Borrego selected as “Best Kept Secret” by Autobytel

Kia Borrego has just been on sale for less than six months in US market and already received it’s first award. A couple of days ago, Kia Motors America announced Borrego has been selected as the “Best Kept Secret” in the 2009 Editors’ Choice Awards.

Equipped with fuel-efficient V8 or V6 engines, Borrego was chosen for its impressive combination ofcapabilities, space and comfort. Michael Sprague, vice president of marketing at Kia Motors America said: “Borrego continues to gain strong recognition in the press and among consumers, and its Autobyte selection is further proof of Borrego’s value package. It is a reflection of Kia Motors’ new design direction and a pointer to more outstanding product offerings to come.” Read more about this award at Kia Motors America website.

2009 BMW 335d - Short Take Road Test

It’s no secret that we love BMWs. Indeed, browse any auto-enthusiast message board, and you’ll no doubt read about the piles of fresh $100 bills that arrive in our office every month from some German dude named Bayerische M. Werke. The reality, though, is that bribes are unnecessary, especially in the case of the sensational 3-series. It’s the benchmark vehicle for a benchmark company and a car we’ve called “terrific,” “magical,” “world-class,” “definitive,” and “a wing-footed god.” (Although even we admit that that last one might be a bit much.)

Today, we add a new descriptor to our 3-series vocabulary: torquey sumbitch. For 2009, BMW has finally seen fit to offer a compression-ignition 3 in the U.S., gifting on us its twin-turbo 3.0-liter diesel engine, which pumps out a goodly sum of power (265 horsepower @ 4200 rpm) and a wicked level of twist (425 pound-feet @ 1750 rpm). Compared with a regular 335i sedan, which boasts 300 horsepower and 300 pound-feet of torque, the 335d has 42 percent more torque while sacrificing just 12 percent in the power department. That, friends, is the sort of compromise we can live with.

That Old Familiar Feeling
Once you slide the gear selector into drive—the 335d is only available with a six-speed automatic—you’ll see what we mean. Mashing the throttle unleashes a fusillade of torque down the driveshaft, and the nearly immediate availability of same allows the 335d to churn its way to 60 mph in 5.7 seconds and cover the quarter-mile in 14.2 seconds at 100 mph. (A 335i manual sedan accomplishes the 0-to-60 and quarter-mile runs in 4.8 seconds and 13.5 seconds at 106 mph, respectively.) We think the 335d feels even quicker.
The rest of the 335d experience is typical 3-series: perfect steering, sublime body control, strong braking performance (161 feet from 70 to 0 mph), and unparalleled ride quality. In fact, beyond the immense torque and abbreviated tach—redline is 5000 rpm—you’d never even know this is a diesel, especially with the windows up. Little noise clatters its way into the cabin, and our noses picked up no trace of diesel’s unmistakable scent. Even with the windows down, this engine still sounds good. It has a throatier growl than BMW’s gas-fired sixes and none of the click-clack harshness that characterizes most Americans’ idea of a diesel soundtrack.

Fuel economy is rated at an impressive 23 mpg city and 36 mpg highway, improvements of 6 and 10 mpg over a 335i automatic sedan. Given current average national fuel prices ($2.49 per gallon for premium gasoline and $2.94 per gallon for diesel) and a 12,000-mile annual driving load, however, the fuel-cost saving of a 335d over a conventional 335i is minimal.

iDrive We Can Live With
We had but a few minutes to fiddle with the new-generation iDrive system debuting in 2009 BMWs, but we quickly figured out how to change the radio, start the navigation system, and generally find what we were looking for. In other words, it’s everything the old system was not: intuitive and easy to use. Those of us who have spent more time with the new setup—most notably in the 2009 7-series—have come away similarly impressed. - CarandDriver.com

2009 GTI: Named one of Car and Drivers 10 BEST

2009 Volkswagen GTI
Hot-hatchback hero.

It’s been a quarter-century since the first GTI put an exclamation point on Volkswagen’s Rabbit lineup, and 25 years of continuous development through five generations have yielded a car that still defines the class it established in that other century.

VW’s robust 2.0-liter turbo four provides ample thrust, driving the front wheels through a six-speed manual transmission (standard) or, our choice, the slick paddle-shifted dual-clutch DSG automated manual.

But it’s the GTI’s rigid unibody that makes it such an agreeable partner, whether it’s the daily commute or a weekend back-road blast. Exemplary chassis rigidity allowed the development team to tune the suspension for a blend of precise response and smooth ride quality reminiscent of a car wearing BMW badges.

As an added bonus, GTI ownership includes an exceptionally high practicality factor. Like the Rabbit/Golf series on which it’s based, the GTI has grown over the years, growth that’s magnified by the versatility that’s shared by all hatchbacks. The option of three- or five-door body styles augments the practicality factor.

Practicality and fun in a small-scale, sporty German hatchback. It doesn’t get much better.

VEHICLE TYPE: front-engine, front-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 3- or 5-door hatchback
BASE PRICE: $23,640–$24,240
ENGINE TYPE: turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 16-valve 2.0-liter inline-4Power (SAE net): 200 bhp @ 5100 rpmTorque (SAE net): 207 lb-ft @ 1800 rpm
TRANSMISSIONS: 6-speed manual, 6-speed dual-clutch automated manual
DIMENSIONS:Wheelbase: 101.5 in Length: 165.7 in Width: 69.3 in Height: 58.4 inCurb weight: 3150–3250 lb
FUEL ECONOMY:EPA city/highway driving: 21–22/29–31 mpg

Jetta TDI Named 2009 Green Car of the Year

LOS ANGELES, Nov 20, 2008 (PR Newswire Europe via COMTEX) ----Green Car Journal Announces Winner at the Los Angeles Auto Show

Volkswagen's milestone 2009 Jetta TDI has been named Green Car Journal's 2009 Green Car of the Year, besting competitors that included a pair of advanced hybrids, a clean diesel sport sedan, and a trendy fuel-efficient microcar. This is the first time that a clean diesel model has been awarded the title Green Car of the Year. Green Car Journal has been unveiling the Green Car of the Year winner at the LA Auto Show every year since it initiated the annual award in 2005.

"The 2009 Volkswagen Jetta TDI epitomizes what the Green Car of the Year honor is all about," said Ron Cogan, editor and publisher of Green Car Journal and editor of GreenCar.com. "It raises the bar significantly in environmental performance with its EPA estimated 41 mpg highway fuel economy, reduced greenhouse gas emissions, and extremely low tailpipe emissions. This is all the more impressive when you consider the Jetta TDI is a clean diesel, achieving the kind of fuel efficiency offered by gasoline-electric hybrids but in a more affordable way."
Volkswagen's Jetta TDI features a 2.0-liter, turbocharged direct injection engine featuring the latest in diesel injection and emissions technology that allows it to meet strict emissions standards in all 50 states. Although its mission is to provide buyers a comfortable and fuel efficient five-passenger family sedan at an affordable US$21,990, there's a bit of performance in the bargain because of this clean diesel engine's abundant low-end torque and the Jetta's well-tuned suspension. This Volkswagen's new-generation diesel powerplant is also exceptionally quiet for a diesel, reflecting just how far advanced diesel technology has come in recent years.
A jury of environmental and automotive experts selected the 2009 Jetta TDI from the field of five finalists that also included the BMW 335d, Ford Fusion Hybrid, Saturn Vue 2 Mode Hybrid, and smart fortwo. This jury is comprised of nine jurors including Carl Pope, executive director of the Sierra Club; Frances Beinecke, president of the Natural Resources Defense Council; Jean-Michel Cousteau, president of Ocean Futures Society; automotive expert and Tonight Show host Jay Leno; automotive icon Carroll Shelby; and four Green Car Journal editors.

About Green Car of the Year

The Green Car of the Year award is an important part of Green Car Journal's mission to showcase environmental progress in the auto industry. Since 1992, Green Car Journal has focused on the intersection of automobiles, energy, and environment, first with an industry newsletter and then with an award-winning auto enthusiast magazine. Today, the magazine is considered the premier source of information on high fuel efficiency, low emission, advanced technology, and alternative fuel vehicles. Green Car of the Year is a registered trademark of Green Car Journal and RJ Cogan Specialty Publications Group, Inc. Additional information about the 2009 Green Car of the Year can be found at GreenCar.com.

Motor Trend Car of the Year Contender: 2009 Volkswagen CC

Yes, beneath the 2009 Volkswagen CC's, low four-door coupe bodywork inspired by the Mercedes-Benz CLS (many prefer the VW) lurks the humble transverse-engine DNA of the workhorse Rabbit/Golf/Jetta/Passat. That key architectural difference explains why this fully loaded CC with a V-6 and 4Motion all-wheel drive costs $4000 less than a similarly loaded four-banger Audi A4 2.0T quattro.

Relative to that corporate cousin, the CC is 3.7 in. longer, almost an inch wider, 0.4 in. lower, and only 62 lb heavier. Acceleration performance is within a tenth of a second of the Audi's to 60 mph and through the quarter mile. More surprisingly, the handling numbers are as good as or better than the Audi's, with identical braking, higher grip, and a quicker figure-eight lap. "I was surprised to find I prefer it to the A4; better engine sound, steering is more communicative, feels faster, too," says senior editor Ed Loh. "Rather crisp handling," concurs technical editor Kim Reynolds, countering that highway Botts dots can agitate the chassis.The GTI-inspired hardware might not be as adroit as the pricier A4's when hustling over imperfect pavement, but the steering has an organic feel and better weighting than the A4's.Our CC's interior trim draws unanimous raves for its rich materials and four Italianate leather buckets with roll-stitched inserts, though some have been put off by the lack of a center rear seat or Bluetooth connectivity. The rear seat is positioned slightly higher than the front, and yet that plunging roofline affords reasonable space and visibility for the 5-ft-10-and-under crowd.Does the 2009 Volkswagen CC have what it takes to become the 2009 Motor Trend Car of the Year? Find out later tonight... MOTORTREND.COM

2009 BMW 7 Series gets the Neiman Marcus Christmas Book treatment

We know it's early, but there's a good chance a few of you out there are already thinking about Christmas, or Christmas shopping at least. Finding the right gift for the gear head in your family can be difficult, especially if you're the gear head and you're trying to get the family to hook you up with car parts. There's just no easy way to drop hints about floor mats for a '67 Mustang, or a new welder. But if you or someone you know is the type who'd like a new car for Christmas -- and have a cool $160,000 grand to throw around -- BMW has you covered. BMW Individual, BMW's in-house customization service, is creating 31 special editions of its new 2009 7 BMW Series for the annual Neiman Marcus Christmas Book in honor of the model's 31st anniversary.

This isn't the first time BMW Individual has sold customized cars in the Neiman Marcus Christmas Book, also known as the Christmas catalog for people who make way more money than you. Since all the cars sold out quick last time, BMW is at it again. Why the premium? For starters, the Neiman 7 Series will feature Diopside Black metallic paint, giving it a greenish-black look. Inside, you'll be treated to Champagne Merino leather everywhere, Piano Black trim, and a special BMW Individual steering wheel with an inset Piano Black wood trim ring, all in addition to all the features you'd normally find on a BWM 7 Series.

If exclusivity and special paint and trim aren't enough to pry $160,000 out of your wallet, the car also comes with a trip to the South of France. The 31 lucky recipients of this lavish gift will be flown to Munich to take delivery of their cars, get an exclusive tour of BMW's facilities, then embark on a multi-city tour of South France, after which their cars will be shipped to the U.S. for immediate delivery. The tour will include stops in Nice, Monaco and Cannes as well as plenty of cruising along the French Riviera.

Live from SEMA: Kia Borrego Limited SEMA Concept

Today, Kia took the wraps off its Borrego Limited SEMA concept at its booth aimed at portraying the sleek, classy urban nature of the brand’s biggest U.S. model.
As you can see, designers ran with a black theme throughout the build and incorporated chrome accents all along its exterior. Up front, a new chrome mesh grille are said to “add flair to its already striking and commanding presence," while the door handles, front side vents and mirrors receive the same shiny treatment. A lower stance thanks to a revised spring setup drops the bold ride on 22-in. Avarus Chrome wheels. Inside, passengers will find a custom black leather wrapped cabin embossed in many places with an alligator skin pattern. The interior is finished off with a expansive surround sound stereo system with TV, DVD and navigation systems. - MOTORTREND

2009 Jetta TDI Cup "Street" Edition Concept

The TDI Cup "Street" is powered by Volkswagen's powerful 2.0L clean-diesel TDI producing 140 hp and 236 lb-ft of readily available torque, mated to the six-speed DSG transmission with Tiptronic and Sport mode. The TDI Cup Street edition rides on Yokohama 225/40R18 ADVAN sport tires and 18-in. multi-spoke wheels. The TDI Cup "Street" will be available in similar GLI colors and feature "TDI Cup Edition" applique for the vehicle side and branded door-sill inserts. The interior brings upgrades that include a race-inspired three-spoke steering wheel with the TDI Cup logo and Interlagos cloth sport seats. Based on consumer feedback, the Jetta TDI Cup Edition may be available as early as 2010 with a price starting under $30,000.

New Kia Forte pics hit the web.

As you may already know, after the deluge of official and unofficial reports, Kia has finally debuted it’s all-new Forte sedan today. It seems like we have been waiting for this day to come forever, but it’s finally here, and at last, we can show you the car that has been eagerly awaited by many Kia fans around the world.

BMW mulling a "green" supercar?

By Alex Nunez, Forecast Earth Correspondent Posted Thu Oct 30, 2008 5:47pm PDT

BMW Group
U.K. pub Autocar has the rumor mill spinning like that big money wheel on "The Price Is Right." You know what? We'll bite, 'cause this one's juicy.

In the October 29 issue, Autocar says that BMW wants a lightweight 2-seat supercar that also doubles as a green performance showcase, according to an unnamed "company official." Power could come from a variant of the automaker's excellent direct-injected 3.0L turbo inline-six, which would be further augmented by Efficient Dynamics features such as a stop/start system and brake energy regeneration (both of which are already available on a variety of European-market BMWs). Maybe even F1-style KERS, too.

The idea is to deliver performance to rival Europe's top sports cars, while keeping emissions and fuel consumption on par with a mainstream sedan. If BMW were to style this theoretical supercar like the recent M1 Homage design study (shown above), all the better.
Even if this particular rumor never pans out, the approach described is something we all ought to get used to. As we've noted before, big V8 or V12 power is awesome, but it'll become less prevalent as automakers look to balance performance demands with the realities of emissions limits and fuel economy regs.

BMW prides itself on building performance cars, so it's no surprise to hear that they're looking at how to deliver performance more efficiently.

Prepare to have an Anti-Anxiety Attack.

11 models. 3 years or 36,000 miles. $0 scheduled maintenance fees on 2009 models.

Every 2009 Volkswagen comes with Carefree Maintenance, including a no charge Courtesy Vehicle Check. Add in regularly scheduled maintenance for three years or 36,000 miles, at no charge,* and you're liable to experience an Anti-Anxiety Attack: an overwhelming feeling that everything is perfectly under control. Peace of mind. It's what the people want.

Nitrogen Tire Inflation System at New Motors

* Visit our Specials page to get your discount coupon and schedule your appointment today!!

Until very recently, advances in tire technology concentrated on the rubber, tread, and the radial metal used in the structure of the tire. Over the past twenty years, the humble tire has come a long way, but one thing remained constant. The means by which the tire was inflated. Now, thanks to huge research into what could improve tire performance for all drivers, nitrogen tire inflation systems are available that are set to revolutionize the whole industry.

Using regular compressed air to fill tires has been the standard practice for more than a century, but the fact is, the air inside the tire is one of the main contributing factors in tire degradation, which can lead to a catastrophic failure in the tire. Using a nitrogen tire inflation system allows you to replace the regular air in the tire with pure inert nitrogen gas, which in turn protects the rubber, and has a number of other important benefits for drivers.

Using a nitrogen tire inflation system allows you to give drivers a more efficient, safer, and more comfortable drive. There are many reasons for this, but they are all related to the fact that when you use nitrogen to fill the tire rather than regular air, less of it escapes, meaning that the pressure is more reliable, so the tire stays at its optimum level.

Normal ambient air contains around 78% nitrogen; however, the remaining 22% is made up of other gases, including around 21% oxygen. Oxygen is one of the most reactive gases in the world, and it can cause a great deal of damage to both the rubber of the tire, and the metal of the rim. Over time, the oxygen degrades the rubber and the metal making the valves less effective, and the rubber more porous. A tire filled with regular air starts to deflate gradually.

Low pressure in a tire means that it has a higher rolling resistance. In turn this means that the engine has to work harder to push the car along, meaning a higher fuel bill. By using a chemically inert gas with a system, you are able to guarantee a higher internal pressure in the tires. This provides a better ride, better fuel economy, and of course better safety, as a tire that is properly inflated is less likely to fail in use due to proper distribution of weight, and even wear.

Over the next couple of years, as concern about man made climate change grows, and with the ever increasing cost of fuel, many drivers are going to be looking for an edge from their workshop. Nitrogen tire inflation systems are set to be that edge. Imagine being able to offer a single service that can improve fuel efficiency by an average of 8%, extend the lifetime of an expensive part of a car, and provide your customers with a better ride. You can with a Nitrogen tire.

These systems have been extensively tested by manufacturers such as RTI, and are demonstrating some excellent results. For example, the RTI RTINTF-15 Plus is an excellent piece of equipment for inflating nitrogen tires. The headline of these results is the 8% improvement in fuel economy. To put that amount into perspective, over 12 months, a person who spends $50 per week on fuel would potentially save up to $200 thanks to just replacing the air in their tires with pure nitrogen.

-Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jason_Miller