Starting off as a muscle-y sport coupe in the 1970s and later dabbling in the mid-sized sedan market in the late ‘90s, the 2011 Buick Regal may have finally found its niche as a luxury sports sedan. Its modern aerodynamic lines, signature tail lamps, 18” painted alloy wheels and integral rear spoiler instill the car with a sporty character while still possessing a roomy, comfortable four-door interior lacking in most sport coupes. By adding all the standard interior bells and whistles—such as leather upholstery, lumbar seat adjustments, power everything, a fully-equipped electronic console ergonomically designed for the driver’s easy and efficient use—the Regal lives up to its luxury sports-sedan status in every way, save for the its four-cylinder engine (Drivers looking for a little more oomph may opt for the available manual transmission).

However, four cylinders is a small concession considering the standard MSRP of this modern-day luxury vehicle runs in the low $26,000s. Throw in the “Comfort & Convenience Package,” a power sunroof, a few extra safety features and a premium nine-speaker system and the price tops off at $31,030—still several thousand dollars less than many comparable cars in the same class.

Officially branded by Buick as a “luxury crossover,” an informed car buyers’ first encounter with the Enclave may lead them to wonder if General Motors had classed the car incorrectly. With its roomy, fully-equipped, seven-seating interior and ample rear storage volume equating to an exterior mass of cargo van-like proportion, then fixed atop Enclave’s standard 19-inch wheels, this “crossover” rides higher than most SUVs on the road. However, the 2011 model was built up from a sedan-framed auto platform nonetheless, its broad, wide and raised stature notwithstanding.

Undeniable however, is the validity of the Enclave’s luxury. A power lift-gate, wood accents, leather seating, tri-zone climate control, ultrasonic parking assist and a rear-view camera system are among the comprehensively long list of standard features. The console is completely tech-ed out too, equipped with a six-month OnStar package and XM radio along with  every plug, port and Bluetooth to accommodate practically every portable/mobile device currently on the market. And from the outside, the big and bold exterior fascia design is molded with strong lines across the side panels, jutted points in the grille and rounded corners wrapping around the tailgate. The overall evocation possesses a standout contemporary nouveau distinction without cheapening the upscale facade expected of luxury vehicles.

That aside, the Enclave may not be the best-suited for city driving. While the pick-up is efficiently swift, braking isn’t hard or stammered and the overall ride is level and smooth, the model’s design appears to lend itself to making wide turns. This renders the driver to awkwardly attempt to cut into the turn tighter which the steering seems to resist. Its ground clearance combined the narrow and curved back windows would make parallel parking impossible if not for the parking assist systems. And the FWD doesn’t always compensate for hauling the car’s large mass, as the front tires are apt to spin if making a hard advance from a stopped position.

Yet it may stand to reason that the Enclave wasn’t designed for city travel anyway. Affording complete comfort, class and personal accommodation to every passenger seat, the Enclave may have been intended for wide, open country roads where both the driver and the driven can just stretch out, relax and take it slow.

~$39-42,000 base; ~$49,000 fully equipped

LONDON, October 22, 2010 – Land Rover today announced the launch of ‘Pulse of the City’, an iPhone app that anticipates the launch of the new Range Rover Evoque—Range Rover’s upcoming new small(er) and more-eco-friendly model. The ‘Pulse of the City’ app lets users create a unique and stunning data visualisation of their journeys across ten cities worldwide.

In a world first, the ‘Pulse of the City’ app, launches on iPhone (android available from mid November) and uses GPS tracking to record the collective movements of people within the ten cities. Users will be sent a graphical representation of their journey which they can display on the helloevoque.com website.

Users will be invited to download the app for free. City Shapers will be able to add comments about their favorite places, hot spots and journeys, creating a real time, evolving pulse of each city.

As the ‘Pulse of the City’ grows, Range Rover will be asking its ‘City Shapers’ and users of the app about their connection to their city.   Questions including ‘What inspires you about your city?’ and ‘What are people talking about in your city today? will be posed each month, with the information from each city gathered to build a portrait of each urban landscape.

The ‘Pulse of the City’ app uses the new IOS4+ operating system’s ability to run background applications, thereby allowing users to start the app and leave it running whilst using the phone to take calls or browse the web. It uses the enhanced GPS capabilities of the new OS to track each journey more accurately, making the final visualisation a true reflection of a user’s movement.  The app will let users come back to saved journeys, pause the journey they are viewing and then share their journey via Facebook, Twitter and e-mail.

The app, launched in conjunction with the website www.helloevoque.com, is inspired by the new Range Rover Evoque and the cities that in turn inspired its design.

source: press release by way of Jaguar Land Rover North America, LLC

Shortly after Chrysler Group was saved from bankruptcy by the foreign investment of Fiat last year, the Italian auto-making world power has been promising to make a Fiat model available to the U.S. by way of select Chrysler dealers. However, only those dealers who could afford to build separate service and sales offices to accommodate the Fiat additions would be considered to take on the brand (among other criteria) and, per www.fiatusa.com, no dealers have been named to date. Nevertheless, Chrysler/Fiat has confirmed the Fiat 500 will be the first model made available to U.S. buyers in 2011, adapted and redesigned to suit the North American Market.

Conceptualized as “style and fashion co-existing with function and practicality,” the 500, or Cinquecento, promises to offer “small-car buyers a stylish, high-value alternative.” This ultimately equates to sporty exterior/interior design powered by a 1.4-liter engine. The 500 Sport model (pictured above) is equipped with Fiat’s MultiAir™ technology which the company says, “significantly reduces emissions while improving fuel economy and power delivery by up to 10 percent when compared to similar engines.”

The Fiat 500’s U.S. debut will come  in three different trims, Sport, Pop, Lounge, and a convertible “Cabrio” version of the 500 is slated for release in the spring of 2011.

Future Fiat plans include the availability of four models available in the U.S. by 2014.

Dodge has been revering the Caliber as “anything but cute” since the model’s 2007 launch, marketing the Neon’s replacement as a sort of kick-ass compact. This concept seems greater exemplified by the 2010 edition’s larger grill, larger squared-flared fenders and 17-inch x 6.5-inch aluminum wheels that, on exterior alone, give the car a definite hatchback-with-bite appearance. Combined with the standard features of the top-tiered and recommended Uptown trim—like a remote entry/theft deterrent system, SIRIUS satellite radio with a CD/mp3 media center, Uconnect phone with voice command, leather-wrapped steering wheel and heated front seats—the Caliber Uptown becomes a small car with substance, which only runs about $3,000 more than the base Express trim.

Yet, on the downside, taller drivers may find the interior somewhat cramping if the six-way power driver seat is unable to accommodate their height; and the Caliber’s slow pick up is not what some might expect of a mean-looking muscle car, however compact it may be. Those looking for something a littler peppier on the uptake may opt for the 2,0L engine of the Rush trim option, which comes at a comparable cost to the Uptown and accelerates with 172 hp as opposed to the 158hp of all other available trims.

Kind of like a crossover, but not really a station wagon, and too small to be a sedan, the Caliber Uptown overall is a standout vehicle with depth and smooth, easy handling/turning making it perfectly suited for city life, ~$20-$23,000 MSRP.

Regardless of whichever of the two available engines drivers opt for, be it the 2.5L or the 2.3L DISI turbocharged, they surely will experience Mazda’s signature “zoom-zoom” with the 2010 CX-7—its smooth, quick and efficient acceleration and aerodynamically sporty design are likely this model’s most standout features.

Receiving the highest government safety rating for front and side collisions, the CX-7 comes equipped with front/side-impact air bags, side-impact air curtains and rollover protection as well as Dynamic Stability and Traction Control Systems. Combined with the model’s four available trims, ranging from ~21-$31,000, this mid-sized SUV seems slated to suit the automotive needs of every mid-sized family budget, and its interior is roomy enough to comfortably accommodate them too. Just don’t skimp out on the optional rear-view camera and Blind Spot Monitoring System: Without these added conveniences, the CX-7’s high-standing tailgate and unconventional window design could make for frustrating, difficult and possibly dangerous parallel parking and merging.

Lexus RX 350: Touted as a “luxury utility vehicle,” the fully-redesigned RX 350 is Lexus’s entry-level, five-door sport crossover car with all the fancy trims and SUV-volume without the oversized SUV-obnoxiousness; the RX has got the big width and 18’ wheels but the ground clearance and driver-side POV is still low enough so not to make the driver feel like he/she is looming over fellow motorists from high above. The 2010 model features a 3.5-liter V6 engine, with improved handling, steering and suspension, and innovative interior console controls as well as all the perks and pluses expected of a Lexus. While the new RX doesn’t necessarily emote a family-friendly vibe (save for the optional rear entertainment system), automotive critics are calling the RX one of the best in its class—all at an easy to swallow starting price of ~$37,000. Yet, the addition of the available optional luxury packages can tag upwards of $20,000 onto the sticker price.

Land Rover LR4 HSE: Land Rover has bumped its ‘09 LR3 edition up a couple notches, yielding a fourth generation Discovery model that’s more driver-friendly and versatile. Winner of a 2010 Active Lifestyle Vehicle Award, the LR4 is bigger, stronger and totally bionic, complete with clearance-control cameras, an amplified 5.0 V8 engine and a rock-climbing computer-braking system programmed to prevent the vehicle from rolling backward while attempting steep inclines. Inside is super fancy too, heated seats in all three rows, fully-functional and easy-to-use dashboard controls, practical touch screen units and displays—automatic everything, including a keyless, push-button ignition. And while designed to master the off-road, the LR4’s refined steering and suspension systems can hold it’s own on road as well, evident in congested city streets where the LR4 can maneuver into tight, garage spaces or parallel park with smooth, efficient ease: a perfect match for the high-end, all-terrain vehicle enthusiast with upwards of $50-63,000 to spend.

Major American-automaker Chrysler launches a new program, allowing new-car buyers the option of returning their new vehicle within 60 days if they are not happy with their purchase, with Chrysler assuming the cost of the first two months payments, up to $500/month.

“We build great vehicles for just about any lifestyle and with this pledge, consumers will have the confidence to know they made the right purchase or they can return the vehicle no questions asked ,” said Fred Diaz, President and Chief Executive Officer—Ram Truck Brand and Lead Executive for U.S. Sales. “Plus Chrysler Group will make the first two payments for the consumer.”

In addition, the company’s National Tent Event also kicks off in July, with more than 2,000 Chrysler Group dealerships participating with associated activities at their stores. “We are pleased to sponsor, for the first time, a national tent event with our local dealerships,” Diaz said. “With local fairs and summer activities in full swing, our dealers are thrilled to add to the summertime excitement and festivities.”

The program starts today July 8th, 2010 and is available on most 2010 Chrysler, Jeep®, Dodge and Ram Truck vehicles. zero percent financing on most 2010 model year Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep and Ram truck vehicles when financed through GMAC Financial Services. The incentives are valid through Aug. 2, 2010.

July Incentives

Chrysler Brands – Consumers purchasing 2010 model year Chrysler brand vehicles can choose 0 percent financing for up to 60 months, through GMAC Financial Services, Consumer Cash of up to $3,000 or the “Regret Free Purchase” pledge program. Consumers purchasing a 2010 model year Chrysler also are eligible for 1.9 percent financing for up to 72 months through GMAC Financial Services. Consumers who lease a 2010 model year Chrysler 300, Chrysler 300 C or Chrysler Town & Country minivan through GMAC Financial Services are eligible for lease bonus cash of up to $2,000

Jeep Brand – Consumers who purchase most Jeep brand 2010 model year vehicles can choose 0 percent financing for 60 months, Consumer Cash of up to $4,000 or the pledge program. Consumers who purchase a 2010 Jeep Liberty, Jeep Grand Cherokee or Jeep Commander and finance through GMAC Financial Services are eligible for up to $1,000 inGMAC Bonus Cash. Current Jeep owners who purchase the all-new 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee are eligible for $1,000 Bonus Cash, and attractive Jeep lease offer.

Dodge Brand - Consumers purchasing most 2010 model year Dodge brand vehicles can choose from 0 percent financing for up to 60 months, Consumer Cash of up to $3,000 or the “60-Day Test Drive” pledge program.  Consumers who purchase Dodge Charger can choose from 0 percent financing for up to 72 months, Consumer Cash of $3,000 or the “60-Day Test Drive” pledge program

Ram Truck Brand - Consumers who purchase 2010 model year Ram Truck vehicles can choose from 0 percent financing for up to 60 months, Consumer Cash of up to $3,000 or the “60-Day Handshake” Pledge program.  Consumers purchasing a Ram 1500 and finance through GMAC are eligible $1,000 GMAC Bonus Cash.

Mazda’s performance-enhanced compact hatchback has been totally tricked out for 2010, and, on looks alone, it’s pretty hot. With its lowered air dam, five-point grille, dual exhaust, aerodynamic sport trim design, 18-inch tires, a roof-mounted wing, a 2.3L, four-cylinder, 263 hp engine, the Madzaspeed3 is a versatile, practical compact with enough strength and stamina to hold its own next to some of the more muscle-y American models of its class. And it manages to do so even while still touting 5 doors and 17 cubic-feet of cargo volume.

Automatic climate control, leather and cloth-trim seats and Bluetooth accessibility all come standard, with a navigation assist program available for option.

Starting at ~$23,000

In celebration of the Jeep Grand Cherokee’s 2011 production launch, Chrysler Group LLC released images of the updated model earlier this week.

“The production launch of the all-new 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee signals the rebirth of the Chrysler Group,” Chrysler Group LLC CEO Sergio Marchionne says in the official press release. “The Jeep Grand Cherokee is a signature vehicle for Chrysler. It represents the best of this Company, the direction we’re moving toward producing high quality, technologically advanced vehicles. We are confident the Grand Cherokee will receive the proper recognition for what it stands for when it hits the road in June.”

And in kind with the company’s putting its best face (or grill) forward, Chrysler also announced the addition of a second production shift employing 1,080 staff members, nearly all of which are new hires—a promising and inspiring sign of better times for the long-struggling American automaker.

“We are anticipating that there will be strong customer demand for the all-new 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee, so we decided it was prudent to add a second shift of production,” Marchionne says.

Highlights for 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee include, an all-new sculpted body and athletic profile, a new dual-pane panoramic sun roof, an interior with more than four inches of increased rear-seat knee and leg room and 17 percent more cargo volume, a 290-horsepower 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine with improved fuel economy, over 45 safety and security features, and a live mobile TV (FLO TV), SIRIUS Backseat TV and UConnect™ Web, which transforms the vehicle into a “hot spot” to deliver the Internet directly to the vehicle.

The all-new 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee will be available in 3 models: Laredo, Limited and Overland, with pricing starting at ~$31,000.