Forbes version of top worst American cars of 2006:
1. Dodge Sprinter van
2. Ford Crown Victoria sedan
3. Mercury Grand Marquis sedan
4. Pontiac Grand Prix sedan
5. Ford E-Series van
6. Dodge Durango SUV
7. Dodge Ram 1500 pickup
8. Buick Terraza minivan
9. Chevrolet Uplander minivan
10. Pontiac SV6 minivan
11. Saturn Relay minivan
12. Saturn Ion coupe and sedan
13. Ford Ranger pickup
Blogger Chuck Goolsbee post cool photo sent one of his readers from Auckland, New Zealand:
Somewhere in Auckland there??™s a 1976 Cortina Station Wagon with a vinyl roof, louvres and a Supercheap Autos 5 speed gear knob driving around with 21??? wheels worth around $40k!
chuck.goolsbee.org
Behold the facelifted Renault Scenic. The Scenic gets updated with the new grille. Tthe lower intake is larger, and the foglights residing in it have been moved further outboard. Headlights are updated to get an “HID look,” and the taillights now use LEDs. If the integral paint option is selected, the rub strips and door handles get finished in the same color as the rest of the bodywork.
Renault has improved fit ,finish and durability and incorporated higher-quality materials throughout. Complementing those changes is improved soundproofing aimed at creating a more serene cabin environment when underway.
In the case of the Grand Scenic, the addition of a 5-seat variant that deletes the third row seating means more interior storage capacity for that particular model. New creature comforts now pepper the options sheet, too. These include a CD/MP3 stereo, a fixed panoramic roof, darker privacy glass, and front/rear parking sensors. Additional new convenience options like an automatic parking brake and rain-sensitive wipers also appear as part of the model’s freshenng.
Finally, two new engines join the roster of available powerplants: a range-topping 2.0-liter dCi with 150 hp and Sc?©nic’s first diesel automatic, the 1.9-liter dCi FAP Auto (FAP = particulate filter).
Take a look on spy shot of new 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer. The Lancer will ride on the Dodge Caliber/Jeep Compass/Patriot platform and will debut in late 2007 or early in 2008 as a 2009 model. The Ralliart is up after that and will feature a turbo motor and all-wheel drive. Finally, in late ’07 or early ’08, the EVO X will crash the party with a 300-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder.
AutoWeek.com
DaimlerChrysler will begin sale a hybrid version of S-Class luxury sedan in 2008. Whereas the LS600h L is a full hybrid pairing a 4.3L V8 with a pair of electric motors, the Mercedes-Benz S-Class hybrid will likely be a mild hybrid. Both the Direct Hybrid and Bluetec Hybrid concepts shown at the 2005 Frankfurt motor were mild hybrids, meaning the electric motors only assist the engine, though the former paired its electric motor with a 3.5-liter gasoline engine and the latter used the 3.0-liter Bluetec diesel.
Take a look on spy shots of new 2008 Lexus IS500. The Lexus IS500 will be a more potent version of the IS sedan that currently tops out at 306 horsepower in IS350 trim (that’s with a 3.5L V6). This prototype has all the sporty cues: an aggressive front air dam that appears to take inspiration from Lexus’ LF-A sports car, subtly integrated fender flares, and a deep rear bumper with uniquely stacked dual-exhaust tips.
The most logical engine powering this beast would be the 4.6-liter V-8 introduced in the new Lexus LS460, which, if in the same state of tune, would mean 380 hp and 370 lb-ft of torque.
We can take a first look at the Volvo XC90 SE Sport on next week at London’s British Motor Show. Volvo XC90 Sport SE a new take on the Swedish SUV that applies suspension and appearance mods to give it a more dynamic attitude on-road. The suspension tuning was refined in Great Britain and consists of stiffer shocks and anti-roll bars to give the ute more bite when cornering. In addition, the speed-sensitive power steering is now more responsive. The XC90’s self-leveling system also gets tweaked to complete the suite of handling upgrades.
Chris Pauwels has set digital pen to virtual screen to come up with his best guess at what the next CTS will look like when it arrives in the near future.
As you can see on the 2007 GMC CTS, Cadillac will be dipping back into the well with side vents similar to those that we have seen on the all new 2007 Cadillac Escalade. An apparent 2007 Cadillac CTS design that will become standard across its entire line-up of RWD vehicles.
Obviously the all new Cadillac CTS will feature an all-new front and rear facia. What is not pictured is the rear, which we believe the taillights do not crease up and over the trunk as in Hans chop. On this front 3/4th shot by Pauwels one can clearly see the crease that begins on the front fender and makes its way up towards the rear door giving the CTS a nice, athletic stance.
Hot girls (blonde as pilot) destroyed police UAZ (SUV produced for russian army) in Kiev, Ukraine capital.
Comment from blonde pilot: “Goat!” (UAZ nickname and russian swear word).
Comment from cops: “Bitches!”
GM and Ford companies have announced plans to drop light trucks and focus on new crossovers. TrailBlazer and Envoy SUVs are on the way out, with a scheduled 2009 restyling cancelled. The Ford cutting the Monterey minivan, with the Ford Freestar (on pic) retiring soon.
GM plans new-generation SUV’s – the GMC Acadia, Saturn Outlook and Buick Enclave, while Ford plans to develop Ford Fairlane concept for both the Ford and Lincoln brands.