August 15, 2008
Lexus Introduces First-Ever Pebble Beach(R) Edition LS 600h L and Seach(R) Edition LS 600h L and Sixth ixth Annual Pebble Beach Edition(R) SC 430
Limited Edition LS flagship hybrid sedan and SC hardtop convertible to debut at the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance Lexus Fashion Preview
PEBBLE BEACH, Calif.- Lexus will introduce the first-ever LS 600h L Pebble Beach Edition and the sixth SC 430 Pebble Beach Edition to commemorate its continuing partnership with Pebble Beach Company. The vehicles will be unveiled at the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance Lexus Fashion Preview on August 15. Production of these 2009 Pebble Beach Edition vehicles will be limited to 50 LS 600h L flagship hybrid luxury sedans and 300 SC 430 hardtop convertibles. Pebble Beach Edition owners will have the opportunity to customize their ownership experience by selecting from one of three distinctive merchandise packages: Callaway Golf Experience, Travel Package or Epicurean Encounter.
Posted by Paul_Briggs at 1:58 AM | Email to a friend | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0) | Filed under 2009 Vehicles | Auto Marketing | Auto News | Lexus
August 15, 2008
Toyota Highlander to Feature All-New Four-Cylinder Engine
Capable Performance Plus Outstanding Fuel Efficiency Equals Excellent Value
TORRANCE, Calif.-- Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc., announced today that the 2009 Highlander mid-size sport utility vehicle (SUV) will offer an all-new, powerful yet fuel-efficient 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine. When it arrives at dealerships in mid-to-late January, the new Highlander powerplant will be among the best mid-size SUVs in the areas of performance, fuel economy and value.
The new 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine will generate an impressive 187 horsepower at 5,800 RPM and 186 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,100 RPM on regular 87 octane fuel. A dual exhaust manifold will help achieve exceptional low-end torque and maximize its power output. In addition to its performance output, the Highlander equipped with the new four-cylinder will be EPA-rated as an Ultra Low Emission Vehicle (ULEVII) and is expected to be among the leaders in fuel efficiency in the gas mid-size SUV segment. Official EPA fuel efficiency ratings will be announced closer to launch.
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Posted by Paul_Briggs at 1:55 AM | Email to a friend | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0) | Filed under 2009 Vehicles | Auto News | Toyota
August 13, 2008
Design Points Of The 2009 Toyota Venza
Torrance, CA - The 2009 Toyota Venza, scheduled to go on sale later this year, is the first example of Toyota's new direction in passenger car design combining elegance, innovation, comfort and utility.
"We wanted to create something entirely different," said Kevin Hunter, president of Toyota's Calty Design Research in Newport Beach, Calif., and Ann Arbor, Mich. "Not an SUV, not a wagon, not a coupe and not a sedan. We aimed for a more road-focused vehicle and sporty direction."
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August 12, 2008
Kia Brings 'Borrego Experience' to Boston for Fisherman's Feast
BOSTON -- Kia's Borrego Experience comes to Boston's Fisherman's Feast Aug. 14 - 17 in the next leg of its six-month national tour.
Visitors to the Kia Borrego Experience exhibit can check out the new Kia Borrego before it's in showrooms; enjoy a luxury oasis featuring a "Cool Zone" to beat the heat; and taste free samples in the Gourmet for Less cafe with cooking demonstrations prepared by nationally acclaimed chef, Rich Mead. Those who take test drives will receive a free $20 gift card.
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Posted by Frank at 12:32 PM | Email to a friend | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0) | Filed under 2009 Vehicles | 5th Wheel | Auto Marketing | Auto News | Kia
Chrysler Kicks Off Woodward Dream Cruise with '09 PT Dream Cruiser
ROYAL OAK, Mich. -- Chrysler kicked off the annual Woodward Dream Cruise today at Duggan's Irish Pub with the introduction of a special-edition PT Cruiser.
Announced in conjunction with Detroit's famed Woodward Dream Cruise, the new 2009 Chrysler PT Dream Cruiser Series 5 will be available this fall as a limited-production version of the 2009 Chrysler PT Cruiser.
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August 11, 2008
2009 Honda Accord Sets the Pace
Torrance, CA -- The 2009 Honda Accord lineup is designed to impress with premium features, accommodating technology and efficient performance geared for both the finish line and the bottom line.
Available as a sedan or a coupe and powered by advanced 4-cylinder or V-6 engines, the Accord embodies a sophisticated design and provides an accommodating, spacious interior.
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August 10, 2008
Chevrolet Launches New Advertising During Olympics
DETROIT - Chevrolet kicks off new advertising during Friday's Opening Ceremonies of the Olympic Games. The ads highlight Malibu and the rest of Chevy's fuel-efficient lineup, Silverado as America's Best Truck and the all-new Traverse as the crossover with an unmatched combination of features.
They will play a prominent role in the brand's marketing initiatives for the remainder of 2008 and will be complemented online, with micro Web sites and other digital initiatives.
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Cadillac Escalade Hybrid Launch Underway
DETROIT, Mich. - The launch of the world's first hybrid applied to a large luxury SUV, the 2009 Cadillac Escalade Hybrid, begins this month.
Achieving a 50-percent improvement in fuel economy in city driving, Escalade Hybrid arrives at Cadillac dealerships in the United States with an MSRP of $71,685. That represents a premium of only $3,600 over a comparably-equipped Escalade.
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2009 Honda Ridgeline Adds Power, More Standard Equipment
Torrance, Calif. -- Updated for 2009 with a total of 50 significant changes and new features, the Honda Ridgeline takes on a bolder look and feel with new exterior and interior styling along with a more powerful engine.
A trailer hitch becomes standard on every model, and newly-introduced premium features include Bluetooth HandsFreeLink and a rearview backup camera on Ridgeline RTL models equipped with the available Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System.
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Ford introduces powertrain upgrades for 2009
DEARBORN, Mich. -- Ford Motor Company is meeting the rapidly changing market and shifting customer preferences with a new 2009 lineup that features an array of all-new or upgraded vehicles as well as major improvements in fuel economy, smart technology, safety features and quality across its vehicle portfolio.
"This is without question the best Ford lineup we've ever produced - and it comes at a critically important time for the company," said Mark Fields, Ford's president of The Americas. "Our product-led transformation is well under way, and there is much more to come."
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August 8, 2008
Ford adds new options for 2009 Focus
The hot selling, fuel efficient Ford Focus sedan adds a new SEL series for 2009, offering small-car customers more upscale features while retaining key Focus attributes, such as bold styling, excellent driving dynamics, superb passenger roominess and leading safety and security features.
SEL models include 16-inch Euroflanged alloy wheels, chrome door handles, chrome heated mirrors and leather trimmed heated seats.
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August 7, 2008
New Golf points the way to Volkswagen's future
WOLFSBURG, Germany - Volkswagen is unveiling its most important automotive secret of the year: the new Golf. The car - Europe's most successful with more than 26 million sold - was improved in all areas.
"This sixth generation of Golf cars will completely redefine the quality and comfort level of its class over broad categories, offering more customer value than ever before", says Prof. Dr. Martin Winterkorn, Chairman of the Board at Volkswagen AG.
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Posted by Frank at 1:23 PM | Email to a friend | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0) | Filed under 2009 Vehicles | Auto Marketing | Auto News | Car Tech | Volkswagen
2009 Scion xB Combines Unique Style And Performance
Torrance, CA -- The Scion xB urban utility vehicle, which received a major model change in 2008, enters the 2009 model year by appealing to young urban trendsetters with its fresh styling and performance.
It features a surprising level of refinement and is packaged with an array of standard equipment including a 160-watt maximum output Pioneer audio system with iPod connectivity. The head-turning xB receives one new exterior color, Stringray Metallic, which replaces Nautical Blue Metallic.
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Acura Announces Pricing For 2009 MDX
TORRANCE, Calif., -- Acura has announced pricing for the 2009 MDX luxury SUV, which is now on-sale at Acura dealerships nationwide.
For 2009, the MDX's power rear tailgate feature is standard equipment with the Technology and Sport packages - previously the power rear tailgate was only available on the Entertainment Package.
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Posted by Frank at 1:19 PM | Email to a friend | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0) | Filed under 2009 Vehicles | Acura | Auto Marketing | Auto News | Finance
Locally-built VW Tiguan goes on sale in Russia
WOLFSBURG, Germany - Russian customers can now also purchase the Tiguan, which, like the Passat and Jetta, is produced at the Volkswagen plant in Kaluga.
"The decision to build the Tiguan locally is an indication of the strategic importance of the Russian market for the Volkswagen brand," Frank Wittemann, Head of the Volkswagen brand in Russia, said.
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Posted by Frank at 10:49 AM | Email to a friend | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0) | Filed under 2009 Vehicles | Auto Marketing | Auto News | Volkswagen
Scion tC Sports Coupe Cruises into '09
Torrance, CA =- The tC sports coupe, the best-selling vehicle in the Scion lineup, carries over unchanged for the 2009 model year after receiving minor changes last year. The tC Spec Package is discontinued for 2009.
The tC remains one of the best values in its segment and has EPA fuel economy estimates of 20 city/27 highway for the manual transmission and 21/29 for the automatic. In addition, the tC is rated ULEV.
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Hyundai Shuts Down Maiden Lane for Performance Rides
NEW YORK -- On Friday, Aug. 8, Hyundai will offer visitors in New York's Financial District an opportunity to take a fast ride or luxurious break in the new Genesis premium sports sedan -- a serious competitor to the likes of Lexus ES, Cadillac CTS and Chrysler 300.
Genesis will be driven on a special course by professional drivers at the annual Financial Community Day Festival (Aug. 8, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.).
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August 6, 2008
VW Jetta TDI Debuts at Teen Choice
Los Angeles, CA - Volkswagen of America, Inc. teamed up with FOX Television and TEEN CHOICE 2008 to support the initiative to "green" Teen Choice.
Young Hollywood showed their support for the environment by arriving at the eco-friendly TEEN CHOICE 2008 in Volkswagen's fleet of highly-anticipated 2009 Jetta TDIs - the newly released, clean diesel sedan.
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Posted by Frank at 12:09 PM | Email to a friend | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0) | Filed under 2009 Vehicles | 5th Wheel | Alternative Fuels | Auto Marketing | Auto News | Diesel | Environment | Volkswagen
Video: Dodge Ram Challenges Texas
The Ram Challenge got underway on July 25, 2008 in San Antonio, Texas. It's a chance for consumers to learn about and drive the great new 2009 Dodge Ram pickup. Drive impressions are embargoed until the end of August, but here's a taste of what some Texans had to say about the truck and information on how you can take the Ram Challenge.
Posted by Frank at 11:19 AM | Email to a friend | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0) | Filed under 2009 Vehicles | Auto Marketing | Auto News | Video
BorgWarner Honored for Dual-Clutch Technology on the Nissan GT-R
AUBURN HILLS, Mich. -- BorgWarner received a 2008 Global Innovation Award from Nissan in recognition of its innovative dual-clutch technology, used in the all-new 2008 Nissan GT-R.
Launched in December in Japan and last month in the United States, the eagerly anticipated sports car is the first GT-R engineered for sale in global markets, the world's first longitudinal transaxle dual-clutch transmission, and the first Japanese transmission to feature BorgWarner's award-winning DualTronic technology.
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Posted by Frank at 10:09 AM | Email to a friend | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0) | Filed under 2009 Vehicles | Auto Marketing | Auto News | Car Tech | Nissan
August 5, 2008
Toyota Announces Prices for 2009 RAV4 SUV
TORRANCE, Calif. -- Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc., announced manufacturer's suggested retail prices (MSRP) today for the 2009 RAV4 compact sport utility vehicle (SUV).
Equipped with numerous enhancements for 2009, the average MSRP for the RAV4 will increase by $224, or 0.9 percent. The 2009 RAV4 will begin arriving at Toyota dealerships in early September.
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August 4, 2008
Porsche Extends Range of Mid-Engined Sports Cars
Stuttgart. Introducing two new models, Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG, Stuttgart, are rounding off their range of dynamic mid-engined sports cars at the top.
The two new models, the Porsche Boxster S Porsche Design Edition 2 and the Cayman S Sport, develop 303 bhp (223 kW) from 3.4 litres, eight horsepower more than the respective S models.
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Posted by Frank at 10:01 AM | Email to a friend | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0) | Filed under 2009 Vehicles | Auto Marketing | Auto News | Car Tech | Porsche
August 3, 2008
Toyota Announces Prices for 2009 Yaris Subcompact
TORRANCE, Calif. -- Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc., today announced manufacturer's suggested retail prices (MSRP) for the three fuel efficient 2009 Toyota Yaris subcompact models.
MSRPs will range from $12,205 for the three-door Liftback Base model to $15,880 for the Sedan S model when the vehicles hit dealerships later this summer.
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Posted by Frank at 11:15 AM | Email to a friend | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0) | Filed under 2009 Vehicles | Auto Marketing | Auto News | Finance | Toyota
Audi Announces Pricing for 2009 A4 Sedan and Avant
HERNDON, Va. -- Audi of America today released pricing for two of its newest entries, the 2009 model year Audi A4 sedan and A4 Avant.
Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price for the A4 sedan will start at $32,700, while MSRP for the A4 Avant will start at $34,500.
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Posted by Frank at 11:12 AM | Email to a friend | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0) | Filed under 2009 Vehicles | Audi | Auto Marketing | Auto News | Finance
July 31, 2008
Subaru Unleashes New 265 HP 2009 Impreza WRX
CHERRY HILL, N.J. -- Performance leaps to a higher level in the 2009 Subaru Impreza WRX thanks to a 265-horsepower turbocharged intercooled Boxer engine, retuned suspension and wider, lower-profile summer performance tires.
The Impreza WRX moves closer to its supercar stablemate, the WRX STI in spirit, performance and styling with a new familial grille, integrated front spoiler and body-side moldings and gunmetal gray alloy wheels.
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July 28, 2008
Porsche 2009 911 Targa 4 and Targa 4S
ATLANTA -- Completing a triple update of the 2009 911 model lineup, Porsche is introducing the new 911 Targa, executing this generational change in record time. Two new Targa models will join their brethren, the new generation Carrera coupes and cabriolets that have been introduced in the past two months.
The new 911 models will be available at Porsche dealerships in the U.S. starting in September of this year.
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July 27, 2008
Toyota announces price increase for 2009 Prius
The base MSRP gas-electric Prius Hybrid will range from $22,000 for the Standard grade to $24,270 for the Touring grade.
The overall average price for Prius will increase $500, or 2.2 percent.
Posted by Frank at 12:13 PM | Email to a friend | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0) | Filed under 2009 Vehicles | Alternative Fuels | Auto Marketing | Auto News | Finance | Hybrid | Toyota
Toyota announces price increase for 2009 Scion xD
The manual transmission 2009 Scion xD will have an MSRP of $14,650, reflecting an increase of $100, or 0.7 percent.
The automatic transmission model will be $15,450 representing an increase $100, or 0.7 percent.
Posted by Frank at 11:59 AM | Email to a friend | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0) | Filed under 2009 Vehicles | Auto Marketing | Auto News | Finance | Scion | Toyota
Toyota announces price increase for 2009 Camry and Camry Hybrid
The 2009 Toyota Camry sedan will receive an MSRP adjustment reflecting an increase of $225, or 1.0 percent.
The base MSRP will range from $19,145 for the Camry four-cylinder with a five-speed manual transmission to $28,695 for the XLE V6 with a six-speed automatic.
The gas-electric Camry Hybrid will receive a price adjustment increase of $500, or 1.9 percent. The new MSRP will be $26,150.
Posted by Frank at 11:57 AM | Email to a friend | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0) | Filed under 2009 Vehicles | Alternative Fuels | Auto Marketing | Auto News | Finance | Hybrid | Toyota
Toyota announces price increase for 2009 Matrix
A price adjustment for the 2009 Toyota Matrix will increase its MSRP by $100, or 0.5 percent.
The base MSRP will range from $16,290 for the 4x2 Standard grade with a five-speed manual transmission to $21,950 for the 4x2 XRS with a five-speed automatic.
Posted by Frank at 11:46 AM | Email to a friend | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0) | Filed under 2009 Vehicles | Auto Marketing | Auto News | Finance | Toyota
Toyota announces price increase for 2009 Corolla
The 2009 Toyota Corolla sedan will receive a price adjustment increase of $100, or 0.6 percent.
The base MSRP will range from $15,350 for the Base grade with a five-speed manual transmission to $20,050 for the XRS grade with a five-speed automatic transmission.
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Toyota announces price increase for 2009 Sienna minivan
The base MSRP for the 2009 Toyota Sienna van will range from $24,540 for the seven-passenger front-wheel-drive CE grade to $37,865 for the all-wheel-drive XLE Limited.
The average base MSRP for Sienna will increase $100, or 0.4 percent.
Posted by Frank at 11:41 AM | Email to a friend | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0) | Filed under 2009 Vehicles | Auto Marketing | Auto News | Finance | Toyota
Toyota announces price increase for 2009 Highlander
The base MSRP for the 2009 Toyota Highlander mid-size SUV will range from $27,600 for the Base front-wheel-drive model with a V6 engine and five-speed automatic transmission to $34,520 for the Limited four-wheel-drive V6 with a five-speed automatic.
The overall average MSRP for Highlander will increase by $47, or 0.2 percent. The base MSRP for the gas-electric Highlander Hybrid will range from $34,700 for the two-row, four-wheel-drive with intelligence base model to $41,020 for the three-row, four-wheel-drive with intelligence Limited. The overall average MSRP for the Highlander Hybrid increases by $518, or 1.4 percent.
Posted by Frank at 11:40 AM | Email to a friend | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0) | Filed under 2009 Vehicles | Auto Marketing | Auto News | Finance | Toyota
Toyota announces price increase for 2009 4Runner
The base MSRP for the 2009 Toyota 4Runner SUV will range from $28,640 for the 4x2 SR5 V6 to $39,360 for the 4x4 Limited V8.
On average the MSRP for the 2009 4Runner increases by $225, or 0.7 percent.
Posted by Frank at 11:34 AM | Email to a friend | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0) | Filed under 2009 Vehicles | Auto Marketing | Auto News | Finance | Toyota
Toyota announces price increase for 2009 Land Cruiser
For 2009, the Toyota Land Cruiser full-size SUV adds factory privacy glass on the rear side and quarter windows as standard equipment. The base MSRP for the Land Cruiser will be $64,755, representing an increase of $655, or 1.0 percent.
Posted by Frank at 11:33 AM | Email to a friend | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0) | Filed under 2009 Vehicles | Auto Marketing | Auto News | Finance | Toyota