2011 Dodge Durango

Brand Clarification

First, please allow me to clear up an important matter: Chrysler separated Dodge and Ram by categorizing its pickup trucks as “Ram” while leaving its SUVs and other body styles as Dodge.

When Ram was pulled out from Dodge last year, I mistakenly believed that subsequent SUV models would also be called Ram. I was wrong, I now stand corrected.

Second, the Dodge Durango is back! Yes, in name only because the model going on sale in the fourth quarter of this year is nothing like the SUV it replaced. That earlier model, discontinued in 2008, was built on a truck chassis. The current iteration employs unibody construction and is underpinned by the same platform powering the all-new Jeep Grand Cherokee.

Extended Seating

But, this Dodge Durango goes beyond basic badge engineering. The Dodge has its own fascia and includes three rows of seating for as many as seven passengers. The Jeep Grand Cherokee has two rows of seats for five passengers.

Like the Jeep, the Dodge gets the all-new 3.6-liter V6 with an optional 5.7-liter V8. Available in two- and four-wheel drive, the Dodge Durango represents the first of five new Dodge models slated to appear in 2011. Yes, after a dearth of new product, Chrysler’s top-selling brand will receive some fresh new product.

Durango Goodies

What is so special about the Dodge Durango that someone might consider buying one? After all, the SUV market is crowded and people seem to be moving down to smaller models. Yet, for the person who needs room and power, the Durango offers a number of amenities including:

• Excellent towing capacity. As much as 6,200 pounds with the standard engine and up to 7,400 pounds with the V8.

• Interior flexibility. Dodge says that the Durango offers 22 seating configurations. That can be helpful especially if you need to make room for gear and other stuff.

• Safety features. Electronic stability control is standard and such features as blind spot monitoring, rear cross path detection and adaptive cruise control are available. The standard side-curtain airbags will protect all three rows of passengers.

• Fuel economy. No SUV gets raves when it comes to fuel economy, but the Dodge may come close.  Even the V8 should offer 500 mile driving range due to cylinder deactivation which turns the V8 into a four cylinder at highway cruising speeds.

SUV or CUV?

Exactly what is the Dodge Durango? Is it an SUV or a CUV (crossover utility vehicle)? Technically, it is a CUV as this model loses the truck chassis and goes with unibody construction. But, like the Jeep Grand Cherokee, the Dodge Durango performs as well as comparable SUVs, offering a lighter and much more updated platform that is certain to appeal to many.

Source: Chrysler Group, LLC

Resources

Detroit Free Press: 2011 Dodge Durango: First look from Chrysler

Edmunds.com: Chrysler Debuts 2011 Dodge Durango

The Ford Fiesta is making it to the United States and it is being sold to customers. I can vouch for that because I saw my first 2011 Fiesta that wasn’t on a test track or sitting in a dealer showroom earlier this week.  Decked out in Lime Squeeze Metallic, that sedan zipped past me as we were both making left turns opposite each other at a busy intersection.

Production Delays

So far, Ford has managed to contain what could be an embarrassing PR problem with its Fiesta. Built in Mexico, the Ford Fiesta has slowly been making its way to the United States, but delays due to weather problems at the beginning of the summer followed by having to halt shipment this past week to fix a defective part has made Fiesta sightings almost as uncommon as finding Big Foot.

But the Fiesta isn’t your local Yeti with 4,400 models sold through the end of July. That number is likely to pick up; I’m fully expecting that by this time next year the Ford Fiesta will be one of the top ten selling cars in America.

IIHS Honors

One of the biggest tests for the Ford Fiesta (or for any model for that matter) is putting it through the crash test wringer. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety or IIHS is funded by the major insurance companies and conducts crash tests on new models. The higher the score, the lower your insurance premium. Consumers can save hundreds of dollars annually on auto insurance costs if their vehicle scores high.

This week, the IIHS announced that the Ford Fiesta sedan and hatchback garnered the Top Safety Pick laurels, the first mini car (subcompact or smaller) to do so.  The Fiesta received good ratings for front, side, rollover, and rear crash protection, and for having electronic stability control as standard equipment.

Moreover, the Fiesta represents the eighth Ford Motor Company product to win a Top Safety Pick award giving Ford one more model than Toyota, now in second place. Yes, that feat is great news for consumers and a marketing coup for Ford who most certainly will promote that advantage.

Tough Materials

So, how did Ford make such a small car so tough? Ford says that more than half of the Fiesta’s body structure uses high-strength or ultra-high-strength steels in the floor structure, front rails, beams and in the ultra-rigid, integrated body reinforcement ring designed to help better protect occupants in side impacts.

Further, Ford uses ultra-high-strength aluminized boron steel in its Fiesta A- and B-pillars, pillars that hold up the windshield section and the middle of the roof at the door posts.

Source: Ford Motor Company

Midcycle refresh for 2011 Ford Edge

2011 Ford Edge

The most popular midsize crossover utility vehicle (CUV) is the Ford Edge, a vehicle introduced in late 2006 for the 2007 model year. To date, more than 400,000 sales have been recorded, but the Ford Motor Company is not resting on its laurels.

Edge Shipped

This past weekend, the first of the 2011 models left the Oakville Assembly Complex in Ontario and are heading to dealerships across the United States and Canada. Though some have mistakenly called the 2011 Ford Edge a second generation model, she isn’t.

Instead, the new Edge has received a significant nip/tuck inside and out, a mid-cycle refreshening designed to breath fresh life into this CUV. A new fascia, front fender, hood, headlamps and tail lamps help give the Ford Edge its updated look.

Strong Sales

Not that the 2010 Edge was flagging in customer interest. Year to date, sales are up 33 percent over 2009. Importantly, the midsize CUV segment has expanded going from 4.3 percent of sales when the Edge was introduced to 9.5 percent today.

And it is a crowded category at that with competition coming from the Dodge Journey, Nissan Murano, Volkswagen Touareg, Chevrolet Equinox, Honda Accord Crosstour, Toyota Venza and others. Ford data shows that the segment will continue to grow, with a 20 percent rise forecast for this year alone.

New Edge

The 2011 model features a standard 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 285 horsepower, up from 265 last year. Notably, the base front-wheel drive Ford Edge will get 19 mpg city, 27 mpg highway delivering best in class fuel economy. Optionally, the Edge will offer the first application of Ford’s 2.0-liter Ecoboost engine or a 3.7-liter V6.

Inside, the changes are notable too and include MyFord Touch driver connect technology, Blind Spot Information System, MyKey and adaptive cruise control.

Getting Technical

MyFord Touch, standard on the Limited and Sport packages, features two 4.2-inch configurable LCD screens placed in the instrument cluster and an 8-inch LCD touch screen in the center stack. Driver can access five-way controls on the steering wheel – in addition to a new Media Hub with two USB 2.0 ports, video input jacks and an SD card slot.

Ford has taken the midcycle refresh to a level not usually seen in the industry. The Mustang and Fusion are recent nip/tuck beneficiaries, showing that automakers can get much more mileage out of a generational model when the facelift isn’t just skin deep.

See Also — Autoweek: Ford Edge Gets $200 Price Cut

Source: Ford Motor Company

New Infiniti model makes Pebble Beach debut

Infiniti is getting a new model, the G25, to be slotted below the G37 (formerly G35) sedan. Powered by a 2.5-liter (what else?) V-6 engine, the G25 expands the popular G line which also includes a coupe and convertible.

September Availability

Nissan Motors has priced the 2011 Infiniti G25 from $30,950 and has introduced the vehicle at Pebble Beach before making it available through Infiniti dealerships this September.

“With the new G25 Sedan, we’re broadening the appeal of the G Line with a model designed to provide an additional choice for buyers looking for a true luxury sedan, but who might not need the higher levels of performance provided by our larger engine-equipped G37 models,” said Infiniti Vice President Ben Poore, speaking at a media event at the 60th annual Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance. “The G25 is positioned in the heart of the luxury sport sedan market, allowing us to bring Infiniti’s Inspired Performance to a wider selection of buyers.”

G Similarities

The all-new Infiniti G25 shares the same exterior, interior and chassis as the G37, but the difference between the two is in engine displacement. Infiniti says that the 2.5-liter DOHC 24-valve V6 bangs out 218 horsepower and 187 pound-feet of torque. Compare that to the G37′s 3.7-liter DOHC 24-valve V6′s 328 horsepower and 269 pound-feet of torque.

Standard for the sedan is a 7-speed automatic transmission; the sedan is available in both rear- and all-wheel drive. Three trim levels or packages will be offered: base G25 Sedan, G25 Sedan Journey and G25x Sedan AWD.

G25 Amenities

Standard equipment list is generous and includes leather seating, Shodo (whatever that is) aluminum interior trim, eight-way power driver’s seat and four-way power front passenger’s seat, automatic climate control, premium audio system with six speakers, XM Satellite Radio, 17-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, HID Xenon headlights, four-wheel ABS, traction control and vehicle dynamic control systems.

Choose the Journey trim package and you can get heated front seats, heated outside mirrors, auto on/off headlights and dual zone a/c.

What’s up next for Infiniti? Expect a full blown hybrid to be added to the G line in the not too distant future.

Source: Infiniti

See Also — USAToday: Nissan’s Infiniti debuts new G25 sedan

People who are confined to wheelchairs do not need to be confined to their homes thanks to wheelchair-accessible vans which allow them to take to the road just like everyone else.  The Braun Corporation, manufacturer of BraunAbility accessibility products, has announced two new products: the 2010 Honda Odyssey Entervan (first two photos below) and the 2011 Toyota Sienna Rampvan XT (last two photos below).

That’s good news for some 4.3 million Americans who are confined to wheelchairs including military veterans, seniors, children with disabilities and others with life challenging illnesses.

Two Models

The 2010 Honda Odyssey Entervan is recognized for its aerodynamic styling, generous interior options and top-notch reliability and comfort – characteristics Braun retained during the conversion process.

The 2011 Sienna Rampvan XT offers accessibility for wheelchair and scooter users in all-new, sleek design that has been improved with numerous interior options. The Toyota Sienna is also recognized for its excellent quality, design, and comfort. Braun notes that the Sienna offers exceptional interior space for greater maneuverability.

Full Mobility

At a news conference announcing the new conversion vans, Braun’s President, Nick Gutwein said, “Mobility is not a luxury; it’s a necessary component to an independent life. By expanding our product line, we hope to more fully address the wide variety of needs in the marketplace.”

Some of the more notable features of these vans include automatic door and side-entry ramp and a lowered floor that features three wheelchair securement options. In addition, the minivan’s automatic kneeling system lowers the rear suspension, allowing for a gentle ramp slope and ample sliding door height.

Ralph Braun

The Braun Corporation has an interesting history of its own. Founded by Ralph Braun, who at age 15 was no longer able to walk due to spinal muscular atrophy, Braun developed the world’s first electric scooter and wheelchair lift in his parent’s garage. Save-A-Step Manufacturing eventually became Braun Corporation, converting minivans supplied by Chrysler, Toyota and Honda to serve its clientele.

Source: The Braun Corporation

In March 2010, just two months after releasing the first of several 2011 Sonata models, Hyundai began to tease us with information about its upcoming Sonata turbo. That model, powered by a 2.0-liter twin-scroll turbocharged four-cylinder paired with a six-speed automatic transmission is about to be released, with the potential to shake up what Hyundai calls a bland automotive segment.

Segment Leader

And disturb the segment the Sonata Turbo will do as this model offers class leading horsepower (274), torque (269) and gas mileage (22/34).  Moreover, with a price ranging from about $26,000 to just under $30,000, the Sonata Turbo may prove to be the best value in the segment for those drivers wanting an extra measure of performance.

Already the price leader with its $20K base model, the well-equipped Sonata turbo features a panoramic sunroof, dual exhaust system, steering wheel mounted paddle shifters and 18-inch silver alloy wheels. The Sonata is also the largest car it in its segment, not much off the pace of some full-size sedans.

Three Models

Don’t expect Hyundai to rest on its laurels when the Sonata turbo goes on sale later this year. The company has already announced that a third model, a hybrid, will debut early next year as a 2012 model and has plans to introduce a plug-in hybrid the following year.

Hyundai is also exploring the feasibility of selling its Sonata wagon in North America, a car that is already available across the European market. The wagon market has produced some interest of late including the now defunct Dodge Magnum and the luxury Cadillac CTS Sport Wagon.

Increased Competition

For Toyota and Honda, the market leaders as well as for Ford and General Motors, whose own midsize offerings compete well, a Hyundai Sonata of any stripe is a threat.  The Toyota Camry and Honda Accord look most vulnerable to losing sales, cars that now trail the Sonata badly in a number of categories especially fuel economy.

The biggest winner in all of this may be the consumer who may find that the Sonata Turbo offers everything that they need in a car at an equipment level and price that they can afford.

Source: Hyundai Motor America

…. with the Introduction of the 9-5 Aero XWD!

By Karen McCall

You may know Saab as the Swedish company that started in aerospace and expanded into automobiles, computer technology, communications, surveillance, and defense (from fighter planes to anti-tank weapons, Saab sure makes Sweden look like a safe place to live!).

Quirky Saabs

But more likely, you’ve only seen their cars, which are often considered quirky (the cartoonish Saab 900) and stylish (older models like the 93B and newer editions like the 9-3 series), are known for their ergonomics, and are always innovative and ahead of the curve.  And while the auto-maker has been on the down-low for awhile, they have recently burst back onto the luxury automotive scene with a vengeance, introducing the very sophisticated 9-5 Aero XWD in the hopes of staging a long-awaited comeback.

So what’s the big deal?

2011 Saab 9-5

Engine Choices

The engine is nice, but a little underwhelming for the class, with a 2.8-liter V6 engine that pumps out 300 hp and goes from 0-60 mph in 6.9 seconds.  The addition of a turbocharger adds a boost, but the real selling point for the equipment under the hood is in the transmission, which delivers smooth shifting and nary a bump when the turbo kicks in.

And manually shifting via paddles behind the steering wheel is not only easy, but is actually manual, allowing the driver to make shifting decisions despite rpms (other automatic/manual hybrids will shift for you if you rev beyond their specs for a gear).  In addition, you can take advantage of the DriveSense system to tailor your ride for comfort (Mom), sport (Dad), or a continuously adaptable intelligent mode (anyone who isn’t old enough to drive with friends in the car).

Saab Glam

As for the appointments, this car is not your Daddy’s Saab.  While it retains remnants of the company’s signature quirk (the upward-convergence of lines that form the silhouette and the sloping rear window whisper of older models), it has definitely taken a step towards modern styling with a sleekness that rivals competitors like Acura, Lexus, and BMW.

And while you might be pleasantly surprised at the level of conformity when you see it for the first time, you certainly won’t be able to mistake it for anything else on the road.  In addition, the interior offers comfort and safety while surrounding occupants in luxurious accoutrements, from soft, body-hugging seats to superior headrests.  And with embellishments in chrome and brushed aluminum, Saab takes a decided step into 21st century design sensibilities.

Cabin Amenities

Owners will love many of the details, like push-button ignition and lots of rear leg-room, as well as the many innovative extras, such as the adjustable U-Rail storage management system for the trunk, optional in-dash navigation (including CD/DVD and a 40 GB hard drive for MP3s), and the heads-up display unit (mounted on top of the dash) that projects a digital readout of stats like speed and mileage on the windshield so that the driver doesn’t have to take their eyes off the road.  That’s right, Saab has turned your car into a video game.  Bazinga!

Unfortunately, the price tag does carry a bit of sticker shock, with an MSRP just under $50k, but it is comparable to others in its class and you can have it for less (about $10,000 less) if you opt for the less impressive engine (2.0-liter 4-cylinder model…no turbo).

Saab Delivers

As luxury cars go, it definitely delivers a lush ride, with lots of comfort, superior trappings, and innovative technology, but the engine can leave a little to be desired if you’re looking for something really sporty.  However, the merely adequate power is more than made up for in style, so if you’re on the prowl for an automobile that will make you stand out from the crowd, the Saab 9-5 Aero XWD will certainly deliver.

Author Information

Guest post by Karen McCall of Car Insurance Quotes Comparison.

Photo Credit: Saab USA

Finally, Honda delivers to us a hybrid with nice visual appeal.

To date, we have yet to see an attractive Honda hybrid with generations one and two of the Insight failing to inspire. The Honda Civic Hybrid has decent looks, but as far as dedicated hybrid models go, Honda has yet to deliver.

Honda Hybrid

Come August 2010 all that will begin to change. That’s when Honda will introduce the Honda CR-Z, a two-seat hybrid underpinned by the same platform powering the homely Insight. This time, Honda allowed its design team to influence its sport model and in judging its good looks has succeeded.

The CR-Z will be sold in Europe as a 2+2 model, but for the United States its two seats and nothing more. The European consumer is much more likely to put up with a second row while the American driver is not, especially with a car of this size.

As you can see by the supplied photos, the absence of a second row gives the CR-Z lots of storage room. That characteristic should appeal to people who want to combine good fuel economy with carrying capacity.

Priced Right

With a base sticker price of $19,950, the CR-Z is competitive. But this Honda won’t deliver something found in the five-passenger Prius: class leading fuel economy. Indeed, even the thriftiest model achieves just 39 mpg on the highway (35 locally), far behind the Prius’s 51 mpg city and 48 mpg highway.

Moreover, even gas models such as the Ford Fiesta and Chevrolet Cruze will offer equivalent fuel economy which means that buyers should explore what this Honda offers to make it worth their while.

Well Equipped

Fortunately, you won’t have to look too far as the CR-Z will include a number of sought after amenities as standard equipment. That equipment includes an AM/FM/CD/USB audio system with six speakers, automatic climate control, power windows and door locks, remote entry and cruise control.

Choose the CR-Z EX model and you will get a 360-watt AM/FM/CD high-power audio system with seven speakers – including a subwoofer – Bluetooth HandsFreeLink and a leather-wrapped steering wheel.

Honda Power

Honda says that the CR-Z will be powered by a 1.5-liter i‑VTEC 4-cylinder engine mated with its compact and lightweight Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) system to supply both power and efficiency to the CR-Z. A sport-focused, six-speed manual transmission is standard and an automatic Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) is available and includes steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters for manual-like gear-ratio control.

Will the CR-Z sell? It probably will despite not having quite the advantages you would expect in a hybrid. Still, compare what the Ford Fiesta has to offer because other than emitting fewer emissions, this hybrid comes up short in the fuel economy battle.

Source: American Honda Motor Company, Inc.

2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee

I’m writing this  article about the all-new 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee from a distinct disadvantage: I have yet to get my hands on one. Testing one won’t happen until July, just in time for a review I’ll be working on for one of my print magazines.

Meanwhile, I’m finding myself in the same position you are: reading information shared by other online and print sources and wondering if this time Jeep got it right.

The “got it right” part is important because the Jeep Grand Cherokee has missed the mark in recent years. When it was released in the 1990s as an all new model, the Grand Cherokee compared favorably to most other upscale SUVs. Its competition was new and had yet to exploit the segment.

But those same models from BMW, Mercedes and others quickly stepped up their game by offering luxurious appointments, refinement and room Jeep owners could only dream about. Jeep may not be a luxury brand, but they did launch the SUV segment. You’d expect that its top of the line model would offer class-leading amenities in a worthy package, but this Jeep doesn’t. At least until the 2011 came along.

Jeep Evolution

If you wondered if the 2011 redesign would be revolutionary, it isn’t. But it does appear to be evolutionary as the model is cleaner and crisper on the outside and offers four more inches of rear passenger seating on the inside. Jeep stretched the wheelbase to accommodate rear passengers who have complained that the back seat lacks room.

The good news is that if you are able to get your current Grand Cherokee into your garage, this one should fit too.

Jeep says that the 2011 Grand Cherokee is all-new save for the optional 5.7L HEMI engine, five-speed transmission and four wheel drive package. Yes, it would have been great if a six-speed automatic were offered instead as that should be the bare minimum for a vehicle of this caliber, but parent Chrysler still isn’t in a financial position to go hog wild with engineering refinements.

At least the Grand Cherokee will be the first Chrysler product to be powered by its all-new 3.6L Penstar V6 engine, producing 290 horsepower and 260 pound feet of torque.

Cabin Refinements

The cabin refinements should be a Jeep owner pleaser as hard plastics have been replaced by soft to the touch plastics, leather trim and real wood on the instrument panel and steering wheel.

Indeed, according to Automotive News Grand Cherokee developed “…was centered on five areas that owners and potential buyers criticized: rear seat packaging, interior refinement, fuel economy, ride and exterior styling.”

New front and rear independent suspensions ease the ride while the Pentastar engine will prove to be more economical and more powerful. Better aerodynamics and use of lighter materials will help the Jeep achieve improved fuel economy though at 14 city and 18 highway in either 2WD or 4WD packagings, the base engine isn’t exactly fuel thrifty.

Interestingly, the V8 offers slightly better fuel economy on the highway: 20 mpg in 2WD, 19 mpg in 4WD.

Potential buyers will want to take note of other amenities offered including blind spot detection, forward collision warning, eight-way power seats, adaptive cruise control and an air suspension with six-levels of adjustment.

Sales Bounce

Sales of the 2010 model have increased year to date by 16 percent over a woeful 2009. Expect Jeep to enjoy a significant bounce with the 2011 model as long as gas prices remain stable. Should pump prices jump above four dollars a gallon, the Grand Cherokee and vehicles like it simply won’t meet sales expectations.

And that would be an unfortunate thing given the model’s apparent improvement as well as the Chrysler Group needing a strong performer.

Photo Credit: Chrysler Group LLC

General Motors has announced pricing for its all new compact model, the Chevrolet Cruze. First launched in South Korea as the Daewoo Lacetti Premiere in October 2008, the Cruze and its siblings have been gradually introduced across GM’s vast global market which includes its Holden, Opel and Vauxhall brands. We’ll be seeing the 2011 edition, set to debut in Chevrolet showrooms across the United States in September.

Significant Model

The Chevrolet Cruze is likely to be the most significant car for GM in recent memory as it has been positioned to take the battle to the market leaders including the Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla. Where the Cavalier and more recently the Cobalt have long represented GM’s best effort in the C-segment, neither model presented much of a challenge.

The Cruze, designed by GM Europe, should change all that as it represents the first true global platform in this segment for the automaker. GM has gone to great lengths to ensure that the Cruze meets, even exceeds customer expectations, and Auto Trends expects that this model will be of tremendous benefit for the Chevrolet brand.

Cruze Pricing

The standard Chevrolet Cruze, a four door sedan, will be priced from $16,995 according to GM’s statement. That car will be powered by a 1.8L Ecotec I4 engine paired with a six-speed manual transmission. For $2000 more, customers get a turbocharged engine, a six-speed automatic transmission and 16-inch wheels, but something else too: better gas mileage. Though yet to be announced, this particular powertrain pairing is expected to return nearly 40 mpg on the highway, by far the best gas mileage of any non-hybrid car in this segment.

GM has outfitted the standard Cruze nicely, equipping it with air-conditioning, ten airbags, traction control, stability control, anti-lock brakes, power windows and door locks, driver information center and a six-month OnStar subscription.

Optional features available through various packages include heated seats, rear park assist, Pioneer audio system with nine speakers, in dash navigation and various appearance packages. GM is comparing the standard Cruze LS to the Civic DX, showing just how much more customers get for the price.

Chevy Cruising

In markets where it is already available as the Holden or Chevrolet Cruze, the car has sold well, with more than 200,000 units moved in 2009 alone. GM hasn’t put a number on how many units it expects to sell stateside each year, but if the car turns out to be everything GM says it is and more, we should quickly find a Top 10 model in the Cruze.

Test drive details will be published here around the time of the Cruze’s release. In the meantime, enjoy some photos courtesy of General Motors Corp.

See Also — Opel Astra: Brother to the Chevy Cruze