Tuesday
Hybrid Luxury Cars: A Comparison
With the current state of the American economy (and also increasingly the world economy) the, gas prices and other financial woes of consumers the luxury car market has shifted focus to fuel efficient, green luxury cars. But which one not only wins fuel efficiency but also design.
In the past luxury cars driven by the well healed have been gas guzzler's but that has changed in recent years.
Today we'll compare three high end luxury flagship cars: BMW 7-Series, Lexus LS600h, and the Mercedes S-Class
Lexus LS600h
It looks fantastic but how green is the LS600h?
2009 BMW 730d
Fuel efficiency? BMW answers with a 7-Series hybrid
Mercedes S-Class Hybrid
Lexus seems to be leading in the luxury hybrid market so far with Mercedes on it's heels and BMW trying to catch up.
This shift in technology and styling is one of the most important eras of automotive industry since the invention of the airbag and seatbelts. For automakers to stay afloat (especially GM and Ford) they will need to shift toward making green cars for their entire line of vehicles, possibly even branching out to other forms of fuel to stay competitive.
The era of the boxy, awkward Prius hybrid styling is becoming more stylish and appealing. With the growth of hybrid luxury cars such as the Lexus RX Hyrbid and 600h hybrids are becoming a necessity of every garage.
More next time.
In the past luxury cars driven by the well healed have been gas guzzler's but that has changed in recent years.
Today we'll compare three high end luxury flagship cars: BMW 7-Series, Lexus LS600h, and the Mercedes S-Class
Lexus LS600h
It looks fantastic but how green is the LS600h?
2009 BMW 730d
Fuel efficiency? BMW answers with a 7-Series hybrid
Mercedes S-Class Hybrid
Lexus seems to be leading in the luxury hybrid market so far with Mercedes on it's heels and BMW trying to catch up.
This shift in technology and styling is one of the most important eras of automotive industry since the invention of the airbag and seatbelts. For automakers to stay afloat (especially GM and Ford) they will need to shift toward making green cars for their entire line of vehicles, possibly even branching out to other forms of fuel to stay competitive.
The era of the boxy, awkward Prius hybrid styling is becoming more stylish and appealing. With the growth of hybrid luxury cars such as the Lexus RX Hyrbid and 600h hybrids are becoming a necessity of every garage.
More next time.
Sunday
2009 BMW X6
BMW added a new crossover to its lineup called the X6, though is the design too radical for the average BMW driver?
2009 Volvo XC60
The all new 2009 Volvo XC60 has made its debut, but does the design still appeal to Volvo drivers?
Friday
Wednesday
2009 Audi Q5 Review
Audi is competing with BMW's X3 and Mercedes' brand new GLK with it's new Q5. The new Audi Q5 is smaller than the Q7 but still visually linked to the Audi name with its signature grill.
The tailights meld into the body lines in typical Audi fashion and are also visually similar to the Q7. Overall the design is sporty enough to cater to younger drivers than that of the Q7 and stylish.
One of the most interesting design features of the new Q5 is the roof. Innovative sensors detect when the vehicle is carrying a heavy load. When it senses a heavy load the vehicle will lower itself to compensate for having a higher center of gravity.
Though, with Audi's advanced technical features can the Q5 win over BMW X3 or attract speculative GLK drivers?
Monday
Green SUV's: Design Editiorial
Green cars and hybrid cars are quickly gaining in popularity. With rising gas (petrol for reader's across the pond) prices people are looking for more fuel-efficient wheels.SUV sales are declining and manufactures have to adapt to the change. GM has rolled out its line of green SUV's. It's almost difficult to tell these SUV's are more fuel-efficient than their gas-guzzling counterparts. The new hybrid Chevrolet Tahoe, Cadillac Escalade, and the new Chevrolet Silverado are now attempting to increase lack luster SUV sales.
Though, the design of these cars hasn't changed the perception of a hyrbid car evokes the image of the iconic Toyota Prius which makes it hard to believe for some that the 2009 Cadillac Escalade will be offered as a hybrid version.
When hyrbid cars debuted in the American market around 1999 the Honda Insight with its futuristic, oddly shaped car set the tone of what hybrids should look like- or at least a basic design other automakers could copy to get the emerging hybrid sales. The Toyota Prius was soon to follow and the second generation became the symbol of hybrids.
Though, the bulky shape and somewhat strange design of the current Prius kept some consumers from buying it. If there was a hybrid version of the Camry or Accord consumers would have bought it because it is familiar and the styling of the cars are conservative and familiar.
Recently, hybrids have become trendy with the release of the Lexus RX hybrid and the Ford Escape hybrid. Automakers caught on that hybrids were taking on a mass appeal and shifting in design from nerdy odd shape, little cars to family sized cars with smooth lines. Though, why didn't this design shift happen sooner?
Now American automakers that have been stubborn to produce change are suddenly offering hybrids to the changing auto market; big SUV's, small SUV's and pickup trucks. While the first hybrid SUV's look more conventional than their smaller hybrid cars did when they first hit the market will they be as fuel-efficient? Nonetheless it's a good start.
Thursday
2009 Toyota Venza Review
With 2008 marking the final year of the Camry Solara Toyota's new CUV, the Venza will succeed the Solara.
From the front the car looks very sculpted and boxy. The winged headlights flow into the enormous chrome grill. The grill sets a new design for Toyota as we haven't seen this much chrome on a four-door Toyota since the Cressida of the 80's . The badge melts down into the grill in a similar fashion as the new Camry making a subtle visual link between the two. Though, that's where the similarities between the Camry and the Venza stop.
The car is more similar to the Sienna with its enormous, wide doors. From the back the vehicle looks similar to a minivan with its large tailgate. The taillights are a new look for North American Toyota's and a bit similar to the new Volvo S60 mixed with the Lexus RX.
Speaking of the RX, Lexus is redesigning the RX for 2009 or 2010. Will it have some styling cues from the Venza? We'll see when it debuts.
From the front the car looks very sculpted and boxy. The winged headlights flow into the enormous chrome grill. The grill sets a new design for Toyota as we haven't seen this much chrome on a four-door Toyota since the Cressida of the 80's . The badge melts down into the grill in a similar fashion as the new Camry making a subtle visual link between the two. Though, that's where the similarities between the Camry and the Venza stop.
The car is more similar to the Sienna with its enormous, wide doors. From the back the vehicle looks similar to a minivan with its large tailgate. The taillights are a new look for North American Toyota's and a bit similar to the new Volvo S60 mixed with the Lexus RX.
Speaking of the RX, Lexus is redesigning the RX for 2009 or 2010. Will it have some styling cues from the Venza? We'll see when it debuts.Monday
2009 Honda Pilot Review
Honda unveiled the next generation Pilot with some mixed reviews about the design. The new 2009 Pilot has a boxier, brawnier look than the previous version but this design could take a little getting used to.
The body is larger and longer and looks less like a crossover but instead like a small SUV. The headlights are also boxy and are much larger and winder than before. The enormous grill, which is becoming a staple of Honda’s 2009 line-up, reminds me of the large grill on the Pilot's upscale cousin, the new Acura MDX.
The rear quarter panel is more boxy than before and similar in style to the 2008 Jeep Liberty. The back also looks similar to Chrysler's competing vehicle, the Chrysler Aspen, from some angles. The rear taillights are also a bit similar to the new Dodge Caravan. Inspiration from Chrysler? Maybe? Maybe not. Though with automotive design there's usually a case of something borrowed something new with each automaker seeing what the competition is up to.
Moving inside the steering wheel and center console have been redesigned. A major change is the relocation of the gear shift from the column up to the lower dashboard; a practical move closer in reach to the driver's reach.
Even though technological practicality is the theme of the interior there are more buttons which on the center console and arm rest's. This ads functionality to the vehicle and more options for the driver to optimize their interior and surrounding and functionality of the car as well but too many controls can seem like you’re in the cockpit of a 747 if you’re not familiar with the interior layout of Honda vehicles. Not unlike trying to cook in someone else' kitchen.
Despite rising gas prices Honda surprisingly does not have a hybrid version of the Pilot. According to a New York Times article, "Honda feels that hybrid powertrains are best suited for small vehicles." Don't rule out the possibility of a hybrid though with more SUV's offering hybrid versions, especially their main competitor Toyota. Nonetheless, the Pilot is set to be a hit with die hard fans.
Though, will this new redesign might send other consumers to choose the Ford Escape or the Toyota Highlander? Time will tell.
See more about the 2009 Honda Pilot in the video below
The body is larger and longer and looks less like a crossover but instead like a small SUV. The headlights are also boxy and are much larger and winder than before. The enormous grill, which is becoming a staple of Honda’s 2009 line-up, reminds me of the large grill on the Pilot's upscale cousin, the new Acura MDX.
The rear quarter panel is more boxy than before and similar in style to the 2008 Jeep Liberty. The back also looks similar to Chrysler's competing vehicle, the Chrysler Aspen, from some angles. The rear taillights are also a bit similar to the new Dodge Caravan. Inspiration from Chrysler? Maybe? Maybe not. Though with automotive design there's usually a case of something borrowed something new with each automaker seeing what the competition is up to.
Moving inside the steering wheel and center console have been redesigned. A major change is the relocation of the gear shift from the column up to the lower dashboard; a practical move closer in reach to the driver's reach.
Even though technological practicality is the theme of the interior there are more buttons which on the center console and arm rest's. This ads functionality to the vehicle and more options for the driver to optimize their interior and surrounding and functionality of the car as well but too many controls can seem like you’re in the cockpit of a 747 if you’re not familiar with the interior layout of Honda vehicles. Not unlike trying to cook in someone else' kitchen.
Despite rising gas prices Honda surprisingly does not have a hybrid version of the Pilot. According to a New York Times article, "Honda feels that hybrid powertrains are best suited for small vehicles." Don't rule out the possibility of a hybrid though with more SUV's offering hybrid versions, especially their main competitor Toyota. Nonetheless, the Pilot is set to be a hit with die hard fans.
Though, will this new redesign might send other consumers to choose the Ford Escape or the Toyota Highlander? Time will tell.
See more about the 2009 Honda Pilot in the video below
Thursday
2009 Acura TL Spy Photos
Acura enthusiasts and members of forums such as the vtech.net have been buzzing with anticipation about the new generation Acura TL for 2009. A member of the vtech forums took these spy photos of new TL out on a test track.
The front end has a more aggressive look and appears to be sporting the large Acura grill with the large crossbar that has gotten mixed reviews. The back end, which was barely concealed, has changed significantly with large rear bumpers, a trunk lid with an overhang and an overall more angular look. The taillights are smaller and look similar to the new Honda Civic coupe.
We'll have a full design review when Acura unveils the 2009 TL later this sumer.
The front end has a more aggressive look and appears to be sporting the large Acura grill with the large crossbar that has gotten mixed reviews. The back end, which was barely concealed, has changed significantly with large rear bumpers, a trunk lid with an overhang and an overall more angular look. The taillights are smaller and look similar to the new Honda Civic coupe.
We'll have a full design review when Acura unveils the 2009 TL later this sumer.
Sunday
2009 Chevrolet Traverse
With GM ending its minivan line, Chevy has a crossover that will pick up from where the Venture left off. The Traverse is the newest addition to GM’s CUV line built on the same Lambda platform as the Saturn Outlook and the Buick Enclave.
The front fascia is inspired by the styling of the 2008 Chevrolet Malibu with its signature crossbar and large grill. The body styling is similar to the Buick Enclave and other GM CUV’s not surprisingly though, interestingly the rear window of the car is similar to the BMW X3.
But the back of the car is where the designers took a few risks. The wing shaped tailights are a unique design and even look slightly like tailights on the Audi Q7 but may they may take some getting used to. The taillights look almost over-powered and slightly disproportionate compared to the enormous tailigate.
The two tone interior is typically Chevrolet. Leather seats and a modern, clean appearance are. There is an emphasis on automotive technology inside such as glowing instrument panel and navigation screen.
Even though her design may take a bit of getting used to it is still yet to be determined if the Traverse can get minivan moms to trade in their Dodge Caravan or upper middle class moms to substitute it for their Lexus RX350.
The front fascia is inspired by the styling of the 2008 Chevrolet Malibu with its signature crossbar and large grill. The body styling is similar to the Buick Enclave and other GM CUV’s not surprisingly though, interestingly the rear window of the car is similar to the BMW X3.
But the back of the car is where the designers took a few risks. The wing shaped tailights are a unique design and even look slightly like tailights on the Audi Q7 but may they may take some getting used to. The taillights look almost over-powered and slightly disproportionate compared to the enormous tailigate.
The two tone interior is typically Chevrolet. Leather seats and a modern, clean appearance are. There is an emphasis on automotive technology inside such as glowing instrument panel and navigation screen.
Even though her design may take a bit of getting used to it is still yet to be determined if the Traverse can get minivan moms to trade in their Dodge Caravan or upper middle class moms to substitute it for their Lexus RX350.
Wednesday
2009 Mercedes SL Review
The new SL has been redesigned for 2009. The most noticeable changes to the SL are changes to the front.
The old dual headlights are gone and more architectural headlights similar the CLS flow into the more aggressive bumper. The Mercedes badge is also larger than the previous version. Another change in the front is a wider grill with a bar spanning across it. Ridges in the hood give add to the updated sporty look. The turning signals on sideview mirrors are now designed as slits instead of the older light units.
The rear hasn't changed that much compared with the older model. The taillights now have LED's and the backup lighting unit is more clearly defined. The rear bumper has been freshened up also.
Moving inside the car the curvy two-tone dashboard is still similar to the previous generation with some elements added and modernized. The most obvious change is the steering wheel has been brought up to date in and designed in a "T" fashion.
Another interesting design element is the new addition of fans mounted in the back of the head rests. These fans are officially called airscarfs and were first seen in the new SLK. According to Mercedes,
"Airscarf uses ventilation outlets in the seat to circulate warm air around your neck and head. You control the temperature from the central console, and the airflow adjusts to the vehicle’s speed."
Airscarfs may also keep the driver cool on hot days. Though, as useful as they are the installation of airscarfs in the headrests make the headrest look a little bulky and awkward. Other than that the new SL is designed well.
The 2009 SL is modern enough to differentiate itself from the older generation but not too different that it looks like a different car and looses its heritage.
The old dual headlights are gone and more architectural headlights similar the CLS flow into the more aggressive bumper. The Mercedes badge is also larger than the previous version. Another change in the front is a wider grill with a bar spanning across it. Ridges in the hood give add to the updated sporty look. The turning signals on sideview mirrors are now designed as slits instead of the older light units.
The rear hasn't changed that much compared with the older model. The taillights now have LED's and the backup lighting unit is more clearly defined. The rear bumper has been freshened up also.
Moving inside the car the curvy two-tone dashboard is still similar to the previous generation with some elements added and modernized. The most obvious change is the steering wheel has been brought up to date in and designed in a "T" fashion.
Another interesting design element is the new addition of fans mounted in the back of the head rests. These fans are officially called airscarfs and were first seen in the new SLK. According to Mercedes,
"Airscarf uses ventilation outlets in the seat to circulate warm air around your neck and head. You control the temperature from the central console, and the airflow adjusts to the vehicle’s speed."
Airscarfs may also keep the driver cool on hot days. Though, as useful as they are the installation of airscarfs in the headrests make the headrest look a little bulky and awkward. Other than that the new SL is designed well.
The 2009 SL is modern enough to differentiate itself from the older generation but not too different that it looks like a different car and looses its heritage.
Tuesday
Saturday
2009 BMW M3 Sedan Getting a Facelift?
M3 fans over at the forum M3 post have spied a M3 E90 sedan on the road with what looks to be a concealed facelift for 2009. The car just hit the roads this spring and already it is getting slight design updates.
It looks like the M3 will get minor cosmetic changes such as an updated rear bumper and redesigned taillights with LED's. Here's a photoshop created by one of the members of the forum of what the updated M3 may look like.
Head over to www.bimmerpost.com for the latest BMW news.
Friday
2010 Ford Taurus Announced
A newly restyled Ford Taurus is coming in 2010. Fourms and blogs have been buzzing with anticipation since April about a photo a probable design for a new Taurus for 2010. (Many of the sites were asked by Ford to take the photo down) Ford’s CEO officially announced this January that a new Taurus is coming in 2010.
The design and styling is similar to the Ford Mondeo and the Ford Falcon.
The design is modern, sleek, and much of an improvement over the current design. It even has a little of a sporty look to it. Speaking of sporty the SHO is reported to be coming back in 2010 also.
Ford recently held a Ford Taurus SHO focus group in Chicago with some invited SHO enthusiast.
Enthusiasts from BringBackTheSHO.com are speculating on what the 2010 Ford Taurus SHO might look like. This ain’t you father’s Taurus:
Whatever the design of the 6th generation Ford Taurus one is for sure; the family sedan will have a whole new look that will keep the Taurus competitive to the Accord and Camry. The new Taurus is expected to hit the roads sometime next year.
We'll have a full review when more becomes available.
The design and styling is similar to the Ford Mondeo and the Ford Falcon.
The design is modern, sleek, and much of an improvement over the current design. It even has a little of a sporty look to it. Speaking of sporty the SHO is reported to be coming back in 2010 also.
Ford recently held a Ford Taurus SHO focus group in Chicago with some invited SHO enthusiast.
Enthusiasts from BringBackTheSHO.com are speculating on what the 2010 Ford Taurus SHO might look like. This ain’t you father’s Taurus:
Whatever the design of the 6th generation Ford Taurus one is for sure; the family sedan will have a whole new look that will keep the Taurus competitive to the Accord and Camry. The new Taurus is expected to hit the roads sometime next year.
We'll have a full review when more becomes available.
Wednesday
Monday
2009 Audi A4 Design Comparison
The all-new Audi A4 is hitting the roads and with a new sleeker, sportier look. Just when you though the A4 couldn't get any more sportier and sleek- it does. The new A4 looks very similar to the A5 and takes some design cues from its two door sibling.
The first noticeable design change are the new, refreshed headlights. The new high tech Xenon headlights have a curvy unit within the light casing not only making a unique headlight design but also creating an impressive luxurious effect when turned on. The rear lights have also been redesigned to be more sleek and up to date.
The entire body of the car still has the same A4 look to it but now with more sculpted curves, a bolder, sportier front and an updated rear with more slender taillights.
New rear compared with the old.
The new A4 even has a new attitude as if the design has been personified. Almost as if it is staring down competitors like the Mercedes C-Class and BMW 3-Series as it passes them by on the road.
Front end comparison of the old and new A4
The interior design of the car is just as sporty and sleek. Soft leather seats welcome the passengers. Wood and metallic touches on the dashboard and door panels indicate you're driving a luxury sports sedan. Just in case you get lost in this luxury sports sedan you have a new high tech navigation system to guide you to your destination.
New vs old
Though, getting lost in an A4 wouldn't be such a bad thing.
The first noticeable design change are the new, refreshed headlights. The new high tech Xenon headlights have a curvy unit within the light casing not only making a unique headlight design but also creating an impressive luxurious effect when turned on. The rear lights have also been redesigned to be more sleek and up to date.
The entire body of the car still has the same A4 look to it but now with more sculpted curves, a bolder, sportier front and an updated rear with more slender taillights.
New rear compared with the old.The new A4 even has a new attitude as if the design has been personified. Almost as if it is staring down competitors like the Mercedes C-Class and BMW 3-Series as it passes them by on the road.
Front end comparison of the old and new A4The interior design of the car is just as sporty and sleek. Soft leather seats welcome the passengers. Wood and metallic touches on the dashboard and door panels indicate you're driving a luxury sports sedan. Just in case you get lost in this luxury sports sedan you have a new high tech navigation system to guide you to your destination.
New vs oldThough, getting lost in an A4 wouldn't be such a bad thing.
Saturday
Monday
2009 Cadillac CTS-V Pictures
Full details and pictures of the 2009 Cadillac CTS-V, which includes 550 hp engine. More after the jump.
read more | digg story
read more | digg story
New BMW M3 Convertible Unveiled
420-horsepower BMW convertible takes off its top and reveals the new M3 convertible.
read more | digg story
read more | digg story
Wednesday
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