With the Buick Enclave being held in waiting lists across Buick dealerships, GM had only more initial successes with the release of the redesigned 2008 Cadillac CTS. The most anticipated redesigned models of 2008 have been unleashed to dealerships across the US and the CTS is facing the most success in contrast to its predecessor. The Cadillac CTS, the Honda Accord, and the Mercedes-Benz C-Class are just a few of the bunch of models that were redesigned for 2008.
Kicking Tires, a branch of Cars.com, compared the sales of the three models in September, to the month of August. August is the time when automakers throw in hefty incentives to clear out the models in preparation for its successors in the month coming up. The 2008 Cadillac CTS gained a 73.5% increase in September over the sales of the 2007 CTS in August. The 2008 Honda Accord faired a 31.2% increase in September over the 2007 Accord in August. The 2008 Mercedes-Benz C-Class also gained a 31.2% increase in September over its predecessor in August.
Subaru likes to play tricks with its enthusiasts and it has been evident for the last few days. With two teaser images of the redesigned Impreza WRX STi already released, Subaru only heated the suspense with a third teaser image of the car. Showing the front 3/4 view of the car, we can vaguely shape how it's going to look like in our heads now. The WRX STi will be powered by a 2.5L 4-cylinder turbo with horsepower in excess of 300.
The Impreza WRX STi will present itself in a hatchback form when it is formally unveiled at the Tokyo Motor Show, coming this month. For now, all you gotta do is wait like everyone else.
[Source: Subaru]
Continue reading to view the two other images already released.
Well it looks like Pontiac is the first automaker to break the under $30K mark for a 350+ horsepower sedan. The General released the official pricing of its highly anticipated RWD sedan, the Pontiac G8. Essentially a rebadged Holden Commodore, the G8 is the appreciated successor to the aging Pontiac Grand Prix. The G8 is the first model to benefit from the Zeta platform, which will be used in the new Camaro and Impala.
The base G8 will start at $27,595. It is equipped with a 3.6L VVT-V6 engine that produces 256 horsepower. It is mated to a five-speed automatic. The V8-powered G8 GT will start a cut below the $30K mark at $29,995. The G8 GT is packed with a 6.0L V8 that produces a staggering 362 horsepower. That's 22 more horsepower than the Dodge Charger R/T. The GT will gain the six-speed automatic and a host of other features. Smart consumers would bring out a mere $2K more out of their wallet for a totally different beast. No word on the destination charge, something we likie t meticulously scrutinize in corporate press releases.
[Source: GM]
Continue reading to view the official press release. PRESS RELEASE: PONTIAC ANNOUNCES G8 PRICING
New RWD Performance Sedan to Start Under $28k
DETROIT - Pontiac today confirmed pricing for its new rear-wheel drive G8 performance sedan will start at $27,595 when it hits the streets in early 2008. The V-8 powered G8 GT will be available for $29,995.
“The G8 represents the next phase in Pontiac’s commitment to bring seductively designed, high-performance vehicles to the showroom floor,” said Craig Bierley, Pontiac marketing director. “Our dealers and customers have been anxiously waiting for this vehicle since we first showed it at the Chicago Auto Show in February, so we’re really excited to get this car on the street early next year.”
The G8 is powered by a 3.6-liter VVT V-6 engine and five-speed automatic transmission and comes equipped with a number of standard convenience and safety features, including StabiliTrak electronic stability control, six airbags and OnStar. The G8 GT ups the ante with a 6.0-liter V-8 mated to a six-speed automatic transmission and additional standard equipment.
Customers can get a closer look at the G8 at www.pontiac.com/g8.
Thanks to our reader, KimSH, the first spy shot uncovering the redesigned interior of the 2009 Hyundai Sonata was in our hands. The first peek at the new interior was a few months ago when we were just able to see the new vertical-slat A/C vents. Here, we have a full look at what Hyundai has for us for the facelifted Sonata. The current Sonata has been judged for a mediocre interior and Hyundai definitely listened. The new interior is more common with the Veracruz and the Santa Fe and it looks umpteen times better.
The dull steering wheel stays, but expect new electroluminescent gauges along with the new interior. A 5-speed AT will now be standard on the base models, replacing the current 4-speed gears. Engines will most likely remain as is. The exterior is set to be refreshed as well with a redesigned front fascia. A LG Navigation system will also be made optional on the range-topping Limited trim.
UPDATE: From our insiders, it looks like the new Sonata will benefit from modified powertrains as well. The Sonata will receive the second-generation iterations of both the Theta 4-cylinder and the Lambda 6-cylinder. That means both improved mileage and boosted horsepower. The SE model will be tuned for a more performance-oriented handling and all models will benefit from tuned exhausts for performance sound. An iPod jack and a USB port will also make it in the list of standard features, the latter being the first of its kind offered in a mid-size car in North America.
Thanks to our reader, stellarsilver5, we were tipped off to an image posted by The Wall Street Journal, which gave us an early peek at the North American spec 2008 Mazda5. Speculated to go on sale in December, the new 5 will receive a load of changes to round up the year. Albeit the poor resolution of the image, we can tell Mazda only switched the side of the steering wheel from the JDM Premacy. Sales of the facelifted Premacy have already commenced.
The front fascia will be overhauled with a sleeker grille and sportier air intakes. The rear is also due for a redesigned set of LED taillights. An important change in the 2008 Mazda5 is the standard 5-speed AT in favor of the current version's 4-speed. New wheels are also due and no further changes on the powertrain will be made.
The interior is also due for a couple of minor changes throughout. A new Sand Color interior will be available alongside the current Black/Gray option. New electroluminescent gauges will also be added. Other new goodies include a standard auxilary jack input and a touch-screen navigation system instead of the pop-up style on the current model. The new transmission means improved mileage, so expect that as well. The production of the 5 will start this month with the full unveil next month. Sales are expected to proceed in time for the jolly holidays of Christmas in December.
[Source: The Wall Street Journal]
Continue reading to view the full image and a hi-res image gallery of the JDM Premacy.
Subaru has released the second teaser image of the new Impreza WRX STi, showing the rear-end of the anticipated car. The Impreza WRX STi is set to be unveiled at the Tokyo Motor Show this month. The car is said to be powered by a 2.5L 4-cylinder turbo, producing an excess of 300 horsepower. It is speculated the car will do a 0-to-60 time of only 4.5 seconds. From this image, we can tell Subaru added larger wheels, enlarged the fenders, added a huge rear spoiler, and the prominent quad-exhausts we're all too familiar with high-end sports cars.
We'll have more information on this car on the 11th of this month, when the Tokyo Motor Show opens its doors to the media.
Toyota is calling back 55,000 examples of the 2007 Toyota Camry and the Lexus ES350 for a defective floormat. Complaints of the mats getting jammed with the accelerator pedal, therefore causing unintentional acceleration, has prompted the automaker to issue the recall. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) also asked owners of other Toyota models such as the Prius to check their floormats as well.
The recall involves 30,500 models of the 2007 Lexus ES350 and 24,500 models of the 2008 Toyota Camry. Toyota has commenced contacting the owners of the affected models and the recall will be settled with new floormats by November.
Children all across the world are prepping for the spookiest day of the year, Halloween. While they will be wandering around the neighborhood for their treat, we, car enthusiasts, will only have to stay next to the computer for our treat. So, what's our treat? Toyota will be unveiling the next-generation 2009 Corolla and Matrix at the SEMA show. The current Corolla and Matrix has been on the market since 2002. Sales didn't show any lagging, but nonetheless, they looked like a beater compared to the new offerings by Honda and Nissan.
Toyota chose October 31st, or Halloween, for the official unveil of the duo. The new Corolla is said to be available in two powertrains. The base model will be equipped with a new 1.8L 128 horsepower I4, while the top models are said to get the 2.4L 158 horsepower I4 found in the Camry. The same engine choices will apply for the Matrix.
[Source: Toyota]
Continue reading to view the official press release. PRESS RELEASE:
Toyota To Stage U.S. Premiere Of 2009 Corolla And Matrix At 2007 Sema Show
09/25/2007 Torrance, CA
September 25, 2007 - Torrance, CA - Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A. (TMS), Inc. will stage the U.S. premiere of the all-new 2009 Corolla and Matrix at a press conference at the 2007 Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) Show, held October 30 - November 3, 2007 in Las Vegas.
Originally launched in 1966, Corolla first arrived in America in 1968 to instant success. For nearly four decades, Corolla has been synonymous with Toyota quality, style and value, earning a distinction as one of the most trusted cars in America. Over that span over 30 million Corollas have been sold worldwide, making it one of the best-selling cars of all time.
Toyota’s press conference will be held on Wednesday, October 31 at 10:10 AM in Pavilions nine,10 and 11 of the Las Vegas Hilton. It will be simulcast live to the Toyota display area on the second floor of South Hall. A video clip of the press conference will be available for viewing following the event on the Toyota.com website.
With the Buick Enclave being held in waiting lists across Buick dealerships, GM had only more initial successes with the release of the redesigned 2008 Cadillac CTS. The most anticipated redesigned models of 2008 have been unleashed to dealerships across the US and the CTS is facing the most success in contrast to its predecessor. The Cadillac CTS, the Honda Accord, and the Mercedes-Benz C-Class are just a few of the bunch of models that were redesigned for 2008.
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