Daimler Announces 2010 GLK Pricing

By Rex Roy November 20th, 2008

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Mercedes-Benz, or Daimler as they refer to themselves on their press materials from the 2008 Los Angeles Auto Show, announced pricing for their 2010 GLK mid-size sport utility. The new smaller-than-the-ML will arrive in dealerships come January. Well equipped with the 3.5-liter V-6 and a seven-speed automatic, two-wheel-drive GLKs will start at $33,900. Four-wheel drive editions begin at $35,900.

The pricing is aggressive, and in a world where one can purchase more expensive Kia and Hyundai SUVs, potential buyers may consider these MSRPs a genuine value.

Mercedes contrasted the general appeal of the GLK's pricing to that of the 661-horsepower AMG SL65 Black Series. If you are fortunate enough to procure one of the 355 to be produced for worldwide consumption (175 coming to the US), expect to hand over a cool $299,000. That kind of puts things into perspective now, doesn't it?--Rex Roy
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Posted in : 2010, Advertising/Marketing, Industry News, Los Angeles Auto Show, Mercedes-Benz, New Products, Sport-Utility Vehicles

2009 Porsche Boxster And Cayman Make World Debut

By Rex Roy November 20th, 2008

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Rex Roy - L.A. Auto Show Enlarge Photo

Porsche is serious about its current birthday. Lots of fun people showed up at the LA Auto Show to celebrate, including marque aficionado Jerry Seinfeld and notable Porsche racer Hurley Haywood.

This year, 2008, marks the brand's 60th year of production (that would mean the first Porsche was built in 1948 for those who count on their fingers). Sandwiched in between the introduction of the new 911 and upcoming four-door Panamera, Porsche gives its loyal followers yet another present, the 2009 Boxster and 2009 Cayman.

Exterior updates on each are minor, and include new headlamps, LED daytime running lamps and a few other particulars. Larger 17-inch rims are standard on the base models, while Boxter S and Cayman S models get 18-inch wheels. Porsche made a point of the front wheels being ½-inch wider because the extra room means larger brakes can be fitted. Ceramic composite brakes are optional on S models.

Inside, drivers will note the new, simplified center stack. The design promises better and easier functionality. Audio systems offer an iPod interface. Another welcome detail is the availability of heated and ventilated seats.

The powertrain and chassis received much more significant changes. Every flat-six engine in the 2009 Porsche Boxster and Porsche Cayman is new. The rundown goes like this; a 2.9-liter that produces 255-horsepower for the Boxster and 265 in the Cayman, and the 3.4-liter that produces 310-horsepower in the Boxster S and 320 in the Cayman S. The larger engine benefits from direct injection. The Boxster and Cayman will also be available with Porsche's faster shifting sequential gearbox (PDK). It replaces the Tiptronic S transmission, and in tests of acceleration, delivers marginally quicker acceleration than manual-equipped models; about a tenth in the run from 0-62 mph. Importantly in these green-obsessed times, fuel efficiency is up model-to-model, 2008 vs. 2009, and all models meet US ULEV and EU5 emission certifications.

Suspension calibrations have also been completely revamped to better manage the power. Porsche's active suspension is optional on all models, base and S.

Together, these changes make for a freshened and faster pair of mid-engine sports cars from Porsche. Happy Birthday to them.--Rex Roy

Rex Roy - L.A. Auto Show Enlarge Photo

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Posted in : 2009, Advertising/Marketing, Cars We Love, Celebrities, Convertibles, Coupes, Enthusiasts, Europe, Industry News, Los Angeles Auto Show, New Products, Porsche

2010 Ford Mustang: A Styling History

By Marty Padgett November 20th, 2008

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2010 Ford Mustang Enlarge Photo

So now we all know what the new 2010 Ford Mustang looks like. After seeing the car in person, it looks even better than it does in pixels. As you click through the new 2010 Mustang shots we have (and will continue to post) here at TheCarConnection.com, look for a couple of styling details that stand out as being very well done.

Let's start at the back and move forward…

Triple-segmented Tail Lamps

Ford Mustang with U.S. flag Enlarge Photo

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The 2010 Mustang gets its tail lamps presented proudly on a chamfered surface. The basic design also reaches back to the original Mustang, but is more closely related to the second-generation car that we have represented by a shot of a Mach 1 proudly flying Old Glory.

Any aerodynamic engineer will tell you that a blunt rear end helps detach the airflow from the rear of the car. When you look past the 2010 Mustang's aft detailing, you'll see that it's a pretty blunt shape. The general shape pays dividends in fuel economy and aerodynamic stability, while the details make it attractive.

In a slick bit of showmanship, Ford engineered the LED tail lamp to fire sequentially when indicating a turn. This is a nice bit of detailing, and something that hasn't been seen on any Mustang since 1969.

The Rear Fender Kick Up

Ford Mustang fastback Enlarge Photo

Ford Mustang pace car Enlarge Photo

Our first image shows a first-generation Mustang GT350. The 2010 Mustang owes its rear fender design as much to this car as any other previous Mustang. The design originated with the 1964 ½ design, and was used on all subsequent designs until the introduction of the fifth-generation Fox platform Mustang (represented here by a 1979 Indy Pace Car replica). This generation of Mustang didn't offer even a hint of rear fenders.

While the currently waning Mustang does have some detailing of the rear shoulders (the fender area), the 2010 design is much stronger and powerful looking.

The Hood and Nose

Ford Mustang GT350 Enlarge Photo

Certain colors show off the shape of metal better than others. One 2010 Mustang we spied was slathered in silver paint, a color that clearly reveals the front end's new look. We were particularly taken with the complexities of the powerdome hood and the way the fenders sweep toward the center of the grille. It comes together artfully.

Perhaps design inspiration came from third-generation Mustangs, and particularly Shelby models that featured raised hoods. The lines are more intriguing than the outgoing Mustang, and give the car a bolder nose.

The grille and headlights of the 2010 Mustang are evolutionary compared to the current car, but like the rest of the design, add visual interest. The overall shape of the front end is clearly influenced by aerodynamics. You can tell by noting the new car's rounded-off front corners (by the headlights) and a brooding forehead look to the hood's overhang above the grille.

2010 Ford Mustang Enlarge Photo

Mustang faithful will note that the iconic Mustang pony badge has been carefully updated for the first time in the car's 45-year history. The changes are subtle and respectfully update a horse that's grown a little long in the tooth.

More To Come

There's more to come from the LA Auto Show regarding the 2010 Mustang … and we heard rumors that announcements about upcoming Shelby Mustangs will come at the Detroit Auto Show in January. Stay tuned and we'll keep you up to speed on all the details.

Posted in : 2010, Convertibles, Coupes, Ford, Los Angeles Auto Show, Sportscars

2010 Lexus RX 350, RX 450h Hit the Road

By Marty Padgett November 20th, 2008

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2008 Los Angeles auto show Enlarge Photo

The newest editions of the best-selling Lexuses on the planet have arrived--and for the 2010 Lexus RX 350 and hybrid 2010 Lexus RX 450h, the buzzwords are "don't rock the boat."
The new crossover's shape is clearly related to the outgoing model, though the faster rear pillar and more creased fenders give the new RX a little sharper visual appeal. It's inside where the more radical changes have taken place; Toyota's stylists are on a mission to chop their center consoles into visual pieces, and the RX doesn't escape the treatment, with a Tundra-like curve that separates driving controls in metallic trim from the passenger-side plastic trim. The hybrid RX has some distinctive touches like a new grille and front bumper, blue-tinted headlamps, blue-trimmed Lexus logos and an option for LED headlights.

2008 Los Angeles auto show Enlarge Photo

Performance is generated by a V-6 engine in either version. The gas-only RX 350 sports a 3.5-liter V-6 with 275 horsepower, teamed to a six-speed automatic transmission and a choice of front- or all-wheel drive, the latter of which has an adaptive torque split for rapidly changing driving conditions. The hybrid RX 450h, meantime, adds the Lexus Hybrid Drive system to the mix, with batteries and motors teaming with the V-6 to produce 295 horsepower, up 27 from today's RX hybrid. The hybrid's AWD system is part-time and electronically driven and is also capable of using regenerative braking to recharge its batteries.

Eighteen-inch wheels are standard equipment, and 19-inchers are available.

Interior room is improved, at least in back where Lexus promises 5 percent more cargo room thanks to a redesigned suspension. The five-seat RX still won't offer a third-row seat, though.

Safety equipment will include ten airbags in all, including curtain airbags and side bags for the rear seats, stability and traction control on all models. A Pre-Collision System will use radar sensors to detect a possible impact, then to ready the brakes and seatbelts for an imminent crash. Adaptive lighting and automatic high beams are also offered.

The most controversial feature in the new RX is likely to be the available "Remote Touch" controller, which Lexus compares openly to the iDrive system from BMW and Audi's MMI. The controller is shaped more ergonomically than those click-wheel setups, and Lexus says it feels natural like a computer mouse. It can be used to control the navigation system--which is mounted farther away on the dash than in prior versions for better visibility. A head-up display is also available to cut down driving distraction even more.

Other options will include a side-view monitor, a Mark Levinson sound system, a rear-seat entertainment system, radar cruise control, and a sport-minded suspension.

The 2010 Lexus RX 350 and 2010 Lexus RX 450h hybrid will be on sale early next year.

MORE PHOTOS: 2010 Lexus RX 350, 2010 Lexus RX 450h

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Posted in : 2010, Crossover Vehicles, Hybrid Cars, Lexus, Los Angeles Auto Show, Luxury Cars

2009 Infiniti G37 Convertible: Live from L.A.

By Marty Padgett November 19th, 2008

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2009 Infinit G37 Convertible Enlarge Photo

Earlier this year, we showed you the first photo of the 2009 Infiniti G37 Convertible from the foggy greens at Pebble Beach. Now the Convertible's made a live appearance at the 2008 Los Angeles auto show, flipping and folding its top as it waits for next spring's on-sale date.

The new G Convertible, Infiniti says, has a three-piece folding steel top that tucks beneath the decklid when the weather's good. Top up, it seals out the elements like any other coupe.

Infiniti's tweaked the standard G37 interior with convertible-friendly features. The Convertible's Bose stereo changes sound quality based on top-down status, outside noises and the car's speed. The climate-control fan does the same (except for the noise part).

Power comes from the G37's 325-horsepower, 3.7-liter V-6. A six-speed manual can be ordered, but most owners will probably opt for the seven-speed automatic with paddle shifters.

A rearview camera will be standard, along with a navigation system with hard-drive storage for music and XM NavTraffic real-time traffic alerts.

A Sport edition will be offered with upgraded brakes and 19-inch wheels. There's also a Premier Edition from Bloomingdale's, which comes with red leather and maple trim, 19-inch wheels and a blacked-out grille.

MORE PHOTOS: 2009 Infiniti G37 Convertible

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Posted in : 2009, Convertibles, Coupes, Infiniti, Los Angeles Auto Show, Luxury Cars, Sportscars