2009 Chevrolet TrailBlazer

The Chevrolet TrailBlazer maintains a value-driven blend of uniqueness, standard comfort, convenience and safety features. The lineup is topped by the performance-bred TrailBlazer SS that brings car performance combined with the function of a sports utility vehicle. It also includes the LT model powered by the efficient 4.2L six-cylinder.

The TrailBlazer offers a generous cargo room, meaning an 80 cubic feet with the rear seat folded, and great towing power – 5,900 pounds with the 6-cylinder and 6,800 pounds with the SS’s 6.0L V-8.

This new TrailBlazer features the standard XM Satellite Radio and head curtain side air bags, new features OnStar 8.0 with available Bluetooth connectivity for safer, hands-free phone calls, and latest exterior colors: Silver Ice Metallic, Silver Moss Metallic and Sand Beige Metallic. The 2LT models include a chrome luggage rack, door handles, 18-inch aluminum wheels as well as perforated leather seating with heated, power-adjustable driver and front passenger seats with memory feature.

The 2009 TrailBlazer models include air conditioning, dual-zone climate control, XM Satellite Radio, power locks and windows, and remote keyless entry. Available options are power sunroof, rear-seat DVD entertainment system, Bose premium speaker system, adjustable brake and accelerator pedals, rearview mirror with temperature gauge and compass, leather seating surfaces with eight-way-power driver and passenger seats, sunroof, and both factory- and dealer-installed running boards. Available entertainment and information features also include a navigation radio that incorporates a dash-mounted GPS system and display with the vehicle’s sound system.

The engine is still the prized Vortec 4.2L I-6 that generates 285 horsepower and 276 lb.-ft. of torque. Synchronized voltage control improves fuel economy by minimizing the load on the engine created by the alternator. The Hydra-Matic 4L60 electronically controlled 4-speed automatic transmission matches the engine.

TrailBlazer uses hydroformed steel frame side rails that form a strong foundation. A double A-arm suspension is used in the front work with a system of 12 specially-tuned body mounts. A thick stabilizer bar minimizes body roll.

The rear suspension features a solid axle with 5-link location, with a stabilizer bar. A 113-inch wheelbase stretches between the wheels. A rack-and-pinion steering system responds quickly to driver inputs and delivers good feedback. StabiliTrak electronic stability control system and GM’s tire pressure monitoring system come standard on all models. StabiliTrak helps to maintain control during sudden maneuvers or low-traction conditions. Large, low-drag front disc/rear drum brakes with standard ABS provide confident stopping power.

Head curtain side air bags inflate from the roof rail between the A-pillar and side window header. They deploy in certain moderate to severe side impacts, help provide protection for front and second-row outboard passengers. The head curtain side air bags feature an integral rollover protection sensing system that helps protect occupants in a rollover event by triggering both the side curtain air bags and safety belt pretensioners. The rollover-sensing module uses an intricate algorithm, roll rate and vehicle speed to know whether to deploy the safety systems. Also standard are pretensioners in the outboard front safety belt system that deploy at the same time as the frontal air bags to fill the slack in the seat belt.

Additional TrailBlazer safety features are 3-point safety belts in all seating positions, dual-stage frontal air bags, GM’s Passenger Sensing System (PSS), push-pull power window switches, Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children or LATCH system for child safety seats and improved passenger seat belt reminder system.
All 2009 TrailBlazer models come with OnStar 8.0. The service includes the Advanced Crash Response System Crash system, making crash data available to the participating 911 centers in order to help them send out the appropriate life-saving personnel and equipment to crash scenes quicker.

2009 Buick Enclave

The 2009 Buick Enclave was first introduced in 2007. Buick Enclave goes between SUV and luxury sedan - SUV capability and ride quality and sedan fuel economy. It combines elegance and precision. It will be available in CX and CXL models with front-wheel.



Its 3.6L engine is about power, efficiency, sophistication and smoothness. The 3.6L direct injection V-6 VVT engine will provide 288 horsepower and 270 lb.ft. of torque. It will run with unleaded gasoline. It also uses unique pistons with the direct injection system that helps reduce cold-start emissions by 25%. Also included are acoustically tuned engine cover, intake manifold, center-feed fuel lines and a new engine mount system for reduced vibration.

The new engine is matched to the Hydra-Matic 6T75 electronically controlled 6-speed automatic transmission. It features clutch-to-clutch shift operation, allowing minimized complexity and compact packaging. It also offers automatic grade braking, shift stabilization and precise shift control. It has been designed so that the Enclave can be flat-towed in FWD and AWD configurations. The Enclave can tow up to 4,500 pounds when correctly outfitted.

Likewise featured are heated and cooled leather seats. Bluetooth for Phone hands-free phone interface comes on all Enclave models plus, integrated steering wheel controls. Also included is the NavTraffic, delivering real-time traffic information to the touch-screen navigation system. All entertainment packages add a 110-volt inverter, enabling customers to power portable electric plug-in items. Other standard comfort and convenience features are sliding front-row center console armrest, One-touch power liftgate, tire pressure monitoring system, tri-zone climate control, Smart Slide second-row seat, and more.



The exterior shows a waterfall grille – with a daring tri-shield emblem and V-shaped portholes, HID headlamps are standard. Two new exterior colors are available for 2009 – Silver Green Metallic and Quicksilver Metallic. The interior matches the gorgeous exterior with luxuriously premium, soft-touch, low-gloss equipment. It has three rows of seats that comfortably accommodate seven to eight occupants while providing more cargo space behind the third-row seat.



Enclave is the sole crossover equipped with QuietTuning – aimed at reducing, blocking and absorbing unwanted noise from entering its cabin. Noise-reducing components are acoustic-laminated windshield, laminated safety glass for front doors, triple door seals, flat-blade windshield wipers, outside rearview mirrors, deliberately placed sound-deadening material.

Its AWD system improves both dry road handling and provides increased traction on wet, snow- and ice-covered roads. It delivers a controlled quantity of torque to the rear wheels. No driver intervention is needed – the system automatically knows how to distribute torque based on velocity, throttle position and individual wheel slip. The system includes Enclave’s electronic traction control to provide outstanding competence during rough weather.

Safety features include 4-wheel anti-lock brakes, StabiliTrak electronic stability control system with rollover mitigation technology, tire pressure monitoring system, traction control, air bags – two dual-stage frontal air bags, two seat-mounted side-impact air bags in the first row and two roof rail air bags that cover all three seating rows. Matching the air bags is the rollover sensing system that operates the roof rail air bags when sensors identify an impending rollover. The safety belt pretensioners during a crash take up slack in the safety belt and hold passengers in place. Also included are Panic Brake Assist feature. When emergency braking maneuver is detected, the system automatically releases extra brake pressure to more quickly engage ABS, reducing stopping distance by eliminating the delay that can happen if a driver does not brake hard enough soon. All Buicks, including Enclave, are equipped with OnStar that features the Advanced Crash Response System. If a crash activates an air bag, the OnStar system automatically notifies an OnStar advisor, who immediately calls the vehicle or asks for help.

Glimpse of the 2011 Acura RL

Perhaps the Acura RL is the brand’s way of getting serious into entering the large-car luxury game with this new version of its segment-topping sedan. The newest shots of what is likely the 2011 RL looks like it confirms the rumors, rumors that Honda will ditch the long-running front-wheel-drive layout to compete with its peer class such as the BMW 5 series and Mercedes-Benz E-Class. Although much is hidden by the stretched-out TSX bodywork, a close look at the profile exhibits a longer hood with the front wheels moved farther forward, which not only enhances the vehicle's looks with less front overhang but also points out that the engine may be longitudinally installed.

Considering the fact that RWD architecture seems progressive for the next RL, we can also hope that the rumored V8 engine could be underhood. Previous reports told its output at 420 horsepower, which should be matched with cylinder deactivation in an effort to keep fuel economy adequate. With gas prices, I think buyers and enthusiasts would not be surprised to see Acura retain a V6 engine as standard, leaving the 8-cylinder as an alternative.

Renault: To produce a sports car by 2011 (truth?)

It has been over a decade since the celebrated Renault tuner got washed out into shadows. But now, the Alpine brand may return by 2011 with the help of both Nissan and Renault. According to information, Renault product planners are critically investigating a low-cost, high-performance sports car to carry the Alpine symbol Expect the new car to be a close contender to the Mazda MX-5, although with more power and a little higher cost.
Though previous Alpine-Renaults used a rear-engine draft, looks like the new car is set to employ its motor in front. The car won't be a clone of the Nissan 370Z, according to sources, yet it may employ a number of parts on an all-new platform. Well, the design isn't unlike Nissan's Urge, an RWD roadster concept which launched at the 2006 Detroit auto show. Smaller than the 350Z and sized closer to the MX-5, the Urge still used a number of 350Z components to minimize cost, plausibly.

Unveiling the car would grant Renault its first ever sports car since the downfall of the unusual Renault Sport Spider. So, expect to have a full glimpse the new Alpine launch probably between 2010 and 2011, with a possible Nissan-badged version - suggested to be a 200SX successor.

2009 Focus RS for Europe

Are you anticipating the return of the Focus RS? Waiting is over. But let’s not talk about the launch first. Prior to the 2008 British Motor Show, Ford released official "spy" photos of the hot hatch. The RS models were not seen since 2003. It vanished when Ford launched an all-new European Focus in 2004. Although a performance-tuned ST model is currently offered, the new Focus RS is including more performance into the 3-door hatch.

The car looks like the Focus ST coupe, but select cues set the performance-tuned RS apart from lesser trims. And notice the oversized wheel flares wrapped around big-diameter rolling stock. The front fascia – well, it looks like a Focus. Is that an intercooler prowling behind a big grille opening.

For now, Ford has not spoken about yet, but source said the RS will use a customized form of the 2.5-liter turbocharged inline 5-cylinder found in the Focus ST. Ford also suggests that in RS form, the motor will produce more than 276 hp and 295 lb-ft of
torque.

Although the RS goes on the same segment as Subaru's Impreza WRX STI or the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution, I think people are not into looking for AWD Focus soon. The RS will deliver power through the front wheels, aided by a limited-slip differential and by suspension tuned on the Ring. Know more about the RS when the car makes its debut in London in July.

2009 Cadillac Escalade Hybrid

This isn’t just about hybrid vehicle, this is about the 2009 Cadillac Escalade Hybrid. Yes, it’s the new Escalade – a new vehicle that brings an improved fuel economy while maintaining the potentials and features of a full-size, V-8-powered SUV. This mismatched duality is enabled by GM’s original 2-Mode Hybrid system.

The 2-Mode Hybrid system uses a new, electrically variable transmission (EVT) that offers these two – real SUV capability and fuel economy. The two modes: first, an incessantly variable operation for low-load driving situations and two, a fixed-gear operation for high-load conditions such as highway driving and towing.

Basing on experience gleaned in the development of hybrid bus propulsion systems, GM designed the two-mode EVT to bring the best combination of highway and city fuel economy; it is used in unison with the 6.0L Gen IV V-8 engine with Active Fuel Management. The EVT is designed to bolt directly to the standard 4-wheel-drive transfer case found on the gasoline-only models for true 4-wheel-drive capability.



The Escalade Hybrid’s drivetrain is made up of the Electrically Variable Transmission (EVT), Energy Storage System (ESS), Vortec 6.0L Gen IV V-8 with Active Fuel Management (AFM) and late-intake valve closing (LIVC) – all of which work together to provide seamless, economical and comfortable operation
The assembly of two 60-kW electric motors, 3 planetary gear sets and 4 traditional hydraulic wet clutches that allow constant variable operation and provide 4 fixed gear ratios. The design was chosen due to the operational characteristics of electric motors, which are very efficient at low speeds. The EVT can activate any of its four hydraulic clutches to allow power transfer through the fixed-gear ratios whenever higher load conditions occur. The EVT is like having two transmissions in one – incessantly variable drive for light-load conditions and fixed-ratio drive for high-load situations.

Providing power to the EVT’s two electric motors is a 300-volt nickel-metal hydride known as the Energy Storage System (ESS). This battery pack is found below the second-row seat, where it takes up virtually no additional space and does not interfere with second- or third-row ingress/egress. It is there to provide power (300 volts) to the EVT through the Traction Power Inverter Module (TPIM) and to store captured energy produced during regenerative braking. The ESS can also be charged, when necessary, by the gasoline engine through one of the two electric motors when operated in generator mode. It also provides power to the air conditioning compressor and the Accessory Power Module (APM) that converts the high-voltage supply to 42 volts for the electric power steering system, and 12 volts for the vehicle battery and other 12-volt electrical accessories.

The 2009 Escalade Hybrid features fully blended regenerative braking to capture energy that could be lost during vehicle deceleration. By using one or both of the EVT’s traction motors as a generator, braking energy is converted to electrical energy and stored in the ESS for future use to propel the vehicle. The regenerative braking has the additional benefit of extending the life of the friction materials used in the hydraulic braking system, and enhancing braking performance through shorter stopping distances.



Its 6.0L V-8 engine comes exclusive. It features Active Fuel Management and late intake valve closing for minimized pumping losses and better fuel economy. The engine uses flat-top pistons, cylinder heads and a 10.8:1 compression ratio, generating as mush as 332 horsepower and 367 lb.-ft. torque. A top contributor to its fuel economy potential is the engine’s Auto Stop mode. When the vehicle reaches 0 mph, the gasoline engine is automatically shut down. But when extra power is needed, the V6.0L V-8 faultlessly restarts to carry on with the goal of utmost fuel economy, especially now that the fuel price is not getting any lower.
Essentially, this entry only tackled about the Hybrid aspect of the 2009 Cadillac Escalade Hybrid. Perhaps on my next entries, I can include the details, exterior and interior. Watch out for it.

2009 Volvo XC60

Looking for an all-new crossover to drive? Here is one crossover from Volvo that is set to launch in 2009 – the 2009 Volvo XC60. This coupe is stepping daringly into what is currently the automotive world's fastest-growing division – clad in a breathtaking combination of beefy XC (crossover) competence and the sporty charm of a coupe. According to the Volvo Cars President and CEO, it is not just the safest Volvo to drive as it also the most stunning ever.





The 2009 XC60 was launched during at the Geneva Motor Show in March. The "Small Premium Utility" division is escalating fast. In the coming years, buyers will have at least 10 crossover prototypes to select from. By next year, this division is expected to expand by 75%. Yes, that’s fast it growing and it’s no joke.

The CEO added that to be successful in that kind of competition, you need to come up with a vehicle that truly stick out from the rest. That’s definitely true. The 2009 Volvo XC60 bases its distinctive characteristics on the fusion between daringly sporty design and a range of intelligent safety systems that help the driver avoid accidents.

What’s so new about the XC60? Here it is Volvo lovers out there. It’s about safety and when you mention safety, well, it’s something you really want to pay attention to. So what exactly am I talking about? It’s regarding the City Safety. This is a distinct system that can help the driver reduce, if not prevent, the effects of the type of low-speed impacts which are common on the road, so I say. Once the car is about to strike the vehicle in front and the driver does not react, the car mechanically applies the brakes.

Based from the things revealed by the CEO, Volvo is the first automaker in the world to offer this type of feature as standard. City Safety clearly signals that the new XC60 is the safest car Volvo has ever created. The car is packed with Volvo’s collected safety know-how and technology, both intended to prevent accidents and protect all the occupants in a collision.

The new XC60 will be available in the U.S. with Volvo's 6-cylinder turbocharged T6 engine producing 281 horsepower. All Wheel Drive (AWD) with Instant Traction is fitted as standard on all variations.

Basing to its compact dimensions - the XC60 is 7.9” shorter than the XC70 and lower than the XC90, thus continuing the range of slimmed-down Volvo cars with high energy efficiency. Volvo engineers designed the XC60's chassis settings for assertive sporty handling that endorses a feeling of control and safety. Plus, the suspension has been tuned to provide a smooth and comfortable ride befitting a luxury crossover.

The 2009 Volvo XC60 is aiming a certain group of customers who require high demands on brand integrity, design and high-tech content in its choice of lifestyle products. When it comes to the choice of a car, these consumers adopt the same view as they do for other lifecycle products - all of its properties should be integrated into one single attractive and intelligent package. But of course!

So what about when the XC60 starts rolling out of the gate? Well, according to Volvo, the sales target for the new XC60 is 50,000 units annually. Distribution between Europe and North America is the same: about 40%. The remaining 20% is set for other global markets. Here are the 5 biggest markets comes 2010: Germany, Great Britain, Russia and China and the U.S. Sales will start in Europe during the fall of 2008, while sales in North America are targeted to begin in early 2009.

Lotus to release Lotus Clark Type-25 Elise SC in honor of legendary Jim Clark

For the very first time, Lotus is releasing its first special edition of the award-winning Elise, nothing but the Clark Type 25 Elise SC. It is created in honor of legendary Formula 1 driver Jim Clark who died some decades ago at the Hockenheim circuit. The British Racing Green and yellow color combo was inspired by Clark's Type 25 F1 car in which he won the world championship back in 1963. Apart from the standard hardtop, black and silver Lotus racing wheels, black leather seats, red trim and wooden shift knob, it is the same Elise SC that is available overseas. There were no mechanical changes which were involved so that means that it is still releasing 218 hp and 156 lb.-ft. of torque from its supercharged 1.8-liter mounted amidships. In acknowledgment to Clark's racing number, Lotus is limiting the production of the special edition Elise SC to a mere 25 units and will only make the coupe available in Ireland and the United Kingdom.

2009 Cadillac XLR Roadster

From its commencement four years ago, the XLR, Cadillac’s roadster, has been a spanking new face in the influential club of the world's best luxury roadsters. And now, Cadillac revealed the new 2009 edition of the XLR Roadster, with styling and model enhancements that exhibit spectacular design and technology.

This you must know: only the finest editions of Cadillac's retractable hardtop roadster will be offered in 2009, meaning the luxurious Cadillac XLR Platinum and the top-performance XLR-V. The XLR Platinum is loaded with a 320-horsepower 4.6L Northstar V-8 engine. The XLR-V, division of Cadillac's V-Series of high-performance models, is powered with a 443-horsepower 4.4L Supercharged Northstar V-8 engine.

The 2009 Cadillac roadster includes a new front face as well as a new rear outlook and new side fender vents. The modified design is inspired by the prized CTS sport sedan, transporting more detail and assertiveness to the XLR. The front also includes new fog lights and detailed upper and lower grilles for the Platinum and V-Series models. 2009 models feature a distinctive hood with a raised center section that was previously exclusive to the V-Series.

The ultra-luxury XLR Platinum model obtains added exterior identifiers, such as a modified rear fascia with more prominent new exhaust tips and a new 18-inch wheel design, in which painted wheel finish is standard and chrome comes as an option.
Get inside the 2009 XLR roadster and admire it for its luxurious and high-technology interior. A suede-like microfiber material from Alcantara is used for the headliner material, in either Cashmere or Ebony color. Also new is hand-cut and sewn leather used for the upper instrument panel. This hand-stitched and wrapped leather lends tailored sophistication to the cabin, representing Cadillac's new advancement into modern and elegant interior craftsmanship. The new cabin includes new instrument cluster trim rings and graphics, new wood grain trims and new metal trims.

Advanced technology has always been palpable in the XLR, and that legacy carries on in 2009. It includes the brand’s much-admired Magnetic Ride Control system and facilities such as Keyless Access with push-button start, DVD navigation and entertainment, heated and cooled seats, head-up display and heated steering wheel. It doesn’t end there. XLR's advanced technologies incorporate the Adaptive Forward Lighting that allows the headlamps to swivel together with the Adaptive Cruise Control and steering.

The 2009 Cadillac XLR is equipped with OnStar 8.0 with Bluetooth capability. The next-generation OnStar 8.0 system features improved hands-free voice commands, Emap powered by MapQuest as well as Turn by Turn navigation. This includes the industry-first Destination Download feature, in which directions can be downloaded from OnStar straight to the car's navigation system - doing away with the need to stop the car to manually enter a destination.

2009 Lincoln MKS

The 2009 MKS is a flagship car from Lincoln. It places between the MKZ (Zephyr) sedan and the vintage Town Car. It sees the Cadillac STS, the Acura RL, and the Lexus GS as its rivals.



The double-wing grille is derived from the Lincoln MKR and inspired by the 1941 Continental. Bordered by standard HID headlamps, the grille is sure for future Lincolns. Ford's design chief said that the space between the two wings is the exact spot to display the Lincoln badge without competing with a grille behind. The frail horizontal bands below the grille are good-looking but are lined by large, odd-looking hollows that contain the fog lights. From the side, it is notable for its strong, chamfered shoulder line and stainless steel window surround that broadens into a dramatic flourish as it meets the C-pillar. The space on the front fenders behind the wheels is adorned with the Lincoln badge rather than the vents we often see.



The rear’s elegant but plain portion will make you notice the strips of stainless steel that run from the A-pillars, over the car's roof, and down to the trunk lid. The LED taillights are accented by a vertical white light strip that contains the turn signal indicators that look pretty cool when lighted. Depending on trim level and options, the MKS is equipped either with standard eighteen-inch wheels or optional 19 or 20” wheels.

Lincoln takes pride in an inclusive and luxurious interior. The fresh telematics feature is either standard or optional. It includes a state-of-the-art navigation system with traffic reports from Sirius Satellite Radio. The push-button-entry returned but instead of buttons, the heat-sensitive, backlit numerals integrated into the B-pillar are added.





The instrument panel is trimmed in either in ebony, olive ash or genuine aluminum. Leather is supplied by Bridge of Weir. It has a slightly richer hand feel than the plasticized leather, although but it doesn’t have much of that lovely leather on most luxury cars. Heated and cooled front and rear seats are available. The primary gauges are nicely lit though boring. The center armrest is split into two sections that move individually with the driver's right elbow and the front passenger's left elbow.
The optional, 600-watt, sixteen-speaker THX II 5.1 surround sound stereo is absolutely superb, and the interface for controlling it through the high-resolution navigation screen is top-notch. Ford's Sync system, which allows you to control an iPod or any other MP3 music player and a Bluetooth cell phone through voice activation, is standard. The Sirius Travel Link system can also provide nearby gas-station prices, movie listings, sports scores, and other real-time information through the navigation screen, which is the virtual command center of the vehicle. The cabin is well-insulated from road noise, and the seats are comfortable and supportive.

The engine is a 3.7-liter derivation of the 3.5-liter V-6. The 3.7-liter is exclusive to the MKS, where it makes 273 hp and 265 lb-ft torque. With 340 hp and 340 lb-ft of torque but an estimated 23 mpg on the freeway, it will be the first offering under Ford's new "EcoBoost" powertrain program. Stability control is standard.



It is started with a push button. The 3.7-liter V-6 then springs to life with a nice chafe. Draw the gearshift lever into Drive, and you're off. There are no shifter paddles or newfangled gearchanging devices yet MKS owners can make the most of the 3.7-liter V-6 and its 6-speed automatic transmission. The MKS delivers a firm, well-controlled ride. Steering effort is not too high and the steering is precise if not overly unrestrained. Upon open stretch of twisty road, you can select the SelectShift mode and have a reasonably entertaining romp it’s considerably weighty – all-wheel drive adds about 150 pounds. The brake pedal is sappy when you're stomping on it, though it's fine in normal use. Though ride comfort is pretty good, the 20” wheels cannot hush up freeway expansion joints.