Sports Cars Archives - Page 25 of 29

Ferrari unveils new web site with Formula 1 season

As one of the first companies to build a presence on the ‘net in the early 1990s, Ferrari’s goal now is to ensure the millions of tifosi and enthusiasts who log on to the Ferrari website each day will live the Ferrari experience online. Through its new www.ferrari.com portal, Ferrari now offers site visitors to the site now enjoy more content and a better internet relationship with Ferrari headquarters in Maranello, Italy. The new sites boasts a wide range in a revised and freshened graphic design and unique content. Apart from its numerous interactive sections with exclusive images and dedicated to GT & Sport cars, Scuderia F1, News, Community and Ferrari Store, www.ferrari.com also now boasts a major new feature:

Tesla debuts prototype of Model S, its new, all-electric sedan

Founded in 2003, Tesla‘s debut vehicle is the $109,000 Roadster sports car. The 300th Roadster was recently delivered to its owner and the waiting list includes more than 1,000 wannabe owners. The Model S, which Tesla touts as the first mass-manufactured all-electric car, will cost $57,400, or $49,900 after tax credits. Elon Musk, Tesla Motors’ chief executive, and chief designer, Franz von Holzhausen, debuted the Model S to a gathering and industry analysts and the media March 26 in Hawthorne, Calif. According to a report in the New York Times, Musk said, “When gas savings are taken into account, buying a Model S will be comparable to buying a $35,000 Ford sedan. Would you rather have this car (the Tesla)

Automotive News, Sports Cars

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

Automotive News, Luxury cars, Sedans, Sports Cars

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

Sport Utility Vehicles

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

Sports Cars

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

News Service, Specialty cars

President Barack Obama's new Cadillac limo: Options include shotguns and extra blood

The accompany image “speaks volumes.” President Obama will be transported in the limousine by a Secret Service driver, another long-standing U.S. tradition. President Obama currently owns a Ford Escape hybrid, and the Ebay auction for his soon-to-be previous car, a 2005 Chrysler 300C, is scheduled to end today. 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

Sedans, Sports Cars

Volkswagen CC Sport, 2009: The Weekly Driver Car Review

A guy in a back parking lot of a Chinese restaurant, speaking with a French accent, starred at the 2009 Volkswagen CC Sport and said: “I’ve never seen that car in the United States before. I’ve only seen it in Germany.” It wasn’t the first nor the last time someone asked about the new VW sedan. It’s the German manufacturer’s second attempt at a luxury sedan via a sleeker design of the Passat. This time, VW has been influenced by Mercedes and Audi and it’s offering a four-passenger luxury-style car that costs less than $30,000. It’s a much better approach than VW’s brief, unsuccessful experiment with the Phaeton. The Weekly Driver’s Ratings Acceleration (6) There’s a slight delay, but the

Luxury cars, Specialty cars

Barack Obama's new car? It's a car, it's a truck, it's tank, it's a GM limo

How will the country’s new leader be escorted by the Secret Service when he leaves the proceedings for his two-mile trek down Pennsylvania Ave in the Inaugural parade? The answer, of course, is the new presidential limousine. In two recent articles on CCN.com and CNET.com, the new presidential limo has been unveiled as a Cadillac (Obama heavily touted hybrid cars during his campaign). But the limo built by General Motors will be unlike any presidential vehicle, although not many details of the vehicle have been released. Since the death of Franklin Roosevelt in 1945, the Secret Service has had the responsibility of driving presidents. Chauffeurs previously drove presidents. The new presidential limo had only been photographed by “spy” paparazzi images

Luxury cars, Sedans, Specialty cars, Sports Cars

Audi to Honda, BMW to Nissan: The Weekly Driver's Cars Of The Year, 2008

The biggest automotive news of 2008 remains the ongoing crisis among the “Big Three” manufacturers — General Motors, Chrysler and Ford. But beyond all the serious stuff, there was a lot of fun and intrigue for automotive enthusiasts in 2008. This year marked the sixth full year of The Weekly Driver reviews. I reviewed 32 new cars in 2008 — Audi to Volkswagen, BMW to Suzuki. I drove about two dozen other vehicles at car shows and manufacturers’ functions. A few dozen additional reviews from contributing writers also appeared on dev.theweeklydriver.com during 2008. My friend Bruce Aldrich and I also collaborated on about a dozen car videos in 2008. It was great fun, and I learned something. I said the

Convertibles, Sports Cars

Chrysler Sebring, 2008: Weidel on Wheels

Yet some convertibles are more workmanlike, like the Chrysler Sebring. It’s a convertible with practical appeal. The Sebring is priced and performs moderately and looks sharp. And it’s endearing because it satisfies the wont to own a convertible. The Sebring experience for many comes while on a summer vacation or a visit to a warm climate. And who hasn’t been tempted to rent a convertible? If Hertz, Budget and the other agencies hadn’t stocked their lots with Sebring convertibles, sales would have been drastically lower. While the rental-friendly convertible has been a segment sales leader for Chrysler, the Sebring sedan is bland and provides a modest driving experience. I have no vacation experience with a Sebring sedan, but I did

News Service, Sports Cars

Cars of Presidents & Candidates: Roosevelt to Clinton, Obama to McCain

The top-10 most interesting cars list coincides with what’s among the most historic presidential elections. Hagerty Insurance researched the personal vehicles of America’s past presidents and current candidates and selected one car for each individual most attention-grabbing for his time. The result is a fun and informative look at what drives American presidents or what American presidents (and candidates) drive. 1. William Taft (1909-1913): Baker Electric — Taft was the first president to own and drive cars during his presidency. One of the most interesting cars he owned was, ironically enough, “green” — a Baker Electric. This electric vehicle was especially popular with women in the era, as it did not require any cranking and was virtually maintenance-free. 2. Franklin

Luxury cars, News Service, Sedans, Sports Cars

Car & Driver Magazine's Top-10 Cars For 2008

The magazine has just released its 2008 results, and the list emphasizes an influx of sedans and sports cars in several price categories. As the magazine detailed, it judges cars as follows: “We judge each car in three general areas, the first being how well the vehicle performs its intended functions. We expect sports cars to be fast and exhilarating, whereas we presume a family sedan will be frugal and practical.” “Second, we show all preference for the more engaging cars in each category, be it athletic driving manners, a seductive look, or a powerful engine sure to induce a grin every time we climb behind the wheel. Finally, we are suckers for a good deal, so an inexpensive car

Sedans

Acura TL, 2009: The Weekly Driver Car Review

Like previous models, the current edition is all good with the vehicle’s largest engine to date and a good selection of other new additions. The Weekly Driver’s Ratings Acceleration (8) The front wheel and AWD models have plenty of power, both testing in the 0-60 mph standard in 6.0 seconds. The only transmission is a smooth and responsive five-speed automatic with two keen features — manual shiftgate and steering wheel paddle shifters. It all adds up nicely, particularly since there’s an expanded 3.5-liter, 24-valve, 280 horsepower engine. Braking/Steering/Handling (7) Smooth and steady on all accounts. Confident turning, strong and steady stopping and maneuvering through all traffic situations as if it’s in charge, which it is. Cargo Room (5) Interior areas,

Sedans, Sports Cars

Acura TSX, 2009: Weidel on Wheels

And if I were shopping for a vehicle in this category, the Honda Accord would be a wiser selection. Redesigns always come highly touted by manufacturers, but the results can be less than impressive. That’s the case here, where Acura made few significant changes to the interior or exterior. No other alterations are memorable, either. That makes the TSX a tough sell compared to the formidable Audi A4, Volvo S40, Mercedes-Benz C300, Audi A4, BMW 328i and Lexus IS 250. This year’s TSX is slightly larger than its predecessor. It remains a peppy vehicle that won’t disappoint in performance, despite a horsepower reduction from 205 to 201 — a change rarely seen in “more power is better” conventional thinking. All

Economy cars, Sports Cars

Hyundai Accent, 2008: Bill Belew’s Car Buzz

The Hyundai Accent is certainly affordable; the five-passenger SE compact hatchback I drove was priced at $15,370. The Accent is equipped with 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine and 110 horsepower. Mileage estimates are 27 mpg in the city and 32 mpg on the highway with the five-speed manual I drove. All models include standard front-seat side airbags and full-length side curtain airbags. Antilock brakes are standard on SE coupes. The Accent’s design is simple with a feeling of roominess from the driver’s seat but not for our young daughter or for my golf clubs. Visibility is good and the short hood allowed for a panoramic view. Though certainly not quick, the 2008 Hyundai Accent performed aptly. I thought of it as my

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