal, and fairly [...]
Ford Transit Connect wins North American Truck of the Year
The people at Ford must be pretty happy. Not only did the Ford Fusion Hybrid get picked as North American Car of the Year at the Detroit Auto Show, but the Ford Transit Connect won North American Truck of the Year. It's the first time a front-wheel-drive only vehicle has won the Truck of the Year; it's also most certainly the smallest vehicle to [...]
Chevrolet Aveo RS To Go Into Production in 2011
A number of outlets are reporting that the turbocharged Aveo RS is indeed going into production. Undoubtedly, many of the features will not transition from the concept to the production model (huge wheels, massive brakes, etc.). However, allegedly, Chevy is saying the 1.4-liter turbocharged engine (making apparently 138 hp and 148 ft./lbs. of [...]
