Arriving in Chrysler dealers over the coming weeks is the latest Sebring convertible, of which we brought you news from the Los Angeles show in November. This month, we had the chance to drive the new droptop from Santa Monica to Simi Valley and back. Most preview trips are graced with fabulous weather, so it only stands to reason that sometimes Mother Nature may refuse to cooperate. In this case a cold, rainy day meant little experience with the top down for Vehicle Voice contributor Stephanie Brinley, though contributor Keagan Patrick's drive a few days later was less weather-challenged.

The Sebring Converitible is available in three flavors - retractable hardtop, cloth top convertible and vinyl top convertible. This breadth of selection is unique in the industry and will give the Sebring convertible a definite advantage when rental car agencies are selecting convertibles in their fleet. You might even be able to find Sebring retractable hardtops in Minneapolis.

Continue reading "2008 Chrysler Sebring Convertible: Still Rental-Car Heaven"

Posted by Stephanie Brinley at 01:40 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

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Having Trouble Getting Your Couch Potato in the Car? Chrysler and SIRIUS Offer a Solution
As you may have noticed from our Detroit auto show coverage, Chrysler's latest minivans, the Town and Country and Dodge Caravan (click for story and podcast), arrive this fall with several new features for making life on the road more pleasant and easier for the whole family. Today, Chrysler announced the latest development for family-friendly road trips: SIRIUS Backseat TV. Chrysler's George Murphy and Frank Klegon announced the new feature in New York, with a helping hand from SpongeBob SquarePants and some local kids. At first, SIRIUS Backseat TV will offer three channels, well chosen for families and include Nickelodeon, the Disney Channel, and the Cartoon Network. (One more channel is needed: ESPN, for Dads to watch while waiting for the beloved family to just get done shopping already! Or even better, for tailgating before the big game.)

SIRIUS Backseat TV uses an in-vehicle satellite video receiver and two roof-mounted antennas, and will complement the upcoming minivans dual-DVD rear-entertainment package nicely. It's already set up so that second and third rows can watch different media, and the addition of TV to the mix only increases options.

SIRIUS Backseat TV will be a $470 option and requires opting for the rear-seat entertainment package and SIRIUS satellite radio. That $470 includes the first year's subscription, but requires a subscription to SIRIUS satellite radio. Based on pricing for the single-DVD rear-entertainment systems for the 2008 Dodge Avenger and 2007MY minivans, it looks as though buyers might be able to get the SIRIUS Backseat TV and dual-DVD system for well under $2000. After the first year, SIRIUS Backseat TV costs $7 a month (after the first year) on top of the SIRIUS radio's $12.95 month fee.

Who Else Gets SIRIUS TV?
Initially, this system will only be available on Chrysler Group products, but the minivans won't be the only ones having the fun. The 2008MY Chrysler 300, Jeep Commander and Grand Cherokee, and Dodge Charger and Magnum will also offer the feature. What hasn't been indicated yet, though, is when SIRIUS will add TV stations, nor when TiVo or other DVR will be added to the whole shebang.

Posted by Stephanie Brinley at 02:37 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

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No, this is not your mother’s minivan. It is a full size, ‘more is better’, professional utility vehicle with European flair, and it’s not about to deliver Girl Scout cookies. It all began in the mid-1990’s when some Germans left their Mercedes-Benz Gelaendewagen inside the garage at their Austrian Chateau next to their R.V., after nine months they had ‘Sprinters’. These illegitimate lovechildren were gathered up by Freightliner and Dodge (Both currently Daimler Chrysler companies) branded ‘Sprinter’ and sold mainly for commercial use. Sprinter’s ended up replacing the Mercedes-Benz T1 in Europe (which dated back to 1977) and eventually the Dodge Ram Van in the North American market, which is really where our story begins.

VehicleVoice and AutoPacific correspondent Keagan Patrick reviews the new Sprinter.

Continue reading "2007 Dodge Sprinter – All New Work Truck in a European Van Body"

Posted by Keagan Patrick at 02:28 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

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Just a few years ago, I never thought I would drive a Hyundai priced over $38,000, but today I did. This was an all-wheel-drive Hyundai Veracruz Limited with the Ultimate package. The Veracruz is Hyundai's new top-of-the-line Crossover SUV. Basically, it had all the boxes checked. Think of it this way... a 2008 Lexus RX350 base base base MSRP is $37,400. Think FWD, cloth seats and not much equipment. Begin adding equipment, like AWD and leather seats, and that will take it well above $38,000 and you quickly go above the top-priced Veracruz. Of course, Veracruz' pricing starts at around $27,000 and that makes it seem more like the Hyundai value proposition we are accustomed to.

VehicleVoice and AutoPacific staffers were suitably impressed with the new Veracruz which is at dealers now.

The Veracruz is based on the same platform as the lower-priced Hyundai Santa Fe that has been a winner for Hyundai since it was launched a generation ago. Santa Fe is the winner of six straight AutoPacific Vehicle Satisfaction Awards - no small feat. If that is any indication, Veracruz will be a strong contender in the Premium Mid-Size Crossover SUV category.

Vehicle Configuration - Unitized Body, V6-powered, IRS

Based on the Santa Fe, Veracruz has a stiff unitized body with Macpherson strut front suspension and an independent rear suspension. Veracruz is powered by a version of Hyundai's Lambda V6 engine family - 3.8L V6 with 260-horsepower and 257 foot pounds of torque. It has Hyundai's 6-speed automatic transmission with Shiftronic.

Driving the Veracruz - Perfectly Acceptable; Almost Lexus-like

Driving the Veracruz showed a vehicle that is equal to or better than the RX350 and has a better package. In other words, the Veracruz is easier to get into and out of. Its cargo room seems more commodious. Visibility is excellent. The seats, for my porky body, may be a bit small. Cases in point. The cushion length seems short even for my 5th percentile legs. The seat back seems a bit too narrow and does not give much lateral support. This is just picking nits. Overall, the Veracruz is a winner. And, in some ways, seems to be more of a piece than the vaunted Lexus.

Not All is Perfect - Nits to Pick

What were some other nits? Well, the interior door handles are black instead of the more traditional chrome or nickel plating. We'd prefer the nickel plating (which corresponds to the other brightwork on the Veracruz), but Hyundai stylists actually preferred the black. The digital clock was difficult to read in bright sunlight and needed some sort of lip to block the sunlight. The 3.8L V6 was a bit raspy under hard acceleration. Sounded more like a run-of-the-mill SUV than the top-of-the-line.

The Good Stuff - Almost Everything Else

But other than these small issues that are easily adjusted if Hyundai cares to, the vehicle was outstanding. Good ride quality. Good NVH - meaning it was relatively quiet under all situations except hard acceleration as noted above. Controls felt good and were easy to understand. Filips include side mirror turn signals with puddle lamps, projector (but not HID) headlamps, blue backlit instrumentation and blue lighted scuff plates in the upper models.

Seven Passenger Seating - 3rd Row is Usable for Smaller Folks

The thing that differentiates Veracruz most from its Santa Fe stablemate is that Veracruz is 100% 7-passenger. Only about a quarter of Santa Fe buyers select the 7-passenger version. Frankly, I'd like for Veracruz to be available in a 5-passenger version as well - more cargo room. The 3rd row seat is adequate as can be seen here with journalist Gary Vasilash and Hyundai Product Planning VP John Krafcik crammed in the rear. These are both smaller guys, so at least large children can be accommodated.

Continue reading "2007 Hyundai Veracruz - I Drive a $38,000 Hyundai"

Posted by George Peterson at 08:16 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

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Audi's pricing for the new R8 sports car is about in line with what we at AutoPacific and VehicleVoice have been expecting. The humorous side to their pricing announcement, however, are the option packages and free standing options. These guys must have taken a page from Porsche's book of optioning their cars. First, their "Convenience Package" including a 6-disc CD changer, Homelink, Bluetooth, auto dimming mirrors should be standard. The other free standing options are OK as options with the exception of the navigation system. Should be standard. Oh, well.

Audi's Slightly Edited Press Release

Audi of America has announced pricing for the all-new 2008 R8 sports car. The R8 with a six-speed manual transmission will have a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $109,000 when it launches this fall in the United States. Models equipped with the six-speed R tronic automatic gearbox will start at $118,000. (That's $9,000 for an automatic transmission - possibly a new record!)

The R8 is the first mid-engine sports car Audi has ever produced. With a 420 hp V8 4.2L FSI engine and rear-biased quattro® all-wheel drive system, the R8 has the performance capabilities unlike any Audi before it. With a zero to 60 mph time of 4.4 seconds and a top speed of 187 mph, the R8 is the fastest Audi ever produced. The lightweight aluminum frame and body and 44:56 front-to-rear weight distribution give the R8 tremendous handling capabilities, with the balance expected of a mid-engine sports car.

Continue reading "Audi R8 Pricing - If Only I Had $125,000"

Posted by George Peterson at 04:06 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

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Infiniti gave us a clear idea of where the second-generation G coupe and sedan were headed in January 2006 with the Infiniti Coupe Concept at the Detroit auto show, following it up with the G35 sedan introduction at the 2006 New York show. After bringing you news of both introductions (coupe and sedan) as well as the first VehicleVoice driving impressions of the sedan in prior posts, we're able to bring you the first photos of Infiniti's image coupe. At this year's New York show, Infiniti officially takes the wraps off the G37 coupe. The show is days away, but here is the first look.

The change from G35 to G37 is no error; even as Infiniti's own homepage now only refers to models by letter, the new engine is worth calling attention to. The coupe gets the new engine, a 330HP (estimated) 3.7L V6 with variable valve timing and lift and a wide range of new or improved dynamic and convenience features. The extra power, a nice bump compared to 2007MY's 275HP or 297HP depending on transmission selected, does not carry with it a fuel economy penalty, according to Infiniti. Also new with the coupe is an Infiniti four-wheel active steering (the Infiniti M already offers rear active steer) system. Features available on the G and other 2008 model-year products include Infiniti's new hard-drive navigation or music system (MusicBox), XM NavTraffic (real-time traffic and navigation), rear-view parking camera, intelligent cruise control, and adaptive forward lighting.

Sales of the new car are set for August 2007 here in the States.

Though the production level rear styling is basically the same as the concept shown in 2006 (including LED taillights), the front lost some of the concept's angular edges and creases, to our disappointment if no one else's. The G coupe still carries a terrific profile and silhouette, where there was not much change from concept to production.

Posted by Stephanie Brinley at 12:48 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

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Hyundai Motor America teased us recently with renderings of the concept of its upcoming BH rear wheel drive luxury car. The car will be shown at the 2007 New York Auto Show and HMA has released the following photographs of the concept...

As expected, the photographs of the Genesis concept show a much less radical sedan than the artist's renderings. Renderings, of course, are usually "cheated" to emphasize cues the stylist prefers. Gone is the radical CLS roofline. But other aspects of the concept - like the front end appearance, likely will be "adjusted" prior to introduction.

In profile, the Genesis looks very BMW-ish, yes?

Posted by George Peterson at 04:00 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

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Only days ahead of the 2007 New York Auto Show, Buick revealed its 2008 model year Lucerne and LaCrosse, as well as announcing the return of the Super trim level. Though not used in fifty years, Buick's mid-twentieth-century Super models indicated the top of the range, the most special, premium Buicks you could get. Supers appeared in Buick's range from 1940 to 1950 (not including WWII years, of course). Among them were the 1940 Super Estate Wagon and the 1958 Super Riviera Coupe. It may be a stretch to see Buick as the Super brand it used to be, but these powertrain updates give Buick top-end bragging rights among front-drive large luxury cars. (We first brought you news of the LaCrosse Super back in May 2006.)

Fast forward to 2008MY, and V8 power is at the core of both the new Lucerne and LaCrosse Super, though not the same V8. Both also get new, large waterfall grilles similar to the Velite concept of 2004 as well as the 2008 Enclave SUV for a the 2008 range that looks more like a family. The adaptation of the large, flowing grille is better done on the LaCrosse than the Lucerne, though both result in a heavy-looking nose.

OPINION

VehicleVoice and AutoPacific staffers are quick to compliment General Motors for adding higher power and higher performance models to their lineup. Adding the Super models to the Buick LaCrosse and Lucerne brings back credibility to the Buick lineup and should attract "mature" well-heeled drivers to the cars. Buick has always been the car for the country doctor or dentist or the town lawyer (probably now driving a BMW). These are cars that they will not have to apologize for, but will take time for them to be noticed.

The Management

Continue reading "Buick Revives Super: 2007 New York Auto Show"

Posted by Stephanie Brinley at 12:29 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

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The weekly Cars & Coffee meet at Ford's Premier Automotive Group Headquarters in Irvine always brings a potpourri of interesting cars. From oldsters to the most recent exotics, Cars & Coffee is an egalitarian event showcasing interesting cars from all eras. As often as possible - or when we get up early enough - AutoPacific and VehicleVoice staffers attend Cars & Coffee.

This week, a lineup of Chrysler 300s, Dodge Chargers and Dodge Magnums rolled into the event and dominated more than a row of show space.

The Chrysler 300s rumbled in and ranged from stock to heavily modified. Some of the modifications were very well done and probably should be considered for production. Others were overdone... showing a lack of sophistication and taste. They took over more than a row of the show space and attracted interest from both older and younger spectators.

Bentley vs. Maybach - Which Would You Take?

This probably is one the few Maybachs that may be privately owned. What hotel would have a license plate "WHEEEE"? Of course, ridiculous to sublime. Is the Bentley the ridiculous car or the Maybach?

Line of Classic Mercedes Sandwiched Between Ferraris

There were a fair amount of Ferraris, a couple of Astons, a Callaway S7, several Ford GTs and even this line of classic Mercedes roadsters at today's Cars & Coffee. While the current exotics got a tremendous amount

Golden Retriever Woodie Combination

The Golden Retriever in the backseat of this great looking Woodie considered everybody a friend. What a great combo - Golden and a pristine Woodie. Don't even think about the dog hair.

Made Me Remember My 1969 Boss 302 Mustang

This new Saleen Mustang is the Parnelli Jones edition... costs a bit over $60,000. Painted Grabber orange just like Parnelli's Trans Am Mustangs of the late '60s and early '70s, this car made me lust after a new one. (The 1969 was notoriously unreliable... had fragile piston skirts and valve train offset by a 50,000 mile powertrain warranty). The backlite louvers reminded me of what a bitch it was to get the snow out of the louvers when the car was parked back to the wind. No rear window defroster. Snow caked under and between the louvers. Frostbitten hands.

Lovingly Restored 1967 Ford F250 Ranger Camper Special

My personal favorite was this 1967 Ford F250 Ranger Camper Special. Lovingly restored, the Camper Special had been taken apart piece-by-piece and brought back to better than new condition. Having been the "chief heater hose engineer" on Ford Trucks as an engineering grad trainee, I appreciated the attention to detail even in routing the hoses under the hood. Wow, nice job. Note, the truck has an auxiliary fuel tank.

Posted by George Peterson at 08:17 AM | Permalink | Comments (2)

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We must have been asleep at the switch. Not paying as close attention to the medium truck market as we do to the light truck market, AutoPacific and VehicleVoice staffers were tipped to the Sterling Bullet by our colleague Bill Senefsky of Automotive West Group. Actually Sterling went public with the Bullet on March 6. Public introduction is in late Fall, 2007.

Apparently Dodge dealers are a bit "miffed" by Sterling getting this hardcore work truck. The question has to be asked, however, what will be the future of the Sterling Bullet when Chrysler Group is spun away from DaimlerChrysler? Will there be a clause in the deal maintaining the product or will it be still-born?

The Sterling Bullet is a mild derivative of the heavy duty Dodge Ram. Part of DaimlerChrysler's Freightliner universe, Sterling got its mitts on the 6.7L Cummins turbo diesel Ram and put its own front fenders lights and grille on the body in white. Their website shows two cabstyles - regular cab and quad cab - unlike Dodge, there is no Mega Cab. There is also no "pickup" version but several commercial versions - "Wrecker", "Flatbed", "Dump", "Crane", "Contractor", "Box", "Tow", "Service". The Bullet is available in 4x2 and 4x4 versions with either cabstyle.

The press release for the Bullet is below the fold.

Continue reading "Sterling Bullet - AKA Dodge Ram 4500 and 5500"

Posted by George Peterson at 04:26 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)

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Imola is the name of a little town in Italy, located on the plains to the east of the Apennine Mountains. The region is filled with such passion for racing cars it makes Laguna Seca seem like Autopia at Disneyland. If you close your eyes you can envision the great marques making their way through the Italian countryside, nose to tail, a little road rashed, weaving their way through the hills at red line. Ferraris, Alfas, Maseratis, have all cut their teeth in and around the town of Imola. The Mille Miglia even ran through the hills behind Imola. Therefore, it seems quite fitting that Audi used ‘Imola’ to describe the yellow paint stuck to the exterior of this particular 2007 S4.

Mild Mannered?
If not for the Imola Yellow paint this S4 could have been merely a mild mannered four-door sedan and perhaps a more mature color would have been more appropriate. A more muted color would make the S4 a true Q-Ship. The S4’s main body lacks the muscular fender flares found on its more aggressive brother, the RS4, and the badging is subtle. For the most part the S4 mirrors the basic A4, but packs a bigger punch with a 4.2L V8 with 340 normally aspirated horsepower (A4 w/3.2L V6 is @ 255 hp), a six-speed manual and Quattro AWD. The same 4.2L V8 found in the larger A6 Sedan.

Continue reading "2007 Audi S4 – Holy Imola!"

Posted by Keagan Patrick at 01:26 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

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The following letter arrived from Ms. Caryn Griffith of Winfield, Illinois. She has had an ongoing issue with replacement headlamps on her 1999 Mercury Cougar. As you read her comments you can feel her frustration with the way her dealer(s) and Ford Motor Company are handling her problem. She details problems with replacement parts for an older car. Replacement headlamps are in short or no supply for her car. Her insurance company has told her that her car is dangerous to drive without the headlamps being replaced. And she is unhappy with the way Ford has reacted. Read on.

"Anger, frustration, no results…this is what I’ve experienced over the past several months. Over the past 3 ½ months, I’ve been without my car, due to lack of organization and stocking of headlamps by the Ford Motor Company. What aggravates me the most is that the Ford Motor Company doesn’t seem to show any remorse for the inconvenience I’ve endured as a customer. Nor have they had an initiative to take responsibility for their company’s actions. It is also implied that because they are such a large company and seem to have so much influence over the economy and society, it seems that no one is willing to take a stand for the consumer.

This is a shortened version of my very unpleasant story.

On October 2, 2006, my 1999 Mercury Cougar was damaged due to the flooding rains that we had that evening in the west suburbs of Illinois. When I took my car in for repairs to the Westgate Lincoln Mercury Dealer, on October 9, 2006, I wanted to have the headlights looked at because they contained puddles of rainwater inside them. I found out that the entire headlight