Car Blog

A jury of 49 veteran automotive journalists has selected the Ford Fusion Hybrid as the 2010 North American Car of the Year and the Ford Transit Connect as the 2010 North American Truck of the Year.

It was only the third time in 17 years that one automaker has won both awards. Honda won both awards in 2006 and General Motors won both in 2007.

The awards are unique because — instead of being given by a single media outlet — they are given by automotive journalists from the United States and Canada who represent magazines, television, radio, newspapers and web sites.

The awards are designed to recognize the most outstanding vehicles of the year based on factors that include innovation, design, safety, handling, driver satisfaction and value for the dollar.

There were three car finalists: The Ford Fusion Hybrid got 241 points, the Volkswagen Golf/TDI/GTI got 146 and the Buick LaCrosse got 103.

There were three truck finalists: The Transit Connect had 213 points and beat the Chevrolet Equinox with 183 points and the Subaru Outback with 94.

Juror Csaba Csere said, “Though not the first hybrid on the market, or even the second or third, The Fusion Hybrid is simply the best one ever built. In addition to delivering terrific mileage, it looks and drives like a regular car — and a very good one indeed.”

Jim Mateja, of the Chicago Tribune, said, “A U-Haul that fits in your garage. Holds people and soooo much of their stuff — bikes, snowmobiles, lawn mowers, skis, tents, boats, ladders, furniture, you name it. Defines multi-purpose and boasts a reasonable price even when you add side and rear windows and back seat.”

To be eligible, vehicles must be “all-new” or “substantially changed” from the previous model. This year the jury considered more than 50 vehicles and finally focused on 16 cars and 10 trucks.

Michelle Collins, Vice Chairman Automotive at Deloitte LLP, was responsible for counting the ballots, which jurors sent directly to the accounting firm. The winners were kept secret until today at a news conference at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit.

At that news conference Ms. Collins handed over the car and truck envelopes to Tony Swan, a member of the awards organizing committee and a senior editor at Car and Driver magazine. Mr. Swan announced the winners.

Last year the North American Car of the Year was the Hyundai Genesis and the North American Truck of the Year was the Ford F-150.

This is the 17th year of the awards, which are funded exclusively by the jurors. During that time:

* Domestic automakers have won North American Car of the Year nine times. Japanese automakers have won three times. European automakers have won four times. A Korean automaker has won once.

* Domestic automakers have won North American Truck of the Year 11 times. Japanese automakers have won four times. European automakers have won twice.

Here are the vehicles on which the jurors voted:

2010 North American Car of the Year nominees:
BMW 335d
Buick LaCrosse
Cadillac CTS Sport Wagon
Chevrolet Camaro
Ford Fusion
Ford Fusion Hybrid
Ford Taurus/Taurus SHO
Honda Insight
Kia Soul
Mazda3/MazdaSpeed3
Mercedes-Benz E-Class
Porsche Panamera
Subaru Legacy
Suzuki Kizashi
Toyota Prius
Volkswagen Golf/GTI/TDI

2010 North American Truck of the Year nominees:
Acura ZDX
Audi Q5
Cadillac SRX
Chevrolet Equinox
Ford Transit Connect
Honda Accord Crosstour
Land Rover LR4
Lincoln MKT
Subaru Outback
Volvo XC60

More information on the awards — including the names of jurors as well as previous finalists and winners — is available at: www.northamericancaroftheyear.org.

With tailgating season upon us AutoWeek reveals the Ultimate in tailgate rides.

Fans across the country have long since graced the fields and parking lots of football stadiums across the country in anticipation for the big game. And before they start packing their coolers, loading up the trunk and firing up the grill, prospective tailgaters need an affordable (well, in most cases), reliable, and spacious ride that will leave plenty of room the necessities that make this Fall tradition worthwhile. AutoWeek editors pick their list of favorite tailgate vehicles.

The list includes:

Four Winds Serrano. . .a luxury motorhome for a base of operations
Dodge Ram. . .with the tailgate cooler box. Honorable mention: Honda Ridgeline, again with the trunk in the bed that can double as a cooler
Chevrolet Suburban. . .the quintessential American tailgate vehicle
Honda Element. . .you can hose out the interior in case anything gets spilled
Ford Flex. . .funky and flexible
Land Rover LR3. . .with an actual tailgate!
Acura MDX. . .spacious and luxurious enough for a long weekend
Chrysler Town & Country. . .the minivan; haul your entire kitchen to the tailgate site
Subaru Forester. . .roomy enough to bring all the necessary supplies
Lamborghini Gallardo. . .pull up in the Lambo and you don’t need to bring anything else to the tailgate. Everyone will want to be your friend.

Source: AutoWeek Magazine

Hot Wheels 2009, the National Insurance Crime Bureau’s (NICB) companion study to its popular Hot Spots auto theft report, examines data reported to the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) and determines the vehicle make, model, and model year most reported stolen in 2008. See the full report at www.nicb.org.

For 2008, the most stolen vehicles* in the nation were:
1. 1994 Honda Accord
2. 1995 Honda Civic
3. 1989 Toyota Camry
4. 1997 Ford F-150 Pickup
5. 2004 Dodge Ram Pickup
6. 2000 Dodge Caravan
7. 1996 Jeep Cherokee/Grand Cherokee
8. 1994 Acura Integra
9. 1999 Ford Taurus
10. 2002 Ford Explorer

Certain models of older cars and trucks are popular with thieves because of the value of their parts. Frequently, the parts can be stripped from a car at a chop shop and sold for at least twice as much as the value of the vehicle on the used car market. Newer models are also more difficult, but not impossible to steal thanks to anti-theft technology incorporated by the manufacturers.

Although the final numbers have not yet been released, the preliminary 2008 FBI Uniform Crime Report (UCR) shows that vehicle theft is on pace to record a decrease of 13.1 percent from 2007 numbers. That would make 2008 the fifth consecutive year of declining vehicle thefts. Moreover, if the preliminary figures hold total thefts for 2008 would be below 1 million vehicles–the lowest annual total in over 20 years.

“This is great news for vehicle owners, law enforcement and the insurance industry,” said Joe Wehrle, NICB’s president and chief executive officer. “It takes years of sustained effort to deliver the kinds of reductions that we are enjoying today. NICB joins with our member companies in acknowledging the great work performed by law enforcement and our investigators in the fight against vehicle theft.

“Comprehensive legislation, aggressive enforcement and rigorous prosecution are the three essential components to a winning crime control program. NICB is proud to contribute to each of those areas through our national legislative affairs program and our network of experienced investigators,” Wehrle said.

NICB provides law enforcement with local resources for identifying and recovering stolen vehicles as well as training and information analysis in the detection and prevention of vehicle theft and insurance crime.

As good as this news is, however, vehicle theft is still a costly drain on our economy and a tremendous hassle for victims. To protect their investment, vehicle owners are urged to follow NICB’s “layered approach” to auto theft prevention by employing simple, low-cost suggestions to make their vehicles less attractive to thieves.

NICB’s four layers of protection are:

Common Sense: Lock your car and take your keys. It’s simple enough but many thefts occur because owners make it easy for thieves to steal their cars.

Warning Device: Having and using a visible or audible warning device is another item that can ensure that your car remains where you left it.

Immobilizing Device: Generally speaking, if your car won’t start, it won’t get stolen. “Kill” switches, fuel cut-offs and smart keys are among the devices which are extremely effective.

Tracking Device: A tracking device emits a signal to the police or to a monitoring station when the vehicle is stolen. Tracking devices are very effective in helping authorities recover stolen vehicles. Some systems employ “telematics,” which combine GPS and wireless technologies to allow remote monitoring of a vehicle. If the vehicle is moved the system will alert the owner and the vehicle can be tracked via computer.

* This report reflects only stolen vehicle data reported to NCIC in 2008. No further filtering of information is conducted, i.e., determining the total number of a particular make and model currently registered in the U.S. for comparison purposes.

Source: National Insurance Crime Bureau

Prizes Include Enough High-Performance Hardware to Build The Ultimate Street Machine & Treasure Trove of Hot Wheels Collectibles

Performance Therapy, a “social media car show”, launched this week with backing from top automotive aftermarket brands. The site, PerformanceTherapyContest.com asks enthusiasts to show the world how they enjoy their car by submitting a photo. The Grand Prize Winner will receive parts to build an incredible, high-performance supercar. Popular vote determines category winners – whom receive a $250 gift certificate. Sixty runners-up will receive a free t-shirt.

Performance Therapy Defined

Despite tough economic times, auto enthusiasts are packing car shows, races and events. Across seven continents and hundreds of niches, car fans have one thing in common: high-performance vehicles make them happy. Owning, modifying and driving cars is more than a hobby, it’s a lifestyle. It’s the cheapest form of mental therapy and provides quality entertainment for the entire family.

The Contest

The Performance Therapy Contest is a chance for enthusiasts to participate in one of the biggest online car shows of all time, show off other enthusiasts around the world and win a variety of fantastic prizes. The purpose is to help people have fun with their ride. For three months any enthusiast can submit a picture, show it off to friends and get as many votes as possible. With six categories and nine fantastic sponsors, there are dozens of ways to win and nearly 70 prizes will be awarded!

The Prizes

The Grand Prize is enough hardware to build a muscle car dream machine, including a Hotchkis Sport Suspenison system, Baer Brake system, Rushforth Wheels, Yokohama Tires, Flowmaster Exhaust, an MSD Ignition System, Red Line Oil & Lubricants, a Lifeline Fire Safety System and enough Hot Wheel Collectibles to fill a dream garage!

To enter or vote for your favorite car, go to www.PerformanceTherapyContest.com. For more information, email info@performancetherapycontest.com or click for more information on the rules, prizes and sponsors.

The Performance Therapy Contest is brought to you by Hotchkis Sport Suspension, Baer Brakes, Flowmaster, Hot Wheels Red Line Club, Lifeline USA, MSD Ignition, Red Line Oil, Rushforth Wheels and Yokohama Tire Corp.

Source: Performance Therapy Contest

G37 outscores competitors from Audi, Acura, and Volkswagen; Also CR rates the Toyota Venza and reports on three diesels

Despite facing strong competition from three newly-designed vehicles, the updated Infiniti G37 still came out on top in Consumer Reports’ tests of upscale sports sedans for the June issue. With an “Excellent” overall road test score, the G37 remains CR’s highest-rated vehicle in this category.

The G37 was tested against three other vehicles in that category — the redesigned Acura TSX, Audi A4, and the new Volkswagen CC. The TSX, A4, and CC all achieved “Very Good” overall test scores.

“The Infiniti G37 continues its reign as top in the class,” said David Champion, senior director of Consumer Reports’ Auto Test Center in East Haddam, Connecticut. “The drivetrain is still the highlight of the car, delivering very strong performance while getting better fuel economy than the previous generation. The G37 is very quick and handling is agile and fun.”

Prices for the four cars in CR’s tests this month range from $29,675 for the Acura TSX to $37,525 for the Audi A4.

Full tests and ratings of the test group appear in the June issue of Consumer Reports, which goes on sale May 5. The reports are also available to subscribers of www.ConsumerReports.org.

The June issue of Consumer Reports also reports on the new Toyota Venza, a car-based SUV/Wagon, and three clean diesels — a pair of SUVS and a sedan — the Mercedes-Benz GL320, the BMW X5 Xdrive35d 3.0, and the BMW 335d. On average, the clean diesels CR bought for testing are delivering fuel economy numbers that are at least 30 percent better than their gasoline-powered counterparts and strong mid-range torque.

The G37 and TSX are the only vehicles from this month’s test group that are Recommended by Consumer Reports. CR only Recommends vehicles that have performed well in its tests, have at least average predicted reliability based on CR’s Annual Car Reliability Survey of its more than seven million print and web subscribers, and performed at least adequately if crash-tested or included in a government rollover test.

The G37 has been updated with a new, larger, 3.7-liter engine and a seven-speed automatic transmission in place of the five-speed automatic in last year’s G35. Now the car is quieter while cruising, with better overall fuel economy. The G37 Journey ($37,225 Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price as tested) is powered by a 328-hp, 3.7-liter, six-cylinder engine that provides very strong performance and averages a respectable 21 mpg overall on premium fuel. The new seven-speed automatic transmission shifts responsively and smoothly. The brakes are excellent. The cabin is snug, but there is adequate room even for tall drivers. Large and well-shaped front seats are comfortable and offer plenty of adjustments.

The redesigned TSX delivers enough sportiness to be enjoyable while maintaining solid credentials as a well-rounded, capable car. The front seats are excellent, and the interior is well appointed. But in some ways the TSX feels ordinary. The TSX ($29,675 MSRP, as tested) is powered by a 201-hp, 2.4-liter, four-cylinder engine that delivers responsive performance and averaged a very good 25 mpg overall, but on premium fuel. Braking was rated Very Good overall. The smooth, five-speed automatic transmission shifts appropriately. High quality materials and switchgear accentuate a well-finished interior.

The redesigned A4 feels solid, handles nimbly, and has a ride that’s firm but well controlled. On the highway, it is a composed and solid cruiser. Steering is quick and communicative. The A4 2.0T, ($37,525, MSRP as tested) is powered by a 211-hp, 2.0-liter, turbocharged four-cylinder engine that provides 22 mpg overall, on premium fuel, which is good considering the car’s quick acceleration and all wheel drive. The six-speed automatic transmission shifts quickly and smoothly. Braking is Excellent. The A4 has a nicely detailed interior that is padded and trimmed with high-end materials but some controls are overly complicated.

The CC can be thought of as a low-slung 4-door coupe version of the Volkswagen Passat. It drives nicely, with a well-controlled ride and competent handling. The engine is punchy and the cabin is quiet and well finished. The CC Luxury, ($32,680 MSRP as tested) is powered by a 200-hp, 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that delivers good acceleration and delivers 24 mpg overall on premium fuel. The six-speed automatic transmission shifts quickly and smoothly and you can manually override it if you choose. The brakes are Very Good overall. One high point of the well-finished interior is the decorative stitching on the supple leather seats but rear-seat headroom is compromised.

Source: Consumer Reports

Provocative Four-Door Sports Coupe Goes On-Sale This Fall

A prototype of the provocative Acura ZDX luxury four-door sports coupe made its world debut at the New York International Auto Show today. The production version of the dramatically styled prototype goes on-sale in the fall of 2009. The segment bending ZDX features stunning coupe-like styling with the added benefit of a commanding presence and flexible utility.

“The ZDX is truly a luxury performance coupe – plus,” said Jeff Conrad, vice president of Acura sales. “The emotional coupe styling coupled with a luxurious and dramatic interior and surprising versatility, allows the ZDX to define its own segment and attract an entirely new customer.”

The ZDX is designed to break new ground for Acura in the areas of provocative styling, contemporary luxury and meticulous refinement. With its sensuous curves, sharply raked roofline and bold fender flares, the ZDX blurs the distinction between coupe, sedan and sport utility vehicle. Clean, flowing lines start from the headlights and run the length of the car, accentuating the cars presence and grace. In keeping with the coupe-inspired styling, the rear door handles are cleverly concealed in the C-pillar. The all-glass tailgate opens wide to reveal a highly functional cargo space with integrated under-floor storage. The prototype is finished off with stylish dual chrome exhaust outlets and 9-spoke machined wheels fitted with 20-inch Michelin tires.

“From the very first sketch of the ZDX, I wanted to create an emotional vehicle that challenged conventional thinking of what a sports coupe should be,” said Michelle Christensen, ZDX exterior designer. “My goal was to create a strikingly beautiful exterior, and use that attraction to help draw you into the rich interior.”

Inside, the ZDX exudes modern luxury while focusing on pampering the front passengers. The cabin is enveloped in leather, which gives the interior a luxurious and inviting feel. The hand-stitched leather dash and instrument panel sweep down to form a dual cockpit layout, creating a personal and intimate experience for the front seat occupants. The premium leather seats are highly bolstered to support the passengers during sporty driving and at the same time provide comfort during a long getaway. A black monochromatic center stack leads to the textured metallic center console, which complements the black and pearl white leather trim. The thick leather wrapped steering wheel provides ample grip and is framed by racing-inspired paddle shifters for the ultimate in driver control. The cabin is enclosed by a panoramic glass roof which runs the entire length of the vehicle, providing occupants with a breathtaking view of the world around them.

The production ZDX will bring a new level of prestige and sophistication when it arrives at Acura dealerships in the fall, offering the latest advancements in performance, technology and safety. The ZDX will deliver sports sedan performance on the road with its powerful V-6 engine mated to an all-new, smooth shifting 6-speed automatic transmission. The potent powertrain will be coupled with Acura’s exclusive Super Handling All-Wheel Drive(TM) (SH-AWD(R)) system, giving the ZDX outstanding handling and cornering capabilities in all-weather conditions.

In typical Acura fashion, the ZDX will be available with the latest in customer enhancing technologies and advanced safety features including an all-new blind spot information system, which will help drivers change lanes more confidently. A new multi-view rear camera makes parking even easier with the added enhancement of both a wide angle and top down view. Acura signature technologies like Acura Navigation System with Voice Recognition(TM), AcuraLink Real-Time Traffic and Weather(TM), Acura/ELS Surround(R) premium audio system and Bluetooth(R) connectivity will also be available on the all-new model.

The ZDX represents the next step for Acura in its advancement to becoming one of the top luxury brands and makes a clear statement toward the future of the brand.

ZDX Prototype Dimensions:
Length: 192.4 inches
Width: 78.5 inches
Height: 61.8 inches
Wheelbase: 108.2 inches
Wheel/tire: 9-spoke custom alloy wheels with Michelin Latitude HP 275/40ZR 20 tires
Powertrain: All-aluminum VTEC(R) V-6, all-new 6-speed automatic transmission with Sequential SportShift and Super Handling All-Wheel Drive(TM) (SH-AWD(R))
Seating capacity: 5-passenger

For media information and high-resolution photos of Acura vehicles, please visit www.acuranews.com. For consumer information, please visit www.acura.com.

Source: American Honda Motor Co., Inc.