2010

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Audi debuts super sports car, 2010 R8

New for 2010, a refined 5.2 FSI V10 engine joins the R8 lineup. With menacing, unmistakable styling and the unshakable performance of quattro all-wheel drive, the R8 represents the very edge of what is technically possible in a sports car today. The 2010 Audi R8 is unique in the Audi portfolio and is hand-assembled at a maximum of 20 cars per day. A wide, low stance is derived directly from the Audi motorsports program and helps to provide the R8 with its world-class handling. The R8 was inspired not only by victorious Audi Le Mans race cars, it shared the same design team. Two large bladed air inlets and aggressively slanted headlamps join the signature Audi single-frame grille, while the

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Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance preparing for 60th anniversary in 2010

With its 60th anniversary celebration set for next August, the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, founded in 1950 as a celebration of the automobile, has evolved into one of the world’s foremost classic car events. Additionally, as exemplified by the more than 20 new and concept vehicles showcased at the 2009 Concours, the annual event now offers a glimpse into the automotive future. Several vehicles made world debuts at the 2009 Concours last August, including the Bentley Mulsanne grand tourer, Bugatti Sang Bleu, Devon Motor Works GTX, Iconic Motors Heritage Roadster Concept Chassis, 2011 Infiniti M and Spyker C8 Aileron Spyder. North American debuts included the Aston Martin One-77, Hyundai Equus, Infiniti Essence concept, 2010 Jaguar XJ, Morgan Aero SuperSports and

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Subaru tops all manufacturers in Insurance Institute for Highway Safety 2010 ratings

The other car manufacturers to do well in 2010 include: Ford and its subsidiary, Volvo, Volkswagen and Audi with five top picks, and Chrysler with four cars in the top categories. “With the addition of our new roof strength evaluation, our crash test results now cover all 4 of the most common kinds of crashes,” said Institute president Adrian Lund. “Consumers can use this list to zero in on the vehicles that are on the top rung for safety.” Toyota and its Lexus and Scion subsidiaries had a strong showing in 2009 with 11 winners but were shut out for 2010. Four other manufacturers whose vehicles have earned Top Safety Pick in the past didn’t have a qualifying vehicle for

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Toyota Prius, 2010: Roman Mica's Rambling Video Review

In the video above we test the 2010 Toyota Prius V to find out if the third generation Prius can carry the torch as the hybrid car poster child and live up to Toyota‘s expectations. Here’s are some of the new Prius’ specifications: Price as Tested: $33,079.00; Engine, Transmission: Hybrid Synergy Drive 1.8L DOHC 16V VVT 4-Cylinder; Horsepower: 134; G-Tac Test Data test at 5430 feet above sea level; 1/4 Mile: 17.35 second at 67 mph 0-60 mph: 9.63 seconds; 60-0 mph stopping: 114 feet; Max Acceleration: 0.44 g’s EPA Fuel Economy Estimates, City: 51 mpg, Highway: 48 mpg; Combined: 50 mpg; As tested: 46.3 mpg; CO2 per year: 4,995 lbs. Facts & Figures: 2010 Toyota Prius Specification Details Engine

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Step aside, Toyota Prius (51 mpg). Meet the 2010 Volkswagen Golf BlueMotion (61.9 mpg)

And therein lies the problem. Debuted at the Frankfurt Auto Show with its sibling, the Golf R (the most powerful Golf at 270 horsepower), the second-generation Golf BlueMotion is the most fuel efficient Golf of all time. But it’s not likely going to be available in the United States, according to a report by the Car and Driver journalist attending the Frankfurt Auto Show in September. The Golf BlueMotion is currently available in Germany starting at € 21,650 (approximately $28,000). The European price includes German and EU taxes. The new Golf BlueMotion features a 1.6-liter TDI diesel engine with 105 horsepower. The power is delivered via a front-wheel, five-speed manual transmission. The Golf BlueMotion also benefits from aerodynamic changes, plus

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Lincoln MKT, 2010: Roman Mica's Rambling Review (Video)

The 2010 Lincoln MKT EcoBoost ia unique car. It’s as luxurious as a . . . well, as a Lincoln. And it’s as fast as a Mustang — if a Mustang came with all-wheel drive. The MKT is equipped with about every modern convenience, including adaptive headlamps and cruise control, self parking, blind spot indicator, and duel sunroofs, to name a few. The Lincoln also comes with a 255 HP V-6 twin turbo that produces 0-60 mph in about 6 seconds. That’s as fast as the 385 HP Jaguar I recently drove. So does all of this luxury work in harmony with the hidden hot rod persona? 2010  Lincoln MKT AWD Price as Tested: $55,885.00; Engine, Transmission: 3.5.L V-6  EcoBoost

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Jaguar XF, 2010: Roman Mica's Rambling Review (Video)

Facts & Figures: 2010 Jaguar XF Specification Details Engine 8-cylinder, 4.2L Transmission Automatic (S6) Drivetrain Rear-Wheel Drive Fuel Economy 16 city / 25 hwy / 19 combined mpg Fuel Type Premium Gasoline James RaiaA sports, travel and business journalist for more than 45 years, James has written the new car review column The Weekly Driver since 2004. In addition to founding this site in 2004, James writes a Sunday automotive column for The San Jose Mercury and East Bay Times in Walnut Creek, Calif., and monthly auto review and wellness columns for Gulfshore Business, a magazine in Southwest Florida. An author and contributor to many newspapers, magazines and online publications, co-hosted The Weekly Driver Podcast from 2017 to 2024.

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Scion xB, 2010: The Weekly Driver Car Review

It’s a subjective call whether any Scion qualifies as royalty. Regardless of its lineage, the Scion xB is a viable SUV alternative. It’s marketed as a urban utility vehicle and often described as a box on wheels. Its appearance prompts attention, and it should gather further notice via its value as a versatile, moderately price family alternative. The Weekly Driver’s Ratings Acceleration (4) It’s a 2.4-liter, 158 horsepower, 4-cylinder upsized wagon with a four-speed automatic transmission. It’s not slow, but don’t expect much when trying to pass slower traffic on even the slightest incline. Braking/Steering/Handling (5) For its style (OK, a box with wheels), the Scion gets the job done in stride, although it’s not an off-road vehicle. In one

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The Quail: A Motorsports Gathering still planned for 2010 despite hotel closure

For 2010, a few of the celebrated marks will be: Featured Milestone Cars of 1934, 45 Years of the Shelby Mustang and Alfa Romeo Special Coachbuilders. As in past years, the event will also feature the tradition of The Great Ferraris along with Pre and Post-War Sport, Pre and Post-War Racing, Sport and Racing Motorcycles and Super Cars. “We are proud to be recognized as one of the most sought after events during Monterey’s Classic Cars Week,” said Sarah Cruse, General Manager of Quail Lodge. “Our team has excelled in creating an exclusive day-long celebration where automotive collectors and connoisseurs have an unmatched opportunity to compare the aesthetics and engineering of the world’s most extraordinary driving machines in a picturesque

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General Motors News: Massive production increase, rehiring for 2010

GM also expects another 600 jobs will be restored at affiliated locations across the United States. U.S. auto dealer inventories were trimmed sharply after the federal government’s “cash for clunkers” program lifted sales in July and August with incentives of up to $4,500 to turn in gas-guzzling vehicles and buy new more fuel-efficient models. GM will draw from its pool of laid off workers first to fill restored positions and expects virtually all of jobs to be filled by workers now on layoff or who would be subject to layoff once other plants are idled. In September, GM said it expected to build 535,000 vehicles in North America in the third quarter and 655,000 in the fourth quarter, down about

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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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Toyota Prius (again) tops most fuel efficient cars for 2010

Nine of the top-10 most fuel efficient vehicles in the U.S. are hybrids. The agency, which sets guidelines and gives estimated fuel costs and mileage standards each year in its Fuel Economy Guide, released the following EPA ratings for 2010 models: 1. Toyota Prius, 51 mpg city/48 mpg highway; 2. Ford Fusion/Mercury Milan, 41/36; 3. Honda Civic Hybrid, 40/45; 4. Honda Insight (hybrid), 40/43; 5. Lexus HS250h (hybrid), 35/34; 6. Nissan Altima Hybrid, 35/33; 7. Ford Escape Hybrid FWD, Mazda Tribute Hybrid 2WD, Mercury Mariner Hybrid FWD, 34/31; 8. Smart fortwo Cabriolet (automatic) Smart fortwo Coupe (automatic), 33/41; 9. Toyota Camry Hybrid, 33/34 10. Lexus RX450h (hybrid, 2WD), 32/28. James RaiaA sports, travel and business journalist for more than 45

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General Motors Unveils Electric Vehicle Volt, Will Debut As 2010 Model

“The Volt symbolizes GM’s commitment to the future,” said Rick Wagoner, GM’s chairman and CEO. General Motors did not announce pricing for the car, which will have the equivalent of about 150 horsepower and a top speed of 100 mph, accordin to GM. To charge the batteries, drivers will plug a cord into one of the ports just ahead of each of the side mirrors. The cord can then be attached to an ordinary home electrical outlet. The car, according to a GM release, will cost “less than purchasing a cup of your favorite coffee” to recharge. It will use less electricity annually than a refrigerator. The Volt should cost less than 2 cents per mile to drive on electricity,

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Cadillac Debuts CTS Sport Wagon For 2010

Cadillac’s upcoming wagon offers ample interior space and includes a range of six-cylinder engine choices, making it a compelling alternative to larger utility vehicles. Based on the hot-selling CTS sport sedan, and a sister vehicle to the CTS Coupe Concept, the Sport Wagon extends the design-driven renaissance of Cadillac. Following this special premiere at Pebble Beach, the CTS Sport Wagon moves to the worldwide auto show circuit this fall – and into Cadillac dealerships in spring 2009. “The addition of this dramatically-designed Sport Wagon is well synchronized with today’s changing consumer tastes as a compelling alternative to SUVs or other larger vehicles,” says Jim Taylor, Cadillac general manager. “This is an important step in Cadillac’s ongoing global expansion, and of

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Cool Toyota Prius Even Cooler In 2010 With Solar-Powered Air Conditioning?

Toyota plans to purchase the panels from Japanese electronics maker Kyocera. The panels would produce approximately the same kilowatts as a rooftop solar array on a typical house. Toyota spokesman Paul Nolasco declined comment. The Prius is currently the most successful hybrid vehicle. In the United States, Toyota sold more than three times as many Prius models in 2007 than any other manufacturer. The Prius is also the commanding hybrid sales leader through the first six months of 2008. Toyota’s success with its hybrid has prompted the manufacturer’s promise to offer hybrids in every model in its line-up soon after 2020. Toyota has sold more than a million Prius models during the past decade and is planning to sell a

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General Motors Announces Aproval For Electric Chevy Volt For 2010

The funding for production development and tooling, indicates GM believes the technology for the Volt, including its lithium-ion batteries, will be ready for volume production on schedule. “The Chevy Volt is a go,” said CEO Rick Wagoner. “We believe this is the biggest step yet in our industry’s move away from our historic, virtually complete reliance on petroleum to power vehicles.” “We intend to show a production version of the Chevy Volt]]> publicly in the very near future, and we remain focused on our target of getting the Volt into Chevrolet showrooms by the end of 2010,” Wagoner said. Preliminary plans are to produce the Volt at GM’s Detroit-Hamtramck Assembly Center, subject to successful discussions with state and local governments.

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