November 2009 Archives

A review of the HSV ClubSport R8 has been posted over at Drive.com. 'The new ClubSport gets daytime running lights, a signature design cue borrowed from Audi. Also new is a cruise-control system that applies the brakes, holding the speed of the car when it is travelling down a hill, reducing the risk of a speeding fine. Inside, the ClubSport gets alloy pedals, unique white-backed dials, a chunky leather steering wheel and supportive cloth sports seats with ClubSport logos. There are also three gauges on the dash displaying voltage, oil temperature and oil pressure. The gauges and the tyre pressure sensor read-out are handy for track days, which are popular with ClubSport owners.'

Car Advice have published their review of the 2009 Subaru Outback Premium. 'Our test Outback runs a 2.5-litre horizontally-opposed boxer engine with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). We tested the petrol model, producing 123kW at 6000rpm and 229Nm at 4400rpm. The Outback has access to a nice amount of power, however the CVT produces a less than inspiring drone as it's called to task. It takes some getting used to the whine from engine as you call upon some power. It delivers, but the engine noise does the overall ride experience no favours.'

A review of the Porsche 911 supercar has been posted over at The Independent. 'The 911 Turbo has a top speed of 193mph. It can also reach 62mph from a standstill in as little as 3.4 seconds, if you have both the quick-shifting PDK and the Sport Chrono pack, which includes a "launch control". With this you hold the car on the brake, floor the accelerator, hear the engine speed shoot up then stabilise, release the brake and kapow! An astonishing surge of energy hurls the 911 into the distance as you cling to the wheel and your innards wrap themselves around your vertebrae. It's a bit too easy, actually. Out on the road, the PDK's shifts take on a video-game quality, and this encourages a worrying disengagement with your surroundings. Not that the 911 is likely to bite you if you arrive too quickly at a corner.'

The Truth About Cars have published their review of the Lincoln MKT. 'The MKT's cabin is awash in the luxury hallmarks of others: Lexus-like soft curves, Acura's swoopy slabs of wood and an awkward Volvo-homage from the (inelegant) negative area behind the center stack. The flimsy wheel-mounted shift paddles are laughable, but the center console's armrest sits higher than their door-mounted counterparts: FAIL. The steering wheels' misaligned wood grain inlay is a sad cost cutting measure (ironically) not found on the earlier, badge engineered, Lincoln MK-Zephyr: a proper hunk of oak on the wheel is mandatory at this price point.'

The USA TODAY have published a review of the Honda Accord Crosstour. 'It is what in the European market is called a five-door - a four-door sedan with a hatch making the fifth door. You can say the same about the BMW X6 or Honda's Acura ZDX. Remarkable, really, that after years of hatch rejection, the industry's inching back toward what's always been the best, most practical way to configure a sedan. Besides the obvious - a sharply sloping roofline - Crosstour differs from the Accord sedan several ways: beefier grille, nifty blue instrument pointer lighting, 299 to 487 more pounds than similar Accord sedans, 2 inches wider than the sedan outside (though, strangely, an inch or so less inside). And it's the only Accord to offer AWD, though a more primitive type than, say, the Subaru Legacy provides.

A review of the 2010 Porsche Panamera has been posted over at the WSJ.com. 'The Panamera comes in three versions. I drove the midlevel all-wheel-drive 4S that has a base price of $93,800. The rear-wheel-drive S starts at $89,800 while the top-of-the-line Turbo, also with all-wheel-drive, costs $132,600. Adding common options like fancier wheels and a decent leather interior easily push even the base model over $100,000. The test car I drove featured options ranging from $150 floor mats to a $4,460 dynamic chassis control, which reduces how much the car leans over in fast corners.'

Car And Driver have published their review of the 2011 Buick Regal. 'The Regal will be available only in CXL trim at launch, with standard leather seating surfaces, a power driver's seat, a standard six-speed automatic transmission, heated front seats, and satellite radio. A backup camera, blind-spot monitoring, rear-seat side airbags, and a navigation system will be on the options list. The navigation system has three interfaces: a touch screen; a wheel-type controller by the driver's right hand; and large buttons on the center console. Mechanically, the Regal is almost identical to the Insignia. There will be two powertrains for the U.S.: a direct-injected, 2.4-liter four-cylinder making 182 hp and 172 lb-ft of torque, and a turbocharged 2.0-liter direct-injection four that produces 220 hp and 258 lb-ft.'

Inside Line have published their "test driven" review of the 2011 Infiniti M56. 'Based on the second-generation FM platform that currently underpins the Nissan 370Z and Infiniti's FX50 and G37, the new 2011 Infiniti M56 introduces minor changes in overall length and height compared to its predecessor, while the front track increases 1.4 inches and the rear by 0.8 inch. More significant, Nissan has widened the M by 2 inches and kept the same wheelbase as before. Thus the 2011 M56 suggests "premium" in the way that only a more spacious cabin can.The soft, flowing lines of the redesigned M series are deadly effective at two things. One, they create visual ties to the Essence showcar (as well as the slightly smaller G37 sedan), and two, they instantly make the 2009 M appear dated, narrow and even a bit frumpy.'

A review of the 2010 GMC Terrain SLE-2 FWD SUV/Crossover has been posted over at LeftLaneNews.com. 'The Terrain's NVH is kept down way beyond that of a mild roar. With triple seals around the doors and other means of deadening the sound, the amount of road noise actually transmitted into the cockpit is minimal. As in the Equinox, the windshield has been scooted forward about three inches to cheat the wind, which also goes toward reducing road noise. Another nice touch is the incorporation of the rocker panels into the lower door assemblies. This way, the ingress and egress process is not hampered by dirt and water that have collected in door sills just waiting to get mopped up by unsuspecting pant legs.'

The Business Week have published their "test driven" review of the 2010 BMW 550i Gran Turismo. 'The 2010 BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo is the German automaker's creative new variation on the popular crossover vehicle theme. The first version of this new Bimmer, the 550i GT, powered by a 4.4-liter, 400-horsepower twin turbo V8 engine, will hit U.S. dealerships on Dec. 5, with a starting price of $64,725. A second version, the 535i GT with a 3.0-liter, 302-horsepower 6-cylinder engine under its hood, will debut next spring. BMW expects it to start at about $55,000. The 5 Series GT competes most directly with other new high-end crossover vehicles, such as the Acura ZDX, Cadillac SRX, and BMW's own X6 (and, personally, I much prefer it to the X6).However, BMW's (BMWG) new crossover is also designed to appeal to shoppers who otherwise might buy a luxury sports sedan, or an SUV such as the Porsche Cayenne, Mercedes M Class, or the BMW X5.

Search Chicago have published a review of the 2010 Subaru Forester 2.5XT Limited SUV. 'Although it competes in the small SUV segment, Forester has nicely evolved since it was first introduced some 12 years ago, especially in terms of its comfort level. Forester does sport a contemporary exterior styling theme, but truth be told, Forester's outward appeal is not nearly as pleasing as its inward appeal. Forester went through a major redesign a year ago and not much has changed for 2010, except for some modifications to equipment levels and the optional navigation system now offers Bluetooth connectivity.

The Independent have published a review of the Honda FCX Clarity electric car. 'The FCX Clarity weighs 1,625kg, a typical mass for a large saloon, and the 171 litres of compressed hydrogen in its tank will take it about 285 miles. That is a large, bulky tank, but to liquefy the hydrogen requires much more energy. Coping with hydrogen which is merely compressed is the best trade-off between bulk and efficiency. As for the fuel cell stack itself, this is almost miraculously compact and sits within the Clarity's central tunnel. A decade ago, Honda's experimental stack occupied 134 litres of space, weighed 202kg and produced 60kW. Today's version occupies 57 litres, weighs 67kg and produces 100kW. The final parts of the powertrain, the electric motor, its control unit, and the cooling systems, fit under the bonnet.'

A review of the 2011 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG has been posted over at Car Advice. 'With a 6.2-litre V8 engine producing 563 horsepower and 650Nm of torque, the SLS AMG is a very quick car. How quick? Zero to 62 mph in 3.8 seconds, 0 to 125 mph in 12 seconds and an electronically limited top speed of 198 mph. Couple these figures with a low centre of gravity, close-to-ideal weight distribution and some incredible grip from the tires (265/35s in the front, 295/35s at the back), and you have all the ingredients needed to go hurtling off a high-speed track at, you guessed it, high speed.'

The Garage have published their review of the Ford Escape Hybrid. 'The Escape has traditional, upright SUV styling, something you don't see much anymore. The exterior design is simple, with little in the way of flash or adornment, though the chrome grill and roof rails added some visual interest. The 16″ alloys looked puny, and there are no other wheel choices for the Hybrid (you can get 17's on other Escapes). But compared to the latest from GM, Honda and Toyota, the Escape looks old-fashioned. Not a bad line on the car, but cutting edge, the Escape is not. The interior of the Escape is inviting. Visibility is excellent, and the interior is bright and cheery, a contrast to the dark, cave-like interiors of the GM crossovers I sampled.'

A review of the Suzuki Kizashi has been posted over at AutoCar.co.uk 'Dynamically, the standout is the chassis. Whether it's driving through town or attacking some good B-road corners, the Kizashi feels crisp, poised and super responsive - a real quality act. Suzuki has come up with a taut, Eurocentric chassis - front struts, rear multi-link - which is all-new. Steering, at just 2.6 turns lock to lock, is both accurate and quick, while overall body balance and control are outstanding. You can go late, hard and deep into a bend and the Kizashi is still there with you, strongly resisting understeer or body lean, staying resolutely on line. Then there are the brakes: pedal feel and modulation are first rate.'

Jalopnik have published their "test driven" review of the 2011 Buick Regal. 'We drove Regals equipped with the 2.0 liter turbocharged inline four with both the six-speed automatic and the manual six speed. Off the line the car pulls hard with both the manual and the auto, squealing the tires through first, making use of all 220 HP and 258 lb-ft of torque on the way to a mid-seven second 0-60 MPH time. The transmissions are pretty respectable too, the manual shifts crisply and the engagement point is smooth, gears are well placed to work with the slightly heady engine and spirited driving is downright fun. The six speed auto isn't anything to sneeze at either, passing is a remarkably swift endeavor, it kicks down and away you go, pulling like a mule all the way.'

MotorTrend have published a "test driven" review of the 2011 Buick Regal pre-production prototype. 'The 2011 Buick Regal is targeted at me. My last two family cars purchases have been a 2005 Acura TSX and a 1995 Infiniti G20. Our requirements were 1) a full roster of luxury features and toys, 2) four-cylinder fuel economy, and 3) long-haul durability (the G20 racked up 170,000 miles). I have no concerns about domestic-car reliability, but the Big Three haven't seriously attempted a four-banger luxmobile since the ill-fated Cadillac Cimarron. Now, with Buick training to go toe-to-toe with the Asian luxobrands (while Caddy spars with the Germans), this Regal is aimed at folks like me.'

A review of the 2010 Kia Forte Koup has been posted over at the USATodaycom. 'The test Koup was fitted with the bigger engine, a 2.4-liter four-banger rated 173 horsepower, and a six-speed manual transmission, while the sedan that was tested had the 2-liter, 156-hp engine and an automatic. Even allowing for the obvious fun-factor difference, the Koup felt like an exceptional sling-about. The Koup is sleek to see (though not entirely attractive), tight and snappy - and a relatively light touch to acquire. Nice blend. The test vehicle, a high-end Koup SX, had about everything you need for grins for less than $20,000.

The Truth About Cars have published a review of the 2010 Cadillac SRX V6 SUV. 'Since day one, the Cadillac SRX was a desperate underdog looking to dethrone the Lexus RX: Middle America's CUV of choice. But the SRX was a muscular macho machine and the Lexus is an overstuffed Camry Wagon. Now, with a more mundane blueprint, Cadillac believes their latest SRX utility is "the new standard for luxury crossovers." Plus, as the promotional material claims, it's also the Cadillac of Crossovers. Whoa dude: what standard are they holding themselves to, and does anyone still believe Cadillac is the ultimate word in luxury?'

Car And Driver have published a "test driven" review of the 2010 Subaru Legacy 2.5i. 'We drove a 2.5i allied with Subaru's new Lineartronic CVT automatic--it adds $1000--and hit 60 mph in 8.8 seconds. That's faster than it feels, and there are other four-cylinder automatic sedans that won't keep up: The Chrysler Sebring comes to mind. But it's still pretty deliberate. The Legacy likely would be quicker with the standard six-speed manual, but the CVT promises a big advantage in fuel economy--23 mpg city and 31 highway, according to the EPA, versus 19 and 27 for the manual. This is a big deal, as the CVT Legacy is now class-competitive with the mid-size front-drivers that, Subaru says, had previously occluded the Legacy's appeal. We averaged 25 mpg over a week, which entailed a lot of stand-on-it driving.'

A review of the 2010 Hennessey HPE700 LS9 Camaro has been posted over at Edmunds.com. 'The 2010 Hennessey HPE700 LS9 Camaro isn't just quick and fast; it warps reality. Stay on the throttle long enough and you'll develop tunnel vision as the speed builds. Suddenly it's like you're going through the time travel sequence in a Star Trek movie. Before you know it, you've sped through the Bronze Age, Ancient Rome, the Dark Ages, the Renaissance, the Civil War and the Industrial Revolution. And you're coming up quick on the same telephone pole on the Pacific Coast Highway in Malibu that cracked a Ferrari Enzo in two a couple of years ago.'

CNET have published a review of the 2010 Audi A5 Cabriolet convertible. 'Audi refers to the cabin tech suite in the 2010 A5 Cabriolet as its third-generation multimedia interface (MMI). The basic premise of the system is unchanged from earlier generations; four buttons surround a dial, letting you select quadrant items on the car's LCD. For example, when looking at an audio screen, one of the quadrants will open up an audio source menu. There isn't a main onscreen menu interface, as there is in the BMW X5 M. You select different cabin tech functions, such as navigation, telephone, or audio, by pressing buttons on the console. The third-generation MMI adds a small joystick on top of the main dial, making it possible to maneuver crosshairs on the map.'

A review of the 2009 GMC Sierra Hybrid 2WD has been posted over at LeftLane News. 'Take your pick, it's a five or six-seater depending on whether you need cupholders and a massive armrest in between you and the passenger. Looking entirely like a standard issue Sierra pickup, the only hints that you were in a hybrid would be the badging on the tachometer and the occasional on and off of the gasoline engine. That's if you could hear it at all, for GM's NVH engineers have designed an extremely quiet cabin. Our tester was upholstered in the fabric color of light titanium, a contrast to the bucket seat, leather-wrapped interior on the four-wheel-drive version we sampled earlier.'

Search Chicago have published a review of the 2010 Ford SVT Raptor. 'The Raptor is not another Lightning. SVT wanted to go in a different direction. In an interview with Sport Truck, Jamal Hameedi, SVT's chief nameplate engineer noted, "We saw where the truck market was going, and doing another highperformance street truck wasn't the best idea. We needed to do something different." So what is the SVT Raptor? Basically, it's a factory-engineered, warranty-backed, desert-racing truck. The Raptor's offroad skills go far beyond rock crawling. While other manufacturers have offered trucks with off-road packages before, no auto company has ever given the driving public something like this.'

Car Advice have published their review of the Mercedes-Benz E500. 'It's the best looking E-Class yet, and given the LED running lights in the blacked out corners of the front bumper, it cuts an imposing figure in someone's rear view mirror. Of course, the dual headlamp set up remains, but the inside lights are a lot smaller, and slope away from the grille. You also get dual Mercedes logos with a grille badge, and the three pointed star directly above it, on the bonnet. The angular theme continues through the interior, with the old model's swoopy dash replaced by a classic squared off look. Dash plastics which are soft to touch, glossy, lacquered wood, smooth leather - the quality cannot be faulted. The seats are also very, very comfortable with plenty of adjustment in all directions. Especially nice is the seat movement buttons located on the door, in easy reach.'

A review of the 2009 Toyota Tacoma Access Cab has been posted over at PaddockTalk.com. 'As an everyday vehicle, the Tacoma is hard to beat. It has the big advantages that only a pickup truck can offer, but it had mediocre to very disappointing gas mileage - something that more and more people are becoming concerned about as the cost of gasoline heads into the hemisphere. I previously tested a V-8 Dodge Dakota and would you believe both trucks got the exact same fuel mileage? The Tacoma is very comfortable to drive in a convenient size - driving in suburbia and parking at Wal-Mart doesn't become a problem - not like the big Dodge Ram that we saw struggling for several minutes trying to wiggle into a regular parking spot.'

The Motor Report have published their review of the 2010 Volkswagen Jetta models. 'The 2010 Jetta V update is now in showrooms. Featuring a new line-up of petrol and diesel engine options, the new Jetta typifies Volkswagen's direction in producing cars that engage the driver but sip fuel like its poison. Each, even the base model 77kWTDI, is an enjoyable steer. None we sampled could be accused of being "just transport".'

The Garage have published a review of the new Buick LaCrosse. 'Inside the LaCrosse, the emphasis on style continues, but presents itself as a little more subdued compared to the exterior. The gauges feature an art deco font, with cool blue lighting. It is elegant and chic, and I applaud the original thinking by Buick. The center console, housing buttons for audio and climate control and other functions required some time to study before I knew what the button did, to understand the pictogram, or when all else failed, just push the button to see what happens. The screen for the audio and climate controls did not appear to be any different from the Chevy Equinox we recently tested. It's perfectly usable, but in a luxury car, you expect better.'

Search Chicago have published a review of the 2009 Dodge Dakota ST Crew Cab. 'The Dodge Dakota is available with an extended or crew cab body style, each with only one bed size. Available trim levels are ST, Big Horn, TRX4 and Laramie. I tested the base ST that started at $25,260. Inside the Dakota you will find that "work ethic" treatment in all its hard plastic pain and suffering. I know there are price points to be met, but nobody can fill a cabin with so many rigid plastic surfaces and think it will go unnoticed - especially when those mounting the midsize charge are delivering softer-touch surfaces.'

A review of the Renaultsport Mégane 250 coupé has been posted over at the The Indendent. 'So, what exactly is the Mégane 250? It is a very fast and sleek machine designed for proper driving fun, and powered by the most muscular variation yet, at 250bhp, of Renault's 2.0-litre, turbocharged engine. But even a glorified hot hatchback such as this could head off in one of two directions. The first is one which Renault does particularly well, the hardcore enthusiast's car at the top of its class for interaction and entertainment. The previous-generation Mégane R26 was the ultimate example, with a stripped-out, ultra-light, motorsport-flavoured R26.R version for the truly committed. The second is the rapid, civilised GT car in a compact package, fun and capable but not too demanding: a Volkswagen Golf GTI is a good example.'

The Truth About Cars have published a review fo the Audi TT-S. 'Although the TT-S carries a "quattro" badge, it's not the traditional longitudinal engine and Torsen center differential found in other Audis. Instead, there's a more Rube Goldbergesque arrangement that transfers power just a beat or two behind the moment when it's needed. As a consequence, there are no tail-out antics to be had in a TT. In fact, antics of any kind are in short supply. To get the most out of a TT-S, simply floor the throttle on the straight, brake at the ABS threshold to the turn-in point using your left foot while squeezing the left paddle five or six times (it will not select too low of a gear) and then floor the throttle again as you pass the apex.'

CAR And Driver have published their "Short Take Road Test" of the 2010 Audi A5 2.0T. 'Options can add up quickly on the A5. Our tester was loaded up with a $2500 Navigation package (a navigation system with Audi's MMI system, a color info screen in the gauge cluster, and a rear-view camera), as well as a $3500 Premium Plus package with xenon headlights, LED running lights and taillights, Bluetooth connectivity, three-zone climate control, heated front seats, and Audi's music interface technology. Special $475 paint pushed the as-tested price to $44,750. Plan on an additional $4K for a similarly equipped model powered by the 265-hp V-6, which works out to about $74 per pony or roughly a grand for every tenth you'd gain in the 0-60 run.'

A review of the 2010 Nissan Altima 3.5SR has been posted over at LeftLaneNews.com. 'The Altima's fixins' for 2010 include a newly shaped hood, and "T-grille" with the appearance of wings within the chrome surrounds. A new front bumper and what Nissan calls a "license plate finisher" round out the rear. Sharp, angular, taillights add a contemporary look, which dresses it up, just so. Also on the appearance side are new 16 and 17-inch aluminum-alloy wheels and the addition of two new exterior colors. The Altima gives buyers a choice of powerplants. Available first as a base model with a 2.5-liter inline four-cylinder engine, it produces 175 horsepower and 180 lb-ft. of torque and nets 23 mpg in the city and 32 mpg on the highway.'

The USATODAY have published a review of the 2010 Lexus IS 250C convertible. 'The IS convertible is derived from hardware underpinning the IS sedan. A key difference: The sedan offers all-wheel drive. The convertible doesn't. Also, the convertible is about 300 pounds heavier than the sedan. But that extra weight is toward the rear, so Lexus says the drop-top has the coveted 50/50 weight balance - half the weight on the front wheels, half on the rears. The sedan is 52/48. Hard to enjoy the benefits of 50/50, however, when the car's leaning so much in corners that you don't want to drive it hard in the first place.

CNET have published a review of the 2010 Tesla Roadster Sport. 'The Tesla Roadster Sport drives like nothing on the road today. If you've driven a bumper car you'll have some idea of how the Roadster Sport operates. You push the accelerator and it goes. But unlike bumper cars, the Tesla Roadster Sport gets pushed by a robust motor making 295 pound-feet of torque. That high torque figure comes on almost as soon as the motor starts spinning, and carries all the way up to 6,000 rpm. To put it in nontechnical terms, when you hit the accelerator a ram slams into your back, pushing you inexorably forward, not letting up until your eyelids are peeled back by the wind and the first moments of your life come into vision.'

Inside Line have published their "test driven" review of the 2010 Chevrolet Corvette Grand Sport. 'As much as the 2010 Chevrolet Corvette Grand Sport seems like an interesting idea, we question Chevrolet's decision to put the sanctified "Grand Sport" name on this car to begin with. The original 1963-vintage Corvette Grand Sports were thoroughbred racecars, the most recent of which failed to sell on the auction block when its reserve was not met with a bid of $4.9 million. Even when the Grand Sport label was applied to a production Corvette in 1996, only 1,000 examples with specific VINs were made. To be sure, the 2010 Corvette Grand Sport does have a legitimate place in the sports car world, and it follows an established pattern.'

A review of the 2008 Lexus IS F has been posted over at MotorTrend.com. 'For 2010, Lexus has made some noteworthy improvements to the IS F. A limited-slip differential is now standard as is Bluetooth streaming audio. There's even a snazzy new design for the 19-inch wheels. But until Lexus incorporates suppler suspension tuning, or at least adjustable dampers with a legitimate comfort setting, the IS F will remain the poster boy for teeth-chattering transportation. So soften those shocks, Lexus, and we'll be all smiles.'

Auto Express have published a reivew of the new Land Rover Discovery 4. 'A recent facelift has done nothing to disguise the rugged Discovery's Tonka toy proportions. The nose gets new headlamps and grille, while at the rear you'll find revised tail-lights. As ever, the big Brit looks just as at home in a farmer's field as it does outside a posh hotel Buyers get the choice of three trim levels - GS, XS and HSE. Externally there's little to separate the models, although the entry-level 2.7-litre GS gets 18-inch alloys in place of the 19-inch items on other versions. There's also the option of a Commercial version that is stripped of its back seats and fitted with darkened rear windows.'

The Garage Blog have published a review of the Chevrolet Camaro RS. 'The Camaro is a strong styling statement, but a very handsome one. Sure, it's retro, which is a four letter word to some, but this is a modern interpretation of an iconic design. The car looks perfect at any angle, and I wouldn't change a thing. Proportionally, the car looks good too, but for a 2+2, this is one big car, and you sense this as soon as your settle into the driver's seat. To put the size of the Camaro into perspective, the current VW Passat four-door sedan is 2″ shorter and nearly 4″ narrower. From the driver's seat, looking down the long, tall hood it's nearly impossible to tell where the front of the car is, and you could hide a Hummer H2 in the rear blind spots. But that's the price you pay for style.'

Search Chicago have published a review of the 2009 Dodge Durango Limited HEV. 'The current-generation Durango debuted five years ago to mixed success. It's had a unique place among SUVs since it sits in the middle ground between big haulers such as the Tahoe or Expedition and smaller two-row options like the Explorer. Along with feel-good greenness, the Durango Limited HEV does deliver a third row and some really nice family entertainment options. Durango's body-on-frame design will not win any awards for comfort and drivability because more crossovers are going to the unit-body design approach.'

A review of the 2010 BMW X5 M SUV has been posted over at CNET. 'When driving the X5 M in normal mode, it did a poor job of disguising the power of its twin turbo V-8. Under acceleration, the turbine whine kicks in, making the X5 M sound like a jet fighter. Lifting up on the accelerator causes an impressive bass exhaust backflow, little sonic booms from the exhaust system. Although this engine is the same basic configuration and displacement as that in the BMW 750i we reviewed, it makes much, much more horsepower. The M tuning gives the X5 M 555 horses, compared with the 7-series' 407hp. Its torque is up at 501 pound-feet, a good chunk more than the 7-series' 442 pound-feet. But tuning for this kind of power comes at a cost, namely fuel economy. We made liberal use of the car's M mode, but also spent time cruising on the freeway and negotiating city traffic, resulting in an average fuel economy of 13.2 miles per gallon.

CAR And Driver have published their "test driven" review of the 2010 BMW ActiveHybrid X6. 'Based around the two-mode CVT transmission BMW co-developed with General Motors and the old DaimlerChrysler, the X6 hybrid is similar in concept to hybrid versions of GM's full-size SUVs and pickups, as well as the short-lived Dodge Durango and Chrysler Aspen hybrids and the upcoming Mercedes-Benz ML450 hybrid. That concept in a nutshell: take a big vehicle with a relatively inefficient, large-displacement engine and pair it with an electrified transmission that keeps the powertrain at maximum efficiency no matter what the speed to improve city fuel economy without sacrificing highway efficiency.'

The Truth About Cars have published their review of the Ford Fusion hybrid sedan. 'Like other hybrids, the Fusion has a profound effect on the driver that can only be properly compared to a personalized regimen of mood stabilizers, anti-anxiety pills and attention-deficit medication. Leaving town through Friday rush hour congestion would normally be a cut-and-thrust exercise for me, an id-tickling campaign of maximum effort leading only to minor advantages in speed and lane placement. That's just how I roll. But despite believing deeply that traffic is a battle to be fought, I found the Fusion guiding me towards a center lane. There, the Fusion settled into a sedate, nay, a mature pace.'

A review of the 2009 Toyota Camry Ateva has been posted over at CarAdvice.com.au. 'Inside the cabin, Camry drivers will be familiar with the general layout. While the radio fascia has changed, the rest remains well-known territory. Rear seat passengers will remain amazed with the amount of leg room available. A 6-foot person will easily fit with leg room to spare, likewise with head and shoulder room. Visibility from the driver's seat is superb both front and rear. The thin A-pillars are great for city driving where cyclists and pedestrians are often lost in their girth. A reversing camera is now standard fitment on both Ateva and Grande, further enhancing visibility during parking and low-speed manoeuvres.

A review of the 2009 Ford Flex Limited has been posted over at SearchChicago.com. 'Flex is available in three trim levels: SE, SEL and Limited. Pricing ranges from around $28,000 to $36,000. The base SE trim comes as a front-wheel-drive model while the SEL and Limited models can be equipped with front- or all-wheel drive. All Flex models are well equipped, including the SE trim that features 18-inch alloy wheels, rear park assist, power driver's seat, CD audio system, split folding second and third row seats and more. Because Flex sits relatively low to the ground, getting in and out is a snap. So is getting to and from the third row seats.'

Motor Trend have published their "test driven" review of the 2010 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG - U.S. Spec coupe. 'It's a lot to take in, this bellowing, bewinged beast -- all snout and tidily truncated tail. They say the SLS' 6.2-liter, 563 horsepower V-8 engine sits behind the midline of the front wheels, but when you stare at all that real estate up front, it just seems ludicrous. There's so much acreage at the prow, what goes there? Another engine? (Actually, the dry-sump oiling system). She's strangely attractive though, far better looking in person than in photographs. The eyes are wide set, pushed to the corners and separated by a broad mouth, split horizontally by a wing and ring.'

The Automo Blog have published a review of the 2009 Toyota Venza. 'Classified as a 5-Door Sedan, the Toyota Venza is all-new for 2009. Just like the Camry and Highlander it sits between, the Venza's engine options are a 182 horsepower 2.7-liter four-cylinder, or a much more capable 3.5-liter V6 producing 268 hp. Both engines are mated to a 6-speed sequential automatic transmission, which is a good choice for this car. Either engine can also be had with FWD or AWD layouts.'

Inside Line have published their "test driven" review of the 2011 BMW ActiveHybrid 7. 'Let's not pretend that the 2011 BMW ActiveHybrid 7 is a truly eco-friendly alternative to the small car. Its rating for CO2 emissions on the European driving cycle is 219 g/km, more than double the 89 g/km rating of a Toyota Prius and roughly the same as a Porsche 911 Carrera. It might be a significant step forward from a 750i, which is rated at 266 g/km, but it's unlikely to gain a standing ovation at a tree-huggers' love-in. Let's remember that this is still a gargantuan sedan, measuring 205.2 inches overall and weighing 4,729 pounds when you choose the long-wheelbase version (a short-wheelbase ActiveHybrid 7 will be available, too).'

A review of the 2010 Ford F-150 FX4 truck has been posted over at LeftLaneNews.com. 'The F-150 has been the best-selling pickup since many of our readers were toddlers, so if you're not familiar with the basic premise of this vehicle, you're not paying much attention. Our test FX4 model, unlike the Lariat we tested earlier, is more equipped for serious use - even if it was dolled up with thousands in luxury options. The locking rear differential, trailer brake controller, off-road-oriented suspension and 18-inch wheels with marginally knobbier tires that come with the FX4 package add a bit more rough-and-tumble cred, although the most serious users would still probably be best off with a vinyl-interior, roll-up window base model and a quick run through the local farm or ranch supply's truck accessory section.'

CNET have published a review of the 2010 Infiniti QX56 SUV. 'Compared with sporting and agile cars such as the Infiniti G37 and FX50, the 2010 Infiniti QX56 is an odd throwback, a journey into yesteryear before the first hybrids strode the earth. Built on a truck frame, it rides like a railway car. The engine, big enough to pull the near 3 tons of the QX56 around, plus an extra 9,000 pounds towed from the rear bumper, burns gas at a visible rate. And the QX56 is big, so big that we wanted to put traffic cones around it every time we parked. The ride height is on par with public transportation.'