2010 Porsche 911 Turbo Coupe and Cabriolet will debut at the Frankfurt Auto Show September 17-27 with the first entirely new engine in its 35-year-history. The new flat-six boxer engine now displaces 3.8 liters and delivers 500 bhp, an increase of .2 liters and 20 bhp from the previous model. New innovations include Direct Fuel Injection, a new expansion intake manifold first seen on the GT2 and Porsche's turbocharger system with variable turbine geometry. Maximum torque is up by 15, to 516 lb. ft. when equipped with the optional Sport Chrono Package Turbo.
The Sport Chrono Package Turbo allows the 2010 911 Turbo to accelerate from 0-60 mph in 3.2 seconds when combined with the new Porsche-Doppelkupplung, or PDK seven-speed transmission. The Sport Chrono Package Turbo includes engine mounts introduced earlier this year on the 2010 GT3 utilize magnetic fluid that automatically adjusts for comfort or sport, depending on the driving conditions. Top track speed is 194 mph for both the Coupe and the Cabriolet models.
The new 911 Turbo reduces CO2 emissions by almost 18 per cent compared to its predecessor while using significantly less fuel. Official EPA fuel economy figures are not yet available.
Also available for PDK equipped Turbos is a new three-spoke steering wheel with gearshift paddles as an alternative to the standard steering wheel with its shift buttons. Porsche Torque Vectoring can now enhance the standard Porsche Traction Management all-wheel drive and Porsche Stability Management. This new optional system includes a mechanical limited slip differential and actively distributes power between the rear wheels, making the car agile and precise in corners.
The 2010 Turbo Coupe and Turbo Cabriolet go on sale January 2010.
Highlights: Subaru sales are up 34 percent in July vs. July 2008 beating BMW for the month and Subaru sales year-to-date in 2009 are up 4.3 percent over 2008 after being the only automaker to have a sales gain in 2008. Hyundai July sales were up 12 percent, Kia up 9.3 percent and Ford (Ford, Mercury, Lincoln, Volvo) had a 2.3 percent sales increase in July from July 2008.
Here are the numbers, in order of monthly sales:
General Motors delivered 189,443 total vehicles in July, down 19.4 percent compared with a year ago. Year-to-date GM has sold 1,143,799 vehicles, down 37.8 percent from the first seven months of 2008.
Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., reported July vehicle sales of 174,872 vehicles, down 11.4 percent from last July but hit a new monthly high for the year jumping 27.7 percent from last month. Year-to-date Toyota sales are 945,321, 33.9 percent lower than the same period of 2008.
Ford, Lincoln and Mercury sales were 158,838, up 1.6 percent versus a year ago. Volvo Cars of North America which is owned by Ford, had July sales of 6,441 units, a 25.7 percent gain over July 2008. Volvo has sold 36,187 units year-to-date, which represents a 29.5 percent decrease for the same period of 2008. Total Ford sales, including Volvo were 165,279, a 2.3 percent gain over July 2008, bringing the 2009 Ford total to 940,777, a drop of 28.6 percent from the first seven months of 2008.
American Honda, including Acura, posted total July vehicle sales of 114,690, a decline of 17.3 percent compared to July 2008 results. American Honda year-to-date sales of 645,468 represented a 30.7 percent decline. Acura's contribution was 8,662 for July, a 32.5 percent drop from July 2008 and Acura's year-to-date stands at 90,742, a 33.8 fall from the first seven months of 2008.
Chrysler Group LLC reported total U.S. sales for July 2009 of 88,900 units, a decrease of 9 percent from July 2008 and an increase of 30 percent versus last month. Year-to-date Chrysler has sold 560,097 vehicles, a drop of 42 percent from 2008.
Nissan North America reported sales for July of 71,847 units, a decrease of 24.6 percent. Year-to-date Nissan sales are at 419,591, a drop of 32.1 percent from 2008.
Hyundai Motor America had July sales of 45,553 units, a 12 percent increase compared with July 2008 and a 21 percent increase over last month. Cash-for-clunkers deals accounted for 22 percent of Hyundai sales. Year-to-date Hyundai has sold 250,239 vehicles in the U.S., down 7.9 percent from the first seven months of 2008.
Kia Motors America July sales of 29,345 units were up 9.3 percent from June and year-to-date sales are 176,749 total units.
Volkswagen of America announced July 2009 sales of 20,590 units, a 0.7 percent increase over July 2008. Year-to-date VW sales are at 117,598, 13.5 percent lower than last year. Separately, Audi sold 6,407 vehicles in the U.S. during July and year-to-date has sold 44,213, a 14.6 percent fall from the same stretch in 2008.
Subaru of America had its best sales month ever with 21,839 vehicles sold, a 34 percent increase in sales in July over July 2008. Year-to-date Subaru has sold 115,145, up 4.3 percent over 2008.
The BMW Group in the U.S. (BMW and MINI combined) reported July sales of 21,253 vehicles, a decrease of 26.7 percent from the 28,977 vehicles sold in the same month of 2008. The BMW Group has year-to-date sales volume of 135,701 vehicles, down 27.4 percent, compared to the first seven months of last year.
Mazda North American Operations reported July 2009 sales of 19,032, down 15.1 percent versus July of 2008. Overall, total yearly sales are reported at 119,413, down 32.0 percent compared to 2008.
Mercedes-Benz USA July sales of 16,228 vehicles, off by 21.7 percent versus July 2008 and strongest so far this year. On a year-to-date basis, Mercedes has sold 101,316 new vehicles, a decrease of 27.6 percent over the comparable period last year. smartUSA recorded 1,418 sales in July 2009, an increase of 27% versus June 2009 bringing Mercedes total including smartUSA to 17,646 for July and 111,301 for 2009.
Mitsubishi Motors North America announced July 2009 sales of 4,487 and year-to-date sales of 31,314.
American Suzuki sold 3,507 vehicles in July, a 57 percent fall from July 2008 and year-to-date sales are 25,915, a 60 percent drop.
Porsche Cars North America sales for the month of July totaled 1,544, a decrease of 51.6 percent. Year-to-date, Porsche has sold 11,203, a 38.5 percent drop from 2008.
The 2010 Avalon full-size sedan, Yaris subcompact, Highlander Sport SUV and FJ Cruiser off-road SUV will cost more when they arrive in showrooms in the next month or two.
The 2010 Avalon which adds rear-passenger auto up/down windows and one new exterior color, Sandy Beach Metallic will have a base MSRP from $27,945 for the XL to $35,285 for the Limited, an increase of $100.
The 2010 Yaris will receive standard Vehicle Stability Control and Traction Control. Yaris base MSRP will increase $150 and will range from $12,355 for the three-door model with manual transmission, to $13,915 for the four-door sedan with an automatic transmission.
The 2010 FJ Cruiser adds dual VVT-i and roller rocker arms on the 4.0-liter V6, which adds 19 horsepower and a one mpg. Minor suspension changes reduce the turning radius by more than a foot, and a new Army Green exterior color is offered. The base MSRP for FJ Cruiser will range from $23,680 for the 2WD automatic to $25,270 for the 4WD automatic, an increase of $360.
The 2010 Highlander Sport, which adds a stainless-steel exhaust tip and will increase $50. The base MSRP for the 2010 Highlander ranges from $25,705 for the base four-cylinder 2WD to $41,020 for the Limited 4WD hybrid model.
The 2010 RAV4 receives minor styling enhancements for 2010, including chrome-accented interior appointments on the limited model. The MSRP remains unchanged for 2010 RAV4. RAV4 models will carry a base MSRP that ranges from $21,500 for the base model 2WD four-cylinder to $27,810 for the 4WD Limited V6.
The 2010 Highlander gas model will have an available backup monitor on the multi-informational display for the Base grade V6, and a power tilt/slide moonroof for the Base grade four-cylinder. Highlander Hybrid carries over unchanged for 2010.
Add a delivery, processing, and handling fee of $750 for passenger cars and $800 for light trucks. The 2010 models will begin arriving at dealerships in August, except the Highlander which arrives in September.
The 2010 Suzuki Kizashi, equipped with a standard 2.4-liter DOHC inline four-cylinder engine connected to a six-speed manual or Continuously Variable Transmission, is Suzuki's first entry into the all-wheel-drive sport sedan segment. Suzuki is developing an even more fuel efficient hybrid version that will be added to the lineup in the future.
The Kizashi, which originates from the Concept Kizashi series introduced over the last two years at auto shows, measures 183.1 inches in overall length on a 106.3 inches wheelbase and a width of 71.7 inches.
Standard are keyless push start system, eight airbags, Electronic Stability Program, an anti-lock braking system with electronic brake-force distribution, projector beam headlamps, a tire pressure monitoring system, iPod connectivity and optional streaming audio via Bluetooth. Available on the Kizashi are 18-inch alloy wheels, premium leather with three-stage heated seats and a three-position memory program and the 425 watt Rockford Fosgate sound system.
The 2010 Suzuki Kizashi is scheduled to arrive in North American showrooms this winter.
The all-new 2010 Acura ZDX four-door sports coupe that debuted as a concept at the New York Auto Show in April, will be priced and positioned between the MDX luxury SUV and the RL luxury sedan and feature a panoramic glass roof, hidden rear door handles and bold fender flares.
The Super Handling All-Wheel Drive ZDX will have a 300 horsepower 3.7-liter V-6 engine mated to an all-new 6-speed automatic transmission with steering wheel mounted paddle shifters and produce 270 lb-ft of torque.
When the ZDX goes on sale this winter, customers will have the choice of three distinct trim levels: ZDX, ZDX with Technology Package and the ultra premium, ZDX with Advance Package. The ZDX will come equipped with a panoramic glass roof with movable sunshades, hand-stitched leather interior, HandsFreeLink, Bluetooth connectivity, power tailgate, and a high powered audio system with CD player, AM/FM/XM radio and USB audio interface with iPod integration are all standard features.
The ZDX with Technology Package adds several features including a Navigation System with Voice Recognition, an Acura/ELS Surround premium audio system and a new multi-view rear camera. The Advance Package boasts additional customer enhancing technologies like a blind spot information system, a Collision Mitigating Braking System, and Adaptive Cruise Control.
The 2010 Lexus HS 250h hybrid standard version will have an MSRP of $34,200, while the Premium model will carry an MSRP of $36,970 plus a delivery, processing and handling fee of $875. The HS 250h utilizes the twin-cam Atkinson-cycle engine with Variable Valve Timing with Intelligence which alone has an output of 147 horsepower. In combination with the hybrid drive motor, the HS 250h generates 187 total system horsepower. HS 250h has nearly zero evaporative emissions.
The HS 250h features four drive-modes: Normal, Power, Eco and EV. Each drive-mode changes the rate of throttle opening for a given throttle-pedal angle. Both models received EPA-estimated ratings of 35 mpg city and 34 mpg on the highway for a combined 35 mpg utilizing regular 87-octane gasoline.
Standard features on the HS 250h include leather-trimmed seats; 10-way power-adjustable driver's seat with eight-way power-adjustable front passenger seat; a 10-speaker, 137-watt audio system with a six-disc CD changer, a subwoofer and center speaker; Bluetooth for phone and music streaming capabilities; integrated subscription satellite radio (includes 90-day trial); USB/ iPod connectivity operated via steering wheel controls or the display screen; and 17-inch aluminum alloy wheels. The HS 250h incorporates a standard 10-airbag Supplemental Restraint system and front active head rests.
The HS 250h Premium model adds heated/ventilated front seats trimmed in semi-aniline leather; 18-inch aluminum alloy wheels; rain-sensing windshield wipers; heated electrochromic exterior mirrors; genuine wood interior trim; and a new memory system that allows individual driver settings for seat, power tilt/telescopic steering wheel, outside mirrors and air conditioning settings to be recalled automatically by individual key fobs.
The all-new 2010 Kia Forte Koup base EX models are powered by a 156 horsepower 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder engine, producing 144 pound-feet of torque and features Continuously Variable Valve Timing and multi-port electronic fuel injection, both of which allow for greater performance and fuel economy. The SX has an upgraded 173 horsepower 2.4-liter inline four-cylinder engine, also with CVVT, which delivers 168 pound-feet of torque.
All Forte Koup models feature Bluetooth connectivity with steering wheel-mounted controls that enable voice-activated hands-free operation for compatible cell phones, and a six-speaker AM/FM/CD/MP3 audio system with SIRIUS Satellite Radio and three months of complimentary service. Steering wheel-mounted audio controls come standard on all models, as well as USB and auxiliary input jacks in the center console with full iPod/MP3 controllability via the audio head unit or steering wheel-mounted controls.
With a wheelbase of 104.3 inches, an overall length of 176.4 inches, an overall width of 69.5 inches and overall height of 55.1 inches, the Forte Koup body is 2.4 inches lower, 2.0 inches shorter and 0.4 inches narrower than its sedan sibling, but with the same 104.3-inch wheelbase as the sedan.
Like the Forte sedan, four transmission options are available for 2010 Forte Koup models: a standard five-speed manual transmission or an optional electronically controlled four-speed automatic transmission with overdrive (EX models), while the SX model features a standard six-speed manual transmission and an optional five-speed automatic transmission with overdrive and Sportmatic.
The all-new 2010 Forte Koup joins the Kia Motors America lineup later this summer as the company's first-ever two-door coupe.
The all-new Porsche Panamera Gran Turismo will be shown off to the North American public for the first time during Monterey Peninsula's Classic Car Week in Northern California August 9 - 16. The Quail Lodge will be the backdrop of a Porsche Experience Center where VIP test drives will be conducted throughout the week. The Panamera celebration also involves the 36th Rolex Monterey Historic Automobile Races where Porsche is the featured marque this year. Porsche will bring to the event a number of significant and rare historic race cars, the Formula One and Two cars among them.
Porsche's first-ever four-door sports car with 4 seats comes in three styles. The 400 horsepower Panamera S has a zero to 60 miles per hour of 5.2 seconds and a price tag of $89,800. The Panamera 4S also has 400 horsepower, a top speed of 175 miles per hour but a quicker 4.8 second zero to 60 and a $93,800 sticker. The Panamera Turbo has 500 horsepower, a zero to 60 of 4 seconds flat, 188mph top speed and price of $132,600. There are options that can push the prices even higher like Porsche Entry & Drive, ParkAssist (front and rear) including rearview camera and thermally and noise insulated glass, to name a few.
The Panamera will go on sale at Porsche's 202 U.S. dealers on October 17, 2009.
This was the most expensive June on record, with the average U.S. incentive at $2,930 per vehicle sold, up 20 percent from a year earlier according to Edmunds' stats. Subaru continues to buck the industry and economy with June sales up 3 percent from June 2008. Here's a look at the June auto sales in order of volume:
General Motors delivered 176,571 vehicles in June, down 33.6 percent compared with a year ago. Year-to-date GM has sold 954,356 vehicles, down 40.5 percent from the first six months of 2008.
Ford, Lincoln and Mercury sales totaled 148,153 in June, down 11 percent versus a year ago. Year-to-date Ford 2009 sales are 745,752, a drop of 32.8 percent from the first six months of 2008.
Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., recorded June sales of 131,654 units, a decrease of 34.6 percent from last June bringing half-year sales to 770,449 vehicles down 37.5 percent from the first six months of 2008.
American Honda, including Acura, posted June vehicle sales of 100,420, a decline of 32.4 percent compared to June 2008 results. American Honda year-to-date sales of 530,778 represent a 33.1 percent decrease.
Chrysler Group LLC reported total U.S. sales for June of 68,297 units, a decrease of 42 percent compared with June 2008. Year-to-date Chrysler has sold 471,197 vehicles, a drop of 46 percent from 2008.
Nissan North America reported sales for June of 58,298, a decrease of 23.1 percent. Year-to-date Nissan sales are at 347,744, a drop of 33.4 percent from 2008.
Hyundai Motor America today announced June sales of 37,943, a 24 percent decline versus June 2008. Hyundai outsold Dodge in June for the first time, making Hyundai the number-six best-selling brand in the U.S. Year-to-date Hyundai sales are 204,686, is a drop of 11.4 percent from 2008.
Kia Motors America June sales of 26,845 units, a 5.1 percent decline from June 2008 and year-to-date sales of 147,404 is 6.5 percent lower than the first six months of 2008. Kia posted its fourth consecutive month of increased sales with June up 3 percent from May.
Volkswagen of America had June 2009 sales of 19,027, an 18 percent decrease from June 2008. Year-to-date VW sales are at 97,008, 16 percent lower than last year. Volkswagen's diesels posted their best sales month since their re-launch with 5,072 units, representing 26 percent of total sales. Separately, Audi U.S. sales for the month of June reached 7,524 units, its best sales month of 2009 and year-to-date has sold 37,845, a 15.9 percent fall from 2008.
The BMW Group in the U.S. (BMW and MINI combined) reported June sales of 20,849 vehicles, a decrease of 20.3 percent from the 26,155 vehicles sold in the same month of 2008. The BMW Group also reported a year-to-date sales volume of 114,448 vehicles, down 27.5 percent, compared to the first half of 2008.
Subaru of America set a sales record for the month of June as sales were 18,620, up 3-percent over June 2008. Year-to-date Subaru sales of 94,094 is just 1% lower than the first half of 2008.
Mercedes-Benz USA June sales of 16,271 including smart, with 15,155 Mercedes vehicles sold, a decline of 22.6 percent compared to June 2008. On a year-to-date basis, Mercedes sold 85,088 new vehicles, a decrease of 28.7 percent over the comparable period last year. smart USA recorded 1,116 sales in June bringing year to date sales of 8,567, a decline of 24.8 percent. Since its introduction in the United States, over 33,000 smart fortwos have been sold.
Mazda North American Operations reported June sales of 13,729, down 42.2 percent versus June of 2008. Year-to-date sales are 100,381, down 34.5 percent compared to 2008.
Volvo Cars of North America June sales were 7,042 units, a 0.6 percent gain over June 2008. Overall in North America (United States and Canada), Volvo has sold 33,172 units year-to-date, which represents a 33.8 percent decrease for the same period of 2008.
Mitsubishi Motors North America reported June sales of 4,362. Year-to-date, Mitsubishi has sold 26,467 vehicles.
Porsche sold 902 vehicles in the U.S. in June, a 66 percent drop For the first six months of the year, Porsche has sold 9,659 cars, down 36% from 2008.
The all-new 2010 GMC Terrain five-passenger crossover, introduced at the New York Auto Show in April, will have a starting price of $24,995 for the front-wheel drive model and $26,745 for the all-wheel drive version. Both prices include a $745 destination and freight charge. The Terrain, which replaces Pontiac's Torrent, has a base SLE-1 model that comes standard with GM's new 4 cylinder 2.4-liter direct-injection engine that produces 182-horsepower and 174 lb-ft of torque mated to a six-speed automatic transmission that delivers EPA-estimated highway fuel economy of 32 miles per gallon, with a city rating of 22mpg for the two-wheel drive and 20mpg city and 29 highway mpg for the all-wheel drive.
The Terrain offers a MultiFlex rear seat configuration that can optimized for either passenger legroom or nearly 64 cubic feet of cargo space behind the front seats. The base price also includes as standard, such features as an integrated rear-view camera system and six-speaker AM/FM/CD audio system with USB connectivity and XM satellite radio service, along with a full suite of safety equipment, including six airbags, StabiliTrak vehicle stability control, and OnStar.
The top-of-the-line SLT-2 trim level, which features leather seating, a premium Pioneer sound system, a power liftgate, sunroof and a special chrome appearance package, starts at $29,995 (including DFC) and has the Terrain's larger engine option, a 3.0-liter direct injection V6 engine that produces 264 horsepower and 222 lb-ft of torque. The two-wheel drive version is rated at 18mpg city/25mpg highway and the all-wheel drive at 17mpg city/24mpg highway. Other optional features include integrated navigation system and a rear-seat DVD infotainment system. The GMC website lists four trim levels, SLE-1, SLE-2, SLT-1 and SLT-2 with the 3.0-liter engine offered on all but the base SLE-1.
The GMC Terrain will be built at the CAMI assembly facility in Ingersoll, Ontario, Canada, and will arrive in showrooms in September.
The all-new 2010 Mercedes-Benz E-Class sedan and coupe go on sale today with Mercedes-Benz biggest marketing launch in recent years. The new E350 is powered by a 268 horsepower 3.5-liter V6 and starts at $48,600 and the E550 has a 382 horsepower 5.5-liter V8 starting at $56,300.
In the first broadcast spot called "What It's Made Of" (:30), the new E-Class sedan revisits its predecessors from generations past while the voiceover describes how that heritage of innovation -- which includes more than 50,000 crash tests and 889 safety patents and a world record for longevity and endurance -sets the stage for "one of the most technologically advanced automobiles on the planet."
The ninth generation E-Class campaign launches today around the theme "Everything We Know, Everything We Are: This is Mercedes-Benz." A six-week television commerical flight, including early morning news, primetime, MLB, PGA and cable programming which runs through July. A second wave starts again in September and October on primetime premieres and into the start of the NFL and college football seasons.
Lexus leads the overall nameplate rankings, averaging 84 PP100. Following in the rankings are Porsche, Cadillac (which moves from 10th rank position in 2008 to third in 2009), Hyundai (improves from 13th rank position in 2008 to fourth in 2009) and Honda, rounding out the top five.
The auto industry is making better quality cars according the J.D. Power and Associates 2009 Initial Quality StudySM (IQS) released today. Overall, the industry average for initial quality is 108 problems per 100 vehicles (PP100) in 2009, down from 118 PP100 in 2008. Initial quality for domestic brands has improved to an average of 112 PP100 in 2009 from 124 PP100 in 2008. Lower PP100 scores indicate a lower rate of problem incidences and higher quality.
New vehicles sold by Chrysler, Ford and GM's domestic brands have improved in initial quality by an average of 10 percent, compared with 2008, surpassing the 8-percent rate of improvement by the industry overall. Several all-new models in 2009, including the Hyundai Genesis, Kia Borrego, Toyota Venza and Volkswagen CC, perform considerably better than their respective segment averages. Many redesigned models in 2009 also show notable improvement from the previous generation--particularly the Acura TL, Ford F-150, Honda Pilot and Nissan Z.
Toyota captures 10 segment awards--more than any other corporation in the 2009 study--including five for Lexus, four for Toyota and one for Scion. Lexus receives awards for the IS, GS, GX, LS and LX models. The Lexus LX has the fewest quality problems in the industry, with just 52 PP100. Toyota models receiving awards in their respective segments are the 4Runner (in a tie); Sienna; Tundra (in a tie); and Yaris.
Ford receives three awards for the Edge (in a tie); F-150 (in a tie); and Mustang. Garnering two awards each are Nissan (Altima and Z); and Honda (CR-V, in a tie, and Ridgeline).
Also receiving segment awards are: Chevrolet Trailblazer (in a tie), Chrysler PT Cruiser Wagon (in a tie), GMC Yukon, Hyundai Elantra Sedan, Mercury Sable and Scion tC.
2009 Nameplate IQS Ranking
Problems per 100 Vehicles Lexus 84 Porsche 90 Cadillac 91 Hyundai 95 Honda 99 Mercedes-Benz 101 Toyota 101 Ford 102 Chevrolet 103 Suzuki 103 Infiniti 106 Mercury 106 Industry Average 108 Nissan 110 Acura 111 BMW 112 Kia 112 Volkswagen 112 GMC 116 Buick 117 Audi 118 Pontiac 118 Scion 118 Volvo 118 Saturn 120 Mazda 123 Lincoln 129 Subaru 130 Dodge 134 Jaguar 134 Mitsubishi 135 Chrysler 136 HUMMER 136 Jeep 137 SAAB 138 smart 138 Land Rover 150 MINI 165
The Senate passed a reduced $1 billion cash-for-clunkers bill sending it to President Obama to sign. The current bill was cut back from a one-year, $4 billion program after some senators were concerned that not enough is being done to assure more fuel-efficient vehicles will get on the road.
It means the program, that offers $3,500 to $4,500 cash vouchers to consumers who trade in their cars for new, more fuel-efficient vehicles, will run for less than four months instead of a year as first planned. The bill goes into effect a month after Obama signs the bill.
Scrappage programs in Western Europe have led to 500,000 additional passenger vehicles sold in the region from January through May 2009.
Trade in a car that has been registered to you and in use for at least one year, and has a combined city/highway fuel-economy rating of 18 or fewer miles per gallon and then buy a new car, priced at $45,000 or less that has a window sticker EPA rating of at least 4 mpg better than the old one and you receive a $3,500 voucher, at least 10 mpg better, and you get a $4,500 discount voucher from the dealer selling you the new vehicle.
My clunker is an SUV which has more lenient rules. SUVs need only get 2mpg better for $3,500 and 5mpg better for the $4,500. My average condition 1996 Toyota 4Runner with 120,000 miles has an Edmunds.com Private Party True Market Value (TMV) appraisal of $3,205. The trade-in value is $2,502 and the dealer retail value is $4,427. Edmunds.com rates my 4Runner at 17mpg so I need to find a vehicle that has a combined city/highway 22mpg to get the maximum $4,500 voucher.
Now the search begins for a new SUV costing $45,000 or less - no problem. Better than 22mpg and one the wife will like - problem, unless you're happy with a hybrid-powered SUV which are rated 28-32mpg or a compact SUV like a Honda CRV, Nissan Rogue or Suzuki Grand Vitara which just reach the 22mpg threshold. I see the 2010 Chevy Equinox is rated at 23-26mpg according to Edmunds.com. Then, on second thought, I could pay nothing and drive my clunker 4Runner for another 100,000 miles and keep my powder dry, money in the bank.
The all-new 2009 Nissan NISMO 370Z went on sale today for $39,130. The new, second-generation NISMO Z has 18 additional horsepower, a special sport-tuned suspension and a close-ratio 6-speed manual transmission with SynchroRev Match. The NISMO Z's standard 3.7-liter DOHC V6 engine with Variable Valve Event and Lift Control (VVEL) develops 350 horsepower and 276 lb-ft of torque (versus the standard 370Z Coupe's 332 horsepower and 270 lb-ft of torque), thanks in part to an exclusive free flow dual exhaust system, muffler tuning and an optimized Engine Control Module.
The well-equipped NISMO has only three accessories available - NISMO carpeted floor mats, illuminated kick plates and a carpeted trunk mat. The NISMO 370Z also features a refined 4-wheel independent suspension, a reinforced strut tower brace for enhanced body rigidity and a pair of performance body dampers to manage road-input vibrations. The NISMO-tuned suspension includes specially tuned springs, shock absorbers and stabilizer bars. Wider, unique 5-spoke 19-inch RAYS forged aluminum-alloy wheels are mounted with Yokohama ADVAN Sport Y-rated high-performance tires. Nissan Sport Brakes and a Viscous Limited-Slip Differential are also standard on the NISMO 370Z.
