Archive for the ‘2010’ Category

Dodges Might Be Sold As Alfas In Europe

Dodges Might Be Sold As Alfas In Europe

A Dodge rebadged as an Alfa? Alfisti are no doubt astir over this one.

TheCarConnection.com has already told you about the near-certain plans for some Fiat models—like the stylish 500 minicar—to be sold in the U.S. via Chrysler's dealer network, and we've also heard talk about how Alfa might be using Chrysler's LX platform (underpinning the 2009 Dodge Charger and 2009 Dodge Challenger, along with the Chrysler 300) for an upcoming large sedan.

But it's new to us—and surprising—to hear that the Italian company's CEO is considering selling Dodge models as Alfa Romeos in Europe.

"Dodge is the American muscle car, while Alfa Romeo is the...

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Mazda5 Likely Sporting Few Changes for 2010

Mazda5 Likely Sporting Few Changes for 2010

Mazda has announced equipment details for the Premacy, its Japan-market compact minivan that closely parallels the Mazda5.

Based on this, it's likely that the 2010 Mazda5 will return with just a few minor equipment changes.

In Japan, the Premacy gets a new fuel economy gauge and a newly redesigned glossy piano black center panel, plus new fabric and door trim for some models. Also for the first time rearview and sideview cameras are offered as a dealer-installed option, so we might also see this show up as an option in the 2010 Mazda5.

Several new colors have been added, including this attention-getting Dark Plum Mica.

In...

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Driven: 2009 Infiniti FX35

Driven: 2009 Infiniti FX35

The last-generation (2003-08) Infiniti FX wasn't just a blast to drive; especially when it was first rolled out, it quite simply had the hottest, most low-slung look—even when compared to other performance SUVs like the Porsche Cayenne.

And that trend-setting styling has aged uncommonly well; pull up to one of those early model-year FXs in a brand-new 2009 Infiniti FX35, as we did on a trip for groceries, and you might just be second-guessing yourself; in some ways the outgoing FX still has an uninhibited design that hasn't faded—a statement of coolness without trying too hard.

The main issue with the even curvier new styling given to the ...

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