"Edmunds Roundup: September 4, 2009" Edmunds Daily

Edmunds Roundup: September 4, 2009

Auto Observer: Less is More? Smaller Pickups Benefit from C4C
Auto Observer reports sales of more fuel-efficient midsize pickups have fared much better than their larger, thirstier stablemates - thank in no small part to the Cash for Clunkers program. In August, the Toyota Tacoma outsold the massive Tundra, the Ford Ranger saw a dramatic increase compared to the F-Series and the Chevy Colorado made modest gains while sales of the full-size Silverado plummeted. With the end of the Cash for Clunkers program, sales are expected to return to previous levels, but it remains to be seen if the shift to smaller trucks will continue.

Green Car Advisor: Dodge Caliber Heads to Frankfurt with Much-Needed Improvements
Chrysler will be unveiling an improved Dodge Caliber at the Frankfurt Motor Show this month, according to Green Car Advisor. The big news is the addition of a 2.2-liter turbo diesel, but there are no plans to bring that engine stateside. What we will get, however, are an all-new interior plus improvements to the gasoline-powered engines, in the way of increased power, better fuel economy along with smoother and quieter operation.

IL News: Lexus Rolls-Out Refreshed LS and GS Models in Frankfurt
Inside Line reports that Lexus will be unveiling the 2010 LS and GS models at the Frankfurt Motor Show. These are not complete redesigns, however, just a few styling tweaks and improvements like new seats, updated hardware and better driving dynamics.