New for 2010, the MKZ features a new sport version with special sport suspension tuning with stiffer springs and larger stabilizer bars, 18-inch Euroflange polished wheels, darkened grille and headlamps, and an interior with contrasting piping and unique appliqués.

The new Lincoln MKZ also offers segment-exclusive features, including first-in-class Blind Spot Information System (BLIS™) with Cross Traffic Alert (CTA), which makes navigating traffic and parking lots safer and easier.

BLIS tracks vehicles in the blind-spot zones on either side of the vehicle using two multiple-beam radar modules behind the rear fenders. Indicator lights in the outside rear-view mirror on both sides of the vehicle warn the driver when a vehicle enters the defined blind-spot zone, extending from the side mirror to 10 feet behind the vehicle and 10 feet away from the vehicle.

CTA uses the BLIS radar sensors to alert the driver of approaching traffic while in reverse and backing out of a parking spot. The CTA tracks up to 65 feet on either side of the vehicle and warns the driver through both audible and visual alerts.

In addition to this new technology for mid-size sedans, MKZ offers SYNC, Next-Generation Voice-Activated Navigation, keyless entry, EasyFuel capless fuel filler, THX-branded audio­ and adaptive HID headlamps.

The new MKZ also features Lincoln signature design elements, including the split-wing grille and thinner wraparound head lamps for a wider, sportier look. Its chamfered front fascia also shares a family resemblance with the MKS, with a sculpted hood and ridges flowing into the A-pillar. In the rear, the Lincoln MKZ features a new decklid with wider LED taillamps accentuating the width of the car and separated by the Lincoln star.

Ford says it will deliver reliability and durability to its truck customers in the form of an all-new Ford-engineered, Ford-tested and Ford-manufactured diesel engine. Debuting in the 2011 Ford F-Series Super Duty, Ford says the all-new 6.7-liter Power Stroke V-8 turbocharged diesel will deliver significant improvements in torque, horsepower and fuel economy while adding more fueling flexibility and easily meeting stringent new emissions requirements.

The diesel engine team made improvements and changes throughout the engine architecture to deliver on aggressive horsepower, torque, emissions and fuel economy targets. The 6.7-liter Power Stroke uses an “inboard exhaust” architecture, an automotive-industry first for a modern production diesel engine. It combines the best of proven technology with new, patented approaches backed by an extensive laboratory and real-world testing regimen to assure customer satisfaction.

Ford says the benefits of the new 6.7-liter Power Stroke V-8 turbocharged diesel engine include:

• First use of a compacted graphite iron (CGI) engine block in a Super Duty-class vehicle in North America; stronger than regular gray cast iron, Ford has successfully used CGI in engine blocks in products around the world. The block structure was optimized for reduced weight and maximum strength to meet the demands of higher torque and horsepower
• Unique inboard exhaust and outboard intake architecture, an automotive-industry first for a modern production diesel engine, reduces overall exhaust system volume, which leads to better throttle response for the customer; additionally, reduced exhaust system surface area minimizes heat transfer to the engine compartment and improves NVH (noise, vibration, harshness)
• The new engine architecture enables easier service work for all major engine components, potentially reducing down time. On turbocharger service, for example, the body/cab no longer has to be removed from the frame to access the turbo; also, the high-pressure fuel pump, EGR (exhaust gas recirculation) components and thermostats are directly accessible from the front of the vehicle
• Honeywell’s single-sequential turbocharger features an industry-first double-sided compressor wheel mounted on a single shaft. The unit is uniquely center-mounted on a pedestal low in the back of the valley for improved NVH. This turbocharger design allows the single unit to deliver the benefits of a twin-turbocharger system in a smaller, more efficient package, combining the benefits of a small turbocharger (faster response) and a large turbocharger (ability to compress and force more air into the engine for more power) in one unit
• The high-pressure Bosch fuel system injects fuel at up to 30,000 psi. The system delivers up to five injection events per cylinder per cycle using eight-hole piezo injectors to spray fuel into the piston bowl. The direct-injection system is calibrated and phased for optimum power, fuel efficiency and NVH
• Aluminum cylinder heads for reduced weight; the mid-deck construction with dual water jackets provides increased strength and optimal cooling; also, six head bolts, instead of four as found on other engines, help improve sealing and maintain cylinder integrity even with the higher firing pressures; overall the engine is about 160 pounds lighter
• Compatible up to B20 fuel, allowing greener fueling options of up to 20 percent biodiesel and 80 percent petroleum diesel

From GM: Several automakers, including GM, Chrysler and Nissan, have already announced plans to roll out electric cars in the near future. With triple digit fuel economy claims on cars like the Chevrolet Volt, how will these manufacturers get the wheels rolling?

One factor in getting great fuel economy for electric cars is tires. The industry rule of thumb says for every 10% reduction of rolling resistance, the fuel economy improves 1 to 2 percent. Hi-tech tires, like the new Goodyear Assurance Fuel Max, feature an energy saving compound that improves the rolling resistance without sacrificing traction or tred wear.

Aerodynamics also plays an important role in increasing mileage. The more aerodynamic a car is, the easier it can cut through the air and the longer the battery will last. It is also one of the most inexpensive ways to boost fuel economy.

The all-new 2010 Subaru Legacy and Subaru Outback have been named 2009 ‘Top Safety Picks’ by the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety.

To qualify for Top Safety Pick, a vehicle must earn the highest rating of “good” in the Institute’s front, side, and rear tests and be equipped with electronic stability control. Criteria to win are tough because the award is intended to drive continued safety improvements such as top crash test ratings and the rapid addition of electronic stability control, which is standard on the Legacy and Outback.

“Building safe vehicles is one of the things our customers have come to know and expect from us,” said Tom Doll, executive vice president and COO, Subaru of America, Inc. “To have this endorsement by the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety for every Subaru vehicle in our line-up is a tribute to our engineers and reinforces to consumers that we focus not only on manufacturing fun-to-drive vehicles, but also vehicles that are durable and dependable.”

“Recognizing vehicles at the head of the class for safety helps consumers distinguish the best overall choices without having to sort through multiple test results,” says Institute president Adrian Lund.

About IIHS

The Institute’s frontal crashworthiness evaluations are based on results of 40 mph frontal offset crash tests. Each vehicle’s overall evaluation is based on measurements of intrusion into the occupant compartment, injury measures recorded on a Hybrid III dummy in the driver seat, and analysis of slow-motion film to assess how well the restraint system controlled dummy movement during the test.

Side evaluations are based on performance in a crash test in which the side of a vehicle is struck by a barrier moving at 31 mph. The barrier represents the front end of a pickup or SUV. Ratings reflect injury measures recorded on two instrumented SID-IIs dummies, assessment of head protection countermeasures, and the vehicle’s structural performance during the impact. Injury measures obtained from the two dummies, one in the driver seat and the other in the back seat behind the driver, are used to determine the likelihood that a driver and/or passenger in a similar real-world crash would sustain serious injury to various parts of the body. The movements and contacts of the dummies’ heads during the test also are evaluated. Structural performance is based on measurements indicating the amount of B-pillar intrusion into the occupant compartment.

Rear crash protection is rated according to a two-step procedure. Starting points for the ratings are measurements of head restraint geometry — the height of a restraint and its horizontal distance behind the back of the head of an average-size man. Seats with good or acceptable restraint geometry are tested dynamically using a dummy that measures forces on the neck. This test simulates a collision in which a stationary vehicle is struck in the rear at 20 mph. Seats without good or acceptable geometry are rated poor overall because they can’t be positioned to protect many people.

Source: PR Newswire

Nissan North America, Inc. has announced pricing for the 2010 Nissan Rogue crossover SUV, which is on sale now at Nissan retailers nationwide. The 2010 Nissan Rogue is offered in four high mileage models, each equipped with a standard 170-horsepower 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine, Nissan’s advanced Xtronic CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission), Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC), 4-wheel disc brakes with Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) and six air bags.

The Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Prices* (MSRP) are:

                    Rogue S FWD             $20,340 USD
                    Rogue SL FWD            $21,930 USD
                    Rogue S AWD             $21,540 USD
                    Rogue SL AWD            $23,130 USD

For 2010, Rogue S models are available with a new 360 Value Package, which includes 16-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, privacy glass, integrated rearview mirror rearview monitor, auto-dimming rearview mirror, rear spoiler and chrome grille. The 360 Value Package is priced at $1,040, a $1,000 savings compared to purchasing items separately.

About the 2010 Nissan Rogue

The Nissan Rogue crossover SUV continues to satisfy both the functional needs of the buyers and their emotional needs – including the versatility provided by a large 58 cubic feet of cargo space. Again in 2010, Rogue is available in Rogue S and Rogue SL trim levels and with an intuitive All-Wheel Drive system. Rogue SL models include standard 17-inch aluminum-alloy wheels.

Rogue’s interior includes a driver-oriented cockpit with available leather-appointed seating surfaces, heated seats and 6-way power driver’s seat. Utility is enhanced by numerous convenient storage and ultra-functionality features, including an oversized glove compartment, a large center console and an innovative available rear cargo organizer.

Available technology features include Nissan Intelligent Key, Bluetooth(R) Hands-free Phone System, XM(R) Satellite Radio (XM(R) subscription required, sold separately) and a powerful Bose(R)-developed audio system with Nd(R) Richbass(R) woofer and MP3 playback.

Rogue also offers a long list of standard safety features, including front seat-mounted side impact supplemental air bags and roof-mounted curtain side impact supplemental air bags with rollover sensor for improved front and rear-seat outboard occupant head protection.

Rogue fuel economy is rated at 22 mpg City/27 mpg Highway for 2-wheel drive models and 21 mpg City/26 mpg Highway for all-wheel drive models.

The side view of GLK is reminiscent both of the iconic G‑Class and its contemporary interpretation in the form of the GL-Class. (Photo: Mercedes-Benz)

Brimming with character, the GLK-Class is designed to take the world of compact SUVs by storm. Yet it is not just the distinctive all-rounder’s practical and appealingly compact body form that sets it apart from the competition. It also brings together what were previously seen as entirely contradictory attributes, with supreme driving dynamics and outstanding driving safety going hand in hand with exceptional ride comfort courtesy of the Agility Control suspension.

Meanwhile the variable 4MATIC all-wheel drive system joins forces with the latest electronic control systems to deliver consummate on-road performance and superb off-road proficiency. It is precisely this kind of combination that lends the GLK such immense appeal and warrants the inclusion in the model name of the “G”, an allusion to the archetypal Mercedes off-roader.

As Dr. Dieter Zetsche, Chairman of the Daimler AG Board of Management comments: “The GLK rounds off our tremendously successful SUV family, transferring characteristic Mercedes qualities such as refinement, dynamism and safety to a compact format in the process. This has now significantly raised the bar in this market segment.” >> Download the brochure

The Institute for Highway Safety awarded the Kia Soul a "Good" rating – the highest achievable – in frontal, side and rear impact crash safety tests.

Having been on the market for less than a year, the 2010 Kia Soul already has won numerous accolades, including being named to the Ward’s AutoWorld “Interior of the Year” list and the “Coolest New Cars for Under $18,000″ list by Kelley Blue Book’s kbb.com. Kia Motors’ affordable halo car now adds a 2009 “Top Safety Pick” from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) to its youthful yet impressive resume, selected as one of only 10 small vehicles to earn the organization’s top honor for earning “Good” ratings – the highest achievable – in frontal, side and rear impact crash safety tests.

“Despite the current economic and industry situation, Soul continues to post strong sales and is a proven consumer favorite for its head-turning style, incredible value, numerous personalization options and long list of standard safety features,’” said Michael Sprague, vice president, marketing of Kia Motors America (KMA). “Safety in particular continues to be a top purchase consideration for consumers in today’s market, and having Soul honored with a ‘Top Safety Pick’ further strengthens its position as a vehicle that offers the entire package.”

Ratings from the Institute are based on results from frontal, side and rear impact crash tests, with each vehicle’s overall evaluation based on various measurements specific to each crash angle, and overall impact on crash test dummies inside the vehicle at the time of collision. All vehicles must have electronic stability control available to be eligible.