10 Car-Selling Don'ts

Like fall, spring is a traditional new-car season. But before most people can buy a shiny vehicle just off the production line, they must first sell the outmoded one sitting in their driveway. And that can be easier said than done. Not everyone is familiar with the subtleties of selling a car, truck or SUV. If you're not careful, it can be little more than an opportunity to lose an awful lot of money. Even seasoned pros make costly mistakes. Here are 10 things not to do if you want to get the most money from what you're selling, no matter the car or the circumstances.

Bing: Selling Your Car

No matter how friendly the salesperson or how much money you spend, one thing is for sure: The dealer will never give you what your used car is worth. Commercial resale margins for used cars are notoriously thin, and it's always in the dealer's best interest to lowball you, even if it decreases the chances of a sale. You'll almost always get more on the open market. The only exception is if you're fabulously wealthy and don't mind giving up thousands of dollars for the sake of convenience.

Read:  MSN Autos Top Value Picks

It may sound obvious, but a clean car is easier to sell than a dirty one. The logic is simple: People like buying new things, and few people want someone else's lived-in, worn-out garbage. We're not just talking a simple wash and wax here, either. Go for the works: paint cleaning and polishing, interior shampooing, the works. If you do it yourself, it's free — that is, pure profit — and if you pay someone, it's rarely more than $100. Either way, presenting a clean car makes it easier to convince people that your vehicle is worth what you claim it is.

Read:  Keeping Up Appearances

This one is a personal choice. Some people sell their cars with a laundry list of needs, while others fix everything under the sun before moving on. The key, however, is moderation. No one wants to buy a car and immediately send it to the mechanic, but you shouldn't go overboard. Err on the side of safety and driver enjoyment, but don't spend money on things few people will notice, like early filter replacements or unnecessary fluid flushes. When in doubt, ask your mechanic.

Read:  Mechanic Mishaps

The old saw holds that the three most important words in real estate are location, location, location. In car sales, it's advertising, advertising, advertising. Take time composing your ad. Avoid listing in little-read places like your local newspaper's classified ads. If you're selling a special-interest model, seek out enthusiast forums, whether in print or on the Internet, and run picture-heavy listings. Build an online photo gallery and include the link with every ad. The key is remembering that somewhere out there, someone desperately wants your car. You may just have to work to find that buyer.

MSN Autos: Used Car Research Tools

These days, most private used-car sales take place on the Internet. The Internet is a visual medium, so it makes sense to cater to people's curiosity: Photograph your car thoroughly, and shoot more pictures than you think you need. If you don't have the camera skills to make your car look good, ask a friend who does. The goal here is to answer a potential buyer's questions before he sees the car in person, and to eliminate wasting everyone's time.

Bing Images: Used Cars

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Quake Delays Launch of Prius Wagon

By Hans Greimel of AutoWeek

Toyota Motor Corp. has delayed the Japan launch of its new wagon-style Prius wagon in the wake of the parts shortage triggered by this month's earthquake.

The company had planned to start selling the car in Japan by the end of April. But that date has been pushed back, spokeswoman Mieko Iwasaki said.

She was unable to say when the new launch date would be. But the setback isn't expected to affect the car's arrival in the United States and Europe later this year, Iwasaki said.

Read:  Quake Hits US Output, Supply

The delay makes the Prius wagon among the first new model launches to be thrown off track by the March 11 earthquake. Toyota cited the company's production shutdown, disarray in Japan's automotive supply chain and damage to its local dealer networks as reasons for the move.

Toyota is planning two versions of the Prius wagon: A two-row five-seater for the United States and a three-row seven-seater for Europe. Japan is expected to get both variants.

Toyota has shut down all 18 domestic assembly plants through at least March 26. Many parts makers are still struggling to come back online after being damaged in the quake or are having trouble delivering parts due to transportation snarls.

Read:  Prius V: Toyota Goes Even 'Greener'

Among the damaged plants is a key factory supplying batteries for Toyota hybrid vehicles, including the Prius. The plant, operated by Primearth EV Energy Co. in quake-stricken Miyagi prefecture, can supply enough nickel-metal hydride battery packs for 300,000 cars a year.

That accounts for about 27 percent of Toyota's battery capacity. Primearth, a joint venture between Toyota and Panasonic, has two plants in central Japan that supply additional batteries.

Those plants, located in Shizuoka prefecture between Tokyo and Nagoya, are operating.

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Edo Performance expanding service to cover standalone ECU service, Aim Dash and Datalogging

We are glad to welcome Mitch Pederson to the Edo Performance team. Mitch is the premier tuner of stand-alone engine management systems in SoCal and he will be handling the tuning and installation of:

- AEM EMS (Subaru STI Box), custom application, Vipec, Motec systems

- AiM Dash and Datalogging

- Sensor Management (MAP, Brake Pressure, Temp, Shock Pots, etc)

- Track Side Data Analysis

Mitch brings more than 10 years of applied engineering and tuning experience to the team. We will be posting more of his tuning videos here at EDO!

This entry was posted on Sunday, March 20th, 2011 at 11:20 am and is filed under Tuning. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.

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2011 Cadillac CTS Coupe — Review

Between looks and performance, Cadillac’s new coupe has what it takes to lure new customers. It rides and handles well and, has plenty of power, and when it hits the road, it will be the hot new thing. The CTS may not have quite the pedigree of the BMW 3-Series, but with this new coupe, the gap is closing.

Any automaker that wants to sell a coupe in today's highly competitive market has to get it right from the get-go, stirring the passions of potential customers by creating a car that looks great and performs well. Cadillac's new CTS coupe does just that. It is a virtual copy of the slick-looking concept car that wowed attendees at the 2008 North American International Auto Show in Detroit. And, as we discovered on a recent drive, it handles like a champ.

Model Lineup
The 2011 Cadillac CTS coupe is offered in three trim levels, each with rear- or all-wheel drive. The base version comes standard with vinyl upholstery, dual-zone automatic climate control, OnStar with one-year subscription, a tilt/telescoping leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio and climate controls, 10-way power adjustable front seats, a split-folding rear seat, keyless access and starting, a Bose AM/FM radio with 6-disc CD changer, XM Satellite Radio, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, automatic headlights, fog lights, sport suspension, a limited-slip differential and P235/50VR18 tires on alloy wheels.

In Performance Collection trim, which adds $4,440, the CTS coupe gets leather upholstery, adaptive xenon headlights that point into turns, remote starting, heated front seats, memory for the driver's seat and mirrors, an iPod adapter, a Bluetooth wireless cell phone link, a universal garage door opener and a Bose 5.1 surround-sound audio system with a USB port and a hard drive.

Premium Collection trim adds $8,945 to the base price and comes with interior ambient lighting, a rearview camera, heated and ventilated front seats, a heated power tilt/telescoping steering wheel with memory, wood trim, a sunroof, a navigation system and the Bose surround-sound system.

Standard safety equipment includes dual front airbags, front side airbags, side-curtain airbags, a tire-pressure monitor, active front head restraints, anti-lock brakes with emergency brake assist, traction control, electronic stability control and rear park assist.

Under the Hood
Initially, the CTS coupe is offered with only one engine: General Motors' direct-injected 3.6-liter V6. The engine makes 304 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque. It is mated to a 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic transmission, the later with manual shift capability. EPA fuel-economy estimates are 17 mpg city/25 mpg highway with the manual and 18 mpg/27 mpg with the automatic. Due later in the model year is the CTS-V coupe, which will come with the same 556-horsepower supercharged 6.2-liter V8 as in the CTS-V sedan.

Inner Space
Inside, the CTS coupe is very much like its sedan and wagon siblings, and it's one of the sharpest in the General Motors portfolio. The attractive dashboard features hand-sewn accents on the instrument panel, doors and center console. The top of the dashboard is black, so it has a 2-tone look if any color other than black is chosen for the upholstery. Wood and chrome trim add to the decidedly high-end look.

The available navigation system pops up from the top of the center stack. It comes with a 40-gigabyte hard drive with space for music storage. It also has a flash drive that allows pausing and rewinding of radio stations. That's a cool feature for those of us who have grown accustomed to DVRs. The controls are concentrated in a tight bunch on the center stack, and it will take owners a while to get used to the positions of the various buttons.

Front-seat occupants have plenty of legroom, though headroom can be compromised by the available sunroof. Plenty of seat and steering-wheel adjustments allow most drivers to tailor a natural driving position, but like other CTS iterations the seats are overly hard, detracting from comfort on long trips. Fourteen-way adjustable Recaro bucket seats are offered to add to the coupe's sporty appeal.

The penalty for the coupe body style comes in rear headroom and trunk space. While there is just as much rear legroom as in the sedan, the low roof and fast rear window line make the 2-passenger rear seat habitable only by children or shorter adults. While the trunk is fairly useful, it's a bit small. It has only 10.9 cubic feet of cargo room, but the split-folding rear seat opens up for considerably more space.

On the Road
Cadillac is going after big names with the CTS coupe, including the Audi A5, Infiniti G37 coupe and, most pointedly, the BMW 335i coupe. With that kind of competition, the CTS coupe had better handle well. The good news is that this two-door delivers, offering even better handling than its already accomplished four-door counterpart.

Compared with the sedan, the coupe has a 2-inch wider rear track (the distance between the rear wheels), increased rear suspension stiffness and additional structural stiffness in the roof, rocker panels and center pillars. All this creates more torsional stiffness than the sedan and helps keep the car planted securely to the pavement.

After spending some time at the helm, we can honestly say this coupe is a pleasure to drive. The car responds willingly to driver inputs. It transitions well in quick changes of direction, takes a nice set in turns and tracks through them better than the sedan. The available 19-inch summer tires aid grip, but they'll need to be changed in the winter. Cornering is impressively flat, and the steering is fairly quick and communicative, if a bit light in the driver's hands. The brakes are strong and easy to modulate.

Cadillac has achieved a fine balance between a smooth ride and sporty handling; often the two are mutually exclusive. With a softer front suspension than the sedan, the coupe actually handles bumps better. The rear is stiffer, though, so sharp ruts can pound through in the back.

The direct-injected 3.6-liter V6 is the same engine that powers the CTS sedan and Chevy Camaro. It delivers willing power in any situation; it launches well, accelerates quickly from 30 to 50 mph and has plenty of passing punch. Cadillac is not publishing a zero-to-60 mph time, but we estimate that it will make the run in less than six seconds.

Our one complaint involves the exhaust note. It is too docile. We'd like a bit more burble, which one might expect in an American coupe.

Cadillac didn't make the 6-speed manual transmission available for testing, but the automatic is well-matched with the V6. It responds quickly and offers manual shifting capability through the shifter or a pair of steering-wheel buttons. We like the fact that the manual shifts can be performed at any time, whether you're in Drive or Sport mode, but we're not happy with the steering-wheel buttons. These plastic buttons, on the back of the steering wheel, are hard to reach during performance driving, and they just seem like an afterthought. A pair of metal shift paddles would be much more sporting.

Right for You?
Coupes are for singles or couples who want to be stylish and drive something different. On these counts, the CTS coupe certainly fits the bill. Not only does it have the looks to turn heads, it's a blast to drive, with handling that rivals German competitors. We'd like to see a couple more sporty touches, like a rumbling exhaust note and proper steering-wheel shift paddles. The CTS coupe can fit four in a pinch. The small rear seat will fit two kids, but they won't be easy to buckle in and even they will lack headroom if they are teenagers.

Kirk Bell has served as the associate publisher for Consumer Guide Automotive and editor of Scale Auto Enthusiast magazine. A Midwest native, Bell brings 18 years of automotive journalism experience to MSN, andcurrently contributes to JDPower.com and Kelley Blue Book's kbb.com.

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Gas Mileage Myths

By Jim Motavalli of The Daily Green

Gas price sign

Do Americans care about fuel economy as the average price for a gallon of gasoline hovers at $3.50 and tops $4 in some parts of the country? You bet they do, though they also have a fair number of misconceptions about how to squeeze a few more miles out of every drop.

The Consumer Federation of America's most recent survey says that if we had a 50 mile-per-gallon car fleet today, we'd save more oil than there the entire proven reserves in the entire Gulf of Mexico. And people care about that. According to Jack Gillis, author of The Car Book and a CFA spokesman, 87 percent of respondents said it is "important that the country reduce its consumption of oil," and 54 percent said it is "very important."

The Most Fuel-Efficient 2011 Cars

An amazing 65 percent support a mandated transition to a 50-mpg fuel economy standard by 2025-a figure that presumably includes even some Tea Party supporters. That's a tough standard, some 15 mpg better than the ambitious goal set by the Obama Administration (35 mpg by 2016). (Though the Prius, the most fuel-efficient car on the road, gets 50 mpg today.)

8 Facts and Myths About Warming Up Your Car in Winter

"The expectations of American consumers are reasonable and achievable," Gillis said in a conference call." He said that using such available and on-the-shelf technologies as cylinder deactivation and engine cutoff when stopped (the so-called "mild hybrid" popular in Europe) we could make five to 10 percent economy improvements.

10 No-Brainer Ways to Save Money on Gas

CFA says that Asian carmakers, compared to the U.S. competition, are offering twice as many vehicles with 30 mpg or better. "It's shocking that so few of today's cars get more than 30 mpg," he said. I agree. I'm test-driving a $17,000 Hyundai Elantra Blue that gets 35 mpg on the highway, and that kind of economy is routine for Asian carmakers.

Mark Cooper, CFA's research director, said that in five years of the group's polling, the public's views have stayed remarkably consistent: They want less dependence on Middle Eastern oil and higher fuel-economy standards.

7 New Electric Cars Available in 2011

Cooper pointed out that Gulf oil is a big player when it comes to U.S. reserves, but is "inconsequential" in terms of world supply. The U.S. has just three percent of world oil, though most people think we have a much bigger piece of the pie. When informed of this unpleasant fact, Cooper said, the percentage that thinks it's "very important" to reduce oil dependence goes up significantly (from 54 percent to 68).

People care about fuel economy, but they're misinformed about how to actually achieve it. The federal government's fueleconomy.gov site (very useful to check cars' mpg) just published the "Top Ten Misconceptions about Fuel Economy." Here are a few (the ones I like).

7 Of the Best Fuel-Efficient SUV Crossovers

It takes more fuel to start a vehicle than it does to let it idle.
People are really confused about this one, and will leave a car idling for half an hour rather than turn it off and restart. Some kids I know started an anti-idling campaign in the suburbs and are shaming parents into shutting down their cars. Idling uses a quarter to a half gallon of fuel in an hour (costing you one to two cents a minute). Unless you're stalled in traffic, turn off the car when stopped for more a few minutes.

Vehicles need to be warmed up before they're driven.
Pshaw. That is a long-outdated notion. Today's cars are fine being driven off seconds after they're started.

Click to enlarge picture

With the proper maintenance a 10- or 15-year-old car such as this 2000 Cadillac Seville should have like-new mileage.

As a vehicle ages, its fuel economy decreases significantly.
Not true. As long as it's maintained, a 10- or 15-year-old car should have like-new mileage. The key thing is maintenance: An out-of-tune car will definitely start to decline mileage-wise.

Replacing your air filter helps your car run efficiently.
Another outdated claim, dating back to the pre-1976 carburetor days. Fuel-injection engines don't get economy benefits from a clean air filter.

Aftermarket additives and devices can dramatically improve your fuel economy.
As readers of my story on The Blade recall, there's not much evidence that these "miracle products" do much more than drain your wallet. Both the Federal Trade Commission and Consumer Reports have weighed in on this. There are no top-secret 100-mpg bolt-ons out there.

Using premium fuel improves fuel economy.
You might as well write a check to BP if you believe this. Only use premium if your car specifies it.

Content provided by The Daily Green

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Imports @ UCI 2011 Car Show

This past weekend we heard UCI’s (University of California, Irvine) car club “Imports@UCI” was holding their 5th annual car show!

UCI has always had a great import car culture! Back in early 2000 to 2004 we’d often meet at UCI with our groups of Honda’s, Acura’s, and BMW’s.  Now it’s 2011, 7 years since I’ve last been to any UCI event or meet, I figured there had to be much change to UCI’s car culture.  To my delight there was more then the usual Honda’s, Acura’s, and BMW’s.  There was lots of friendly people and an all around good time vibe going.

Despite the weather there was a great turnout!  Lots of awesome cars, great sponsors, free food, free nos, the ladies from Drifting Pretty, and much more!

We’d like the thank Imports@UCI for putting together a great event.

Can’t wait for UCI’s next car show ^_^!

Check out more pictures @ EDO Performance’s Facebook.

Don’t forget to “Like” us!

Tags: car meet, domestic, drifting pretty, dtm, import car show, jdm, nos, socal, taiko, UCI

This entry was posted on Saturday, February 26th, 2011 at 1:06 pm and is filed under Meets and Events. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.

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2011 Mercedes R-Class — Review

The 2011 R-Class is the most comfortable Mercedes for carrying six or seven passengers, especially if they are adults. It also has plenty of room for cargo, but the price is high and the gasoline engine is not fuel efficient. The diesel engine offers a useful mix of usable power and improved fuel economy; however, it, too, comes at a premium.

The Mercedes-Benz R-Class is a hard vehicle to classify. It has the size of an SUV, the looks of a minivan and the carlike unibody structure of a crossover. But it's not really any of them. It's roomier than your typical crossover, doesn't have sliding side doors like a minivan, and drives like a car, not a wonky SUV.

No matter how you categorize it, though, one fact remains the same: The R-Class has been the roomiest and most comfortable European-made people-mover since it was introduced to the public as a 2006 model year vehicle.

For 2011 Mercedes gave its impressive family hauler a face-lift. But don't worry, it didn't change anything else. The R-Class is still the poshest people-mover on the block.

Model Lineup
The 2011 Mercedes-Benz R-Class is offered in two trims, the R350 4MATIC and the R350 BlueTEC 4MATIC. Standard equipment in both iterations includes faux leather upholstery, a sunroof, dual-zone automatic climate control, power front seats, a 60/40 split-folding second-row seat, an AM/FM stereo with 6-disc CD changer, a universal garage door opener, self-leveling rear air suspension, automatic headlights and 18-inch alloy wheels.

Standard safety equipment consists of dual front airbags, front side airbags, side-curtain airbags for all three rows, a tire-pressure monitor, active front head restraints, rear park assist, anti-lock brakes with emergency brake assist, traction control and electronic stability control with trailer stabilization. The R-Class also comes with Mercedes' Pre-Safe system, which activates emergency brake assist to help avoid a potential accident and readies the airbags, seatbelts and even the sunroof for a crash.

Under the Hood
The R350 4MATIC is powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine that produces 268 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, while the R350 BlueTEC has a turbocharged 3.0-liter diesel engine that makes 210 horsepower and 400 lb-ft of torque. Both engines route their power through a 7-speed automatic transmission that can be shifted manually via a pair of steering-wheel paddles. Fuel economy is rated at 14 mpg city/19 mpg highway for the gasoline engine and 18 mpg/24 mpg for the diesel.

Both versions come standard with Mercedes' 4MATIC all-wheel-drive system. In the R-Class, it is a full-time system that sends 45 percent of the power to the front wheels and 55 percent to the rear wheels at all times.

Inner Space
Inside, the R-Class is all about room and comfort. It can be configured to seat four, five, six or seven passengers. The second row can be ordered with a three-passenger bench seat that splits 60/40, or with a pair of bucket seats. A two-passenger third-row seat is optional. The second-row seats offer enough headroom and legroom for even tall passengers, though the middle seat isn't contoured for the best comfort. Many crossovers have useful second-row seats, but few offer a third row that is as comfortable as that in the R-Class. It has enough room to fit a pair of adults without complaint, although the short seat bottoms will limit long-trip comfort. Getting in and out is a breeze, except for the third row, of course.

The R-Class is also about cargo space. Both the second- and third-row seats fold flat to create a large, 85-cubic-foot cargo area — about as much as an Acura MDX or Land Rover LR4. Opening up all that space can be a bit complicated, though. When the second-row buckets and center console are ordered, the console must be removed and stored. Depending on how far back the front seats are set, the second-row headrests may need to be removed. When folded, the third-row seats also hook into the second-row seats, so the second row must be moved into the right position. It all takes about a minute to configure, which isn't that bad, but other crossovers have much easier folding procedures.

For those who want to carry both passengers and cargo, the R-Class has 42.2 cubic feet of cargo space when the third-row seats are folded, which is as much room as a small hatchback. Maxing out passenger capacity limits cargo space to 15.2 cubic feet, which is still as much as a good-size trunk.

Up front, the ambience is typical Mercedes, though a bit downscale from vehicles like the E-Class or S-Class. The standard upholstery is faux leather instead of real leather, but there is burl walnut trim, the new gauges have an attractive watch-face look, and the materials have a solid, soft-touch feel.

Mercedes' COMAND system operates the communications, navigation and entertainment functions. Unlike in other Mercedes cars, there is no central knob. Instead, there's a 5-way controller inconveniently located to the right of the navigation screen on the center stack. Using the COMAND system can be complicated, and reaching across the dashboard will grow tiresome for most drivers.

The R-Class also offers a bevy of entertainment features. An available hard-drive-based navigation system holds up to 4 gigabytes of music files; an iPod interface and SIRIUS Satellite Radio are available; an optional Harman Kardon 7.1 surround-system cranks the tunes; and back-seat occupants can be entertained by DVD screens in the backs of the front headrests. Many of these features are offered in the $4,000 Premium package.

On the Road
From behind the wheel, the 2011 Mercedes-Benz R-Class has the traits of a crossover. It drives like a car, with a stable and composed feel. It's not sporty, though, as there is some notable lean in turns and the large size means it needs some time to gather itself in quick changes of direction. Compared with the minivans that buyers may cross-shop it against, though, the R-Class is more composed and easier to maneuver.

In the Mercedes tradition, the ride is smooth, and only the sharpest ruts upset passenger comfort. Steering is light and a little slow but direct, and the brakes are predictable and easy to modulate.

The 3.5-liter gasoline engine provides ready but not excessive power from a stop. Zero to 60 mph arrives in 8 seconds. The engine works fairly well with the 7-speed automatic transmission; shifts are smooth, if a bit tardy when passing punch is needed. Unfortunately, fuel economy is poor. The gas engine's mileage numbers are more of what you'd expect from a V8, not a V6.

If you want better mileage, opt for the 3.0-liter turbocharged diesel engine. It provides even more willing power from a stop, but midrange and highway response aren't quite as brisk. Zero to 60 mph takes 8.6 seconds. Fuel economy is much higher. Given the savings at the pump, we'd opt for the diesel. Properly equipped, both engines can tow up to 3,000 pounds.

New for 2011 is Blind Spot Assist, which monitors the sides of the vehicle and warns drivers (via lights in the side mirrors) that vehicles are traveling in the blind spots. The system also sounds a warning if the driver signals for a lane change when a vehicle is traveling in that lane. The system works as advertised, but drivers should take care not to rely on it and should pay attention to the lights in the mirrors instead of tuning them out.

Right for You?
If you want European luxury with the ability to transport up to seven people, the Mercedes-Benz R-Class is the roomiest and most versatile vehicle available. But it's pricey and it still lags behind a minivan for the ultimate in useful space. Mercedes doesn't sell many R-Classes in the U.S., and the 2011 update doesn't change the vehicle in any appreciable way. Perhaps if it gave the R-Class sliding side doors, it would be more popular.

(As part of an automaker-sponsored press event, Mercedes-Benz provided MSN with travel and accommodationsto facilitate this report.)

Kirk Bell has served as the associate publisher for Consumer Guide Automotive and editor of Scale Auto Enthusiast magazine. A Midwest native, Bell brings 18 years of automotive journalism experience to MSN, andcurrently contributes to JDPower.com and Kelley Blue Book's kbb.com.

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Nissan Takes On Detroit with New Cargo Van

James Tate began a career in automotive writing as Senior Editor of Sport Compact Car magazine. Since then, his work has appeared in publications like Car and Driver, Popular Mechanics, Automobile, Motor Trend, European Car, Edmunds Inside Line, Kelley Blue Book, Stuff, and specialty publications. When not writing, Tate can be found fantasizing about vintage Porsche 911's.

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The 10 Cheapest Cars to Own

Market price: $14,625
5-Year fuel cost: $7,825
5-Year insurance cost: $5,630
Total 5-Year ownership cost: $28,593

Depreciation: $8,405
Fees & taxes: $1,139
Financing 5-year loan at 5.95 percent: $1,864
Opportunity cost of a 15 percent down payment: $490
Maintenance: $1,613
Repairs: $1,627

Its design is unmistakably Mazda, but the Mazda2 isn't just a downsized Mazda3. Built on the same platform as the Ford Fiesta, this sporty hatch takes corners with ease, and it has a full line of standard safety equipment — ABS, stability and traction control, and six airbags. Mileage is 29 city, 35 highway.

More From Kiplinger.com:
10 Best Cars of the Past Decade

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Who Makes the Best Cars?

By the Editors of Consumer Reports

Honda and Subaru still make the best vehicles overall, but Ford posted the largest gain in the past year, improving in its road test and reliability scores. General Motors and Volvo also improved in both areas. On the other hand, Mercedes-Benz is the only manufacturer whose scores dropped in both measures.

Our automaker report cards reflect the performance, comfort, utility, and reliability of more than 270 vehicles that we've recently tested. Here are other highlights from this year's analysis:

Honda, Subaru, and Toyota are the top three automakers for the third year in a row. Most of their vehicles do well in our tests and are relatively trouble-free.Newer GM models have performed well in our tests, but the company still fields a few lackluster cars that drag down its overall score. Reliability has improved, but it's still not stellar.Chrysler came in last, with the lowest average test score by far. But the company, now run by Italian automaker Fiat, is currently overhauling its lineup. Newer models, such as the Jeep Grand Cherokee and Dodge Ram have done better in our tests than older models, and we're encouraged by our early looks at upcoming redesigns. Chrysler's reliability needs to improve for the automaker to be competitive.European cars perform well in our tests, but many have confusing controls and inconsistent reliability. Volvo is the only European make with an above-average reliability score.

Each automaker's overall score is based on a composite of road test and predicted-reliability scores for all of its models that we've tested. The road tests comprise more than 50 tests we perform, covering performance, safety, fuel economy, comfort, and convenience. Reliability scores come from our Annual Auto Survey. We also show the percentage of each carmaker's tested vehicles that we recommend. We revised our methodology this year, now giving equal weight to reliability and test scores. Previously, test scores carried more weight. So the overall scores are not directly comparable with last year. We also had insufficient data on one brand we included last year, Mitsubishi.

Asian Makes Lead the Pack
Honda, including its Acura division, has had the best reliability record of any manufacturer and has made mostly good to outstanding vehicles. The subcompact Fit, midsized Accord, and Acura MDX SUV have been at or near the top of their categories for years. In fact, no Honda product scores less than average in reliability. But some new Hondas have been unimpressive, including the CR-Z and Insight hybrids, which didn't score well enough in our tests to be recommended. The redesigned Odyssey, still our top-ranked minivan, dropped a few points in our testing.

Subaru, which has the highest average road-test score, makes only about a half-dozen models, but almost all do well in our road tests and are reliability stalwarts. The Forester is a top-rated small SUV, and the Legacy, a good-performing sedan, has improved with each generation. Only one model, the sporty Impreza WRX, has below-average reliability.

Toyota, Lexus, and Scion models remain solid choices overall, but some newer Toyotas have slipped in interior fit and finish, with the Sienna minivan and Venza wagon being two recent examples. Two Toyotas, the subcompact Yaris and the FJ Cruiser SUV, have shown superb reliability but scored too low in our road tests for us to recommend them.

Hyundai's overall road-test score is a bit higher than last year's and could further improve with the impressive new models we are now testing.

Ford Rules Detroit
Ford has outpaced its crosstown rivals in reliability in recent years. In our road tests, we have been impressed by current Fords such as the Fusion, Flex SUV, and Mustang. Even the new small Fiesta drives nicely. But the Ford Escape and Edge SUVs are nothing special, the large Ford Taurus has limited visibility, and the touch-sensitive controls in some new Fords and Lincolns are difficult to use.

Newer GM vehicles such as the Buick Enclave and LaCrosse, and the Chevrolet Equinox and Traverse, have done well in our road tests and have average reliability. The new Chevrolet Cruze performed well in our tests, but reliability remains to be seen. The below-average reliability of some Cadillac and GMC models hurts the automaker's overall score, as did subpar older models such as the Chevrolet Impala sedan, Colorado pickup, and the outgoing Aveo subcompact.

Europe Is Mixed
If front-seat comfort, fit and finish, and driving dynamics were all that counted, European cars would rule the roost. As it is, subpar reliability hounds some European brands. Volkswagen's brand reliability has improved of late, but Audi's spotty reliability brings the combined automaker's score down. If the new Jetta sedan, with its low-grade interior and mediocre fuel economy, is an indication of where Volkswagen is headed, it's going in the wrong direction. Mercedes-Benz and BMW, with below-average reliability, are near the bottom of our ranking. Their SUVs, especially, had reliability problems, according to our survey, despite being good performers. And although the BMW 1-Series has an excellent road-test score, it is hobbled by terrible reliability.

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EDO’s 10th Year Anniversary Celebration

For ten years now, EDO Performance has been bringing the automotive performance community some of the best parts, service and prices. Well now it’s time to celebrate our 10th anniversary open house! EDO Performance would like to invite the Southern California automotive performance community to come by our shop in Huntington Beach for a full day of fun! Although we specialize mostly in Subaru, Nissan, and Mitsubishi, we would like to extend this invitation to cars of all makes and models.

The open house will be on Saturday, April 30th at our shop in Huntington Beach, located at 16182 Gothard Street, Unit P. We will be dedicating the entire parking lot to the event and filling it with plenty of activities!
* Event begins at 10am to 3pm
* FREE 1 raffle ticket with flyer present at the registration booth (click here to print the flyer)
* Food and refreshments (Hot dogs, chips and drinks for everyone!)
* Music plays by DJ Robert
* Hot models and photography session
* Fun games
* Vendor Booths and Displays
* Raffles with lots of prizes to giveaway
* Free installations with purchase
* Fender roller rental

On that day, we will be giving a great discount for part purchase and giving out lots of EDO T-shirts & gifts!

So come and join us for a full day of fun to celebrate EDO’s 10th anniversary. Hope to see you all there!

Tags: 10th Year Anniversary, EDO Performance

This entry was posted on Monday, March 21st, 2011 at 1:33 pm and is filed under Meets and Events. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.

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2011 Audi R8 Spyder 5.2 FSI Quattro

Click to enlarge picture

With a 5.2-liter direct-injection V10 making 525 horsepower and 391 lb-ft of torque, the Audi R8 Spyder will go from zero to 62 mph in 4.1 seconds.

To appreciate the new R8 Spyder, you have to drive it. Or so says Audi. After spending some time in the saddle, we have to agree.

With the top down, wind in your hair, sun in your face and that 5.2-liter 525 horsepower V10 engine with its hypnotic guttural roar on tap, piloting this drop-top supercar is a total sensory experience.

When it first hit the street in 2008, the R8 coupe was possibly the most compelling thing to appear on the automotive landscape in the last 10 years. And this Spyder nearly reinvents the R8 platform, as well as the driving experience.

Bing Images: Audi R8 Spyder 5.2 FSI quattro

Power as Music
Its official name, according to Audi, is the R8 Spyder 5.2 FSI quattro. That's a mouthful, for sure, but there's a lot going on here. To begin with, there's the engine. The R8's original 4.2-liter 420-horsepower V8 was a great motivator. But it wasn't until Audi decided to drop a V10 beneath the decklid that the R8 became a true supercar — the V10's 525 horses speak for themselves. And they do so literally as well as figuratively; much was made of the exhaust-note tuning when the R8 5.2 was first launched. The coupe is so well-insulated, Audi's engineers maintain, that its exhaust note remains quite muted to the car's occupants, as we experienced. But with the Spyder's top down, the engine noise becomes much more in your face, so to speak. And it's a kick.

With peak power occurring at a screaming 8000 rpm, and a peak torque of 391 lb-ft twisting at 6500 rpm, you're fully encouraged to explore the accelerator to its depths and unleash the V10's full aural fury. The Spyder weighs around 220 pounds more than the coupe, but you'd be hard-pressed to notice the extra mass unless you drove the two back-to-back. Audi officially pins its zero-to-60-mph sprint at four seconds flat, which, as we hardly need to point out, is fast no matter how you cut it. Acceleration is insistently brutal, building like a wave all the way to a 195-mph top speed — even with the top down.

View Slideshow:  Super Machines of Superheroes

Quattro Grip
Every Audi R8 — 4.2 or 5.2, coupe or Spyder — is propelled by the company's signature quattro all-wheel-drive system. In supercar application, the system is much more biased toward rear drive than the brand's more plebeian offerings, with 85 percent of the torque going to the rear axle during normal operation. If necessary, the system can send up to 30 percent to the forward axle.

With all that muscle going aft, the R8 behaves much more like a rear-drive vehicle in the twisties than a standard Audi quattro would, with more lateral slip, but the all-wheel-drive system still keeps you honest and in traction during spirited driving. The sheer level of grip can sometimes seem ridiculous — you can't even hear the tires protest as you fling it through tight corners. It's a real hoot.

View Pictures:  2010 Audi R8 V10

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Downsizing Luxury

Hyundai Genesis Coupe

Immense and intimidating land yachts like the famed big-fin Cadillacs of the late 1950s and early '60s once defined the luxury-automobile segment here in America. These bold and brash machines made a profound statement that bigger was better: The bigger the car you drove, the more prosperous you must be.

Possibly the best example of this "size matters" philosophy in motion was the 1974 Cadillac DeVille, a pillared 2-door behemoth with then-fashionable opera windows behind the side windows. It was a hulking hunk of metal, measuring 19.1 feet long and weighing in at a touch less than 5,000 pounds. Consequently, it wasn't very sporty and it guzzled fuel; its average fuel economy was an abysmal 9.4 mpg.

Today, however, many people are feeling the pinch of uncertain economic times. The definition of affluence has changed, and luxury-car buyers have a much different set of expectations. Comfort, slick design, technology, fuel efficiency and value almost always trump making a "big" first impression these days.

Consequently, there is a new posse of players in the luxury-car segment — and the players are smaller than ever before.

While it is true that cars in general have been shrinking over the years, true luxury has never really reached the compact market. That is, until now. Here is a rundown of eight small cars that represent the latest evolution of the luxury auto. Beyond their varying degrees of opulence, these rides are also refreshingly reasonable, which just may be the big news here. In fact, all of the vehicles on this list are priced around $30K.

Bing Images: 1974 Cadillac DeVille

Length: 167.4 inches
Price: $24,600
From Sweden with love, the front-wheel-drive C30 — the shortest car on our list — is a 2-door hatchback that features Volvo's delectable turbocharged 2.5-liter 227-horsepower in-line 5-cylinder engine. The C30 T5 and the sportier R-Design, at $26,950, personify Volvo's safety-meets-practicality approach to luxury. The C30's 2-tone leather interior really sets the stage, and its cabin is more mainstream and less quirky than past Volvos, with sculptured surfaces and a great overall layout.

Read: Intelligent Choices

Length: 169 inches
Price: $27,270
The sharp-looking Audi A3 4-door hatchback is powered by either a turbocharged 2.0-liter 200-horsepower gasoline engine or a diesel that delivers fuel ratings of 30 mpg city/42 mpg highway. Gas-powered A3s can be ordered in optional quattro all-wheel-drive trim. A crisp interior design with standard leather seats and numerous premium touches creates a lush aura in the cabin, while the standard 6-speed manual gearbox unleashes the thrills when properly stirred.

Compare: Audi A3 vs. Volvo C30 vs. Acura TSX

Length: 168.1 inches
Price (estimated): $30,000
The Mercedes B-Class is a competitor in the compact-premium segment in Europe where it is offered with numerous gasoline and diesel powerplants. Currently offered for lease in F-Cell trim in California, an expanded B-Class lineup has been rumored to be U.S.-bound for some time. Logic dictates this expansion would coincide with a major redesign, which is slated for 2012. If and when it arrives nationwide, the B-Class will be the smallest car Mercedes has ever sold in America.

Read: Mercedes Brings Fresh Metal to Geneva

Length: 170.1 inches
Price: $29,120
Lexus has added a twist to its compact-luxury offering: a hybrid drivetrain. The CT 200h shares the 1.8-liter 4-cylinder engine and hybrid system from the Prius — but little else. The platform, body and interior are uniquely CT 200h. Trims and finishes are top-quality, and the CT 200h delivers 42 mpg city/41 mpg highway fuel efficiency while coddling driver and passengers in the lap of luxury. This eco-friendly offering comes from a dedicated luxury marque, and it should do well in this segment.

Bing Images: Lexus CT 200h

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2011 Honda CR-Z — Review

The CR-Z intends to mate the seemingly incompatible worlds of hybrids and sports cars, but the result isn’t so much a white-hot revolution as a lukewarm try at bringing fun back to the Honda lineup.

Honda has intentionally stirred up the ghosts of its once sporting past with the 2011 CR-Z by borrowing design cues from the long-extinct CR-X — a car that managed to be both fuel-efficient and fun to drive.

But while the CR-X developed a massive following that continues to this day, the CR-Z might end up being even more popular because it provides eco-conscious hybrid owners with something they've never had: style.

Model Lineup
Honda has split the CR-Z line into two trim levels: base and EX. The starter CR-Z is loaded with plenty of features we wouldn't have expected, given the car's projected price of approximately $20,000. These include keyless entry, power door locks and windows, and an AM/FM/CD/USB stereo system. Honda also equips all CR-Z trims with its stability-control system as standard equipment.

Buyers looking for a few more bells and whistles can move on up to CR-Z EX trim. Honda hasn't said how much the next level will cost, but we do know that buyers will be able to enjoy a more potent 7-speaker sound system, Bluetooth hands-free calling and a slick, perforated leather steering wheel. If you want Honda's familiar (but dated) navigation system, you'll need to stick with the EX trim level, but it will be an additional cost.

Under the Hood
When Honda announced it would bring a spiritual successor to the CR-X to life, fans of the brand immediately began salivating at the thought of a 200-plus-horsepower hatch with a snappy, naturally aspirated 4-cylinder engine under the hood. No one was quite prepared for what Honda unveiled instead: a 1.5-liter 4-cylinder with the company's Integrated Motor Assist hybrid system. Combined, they produce 122 horsepower and 128 lb-ft of torque when bolted to the standard 6-speed manual transmission. A continuously variable transmission (CVT) is also available, but in that configuration, the engine and motor produce only 123 lb-ft of torque.

Fuel economy for both versions is a little disappointing, considering the size of the CR-Z and the fact that the car is a 2-seater. When equipped with the 6-speed manual gearbox, the car manages just 31 mpg city/37 mpg highway. Those numbers climb significantly with the CVT, to 35 mpg/39 mpg. The figures are derived in Normal mode; the car is said to do slightly better in Eco mode and, you guessed it, worse in Sport.

And finally, in order to keep costs down, Honda decided to build the CR-Z with a nickel-metal hydride battery instead of a more advanced lithium-ion unit. Not a good move, in our opinion.

Inner Space
Honda has always had an excellent grasp of how to make the most out of a small space — just look at the deceptively roomy Fit — and the CR-Z benefits from that knowledge. Despite having a seemingly tiny back hatch area, the hybrid boasts a little more than 25 cubic feet of total cargo volume. Honda has even given thought to stashing valuable electronics out of sight by integrating what it calls a "rear cargo console" — basically an area for things such as laptops, cameras and any other high-dollar items that would typically catch a thief's eye. Similarly, the rear cargo cover can be manipulated in a handful of ways to help divide the cargo space as necessary for small or large items.

Both driver and passenger get treated to cloth sport seats with bolsters set wide enough apart to accommodate big-boned Americans of every variety. Even so, the buckets do a good job of keeping you in place should the going get curvy. The dash and instrument cluster are supposed to give the impression of an advanced technological design, which means there's plenty of plastic, both shiny and otherwise. The dash is asymmetrical with a bias toward the driver, and the instrument cluster features a large, easy-to-read gauge with the tachometer and speedometer information prominently displayed.

The CR-Z also uses a clever system to encourage "green" driving. A color-changing ring nestled behind the speedometer reacts based on your driving habits. Drive like a heathen and the ring will stay blue. Go a little easier on the throttle and brakes, and the ring will glow green. If the CR-Z is in Sport mode, the ring stays red no matter what you do behind the wheel.

On the Road
The CR-Z is capable of operating in three modes: Eco, Normal and Sport. The hybrid will vary things such as throttle response, shift points and power-steering assist depending on which you choose. Stick the car in Eco mode, and the CR-Z will prompt you to shift sooner when equipped with the 6-speed manual transmission, though throttle response falls off the face of the Earth and the steering goes from feeling somewhat taut to flopping around like a loose noodle. If it's a warm day (say, 77 degrees Fahrenheit and up), the diminished power of the air conditioning just isn't acceptable, either.

Fortunately, there are Normal and Sport modes to cure those ills. In either of those two options, the engine/motor combo actually feels up to the task of moving the 2,600 pound car around with decent quickness. We wouldn't call the car fast — Honda says the CR-Z will hit 60 mph in a dawdling 9.7 seconds — but the relatively lightweight design and rigid chassis help the car feel like it has a bit of spring in its step.

Even more surprising, the regenerative brakes on the CR-Z are linear and easy to modulate — something that's almost unheard of in hybrids. Combined with a decent weight distribution (60 percent front and 40 percent rear), the hybrid handles twists and turns with a decent flair, even given its torsion-bar rear suspension.

Right for You?
We don't know exact pricing at the moment, but Honda says the base trim will start at less than $20,000. That means it will likely compete against the likes of the Scion tC and maybe quirky cars such as the upcoming Ford Fiesta, so if you've thought about either of those, a look at the CR-Z might be worth your time. The car goes on sale late in 2010.

(As part of an automaker-sponsored press event, Honda provided MSN with travel and accommodations tofacilitate this report.)

James Tate cut his teeth in the business as a race team crew member before moving to the editorial side asSenior Editor of Sport Compact Car, and his work has appeared in Popular Mechanics, Automobile, Motor Trendand European Car. When not writing, Tate is usually fantasizing about a vintage Porsche 911.

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M7 Japan advertise on Option Magazine

Tags: M7 Japan, Option

This entry was posted on Monday, March 21st, 2011 at 1:25 pm and is filed under News. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.

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Sports Cars: Best Bang for the Buck

Base price: $23,695
The GTI earns a mention here partly because of its excellent driving dynamics, and partly because it practically invented the "hot hatch" genre. Despite a few dark years in the 1990s, the GTI has continued to hold true to its original design, and it is still a fun, tossable, usable and well-designed vehicle. The punchy turbo engine is a perfect match for the car, serving up delightfully instant squirts of torque whenever needed. Build quality is fantastic, and the interior serves up just the right mix of hip and refined.

View Pictures:  2010 VW Golf GTI

James Tate cut his teeth in the business as a race team crew member before moving to the editorial side as Senior Editor of Sport Compact Car, and his work has appeared in Popular Mechanics, Automobile, Motor Trend and European Car. When not writing, Tate is usually fantasizing about a vintage Porsche 911.

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Quake Hits US Auto Output, Supply

By Lindsay Chappell of AutoWeek

Click to enlarge picture

Industry analysts estimate that the average price of the Toyota Prius — produced only in Japan — could climb to $800 above sticker by April 30.

As Japan's escalating disaster comes ashore in North America, automakers, suppliers and dealers are preparing for shortages of parts and vehicles.

— On Thursday, March 17, American Honda Motor Co. Executive Vice President John Mendel sent a memo to U.S. Honda and Acura dealers saying the disaster in Japan will disrupt dealer orders into May.

— General Motors' Shreveport, La., factory, which builds the Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon pickups, closed because it ran out of a Japanese part that it did not identify.

— Toyota Motor Corp. and Subaru of Indiana Automotive Inc. slowed North American production to ration their parts.

— At Sonic Automotive Inc., the nation's third-largest dealership group, Jeff Dyke, executive vice president of retail operations, said Sonic "is prepared to supplement our new-vehicle inventory with quality nearly new used vehicles should the manufacturing disruptions interrupt new vehicle inventory supplies longer than currently anticipated."

— Last week U.S. Customs directed all port operations to begin screening arriving Japanese sea and air cargo, including vehicles and auto parts, for radiation contamination. Customs will turn away containers or people if unacceptable levels of radiation are detected.

Read:  Quake Halts Japanese Auto Production

If factory shutdowns spread, says Jesse Toprak, vice president of industry trends at Truecar.com, U.S. retailers should prepare for higher transaction prices on new vehicles in the next 60 days.

"Not just Japanese-brand vehicles but all brands," Toprak says. "If there is going to be scarcity of Japanese models, then you will see their incentives fall. And if incentives fall on those brands, you can be certain they will fall everywhere."

Toprak estimates that the average transaction price of the Toyota Prius, which is built only in Japan, will go from $1,732 below sticker last week to $800 above sticker by April 30. One of three Japanese battery plants supplying the Toyota Prius was damaged by the quake.

"We have a Toyota dealership that sells 25 Prius models a month, and we have 13 in stock," said a dealership group executive who asked not to be identified. "What do you think will happen?"

New Car Research

Some of the transaction price increases reflect rising gasoline prices. Many of the models now threatened by production disruptions in Japan are among the automakers' most fuel-efficient, including the Honda Fit, Insight, Civic Hybrid and CR-Z. TrueCar.com forecasts that the discount off sticker on a Honda Fit will shrink from an average of $1,188 last week to $400 by April 30, effectively a price increase of $788.

Ford Motor Co. declined to speculate what impact future parts shortages would have on its sales.

"We don't want to be drawn into what potential impact it might have because this situation is moving so quickly," says Todd Nissen, a Ford spokesman.

Ford has not experienced any parts' shortages that would force it to suspend production at any plants, Nissen says. But he warns: "It's a situation that changes constantly and we're monitoring it daily with hourly contact with our suppliers, shipping companies and all the others that are part of the logistics system."

He declined to quantify the percentage of parts used by Ford that come out of Japan.

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10 Greatest Muscle Cars of All Time

6,272 votes, 17 percent of the vote
The GT500 was basically a factory-authorized tuner Mustang created by Carroll Shelby. Introduced in 1967, the GT500 joined the GT350 on showroom floors and offered a 428-cubic-inch Police Interceptor engine with a conservatively rated 355 horsepower. Despite the larger engine, it was actually designed to be a more usable road-going vehicle than the lighter, race-ready GT350. Because of this, and its negligible premium over the GT350, the GT500 was an instant hit, just as it remains to this day.

View Pictures:  Ford Shelby GT500

James Tate cut his teeth in the business as a race team crew member before moving to the editorial side as Senior Editor of Sport Compact Car, and his work has appeared in Popular Mechanics, Automobile, Motor Trend and European Car. When not writing, Tate is usually fantasizing about a vintage Porsche 911.

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Fisker Begins Production of Karma

By the editors of AutoWeek

Click to enlarge picture

The Fisker Karma plug-in hybrid is built in Uusikaupunki, Finland. Fisker hopes to begin building its Nina sedan in a former GM plant in Delaware by 2013.

Fisker Automotive Inc. has begun making the $88,000 Karma plug-in car, aiming to get its first production vehicles to U.S. and European dealers by next month.

Contract assembly of the car, capable of traveling about 50 miles solely on electricity before a gasoline engine engages, began Tuesday at Valmet Automotive's plant in Uusikaupunki, Finland, said Roger Ormisher, a spokesman for Fisker.

Valmet, which also builds vehicles for Porsche AG, is making the car under contract for Irvine, California-based Fisker.

"We're going to be ramping up very slowly, very carefully to ensure quality," Ormisher said. "This year we want to get over 7,000 deliveries."

Watch Video:  Fisker Karma Hybrid

Fisker, begun by auto designer Henrik Fisker, is preparing to mass produce plug-ins in anticipation of growing demand for vehicles that consume little or no gasoline and emit less pollution linked to climate change.

The Karma will join a field that already includes all-electric models such as Tesla Motors Inc.'s $109,000 Roadster and Nissan Motor Co.'s battery-powered Leaf hatchback and General Motors Co.'s Volt plug-in.

Henrik Fisker, the carmaker's chief executive officer, said in a November interview the company will begin preparations for an initial public offering this year.

Read:  10 Luxury Hybrids on the Horizon

Fisker in January completed a $150 million financing round to help develop other models, including Karma variants and the $39,000 Nina sedan that's to be built next year in a former GM plant in Delaware.

Closely held Fisker last year closed on $529 million in loans from the U.S. Energy Department that will fund construction of its Nina production line.

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Mercedes Shows Fresh Metal in Geneva

By Richard Aucock of MSN Autos

Mercedes-Benz never does anything halfway at motor show time, so there's plenty of fresh metal on the stand here at the 2011 Geneva International Motor Show. The C-Class Coupe and SLK are all-new, the C63 AMG gets a facelift, and there are some interesting niche models, too.

For example, the new E200 NGT runs on either unleaded gasoline or natural gas, with jolt-free changeover when necessary. And the Viano Avantgarde Edition 125 is a high-chrome, 258-horsepower derivative that shows there's no need for Mercedes owners to go to a custom body shop. The automaker will do it for you before your Benzo leaves the factory.

But M-B's big news here in Switzerland is the C-Class. Seen for the first time ever, the C-Class is one of the automaker's true success stories. While the C-Class will eventually count the coupe shown here and AMG editions in its lineup, it will first arrive as a sedan, which makes perfect sense out of the return of the 4-cylinder engine, the first time one has been offer in a C in nearly a decade.

The coupe on display stands head and shoulders above the CLC it supersedes. It's a classic Mercedes design, dynamic yet sophisticated. It has the 3-box proportions that shout class, rather than the truncated hatchback design of yore. Doubtless the C-Class Coupe will be more expensive when it hits the showrooms in a few months, but it looks worth the extra green.

More coverage from the Geneva Motor Show

What is it? The third-generation of Mercedes' small sports car.

What's makes it hot? Mercedes is particularly proud of two aspects of the new SLK, the roof and the efficiency. But there are improvements across the board, not least in the interior, where the previous model lacked the perceived quality of much of the Mercedes range. Magic Sky Control is the big deal with the roof. Now constructed largely of glass, the roof switches from light to dark at the touch of a button. When it's light, it offers an open-air experience even in cold weather. In dark mode, the interior stays cool even when the sun is blazing. Inevitably, even with sports cars these days, the SLK had to be cleaner and more fuel-efficient. The base SLK 200 produces a decent 184 horsepower but promised class-leading economy of 46.3 mpg and carbon-dioxide emissions of 142g/km with the 7G-Tronic Plus transmission. Yet performance is not compromised. The engines in the three launch models are all new: the SLK 250 producing 204 horsepower and the V6 in the SLK 350 producing 306 horses, which is good for a zero-to-62-mph romp of 5.6 seconds. Throw in the inevitable vast range of options, including three different types of suspension and a zillion personalization possibilities, and there's little doubt that Mercedes has another winner on its hands with the new SLK.

What concerns us? To our eyes, the new SLK looks better in the flesh than it does in the pictures. Transferring some of the abrupt front end for the C-Class doesn't do it any favors though, especially as the previous SLK had overtones of the McLaren F1 car.

How much and when? Price for the new SLK will start at approximately $54,000, and delivery is scheduled for June 2011.

Our verdict? This new SLK comes at just the right time. Mercedes shows a clear understanding of what its customers are likely to want over the next five years.

Read Blog:  2012 Mercedes SLK Video Leaked

What is it? The latest iteration of Mercedes' successful entry-level machine.

What makes it hot? M-B is no longer shying away from 4-cylinder engines. After a generation of upsizing power plants and downsizing fuel-economy numbers, even the German luxury brands are paying close attention to the fragile U.S. economy and the spiky threat of rising gas prices. The C-Class still spreads the wealth between bigger, more powerful V6 and AMG V8 versions, but it's the new 1.8-liter turbocharged 4-banger that's the most interesting and the latest base-model engine for the C250. It will develop 201 horsepower and 229 lb-ft of torque. The new drivetrain is bundled up in a tastefully retouched body. It's a closer visual link to its newer siblings, everything from the SLS AMG to the SLK. Inside, the C-Class' 2012 update layers on handsome touches and plenty of high-tech bells and whistles.

What concerns us? The more formal look doesn't exactly do it for us, the laid-back grille duking it out with the scalloped chin. There's not much excuse for leaning on tradition here. And while front-seat passengers are quite comfortable, the back-seaters might lodge a complaint or two if they're outsized or leggy.

When and how much? Sedans should hit dealerships this August, but the price has yet to be announced.

Our verdict? For now, the big news is smaller displacement — and by all the usual yardsticks, the C250 makes a convincing case for its return. We're impressed.

Read Blog:  Mercedes Gets Small

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10 Worst Values in CPO Cars

By Matthew de Paula of MSN Autos

Toyota Venza

In today's economic twilight zone, a used car could cost more than an equivalent new one.

Consider that a popularly equipped 2011 Toyota Venza has a retail list price that is $755 lower than an equivalent 2009 model in top condition, according to data from Black Book in Gainsville, Ga., which has been tracking and publishing vehicle valuations for 56 years. Likewise, a 2011 Audi Q5 has a list price $620 lower than that of a 2009 model.

The reason is simple: supply and demand. "The value of used cars is up quite a bit since 2008," says Eric Watson, group manager of remarketing for Mazda North America. "There is more demand for high-quality used cars, and the reduced supply has definitely caused prices to increase."

Industry experts forecast that reduced production in recent and coming years will squeeze late-model used-vehicle inventories at least through 2013. That will create some interesting dynamics for certified pre-owned programs, which have received intense focus from automakers lately. About 1.6 million CPO vehicles are sold each year, Watson says.

Bing: CPO Deals

CPO Versus Used
CPO programs vary by manufacturer in coverage and cost, but they all share some things in common: The vehicles sold under CPO programs undergo a comprehensive, hands-on inspection by a qualified technician; they are reconditioned to a predetermined set of standards; and they include a warranty or extended service contract that covers key components.

Mazda revamped its CPO program last July and has seen sales jump 300 percent, Watson says. The company's comprehensive CPO warranty now covers 12 months/12,000 miles, versus three months/3,000 miles previously. Powertrain-only coverage is seven years/100,000 miles.

The warranty is what drives the price difference between a CPO vehicle and a noncertified used car, experts say. CPO vehicles generally cost between $800 and $1,500 more than noncertified used equivalents. The premium for CPO luxury vehicles is even higher, up to $3,000 in some cases.

The added cost for CPO models, coupled with higher financing rates compared with new cars, can sometimes push their price close to that of an equivalent new model — or in some cases, even beyond.

"So when you look beyond the advertised price to what you can negotiate, and then factor in the financing, you often find there's not as big a difference between CPO and new as you originally might have thought," says Jeff Bartlett, Consumer Reports' online deputy autos editor.

That's particularly true in this environment of inflated used-car prices — even more so when incentives on new cars are factored in. A 2011 Toyota Tundra Double Cab with 2-wheel drive and a V8 engine could cost up to $3,141 less than a 2009 equivalent in top condition, thanks to a $3,000 cash incentive. And even without the incentive, the new Tundra would still be cheaper than the used one.

Read:  Consumer Reports' 2011 Top Picks

Better Off Buying New
Automakers don't release CPO-specific data, nor are such data tracked by independent market-research firms. So to find out which CPO models represent the worst value relative to their equivalent new models, we had Black Book crunch some numbers.

The company compared retail prices of all 2011 models with those of equivalent 2009 models listed as "extra clean." The 10 vehicles with the smallest price difference between the 2011 and 2009 models made our list. As it turns out, four of the 2009 models cost more than their 2011 equivalent, which is a true testament to how topsy-turvy the car market is right now.

We also looked at cost of ownership as calculated by Vincentric, a research firm based in Bingham Farms, Mich. Vincentric combines Black Book pricing data with insurance, fuel, maintenance, repair, depreciation, interest and other projected costs to come up with a total cost of ownership over five years for both new and CPO vehicles. Once again, we compared 2009 with equivalent 2011 models.

All except one model on our list shows higher ownership costs over five years for the 2009 model than for the 2011 model. That's largely due to added depreciation, repairs and interest costs on the older cars. (Vincentric factors in warranty coverage — both new and CPO — when calculating repair and maintenance costs.)

A few things to keep in mind with this ranking: The models on the list reflect the most popular configurations for their particular trim levels, according to Black Book. We've listed incentives available for each model, as compiled by Consumer Reports, but did not factor them into the ranking calculation, because not everyone is eligible for them. Pricing data and incentives are current as of mid-February 2011. They represent a snapshot in time and will change.

The data do not reflect transaction prices; there is no readily available source for that information. So just because the 2009 Toyota Venza has a retail price listed as $755 higher than its 2011 equivalent, for example, doesn't mean that's what consumers are paying.

What the data do show is the possibility that, when purchased under CPO programs, some used vehicles in high demand might represent a poor value relative to comparable new ones. And especially with reliable cars, paying extra money for the extended warranty might not make sense, Bartlett says.

Bing Images: Toyota Venza

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MPG Masters

MPG: 49 city, 61 highway, 53 combined
The Insight was the first hybrid on American soil, and it is still the most frugal. More than a decade after its introduction, the Insight continues to top fuel-economy lists, despite intensive development and advancements from both Honda itself and other carmakers. The revolutionary, quirky 2-seater hatchback could be had new for well under $20K. Its bare-bones cabin and overall chassis design, along with its little 1.0-liter 3-cylinder gasoline engine — producing 67 horses and augmented by a 13-horsepower electric motor — made no bones about the model's purpose: getting from point A to point B using as little fuel as possible. It succeeded.

Bing: 2000 Honda Insight

James Tate cut his teeth in the business as a race team crew member before moving to the editorial side as Senior Editor of Sport Compact Car, and his work has appeared in Popular Mechanics, Automobile, Motor Trend and European Car. When not writing, Tate is usually fantasizing about a vintage Porsche 911.

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2011 BMW Alpina B7 — Flash Drive

The new Alpina B7 is a mild-mannered BMW 750i with a supercar hiding underneath. Alpina dresses up the exterior by adding 21-inch custom rims, aggressive side skirts and a rear deck spoiler. Inside are mild updates such as a fat, leather steering wheel to complement the already top-notch interior. The turbocharged V8 engine is massaged so that it generates 500 horsepower. Still, it is relatively quiet, even when I jumped on the throttle, and it delivers a constant surge in power when accelerating. I achieved a decent 17 mpg in mixed driving, and it takes a lot of gas to move this 2-ton-plus BMW. Unfortunately, the B7 costs a pretty penny at around $120K in the rare Alpina form, so only a few lucky individuals will be able to take one home. –Joe Chulick

Alpina has been tuning BMWs since the 1960s. For 2011, it takes BMW's flagship 7-Series sedan and adds legendary Alpina performance, handling and appearance upgrades. The aerodynamic body kit is subtle but purposeful, with an aggressive front spoiler, a modest rear spoiler and Alpina's signature 20-spoke wheels. Alpina boosts BMW's twin-turbocharged V8 engine to 500 horsepower that has a wide torque band. As one might imagine, the B7 is really quick, and accelerates effortlessly from any speed. The Alpina sport suspension, with its dynamic damping control, adds razor-sharp reflexes, turning this big sedan into a nimble, quick sport sedan that feels a fraction of its size whether on city streets or twisty back roads. Inside, the upgrades continue with hand-stitched Lavalina leather everywhere, blue illuminated door sills, a Switchtronic heated steering wheel in hand-stitched leather, and piano-black trim with subtle metallic inlays. –Mike Meredith

If you like BMW's flagship 7-Series but are looking for something a little flashier, the Alpina B7 is the car for you. To make outsiders know you bought something special, Alpina added an aero kit, quad exhaust pipes and special 21-inch wheels. All this could look tacky on such a large sedan, but it really works on the 7-Series. But more importantly, there's power to back up the sporty styling. The 500-horsepower twin-turbo V8 engine not only sounds great, it really gets this big car moving quickly and smoothly. All-wheel drive and upgraded suspension make the already-agile 7-Series handle even better. However, there's a price for exclusivity: The Alpina B7 starts at around $120K, about $30K more than a 750Li xDrive. –Perry Stern

—

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Intelligent Choices

With home values tanking, paychecks dwindling and employment tenuous, it's more important than ever to be smart when choosing a new car. Obviously, that means identifying what your needs are, conducting careful research — such as reading the latest reviews and news about the vehicles that meet those needs — and then haggling for the best price. It also means considering what that vehicle will actually cost you in the long run.

Luckily, IntelliChoice.com does most of the cost-of-ownership legwork for you. And it recently announced the winners of its annual Best Overall Value of the Year awards for 2011.

The awards are given to vehicles with the lowest cost of ownership over a 5-year period in 21 classes defined by size, body style and price. Vehicles are judged based on retail price as well as accumulated ownership costs of depreciation, maintenance, repairs, fuel, fees, financing and insurance.

For 2011, Toyota came out the big winner, collecting 11 prestigious BOVYs. Volvo, MINI and General Motors tied for a distant second place with two cars each. Infiniti, Subaru, Audi and Honda each collected one BOVY nod.

Bing: Best Car Values

The Big Winner: Toyota
Toyota may have had a tough 2010 with a much publicized group of recalls and a sliding market share, but that didn't stop the automaker from topping 11 of the 20 BOVY classes. Toyota-branded vehicles captured wins in seven vehicle categories, while its luxury division Lexus took home four more.

The seven Toyota winners were the Prius in the passenger-car class; the Avalon in the premium passenger-car class; the RAV4 4-cylinder in the compact crossover/wagon class; the Sienna in the minivan class; the 4Runner in the SUV class; and the Tacoma in compact pickup and the Tundra in full-size pickup classes.

All of the Toyota winners rose to the top of their classes due to resale value.

But it wasn't the only area in which Toyota vehicles excelled. The Prius, for instance, had predictably low fuel costs, plus low figures for maintenance and repairs. In the minivan class, the Sienna had cheaper insurance and maintenance costs, while the 4Runner rose from third to first in the SUV category thanks to lower maintenance costs and an improved residual value. The Avalon had low fuel costs, too, as did the 4-cylinder version of the RAV4. IntelliChoice's data show that a V6 version of the RAV4 will cost another $840 in fuel over five years, making the 4-cylinder engine the wiser choice for the budget conscious.

Compare: Toyota Sienna vs. Kia Sedona vs. Volkswagen Routan

Surprisingly, Toyota's pickups also did well. The Tacoma has long been the sales leader among compact pickups, so its win wasn't surprising. However, the Tundra is widely viewed as a less capable pickup than the Ford F-150 or Chevrolet Silverado — and it sells in much lower numbers. Those lower sales totals actually helped the Tundra. "The domestics turn out the trucks in great numbers," says IntelliChoice executive editor Charlie Vogelheim. "Does that make them bad trucks? No. But if you're looking at the ownership costs when you're done with it, it's going to have a lower value because there's a lot on the road."

Toyota's luxury brand Lexus was the next best performer. Lexus winners included the GX 460 in the premium full-size SUV class; the RX 350 in the premium crossover/wagon class; and two IS models, the IS 250 in the premium compact passenger-car class and the IS 250C in the premium convertible class. Again, residuals proved to be a major factor, but Vogelheim also notes that the RX 350 excelled in insurance and repair costs; the IS 250C had lower repair costs than other convertibles; and the GX 460, which was new in 2010, had lower insurance costs and improved residuals. Two of the Lexus models also beat other top Toyota contenders: The GX 460 edged out the Toyota Land Cruiser and the IS 250 bested the Lexus ES 350.

Read:  Should You Lease Your Next Car?

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What to Do and Not Do After a Crash

By Matthew de Paula of MSN Autos

Click to enlarge picture

An auto crash can be a frightening and perilous experience, but the danger does not end at impact. Doing the right things immediately after an accident can also save your life, or save you from a lot of headaches after the fact.

Amelia Hernandez-Garcia's fatal mistake is one that many motorists make.

On Feb. 23, she got out of her car after it became disabled in the westbound center lane of Interstate 40 in Raleigh, N.C., and stood in the open roadway. Another motorist stopped in the middle of the interstate to help. Hernandez-Garcia, 34, exited her vehicle and asked to use his phone, at which time another vehicle struck the good Samaritan's car, throwing Hernandez-Garcia into the left lane, where yet another vehicle hit her. She died at the scene.

This tragedy illustrates the extreme danger that some motorists put themselves in after a wreck or breakdown.

"Don't get out of the cars and stand around," says Sgt. Scott Olson, who heads up traffic enforcement for the Minneapolis Police Department. "Secondary accidents happen all the time at these crashes."

They happen so often that not a day goes by in the United States without an emergency first responder getting struck by an inattentive motorist, says Skip Kirkwood, chief of the Wake County Department of Emergency Medical Services in North Carolina. "If we have to operate at the scene of a wreck on the highway, we have taken to putting 40,000-pound firetrucks between us and oncoming traffic, just to keep the firefighters and paramedics from getting killed."

Had Hernandez-Garcia and the good Samaritan moved to a safe area away from traffic and then called 911, this tragedy might have been avoided. But stressful situations often make it hard to know what to do.

With that in mind, we've compiled some do's and don'ts for motorists involved in a collision or a breakdown, based on feedback from police and other emergency responders. Following these steps can minimize the stress, complications and sheer danger that follow an accident.

Bing: How to Avoid an Accident

Call 911, Answer Questions, Get Off the Phone
Even if your collision is minor, call 911 — not 411 — says Sgt. Daniel Bates, who supervises the Collision Reconstruction Unit of the New York State Police. Calling 411 might route you to the state police headquarters' main dispatch point, rather than to the nearest precinct, which makes it more difficult to determine the location of the accident.

Once on the phone with a 911 dispatcher, answer all the questions. "911 centers have an interrogation procedure they use to get everything they need in one call," Kirkwood says. "A lot of times, people want to call them and tell them what they want to tell them, not what they need to know."

Once the call is over, stay off the phone so you can focus on what's unfolding at the scene and answer questions from police and other emergency responders.

Read:  Safest Rides on the Road

In Minor Collisions, Move Out of Traffic and Get Information
In accidents with negligible property damage and without fatalities or serious injuries, move the vehicles off the roadway or as far over to the side and out of the way of traffic as possible. This reduces the likelihood of secondary collisions and minimizes traffic jams.

Snap a few pictures with a cell-phone camera if you're concerned about documenting the scene. But get the vehicles out of the way.

If damage from the wreck falls below a certain threshold, neither the police nor those involved are required to submit an accident report to the department of motor vehicles. Each state sets its own threshold for the amount of property damage that requires a report.

But even if you do call the police, go ahead and exchange information with other motorists involved — there's no need to wait for the authorities to arrive as long as the scene is safe. Bates recommends jotting down notes of what happened and seeking out witnesses to get contact information for those willing to go on the record with what they saw.

Read:  Driving in the Dark

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The New Subaru FB20 Boxer Naturally Aspirated Engine

The New Subaru FB20 Naturally Aspirated Engine

Original Translation from “Proud of Boxer. Technology and passion for Subaru Boxer Engine.”

FB20 has the following specifications

Engine Form: 4-Cylinder DOHC Flat Engine

Engine Type: FB20

Engine Displacement: 1995cc

Bore x Stroke: 84.0 x 90.0mm

Compression Ratio: 10.5

Maximum Output: 109kW/6000rpm

Maximum Torque: 196Nm/4200rpm

FB20 Versus EJ20

The Bore pitch remained at 113mm to keep room for the 2.5L version. The longer stroke improves the fuel Efficiency, and even with longer stroke, the engineers were able to maintain the new FB engine close to the dimension of EJ engine.

The new TGV (Tumble Generator Valve) on the FB20 has a new flap feature to adjust the air flow to the intake chamber. The FB20 also features an in-port fuel injection, a major change from the EJ predecessor. The fuel injectors are located on the cylinder heads to improve fuel efficiency and reduce gas emissions.

In-port injection

Breaking down the internals of FB20

The valve is direct bolt-on with cam angle at 410 with cam distance of 126mm on EJ engine.

FB20 uses roller rocker on the valve to retain the engine width and reduce friction loss. Valve cam angle is reduced to 270 and cam distance to

Smaller bore on FB20 engine

FB20 Cylinder head, separate pieces from the cam carriers, reducing the weight

FB20 Connecting rods shaped to engine width similar to the EJ. FB20 piston is smaller. The crown design is to maintain tumble flow’s momentum.

Tags: FB20, subaru, Subaru FB20

This entry was posted on Friday, March 11th, 2011 at 6:32 pm and is filed under News. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.

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2011 Kia Optima — First Drive

2011 Kia Optima — First Drive - MSN Autos@import url("http://blstc.msn.com/br/gbl/css/10/gtl_sitegeneric.css");@import url("http://blstc.msn.com/br/gbl/css/10/01.css");@import url("http://blstc.msn.com/br/scp/css/15/ue.css");@import url("http://blstc.msn.com/br/chan/css/cntwmodule.2010.29.09.css");@import url("http://blstc.msn.com/br/mktplaces/autos/css/core12.css");@import url("http://blstc.msn.com/br/mktplaces/autos/css/override14.css");MoreAutosEntertainmentLifestyleOnline datingVideoCareers & JobsGamesLocal EditionReal Estate & RentalsWeatherCelebritiesGloMoneySportsWhite PagesDelishHealth, Diet & FitnessNewsTravelFull MSN IndexHotmailMessengerBingUpgrade to Internet Explorer 9WelcomePage optionsIncrease Font SizeHelpSign inAUTOSBing SearchAutos | WebSearch:POPULAR NOW:prius productionvolt vs. cruzegm ceoHOMENEW CARSreviewscomparedealer quotestrade-in valuesfuture carsfinanceparts & accessoriessell your carUSED CARScompareused-car listingstrade-in valuescarfax reportsfinanceparts & accessoriessell your carREVIEWS & ARTICLESreviewspicturesvideo reviewsbuying advicegreenlatest & greatestfuel efficiencycar techVIDEOAUTO SHOWSdetroitgenevafrankfurtparistokyochicagonew yorklos angelessemapebble beach concoursBLOGTRAFFICGAS PRICESINSURANCEFind a car:NewUsedChoose a makeChoose a modelFind by category:Choose a categoryPassenger CarsLuxury CarsSports CarsSport UtilitiesVans & MinivansPickup TrucksHybrid Vehicles2011 Kia Optima — First DriveYou've heard about the Hyundai Sonata. Now it's time to consider sister company Kia's midsize sedan.By Kirk Bell of MSN Autos

Click to enlarge picture

The attractive exterior design on the 2011 Kia Optima is the work of former Audi designer Peter Schreyer. This is the sporty SX trim.

The popularity of the Hyundai Sonata is undeniable. Hyundai had to move the production of its Santa Fe SUV, which was built alongside the Sonata in Alabama, to another plant so that enough Sonatas could be built to keep up with demand. Why is this midsize sedan so desirable? Basic economics: It offers buyers exceptional value for their dollar.

So why, then, hasn't the Optima, which is built by Hyundai's sister company Kia, enjoyed the same success? It's also a midsize sedan, and it too is designed to offer consumers the best bang for their buck. The Optima has had the same marketing support as the Sonata but has failed to distinguish itself in any appreciable way from the competition. That is, until now.

Bing: Automobiles built in Alabama

Redesigned for 2011, the all-new Optima now shares powertrains and architecture with the Sonata. And for the first time, it boasts an attractive, original design. So is the 2011 Optima about to give its sister sedan a run for its money? We think so.

See video related to: c826ceca-71b9-4505-b662-6f39c88ba183This video requires the Adobe® Flash® Player. Download a free version of the player.

Model Lineup
The 2011 Kia Optima is offered in four trims: LX, EX 2.4, EX 2.0T and the sporty SX. Standard features on the LX consist of cloth upholstery, air conditioning, AM/FM/CD stereo, Sirius satellite radio, auxiliary input jack, USB port, cooled glove box, trip computer, Bluetooth wireless cell phone link, power windows, power locks, remote keyless entry and P205/65R16 tires on steel wheels with wheel covers.

When ordered with the automatic transmission, the LX also gets cruise control and alloy wheels. The EX adds leather upholstery, Kia's UVO entertainment control interface, dual-zone automatic climate control, heated side mirrors, power driver's seat, keyless access and starting, auto-dimming rearview mirror, universal garage-door opener, fog lights and P215/55R17 tires. The EX 2.0T comes standard with P225/45R18 tires. The SX trim has several sporty features, including a sport-tuned suspension, a rear lip spoiler, lower aero panels, alloy pedals, stainless-steel scuff plates and steering-wheel paddle shifters. It also adds HID headlights, LED taillights and Supervision with trip computer.

Options above and beyond standard equipment include a navigation system with rear-backup camera, Infinity audio system, panoramic sunroof, heated and cooled front seats, heated rear seats and a heated steering wheel.

Standard safety equipment includes dual front airbags, front side airbags, curtain side airbags, tire-pressure monitor, anti-lock brakes with brake assist, hill start assist, traction control and electronic stability control.

Reviews: Find expert and user reviews

YearMakeModel

Under the Hood
Like the Sonata, the 2011 Kia Optima is offered only with 4-cylinder power; no V6 is available. The base engine is a direct-injected 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine that produces 200 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque. Offered in the EX 2.0T and SX trims is a 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder that makes 274 horsepower and 269 lb-ft of torque. The 2.4-liter engine comes with a 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic transmission, the latter with manual shift capability. The 2.0T is offered only with the automatic. Fuel-economy ratings are 24 mpg city/35 mpg highway for the 2.4 and 22/34 mpg for the turbocharged 2.0-liter.

Compare: Kia Optima vs. Hyundai Sonata vs. Ford Fusion

Inner Space
The Korean car companies are doing a good job of providing quality interiors these days, and the Optima is no exception. The interior has an impressive look and feel, with quality materials and soft-touch surfaces on the dash pad, door tops and center armrest. Though it doesn't quite achieve luxury-car levels of finish, we see no signs of cost-cutting. The design is thoughtful, too. The center stack is angled 10 degrees toward the driver, bringing all the controls that much closer. Those controls are also easy to spot and they move with precision.

Standard in EX and SX trims is Kia's new UVO system. It provides an interface for phone and entertainment functions using either dashboard controls or simple voice commands. There are 144 core commands, which will take some time to learn, but it works pretty well, providing a hands-free link to iPods and cell phones. It also comes with a standard Jukebox hard drive that can hold about 250 songs. That's a neat feature, but we wish it were bigger. We'd also like UVO to be hooked into the available navigation system, but that's not likely for a year or two.

Read:  Kia Previews 2011 Optima

Continued: Storage Is No ProblemSingle page12Next >Related Content2011 Lincoln MKX — First Drive2011 Infiniti IPL G37 — First Drive2011 MINI Countryman — First DriveCompare: CR-V vs. RAV4 vs. Forester2011 Nissan JUKE — First Drive2011 Ford F-150 — First DriveRead more reviews 20CommentsNewestOldestBestWorstControversialjoe2789Fri 1:48 PM

Your right I did a little research and found pages and pages of problems:
TRANSMISSION FAILED ON A 2011 kia otpima WITH 22K MILES ON IT. WE WERE PULLING OUT INTO AN INTERSECTION WHEN IT COMPLETELY LOST POWER. THE ONLY WARNING THAT I HAVE SEEN IN REFERENCE TO A POSSIBLE TRANSMISSION ISSUE IS THAT THE CAR IDLES HIGH (AT ABOUT 3500 RPM) IN THE MORNING. THIS WAS REPORTED TO KIA BUT THEY COULD NOT REPLICATE IT. AS OF NOW, THE CAR IS AT THE DEALERSHIP WAITING ON A NEW TRANSMISSION.

I get the feeling you sell Kia....You would be better working at walmart

 

    0    0ReportSpamjoe2789Fri 12:09 PM

What is the smallest part of a Kia Or Hyundai?

 

A: The owners Brain!

    5    2ReportSpamSmart Man Rich ManThu 9:58 PMJoe, I have to say that the last men laughing, will not be you nor your friends that think Kia is not a Brand that should be reckoned with, but those who really do their research and make intelligent decisions. Do not let yourself be caught up in the thoughts of what it was but where it is today, and where it will be in the future. I will not sit here and put you down by name calling or by bringing down other manufactures. Until you do your own homework and really take a good look, what you say about Kia & Hyundai sounds pretty idiotic. Seriously until you make the time to check them out meticulously, you will never be able to make an intelligent decision, and it will always show in what you say. I only have one question that you have avoided through all you comments and that is this, What do you drive?     6    3ReportSpamOptima SXThu 5:34 PMHey Joe ya B-bag, what do you drive?  After reading your posts over the months you have plenty of negative things to say about Korean and Japanese cars.  I know you can afford BMW or Audi on part-time clerk wages.  1980 Pacer or Concord wagon?  Big rust belt fan?     5    4ReportSpamOptima SXThu 5:29 PMJoe drives a Pontiac Azteck or a Scion xB.  Dork mobiles     3    2ReportSpamOptima SXThu 5:28 PM

Yes, Joe, could have bought any car up to $50,000.  But I am smart, and like with houses bought what I was comfortable spending.  I am not a moron like you and 50% of American borrowers.  I work for a very successful insurance company and was a military officer before that.  So if anyone works at Walmart, I would bet it is you.  Let me guess, you live in W. Virginia and married your sister and have a 6th grade education?

 

    3    2ReportSpamRich in PAThu 4:52 PM

Maybe Joe drives an old K car from dodge, they were ugly.

    1    1ReportSpamjoe2789Thu 3:11 AMYou could have bought any car? And you bought a Kia ! You will see  in a couple of years what a pos you bought. just look how many older ones you see on the road not many. You have a customer at the counter maybe if you make more money you can buy a better car     8    10ReportSpamjoe2789Thu 3:01 AMThe fonz would never buy a Kia! and Yes we are still laughing     8    9ReportSpamOptima SXWed 6:15 PMThe worst 2 cars I ever had: new '89 Honda CRX Si and new '93 toyota 4x4. Both had serious transmission or engine problems in less than 20,000 miles, the CRX also had a bad clutch at 25,000, and the Toyota also had serious electrical issues, which was funny, because it hardly came with anything.     2    12ReportSpamOptima SXWed 6:12 PMI don't think Joe owns a KIA, just a clown showing up to cause trouble. Joe, I could have bought any car up to $50,000 and decided this was best car for lots less.  I have had BMW's, toyotas and Hondas, and traded in a Cooper S for this car (I have a kid now and that car did not make sense anymore). The Optima embarrasses anything compentitor from Honda, toyota or GM for what you get, and looks better than anything they have.     6    8ReportSpamArthur FonzarelliWed 5:37 PMI have had my Optima EX for 2 months now and put 2,300 miles on it, and it is still just perfect.   Joe...if you know how to read you would have noticed that yo get a lemon law note explaining it everytime you buy a new car. Everybody does...by law. What kind of wacko would brush the paint of car? How can you be laughing at people drinving a Kia or Hyundai and also be driving one yourself? If you did not want that gray car, you could have asked the dealer to get you one shipped from another dealer. Maybe you treated them the way you treat other people over the internet. I am pretty sure they don't love at Walmart either. Get help.     2    10ReportSpamjoe2789Wed 4:27 PM Just one of many post on the internet............?... I just wanted to let anyone having a problem with a kia optima  sx less than 2 months old and I think under 2K miles....if you've been in the shop for the same problem 3 times you are eligible for the lemon law. I had a 2008 Kia Sedona that was constantly in the shop for electrical problems. Interior lights never worked..amoung other problems. . I got a 2011  sedona. Already starting out to look like a lemon again. I went to complete the buyback tranaction for the lemon and the new car had a check engine light on. We didn't complete the sale that day. They said something was just unplugged. I go to buy it 2 days later and it has to be jumped. The dealer says it was because we were playing with all the electric doors. The only reason I followed through with taking this car home was it was the only one in this color left (grey) and I couldn't get my cash.had to buy another kia. No choice. Anyway, then at 700 miles the car won't start. Tow it in. Apparently they sold me a car with a recall which probably drained and killed the battery. Replaced battery, did 2 open recalls (one involved brake light staying on the other had someething to do with rear hatch). Hopefully it's fixed now. If I had a choice I wouldn't buy kia again. Nice car for the money, but too many issues all the time. Also the paint job sucks. It picks up scratches with a light brush to the paint. Anyone else think the paint sucks? Anyway, if you are in 3 times for the same issue, file a lemon law. Maybe this is the only way to teach them to fix their service departments (half the time they claim they can't duplicate--if they try this bring it every day into the shop and get paperwork. Bring someone to drive it with you. Make sure they put it in writing when they hear it or you are not covered.) Enough lemon laws and they'll hopefully make a better car.     9    6ReportSpamjoe2789Wed 1:47 PMOnly putz  are people buying Hyundai and Kia ..And yes we do Laugh at you cheap dopes. Maybe if you get a raise a walmart you can get something better car......Ha Ha Ha     13    10ReportSpamOptima SXTue 9:14 PMJoe, you are an idiot who no doubt drives a beige, overpriced crappy Accord.  Or do you drive the exciting Camry? Putz.     4    13ReportSpamArthur FonzarelliTue 5:24 PMI owned '10 Lexus RX that I traded in for an '11 Optima EX and it has the same level of luxury at half the price and gas. It is very well built and no problems at all. The steering is very very responsive, especially at high speeds. The guys at KIA are seriously trying to make an impression. Much better vehicle and more stylish than a Japanese appliance with wheels or an American car made in Mexico. If you are buying a mid size sedan I would check this one first. You would not regret it.       10    12ReportSpamjoe2789Tue 4:04 PM

When I see people driving kia or a hyundai I laugh! So many better cars you could have bought...But if you want to drive a walmat special be my guest

    14    21ReportSpamjoe2789Tue 3:47 PMThe only reason any one would buy a kia or hyundai is that they are cheap. from what I hear  the service bays are  full with all types of problem! You get what you pay for pure junk!     11    21ReportSpamOptima SXTue 2:40 PMI can assure you that you are wrong about Hundai and KIA.  they are jsut like the Japanese companies in the 70's.  doing a great job and overcoming clowns who only thought america could build cars.  Now it is the clowns that only think Japan can build cars that sound out of touch.  I have a 2011 SX and it is a great car, way better than anything near the price from Japan.  I traded a Mini Cooper S for it due to family, and that also was a great car NOT made in Japan.  Reliable as hell.     10    13ReportSpamVicenzo949Tue 10:55 AM

 

I have no doubt the car is  beautiful  but where to buy one is the question? “  lack of Kia dealers “ Hyundai does not have this problem which is why their sales show!

    6    2ReportSpamAdd a commentReportPlease help us to maintain a healthy and vibrant community by reporting any illegal or inappropriate behavior. If you believe a message violates theCode of Conductplease notify us using the Report abuse form below. We will investigate your report and take appropriate action against offenders. We report all illegal activity to authorities.CategoriesSpamChild pornography or exploitationProfanity, vulgarity or obscenityCopyright infringementHarassment or threatThreats of suicideOtherAdditional comments(optional) 100 character limitAre you sure you want to delete this comment?EXPLORE NEW CARSAcuraAston MartinAudiCadillacAudiBentleyBMWBuickCadillacChevroletChryslerDodgeFerrariFiatFordGMCHondaHyundaiInfinitiJaguarJeepKiaLamborghiniLand RoverLexusLincolnLotusMaseratiMaybachMazdaMercedes-BenzMINIMitsubishiNissanPorscheRamRolls-RoyceSaabScionsmartSubaruSuzukiToyotaVolkswagenVolvo More on MSN AutosQuake Could Slash Global Auto Output

Analysts say production may drop 30 percent.

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Click to enlarge picture

Buyers should find the 2011 Kia Optima's interior simple and appealing. The SX trim, shown here, has a unique gauge cluster, faux carbon-fiber trim, alloy pedals and steering-wheel paddle shifters.

Click to enlarge picture

The Optima's center stack is angled 10 degrees toward the driver to bring the controls within easy reach. Even the base trim will keep buyers connected and entertained with its standard Bluetooth cell phone link, Sirius satellite radio and USB port for iPod and MP3-player connectivity.

Click to enlarge picture

Two 4-cylinder engines are offered: a base 2.4-liter with 200 horsepower and a turbocharged 2.0-liter with 274 horsepower.

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