To most of us who have seen the Nissan X-Trail already, this piece of news should not be confused for a new version. Rather, the second generation Nissan X-Trail is a dead ringer for the old one although it comes with a revamped interior and the instrumentation panel has been repositioned to be in the usual driver’s side. This second generation Nissan X-Trail will make its debut at Thailand, coming with a 2.0 liter engine, an XTRONIC CVT transmission aided by a 6 speed manual transmission. From the looks of it, Nissan may be spreading the Nissan X-Trail in other parts of Asia, with Malaysia probably being the next stop. The new batch of Nissan SUVs will be coming from Indonesia.

(Source) Paul Tan

Tags: Asia, dead ringer, debut, indonesia, instrumentation, liter, manual transmission, Nissan, nissan x trail, second generation, suvs, Thailand, xtronic cvt

Continue reading...

Motor Trends has named the Subaru Outback as its choice for 2010 Sports Utility Vehicle of the year, making it two in a row for Subaru of America. The Subaru offers a unique mixture of comfort, efficiency, versatility and value which gained the now of Motor Trend, not to mention its competitive pricing structure which should likewise gain the nod of the avid motorists. The Subaru Outback comes with a choice of 170hp 2.5 liter four cylinder boxer engine or 256-hp 3.6-liter six-cylinder boxer engine as well as increased hip and shoulder room. These highlights go along with an array of safety features make the Subaru Outback stand above the rest of SUVs in the market today. The Subaru Outback retails for $22,995.

(Source) Press

Tags: boxer engine, motor trend, motorists, safety features, sports utility vehicle, Subaru, subaru of america, subaru outback, suv of the year, suvs

Continue reading...

Motorists who own SUVs or trucks may want to check out this device. It is a Land Meter from UxSight which tells you exactly how your vehicle is tilting. Power is generated from a cigarette lighter and can be placed accordingly on the usual car dashboard with the aid of a self-adhesive bottom.

It measures 124mm x 57mm x 80mm and retails for about £12. This Land Meter is great for people who travel off-road and often want to know the state of position of their car.

(Source) Slippery Brick

Tags: brick, car dashboard, car source, cigarette, motorists, suvs, trucks

Continue reading...

We have seen a lot of wild ideas when it comes to car enhancements and peripherals and here is one that should be a big help for people who cannot live without their laptops. We see most cars equipped with the portable DVD players with screens placed at the back of the headrests. But now, here is one that can cater to mobile computing on the go and also some entertainment via notebooks.

It is evident that today, people can use their laptop and browse the web even when traveling. But the matter of sturdiness is put into question. Having them on your lap is not necessarily the best position to really use a laptop but perhaps this CradleVue Laptop holder can resolve all that.

The CradleVue can be adjusted to hold onto any size laptop. It also can adjust to accommodate more than just mini vans, it’ll also work for cars, SUVs and trucks as well. It has a specific type of cord that is used to absorb all of the usual shock from riding around in the car.

You can get the CradleVue Laptop Holder for $24.99

(Source) Crunch Gear

Tags: car enhancements, Cars, crunch, headrests, laptop holder, laptops, mini vans, mobile computing, notebooks, peripherals, portable dvd players, screens, shock, suvs, trucks

Continue reading...

Don’t be surprised if you start seeing some new advertisements from Toyota Motors. If you do, this is perhaps the advertising mediums aimed at enticing people to avail of the “Cash for Clunkers” program. Under the Toyota wing, there are 25 models that are said to qualify for rebates ranging from $3,500 to $4,500.

The program will start today until November 1 or until they last. All Toyota and Scion passenger cars and most Toyota trucks, vans and SUVs are eligible for government incentives under the program. In addition, some Lexus models also qualify.

For the interested parties, you can check out the Toyota website to see the complete list of qualifying models. You can also make the necessary computations for what car you are trading in versus the Toyota model you plan on buying or leasing.

(Source) Press

Tags: advertisements, advertising mediums, complete list, computations, government incentives, interested parties, leasing source, Lexus, lexus models, november 1, passenger cars, rebates, Scion, suvs, Toyota, toyota motors, toyota website, vans

Continue reading...

Though the influx of varied SUVs have become a growing demand for people today, the Jeep Wrangler is still a vehicle surviving the crunch. Nothing typifies the measure of American muscle for hardcore riders other than what the Jeep Wrangler has brought and for that, it has been included in the 10 Coolest Cars for 2009.

“It doesn’t get any more all-American than a Jeep Wrangler,” said Dutch Mandel – Editor and Associate Publisher, AutoWeek. “And with its removable top and off-roading ability, you can drive it anywhere and have a ball doing it.”

“More than 68 years ago, Jeep created the SUV category with the introduction of the Wrangler,” said Mike Accavitti – Director Brand Marketing, Chrysler LLC. “Today, our Jeep Wrangler remains an icon, set apart by its purpose-built design and ultimate capability.”

Indeed, it is still an icon in the vehicle industry and despite the introduction of similar vehicles of its nature, it is apparent that the Jeep Wrangler will continue to live up to its billing and legend as a reliable SUV to have.

(Source) Press

Tags: american muscle, brand marketing, Chrysler, coolest cars, Jeep, jeep wrangler, summer car, suv category, suvs

Continue reading...

A new electric-powered SUV may be seen soon as Raser Technologies has announced that they will be unveiling a 100+ mpg SUV at the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) World Congress in Detroit, Michigan April 20-23, 2009. The Vehicle is powered by Raser’s E-REV powertrain and was developed in conjunction with Raser’s integration partner, FEV and a global automaker.

The full-size SUV is a four-wheel drive Extended-Range Electric Vehicle (E-REV) designed to achieve over 100 mpg in typical local daily driving with near zero emissions by driving up to 40 miles per day in all-electric mode.

Just one year ago, at the SAE World Congress, Raser announced it was developing an E-REV powertrain for use in full size SUVs and light trucks and had teamed with a leading OEM to build a demonstration SUV. This highly anticipated vehicle, featuring Raser’s electric powertrain, is now in road testing and will be unveiled and on display at this year’s show in FEV’s booth. In addition to SUVs, the powertrain is sized for application in many popular light trucks.

(Source) Press

Tags: electric mode, electric vehicle, fev, integration partner, light trucks, MPG, powertrain, raser technologies, sae world congress, society of automotive engineers, suvs, wheel, zero emissions

Continue reading...

Mercedes Benz is already a brand known for providing quality luxury vehicles but it looks like they are adding something more. The luxury car brand has added state of the art audio enhancements to their popular premium packages.

Mercedes-Benz will extend the availability of HD Radio technology on its vehicles to a total of 11 models. It will add six model year 2010 vehicles to the five that already offer the technology, including the CL-, CLS-, E-Coupe, S-, SL-, and SLK-Class models.

The digital audio system will be available as part of popular premium feature packages. Vehicles will be in dealerships by late summer. As announced in August 2008, HD Radio technology is already available in Mercedes M-, R-, GL-, G-Class SUVs and E-Class vehicles.

Available across the country, nearly 2,000 HD Radio stations are on the air with over 1,000 additional new multicast channels (HD2/HD3) that are exclusive to HD Radio listeners. These subscription-free channels feature digitally delivered new music and fresh formats, showcasing “Indie Rock,” “International Hits,” “Solid Gold,” “Pride Radio,” “Country/Southern Rock,” and much more. The technology also provides data services, such as artist names and song titles on the radio display screen.

(Source) Press

Tags: benz, E-Class, E-Coupe, G-Class, Mercedes, Pride, Radio, SLK-Class, suvs

Continue reading...

Make way for the next big thing in British-made sports cars. Things feel different behind the wheel of the £75,000 Trident Iceni. Surrounded by two-tone leather and a sculpted dash, you could be fooled into thinking TVR is back from the ashes. It feels like a properly put together car. But that is not the most remarkable thing about this British sports car. That honour belongs to the fact that despite its supercar looks and performance it actually sips less fuel than a Smart ForTwo.

The reason for its frugality – the makers claim it will achieve around 70mpg – is that almost uniquely in its class, it is powered by a diesel engine. Beneath the bonnet is a 6.6-litre, turbocharged direct injection ‘Duramax’ motor designed by Isuzu and built by GM. It’s identical to those that normally power bloated American SUVs, like the Chevrolet Silverado. The Iceni by contrast weighs a mere 1200kg, and has been tested up to 216mph, although Trident say they intend to govern it to 175mph.

This machine represents something that’s curiously absent from sports car design: a fresh approach. For all the talk of innovation, you could argue the big brand names have been accelerating in the wrong direction making faster and faster cars with more electronic driver aids but without giving a thought to the future of low emissions, high performance motoring. If nothing else, this British car redresses the balance.

(Source) Times Online

Tags: British-made, DuraMax, Iceni, Isuzu, leather, Silverado, Supercar, suvs, Trident

Continue reading...

Chalk up another feather in the cap of the all-new Subaru Forester as it was given the top rating of ‘Good’ in the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s new roof strength rating system. Designed to help consumers pick vehicles that will help protect them in rollover crashes, twelve small SUVs were tested with only four receiving a ‘good’ rating.

“The all-new Subaru Forester continues to deliver the highest levels of safety as evidenced by this new IIHS test,” said Tom Doll, chief operating officer for Subaru of America, Inc. “Safety is an important part of our brand promise and we at Subaru are proud of the renowned performance of our vehicles in crash testing as well as real-life accident conditions.”

More than 10,000 people a year are killed in rollovers. When vehicles roll, their roofs hit the ground, deform, and crush. Stronger roofs crush less, reducing the risk that people will be injured by contact with the roof itself. Stronger roofs also can prevent occupants, especially those who aren’t using safety belts, from being ejected through windows, windshields, or doors that have broken or opened because the roof has deformed. Roofs that don’t collapse help keep people inside vehicles as they roll.

(Source) Press

Tags: insurance institute for highway safety, renowned performance, safety belts, Subaru, subaru forester, subaru of america, subaru of america inc, suvs, windshields

Continue reading...

Mazda will be unveiling 3 new modified versions of their crossover SUVs at the 2009 New York International Auto Show. Mazda’s offerings will consist of the widely modified 2010 CX-9 and CX-7 crossover SUVs and the much awaited high-performing 5-door compact Mazda Speed 3.

The multi award-winning CX-9 is a seven-seat, three-row crossover SUV with special driving dynamics that is unparalleled in its category. The CX-9 for the MY 2010 will get an exterior and interior revision, more options and toughened up safety elements, while at the same time enhancing its Zoom-Zoom driving traits.

Building on the reputation of the preceding model, the 2010 Mazda Speed3 remains as one of the world’s fastest front-wheel drive car. It combines five-door practicality with a more aggressive and exciting performance to meet the requirements of fans with dynamic lifestyles.

(Source) Auto Spies

Tags: crossover suv, cx 7, lifestyles, Mazda, mazda cx 9, mazda speed 3, suvs

Continue reading...

Hyundai Ireland has announced a big price cut on all SUVs in the market to cater to the governing market conditions. To avail of the special scheme however, these offers are only valid from February 19 to March 31. Hyundai says that for this period it is offering substantial price savings across the Hyundai Tucson and the Hyundai Santa Fe ranges.

The 2.0 litre Hyundai Tucson range will now start from €24,995, and Hyundai says that gives savings of up to €5,000 available across the entire Tucson range.

It adds that the 2.2 litre Hyundai Santa Fe range will now start from € 34,995 – with claimed savings of up to €7,000 available across the Santa Fe range.

Also announced by Hyundai were discounts for those who register register an i10 , 120, or 130 in a similar period to the SUV offer. It is offering discounts from €1,000 for the i10 up to €3,000 for the i30 on the recommended retail price.

(Source) Galway Advertiser

Tags: Hyundai, hyundai santa fe, hyundai tucson, ireland, price source, recommended retail price, suvs

Continue reading...

Most cars we have today come with power steering. While we all love the ease in maneuvering and in making turns, we also have to be careful. For one, these are still auto mechanisms that need to be checked and if we are not careful, we may find ourselves in unlikely situations such as accidents when we are driving on the road.

Such was the declaration of General Motors as far as their trucks and SUVs are concerned. They are prone to losing power in steering and this was proven via some company testimonials and documentation.

Some drivers complain they must struggle to parallel park and navigate into tight spots. Others say they end up occupying two parking spaces because of difficulty turning the wheel. They say they were never told about the condition before buying the vehicles.

So if you think that power steering is a privilege, then perhaps you are right. However, be aware of the potential problems with power steering, a big help if you own a big truck or SUV from GM.

(Source) Star Telegram

Tags: Cars, General Motors, GM, parking spaces, suvs, trucks, turning the wheel

Continue reading...