We've seen the Ford Flex on numerous occasions over the past two years - auto shows, press events, etc and have been pretty impressed with the style and the package of Ford's upcoming Crossover SUV. The Flex is a seven-passenger Crossover based on the Ford Taurus/Taurus X/Sable platform which itself is based on the Volvo S80. So, what makes the Flex different from the Taurus X that has the same DNA?

Flex Has Personality Taurus X Lacks

First, the Flex has style. It looks like a huge Mini Clubman and I don't intend that as an insult. Rumor has it that the initial theme for the styling of the Flex was developed by the Land Rover studios in England and then Ford opted to use the concept as its Ford Fairlane concept vehicle that received positive reviews at its first viewing at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit.

The interior is very well done and has excellent ingress/egress. The relatively stiff A-Pillar and gives a large front door with a generous opening. The rear doors are large making for very easy ingress/egress. Ford says the rear seat has five inches more knee room than an Expedition. The 3rd row seat folds flat into the floor, but it is not as slick as that on the Expedition and Navigator which has power assist. The seats are comfortable giving good support.

Flex is one of the first vehicles to benefit from Ford's new DNA for door closing sounds, engine sound, material feel, etc. These minor touches give the Flex a very upscale feel even though it is tough to get its price over $40,000. Base price is under $30,000 and there is a logical walk upwards from the base (still well-equipped) vehicle to the range topping Limited.

Public Will Warm Up to Flex

Walking around the Flex display at Fabulous Fords Forever this past weekend at Knott's Berry Farm, I kibitzed as folks crawled over the Flex. They seemed genuinely surprised at the interior roominess of the vehicle and the size of the rear seat. They appeared to like the styling even though it is a bit polarizing (love-hate). One woman wondered if this was the "next minivan". Another thought it was bigger than her Suburban. In any event, Flex elicited mostly positive reactions and should sell very well when it is launched inlate summer.

Posted by George Peterson at 04:45 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

subscribe and share

Subscribe with RSS Feedburner

Continue reading "2009 Honda Pilot: Everything to Everyone?" »

Posted by Katrina Ohlemacher at 08:12 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

subscribe and share

Subscribe with RSS Feedburner

Went up to Santa Monica on Monday, April 17 expecting to drive the new Pontiac G8 and Pontiac Vibe, but Buick Pontiac GMC management slipped in a new Buick Lucerne Super to drive as well. You know the Lucerne. It's a modern interpretation of the General Motors Land Barge. We've evaluated both 6-cylinder and 8-cylinder Lucernes before and like the car. It's big, comfortable, effortless to drive. It's a car that won't turn off Buick's 72 year old buyer base.

Lucerne Super - Evolves Buick DNA

Well, the Lucerne Super is a bit different. As Engineering Program Manager Karen Nicklin explains, "This is not your bloaty boaty Buick". She's right. The car feels solid and confident at its first movement. The steering is quicker. The suspension is tauter. The engine is stronger (by only 17-horsepower for a total of 292HP). Dynamically, these adjustments result in a car that feels competent and confidence inspiring. It is not a sports sedan by any means, but it is a damn fine big sedan.

Nicklin is with GM's Performance Division. They work on things like the Buick LaCrosse Super, the Chevrolet Cobalt SS, the Cadillac CTS-V... the stuff that drivers like to drive.

So, you'd expect the upgrades on the Lucerne to be only performance enhancing. Au contraire! There are numerous exterior and interior detail upgrades as well. Super has a unique front fascia and bolder grille while carrying over the fenders and hood. The rear can be distinguished by larger exhausts. Nicklin admits to being first an interior engineer and it shows in the attention to detail in the interior: Leather padded instrument panel cover. Different material tones on the instrument panel appliques. Unique steering wheel, etc.

Give Buick Buyers the Opportunity to Drive the Best

Interestingly, the Lucerne Super is not in the lineup to bring in droves of new buyers. Its volume expectations are relatively modest at 6,000 units per year (500 per month). And it is not to drive down the age of the Buick buyer base. It is to provide those discerning Lucerne customers who want uncompromising transportation the opportunity to drive the best. Interesting strategy.

Priced at $40,000 with the only major options being a Navigation System, moonroof and chrome wheels, Lucerne provides an excellent car that should appeal to Buick buyers who want to drive rather than be driven... and may even bring in new customers to the Buick store. The car is in production now and should just be arriving at Buick dealerships around the country.

Posted by George Peterson at 02:32 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

subscribe and share

Subscribe with RSS Feedburner

A New Coupe, A Year Away
Hyundai spent their New York auto show time introducing their new rear-drive sporty coupe, the Genesis Coupe. Related to the Genesis sedan on sale this summer, the coupe arrives in spring 2009.

Genesis sits on Hyundai's first in-house rear-drive car platform. The stylish coupe tames down its looks from the concept introduced in Los Angeles in November 2007, but mostly in losing hood scoops and refining lights, front grille, and spoiler shapes. What Hyundai held back for introduction was that the powertrain lineup includes a turbocharged and intercooled 212HP 2.0L I4 as the base engine. The 3.8L V6 arrives as expected, but most figured the second powertrain would be the sedan's V8.

Continue reading "New York Auto Show 2008 - 2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe" »

Posted by Stephanie Brinley at 09:45 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

subscribe and share

Subscribe with RSS Feedburner

It's All About the Look
Pontiac introduced a hardtop version of the extroverted Solstice at this year's New York auto show, along with the G8 GXP and G8 ST. As cool as it looks, don't rush to the dealer. Your Solstice coupe won't be there until early 2009.

The Solstice coupe looks great. With the same engines and suspension setup as the roadster, you can bet it'll be just as fun on the road. But Pontiac built in compromises with a lift-off roof panel, liftglass (versus tailgate), and useless but nicely styled rear quarter windows. Yes, small coupes always offer less interior and cargo space and poor visibility compared with sedans and SUVs. Small, sporty coupes (or convertibles) are always compromised. But the compromises don't need to be this obvious.

Continue reading "New York Auto Show 2008 - 2009 Pontiac Solstice Coupe" »

Posted by Stephanie Brinley at 09:55 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

subscribe and share

Subscribe with RSS Feedburner

Kia's New York auto show stage held both concept and production surprises. We believe that the KOUP concept, though too cutely named, hints at the next-generation Spectra. Kia described the KOUP as "closer to production than you might think," strongly hinting Kia may add the coupe itself. The production surprise was the facelifted 2009 Optima. This new look takes Optima a step forward.

Continue reading "New York Auto Show 2008 - A Pair from Kia" »

Posted by Stephanie Brinley at 06:19 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

subscribe and share

Subscribe with RSS Feedburner

The next time someone calls my Cooper S “cute” I think I’ll commit a felony. While I understand the sentiment, it misses most of what a MINI is.

At the New York Auto Show Jim McDowell, Vice President – Marketing, MINI USA introduced the John Cooper Works MINI to North America with a reminder that MINI has racing in it’s blood, including Monte Carlo Rally wins in 1964, 1965, 1967. John Cooper has been synonymous with the high-performance MINIs for forty years. Earlier this year, MINI acquired John Cooper Works JCW as a sub brand of MINI.

Continue reading "New York Auto Show 2008 – MINI JCW Brings History Up to Date" »

Posted by Dan Hall at 04:33 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

subscribe and share

Subscribe with RSS Feedburner

In a town where most tans are purchased and delivered indoors, BMW offered the US release of the outdoor Ultimate Tanning Machine, the M3 Convertible.

Strolling Miami and LA beaches for years, the 3 series convertible has become iconic for the look-at-me yuppie set. Many have been delivered to brand-enthusiasts with little care for the vehicle’s performance potential. In recent years, however, BMW has offered up M versions of the coupe and convertible to those drawn to open top tanning and motoring. The coupe M3 launched in 1986 and two years later the first BMW M3 Convertible hit the streets.

Continue reading "New York Auto Show 2008: BMW’s Ultimate Tanning Machine is about to get more interesting." »

Posted by Dan Hall at 01:58 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

subscribe and share

Subscribe with RSS Feedburner

We’ve liked the Fit since it was first imported from Japan for US Sales in April 2006. Conceptually very good, but lacking a sporty look. The second generation of the Fit for US sales gets a lot better looking, as well as some package improvements to make it more compelling. “The goal is to provide entry-level vehicle customers with functionality and refinement that’s a class above,” said Dick Colliver. “Buying a Fit is a choice, not a compromise.” Ah yes. A nod to the aspirational small car.

Continue reading "New York Auto Show 2008 – Improved Honda Fit" »

Posted by Dan Hall at 11:24 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

subscribe and share

Subscribe with RSS Feedburner

VehicleVoice covered the reveal at last Month’s Chicago Auto Show of the 2008 challenger SRT-8. With 435 hp culled out of its 6.1 liter Hemi V-8, it’s sure to be true to the muscle car image of its sheetmetal. Today, New York is host to the kinder, gentler, 2009 Challenger model line, if that’s possible. In reality, the real focus here is on the volume of these models, the Challenger R/T with a 5.7-liter Hemi V-8 and the Challenger SE with the Challenger SE with a 3.6-liter V-6.

Continue reading "New York Auto Show 2008: 2009 Dodge Challenger" »

Posted by Dan Hall at 10:09 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

subscribe and share

Subscribe with RSS Feedburner

Coupe SUV Refined
The next new Infiniti arrives in June 2008, in the form of an updated FX, and facing new competition from the only other coupe-SUV in the BMW X6. The new FX offers more power from a refined 302HP 3.5L V6 or an all-new 390HP 5.0L V8, with all-wheel drive still optional. There is a new standard seven-speed automatic transmission, new electronic aids for crash avoidance and easier city driving, and even self-healing paint. Infiniti gave the FX a worldwide introduction at the Geneva motor show, launching the brand in Europe at the same time, the U.S. introduction is at the 2008 New York Auto Show.

The FX keeps its unique overall shape, with short overhangs and coupe-style roofline, but a slightly longer wheelbase makes for a longer hood and better-proportioned stance. Everything about the FX has been tucked and reshaped. The reshaped integrated rear spoiler and tailgate surround are bodycolor, though the tailgate opening looks as though it is smaller this time. There are still dual exhaust pipes, but the shape of the lower rear fascia is smoother. The new LED taillights carry a more distinct, decorative shape than the prior car.

Continue reading "New York Auto Show 2008: 2009 Infiniti FX" »

Posted by Stephanie Brinley at 11:37 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

subscribe and share

Subscribe with RSS Feedburner

402HP and Six-Speed Manual. Sign Me Up.
Pontiac has a new flagship sedan in the Australian-built G8 sedan, which we drove recently (read review). The line is already in expansion mode, with upcoming versions introduced at the 2008 New York Auto Show. The more traditional of the two additive models is the 2009 GXP.

Putting fuel-cost concerns aside, I find the GXP more interesting. Given the tight chassis and sound handling of the G8s we've already driving, the GXP promises to be a real treat. The GXP, which is set for launch later in 2008 as a 2009MY product, takes GM's 6.2L LS3 V8 to give the range a 402HP entry and an optional all-new Tremec six-speed manual transmission, though the GXP comes standard with the six-speed autobox.

Along with the extra power, the GXP's nose takes a lower splitter and the rear gets a rear fascia diffuser. Inside, it gets more standard equipment, including two-tone leather seats, XM radio, an uplevel Blaupunkt audio system, power front seats, leather-trimmed steering wheel, and alloy sport pedals. The GXP also makes XM satellite radio standard, and expect that feature to join the options list for the rest of the 2009 G8 range.

Posted by Stephanie Brinley at 10:56 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

subscribe and share

Subscribe with RSS Feedburner

The new coupe and sedan will arrive in showrooms this week.

Posted by dbarrett at 05:02 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

subscribe and share

Subscribe with RSS Feedburner

This week, BMW dealers across the United States began receiving the initial run of the new BMW 1 Series Coupe. Previewed on video (watch) by AutoPacific during the Los Angeles International Auto Show, the coupe looks even better on the showroom floor. While some dealers greed factor could be seen on the window sticker (between $2,000 and $5,000 over sticker), the real sales prices are more likely to be at or near the manufacturers price ($28,600 MSRP for the 128i ).

The 1 Series represents a significant step for BMW. As the 3 Series has become larger with each new edition, room has opened up at the bottom of the model range for a new addition. And the 1 Series is only new in America - European models being available since 2004. The 1 Series is currently the only vehicle in its class featuring rear-wheel drive and a longitudinally-mounted engine

Continue reading "BMW 1 Series Arrives Plus Cabrio Update" »

Posted by dbarrett at 10:40 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

subscribe and share

Subscribe with RSS Feedburner

Video is rapidly becoming an important component for any new, magazine, or entertainment website. At VehicleVoice, we’ve been using video for nearly two years and we want to make certain you know how useful and entertaining our video stories can be.

Our video stories are typically fairly short, so you can enjoy them during a coffee break, or while waiting for that report to print. Two recent surveys show that more than three quarters of the people who use the Internet watch an hour or more of video every week. And, a huge percentage of that audience takes advantage of the lunch hour to enjoy the various video clips and stories now being posted everywhere from CNN to political campaigns to your own private website -- to, yup, right here at VehicleVoice.

Continue reading "Video Reviews, Test Drives, and Opinion from VehicleVoice" »

Posted by dbarrett at 10:36 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

subscribe and share

Subscribe with RSS Feedburner

As you've no doubt heard, the Pontiac G8 is but one example of GM's growing global strategy, built in Australia by GM's Holden division. Only fully approved in November 2006, production began in November 2007 and the first cars landed on U.S. shores and were being shipped to dealers this week. After seeing the car's introduction at the 2007 Chicago auto show, we were thrilled to get a chance behind the wheel.

One of Pontiac's successes with this project we heard before we even got behind the wheel: The base price is only $27,595; moving to the G8 GT and its V8 engine means you have to shell out $29,995. Fully optioned, the car is less than $33,000. These prices make the G8 an exceptional deal, coming in with a lower MSRP its closest competitor, the Dodge Charger SXT and R/T.

We started the driving day with base G8 and its 256HP 3.6L V6 and five-speed automatic transmission. The V6 gives you usable power, whether merging onto the highway or passing an aged pickup truck on some California two-lane. It is responsive and strong, though a heavy right foot was sometimes necessary to keep the pressure on. The five-speed holds gears to high rpm under heavy throttle, enabling access to all 256HP when you want it, even in Drive. But both versions offer a sport shift. Manumatics aren't my cup of tea, but GM calibrated these to allow driver-controlled upshifts all the way to redline. Whether five gears of the G8 or six of the G8 GT, the transmissions allow you to pull all you can out of both very willing engines. Along with enough power for entertaining driving, the V6 delivers satisfying exhaust and engine notes.

Continue reading "2008 Pontiac G8: Style and Substance" »

Posted by Stephanie Brinley at 03:06 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

subscribe and share

Subscribe with RSS Feedburner

Formal Worldwide Reveal Set for Geneva Auto Show
Volvo is among several luxury makes adding smaller and smaller crossover SUVs over the coming years, as consumers get more concerned about fuel economy and worldwide regulations get tighter. Whether the European CO2-emissions regulations or U.S. CAFÉ standards, the combination of buyer sensitivity and governmental interference means smaller, more efficient, and lighter vehicles are on the horizon.

The XC60 goes on sale in the States in early 2009, and will be offered with only one powertrain. This single powertrain, a 285HP six-cylinder, should provide a nice combination between get-up-and-go and efficiency. Judging by these photos, I'm looking forward to seeing the XC60 on the road and getting my chance behind the wheel. Smaller and better-looking than the aging XC90, its size is better suited to my own life. U.S. buyers get their first look in March at the New York auto show.

There are buyers for whom small but Spartan will not be acceptable, and they are being targeted with vehicles like the XC60. Small, nimble, but still practical in both cargo and their cost-per-mile. Volvo looks to sell 50,000 XC60s around the world, with the United States one of the top five markets. These entries are not poised to take the lion's share of SUV sales, but they will be important for the bottom line, for meeting regulations, and for keeping market share.

Enough talk. More photos, plus Volvo's official release, below the fold.

Continue reading "2009 Volvo XC60: First Official Pictures" »

Posted by Stephanie Brinley at 08:46 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

subscribe and share

Subscribe with RSS Feedburner

Suzuki Goes to Nissan for a Truck
Looking at Suzuki's new Equator, introduced at the Chicago auto show, you can see a Nissan Frontier shape. This isn't an accident or a copycat design, as Nissan will build the Equator for Suzuki. Suzuki has a stronger image among buyers of ATVs, marine engines, and motorcycles than they do with people looking for cars and trucks. A compact pickup seems natural for a brand selling toys that need to be towed, especially as their toys have terrific reputations for quality and value. Suzuki won't sell enough Equators to justify creating and building a pickup of their own, but partnering gets them a strong product at a price they can afford.

Officially, we haven't yet seen the production Equator (on sale until fall 2008), as Suzuki presented three concepts in Chicago. Each highlighted another branch of Suzuki's recreational business, carrying Suzuki ATVs and motorcycles and hauling a boat with Suzuki engines. Supporting the relationship between Suzuki cars and trucks, Suzuki's Gene Brown drove on stage on their V-Strom motorcycle. And in the Windy City in a February snowstorm, images of warm-weather outdoor activities were all the more compelling. Suzuki linked the two sides of the company and demonstrated why a truck can be a sensible addition.

The concepts should inspire customizers and Suzuki's planning teams, looking for possible special editions and factory-backed accessories. Suzuki showed the Equator being used to maximizing free time, giving it a fun image from the get-go. Equator has a solid foundation, if a weak name, and a team behind it with a clear sense of what buyer to target and a good road map for getting there.

Continue reading "2009 Suzuki Equator: A Pickup for Suzuki" »

Posted by Stephanie Brinley at 12:00 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

subscribe and share

Subscribe with RSS Feedburner