document.write("");
document.write("");
document.write("");
document.write(" | Domino’s Pizza, Nissan, and Shrek: Camaro finally gets its props | ");
document.write("
");
document.write("");
document.write("  The North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) had much to offer this year, but what I was most impressed with was how hard the American car underdogs are trying to win back individual drivers. Instead of choosing to remain in sad, little rental car fleets, they are going for “Most Improved Player,” while also staying true to the more positive parts of their images. I know, I know, some of you communists are thinking, “What positive parts?” but allow me to give props to one recent effort.
I need to get this out of the way: Camaro’s Synergy Green Special Edition is NOT green in the trendy sense; it’s not a an electric vehicle, or even a hybrid. It’s actually green. REALLY green. “Shrek” Green. So what’s up with the green, and why do I sort of love it? Camaro spoke to me personally about it–me, and 3000 other enthusiasts. “Just as those colors helped make the first generation Camaro an icon, modern colors like Inferno Orange, Rallye Yellow Transformers Edition and Synergy Green will define the 2010 Camaro.” And the green aint’ just on the outside. The instrument panel is green. The door inserts are green. And the Jet Black (yes they capitalized it) cloth seats, steering wheel, shift knob and center console, have Synergy Green (caps again) stitching. Hey you guys, did I mention the vehicle, which will be produced in limited quantities from February to May, was green? However, after years of attracting fans of a certain feathered hair, feathered personality ilk, Camaro is getting hip–it’s even getting props from the makers of Infiniti–Nissan. (Ok, Nissan also makes the 370Z, the company’s Camaro equivalent, but mentioning Infiniti sounds better, no? ) 
Like Domino’s Pizza issuing a mea culpa for its “cardboard crust”, ketchup-like sauce and a damaging YouTube video made by two rogue employees who spit on the pizza, Nissan Design America Chief Bruce Campbell issued a modified mea culpa at the NAIAS AW Design Forum (but without a controversy to apologize for). To further his point, he issued a surprising shout-out. “There’s too much sameness. We are guilty of this sameness,” but he went on to give the Camaro props for bucking sameness, taking risks and standing out. And while he also gave props to his company’s 370Z, he continued, “We need to be bold and really challenge ourselves and challenge the sameness. We need to be bold and not to be fearful.” Now I really get why someone wrote the song “Bitchin’ Camaro.” 
The company also offers more stuff that we traditionally associate with the bitchin’, iconic, sports car. The $27,000 price keeps the Synergy Green Special Edition in Camaro’s customary low to mid-range. It’s based on the Camaro LT1, has a rear spoiler, a 3.6L direct injection V-6 engine, which they’ve paired with your choice of a six-speed manual or automatic transmission. The benchmark powertrain emphasizes both performance and efficiency by having the V-6 deliver 304 horsepower and 273 lb.-ft. of torque. Not a shout-out to Camaro’s days of yore are the amenities. There’s Bluetooth phone connectivity, a USB port for MP3 players, and remote vehicle start for models with automatic transmission, but its MPH is more old-fashioned: 29 mpg on the highway, which definitely disqualifies it from being trendy, energy-efficient green, but I guarantee you this: as grouchy as Shrek can be, it is a sports car that the pretense-loathing, but still somehow hip ogre would love to drive through the winding roads of Far, Far Away. | ");
document.write("
");
document.write("");
document.write(" | New Cars On the Horizon for 2010 | ");
document.write("
");
document.write("");
document.write("  By Greg Gaillard
If 2009 was a year of uncertainty, manufacturers’ products certainly didn’t show it. Buyers were able to choose from two new class-leading hybrids, a couple of new pony cars and several other creative designs that all pushed the boundaries of their respective segments. Despite the economic downturn with accompanied scrambling for solvency, the trend toward smarter, efficient cars took root and stood firm. The list below includes exciting new products scheduled for production during calendar year 2010. From the buyer’s perspective many will be worth the wait as they represent new thinking and technology that are expected to carry manufacturers through the industry’s transition to Electric Vehicles (EV) as well as new form factors that suit today’s economy and lifestyle. If 2009’s LA Auto Show is any indication of what to expect in 2010, the trend toward efficiency and driver involvement will continue. And in some cases manufacturers are counting on strong sales to justify new partnerships and changes to old-school business practices. Even more than 2009, 2010 will focus on product first and provide consumers with several choices worth waiting for. Ford Fiesta/Mazda 2: While these two subcompacts share Ford’s DE platform architecture, there are enough subtle differences in styling, trim and tuning to make them appeal to slightly different markets. You can’t go wrong with either. They both blend style, efficiency and driving dynamics in a way not seen since first generation VW Golfs and the Mazda GLC. The Mazda 2 was named “World Car of the Year” in 2008 for good reason. Both cars raise the bar for the segment.  
Honda CR-Z: Recently a CarReview reader commented that he didn’t understand why the Honda Accord continued to make everyone’s ‘Best Choices’ list when the design and drivetrain appeared relatively conventional. The answer is execution and detail engineering. A car is more than the sum of its parts. Behind the wheel you realize that at its core Honda is an engineering company and knows how to make exceptional products – even the seemingly mundane volume selling sedans. That said, what standout engineering and technology has Honda offered lately? Where’s the new VTEC? Or the lauded double wishbone suspension? The 2010 Fit was listed as one of CarReview’s ‘Best Choices” and is the current standard for packaging efficiency. The upcoming CR-Z is poised to be a similar dramatic hit. Drawing on the storied 80s and 90’s CRX styling, the Honda CR-Z will blend packaging efficiency and an innovative hybrid drivetrain to add a sporting flair previously unseen in hybrids. Honda’s engineering mojo is back and the CR-Z has many enthusiasts waiting in the wings for this sporty urban runabout. 
  
Chevrolet Volt: Yes, the Chevrolet Volt that is still on schedule for volume production in November. Behind GM’s occasionally over-zealous marketing machine is a car with some brilliant innovations: To manage costs, several Delta II platform components are shared with the Chevrolet Cruze. The series hybrid drivetrain known as the ‘E-Flex System ‘ is modular to allow for different types of range extension engines.
While sold as a ‘plug-in’ the Volt is actually a flexible EV with many paths for growth and refinement. GM is already working on a next generation Volt that promises a lower price point, better efficiency, class leading aerodynamics and even an engaging, sporty drive. The Camaro may have been a bit over-hyped, but all eyes on are on the Volt to see if GM can recover some its engineering credibility, execute and deliver an new and better way to drive.   
Cadillac CTS Coupe: Every company needs a halo car. Lexus finally has its LFA. Mercedes has its SLS. Audi has the R8. GM has… the Corvette? GM has been struggling with the halo concept for years and has desperately tried to place it within its premium Cadillac brand. Starting with the misunderstood Allante and the recently cancelled XLR, GM and Cadillac desperately need something to get people into Cadillac showrooms. It has to be beautiful. It has to be powerful. It has to be well engineered and it has to be right for the times. The CTS Coupe, in base high-tech V6 or V-Series supercharged V8 form is that car. In the metal it is achingly beautiful and the thoughtful engineering that comes from the thorough engineering behind the sedan shines though. 
Nissan Leaf: Seemingly out of nowhere the Nissan Leaf has appeared as the first full EV offered by a major manufacturer. CarReview’s initial impression suggests that Nissan and its partners are dead serious about making tomorrow’s technology available today and have committed significant resources toward getting this first offering right. Sure enough, it accelerates, steers, brakes and handles like the slightly heavy commuter car that it is. Top speed is approximately 90 miles an hour and range is still limited to 100 miles. Nonetheless, the Leaf is a remarkable achievement in that EVs are no longer engineer’s toys. The key is Lithium Ion battery technology that will power the Volt and other EVs in the future. Nissan has gone to great pains to maximize the packaging and utility of the battery pack and the result is a real car, leap frogging many competitors in this emerging segment. 
  
Fiat 500: If the Volt is GM’s salvation, this rival to the Mini is Chrysler’s prayer. The 500 has been the darling of the European subcompact scene for a couple of years offering a bevy of configurations to suit every taste. They are stylish, fun, efficient and, unlike the Mini, relatively inexpensive. There is still some hope that we’ll see the first 500s in showrooms before the end of 2010, but Chrysler’s future is still in flux and that could impact the launch date.   
2011 Ford Explorer: America’s once favorite SUV has struggled in recent years since SUV has become a 3 letter word. Ford has taken this to heart and re-engineered, re-thought and re-imagined the Explorer. It is now based on a unibody design to save weight, improve packaging and on-road handling. The interior will offer class-leading technology and amenities and the drivetrain should offer the same, including Ford’s lauded 3.5 liter EcoBoost engine and a sophisticated all-wheel-drive system. While it’s no longer the off-road workhorse truck of yore, it promises to be a much better vehicle for how people want to use what was formally known as an SUV. 
  
(Continued on page 2) | ");
document.write("
");
document.write("");
document.write(" | 2010 GMC Terrain Review – all-new compact SUV emphasizing MPG and utility | ");
document.write("
");
document.write("");
document.write(" 
By Mary Ellen Ash Yays: - 7″ touch-screen center console
- Great MPG for an SUV
- Ample and rugged in the rear for people and cargo
- Entertainment system
- Excellent reverse visibility
Nays: - Finicky touch-screen console system
- Weak 2.4L I4 engine
- Heavy movable rear passenger seats
- No remote start included
Verdict: a great family SUV that is rugged and strong, and yet, very stylish and attractive for everyday use
The 2010 Terrain is GMC’s a leap forward into the crossover market. Built on a unibody frame, the Terrain’s styling is synonymous with GMC’s history of vehicles: big and bold. And with the all-new Terrain, GMC has also moved in the direction of a more fuel-conscious SUV – unheard of when most SUVs are associated with America’s appetite for over-consumption. With its Ecotec engine, the GMC Terrain acheives MPG ratings (22 city/32 hwy) which are closer to a Honda Accord than most of its SUV competitors. We observed 23 mpg overall after a week of driving around the San Francisco bay area.
Performance and Handling Usually when describing something with words like SUV, big and black, most people equate that driving experience with a boat – sloppy handling and slow accelerations. Not the case with the Terrain; it gracefully traversed all roads and conditions. At times, dare I say, it even felt a little like a sports-car on the tight and twisty roads. And even with its sharp curves and menacing size, the Terrain gives as sense of security which can be felt (and seen) out on the road. GM has really made a step in the right direction with this more fuel-conscious SUV/crossover. The Terrain is a great addition to the very competitive SUV market and GM is definitely on the right track.” For a vehicle of its stature, the Terrain handled surprisingly well. It was at home on the city streets and highways. It got up to speed at a good pace, although nowhere near what I would describe as “sporty” acceleration. And once at speed, the Terrain has a very comfortable ride – smooth and steady. Underpinning the Terrain’s ride characteristics are front and rear independent suspension systems that meet the pavement via a set of 18-inch wheels. Even when driven on twisty mountain roads, it was pleasingly spry for it size. Weaving through the tight turns seemed to come naturally thanks to the wide wheelbase and length. In tandem with the more rigid suspension which helps it stick to the road, the Terrain was able to hug the corners and sling-shot out the other side. 
Even with the great handling incongruous with its size, the engine just couldn’t keep up. The Terrain was sluggish exiting out of the corners and chugged along as you depressed the pedal. Our test model came spec’d with a new, 2.4L four-cylinder Ecotec engine, featuring direct injection and variable valve timing, mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission. Power output checks in at 182 hp, and 172 lb-ft of torque. Unfortunately, it was just not enough oomph for a vehicle of this size. But the Terrain was not meant to be fast, it was meant to be fuel efficient; it was designed to change the perception of what a big SUV could be. With listed numbers of 22 city/32 hwy, GMC was aiming at efficiencies usually reserved for small Japanese sedans, not a compact American SUV. It all sounds too good to be true but after a week of city and highway driving, even my heavy foot managed a combined 23 mpg. Numbers after driving solely on the highway were even more impressive. I achieved 33.1 mpg using “ECO” mode and 29.8 mpg without. The engineers at GM are not joking around. Bravo. Build and Styling The Terrain is built with strength. When looking upon the Terrain for the first time, you immediately are taken by its size and look of strength; it’s almost menacing. And it’s not just a façade – words like sturdy and thick immediately comes to mind at first glace. There is nothing flimsy about this car; it exudes confidence out on the road. On the inside, you’ll discover the Terrain’s gentler side. The front and rear seats are decked out in an attractive two-toned leather upholstery. Sometimes leather can be a bad choice – easily damaged and sometimes cheap looking. But the Terrain makes leather look good again. It’s nice to see GMC outfitting their vehicles with higher quality materials which have a more robust lifetime.   
The more upscale material choice is also apparent when we move to the rear cargo space. Sometimes the rugged plastics can be thought of as ‘cheap’ looking. Moving beyond this shallow interpretation, it is perfect for a family vehicle that will see lots of tough-love over the years. The material is practically indestructible and will stand the test of time. If this is something you look for in a family vehicle, you will be pleased with the Terrain. GMC also added a feature that will prevent any wayward toys, food or miscellaneous items from falling between the seats and the rear cargo area – a large and long flap “minds the gap”, so to say. With this rugged build, the Terrain is equipped with the ‘multi-flex’ sliding rear seat. The whole unit moves which means the rear leg space can be customized to suit the rider or the cargo in the back. Not many vehicles give one foot of fore/aft movement to the rear seats. It is absolutely fabulous to customize the rear for maximal cargo storage. The only flaw – it’s really heavy! It takes a lot of strength and brawn to move the 60/40 split/folding rear bench seat: safest when performed in tandem. Hopefully GMC will upgrade this feature to an automated system in the future to save the backs of petite parents and small children. 
Aside from the heavy rear seat, there were only a few other minor quibbles about the build. First up, for most people, the concealed storage under the center arm rest is a bottomless pit – it was so deep and disorganized. Another dislike was the limited number of cup-holders in both the front and the rear. For a vehicle geared towards a family market, a few more would be gladly accepted in the future. And finally, the ‘Premium Interior’ paneling sounded good on paper, but in reality, it was as little disappointing – it was similar to the hard plastic found in the rear cargo area. With the excellent quality leather seats, it would have been nice to upgrade to some better quality interior paneling. The quibbles aside, GMC has built a solid crossover overall and in the future, I’m sure their team will address any minor issues. (Continued on page 2) | ");
document.write("
");
document.write("");
document.write(" | AutoWeek Car Show Pack Adds Exciting New Cars to Forza Motorsport 3 | ");
document.write("
");
document.write("");
document.write(" 
AutoWeek Magazine handpicks 10 new cars for virtual racers.For those of you that are hopelessly addicted to Forza Motorsport 3, Microsoft is offering an add-on pack with a selection of cars chosen by the staff of AutoWeek magazine. The car pack will feature 10 amazing cars for the price of 400 Microsoft points which is equivalent to $5. Exclusive to the AutoWeek car pack is the ability to drive a 2010 Aston Martin One-77 before the real car is released to the public. Also included are a number of super cars that are sure to make any enthusiasts mouth water. The only problem is Forza fans are always wanting more.
Forza 3 is still missing a number of cars that enthusiasts have wanted since day one. Where the heck is Mazda’s iconic 787b? The 787b has been in several versions of Gran Turismo. Hopefully somebody soon suggests the iconic Le Mans race car should be included. Also it would of been nice if a few more cars were included. We all know the staff of AutoWeek could come up with much more than 10 cars they wanted to see in the game.
The AutoWeek car pack will be available January 12 on Xbox Live. Complete list of cars in the pack: – 2010 Aston Martin One-77
– 2009 Audi R8 LMS
– 2009 Audi RS 6
– 2010 BMW Motorsport M6 Coupe
– 2010 Chevrolet Corvette Grand Sport
– 2010 Ford Shelby Mustang GT500
– 2010 Saleen S5S Raptor
– 2009 Lotus 2-Eleven
– 2010 Pagani Zonda R
– 2010 Porsche Boxster S | ");
document.write("
");
document.write("");
document.write(" | Geek Squad Shows off Mitsubishi i-MiEV at 2010 Consumer Electronics Show | ");
document.write("
");
document.write("");
document.write(" 
The Geeks go ElectricGeek Squad, a company known for its rather iconic fleet of VW Beetles ditched the bugs and brought four fully electric Mitsubishi i-MiEV’s to the 2010 Consumer Electronics Show (CES). The tech repair company said last week they are currently leasing the cars and plan on using them at retail locations. The compact i-MiEV is a svelte 2381 pounds and is powered by a mid-engine, 63-hp electric motor. To power the motor, Mitsubishi employed a lithium-ion battery pack that consists of 22 separate modules that are mounted underneath the cabin floor. Even with the motor in the back there is still room for the Geeks to store equipment. When a quick-charging system is employed, the i-MiEV can be recharged to 80% in just 30 minutes. A standard 220V outlet can charge the battery pack in 7 hours. The standard two-prong 110v outlet will charge the battery pack in 14 hours. The estimated range for the i-MiEV is 80-100 miles.
To help the i-MiEV reach its estimated 100 mile range, there are two modes that are selectable on the shift lever. An Eco mode reduces power to the motor and regenerative braking can help squeeze out a few extra miles.
The i-MiEV has dramatically lower fuel costs which should save the Geek Squad a good amount of cash. During off peak or nighttime hours, the i-MiEV will cost 1/9 the price to charge compared to a gasoline equivalent mini-car. The likely high lease price will offset this savings, so don’t expect Geek Squad to lower its prices any time soon. A common argument against electric vehicles is that they merely displace pollution. This may have been true for past EV cars, but not the i-MiEV. Mitsubishi says that the i-MiEV produces only 30% of the CO2 compared to a 660cc gasoline engine even when taking into account the power needed to charge the battery packs. Mitsubishi has also made a few changes to the left hand drive i-MiEV that will help the Geek Squad get to their customers faster and safer. The wheel base has been extended to 100.4 inches, which is a 1.7 inch improvement. Front track has been widened by 3.7 inches and 5.3 inches in the rear. Front and rear overhangs have been increased which will provide better protection during a crash. Best Buy, the company that owns Geek Squad, is hoping to put the electric cars into service on January 13th at a retail location in El Segundo, California. Geeks fighting over who gets to drive the i-MiEV is sure to follow. | ");
document.write("
");
document.write("");
document.write(" | First Impressions: 2010 Suzuki Kizashi SLS, something good is coming | ");
document.write("
");
document.write("");
document.write(" 
By Michael Leroy Pros - Great 6-speed manual transmission
- Good looks inside and out
- Excellent value and warranty
- Standard USB audio port
Cons - Some hard plastics in parts, particularly covering the child seat hooks
- Does not offer a V6, hybrid or turbo option engine
- Could use more suspension fine tuning
- Perhaps too Japanese of a name
Believe it or not, Suzuki has been in the American market for 25 years. Since 1985, the company offered a range of funky little cars and SUV’s that filled a niche, but were never mainstream. Cute compact cars like the SX4 and the Samurai did not appeal to everybody in the US market. Suzuki must have realized this and knew they had to produce a larger car with more mainstream appeal. The Suzuki Kizashi is not a hip little car, it’s an adult mid-sized sedan designed to compete with Toyota Camry, Ford Fusion and Honda Accord. For the price, the Kizashi may have them all beat.
At first glance, the Kizashi is rather upscale looking for its low base price of $18,999. The exterior is conservative, but striking and the front end gives off an almost VW vibe. In the back are two aggressive looking exhaust ducts that are reminiscent of the MAZDA6. The model we tested was equipped with great looking 18-inch alloy wheels wrapped in Dunlop SP7000 tires. The interior looks every bit as good as the exterior and is good for a car as affordable as the Kizashi. The leather-wrapped tilt and telescoping steering wheel on our SLS model was equipped with a number of handy controls for the stereo, Bluetooth and cruise control. The buttons were relatively easy to reach and operate. The car comes standard with keyless entry and a push button starter. There is very little hard plastic in the interior and the dash is covered in a soft material. Creature comforts like cup holders and heating vents are plentiful front and back. The SLS model features front seats that are leather and heated. Also the driver’s seat has a three-person position memory.   
Attractive leather back seats offer plenty of room for a six-foot passenger behind a driver of the same height. This is surprising considering that the Kizashi is a good deal smaller than its mid-sized sedan competition. The LATCH system for the child seats is a mixed blessing. The bottom hooks are easy to reach compared to models that tuck them under the seat, but have cheap looking plastic covers that detract from the otherwise good looking back seats. Suzuki should have wrapped the plastic covers in leather to match the rest of the car. The HVAC controls are easy to operate and are intuitive. The dual climate controls work well, but it would of been nice if temperature control was a knob instead of a toggle switch. Pressing a toggle switch up and down is far slower than just having a knob. Regardless, all of the Kizashi’s center controls are well designed and do not resemble a convoluted Transformer like some models. Unlike many cars that offer just a generic MP3 auxiliary jack, the Kizashi has standard the ability to control and charge an iPod/iPhone. Tracks can be changed with ease from the steering wheel controls. An optional 10 speaker Rockford Fosgate sound system is also available. Driving impressions The 2.4L, 185-hp engine is a great match for the Kizashi. The engine never feels like it is lacking in power. Freeway merging and hill climbing is hassle free. The engine is smooth thanks to balancing shafts and happily revs to redline. The engine also features drop-forged rods and a forged crank so it should be very dependable. It’s a real shame a V6 option is not available. A high-revving V6 combined with the affordable $1,250 AWD option would be amazing. A manual 6-speed transmission comes standard on the Kizashi. The transmission has a great feel and shifts are precise. Gear ratio’s are well spaced out and are a good compromise for gas mileage and performance. The clutch is easy to engage and is fairly forgiving. The car will comfortably cruise in 6th gear and achieve a claimed 31 highway miles per gallon. An automatic continuously variable transmission is available for $1,100. The standard 6-speed is great and unless you are stuck in a lot of traffic, the manual is the way to go. 
Suzuki boldly claimed they had the famous Nürburgring in mind when designing the Kizashi. While the Kizashi is no sports car, it is still a fun car to drive on a twisty mountain road. The steering feel is good and the car is perfectly capable at legal speeds. Forward visibility is good and the A-pillars are not distracting. The included KYB shocks did a decent absorbing most bumps, but bigger potholes were still a little jarring. The car still has a good amount of body roll when cornering hard and it would of been nice if the car had a little bit more suspension refinement. The cabin is in general quiet, but there is still some wind and road noise. The large heated side mirrors are wonderful for visibility, but do produce wind noise due to their large size. The car is comfortable and composed on the freeway. The Kizashi seems like it would be a great car for a long trip. 
A minor ding against the car is its very Japanese name. Kizashi (pronounced Kee-Zah-She) means ’something great is coming’ which is a wonderful phrase in Japanese, but may scare off American buyers. This car was made to change many of the perceptions Americans had for the brand, so it seems strange that they would choose such a name for the car. I applaud Suzuki for breaking the boring letter and number car naming system, but nearly everybody I talked to instantly had a bad impression of the car based off the name. Priced at $25,184 Kizashi SLS is a great value and has many features you would have to pay much more for from other manufacturers. A similarly equipped Camry costs at least $4,900 more and comes with a far worse standard warranty. Suzuki offers a standard 7-year, 100,000 mile warranty. The Suzuki is well equipped even at the base $19k model. Those in the market for a mid-sized sedan should take a long look at the Kizashi. The Kizashi proves that Suzuki can make more than just quirky compact cars.
| ");
document.write("
");
document.write("");
document.write(" | Fisker Karma S – Is it a crime to produce a $90k eco-vehicle? | ");
document.write("
");
document.write("");
document.write("  By Adrienne Gruben
The 2010 North American International Auto Show began in Detroit today, and the fanfare is high, but how journalists, consumers, and the market itself will receive the cars once they emerge from those huge cloth covers is still a big mystery, one that I bet automakers wish could be solved in 45 minutes, like on “CSI: Miami.” Instead, car makers have to wring their hands through a bunch of grouchy fiscal quarters. Since the NAIAS is already being covered like a Ferrari at a pig swap, I thought that looking at how one of last year’s offerings weathered its post-unveiling hoopla might make us better prognosticators on the subject, but to make it fun in these bleak times, I chose the designer that most said, “international intrigue,” that was most likely to end up in a high-speed chase, that most reminded me of “CSI: Miami.” I chose Henrik Fisker. Former BMW designer and now CEO and lead designer of his own firm, Fisker Automotive, Henrik Fisker is just the kind of character on which they would base a murder victim on “CSI: Miami.” In the plot, a greedy rival steals blueprints, and the fictional Fisker is found face-down in wet clay, smothered in a model based on his own imagination. The script writers would have found inspiration while procrastinating on websites for high-end cars and running across this quote from Fisker, “”I enjoy being hands-on. Designing, of course, but also working with the modeler, smelling the clay, getting clay under my fingernails.” After reading Fisker’s real-life quote aloud in the opening scene, Lt. Horatio Caine (David Caruso) might then say, “He smelled the clay alright.” Cue: “Won’t get fooled again.”
The show would then flashback to last year’s NAIAS where Fisker Automotive unveiled the 2-door convertible version of the Karma sedan called the Fisker Karma S Sunset Concept, which was designed and engineered by co-founder Quantum Technologies which employed the used of the clean Q-DRIVE® powertrain. I can see Horatio Caine running past the blonde car girls as they are about to demonstrate how the four-seater’s retractable top folds into manageable pieces.
A key plot point for Horatio Caine and his nerdy, but hot lab techs might involve the fact that on a charge from its lithium ion battery, the two electric motors can make the Italian design-inspired coupe go 50 miles (just over 7 trips on Miami’s 7 mile highway to Key West), and then once its GM 2.0L turbocharged and direct-injected EcoTec four-cylinder engine with 260 hp kicks in, another 250–perhaps a jaunt to Epcot to hide a corpse in the Haunted Mansion? 
Even though Fisker described the Karma S as, “an extension of the Fisker Automotive product range of eco-
conscious automobiles which sets the tone for our future,” the design is a little derivative – especially for a car priced at 90K – and the next-to-no backseat makes it difficult for even a size 0 blonde to fit back there comfortably, especially if she is trying to wiggle out of rope and duct tape. It would fit some blueprints though. To solve the case, they would have to track Henrik Fisker and the Karma S’ movements since last year’s show, which is interesting in and of itself because sometimes the only thing you remember about the unveiling of a concept car – even by a good-looking, talented and energetic entrepreneur like Henrik Fisker, who in real-life refers to his inspirations, Maserati, Porsche and Jaguar, as “sexy” – is the fanfare itself. However, Fisker Automotive has had an eventful little year. (The actor playing Fisker made the fictionalized account even more eventful by pronouncing it “Zexy.”) To start off, some journalists voted the Karma S the best North American Concept Vehicle of the year, beating out – wait for it – seven other concept cars. The company then set the record straight on some mean gossip about its loan from the Department of Energy. (Horatio did NOT like being told that the DOE documents were classified, but it was all settled when he slammed his fist on the table.) The Karma S visited real-life auto shows in Washington, Geneva and Frankfurt. (The cast, hoping for a free trip abroad, was bummed to have to shoot the Geneva chase-scenes in Burbank.) 
The company also signed a letter of intent to buy a plant in Delaware, though Horatio found that shifty; Delaware’s where you can skirt all kinds of restrictive laws for corporations, but are you going to argue with 1,500 real-life customer deposits? And Fisker says by 2010’s third quarter, the Karma S will be available to selected retailers and distributors. However, there was no bigger coup for the car since its NAIAS unveiling last January than this: the Karma S was escorted by the Crown Prince of Denmark, HRH Frederik, to the recent UN Climate Conference in Copenhagen. Fiiiiinally the “CSI: Miami” cast got its trip to Europe; they caught the fictional Fisker’s killer; and the final chase scene through the conference re-enactment went off without a hitch. At least one version of the conference accomplished its goals. Too bad it was the fictional one. Unfortunately, this fickle and depressed market isn’t fictional, so despite its promising year, the Karma S is going to need to keep driving with its current winds to achieve success. Fisker Coachbuild, and companies like it, pepper their press materials with terms like, “cutting-edge,” “eco-innovative” and “high end,” but I couldn’t help but think of an opinion piece I’d read on Fisker that posed this question, “Will Henrik Fisker follow in the footsteps of carmaking icons like Ford and Ferrari or end up in the Tucker/DeLorean category?” It’s a mystery, perhaps best solved by Lt. Horatio Caine and his zexy team–if only they weren’t fictional characters. Hopefully real-life character, Henrik Fisker, will not end up being a victim in his own story. | ");
document.write("
");
document.write("");
document.write(" | Tommy Kaira tunes 2010 Toyota Prius | ");
document.write("
");
document.write("");
document.write(" 
JDM tuner gives the plain Prius an aggressive look.Prius owners looking to hotrod their hybrids should grab their credit card and English to Japanese dictionary. Tommy Kaira, the famous Japanese tuner best known by Americans from Gran Turismo, is now offering a range of performance parts and body kits for the car. The body kit includes a new front bumper, a rear bumper with diffuser and side skirts. The kit really does manage to improve the rather mundane look of the car and is almost what you would expect if Toyota sold the Prius as a Scion. An odd touch is four exhaust tips which may be going a bit too far. Tommy Kaira is also selling an improved brake kit and a variety of wheel packages. The largest of the wheels are in a mile-per-gallon-killing 18 inches. To round out the package, the Japanese tuner also offers a performance suspension kit that will lower the Prius several inches and a special steering wheel. Sundry items like special floor mats and seat covers are also available. There is no official data on the effect these modifications will have on the hybrid’s gas mileage, but one could assume it will likely make it worse. Once you swap out the wheels with a heavier set and put on a body kit that will likely ruin the carefully engineered aerodynamic shape, it may defeat the whole reason why a person would buy a hybrid in the first place. It would of been interesting if a solar panel spoiler would of been included. Prius performance products will appeal likely to a small audience and it’s unlikely that these JDM products will ever see acceptance in the United States. The Prius is seen almost as a status symbol in the US that is enjoyed by the average person and the rich and famous. These people are unlikely to change anything that affects the rather iconic look of the Prius. It’s only a matter of time before some crazy tuning company offers a turbo kit for the Prius. | ");
document.write("
");
document.write("");
document.write(" | Hyundai to debut plug-in hybrid concept at NAIAS | ");
document.write("
");
document.write("");
document.write(" 
Could the Blue-Will kill the green Prius?Hyundai has announced that its first ever plug-in hybrid concept will make its U.S. debut at next week’s North American International Auto Show in Detroit. The concept is called the Blue-Will and was shown first at the Seoul Auto Show in March of last year. The car has a long list of technology that is new for the Korean automaker. The Blue-Will will feature lithium-ion-polymer batteries that will allow the car to have a range of 40 miles in full electric mode. After the 134-hp electric motor runs out of juice, a 152-hp, 1.6-liter direct-injection four-cylinder will help power the car. Hyundai claims the Blue-Will will achieve 55 mpg in standard hybrid mode and 106 mpg plug-in mode. A continuously variable transmission, which is now the de-facto transmission for fuel efficient cars, is included. Much like the Prius, the Blue-Will will have solar panels mounted on its panoramic glass roof to help cool the cabin and recharge the vehicles batteries. The dye-sensitized solar cells will not hinder visibility as you look out the panoramic roof. An interesting new innovation included in the Blue-Will is a thermal generator that will convert hot exhaust gasses into electricity. The extra electricity generated will help power auxiliary systems. Hyundai has also designed the brake pads and calipers to exhibit less drag on the rotors which will improve efficiency. Special attention has been also paid to the Blue-Will’s under-body. A cover that runs the length under the car reduces aerodynamic drag. To increase cargo space Hyundai has tucked the gas tank under the rear seats. The Blue-Will’s design is reminiscent of a Mazda 3 and is described by Hyundai as “Eco-sleek.” Much like the Mazda, the Blue-Will has a grinning grill and wedge-like shape. Concept car features like carbon-fiber reinforced plastics and nano composites will unlikely be on the production model. This concept may have Toyota and GM worried. Both will beat Hyundai to the market place with their own plug-in hybrids, but the days of not taking Hyundai serious are over. The South Korean automaker has had a series of hits with its popular Genesis coupe and sedan. Hyundai could have the advantage of also receiving battery technology cheaper than its competitors. GM is using LG chem, a South Korean company, to supply the lithium-ion cells for the Volt. Could Hyundai get battery components for a lower price? The strategy for Hyundai has been to undercut the competition on price. It will be interesting to see if the Korean company can bring a plug-in hybrid to market at a competitive price point. The car could enter production as soon as 2011. 
| ");
document.write("
");
document.write("");
document.write("");
document.write("");
document.write("");
document.write("");
