James Raia

Articles by James Raia

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Mercedes Benz Will Unveil New Hyrbrid In 2009

Based on the S350, the S400 BlueHYBRID uses a 3.5-litre engine, an additional magneto-electric motor, and a seven-speed automatic transmission configured for the hybrid module. The system is a mild hybrid, with the electric motor boosting the gasoline engine during acceleration, along with an auto-stop function that switches off the engine when stopped, such as at traffic lights. Mercedes-Benz said its high-voltage lithium-ion battery is the first worldwide to be introduced in a series-production vehicle. When compared to a conventional nickel/metal hydride battery, the new battery has a higher energy density, better electrical efficiency, more compact dimensions and lower weight. It is positioned in the engine compartment, where it replaces the conventional starter battery, with no changes to the interior

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Volkswagen Tiguan, 2009: Weidel on Wheels

As someone whose first two vehicles were Volkswagens, I remain a fan of the German automaker, and I’m not alone in my admiration. Volkswagen rose to prominence in the 1960s and continued to grow for two decades. The line began to falter in the early ‘90s, but Volkswagen has refocused and made a successful turnaround. In the past decade, Volkswagen has kept rolling out hits. The latest is the 2009 Tiguan, a compact sport utility vehicle recently driven for a week. Like many of its predecessors, the Tiguan has received high marks in many areas. It’s understandable because VW is consistently again offering vehicles with refined handling and upscale accommodations. Naming vehicles in not one of VW’s strengths. Like its

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Cadillac, Autonet debut new Wifi router for 2009 CTS sedan

The companies jointly debuted the new router at the New York International Auto Show, April 10 – 19 at the Jacob Javits Convention Center. The partnership will deliver the first internet entertainment system for Cadillac, and one of the first in the luxury auto market. Branded as Cadillac WiFi by Autonet Mobile, the system is based on the company’s latest generation mobile router, a new smaller unit that allows consumers to easily transfer it from car to car via a new docking station. The system is one-third smaller and incorporates an internal WiFi antenna which fits the sleek new Cadillac interiors. Now Cadillac customers will have instant internet access anytime and anywhere for work during the week to check email,

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Tata Nano: New York Times test drives India's new $2,000 'People's Car'

The Times had its reporter, Nick Kurczewski, in Pune, India, to test drive the Nano. It’s the estimated $2,000 car some industry experts believe could be as important to the automotive industry as the Ford Model-T and the Volkswagen Beetle. “The Nano has a 32-horsepower, 624-cc, 2-cylinder engine mounted in the rear. Access is given to the engine via a removable panel underneath the foldable rear seat. Despite being a fraction of the size of most economy-car engines, the all-aluminum engine provides reasonable pep. Engine noise is also far less than one might imagine given the size and simplicity of the Nano. “Acceleration is hardly neck-snapping. An informal timed run from zero to 50 miles an hour took 16.4 seconds;

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Ford Escape, 2009: Weidel on Wheels

When Ford unveiled the Escape eight years ago it offered an extremely functional compact sport utility vehicle, and it was an instant hit. The Escape had impressive sales for the next several years, but Ford made a giant tactical error. It didn’t offer any major improvements, and competition grew and gained ground. Realizing significant changes were overdue, Ford authorized a redesign in 2008. There were plenty of positives, including a tougher-looking exterior, enhanced performance and improved ride capability. While the Escape’s changes are good, more consumers are turning to less expensive and more gas-friendly SUVs. And the choices are many, including the Toyota RAV4, Saturn Vue, Honda CR-V, Volkswagen Tiguan and Suzuki Grand Vitara. Put the Escape in top tier

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Tata Motor's Nano (You Tube debut video)

After much anticipation, reservations for the Tata Nano, the India-manufactured car some automobile experts believe will be as influential as the Model T Ford and the Volkswagen Beetle, will be available for March 23 in more than 400 dealerships in India. The Nano, billed as the world’s cheapest car and nicknamed “The People’s Car,” will cost an estimated $1,945 or 100,00 rupees, the currency of India. According to Tata Motors representatives, full production of the Nano will take 1 1/2 years and only a limited supply of the vehicle will be available this spring. Ratan Tata, who conceived the car, said a European version of the Nano meeting all European emission and safety standards will be available in 2001. It

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Cadillac CTS-V, 2009: The Weekly Driver Car Review

The new CTS-V includes GM’s Magnetic Ride Control suspension that monitors road conditions and adjusts the suspension as needed. Standard equipment is varied and so are the more than $10,000 in available options, Recaro seats to a navigation system, steering-linked headlamps to Alcantara (suede-like) micro- wrapped shift lever and steering wheel. The Weekly Driver’s Ratings Acceleration (10) Impressive numbers, for sure: 6.2-liter V8 with 556 horsepower and manufacturer claim of 0-60 mph in 3.9 seconds. If you like power and speed in a luxury sedan, what’s not to like? It doesn’t get much better than this. Braking/Steering/Handling (8) Smooth, smooth, smooth. Like Cadillac‘s interior design, negotiating the road has always been among Cadillac‘s strong suits. No difference with the CTS.

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Lexus IS350, 2009: The Weekly Driver Car Review

But Lexus has largely left well-enough alone. The IS350 is a four-door sedan with more desire to be a two-door sports coupe. It’s positioned in a competition market segment, matched largely against the Infiniti G series, Cadillac CTS and perennial favorite BMW. The Weekly Driver’s Ratings Acceleration (8) It’s a four-door sedan with a six-speed automatic transmission that advances with sports car speed. There’s a 306 horsepower V6 and the standard 0-60 mph test is performed in 5.6 seconds. How many sedans can match that? A manual transmission is not available. Braking/Steering/Handling (6) Competition is fierce from industry leaders, including the Cadillac CTS, Infiniti G35 and BMW 3 series. There’s nothing wrong with Lexus, but there’s nothing great in these

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Buick, Jaguar dethrone Lexus in J.D. Power reliability survey

For the past 15 years, Lexus had been the most reliable brand in the Vehicle Dependability Study. The  study measures problems experienced by original owners of three-year-old (2006 model year) vehicles. The study was redesigned this  to include 202 different problem symptoms across all areas of the vehicle. Buick was ranked sixth last year; Jaguar placed 10th in 2008. Lexus followed the Jaguar-Buick tie, with Toyota and Mercury following closely. The J.D. Power research details owners of Buick and Jaguar models reported an average of 122 problems per 100 vehicles, compared to 126 problems per 100 vehicle for Lexus owners. Lexus can, however, still lay claim to the most reliable vehicle, the LS430, with the fewest problems reported – just

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1988 Honda Accord, 1992 Dodge Spirit: Odd cars for two great movies, Frozen River, Wendy and Lucy

Frozen River features the story of Ray Eddy, an upstate New York trailer mom lured into illegal immigrant smuggling when she meets a Mohawk girl who lives on a reservation that straddles the U.S.-Canadian border. In Wendy and Lucy, leading actress Michelle Williams lives in her 1988 Honda Accord. But as she make her way across the country en route to Alaska, the Honda Accord breaks down in a small Oregon town — and that’s when the plot of the movie begins. It’s unlikely either General Motors or Honda is seeking the kind of publicity the manufacturers are getting in the respective movies. But it’s also a perfect example of the  axiom: “all publicity is good publicity.” James RaiaA sports,

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Porsche, Honda, BMW, Chevrolet dominate Car and Driver's top-10 best car lists the past three years

* The car must be new or significantly redesigned from a previous year; * Its price can’t exceed more than 2.5-times the average price of a new in the year of the list ($71,000 for 2009); * If a car doesn’t make the list on its first year of eligibility, it must undergo a redesign for future eligibility; * Once a car makes the list, it’s on the list again the following year and can remain on the list indefinitely unless there’s a drastic reason why it should be removed — a major change in the vehicle or the spectacularly warranted debut of a new car on the list. There aren’t many changes year-to-year, but here’s the last three years

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Nissan Altima Coupe & Murano, 2009: Weidel on Wheels

While Honda and Toyota deservedly receive praise for their competent vehicles, Nissan has resided quietly in the shadows. But test driving Nissan vehicles during the past 10 years has made me appreciate the high quality of the lesser-revered Japanese automaker. I recently drove two of my favorite Nissan vehicles, each for a week. The 2009 Altima Coupe and the 2009 Murano are solid choices for any scrutinizing car shopper. Here is a look at both vehicles: Altima Coupe Although the standard midsize Altima is a wonderful family car, the Coupe offers a different quality – a sporty appeal. Added last year to the Altima lineup, the Coupe resides on a shorter wheelbase and has its own styling. The smaller size

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Honda Insight 2010 set for earlier distribution, lower price than Toyota Prius

The 2010 Honda Insight will be available sooner than previously announced, according to the New York Times. The gas-electric hybrid will be available beginning March 24 at a starting price for the base LM model of $19,800. According to the newspaper, the total price (with destination charge) will be $20,470 or about $2,250 less than Toyota Prius, the best-selling hybrid in the United States. A new Prius is also scheduled to soon debut, but its price has not been announced. In the Times article, Dick Colliver, executive vice president of American Honda, said: “Insight is the most affordable new hybrid available in the U.S. In addition to making good environmental sense, hybrid technology is now entering a new era where

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Kia Borrego, 2009: Weidel on Wheels

While most manufacturers are creating a sleek crossover sport utility vehicle or remodeling an existing offering, Kia has introduced the 2009 Borrego, its first truck-like sport utility vehicle. Has Kia made a mistake or is the Korean manufacturer dumb like a fox? Time will tell, but there’s no doubt Kia is gambling traditional midsize SUVs still have appeal. The seven-passenger Borrego has a chance. It’s offered in attractive V6 and V8 packages, and is a solid midsize SUV with plenty of upside. It’s the largest Korean-made SUV, about a foot longer than the Kia Sorento. And it has nearly the same dimensions as the class-leading Ford Explorer. As a Kia, the Borrego will sell at a low price (between $26,245

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Nissan Maxima, 2009: The Weekly Driver Car Review

With an increase of 35 horsepower to 290 in its 3.5-liter V6, the new Maxima has a fine presence and further blurs the distinct line in what once were clear car segments. Paddle shifters to the sleek, shorter new body, it all adds to a new appeal for the more than 30-year-old model. The Weekly Driver’s Ratings (Rating low to high, 1 to 10 points) Acceleration (8) The increased horsepower makes a lot of difference. Quick, steady and powerful, the Maxima is impressive for quick bursts around town and it’s authoritative with power in reserve on the open road. Braking/Handling/Steering (7) Firm and tight in all areas. The engine has a noticeable growl at high speeds, but it’s not annoying.

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Toyota, Lexus top Consumer Reports' 2009 best car lists

Consumer Reports has selected the 2009 Toyota Prius (Touring) as best overall value among 300 American and foreign cars reviewed. The Lexus LS 460, Mini Cooper, Infiniti G37, and Toyota Highlander are among the top cars of 2009 as rated by Consumer Reports. The Mini Cooper, Volkswagen Rabbit, Honda Civic EX and the Honda Fit completed the top-five selections among the best valued cars, according to magazine. In its yearly auto issue, Consumer Reports highlights the best new-car value vehicles in nine categories: small cars, family cars, upscale cars, hatchbacks/wagons, sporty cars, minivans, small SUVs, midsized SUVs and pickup trucks. Here are the highlights: Best Value Small Cars: Honda Civic EX, Honda Fit (base), Hyundai Elantra SE, Toyota Corolla LE

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