Motor Trend 2008-12

★ SPORT/UTILITY OF THE YEAR: AND THE WINNER IS...
MOTOR TREND
D E C E M B E R 2 0 0 8
AMERICAN LUXURY GOES GLOBAL

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ M O T O R T R E N D . C O M
CADDY SHOCK!
10 NEW MODELS TO TAKE ON THE
WORLD, INCLUDING...
■ CTS SPORT WAGON

EURO-COOL PLUS
DIESEL OPTION
SRX ■
RIGHT-SIZED
FOR TODAY
NEW
F-150
WE DRIVE
FORD'S LAST,
BEST HOPE
EQUINOX
FUEL CELL
USA $4.99 CANADA $5.99 ■ CTS COUPE ROAD-TESTING THE FUTURE,
HOT LOOKS AND RIGHT HERE, RIGHT NOW
556 HP IF YOU WANT
FASTER THAN A ZR1
HOW DODGE VIPER ACR
CONQUERED THE NÜRBURGRING
CO
www.fantamag.com & www.storemags.com
I T ’S A T U XEDO. WI T H A JE T PACK .
!MERICANMUSCLEISNOSTRANGERTODEBATE4HAT´SWHYWECREATEDAPERFORMANCE LUXURYVEHICLETOSHATTERANYOUTDATED
PERCEPTIONSTHAT3TATESIDEENGINEERINGISMADEFORSTRAIGHTLINESBUTCAN´TCORNER7ITHTHEMASSIVESTOPPINGPOWEROF PISTONFRONT
"REMBOBRAKESANDCO CASTROTORS!HIGH PERFORMANCECHASSISDEVELOPEDONTHEWORLD´SMOSTCHALLENGINGTESTTRACKS!NDTHE
-AGNETIC2IDE#ONTROLSUSPENSIONSYSTEMWITHBOTH4OURINGAND4RACKMODESANDARESPONSETIMEOFLESSTHANONEMILLISECOND4RUE
THE#43 6WILLDO¯INSECONDSBUTTHISISN´TABOUTSETTINGRECORDSINASTRAIGHTLINE)T´SABOUTSETTINGTHERECORDSTRAIGHT
)NTRODUCINGTHEALL NEWHP#ADILLAC#43 67ITHA.~RBURGRINGLAPTIMEOF
CADILL AC.COM/09CT SV © 2008 GM Corp. All rights reserved. Cadillac® V Badge® Nürburgring ® Brembo ®

december 2008
(contents) (contents)
62 86
54 72
110
44 102
■ Cover Story ■ Features
44 Caddy Shock! 72 History Repeating
Cadillac’s Future Diesels Across America with Mercedes-Benz
GM gambles on the standard of the World. Five decades ago, diesel-powered cars
The future of American luxury is at stake! were an anomaly. That’s no longer the case.
Todd Lassa The Editors of Motor Trend
■ Tests & Drives 102 Reptilian Ringer

Viper ACR at the ’Ring
54 Triple Treat In only 7 minutes/22 seconds,
Dodge Challenger SE V-6, R/T, SRT8 Viper sinks its fangs into the Nürburgring,
Challenging the new-ponycar class leaving record-holders writhing in agony.
with three retro Clydesdales. Ron Kiino
Frank Markus
62 Waterworks ■ Special Section

Chevrolet Equinox Fuel Cell Vehicle
Fourteen days in the hydrogen economy. 110 Motor Trend 2009
Kim Reynolds Sport/Utility of the Year
Rise of the machines.
86 Survival of the Fittest The Editors of Motor Trend
Ford F-150
Has to be the biggest hit in Blue Oval history 138 The Winner—Clear Cut
to save the company from becoming history. Soaring fuel prices and a fizzling economy
Mark Williams have made it a jungle out there,
but this year’s winner is easy to see for the trees.
Edward Loh
■ Cover photograph main image

continued on page 6 Brenda Priddy & Co.
MOTOR TREND.COM DECEMBER 2008 3

THE ENGINE SWITCHES FROM EIGHT TO
FOUR CYLINDERS SO SEAMLESSLY,
YOU’LL ONLY NOTICE IT AT THE GAS PUMP.
To create a totally new shuts off four of them include Variable Valve Timing –
truck, our engineers to save gas.(1) Of course, a technology utilized on Formula
didn’t just push the when you do need One race cars for increased
envelope. They pulled that legendary HEMI power and efficiency..(1) The
it, stretched it, tore it V8 power, it instantly benefits of all these technologies
apart, started over, and shifts back to eight are tangible:
then pushed that new cylinders to deliver more 390 horsepower,
envelope even harder. They didn’t horsepower and more torque 407 lb ft of
stop until they created the all- than ever before. torque, and the
new Dodge Ram Crew 1500. A AN ENGINE THAT OVERACHIEVES. best combination of horsepower
revolutionary truck that’s right for Other new engine advancements and fuel economy in its class.(1)(2)
the job. And right for the times. And if you’re the type that likes
®
competitive claims, the all-new
A NEW SMARTER HEMI ENGINE. Ram also has faster 0-60 mph
File this under the category of
acceleration than a Ford or Chevy
“Isn’t technology wonderful?”
truck(3) — and that’s true whether
The 2009 Ram’s new 5.7L HEMI V8 the trucks are loaded, unloaded,
(1)
utilizes our MDS fuel-saving or pulling trailers.(3) Better
technology. This system determines still, the 2009 Ram also beats
when all eight cylinders aren’t those trucks when it comes to
needed to power the truck, and highway fuel economy while
then seamlessly and imperceptibly towing.(3)
(1)
Based on manufacturer’s preliminary fuel economy estimates of 14 city to 20 highway mpg using EPA methodology. Results depend on driving habits and
5.7L vs. comparably equipped 2008 Ford and Chevy trucks; acceleration with 1,120 lb payload or while towing 7,150 lb trailer; fuel economy while towing 5,000 lb;
available on SRT,® diesel vehicles, Sprinter, Ram Chassis Cab, and certain fleet vehicles.

THE NEW STRENGTH IN FRAMES. 1500 wasn’t tough enough to with the industry’s only Lifetime
A frame
fram is a truck’s backbone. stand the test of time. Which is Powertrain Limited Warranty.(5)
why we subjected it to
NOW GO TO RAMCHALLENGE.COM
the most extensive
But enough talk already. It’s
and abusive testing
time to see the all-new Ram in
ur history:
in our
action. Just log on to
9 million customerr
That’s why we developed an all- RamChallenge.com and
equivalent miles
new fully boxed frame made of watch it tackle a series
of durability
Advanced High-Strength Steel. of extreme challenges
testing and over
It’s rated at an astounding 85,000 on the world’s most brutally
40,000 hours off
psi tensile strength. And it helps tough obstacle course. We
vehicle system
achieve Ram’s maximum GCWR
testing. Then, think you’ll find that you’ve
of an ultra-capable 14,000 lb.(4)
to prove our never seen a truck like the
TESTED FOR THE LONG HAUL. confidence in all-new 2009
All of the advancements in the the toughness Ram. Dodge.

world wouldn’t mean anything of this truck, Grab life by
if the all-new 2009 Dodge Ram we backed it horns.
the horn
THE ALL-NEW DODGE RAM. NEVER BACK DOWN FROM A CHALLENGE.

conditions (2)Comparison based on 2008 model year full-size pickup competitive data versus the 2009 MY Ram 1500. (3)AMCI-Certified 2009 Dodge Ram 1500 4x4
details at dodge.com. (4)When properly equipped. (5)No deductible. See dealer for a copy of Lifetime Powertrain Limited Warranty details. Non-Transferable. Not

(contents)
december 2008 (contents)
continued from page 3
14 41 154
162
28 168 184
this month @ motortrend.com ■ Departments
8 The Big Picture
Why Detroit matters.
Angus MacKenzie
14 Trend
News/opinion/gossip/stuff.
2
22 Your Say
2
28 The Asphalt Jungle
Bad boy drive. Arthur St. Antoine
41 Technologue
Whiter lightning. Frank Markus
152
15 Newcomers
• Suzuki Equator
• Volkswagen Jetta TDI
15 Long-Term Arrival
158
■ The SUOTY Saga in Moving Pictures Mini John Cooper Works Clubman
The annual Motor Trend award season has begun, and first Thomas Vohringer
up to be evaluated was a motley crew of crossovers big and
small, brawny rigs, and everything in between, all vying for 16
162 Long-Term Update
the exalted title of Motor Trend 2009 Sport/Utility of the Honda CR-V/Chrysler Town & Country/
Year. Given the wildly differing competitors from all ends of Toyota Tundra/Scion xB/Cadillac CTS/
the sport/ute spectrum, this year’s choice was an especially Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution MR/
difficult one. So after you’ve read through our coverage, Mazda CX-9/Kia Rondo
head over to the motortrend.com video area to watch our Ron Kiino
multipart series on our judging process and more about how
we came to crown our 2009 winner. 168 Long-Term Verdict
16
Jaguar XK/XKR Angus MacKenzie
1184
8 Archive
Diesel clatter at the Brickyard
Matt Stone
6 DECEMBER 2008 MOTOR TREND.COM

©2008 ESPN, Inc.
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(the big picture) angus mackenzie
“ MANUFACTURING—LED BY
AUTOMAKING—WAS THE ENGINE ROOM
OF OUR ECONOMY ACCOUNTING FOR
NEARLY ONE-THIRD OF THE
U.S. GROSS DOMESTIC PRODUCT
”
as Germany, Italy, and Japan. By , China is
expected to be awarding more engineering
doctorates than we are. Manufacturing today
accounts for about just  percent of America’s
why detroit gross domestic product, making it a distant

second to the financial services sector, which
totals more than  percent. In other words,
matters the main business of America now is moving

money around rather than actually making stuff
like automobiles. Does that matter? You bet.
If you know how to make an automobile (still
If you can make a car, you can make anything the most complex and costly mass-produced
item in the world), you know how to make a
lot of other stuff. It’s one of the reasons newly
industrialized nations race to establish an auto
IT’S TOUGH in Motown. But the Detroit America? Does it matter whether America industry of their own, even though the costs
Three—raggedy, gasping, wobbling—can see owns the intellectual property of the are huge and there are already too many auto
salvation shimmering on the horizon: retooled automobile—the means to design, engineer, factories making too many cars. Just look at
factories building smaller, more fuel-efficient and build one—anymore? Is automobile China and India.
cars; the UAW taking care of the benefits bills; manufacturing, with its huge overheads and What Germany is doing is perhaps more
and beyond that, new powertrain technologies marginal returns, something slick, modern, relevant to the U.S., though. According to
that’ll help wean us off foreign oil. Is it a mirage, wired, post-industrial America even need estimates in the CIA’s World Factbook, Germany
or an oasis? The difference is maybe $ billion. bother with? Yes, yes, and yes. was the world’s largest exporter in , with
That’s the amount Detroit’s automakers Back in the s and s, you’d find the exports totaling $. trillion. That was $
figure they need to survive until , by which masters of the universe on Woodward Avenue, billion more than we managed, though we
time the investments in new fuel-efficient not Wall Street. Manufacturing—led by have almost four times the population. Most of
vehicles and the cost-saving deals with the automaking—used to be the engine room of Germany’s exports were manufactured items,
UAW will start to kick in. To help them get the American economy, accounting for nearly among them a lot of Mercedes-Benzes, BMWs,
there, they want $ billion in low-interest one-third of the U.S. gross domestic product. Audis, and VWs. The number-one exporter slot
government loans, with the Feds having the But for many of today’s best and brightest now belongs to China, a country with more
option to defer any payment for up to five years. college kids, auto manufacturing is seen as a than  times Germany’s population. But the
Do we give it to them? Before you answer one-way ticket to the rust-belt. In  only real point is Germany’s export earnings (worth
that question, ask yourself these: Is an seven percent of all bachelor degrees in the about $, per citizen, four times more
automobile industry owned and operated U.S. were in engineering, compared with than the U.S. figure) come from a country with
by Americans still strategically important to - percent in automaking countries such wages, benefits, and production costs as high,
or higher, than those here in America.
So why can Germany do what we can’t do?
what
x
we’ve been up to... Because in Germany, making stuff matters.
We’re gritting our teeth and bailing out the
overpaid bozos on Wall Street with hundreds of
billions of our hard-earned tax dollars to keep
the financial sector alive, and we throw billions
more into agricultural subsidies every year (the
free market? It doesn’t exist) because we think
finance and farming are strategically important
to our nation. Against this background, the $
billion in low-interest loans—loans, not bailouts,
SITTING PRETTY: M.E. Kurtz preens in MT CAST AND CREW having a field or ongoing subsidies—being sought by the
Barry Alumbaugh’s  Impala at a gathering day near Solvang, California, during Detroit automakers to help develop and retool
of the North Central Arkansas Cruisers. SUVOTY testing. for more fuel-efficient vehicles sounds like a
bargain. Because making stuff matters. ■

Contact us at 1-800-PORSCHE or porscheusa.com. ©2008 Porsche Cars North America, Inc. Porsche recommends seat belt usage and observance of all traffic laws at all times.
Performance: 30hp more.

Torque: 15 lb-ft more.
Because ours is a philosophy of more.

Contact us at 1-800-PORSCHE or porscheusa.com. ©2008 Porsche Cars North America, Inc. Porsche recommends seat belt usage and observance of all traffic laws at all times. Vehicle is shown with non-U.S. equipment.
Lower fuel consumption.

Lower CO2 emissions.
Because ours is also a philosophy of less.
An entirely new generation of engines. Utilizing Direct Fuel Injection (DFI), fuel is injected directly
into the combustion chamber with millisecond precision via electromagnetically operated injectors.
The injection spray and cone angles are adjusted for optimum mixture formation and combustion,
delivering improved performance, higher torque and lower fuel consumption. The available Porsche
Doppelkupplung (PDK) also enables gear changes in milliseconds, while the seventh gear optimizes
performance and boosts efficiency further. As we said, it is our philosophy.
The new 911

porscheusa.com/technology

And now a
(the team)
MOTOR TREND
editorial PUBLISHER Ira Gabriel
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Angus MacKenzie ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER Eric Schwab
word from our EXECUTIVE EDITOR Matt Stone

EDITOR AT LARGE Arthur St. Antoine
advertising sales
CHICAGO
engineers. DETROIT EDITOR Todd Lassa

EUROPEAN EDITOR Paul Horrell
SENIOR EDITOR Ron Kiino
500 N. Dearborn, Suite 1100, Chicago, IL 60610
312/396-0609 Bert Peterson
DETROIT
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Conventional bracketed wiper blades ASSOCIATE ART DIRECTOR Tom Donchez consumer automotive group
apply inconsistent pressure along the ASSISTANT ART DIRECTOR Mike Royer VP, GROUP PUBLISHER Ira Gabriel
EDITORIAL DIRECTOR Angus MacKenzie
length of the blade, leading to patchy production GROUP OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Amy Diamond
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The most advanced all-weather blade truck trend

you can buy. Experts agree. Bosch EDITOR Mark Williams
ICON™ delivers a cleaner wipe in all ART DIRECTOR Thomas Voehringer
WEB PRODUCER Melissa Spiering
weather conditions. So switch to Bosch
ICON Wiper Blades. Clearly the most motor trend television
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©2008 Robert Bosch LLC. USA all rights reserved.

Here we come,
weather or not.
See better, drive safer with the advanced bracketless technology of Bosch
ICON™ Wiper Blades. Come rain or snow. With a sleek aerodynamic design,
Bosch ICON conforms more precisely to the curvature of your windshield for a
cleaner wipe. Its exclusive fx dual rubber compound and patented steel backing
technology consist of no metal joints or brackets, which virtually eliminates icy
buildup that clogs other blades. Insist on Bosch ICON Wiper Blades. Clearly the
most advanced all-weather wiper blades you can buy. Visit boschautoparts.com.
©2008 Robert Bosch LLC. USA all rights reserved.

(trend)
(trend)
NEWS/OPINION/GOSSIP/STUFF
2010: The year the

future arrives
PURE ELECTRICS, next-
generation hybrids, and extended-range
electric vehicles will stage an onslaught
on the market for 2009-2010. It’s not a
high-volume onslaught, though; except for
established models like the Toyota Prius and
the next Honda Insight, cars like the Lotus-
based Dodge EV and the 2011 Chevrolet Volt
will “ramp up” in production from fewer than
10,000 each in their first year. In fact, it could
be far fewer, a sub-1000 number, depending
on battery technology and cost.
Intrigued shoppers will flood showrooms
and supply will fall far short of demand. Ah,
but why not look at a new compact or sub-
compact car while you’re there? That, in fact,
is the raison d’être for most of these cars. Take
a look: CHEVY VOLT
GENERAL MOTORS
THE CAR OF THE FUTURE: The 2011 THE CAR THAT’S MORE PRACTICAL: TOYOTA
Chevy Volt. Volt will use a 1.4-liter gas four to The 2011 Dodge Hornet. All sheetmetal has THE CAR OF THE FUTURE: The 2010 Prius.
recharge the lithium-ion battery pack, but it changed since the Hornet concept made its Just short of launching Prius into a division
can run on pure electric for about 40 miles. 2006 Geneva debut. Chrysler is looking to of its own (perhaps to replace ailing Scion),
Top speed is 100 mph and 0-to-60 mph is market it as a “fashion” B+ segment car, which the 2010 Prius will eventually include an
under 9.0 seconds. Vice chairman Bob Lutz means the hatchback body (see Mini) may extended-range version and a Lexus version,
expects GM to build 10,000 in its first full year, survive. Will be based on a Nissan platform the latter to make its debut at Detroit in
eventually ramping up to 60,000, making and produced by that automaker as part of January. Toyota had planned to up the Prius
a big dent into whatever the new CAFE an agreement in which Chrysler will build the engine’s displacement above its current 1.5
standard is. Early-build South Korean Chevy next Nissan Titan on a Dodge Ram chassis. liters, but new fuel-price realities may have
Cruzes are being used as test mules. Opel gets scrubbed that idea. The Lexus version may
a version for Europe. HONDA get 2.0 liters. The Toyota Prius will go plug-in
THE CAR YOU CAN AFFORD: The 2011 THE CAR OF THE FUTURE: The 2009 for model year 2011 or 2012. Toyota also has
Chevy Cruze, which may be the company’s Insight. If you think the new Insight, green-lighted the A-BAT hybrid pickup truck,
most important compact since the 1960 introduced at the 2008 Paris show, looks too probably for the 2012 or 2013 model year.
Corvair. The Cruze shares GM’s new Global much like a Prius, think aerodynamics. These THE CARS WE HOPE YOU THINK ARE AS
Delta compact platform with Volt. Chevy hybrids are likely for nonenthusiasts to be as COOL: Corolla and Yaris. Antithesis of what’s
claims the Cruze is largest in its class. North hard to tell apart as the late-1980s “melted happening at GM and Chrysler, the dull new
America’s engine is a 1.4-liter gas direct- soap bar” midsize sedans. The new Insight 2009 Corolla and conventional Yaris seem to
injection turbo four capable of 40-plus mpg also features Honda’s distinctive brand grille lack any future beyond being price-leaders.
on the highway. Europe gets 1.4- and 1.8-liter and its new, “cost-effective” Integrated Motor WHAT ABOUT FORD? Ford is concentrating
gas fours and a 2.0-liter TDI. Assist system, making a price expected in on its EcoBoost engines and a hybrid version
the upper-teens possible. Honda expects of its midsize Fusion sedan and betting big
CHRYSLER to eventually sell 100,000 a year in the U.S. that America will fall in love with the Honda
THE CAR OF THE FUTURE: One of the An IMA version of Honda’s 2007 CRZ show Fit-size Fiesta.
three recently announced electrics that car and probably on the Fit platform could Meanwhile, Nissan has an electric car
will probably go on-sale in 2010, the Lotus appear about the 2011 or 2012 model year. promised for 2010, and Mitsubishi’s looking
Europa-bodied Dodge EV. Others in the works THE CAR FOR THOSE WHO DON’T at the i-MIEC platform, for pure electric and
include a Chrysler Town & Country seven- WANT TO SHOW OFF: The 2011 Civic. possibly extended-range electric. It will need
passenger range-extended electric minivan Current Civic hybrid continues on with about a new nose, as the current car’s front-end
and a Jeep Wrangler Unlimited range- the same fuel mileage as the new Insight, but won’t meet U.S. offset crash standards.
extended electric. with a higher price and better appointments. ■ todd lassa

(
words motor trend editors )
● MT CONFIDENTIAL ●
Hybrids and MIKE CONNOR
electrics will halo GOOD NEWS: Nobody at GM is talking mid-

engine C7 Corvette anymore. Bad news: The C7 is
on hold and now unlikely to launch earlier than the
new small cars 2014 model year. Mid-engine boosters, including

Bob Lutz, believed it would be easier to achieve gas-
saving cylinder shutoff with a mid-mounted LS3 V-8,
as it’s hard to deactivate cylinders in the current front
engine/rear transaxle setup without adding a clutch to
deactivate the driveshaft. The question no one asked
was, would the extra weight of a mid-engine layout,
with its heavy rear cowl, offset the fuel-economy
savings of cylinder shutoff? And it’s tough to get the
proper engine note with cylinder shutoff, anyway.
In the end, the higher cost of doing essentially the
whole car from scratch took the idea off the drawing
boards. Now the question is, will chief engineer Tom
Wallace consider a 3.6-liter direct-injection V-6 for the
base C7? With 2011-2015 CAFE looming, don’t count
it out…Hard to figure out what Ferdinand Piëch is up
to. Piëch, who is Wolfgang Porsche’s cousin, skipped
out of what’s been described as a “crucial” board
meeting just before Porsche increased its ownership
of Volkswagen AG to 35 percent, enough for control
CHEVY CRUZE in Germany. Piëch’s absence was seen as giving the
upper hand to VW employees who oppose Porsche’s
bid. Porsche has indicated it wants to own 50 percent
of VW, which would give supreme control to Piëch
and the Porsche family. Perhaps Piëch figures he’s got
enough control of VW, why share it with cousins?…
Back in 2001 Ford was working on a product plan
for Lincoln that matched Cadillac’s and shared GM’s
vision for taking an American luxury brand global.
Now, no one at Ford seriously believes Lincoln will be
anything but a niche brand for the American market.
A key turning point, says one former insider, was the
decision to junk IRS for the current Mustang, which
killed any chance of a rear-drive replacement for
the Lincoln LS. My source says one very senior Ford
exec fought a bitter rear-guard action against the
DODGE EV alternative, the MKS, believing the Volvo S80-sourced
front-drive platform was wrong for an American
luxury brand with global ambitions. “In the end,” says
my source, “he was told JFDI.” JFDI? “Just f****** do
it.”…The one thing GM needs to concentrate on?
Rightsizing its business to reflect the brutal reality of
reduced sales volumes and a market share likely to
remain in the low 20 percent are for the foreseeable
future. So chew on these numbers for a moment: As
of August 1, GM had a total of 6776 dealers who had
sold 1,822,575 vehicles between them. Toyota had
1234 dealers who had sold 1,437,509 vehicles between
them. There’s still a long way to go…High gas prices, a
weak dollar, and the turmoil on Wall Street has even
the blue-chip luxury brands rethinking their strategy in
America. A senior Mercedes source has confirmed the
company is looking closely at bringing a four-cylinder
HONDA INSIGHT version of the new C-Class to the U.S. market in the
near future. ■
MOTOR TREND.COM DECEMBER

ECEMBER 2008 15

(trend)
And now…the Mini SUV!

But wait,
there’s
more
MINI has been busy at work items, and an optional add-on HERE’S WHAT WE KNOW: difference between the
on a crossover SUV concept for cargo container that attaches Earlier reports suggested the Mini Crossover Concept and
some time. Finally, it arrived to the rear. Mini sport/utility was to be the Clubman is a 2.4-inch
as a concept at the Paris auto The driver-side rear door built on a rear-drive platform wheelbase stretch. And while
show. But what is it, exactly? slides for easier loading and shared with the BMW X1, the concept featured the all-
unloading (not a practical which was to be built on the 1 wheel-drive layout expected
HERE’S WHAT WE SAW: production detail for a car Series platform, itself derived in an SUV, BMW insiders have
The Mini Crossover Concept sold in RHD and LHD versions) from the 3 Series platform. hinted there will be a front-
is all-wheel drive, of course, and a touch-sensitive, sphere- But BMW sources insist that’s drive version as well when the
slightly longer and wider than shaped infotainment system not the case. As the pictures car reaches production. The
the Clubman and certainly interface placed where the confirm, the concept has the funky asymmetric door layout
taller. Features include big speedometer usually is, dash-to-axle relationship of a of the concept will disappear,
a tie-down between the called the Center Globe. It transverse-engine, front-drive too, meaning the front-drive
seats for securing cargo, a includes a trackball and a platform. Just like the regular car will effectively double as
huge sunroof that can help keyboard that extends out for Mini Cooper. the long-rumored four-door
accommodate large cargo the passenger. The key dimensional Mini hatch. ■
Fascination Street
MERCEDES-BENZ’S hilariously
Benz concept coupe
previews new E-Class
named ConceptFASCINATION, revealed at
the Paris show, is of course a preview of the
design of the new E-Class to be launched
in 2009. Well, a preview of the front half
anyway.
In fact, the real E-Class will have the star
above the nose in the conventional way
on the Luxury versions, if MBUSA decides
to divide it into Luxury and Sport editions
as it does in the C-Class. The nose, as well
as the flank sculpting, is also a preview
of the MY2010 E-Class Coupe, Mercedes
sources tell us. That car was designed as
the replacement for the CLK, but then it as an E lets Benz charge more for it. current car, but it will be a conventional five-
rebadged to appear as a member of the And the concept’s two-door wagon door with a horizontal roofline. Expect it
E-Class family, not the C-Class family. It glasshouse? Forget it. There’ll be a wagon about a year after the sedan.
still sits on the C platform, but positioning version of the E-Class, as there is of the ■ paul horrell

(trend) (trend)
we hear
A cut above CADILLAC’S minimum one-year
delay of its DT7 rear-drive flagship
(see cover story) has implications
for Buick, as well. We’ve already
reported that a Chevrolet Impala off
the rear-drive Zeta (Camaro, Pontiac
G8) platform is off the table. The Zeta
Buick Lucerne replacement, which
was to be built alongside the DT7,
apparently has been scrubbed due to
capital constraints and concern over
coming CAFE standards. Now it looks
like the Lucerne replacement, initially
expected for the 2011 model year, will
be built on the same “super-Epsilon”
platform as the next Impala.
TOYOTA may spin out its Prius

Lamborghini Estoque brand as a hybrid division, with
dedicated areas within conventional
challenges Aston Rapide Toyota dealerships, as it does now
for the Scion brand. North American
LAMBORGHINI, builder of the most sale in 2012 at a Gallardo-size price (about sales chief Jim Lentz told Automotive
extreme Italian sports cars, now wants a $200,000). Many of the components would be News it’s looking at several models
slice of the super-sport-sedan market. At the sourced from parent company Audi, and the within the Prius brand that would be
Paris motor show, it unveiled its first-ever floorpan/platform may borrow from Audi’s sold in a dedicated space in Toyota
four-door GT—the Estoque—that leavens aluminium A8 structure, but it will be unique dealerships. As reported here, one
the uncompromising speed and thunder of a to Lamborghini. other Prius model will be a version
V-10 Lamborghini with people-and-golf bag- The concept Estoque—named after a type of the A-BAT pickup concept. It’ll be
carrying versatility. of bullfighting sword—uses the latest Gallardo interesting to see whether there’s
Both practical four-door four-seater—there’s LP560-4’s 5.2-liter V-10 engine, mounted mid- room for both Prius and Scion areas in
room for four adults and for 16 cubic feet of front (behind the front axle line) and would be the showrooms.
luggage out back—and continent-crossing softened from the LP560-4’s 552 horsepower.
Grand Tourer, the Estoque would compete with A V-8 hybrid or high-performance turbodiesel GM began a formal sales process
the upcoming Aston Martin Rapide and with also may be possible, says Winkelmann. for its troubled Hummer brand in
less-expensive four-door sport sedans such Estoque’s transmission would be a DSG- October, Reuters has reported. Earlier
as the Porsche Panamera and the production style twin-clutch semi-auto gearbox. The this year, chairman Rick Wagoner
version of BMW’s beguiling CS Concept. electronically controlled 4x4 system engages announced that GM was looking at
Estoque is a concept, but everything you front drive only when extra traction is needed: reconfiguring the division or selling it
see is production feasible, including those On most dry roads, it runs in rear drive. The off. But GM needs to raise capital, and
giant wheels (22 inch at front, 23s at the rear), design is the work of Lamborghini’s Centro there’s not much for new Hummer
says CEO Stephan Winkelmann, the Rome- Stile, headed by American Manfred Fitzgerald. product programs, so a sale, if it can
based German who runs Lamborghini. “We’ll It’s just 1.7 inch taller than a Porsche 911 yet find an interested party, looks like the
wait for feedback before deciding whether wider and longer than a BMW 7 Series. way to go.
to go ahead with production.” It could go on ■ gavin green
CERBERUS, the private equity
firm that bought 80.1 percent of
Chrysler in 2007, has told Daimler AG
it wants to buy the remaining 19.9
percent. While Cerberus has denied
any interest in selling the automaker,
whose market share has dropped
below 10 percent this year, some
analysts say it’s a move to shore up
ownership and prepare Chrysler
for sale. Chrysler told Daimler of its
intentions a couple of days before
it announced it would lay off 1000
salaried employees. ■

(trend)
(trend)
VW builds a
Volt-fighter
Wolfsburg to introduce plug-in hybrid Golf

VOLKSWAGEN
LKSWAGEN IS the electric motor is needed to
working on a plug-in hybrid supply the low-rev torque to
version of the Golf/Rabbit for get things rolling up to about
introduction in calendar 2011, 30 mph, when the combustion
called Twin Drive. The electric- engine is clutched in and starts.
only range is targeted at 30 The electric assist then rapidly
miles. A basic proof-of-concept fades, but is reenergized for
version using a diesel engine acceleration boost. There’s 40
is currently on test in a 20-car horsepower of regenerative
fleet, in Berlin. At the Golf VI braking. Reversing is electric-
launch, VW engineers spoke only. An “e-mode” button can
about the production version, be pressed in ZEV-only areas,
a gasoline-fueled car because which inhibits the gas engine
emission controls will soon get completely.
too expensive for a diesel. Sanyo will supply the
Although VW engineers talk 350-pound lithium-ion-cell of 100 horsepower, plus the on gasoline for longer. It will
of the gas engine as a range battery pack. Capacity is 12 electric boost when needed. also ensure the car arrives at
extender, the gasoline motor is KWh, though it’s normally This downsized-with-turbo its destination with batteries
clutched to the wheels, unlike depleted only by 8KWh. It’s sited concept gives high fuel depleted, ready to take on
GM’s concept of an extended- in the trunk floor, so apart from efficiency and added flexibility cheap plug-in electricity rather
range EV, where the combustion lack of a spare tire, this Rabbit to cope with the absence of than expensive gasoline.
engine never drives the wheels has the same packaging as the intermediate gears. The system VW is setting up a partnership
mechanically. Twin Drive has base car. The gas engine is a controller is linked to the with German electric utility
no conventional transmission, 1.4-liter turbo direct-injection vehicle’s navigation system, E.ON, which, according to
helping to offset the weight of four on experimental cars, but so it calculates when best to the VW engineers, has spare
the electric motor. The single a production version would use up the available battery capacity to charge 10 million
gear ratio is equivalent to the likely take a cylinder off that, charge. If it knows an urban electric vehicles at night.
top gear in a normal car. So producing a 1.05-liter triple area is still to come, it will run ■ paul horrell

(trend)
The ugly stick?
Acura TL gets manual trans for 2010 tight, technical 1.1-mile circuit
at its Ohio proving grounds.
WHATEVER you think of scrubbed, however, and still has from lurches, and the gearshift Acura says yr. hmbl. srvnt’s.
the new Acura TL’s, er, unusual 10 to12 months to pull the plug if feels as good as the Civic Si’s. best lap time of 1:43.2 was 2.7
styling, you’ve got to hand it to it so decides. The six-speed manual is 88 seconds better than a BMW 335ix
the boffins working on the car: The six-speed manual will pounds lighter than the five- provided for comparison, which
They’re enthusiasts. Most luxury be available only with the speed automatic, and Acura was quicker than recorded times
brands can boast no better than a 305-horsepower, 3.7-liter didn’t alter the springs and for an Infiniti G35, a 335i, and
low single-digit manual gearbox super-handling all-wheel-drive shocks, so the car has a slightly Audi S4, in that order. Whatever
take-rate. Acura is one of those: It (SH-AWD) version of the TL. stiffer ride. The car will cost the you think of the TL’s looks—and
expects about five percent of its Engineers worked to get Acura’s same as an automatic TL with your opinion will be strong,
projected 70,000 TL sales per year, first SH-AWD manual’s gearshift the tech package, and 19-inch guaranteed—you must give
or 3500 to be sold with the stick. and clutch to feel as good as those summer tires will be optional. Acura big credit for maintaining a
That’s enough for those engineers on any front-drive Acura or Honda, How does it work? Very well, real manual gearbox option in a
to argue for it, coming a year after with an 8mm shift throw, which it thank you. Besides the smooth segment for which it has been all
the new TL’s launch, due to the claims is shortest in the segment. shifting-action, the tri-pedal but abandoned.
car’s engineering development The Acura engineers met their enhances the TL’s sporting Estimated price: $39,000
cadence. Honda management target: Clutch pedal takeup is intentions. It feels fluid and easy On sale: Autumn 2009
figured the stick might as well be even and progressive, saving you to drive quickly around Honda’s ■ todd lassa
The racer’s edge

A Maser to make
Fangio proud
JUAN-MANUEL FANGIO drove
a Maserati 250F before he left for Mercedes-
Benz’s Grand Prix team in 1957. Maserati
isn’t returning to F1—not with parent Ferrari
dominating—but it has developed a racing
version of the new GranTurismo coupe. For now tti racing
setting i d dampers. R i slicks
Racing li k are on d the
under th doors,
d l
along ith new rear fenders
with f d
just a concept following its Paris show premiere, 12x18-inch front and 13x18-inch rear wheels. for the air vents and center tailpipes. The trunk
the GranTurismo MC Corse features new engine Brakes are upgraded and include larger discs spoiler is larger to increase downforce and to
mapping for its 4.7-liter V-8 to produce 450 and monobloc racing callipers. The racing compensate for the aerodynamic effect of the
horsepower and 377 pound-feet of torque. It version includes an FIA-spec integral welded front spoiler. No word yet on potential price or
gets a high-performance conical air filter and rollcage. The partially modified bodywork on-sale date.
racing-type catalytic converter and silencers. is made of a composite material. Track has
Maserati has changed suspension settings, been increased and new bodywork includes Go to motortrend.com for full coverage of
improved weight distribution and added single- aerodynamic side air vents and miniskirts the 2008 Paris Mondial De L’Automobile. ■

(your say)
((your say))
a man’s world
letter The new Mustang had better have a clutch no regrets
of the pedal and none of that paddleshift crap—or
I’m not the least interested (“Trend”). Also from
month about two issues ago, you lauded the same
stupid setup in the Pontiac, claiming that men
will opt for this setup. Wrong! Real men will opt
no more clowning around for the clutch. Paddle shifters are for sissies.
I’ve had it with all the hoopla surrounding Laszlo
the smart fortwo. I don’t give a damn how Cedar Knolls, New Jersey
many mpg it gets (not enough, considering the raised edging on the rear fenders, the flat
how small it is). I’m waiting to see one go rabbit run deck—in what world did the - Camaro
bouncing down the highway like a golf ball Come off the Yaris versus the Escalade debate have a pointed nose? I guess if you can’t beat
after losing a battle with a gust of wind. (“The Asphalt Jungle”). Americans have bought ’em, join ’em, eh, Chevy?
The other day I saw a clown refusing to many millions of Civics, Sentras, Camrys, and . Has Chevy finally designed an interior that
get into one—something about dignity. Accords. And Minis and Fits, etc. Yes, Europeans won’t shake and rattle when performing
The other disaster I’m waiting for is the have more choices. A big part of that is because dangerous driving maneuvers like entering a
first hydrogen-powered car explosion. Isn’t Ford and GM (until recently) won’t bring their parking lot at five mph?
anyone curious as to why, in industrial uses Euro models over. They have lots of excuses . Why didn’t Chevy learn speed isn’t everything
of compressed hydrogen, the stuff is kept about making them fit for American roads, and apply that knowledge when it built this
in a separate building, typically behind drivers, etc., while VW just keeps bringing car? The old Z and SS Camaros of the late
concrete walls? No one in his right mind Golfs—okay, Rabbits (they do stupid stuff, s and the early s were certainly faster
would sit on top of a tank of compressed too)—and Jettas over by boatloads. So millions than their contemporary Mustang GTs, but last
anything that is pushing outward at of Americans migrated to small cars a long time time I checked, they were still discontinued.
-, psi. To complete my rant, in a ago, and more will as more choices become Rob
different vein, who cares that Europeans available. To be fair, St. Antoine does make Redding, California
drive small cars? Yes, these cars get good good points in the column; he just started off
gas mileage, but anyone can build a small on the wrong assumption. The new Camaro looks impressive and stays true
car that gets good mileage. Why not make Westley Andersen to the concept and the  model. It poses a
big engines that get good mileage? Correct Springfield, Massachusetts serious threat to the Mustang and Challenger.
me if I’m wrong, but doesn’t Mercedes build When is the Z (with the supercharged .-liter
big cars that don’t get good mileage? How no regrets V-) set to arrive? That model is too important to
about the BMW  Series? Ever hear of Rolls- I hate to say it but the  Camaro is the leave out of the lineup.
Royce? Ferrari? Europe is Europe, and if you right car at the wrong time (“Game On”). It’s Andre Thomas
think it’s better, move there. I’m going to go six years too late and should have been out Ramer, Alabama
wave my flag now and drive some clowns in spring  replacing the then-outgoing Officially, Chevrolet won’t confirm it has such a
to the circus. fourth-generation Camaro when gas was still Z in the works. In normal times, it would be an
Jerry Kokich affordable. Now it’s symbolic for Detroit. A once obvious antidote to the King of the Road Shelby
Van Nuys, California good idea is not necessarily a good one today. Mustang and Dodge Challenger SRT. These
The s-looking body and interior was cool aren’t normal times. Given the push for better fuel
and new  years ago, but today all it means economy, GM’s shortage of capital and the cost of
write us at is a lack of imagination or new ideas. Any the engine, we might not see it migrate from the
6420 Wilshire Blvd. enthusiast will like a -horse, .-liter V-. But Corvette Z and Cadillac CTS-v.—Ed.
Los Angeles, CA 90048 with gas at $ a gallon and maybe  mpg from
e-mail us online at the big V-, the resulting economic realities After reading your September feature on the
motortrend.com can dampen the enthusiasm. Also where is new Camaro, it strikes me that Al Oppenheiser
or send an e-mail direct to the practical hatchback and folding seats that should be up for the next “Constipation of the
motortrend@motortrend.com made the previous Camaro so useful? Sadly Mind, Diarrhea of the Mouth” award. No wonder
gone. Good luck, GM. American auto companies are languishing.
Chris Geuting Apparently, Oppenheiser hasn’t figured out
■ letter of the month wins! Durham, California that his real competition is the next Mustang
Jerry scores this beautifully crafted update—not its six-year-old design. He should
Porsche Design Swiss Army Knife, . Why is Chevy so proud that it can outrun have been reprimanded for wasting GM’s
featuring seven implements and  a four-year-old Mustang design, especially development money if it required more than
different functions. wengerna.com. since that was exactly what it set out to do? one competitive ride to figure out how to make
The Mustang is supposed to be a bargain-bin a good ponycar. And if he really understood
musclecar—what’s so awe-inspiring about Mustang’s philosophy (a Mustang for everyone),
strapping a Corvette engine into a four-seater he would appreciate why Mustang survived
and saying it can go faster than the ’Stang? when Camaro didn’t and wouldn’t be waving
. Why does the new Camaro, which is his narrow-focus flag. (Making the last Camaro
supposed to evoke the car’s glory days (I’m look like an outdated spaceship with a
assuming -, not the “mullet era”), look buckboard ride narrowed the customer base
more like a  Mustang than a  Camaro? to a few wannabe males who didn’t have the
Pointed nose, straight lines on the front fenders, bread for a Corvette.) It looks like Oppenheiser

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IS STRONG.
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IS ARMY STRONG.
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150 different career fields—as well as money for college.
Find out how to get it at goarmy.com.
A Special Operations Chinook Helicopter Crew Chief prepares the aircraft over a drop zone before a jump.
©2007. Paid for
orr by the Uni
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l righ
ghts reserved.

(your say)
can you hear me now?
is just the guy to do for the Camaro what Bob coulda’ fueled me
Lutz did for the GTO. Oppenheiser seems to I was impressed with the attention to detail
overlook the fact that there’s only one reason in your comparison (“Turbo Chargers”).
there’s going to be a new Camaro—the success Unfortunately, there was one minor but
of the Mustang. He should send Ford a personal important omission in regards to the Mazda
thank you for giving him a job. CX-. For model-year , the Mazda CX-
Ronald W. Brass was given a computer retune in the fuel-
Dubuque, Iowa requirement department to run on unleaded
(not premium) fuel. As you point out, with
can you hear me now? today’s gas prices nearing five bucks a gallon
WHY JUST TRIM

The Lincoln MKS is the perfect car for me (for premium fuel), it would’ve been nice to
(“Back in the Game”). Although I’m a huge have the testers point out the Mazda CX-
Buick fan, it seems the MKS has some of Buick’s doesn’t require premium fuel. Would the overall
THE TREE?
similarities. For example: fine leather seats, winner be different? Probably not. The Subaru
burled wood interior, XM radio. But the one Forester XT Limited looks and sounds like the
thing that really stands out is the THX audio real deal in this trio. I hope Subaru will come up
system. Buick doesn’t even have that. For the with a five- or six-speed automatic transmission
TRIM YOUR FACE

Lucerne it’s harman/kardon, for the Lacrosse it’s to replace the s-style four-speed automatic
ConcertSound III. In my opinion, Buick needs to in the Forester. When that day arrives, I will be
THIS HOLIDAY.
get the highest-quality audio system out there willing to plunk down the $K for the Subaru
for its future models. Forester XT Limited and delighted to have one
Tadzio Latynski-Rossiter in the driveway.
Washington, D.C. Scott
Las Vegas, Nevada
Who in his right mind would purchase this car,
a re-bodied Taurus? The buying public is more out with the old…
informed than you think. Anyone in the market Your “New Car Buyer’s Guide” is the ultimate car
for a car in this price segment had better look at porn. I imagine ad revenues soaring to afford
the new Hyundai Genesis. the luxury of a “Buyer’s” page giveaway, the
Claude Dunn whole page of cars just for the choosing. Which
Newark, Delaware page would I choose? The obvious is page ,
where I get an Audi TT and all the Bentleys,
safe and sound or the cooler, less obvious move of page ,
You featured another one of those anti-SUV where I suffer the Kias, but gain a Gallardo
Give yourself the gift that trims better comments that seem so politically correct lately and the funky-looking Kia soul. The Maybach
guaranteed. With Wahl·s wide range of (“The Changing Face of the SUV”), in which you and Maserati combo on  is tempting, but
trimmers, there·s one perfect for your state, “the stigma of owning a Tahoe, etc.…” I forsaking all the Mercedes and Lexi, I skip to
style of facial hair. live in western Michigan and would not trade page , and that confuses my first choice,
my SUV for another vehicle. My wife feels safe page . Boxster, Cayman, two Rolls-Royces,
driving it; we’re not packed like sardines in it; and that Svenska-getting Turbo X Saab. I’ll
See them all at wahltrimmer.com
when we get  inches of snow and have no make my decision when I win the offer, but
snowplows come through for several days, it’s the dreams are right up there with magazines
not a problem; it pulls my boat with ease; it costing  times as much.
hauls all my grandchildren; it gets respectable Michael Sarro
mileage: . mpg in town, -plus on the Shaker Heights, Ohio
highway. Don’t mean to whine, but I love my
Tahoe for it’s overall functionality and safety. It seems you guys are putting fewer rare cars in
Bob Lastacy the “Buyer’s Guide” every year. I enjoyed reading
Hudsonville, Michigan the reviews on cars that I had never heard of
© 2008 Wahl Clipper Corporation

(your say)
(your say)
like the Mosler MT , Fisker Tramonto, and
Spyker C.
Justin Perkins
Edina, Minnesota
Space is limited, and our focus is on mainstream
production models that are fully certified for sale
in the U.S. Anything that can only be licensed as a
“special production” or “home build” machine, or a
rebody of another model, doesn’t qualify.—Ed.
My days of reading auto magazines date back

to the mid-s. This was my only source of
new-car info, other than maybe an auto article
or two in the local papers and TV. Fast forward duck soup
to today’s Internet world. One would think car
companies would have their Web pages updated
first before any release of info on new models an Avenger in a Dodge contest about worst You missed the mark when you rated the
and products. Case in point, the new Pontiac G/ commute. Joel commutes with his mother- Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren as one-and-a-half
GXP featured in the “Buyer’s Guide” with updated in-law.” I don’t think his commute got any stars and sum it up as “Expensive. Pointless.”
info isn’t on Pontiac’s Web page. Could your better. If Dodge really wanted to make his Yes, it’s expensive, yes, it’s pointless, and that’s
magazine be ahead of GM’s info Web page, or commute better, it would have given him a exactly the point. It’s basically a street-legal
are the guys from Pontiac still locked up in the Caliber or Charger, or better yet a Challenger. race car! You don’t buy the car because it sips
skunkworks garage? Looking forward to new and Obviously, Dodge was trying to find a way get gas, or because it goes off-road, or because
exciting articles from your editorial staff as we rid of an Avenger that would have probably you can take little Billy and his entire soccer
come closer to closing out the first decade of this not gotten sold. team to their game in another city. You buy it
new century, along with the emergence of the Mitchell Baird because it’s stupid-fast. You buy it because it
new ponycar wars. I hope they will not be short- Peachtree City, Georgia goes from -to- in less time than it takes to
lived with the higher price of gas that doesn’t read this sentence. You buy it because it has
appear to be going away. Only time will tell. What’s happened to your rating for the more horsepower than Ben-Hur’s chariot race.
Louis D’Amico Chevrolet Malibu? You rated the  model That’s the point of the car: It’s supposed to be
Jersey City, New Jersey as the best American car next to Cadillac CTS ridiculously expensive and outlandish. If you
and also inferred it is as good as Camry and want a car that’s practical, look at the Arnage.
Thanks! I wait every year for the “Buyer’s Guide” Accord. In February, you rated Malibu better Andrew Milbourne
so I can read all the facts and stats and do than Accord and only slightly inferior to Camry. Strafford, Pennsylvania
my Lay-Z-Boy comparos. This drives my wife But you give more stars to Camry and Accord.
crazy because she thinks I’m looking to buy In other car journals, Malibu models appear duck soup
a new car. Well, last year, when I showed her to be rated highly, except one critic thinks Bloody hell! Who okayed the front-end design
the figures on the Dodge Avenger (-to- that the four-cylinder weighs too much for its of the Phantom Coupe (“Coupe de Grace”)? The
in . seconds), I told her it was a steal for horsepower. thing looks like Groucho Marx!
the mid-$s. She told me it was a typo. So Clif Bennett Wilford Brimley
this year, it was there again, Dodge Avenger Zillah, Washington Salt Lake City, Utah
-to- in . seconds for $, and good
mileage, too. She said, “Great buy, go out and
get one.” I can’t wait to beat out a Maserati
Quattroporte by two tenths of a second!
readers on location
Rich Siepkowski where do you read motor trend?
Caledonia, Minnesota E-mail digital photo(s) of you and Motor Trend to:
We were still hoping for an SRT version, but until motortrend@gmail.com or mail them to: Motor Trend, c/o Mail,
then it should be . seconds.—Ed. Readers on Location,  Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 
What happened? When I compare the array of

new cars with the Honda Accord and Saturn
L I’ve been driving for years—both four-
cylinder station wagons—I’m dismayed. My
cars are irreplaceable because no one offers
cars with -plus highway mpg with the same
comfortable cabin and adequate cargo space.
I’m ready to buy new, but I’m hangin’ on to the
old. No wonder car sales are down the tubes. SMILE FOR THE BIRDIE HIPPO POWER
Art Maurer Er, penguin. Richard Moretti Brock Tella of Cardiff, California,
Penfield, New York of Orange County, California, on safari at the Ngorongoro
in Antarctica with the Gentoo Crater in Tarzania. Does a hippo
I love the cool fact for the Dodge Avenger. I penguins. have any kind of zero-to- time?
find it ironic. “Joel Schneeberg of Chicago won

floating away
Your summary on the  LS  (“Long-Term
Verdict”) seems schizophrenic. Your drivers
yearn for another to drive and yet bemoan
some of the prior car’s features. While it may
not be relevant, I am compelled to respond by
citing my personal experience with a new (in
May ) LS  luxury version. It’s difficult
to accept my conclusion from your report
that competitors have exceeded the Lexus
standards of excellence, after those years of
being at or near the top of the Powers quality
ratings. Therefore, I am happy to have retained
my magnificent vehicle. When I tire of the
alleged “too soft and floaty ride,” my ability
to change that is a mere button away. As to
the acknowledged engine power at the light,
there’s a button to make that still better at the
end of my index finger. My rear-seat passengers
are able to enjoy independent heating and
cooling with seat adjustments and massages.
At , miles, my Dunlop tires still allow much
of Lincoln’s head to appear. My original brake
pads are still intact doing their job. As I “float”
or ride firmly at the push of a button, which
adjusts the ride, it’s difficult to believe that
Lexus has lost its edge as implied in your report.
So I will be happy to continue to coast along
with voice-activated Mark Levinson bypassing
most of the gas pumps awaiting the inevitable
day when you announce that it’s “ in
/CB=A6=E
';=23:
America “ for Lexus again.

Felix. M. Pilla
Marana, Arizona
>cS`b]@WQ]/cb]AV]e ;WaaWaaW^^W7\bS`\ObW]\OZ/cb]AV]e
just plain nuts <]d ³ ! &>cS`b]@WQ]1]\dS\bW]\1S\bS` 8O\ !³ # '8OQYa]\1]\dS\bW]\1][^ZSf
Just got your September edition. Flipped to the
;S[^VWa7\bS`\ObW]\OZ/cb]AV]e >S\\agZdO\WO/cb]0]ObAV]e
back cover and saw the ad for the Acura TSX. <]d ³ ! &/U`WQS\bS`3f^]1S\bSÀV]e>ZOQS/`S\O 8O\ &³4SP '>/4O`[AV]e1][^ZSf3f^]1b`
What a disturbingly ugly machine. I felt badly
when Chrysler laid off white-collar workers, but 1S\bÒZ4Z]`WRO7\bS`\ObW]\OZ/cb]AV]e 7]eO7ZZW\]Wa@SUW]\OZ/cb]AV]e
<]d $³! &=Ò\US1]c\bg1]\dS\bW]\1S\bS` 4SP$³& '@WdS`1S\bS`1]\dS\bW]\1S\bS`
it appears some of its stylists have found work
at Honda. Maybe I’m too harsh. Perhaps Honda/ /`Wh]\O7\bS`\ObW]\OZ/cb]AV]e ;]b]`B`S\R7\bS`\ObW]\OZ/cb]AV]e0OZbW[]`S
Acura senses a market for people wanting a car <]d %³! &>V]S\Wf1]\dS\bW]\1S\bS` 4SP ³# '0OZbW[]`S1]\dS\bW]\1S\bS`
whose face looks like a cross-eyed maniac with ;]b]`B`S\R7\bS`\ObW]\OZ/cb]AV]e:OaDSUOa 5`SObS`;WZeOcYSS/cb]AV]e
buck teeth and an unhinged lower jaw. <]d &³! &:OaDSUOa1]\dS\bW]\1S\bS` 4SP ³;O` ';WReSab/W`ZW\Sa1S\bS`
Bob Stiegel
Toledo, Ohio ■
<OaVdWZZS7\bS`\ObW]\OZ/cb]AV]e DWÙW\WO;]b]`B`S\R7\bS`\ObW]\OZ/cb]AV]e
<]d &³! &<OaVdWZZS1]\dS\bW]\1S\bS` ;O`!³# '5`SObS`@WQV[]\R1]\dS\bW]\1S\bS`
All correspondence must include an address and a AWZWQ]\DOZZSg7\bS`\ObW]\OZ/cb]AV]e 4Wàb6OeOWWO\7\bS`\ObW]\OZ/cb]AV]e

daytime telephone number. Any material accepted
8O\&³ 'AO\8]aS;Q3\S`g1]\dS\bW]\1S\bS` ;O` $³ ' '6OeOWW1]\dS\bW]\1S\bS`
is subject to such revision as is necessary at our <]`bVSOab7\bS`\ObW]\OZ/cb]AV]e <Se;SfWQ]7\bS`\ObW]\OZ/cb]AV]e
sole discretion to meet the requirements of this 8O\&³ '@V]RS7aZO\R1]\dS\bW]\1S\bS` /^`%³' '/ZPc_cS`_cS1]\dS\bW]\1S\bS`
publication. All materials sent to the editors become
A]cbV1O`]ZW\O7\bS`\ObW]\OZ/cb]AV]e '[]RSZdSVWQZSa
property of Motor Trend magazine and cannot be 8O\$³& '1O`]ZW\O4Wàb1S\bS` ^ZcaQ]\QS^bQOà
returned. Unsolicited materials will not be accepted VgP`WRaSf]bWQa
and will not be returned. This magazine assumes no
CbOV7\bS`\ObW]\OZ/cb]3f^] ;=@3
8O\$³' 'A]cbVB]e\S3f^]aWbW]\1S\bS`
responsibility for loss or damage thereto. The act of
mailing a manuscript and/or material shall constitute <Se8SàSg/cb]AV]e
an express warranty by the contributor that it is 8O\ ³ # ';SOR]eZO\Ra3f^]aWbW]\1S\bS`
original and in no way an infringement upon the ESabDWÙW\WO7\bS`\ObW]\OZ/cb]AV]e
rights of others. Due to the volume of mail received, 8O\ !³ # '1VO`ZSab]\1WdWQ1S\bS`
we can reply only to letters selected for publication.
; ]b]`B`S\R/cb]AV]eaQ][

(the asphalt jungle) arthur st. antoine
“ WHEN A MOTOR TREND

COLLEAGUE SAYS,
‘DOING A QUICK MULHOLLAND,’
EACH OF US
KNOWS THE CODE
”
together
t the
th San
S FFernandod Valley
V ll tot the
th north
th
and the Los Angeles basin to the south. Though
the entire “Mulholland Scenic Parkway and
Corridor” stretches (with some breaks) for 
miles from Hollywood past Malibu to the ocean,
it’s the roughly nine-mile fragment between
bad boy drive the  Freeway to the west and Mulholland’s
eastern terminus at Cahuenga Boulevard that
most resembles a playpen for performance tires.
Which is why we come, too. When a
Where we go for wheel time. And reviving the spirits. Motor Trend colleague says, “Doing a quick
Mulholland,” each of us knows the code. Within
■ illustration josh cochran  minutes said colleague will be on top of
the city, right foot urging downward, hands
busy on the steering wheel, mansions and
AT NIGHT come the coyotes, and the McQueen, a long day’s filming finally given scenic lookouts and bougainvillea hedges
ghosts. The dusty ridgeline road is quieter now, way to a rejuvenating sprint in his beloved blurring past as yet another test car begins to
city lights on either side shimmering below, Jaguar XKSS. Or is it Gary Cooper, the movie offer its confession. Over nearly two decades,
gentle breeze a perfume of night-blooming idol’s supercharged  Duesenberg SSJ I’ve driven Mulholland so many times I can
jasmine. The coyotes are mostly invisible, gunning out of a hairpin and nearly nipping the narrate its passage from the couch. Like a race
silver-fur ninjas prowling the chaparral and guardrail before roaring off into the dusk? circuit, Mulholland has even earned names for
the trash bins of nearby gated estates. But the It is all of them. And it’s every other car-struck many of its turns: Carls and Carls Jr., Sideways,
ghosts are everywhere. film star, Ferrari owner, Corvette freak, Mustang Deadmans, the Identicals.
Headlamps startle the dark. From around maven, Alfa fan, hot-rod wrench, rat-racer, and Forget track speeds; Mulholland is tight
a distant corner a car approaches, engine auto junkie before and after who also came to and varied enough to learn plenty about a
working hard, beams sweeping like searchlights wrangle this asphalt serpent coiled above the City car at a merely brisk pace. Yet many come to
as the driver tracks the wriggling asphalt. of Angels. The fangs belong to Mulholland Drive. Mulholland with Andretti pretensions anyway.
Perhaps it’s James Dean, running-in his new Built in  and named for L.A. Aqueduct And many don’t return. Between  and 
Porsche  Spyder just days before, on a originator William Mulholland, the two-lane alone, at the height of the illegal Mulholland
country two-lane  miles away, he will artery winds and dips and climbs atop the road-racing scene (“events” usually held at
drive it to his death. Or it could be Steve Santa Monica Mountains, a tarmac lace tying night), four drivers were killed and  injured.
To this day, the impromptu races continue—as
do the sometimes cliff-diving finales.
Mulholland is more than a road. It’s an escape
from the city-planned grid and gridlock below,
a quick fix of rural do-as-you-please, a street
without streetlights, a vista to reset the eyeballs
to infinity. Mulholland does things to you. R.E.M.
sang of their muse in “Electrolite”: “If you ever
want to fly, Mulholland Drive…” Director David
Lynch’s  dream noir carries the road’s name.
Up here the stars come to earth, although
most shine behind walls. Among the myriad
celebrities calling Mulholland home: Jack
Nicholson, Warren Beatty, the late Errol Flynn
and Marlon Brando (who, when ordered
by doctors to lose weight, summoned the
McDonald’s far below to come throw Big Macs
over his fence). Thus, Mulholland’s alias: “Bad
Boy Drive.”
The ghosts undoubtedly concur. ■

Pontiac
Risıng What Pontiac enthusiasts
have long admired is
again shining through.
SPEC
SOLS
TIC
IAL
2009 :
AND G E GXP
8
POST GXP
INSID
ERS
E!
SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION


Pontiac’s new
2009: PONTIAC SOLSTICE GXP
Solstice coupe
is the hottest
way to enjoy If a Solstice with
a cool breeze. 260 hp and a ski-slope
roofline doesn’t get
your blood pumping,
you may be beyond
resuscitation.
Previewed at the 2002
Detroit auto show and
introduced earlier this
year in New York, the
turbocharged Solstice
GXP coupe is the
sports car star of
Pure
Pontiac’s 2009 road
show. The new fastback,
which is also available
with a 173-hp, normally
aspirated engine, has a
lift-off roof panel to
provide infinite
headroom for sunny
days and hot nights.
Sex
Aluminum and
magnesium
reinforcements
minimize the weight
addition to the svelte
Solstice and ease the
task of raising
the roof. A
storable folding
top is available
as an accessory
for weather
protection when
the removable
panel is stored at home.
The Solstice’s style is
sharpened by
redesigned taillamps,
a new decklid spoiler,
and an accent spline
that runs through the
roof and beneath
the elegant D-shaped
rear window. Opening
the hinged window
provides access to the
cargo area. Compared
to a Porsche Cayman,
the Solstice GXP coupe
offers more power and
quicker acceleration
at a lower price, exactly
as you’d expect from
Pontiac.

Pontiac’s 2009: PONTIAC G8 GXP
G8 GXP
reinvents bang
for the buck.
Modern
Muscle
Leave it to Pontiac to reinvent
the performance genre in a
contemporary, fun-to-drive
form—the G8 GXP, available
radials are mounted to polished
aluminum wheels that are unique
to the GXP.
GXP exterior distinctions
instrumentation and leather
trim throughout. The onyx or
onyx and red front buckets are
power-adjustable and accented
early next year. The fun begins include a new lower front fascia with special GXP stitching.
with a 415-hp, 6.2-liter V-8. Core plus a diffuser treatment in Heated seats, XM, a Blaupunkt
attributes include an aluminum back. The G8’s wide track entertainment system, and
block and head, with fuel, air, and and long wheelbase provide a Bluetooth are also standard.
exhaust flow rates tuned to the confident stance and a stable Thanks to Pontiac, the affordable
max. Transmission choices include footprint. The GXP’s cockpit is performance sedan gains a new
a six-speed manual or automatic. blessed with white-illuminated lease on the twenty-first century.
A limited-slip differential is
standard.
Pontiac engineers tuned the
SPORT TRUCKIN’
G8 GXP’s independent front and WITH G8 ST
rear suspensions by hot-lapping The latest ace up Pontiac’s
Germany’s legendary Nürburgring sleeve is a G8 configured
as a sport truck: a two-bucket-
Nordschleife road course. The seat cabin combined with
steering is set for crisp, quick a 6.2-foot cargo bed. This
turn-in and firm feedback. Brembo segment-bending addition
to the lineup arrives late
brakes with ABS are standard. next year.
Meaty 245/40R-19 performance

Pontiac’s well-
2009: PONTIAC G6 GT
rounded G6 range Pontiac’s G6 lineup offers
benefits from three body styles, four
a slew of 2009 engines, and four
improvements. transmissions that fit
wide-ranging tastes like
custom-tailored gloves.
Base and GT editions
receive fresh front and
rear design treatments,
plus new integrated
steering-wheel controls
and a new instrument
cluster for 2009. The G6
coupe and sedan
specialize in driving past
gas pumps thanks to the
33 mpg highway mileage
it gets when equipped
with a 2.4-liter Ecotec
engine and a new-
for-2009 six-speed
automatic transmission.
The G6 GT coupe’s lavish
Phenomenal
standard equipment list
includes a 3.5-liter
FlexFuel V-6, XM satellite
radio, air-conditioning, six
air bags, and OnStar.
The G6 GT convertible’s
Middle Child
folding hard top vanishes
into the trunk in thirty
seconds. Both GXP coupe
and sedan are powered by
a 252-hp V-6 teamed
with a six-speed
automatic. Additional
equipment packages ease
the task of upgrading all
G6s. Sport Package 1 on
the sedan adds a six-
speed automatic with
paddle shifters, 17-inch
wheels, StabiliTrak, and a
rear spoiler. Power hungry
drivers will like Sport
Package 2’s 219-hp,
3.5-liter V-6, fog lamps,
17-inch wheels, and rear
spoiler. A Sun and Sound
Plus package adds a
power sunroof, more
stylish wheels, and a radio
with a USB port and input
jack for your iPod. ABS,
traction control, and
OnStar with improved
voice recognition
technology are standard
on all Pontiac G6 editions.

Pontiac solves
the value riddle 2009: PONTIAC G3 • G6 • VIBE
with better mileage
and unexpected
creature
comforts.
Max for the Money

G3 The newest and smallest Pontiac—available early next year—is an affordable five-door hatchback that
delivers more highway mileage and range than most of its competitors. Powered by a spunky Ecotec
1.6-liter engine and a choice of a five-speed manual or a four-speed automatic transmission, the G3 scores
an estimated 34 mpg on the EPA’s highway-mileage test. Dual overhead cams with variable valve timing
help deliver outstanding efficiency and 106 horsepower. The G3 is fully equipped with gear that others
leave out, such as OnStar, an MP3 input jack, available steering-wheel audio controls, and a rear spoiler.
G5 Pontiac’s smart, sexy coupe gets a VIBE Pontiac’s all-new compact crossover
major boost in both power and mileage this packs additional power, more assertive
year, thanks to its more efficient, 155-hp, styling, and improved handling in a
2.2-liter Ecotec engine featuring variable convenient five-door body style. Six air
valve timing. EPA highway mileage is bags, stability control, and a tire-pressure
37 mpg when equipped with 15-inch wheels monitoring system are all standard, as are
and a five-speed manual. Stay connected an MP3 jack and a 115-volt three-prong
with the available MYLINK Digital Package household plug. Upgrade the audio
that includes a USB-equipped stereo with system with an available 320-watt
iPod connectivity, Bluetooth, one year Monsoon Premium Audio System. The
of XM, and one year of OnStar with the Vibe menu offers two engines, manual
Direction and Connections plan including and automatic transmissions, and front-
Turn-by-Turn Navigation. or all-wheel drive.

2009 Pontiac Solstice GXP Coupe

2009 Pontiac G8 GXP

Intelligent
Performance
With its new wave of efficient, sports-oriented cars and crossovers, Pontiac is
about to beguile you with style and performance you can’t afford to miss.
Pontiac changed its stripes in less than five

years by rejuvenating its entire lineup
with fresh cars and captivating crossovers
steeped in performance and style. Before
the Solstice roadster arrived to spark the
revival, Pontiac excitement was barely
body-cladding deep. Now, fuel-efficient
turbos, hot V-6s, and lively V-8s are back
in the Pontiac pack—but with a modern
The high-performance GXP series contains
four distinct models, each with 250 or
more horsepower. The captain of this
performance team is the 415-hp G8 GXP
sport sedan, which sprints to 60 mph in
less than five seconds. Imagine a Pontiac
that compares favorably to a BMW costing
twice as much. With three new models
debuting this year and two more just
twist. Pontiac showrooms are well stocked around the corner, Pontiac’s take on
with athletic designs, highly functional intelligent performance promises to reach
interiors, six-speed manual and automatic out and touch every responsible enthusiast
transmissions, and sport-tuned suspensions. in the mood for fun.

frank markus (technologue)
“ IT’S POSSIBLE TO IMAGINE

LIVING IN A GLUCOSE-ECONOMY
THAT LOOKS AND FEELS
A LOT LIKE OUR
OIL-BASED ONE
”
affecting food production. Not only that, but the
switchgrass builds topsoil and nets five times
more energy than corn ethanol.
Examples of this optimization include late
flowering/seeding so more energy goes into
whiter lightning the stalk and roots, deep roots for drought and
flood tolerance, disease and pest tolerance, and
leafs close to the stalk so plants grow close
Cellulosic ethanol arrives to save the tattered together, maximizing yield per acre and choking
reputation of the corn-mash hooch out weeds. These self-seeding perennials require
little or no tilling, minimal nitrogen, and no
■ illustration nigel buchanan phosphorous or potassium fertilizer. The initial
cost to establish these energy crops is estimated
at $-$/acre but they live  years and yield
TO HEAR the mainstream media tell it, per gallon to produce. These technologies now - tons/acre, making - gallons of ethanol
ethanol, in its corn-fed, E guise, is a villain need a reliable source of cellulose, and Thousand per acre, depending on the crop and processing
responsible for stoking global warming, starving Oaks, California-based Ceres, Inc. has the seeds to method. It harvests like heavy hay, and its
Third World kids, and hiking grocery prices provide them. high-density reduces transportation and storage
to enrich the evil Archer Daniels Midland Ceres has spent over seven years decoding costs by  percent relative to lighter stuff like
conglomerate. Impassioned arguments can be plant genomes, experimenting with gene corn stalks, which would have to be trucked
made for and against these allegations, but the expression, and hybridizing a range of energy in from a far wider area. Large-scale cellulosic
reality is that corn ethanol is only helping initiate crops, the first of which goes on sale as you ethanol production is a ways off. Farmers need
an E infrastructure until cellulosic ethanol read this, under the trade name Blade Energy to establish energy crops, relying on subsidies
arrives to save the day like a white-knight. Crops. First to market are six varieties each of in the near term. Production facilities need
I’ve covered a few cellulose-to-ethanol switchgrass and sorghum plants tailored to suit to be capitalized via a mix of entrepreneurial
schemes, including two General Motors has either the biothermal or the biochemical process investment, farm-bill loan guarantees, tax
invested in: Coskata’s biothermal cellulose-to- and engineered to thrive in different climactic credits, etc. Several small-scale plants have been
syngas- to-ethanol process (“Booze Clues,” April), and growing conditions. According to Ceres announced.
and Mascoma’s biochemical approach, which estimates, planting energy crops on  million But the plant-sugars-to-fuel story doesn’t end
employs special microbes that “digest” cellulosic acres of farm and rangeland that’s currently idle with ethanol. Synthetic biologists are at work
materials and excrete ethanol (blogs.motortrend. or marginal for food crops could potentially creating new organisms capable of directly
com). Both expect ethanol to cost around $. offset half the nation’s gasoline demand without producing hydrocarbons that can be refined into
gasoline, diesel, or jet fuel. San Francisco-based
LS Inc. is inserting computer-designed genes
into microbial DNA to make them produce
hydrocarbons instead of triethylglyceride fats. It
hopes to scale this process up for commercial
production of biodiesel by . California-based
Amyris Biotechnologies is adapting bacteria
and yeast to convert sugars into isoprenoid
hydrocarbons and is working with a leading
Brazilian sugar/ethanol manufacturer to
produce biodiesel. Others are working on a
liquid-phase process for converting sugars into
hydroxymethylfurfural, which can be refined into
biosourced diesel, jet fuel, or plastics. By running
light-duty vehicles on alcohols and trucks, trains,
jets (and gas-fueled classic cars) on designer
biohydrocarbons, it’s possible to imagine living in
a glucose-economy that looks and feels a lot like
our oil-based one. I’ll drink to that. ■

IT HAS A REFRIGERATOR.
AND MANY OTHER WAYS TO CHILL.
Things are different in here. Yes, there’s the refrigerated console.* But there’s also the skylight lounge
sensation created by the multipanel Vista Roof.™* The three rows of seats and the limo-like
second-row legroom. Plus, the seven-color ambient lighting* to set any mood.
Way cool. Discover the strikingly original Flex at fordvehicles.com.
Text FLEX4 to 4FORD (43673) for more info.**
*Available feature. **Standard text messaging and other rates apply. Appropriate charges will appear on your
wireless phone bill. Service available on participating carriers.

(cover story) cadillac’s future
GM GAMBLES
ON THE STANDARD
OF THE WORLD;
THE FUTURE OF
AMERICAN LUXURY
IS AT STAKE!
● words todd lassa


winning
i 2008 CTS.
CTS It was a turning
t i point
i t
in Cadillac’s fortunes no one expected,
and few—especially at GM—initially
understood.
Nearly a decade on, Cadillac is still only a
bit player in the premium segment—selling
fewer cars than Mercedes-Benz, BMW, and
Lexus here in the U.S.—and virtually invisible
in Europe and Asia. And now, it’s at a cross-
roads; arguably the most crucial in the
brand’s history: Cadillac is off life support,
but to prosper it must go global. GM will
not measure Cadillac’s success only by the
BRENDA PRIDDY & CO.
number of German and Japanese luxury-car

buyers it conquests. More important is to
grab a share of new luxury-car buyers, many
of them coming from emerging markets like
2010 CTS COUPE China and Russia.
With the U.S. appeal of the Escalade
TIMING, THEY
T SAY, isi everything.
thi b i “The
being “Th StStandard
d d off the
th WWorld”—the
ld” th diminishing in proportion to the rise in gas
And Cadillac’s could certainly be better. brand’s tagline until the 1970s—but with the prices—2008 sales to the end of July were
Three months after the 1929 stock-market new CTS, and especially the world-beating down 30 percent year on year—and the current
crash, Cadillac premiered at the New York CTS-v sport sedan, its rehabilitation is well STS, DTS, SRX, and XLR aging fast, Cadillac is
auto show its Series 452 with a 185-horse- underway. The first step was, believe it or effectively a one-car company, almost totally
power V-16 engine designed to trump chief don’t, the King of Bling 1999 Escalade, which reliant on the CTS.That means it needs at least
rival Packard’s V-12. made Caddy a must-have for sports, music, 10 more years of solid investment in a new
Fast-forward almost 80 years: Cadillac is and Hollywood stars. More important, it range of vehicles. Problem is, cash-strapped
ready for another flagship, perhaps some- dramatically improved Cadillac’s chance of GM faces a ravaged economy and the spectre
thing along the lines of the gorgeous Sixteen being considered for purchase by buyers of the 2011-2015 Corporate Average Fuel
concept that was first shown in 2003. Except, under 50 years of age. Economy standards, right at the very time
once again, the economy isn’t ready.Worse, The original Escalade made so much its luxury brand needs money to take on
once-mighty GM doesn’t even have the profit and gave GM management so much Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Audi, and Lexus.
money to spend on such a project—it’s got confidence in the brand’s appeal that the All this explains why GM is taking a bigger
Chevy Volts and Cruzes that badly need decision was made to invest in the Sigma gamble now than it did in 1929 and launching
building. premium platform, which returned most up to 10 new Cadillacs in the next five years.
It’s been four or five decades since of Cadillac’s passenger-car lineup to rear- But it has no choice.The future of American
Cadillac built a car that came close to drive and forms the basis for the COTY- luxury is at stake.

2010 CTS SPORT WAGON
2010 CTS COUPE
The coupe, which premiered at the Los
Angeles auto show in November, rolls on
the same 113.4-inch wheelbase as the CTS
sedan, which saves a lot of development
and tooling money, yet achieves coupelike
proportions, thanks to a fast roofline and a
rear overhang that’s 4.6 inches shorter. It’s
a strategy GM’s Australian designers used
to create the Pontiac GTO coupe from the
Holden Commodore sedan.
All the sheetmetal past the A-pillar is
exclusive to the coupe. But while that fast
backlight looks great, it effectively nixes the
chance there will be a convertible version,
because GM would have to engineer new
structural metal around the rear end as well
as new quarter panels and decklid.
The concept’s rear bumper was redesigned
for rear-offset crash standards, but the single- j t 4508 units
just it iin E
Europe iin 2007
2007, so even if off th
the sedan
d and d coupe and d would
ld require
i
pipe-centered exhaust remains.The engine is the Sport Wagon becomes its volume model serious recalibration of the suspension.The
the sedan’s 3.6-liter V-6, including the optional there, total sales probably will be well below potential sales volume would be too small
304-horsepower gas direct-injection version. 8000 units worldwide. for that sort of capital investment.
The CTS-v version will follow within a year As a result, Cadillac now is talking up European buyers will be able to buy
after the coupe’s mid-2009 launch. As most the CTS wagon as an alternative for buyers the CTS Sport Wagon with the 2.9-liter VM
of the engine, transmission, and suspension anxious to get out of big, luxury SUVs. Given Motori turbodiesel. But don’t rule out a diesel
hardware from the sedan virtually bolts right America’s love affair with the SUV, it’s unlikely for the U.S., either: GM is considering its
in, this 556-horse Caddy two-door will be a to prove as popular as the next-generation smooth, innovative new 4.5-liter turbodiesel
relatively low-cost program. SRX (see next page). Powertrain lineup in V-8, originally designed for the GMT 360
AIMED AT: BMW 3 Series, the U.S. will mirror the sedan’s, which means midsize sport/utilities. It fits under the hood
Mercedes-Benz CLK, Audi A5 the 3.6-liter V-6, with either 263 horses, or of the CTS sedan, coupe, and wagon, so long
direct injection and 304 horses. All-wheel as Cadillac uses the raised CTS-v hood—
2010 CTS SPORT WAGON drive also will be available. the 4.5 diesel’s turbocharger resides in the
This is very much a Eurocentric model. What about a CTS-v Sport Wagon? A engine’s vee.
Cadillac initially considered the wagon a 556-horsepower load hauler might tempt AIMED AT: BMW 5 Series wagon,
niche car for the U.S., with volume in the us enthusiasts, but it’s off the table, for now. Mercedes-Benz E-Class wagon,
3000 to 4000 range. The entire brand sold The wagon has a flexier body than those Audi A6 Avant

2010 SRX CROSSOVER

2010 SRX CROSSOVER ALPHA FAMILY C dill simply
Cadillac i l cannott afford
ff d nott tto ddo thi
this
Cadillac’s crossover switches from the car. And it cannot afford not to do coupe,
rear-drive Sigma platform to the front- convertible, and wagon variants of the car,
drive Theta-Epsilon (GMT166) platform just like Benz and BMW.
next year, although all-wheel drive is likely A 2012 Alpha convertible is likely to follow
to be standard. Styling of the production within a year. An Alpha coupe is a logical
version, which is expected to make its debut addition, although here’s where the picture
at the 2009 Detroit show, will differ little from SEDAN gets fuzzy. One of our spy photos shows
the concept already seen. a radical two-door hatchback-style car
Moving SRX off Sigma onto Theta-Epsilon (similar in concept to the Z3-based BMW
(s
buys GM a better interior package relative M Coupe that bowed in 1998). Cadillac
to the vehicle footprint. It shares the new may be anticipating an emerging trend
platform with the upcoming Saab 9-4x, and toward
o luxury C-segment hatchbacks, which
it’s bigger than the Chevy Equinox, Pontiac seems a gamble, even for the European
Torrent (GMC Terrain), and Saturn Vue market, although Mercedes is a player in the
Thetas, so it’s directed squarely at Lexus’ segment with the C-Class-based CLC.
hugely popular RX midsize crossovers. We hear Bob Lutz is pushing hard for an
The SRX will be loaded with far more CONVERTIBLE Alpha coupe that’s more or less a scaled-
features and high technology than any of down version of the CTS. But the CTS
its platform brethren, though not the hybrid Coupe’s extreme rake makes it difficult to
powertrain the Provoq fuel-cell hybrid hinted do a convertible at low cost compared with
at. Engine options are 2.8- and 3.6-liter gas a more conventional three-box design—and
V-6s. Exports to Europe could get the 1.9-liter a convertible to rival BMW’s 3 Series and
turbodiesel used in the BLS. Benz’s CLK is essential if Alpha is to be a
RIVALS: Lexus RX, Mercedes-Benz truly global, high-margin vehicle.
tr
ML, BMW X5, Audi Q5, Acura MDX, Besides, it’s clear GM design chief Ed
Infiniti EX Wellburn doesn’t want Alpha to be a CTS
HATCHBACK COUPE mini-me:“You know, if you’re doing a smaller-
2011 ALPHA FAMILY type Cadillac, you’d have to tighten up the
Even Mercedes, Audi, and Lexus envy what forms more,” he says, without actually
BMW has done with the 3 Series: Making it confirming the car’s existence. “Because if
an “affordable,” iconic sport-luxury model that you’re doing a smaller one, you’d want it to
brings in bags-full of euros in profit. Alpha is be an agile, nimble car, and you certainly
GM’s small rear-drive vehicle architecture and wouldn’t want to do what some other brands
launches in late 2010 as a smaller-than-CTS have done, brands that are known for doing
Cadillac sedan aimed straight at the 3 Series. handling well and having a heavy body
This is where the volume is in the premium shape. That relationship of the body shape
segment, both here in the U.S. and in Europe WAGON to the wheels is important, and you’d want
and Asia. This is where the money is made. to keep it lean.”

THE OFFICIAL SOUP SPONSOR OF THE NFL
Packed with lean meat and hearty veggies.
LADAINIAN TOMLINSON SAN DIEGO CHARGERS
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2014 ESCALADE
As for
A f Alpha’s
Al h ’ powertrains,i Cadillac
C dill is i LS 460
460, and—yes—Hyundai’s
d H d i’ astounding
di if gas prices
i remaini hi
high,
hE Escalade
l d iis one off
experimenting with a direct-injection turbo- new Genesis sedan. GM will be watching the few GM nameplates whose customers
charged 2.0-liter engine using the same the national/global zeitgeist to determine are wealthy enough for relatively poor gas
fuel-sipping power-enhancing technology as whether building a new, large sedan makes mileage not to be a deal-breaker.
the upcoming Cruze’s 1.4-liter turbo four to better sense in late 2009 than it does in One of the key questions Cadillac product
produce about 220 horsepower. An optional late 2008. planners have been wrestling with is whether
2.8-liter direct-injection V-6 from the “high- If GM spikes the project—plans were the Escalade needs to be truck-based. One
feature” (3.6) family could make upward of scrapped for a large Chevy sedan using the proposal for the next-gen Escalade used the
270 horsepower. Europeans will be offered same architecture but on a shorter-wheel- Lambda platform that underpins Enclave/
the exceptional 1.9-liter turbodiesel four. base employing totally different sheetmetal Acadia/Outlook/Traverse, but turned the
RIVALS: BMW 3 Series, and interior trim, and cheaper suspension engine 90 degrees, placing it longitudinally
Mercedes-Benz C-Class, Audi A4, components, which would have helped for rear-drive dash-to-axle styling.This proved
Lexus IS the business case—there’s a lower-cost too costly a tear-up of the chassis from the
alternative: Design new sheetmetal for the A-pillar forward, although it could become
2012 DT7 stretch-wheelbase STS currently built for part of the design of the next-generation
Cadillac had planned to replace the rear- the Chinese market. In either scenario, likely Lambdas, which should launch some time
drive STS and front-drive DTS with one flag- engines will include the gas direct-injection in 2013-2014 model years.
ship, codenamed DT7. But in late summer 3.6 V-6 and the 4.5-liter turbodiesel V-8. More likely, the next-gen Escalade will be
that project was put on hold for one year. RIVALS: Mercedes-Benz S-Class; switched to the existing Lambda platform,
GM reportedly delayed funding the program BMW 7 Series, Lexus LS 460, which will accept a transverse-mounted small-
just as Cadillac finished design work on Hyundai Genesis block V-8 under the hood (the Enclave almost
the sedan. got one).The rear-drive dash-to-axle stance
Here’s where the GM’s cash crunch, the 2014 ESCALADE that’s so critical in defining a luxury sedan
nuked economy, and concerns over the GM’s full-size truck and SUV programs are seems less important in SUVs, but that doesn’t
next-generation CAFE laws have coalesced on indefinite hold. But that hasn’t stopped mean it’s a straightforward program.
into a perfect storm: The DT7 is precisely GM from thinking about the next-generation The problem with Lambda for Cadillac is
the sort of flagship car Cadillac needs to Escalade. This is, after all, the nameplate the structural steel under the skin would have
be considered a legitimate player in the that unexpectedly kick-started Cadillac’s to be re-engineered to give the Escalade a
luxury segment, a car that should play with renaissance; it would be foolish to walk more formal roofline—and more vertical
Mercedes S-Class, BMW 7 Series, Lexus away from the brand equity. Besides, even D-pillars—than any of the current Lambdas.
The car also would need a less aggressively
rising beltline and a new tailgate aperture.
Those important stylistic issues—things that
T
WHAT ABOUT THE XLR? would ensure a Lambda Escalade is instantly
perceived as a Cadillac—are not cheap.
WITH ITS insignificant volume (just 1249 built this year to September 1), So the three scenarios under discussion
this is an even bigger question mark than the Escalade. The main problem is are to keep building the truck-based
that the C7 Corvette is on temporary hold while GM waits for clarity over the Escalade, replace it with a Lambda Escalade,
next-gen CAFE regs. No new Corvette means no new XLR, as they are built or sell both. If Cadillac goes with Lambda,
off the same hardware. Cadillac needs to upgrade the two-seater’s interior that doesn’t mean the death of the EXT.
and further delineate it from the Corvette, but it must be done cheaply and Remember the Zeta-based GMC Denali
it must be done well. If the C7 isn’t green-lighted soon, the XLR may turn out XT concept?
to be a one-generation model. RIVALS: Range Rover, Mercedes
GL-Class, Audi Q7 ■

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DL: Changing your oil regu- Q: So even changing my oil at
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but it’s not all of the solution. I’m in the clear?
Think about how an engine
DL: Not if you’re using the
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off. Yeah, those are pure race
applies the same expertise to a threaten consistent oil circula-
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hear why he insists on a clean- thing. That’s why I recommend
running engine—for the street Pennzoil Platinum® full
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your engine. It’s cleaning the
DL: It’s real simple. They say first mile, it’s still cleaning at
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*Based on a severe sludge clean-up test using SAE 5W-30.

THESE MUSCLE/PONYCARS seemed suuch a was easy. But quicker than you can computer-engineer a
great idea at the time—both in the late 1960s when the supply rear-drive sedan into a coupe, oil prices and CAFE regs
of oil and hormonal baby-boomers looked inexhaustible, have yanked the rug out from under this class. Can V-6
and again in 2005/2006 when Mustang styling went all engines, cylinder deactivation, and manual transmissions
1967, prompting Dodge and Chevy to hustle out their own help Dodge earn a piece of the neo-pony pie with its
retromobile concepts. Gas was still (relatively) cheap, power gorgeous Challenger?

dodge challenger se v-6, r/t, srt8 (first test)
DODGE CHALLENGES THE NEO-PONYCAR CLASS

WITH THREE RETRO CLYDESDALES
● wordss frank markus ● photog

graphs
p s brian vance

(first test) dodge challenger se v-6
THIS PRICE LEADER was never better with double the valve count (24 when racing for pinks, but surely the
expected to account for more than about to 12). The 3.5-liter is also smoother and Challenger’s sophisticated independent
30 percent of Challenger volume, but the more sonorous than the truly agricultural- rear suspension pays off in the ride/
current economic climate and fear of ever- sounding big-lunged Ford. handling department, right? Um, in the
rising gas prices may cause buyers to pay But Ford trumps Dodge in backing up ride department, yes. This is one comfy
more attention to the less muscular versions its V-6 with a choice of five-speeds, manual cruiser, no doubt about it, thanks to nice,
of all three neo-ponies. or automatic. The only tranny offered in tall 60-series Continental tires and easy-
How will the Dodge stack up? Its LX the Challenger SE is a quaint four-speed does-it suspension tuning adapted from
platform architecture offered two V-6s slushbox that makes do with D, 3, and L the Charger SXT’s. It’s not terribly well
from which to choose, and Dodge opted shifter positions—no shifter paddles, no equipped for terrorizing the twisties. Bend
for the larger 3.5-liter, which spins the AutoStick, no sport-shift algorithms, nor any quickly into a corner and you can feel the
dyno needles to an even 250 on the horse- other concession to driver involvement. Bolt tires rolling under, then the body heeling
power and torque meters. That’s well up on this hand-me-down hardware into a gigantic over, after which linear steering response
archrival Ford’s 4.0-liter Mustang engine, coupe that weighs about 300 pounds more ensues.
which spools out just 210 horses and 240 than a comparable Mustang V-6 automatic, Max lateral grip is respectable at 0.83
pound-feet. Both are single-overhead and those engine-power bragging rights g—besting the Mustang’s by 0.02—but
cam designs, but the Dodge breathes seem moot at the dragstrip. overall responsiveness suffers, as illustrated
Despite a deficiency of 1.4 pounds
D on our Motor Trend figure eight, where the
2009 DODGE CHALLENGER SE per horsepower (16.2 to Challenger’s Challenger’s 28.4-second, 0.59-g average
14.8), the Mustang gets the jump on the result trailed Mustang by a half second
BASE PRICE $21,995 Challenger, with a slight lead until 60 mph, and those same two-hundredths of a g.
PRICE AS TESTED $24,790 when they’re even up at 7.3 seconds. But And all this is on the Challenger’s optional
VEHICLE LAYOUT Front engine, RWD, 5-pass, the extra gear ratios continue to pay off 225/60R18 tires (part of a $2795 package).
2-door coupe as the Ford crosses the finish line three- The base 215/65R17s are likely to handle
ENGINE 3.5L/250-hp/250-lb-ft tenths and 1.4 mph ahead of the Dodge’s even worse. Of course, that tire-upgrade
SOHC 24-valve V-6 15.6 seconds at 90.3 mph. package includes a stability-control system
TRANSMISSION 4-speed automatic Okay, so it may not be the best choice
O that can never be completely turned off, so
CURB WEIGHT (F/R DIST) 3712 lb (54/46%) maybe real-world driving fun would be
WHEELBASE 116.0 in improved on 17s (ESP did not intervene
LENGTH x WIDTH x HEIGHT 197.7 x 75.7 x 57.1 in on our figure eight). Braking from 60 mph
0-60 MPH 7.3 sec also trails the light-footed Mustang by four
QUARTER MILE 15.6 sec @ 90.3 mph feet, at 130.
BRAKING, 60-0 MPH 130 ft Bottom line: The SE delivers time-travel
LATERAL ACCELERATION 0.83 g (avg) design at a deep discount, but utterly lacks
MT FIGURE EIGHT 28.4 sec @ 0.59 g (avg) the visceral and audible thrill of the original.
EPA CITY/HWY FUEL ECON 17/25 mpg The Mustang presents tough competition
CO 2 EMISSIONS 0.98 lb/mile and the direct-injected 3.6-liter Camaro
will likely outperform both.

dodge challenger srt8 (first test)
CHECKING IN AT the other extreme six-speed, 108.3 in the automatic.With either supportive seats and a Performance Features
end of the Challenger spectrum is the rip- box, the roar of this high-revving 6.1-liter Hemi dash readout that can display 0-to-60, eighth-
snorting SRT8. Introduced for 2008¾ with a is coarse but intoxicating. or quarter-mile acceleration, braking, and
five-speed automatic only, the 2009 options Note that both of these $43,000-$44,000 lateral/longitudinal g forces.
list includes a six-speed Tremec TR-6060 Dodges fall way behind the correspondingly Bottom line: This is by far the best-sorted
transmission with a ZF-Sachs 250mm twin- priced Mustang—the 500-horse supercharged Challenger chassis, but the car feels too
disc clutch. It comes packaged with a hill- Shelby GT500 (12.7 seconds at 114.2 mph). big to hustle down a tight, twisty road with
start assist system, bright pedals, and a way On paper the Mustang also out-hustles both confidence, and it’s not really suited to any
shorter axle ratio (3.92:1 to the automatic’s SRT8s in our handling tests, too, with more racing series, so it seems hard to justify a
3.06:1) for $695. It also includes a first-to- total grip (0.90 to 0.87 g), and quicker figure- price tag that’s essentially double the SE’s
fourth-gear skip-shift system to help snooker eight times (25.8 seconds at 0.72 average g and almost $12K above the R/T.
the EPA into granting it city/highway ratings of versus 26.4 at 0.69 for the best SRT8). But
14/22 mpg, up from 13/19 for the automatic— as we pointed out in our July comparison, it 2009 DODGE CHALLENGER SRT8
not that it matters much to anyone seeking feels more nose-heavy, and the Challenger
out this type of tire-melting machinery. conforms much better to imperfect roads. BASE PRICE $41,695
The pistol-grip shifter looks a bit like a Spring rates rise by 16 and 25 percent front/ PRICE AS TESTED $43,730 (manual)
Porsche stick, with leather where your fingers rear relative to R/T’s, and the Bilstein mono- $42,840 (auto)
grip and aluminum-look trim greeting your tube shocks are way stiffer (though less harsh VEHICLE LAYOUT Front engine, RWD, 5-pass,
palm. (Surely the aftermarket will oblige than the Charger SRT8’s). 2-door coupe
with all-aluminum pistol-grip handles for Shutting off the ESP system is a two-stage ENGINE 6.1L/425-hp/420-lb-ft
those willing to freeze or sear their hands affair. Push the button once and would-be drift OHV 16-valve V-8
in extreme weather.) The shifter throw and kings will find that, at 25 degrees of chassis TRANSMISSIONS 6-sp manual; 5-sp auto
clutch-pedal travel feel long if your frame of slip-angle, the brakes kick in to prevent the CURB WEIGHT 4146 lb (man);
reference is BMW, Honda, or Mazda sticks, rear from stepping out any further. Hold the 4137 lb (auto)
but the mechanical action is satisfying, and button down longer, and a chime indicates WEIGHT DIST, F/R 55/45%
there’s never any question as to where clutch the Challenger SRT8 is ready to play. And WHEELBASE 116.0 in
take-up commences or when a gear has while you’re playing, you’ll be treated to LENGTH x WIDTH x HEIGHT 197.7 x 75.7 x 57.1 in
been engaged. 0-60 MPH 4.6 sec (man); 4.7 sec (auto)
Enthusiasts all love stick shifts, especially QUARTER MILE 13.1 sec @ 108.4 mph (man);
enthusiasts enamored of all things retro, but 13.1 sec @ 108.3 mph (auto)
they shouldn’t expect their rowing to pay a BRAKING, 60-0 MPH 121 ft (man); 117 ft (auto)
performance dividend. Our two SRT8s run LATERAL ACCELERATION 0.87 g (avg, man);
neck and neck through the quarter mile, with 0.87 g (avg, auto)
the automatic jumping out of the blocks ahead MT FIGURE EIGHT 26.7 sec @ 0.67 g (avg, man);
(1.8 versus 1.9 seconds to 30 mph), then the 26.4 sec @ 0.69 g (avg, auto)
manual noses into the lead at 60 mph (4.6 to EPA CITY/HWY FUEL ECON 14/22 mpg; 13/19 mpg (auto)
4.7 seconds), before tripping the quarter-mile CO 2 EMISSIONS 1.16-1.28 lb/mile
lights in 13.1 seconds each, at 108.4 mph in the

(first test) dodge challenger r/t
THAT BRINGS GOLDILOCKS about 80 percent of the SRT8’s incremental the lighter, less powerful, but similarly priced
to her “just right” Challenger. Well, mostly. straight-line performance (5.1 versus 4.6 Mustang Bullitt runs neck and neck with this
This one is projected to be the volume seller, seconds to 60 mph), and its chassis delivers one, too, a tenth ahead at 60 mph and a tenth
and with good reason. Equipping an R/T for half of the SRT8’s handling improvement behind at the quarter.
peak performance with the optional six- (27.5 seconds at 0.63 g versus 26.7 at 0.67 Based on the Charger R/T’s suspension,
speed manual and 20-inch tires, as our tester on the figure eight). So you get most of the the Challenger features considerably less-
was (adding $995 and $1350, respectively), adrenaline rush and retro soundtrack at aggressive spring and damping rates
costs $7550 more than an SE on 18s. For just half-off clearance pricing. compared with the SRT8’s, permitting
over 40 percent of the price premium paid for The R/T’s 5.7-liter Hemi doesn’t rev quite more roll and providing less body-motion
an SRT8 six-speed, you get 72 percent of the as high as the SRT8’s 6.1-liter (5700 versus control in transient maneuvers. The R/T’s
power bump—376 versus 425 horses—and 6250 rpm), but features variable cam timing wider bucket seats also provide less lateral
94 percent of the torque improvement—410 and cylinder shutoff (on automatics) to support, its stability-control system is more
versus 420 pound-feet (automatic R/Ts are optimize fuel economy. Manuals get the first- intrusive when “off,” and its optional 20-inch
rated 372 and 401). Spinning through the to-fourth-gear skip-shift feature, allowing Goodyear Eagle RS-A all-season tires are far
same trannies and gearing, the R/T delivers both R/T variants to be rated at 16 mpg city, less grippy than the SRT8’s Eagle F1 Super-
25 highway.
h That’s just one mpg city below cars. Upgrading the tires might help to further
2009 DODGE CHALLENGER R/T the SE V-6’s rating, although we suspect close the lateral-grip gap (0.82 g R/T, 0.87 g
that R/T drivers enjoying the V-8’s burbling SRT8) and improve braking performance,
BASE PRICE $29,995 torque may realize a greater real-world fuel- which was worst of all models at 135 feet
PRICE AS TESTED $39,055 economy
n deficit relative to the V-6. Dragstrip from 60 mph. But just as in the good old
VEHICLE LAYOUT Front engine, RWD, 5-pass, clutch-drops are free of axle-hop, thanks to days, these big beasts cater to lead-footed
2-door coupe the manual R/T’s use of load-leveling Sachs straight-liners more than they do to driving-
ENGINE 5.7L/376-hp/410-lb-ft Nivomat shocks and asymmetric-diameter gloved apex-clippers, so we’re willing to
OHV 16-valve V-8 halfshafts like those used on Corvettes. Of forgive the more affordable and comfortable
TRANSMISSION 6-speed manual course,
r for consistency’s sake, we must note riding R/T some of the slop that this middle-
CURB WEIGHT (F/R DIST) 4154 lb (53/47%) grade state of chassis tune permits.
WHEELBASE 116.0 in Bottom line: The Challenger is all about
LENGTH x WIDTH x HEIGHT 197.7 x 75.7 x 57.1 in reliving the “Vanishing Point” days with
0-60 MPH 5.1 sec modern safety and reliability, a huge trunk,
QUARTER MILE 13.6 sec @ 104.9 mph and a roomy back seat (that’s difficult to get
BRAKING, 60-0 MPH 135 ft into).We think the R/T offers the best retro
LATERAL ACCELERATION 0.82 g bang for the modern, shrinking buck.We also
MT FIGURE EIGHT 27.5 sec @ 0.63 g (avg) fully expect history to repeat itself, with the
EPA CITY/HWY FUEL ECON 16/25 mpg Challenger as the biggest and best-looking
CO 2 EMISSIONS 1.02 lb/mile of the neo-ponies being outperformed by the
Camaro and outsold by the Mustang. ■

This is not a spark plug
TM
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(first test) chevrolet equinox fuel cell vehicle
FOURTEEN DAYS IN THE HYDROGEN ECONOMY

● words kim reynolds ● photographs julia lapalme

HYDROGEN

IT’S ABOUT 11 P.M. , and MapQuest route included a long steep H2 pressure for a half tank of fuel (it prefers
I’m parked along a dark freeway off-ramp climb on a hilly toll road. Quick math: It’s 56 10,000 psi)? To gain maybe 90 more miles?
about 100 feet ahead of an idling semi.The miles to the station. My range, it says here The good news is that the boxy Equinox is
driver’s probably sound asleep in there, but on the dash, is 63. But since leaving our San managing 43 miles per kilogram of hydrogen,
me, I couldn’t be more awake. I’m sitting Bernardino photo location (where all these pretty much equal to 43 miles per gasoline
here because it just hit me that I really, truly, carefree pictures of the Equinox and flying gallon. Astounding when you consider that
might not have enough of this compressed water were shot), the car’s range has been it’s 46 percent heavier than the slippery Prius
hydrogen to make it to the 24-hour U.C. Irvine dropping a lot faster than the odometer’s that does about the same numbers.
refueling station I’m heading for. Sure, I know been climbing. And now there’s this hill to All the same, what kind of mileage are you
this is exactly why GM’s Project Driveway factor in. If I run dry of H-juice out here, the actually getting if you have to drive 20 or 30
sent these 100 fuel-cell Equinoxes into the AAA ain’t coming to my rescue. So I’ve pulled percent farther to actually make it home?
real world—to get gritty feedback like this. off the freeway to ponder Plan B. But what the Where the heck is Governor Schwarzenegger’s
But guess what? I’ve suddenly realized hell is Plan B? ballyhooed hydrogen highway anyway? Hasta
there’s a difference between “real-world My map of hydrogen stations shows one la vista, hydrogen, apparently. Five and a half
experience” printed on a press release and 5000psi 24-hour option within 50 miles, a years after President Bush declared in his
sitting here in the dark, ahead of an idling city-run multifuel rig in Riverside. Never been State of the Union speech: “Tonight I am
semi wondering what the hell to do next. there. I enter its address into the Equinox’s proposing $1.2 billion in research funding so
The difference is called anxiety. nav system. 34 miles. At about 30 degrees that America can lead the world in developing
Two minutes earlier, I was optimistically off-course from where I’m headed. Okay, clean, hydrogen-powered automobiles,” it’s
nursing the Equinox along at an energy- so now I’ve got to drive 20-odd miles out of Honda’s FCX Clarity that’s leading this game.
sipping 64 mph—until I realized that my my way to get to a station with only enough And all I’ve seen along this freeway are twin-

PROJECT
driveway consists
of three-month,
zero-cost leases
in NYC, D.C.,
and L.A.
kling Arco signs, smiling Chevron logos, and bang with your thumb, others fill the screen the guard silently appraising me:“Got it now.
glistening Exxon invitations. Gas, gas, and with the slightest graze. Out of the dark, a Thanks.” He whines off into the dark.
more gas. For me and Mr. Hydrogen car here, night guard hesitantly approaches in a golf The place is a ghost town for a few minutes,
they might as well be a bunch of multicolored cart.“Can I help you?” and then an old, gold-colored Civic with a
middle fingers. How many newspaper head- “This touchpad doesn’t seem to work right, bunch of knick-knacks on the dash pulls up
lines have announced yet another big-dollar but I think I can get it.” I say to myself as to the compressed-natural-gas pump about
round of funding for hydrogen infrastructure much as him, though I suspect “getting it” 30 feet away. Techno music is thumping
programs? Pictures of beaming politicians, is 50/50 at best. “You know, you’re the first inside. A gigantic body-builder type gets
ribbons being cut? Where’s the money gone, regular public-type person I’ve ever seen out and begins refueling. Gold paint hides
folks? here,” he says, watching my fingers tire. Not dirt pretty well, but even at 30 feet this car
I follow the nav system’s guidance to reassuring, this guy. Eventually, I get the needed a wash about six months ago, and
Riverside. It’s dark and kinda spooky as code in, but when I attach the electronic then I notice he’s staring back at me. I quickly
I approach the city refueling center. A communication cable to the Equinox’s look back at my pump, hssssss, its display is
lot of edgy squad cars are patrolling the stern, a communication error appears on still showing about 1.5 kilograms.Why isn’t
area. Maybe it’s because of this station, but the dispenser screen. I try it again. Error. this thing faster? Didn’t Hitchcock film a
maybe not. I pull into the desolate facility And again. Error. It’s midnight. I wonder if scene something like this? Cary Grant and
and find the lone H2 pump amid a loopy, there’s a decent motel around here. James Mason exchanging uneasy glances in
Alice-in-Wonderland forest of alternative-fuel What the hell, I plug the H2 hose in anyway a vacant landscape. Hssssss, 1.6 kilograms.
dispensers. Following the instructions, I type and, hssssss, hydrogen starts entering the The bodybuilder finishes first and slowly
in the code—er, hey, the keypad doesn’t seem Equinox’s spent lungs. Whew, and I’m not drives over. “Is that really a hydrogen car?”
to work right. Some numbers you have to asking any questions why. Coolly I turn to “Yep,” I say. “Who makes it?” “GM. It’s a

EQUINOX GRILLE is
distinguished by larger
air openings while stylish
under-bumper vents exhaust
the water vapor.
President Bush’s speech continued:“With a

new national commitment, our scientists and
engineers will overcome obstacles to taking
these cars from laboratory to showroom—
so that the first car driven by a child born
today could be powered by hydrogen and
pollution-free.”
Smart they put that “could” in there. In 10
and a half years, that kid’ll have a driver’s
license—not much time to build a gazillion
hydrogen versions of all those Arcos and
Exxon stations I was passing. Until you’ve
stared at a map of Southern California’s
sparse grid of hydrogen oases and gone
to them, found some non-operable, some
demanding individual training sessions
before using them, discover at the U.C. Irvine
station (best of the bunch) that you’re required
to wear a fire-resistant lab coat and goggles
despite 90-degree weather, learn that some
stations take about seven minutes for a refill
modified Equinox.”“Let me write this down,” (UCI) and others 25 minutes (depending And it sure as heck won’t be the Equinox’s
he says picking a loose piece of paper from on station sophistication), only then will you fault. As stunningly underdeveloped and
an assortment on the floor.“E. Q. U.” He tells start to appreciate how unbelievably far uncoordinated as the hydrogen infrastructure
me how much he loves his car and will never hydrogen has to go to be even remotely is, GM gets a loud shoutout from us for
ever sell it…except for maybe this hydrogen practical. Right now, in every house along building a hydrogen-fuel-cell car that runs
car here.Turns out, he’s a nice guy, but he talks my modest, couldn’t-be-more-ordinary street, like a Rolex.We drove it for two weeks and
really fast and I feel better when he finally there are circuit-breaker boxes humming the whole time were simply amazed at how
drives away with a furious wave. Another away with 240 volts of electricity. If Chevy’s well it operated. After five miles or so, its
50 miles later, I finally pull into my driveway. plug-in Volt works half as well as GM’s bally- odd-ball George Jetson drivetrain simply
It’s 1:30 a.m. now. I lean my head against hooing in 2011 or whenever, these hydrogen melts away into irrelevance—who cares what
the steering wheel.Welcome to the world of cars are going to go poof faster than you can it is? It works. From a stop, the car simply
hydrogen transportation, circa 2008. say “Hindenburg.” hair-triggers away as its electric motor’s

See us at
Booth #41093
in Las Vegas
November 4-7, 2008

version on a bad day, respectable given it’s
being saddled with a trio of 10,000psi H2 2008 GM EQUINOX FCV
tanks in the back (holding the equivalent of POWERTRAIN/CHASSIS
4.2 gallons of gasoline for a 160-mile range) DRIVETRAIN LAYOUT Front motor, FWD
and enough radiators to cool Three Mile MOTOR AC Synchronous
Island (needed to rid its lower-temp heat). POWER (SAE NET) 98 hp
It’s a technical tour de force that should TORQUE (SAE NET) 236 lb-ft @ 0 rpm
rightly make GM proud. One evening, I BATTERY TYPE Ni metal hydride
happened to park the Equinox next to a WEIGHT TO POWER 44.6 lb/hp
sweet mid-1960s Corvette surrounded by TRANSMISSION 1-speed
a group of Vette-smitten car guys reliving BATTERY POWER 35 kW
their Beach Boys youth. GM brawn, circa SUSPENSION, FRONT; REAR Struts, coil springs,
1967, meets GM brain, circa 2008. Gradu- anti-roll bar; multilink,
coil spring
ally, they took notice of the Equinox and
eventually stared, bewildered, as it did its STEERING RATIO 19.4:1
post-drive, water-vapor blown-down routine TURNS, LOCK-TO-LOCK 3.4
(whereby the fuel cell avoids freeze damage BRAKES, F;R 11.7-in vented disc &
to temperatures as low as -15 F). Dumbstruck, regen; 11.9-in vented
disc, ABS
they were.
So what’s the situation? For decades, the WHEELS F/R 7.0 x 17 in, cast
story on hydrogen-fuel-cell cars has typically aluminum
leveraged the old chicken-and-egg allusion. TIRES, F/R P225/60R-17 98S,
Something has to happen first—the fuel-cell Goodyear Integrity
M+S
car? Or will it be the hydrogen infrastructure?
236 pound-feet of torque deliciously yanks Up until now, the answer has been predictably, DIMENSIONS
you forward from zero rpm. To be sure, at maybe conveniently, neither. WHEELBASE 112.5 in
freeway speed you finally pay the electric- But now with the Equinox FCV, we don’t just TRACK, F/R 61.6/61.8 in
motor piper, as its 98 horses dissolve the have a chicken, we have ourselves a prancing, LENGTH x WIDTH 188.8 x 71.4
Equinox into econocar feebleness. But even chest-puffing, cock-a-doodle-dooing rooster. x HEIGHT x 69.3 in
here, the near-instant response of what little GM has taken the long list of fuel-cell never- GROUND CLEARANCE 7.3 in
power you’ve got results in a useable gain will-happens and ripped up the piece of TURNING CIRCLE 41.8 ft
until the stampede of internal-combustion paper. It drives great; the range is tolerable; CURB WEIGHT 4370 lb
buffalos manage to swallow a breath and refueling time is acceptable (at competent WEIGHT DIST, F/R 57/43%
start retaliating. Our only gripe was with the stations); the thing didn’t blow up. It’s kinda SEATING CAPACITY 4
brakes, which in the last few mph tended to fun. Joe Romm (author of the influential HEADROOM, F/R 40.9/40.1 in
go all regen weird-feeling. book “The Hype About Hydrogen”) may SHOULDER ROOM, F/R 55.7/55.9 in
Compared with a gas Equinox we tested need to rewrite a few of his tome’s more CARGO VOLUME 32.0 cu ft
a while back (a 3.4-liter V-6 with 185 horses doom-and-gloom chapters. However, from TEST DATA
and 210 pound-feet of twist), the FCV is 0.3 our experience, nearly everybody involved ACCELERATION TO MPH
second slower to 60 (four percent), stops in the egg part of this undertaking—that 0-30 3.0
two feet shorter from 60 (one percent), and is, the establishment of the hydrogen 0-40 4.6
corners with 0.05g less lateral tug (seven infrastructure—appears to have has so far 0-50 6.7
percent). Basically, the fuel-cell car is the gas laid a colossal double-yolker. ■ 0-60 9.2
0-70 12.5
0-80 17.6
EQUINOX PARADOX PASSING, 45-65 MPH 5.1
QUARTER MILE 17.1 sec @ 78.9 mph
BRAKING, 60-0 MPH 130 ft
WE HEAR it all the time: So if both diesel engines and hybrid gasoline LATERAL ACCELERATION 0.72 g (avg)
engines offer efficiency improvements, why not combine them? Recently, MT FIGURE EIGHT 30.1 sec @ 0.52 g (avg)
we had the opportunity to drive and test just such a combination built by CONSUMER INFO
students from Mississippi State University, winner of the now completed 3-MONTH LEASE COST $0
Challenge X competition. Their car is basically a push-me/pull-you affair: STABILITY/TRACTION CONTROL Yes/yes
Driving the front wheels is a GM-Europe-derived 1.9-liter, 148-horse AIRBAGS Dual front,
turbodiesel coupled to a six-speed manual transmission, while the rears are front head
rotated by a 60-horse electric motor. Sounds odd, but the integration works FUEL CAPACITY 4.2 Kg (10,000 psi H2)
well. Is it a better alternative than Chevy’s fuel-cell
l c approach? MSU’s car can EPA COMBINED ECONOMY 38.1 mi/Kg (H2)
manage a combined 35 miles per diesel gallon compared with the FCV’s 38 RANGE 160 miles
gas-equivalent mileage (and potentially zero CO2 footprint). On the other CO 2 EMISSIONS 0 lb/mile (vehicle)
hand, diesel is amply available right now—something you can’t exactly say REQUIRED FUEL Hydrogen HYDROGEN
for hydrogen. For more, go to motortrend.com. H 1

BR 01 INSTRUMENT COLLECTION 46 MM
BR 01-94 CHRONOGRAPH - Pink Gold & Carbon finish case
BR 01-97 POWER RESERVE - Pink Gold case - Carbon dial
Limited edition to 250 pieces
Information and Catalog: Bell & Ross Inc. +1.888.307.7887 . e-mail: information@bellrossusa.com . www.bellross.com

Think About It
ISN’T IT TIME SOMEONE

DID TO LEXUS WHAT
LEXUS DID TO MERCEDES?
Narrower gaps between body panels,1 better
mileage2 and roomier than the Lexus LS 460.1
The new Hyundai Genesis is our first luxury
car, and believe it or not, it’s about to give the
market its biggest shake-up since 1989.
The Genesis will take you from zero to 60 in
a head-spinning 5.7 seconds3—and has more
horsepower per liter than a Lexus GS 460.4
Imagine producing that much power while still
getting better mileage than any car in its class.2
Impeccable details abound. Example: gaps
between body panels are tighter than those
found on the standard-bearer for tight tolerances,
the Lexus LS 460.1
And the Genesis cabin is among the quietest
and most spacious available. It’s equipped with
a Lexicon® 7.1 Discrete surround sound system5
(shared only with the Rolls-Royce Phantom).
And puts you in a driver’s seat that is cooled for
summertime, heated for winter.
In a luxury car, there’s no such thing as
getting too comfortable. Although—don’t say
anything, but some of our competitors may just
have found themselves doing that very thing.
> CONTINUED at HyundaiGenesis.com
1AMCI-Certified testing. 2Best V8 fuel economy among luxury sedans as classified by the EPA. 3AMCI-Certified testing with
automatic transmissions. 4 Horsepower with premium fuel. 5Lexicon Professional is a subsidiary of Harman International Industries.
Hyundai is a registered trademark of Hyundai Motor America. All rights reserved. ©2008 Hyundai Motor America.

Introducing the 375-horsepower Genesis

((feature) 50 YEA|S OF DIESELS AC|OSS AME|ICA
W I T H M E | C E D E S - B E N Z

FIVE DECADES AGO, ●words
motor trend editors
DIESEL-POWERED
CARS WERE ● photographs
AN ANOMALY. julia lapalme/brian vance/
william walker
THAT’S NO LONGER
THE CASE.
THE RATTLE
CONTINUES.
“MISTER, THEY DON’T MAKE diesel
engines small enough for passenger cars.
If I put diesel fuel in your tank, this car will
never run again,” grumbled the attendant
of a little Midwestern station. So we had
to pop the hood of Motor Trend’s test car
to prove there really is such a thing as a
diesel car.”
So began a story entitled “Is the
Diesel the Coming Economy Car?” in
our June 1959 issue. In just four pages,
it talked about the pros, cons, and costs
surrounding diesel power for passenger
vehicles and chronicled a 5122-mile trip
our editors made across America in a new
Mercedes-Benz 190D “Ponton” sedan, the
first diesel-powered automobile sold in
(relatively) mainstream numbers in the
United States.
Fast-forward 50 years to a conversation
over drinks at this year’s Geneva motor
show among executive editor Matt Stone,
Geoff Day of Mercedes-Benz USA, and
Christoph Horn and Koert Groeneveld
of Daimler AG. With Mercedes-Benz
preparing to launch u its first 50-state-
legal, BlueTEC clean-diesel-powered
sport/utilities (ML, GL, and R-Classes), the
Mercedes guys thought it would be fun to
recreate that memorable and, it turns out,
prophetic, cross-country trek of 50 years
back. We agreed on one condition: that we
also take along a 190D to better connect
the dots between the decades.
Road trip…

I|VINE,
I| NE, CAL
CALIFº|NIA
Tº
SE
SEATTLE,
LE, WASHING
WASHINGTºN
REPRESENTING BlueTEC is a fully loaded 190’s giant Bakelite steering wheel, watching
19
ML320, since it’s the first platform to launch with America roll by at a less frenetic pace than you
the new powertrain as a 2009 model. For a 190D, LEG would in any cruise-controlled, satellite-radioed,
we had only to go as far as the Mercedes-Benz
Classic Center in Irvine, California, and its 1 radar-detector-protected ride. Our 190D isn’t
fast—but it’s charming.
enthusiastic staff led by manager Mike Kunz. He I chose to drive my entire stint in the 190,
sourced a restored example nearly identical to so let’s see how editorial intern Carlos Lago
our original tester (it’s really a 1960, but same is doing up front in the ML320 BlueTEC.
thing): four-on-the-tree transmission, 13-inch ■ matt stone
wheels with hubcaps, a single-speaker AM/
FM radio, and no A/C. Perfect. WELL, STONE, while you’re waiting for the
W
That original 1959 trip followed a haphazard route from Seattle glow plugs to warm up in that 190D, I’ve already got the iPod
to Manhattan; reading the story doesn’t really tell you exactly where playing my favorite playlist through the stereo, the navigation
our forbears traveled, so we can’t recreate the route exactly. Instead, system pointed to the next hotel, the air suspension set to comfort
we've endeavored to inject historical perspective, making several mode, the lumbar support adjusted, and the climate control at a
diesel- and oil-related stops along the way. Something else that can't cool 74 degrees. The BlueTEC-powered ML320 joins our journey
be duplicated is 1959’s fuel tab: just $32.27. Total. They got about to represent the changes brought about by 50 years of diesel
40 mpg averaging just 41 mph.We've broken down the route into technology advancements.
four legs, the first beginning at the Classic Center in SoCal, the last While camera-toting spectators flock around the merlot-colored
destined for the Big Apple. 190 at stops, the ML goes largely unnoticed.When we explain our
How much fun can you possibly have in a car that has just 54 road trip to an onlooker in Medford, he shrugs off the ML with,“I
horses? Tons.The spirit of this machine, indeed this era, is understood don’t care about that one.” As pleasant, efficient, strong, and smooth
when settled into that big, comfy seat, one hand draped around the as the ML320 BlueTEC is, he should. ■ carlos lago
THE PLAYE|S
*
ME|CEDES-BENZ DIESELS—THEN, AND NºW
*
FOR TWO vehicles Unlike diesels you may remember from the past, it doesn’t rattle
born of the same or smoke, and it’s got accelerative ability to spare.
parents—the new-for- Oilivia does embody most of the bad stuff you recall: It’s slow,
2009 ML320 BlueTEC and idles like a pint-size Peterbilt, smokes, and has zero accelerative
Oilivia, our 1960 190D ability to spare. But that was the state-of-diesel art back then.
sedan—they couldn’t be The 190D was your only choice, too; no other carmaker sold
more different. Yet, the diesel-powered passenger cars in the U.S.
connection is clear. Both The biggest differences between this odd yet happy couple
are diesels. Both are well- are technology and efficiency. The ML carries on-board
constructed four doors. And each is capable in its own way. computing power exceeding 1960s-era spacecraft; the 190’s
The ML320 is one of three “clean diesel” BlueTEC models power accessories are few. Although the pair gets similar mileage
M-B is rolling out on a 50-state basis (the new powertrain also during our cross-country jaunt, the 190 churns out 28 horsepower
is available in the R- and GL-Classes). BlueTEC employs a per liter, the BlueTEC, a clean-burning 70. The ML will tow 7200
sophisticated exhaust system and urea-solution injection to pounds; the 190D works hard to maintain 50 mph up a grade.
meet emissions requirements and boils out as much torque as Though different, the muscular ML320 BlueTEC and this cute,
a small locomotive: 398 pound-feet, served continuously from crimson 190D make wonderful travel partners. Separated by
1600 to 2400 revs. The seven-speed automatic trans ensures five decades, they’re united beneath the same three-pointed
the engine is always spinning within its prodigious powerband. star. ■ matt stone

GARAGE MAHAL: The
Mercedes-Benz Classic
Center is the place we
all want in our back-
yard. (Below) Basket
of vintage goodies,
courtesy the Classic
Center.
HOW MUCH FUN

CAN YOU POSSIBLY HAVE
IN A CAR THAT HAS
ONLY 56 HORSES? TONS.
OUR 190D ISN'T FAST,
BUT IT IS CHARMING
WILLIAM WALKER

((feature)
ur 50 YEA|S OF DIESELS AC|OSS AME|ICA
SEAT
SE
EA TLE,
LE, WASHIN
WASHINGTºN
Tº
DE
DENVE| , Cº
CºLO|
|AADº
LEG
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON, TO come
o in through the cranked-down windows.
BOISE, IDAHO 2 The comforting clackety-clack of the engine
BEHIND THE 190D’S titanic steering fills the cabin—listening to the radio is futile.
wheel—seemingly so titanic it could’ve The effortless ML320 is a completely different
steered the Titanic—I buckle the lap belt, vehicle, practically a sensory-deprivation tank.
pull the dash-mounted knob to warm the glow It’s as wonderful as the 190, except at the other
plugs, and, after about 20 seconds, extend the end of the spectrum. There’s no shortage of
knob another notch to start her up. Without luxury amenities, and the powerful engine is
hesitation, the archaic oil burner comes to life, firing vibrations unbelievably quiet. The brakes are much more responsive, too, and
through the structure and a thick cloud of black smoke into the it takes a little time to recalibrate to modern-age discs, making
damp Seattle atmosphere. Though fully aware that Team 1 just for some noticeably short stops.
traveled 1209 miles in this car, I’m nervous that its 1959 birthday Idaho’s farmland is a striking contrast to misty, green Seattle and
means its last mile could be 1210. As we near downtown Seattle, the arid flatland in eastern Washington and Oregon. Just before
though, I realize the 190D is running like Forrest Gump—effortlessly. lunchtime, we arrive at Shoshone Falls and take in its 212-foot
Sure the powerless steering is heavy at low speeds and the cascading waterfalls from the Snake River. The scenery changes
drum brakes require considerable pedal effort, but the gearshift again in Utah, where towering red rocks and mesas dominate the
offers a smooth, easy action; the steering becomes feather light skyline. We’re crossing the world’s largest oil-shale reserves—a
as the pace increases; and the ride is heavenly atop the hi-pro potential source of not-so-green domestic energy that risks raping
185/80R13 Daytons. the gorgeous landscape. As the shadows start to get long, we have
Traveling through 3000-foot Snoqualmie Pass, the ol’ Benz is to accept that the park will have to wait until day three.
consuming the steep grade at 55 mph in fourth gear. After we The next morning, we head to Dinosaur National Monument,
consume lunch, I hop in the ML320 BlueTEC just in time for a which contains fossil beds discovered by paleontologist Earl
brief stop in Zillah, Washington, at an abandoned fuel station Douglass in 1909.We hike to the dinosaur bones on display and
with a teapot-shaped quick mart. As the $1.79-per-gallon diesel drive through the park and on to Denver, 325 miles away. On I-70,
indicates, the teapot hasn’t been whistling for some time. Up the long, we climb major high-elevation grades—the 190 slows to 27 mph
sheer, and twisty grade of Deadman Pass, the ML’s trip computer and is passed by big-rigs, and its engine temps rise to just shy
is indicating 29 mpg and a range of over 700 miles—enough to of redline. But through three days, 1500 miles, and a 5200-foot
get us all the way to Cheyenne, if we so desire. Just past midnight change in elevation, the 190 prevails. By early evening, we reach
we enter Boise. Day one has been a long one and day two looks the Mercedes-Benz dealership in Denver, where the 190 receives
to be longer. But the 190D is burning strong and seems eager its 3000-mile oil change before the next leg gets underway.
to reach tomorrow’s destination of Vernal, Utah, where we’ll visit ■ allyson harwood
nearby Dinosaur National Monument. After all, some 200 million
years ago, the Benz’s fuel and lubrication were romping around
the area in the form of Jurassic dinosaurs. ■ ron kiino
BOISE, IDAHO, TO DENVER, COLORADO

BLEARY-EYED, we travel 130 miles east on I-84 to Twin Falls,
Idaho.Where the Interstate is relatively flat, the 190 has no trouble
keeping up with traffic. On inclines, there’s no reason to downshift—it
makes more sense to adapt to the car’s pace and let it decide how
quickly it wants to go. In the sedan, we inhale the aromas of the road
(skunks, cows, and all) and spend daylight feeling the warm air

HARWOOD and Kiino
attempt to fill-up
with $1.79 diesel. Our
Benzes go sunless
in Seattle. In search
of fossil fuel at
Dinosaur National
Monument.
IN THE SEDAN, WE INHALE THE AROMAS OF THE ROAD

AND SPEND DAYLIGHT FEELING THE WARM AIR
COME IN THROUGH THE CRANKED-DOWN WINDOWS.
JULIA LAPALME

((feature)
DENVE| , CºLO| ADº

Tº
ST. LºUIS, MISSºU|I
LEG
WILL WE make it? Yet despite its obvious labor, the 190D clatters
As the 190D motors through east Texas, the
outside-temp gauge on the ML320 BlueTEC
3 stoutly on. A car this charming needs a name.
And in a moment we’ve got one:“Oilivia.” We
following behind reads 107 degrees.The cows celebrate another productive day with sirloins
along the roadside, slow-basting in the raw at Oklahoma’s City’s famed Cattlemen’s Steak-
sunlight, stare back with forlorn eyes and jaws house (operating in the city’s historic Bricktown
agape, as if to say,“Ugh. How long do I have to district since 1945).
wait to be a steak?”Yet, despite a lack of air- Our celebration is premature. The next
conditioning, it’s actually comfortable in here, the breeze blasting morning, the glow plugs refuse to glow. Failure to launch. It’s Sunday,
fragrant country air in through open windows. 7 a.m., Oklahoma City.We’ve got to be in St. Louis, 500 miles away,
Yesterday, Leg 2 drivers Harwood and Kiino handed off the by tonight.We get on cell-phones and begin waking up Mercedes
keys in Denver.We’d prearranged an oil change at this point, and technicians and P.R. people across the country.
Mercedes dealer Murray Motor Imports of Denver graciously It works. Soon, after a tow to Mercedes-Benz of Oklahoma City,
stayed open late to keep us on schedule, service advisor Kemal several battle-weary techs are working feverishly on the problem.
Demos and shop foreman Jon Umland treating our 190D to a fresh The culprit is quickly found, and it’s not even Oilivia’s fault. One of
bath of 20W50 and a new filter and topping off the diff fluid upon the four glow plugs has a broken loop wire (like a burned-out light
noting a minor leak. on a Christmas-tree strand, when one plug goes down it takes the
After an overnight stop in Pueblo, Colorado, our two-diesel caravan whole system with it). Making quick calls, the techs find a Mercedes
continues south through New Mexico and on to Borger,Texas—home club member 30 miles away with a retro glow plug to spare (thanks,
to the Hutchinson County Historical Museum, which pays homage to “J.D.”!). By 2 p.m., seven hours behind schedule, Oilivia is again
the oil boom that occurred in the county in 1926 (from the moment of clattering away happily. (Thanks to Mercedes-Benz of Oklahoma
the first oil discovery, the town grew to a city of 15,000 in just 90 days). City and the generous, ruined-their-Sunday efforts of Riley Jenks,
We take a break to peruse the displays, including a giant drilling rig Bo Kester, and William Targe.)
outside and a terrifying diorama of a circa-1920s dentist’s office. Plan B.Though originally heading through Kansas City, we make
The 190D comes from a time when consumers who bought any for the straight shot of Interstate 44. Because we’re shadowing old
kind of foreign car distinguished themselves from Eisenhower-era- Route 66, we allow ourselves a quick stop at the National Route 66
mainstream Americans.This diesel Benz probably belonged to either Museum in Elk City, Oklahoma. Soon, we’re back in the diesels and
an engineer or a small family of upper-middle-class Bohemians.The gunning for St. Louis.
1960 Pontiac Catalina wagon my parents drove for family vacations We make it just before midnight. Team Four is waiting outside
of that era probably stickered for 60 percent of the Mercedes, but the hotel, cheering us in. Everything is closed, so our celebratory
it had power steering, power (drum) brakes, and close to six times dinner is vending-machine sandwiches from a local gas station.
the horses from its 389-cube V-8. You turned an ignition key to start Oilivia has treated
it; no waiting for glow plugs. It didn’t need multiple oil changes us well, and we’ll
on long trips, but you did have to watch the radiator fluid. It didn’t never forget her, but
take careful planning and timing to merge onto a freeway, but it did now other drivers
gobble 30- to 35-cent gas prodigiously. h a v e a r r iv e d ,
Despite the huge size difference, the Benz actually performs a n d t o m o r row
much like the 18-wheel semi-trailers with which it shares the slow they’re cutting in
lane.With 83 pound-feet of torque moving 2550 pounds, the 190D’s for their turn to
torque-to-weight ratio is close to that of a 60,000-pound Peterbilt step back in time.
sporting a 1700-pound-foot Cummins diesel. Both machines slow to ■ arthur st. antoine
a crawl when the road arches steeply upward for long stretches. & todd lassa

THE CHARMING 190D
NEEDS A NAME—AND
WE’VE GOT A GOOD
ONE: OILIVIA
WHEN A GLOW-PLUG
loop breaks off, M-B
Oklahoma City comes
to the rescue (below).
Paying respects at
memorial to Federal
Building bombing
(below left).
JULIA LAPALME

(feature)
ST. LºUIS, MISSºURI

Tº
NEW YºRK , NEW YºRK
OILIVIA’S SUNDAY-MORNING glow-plug

LEG oil well, inventing the concept of driving a pipe
snafu spoils a highly anticipated evening of St.
Louis Blues-club carousing and condenses the
4 down into the well hole to prevent collapse or
contamination. Sad to say, neither he nor his
midnight vehicle hand-off debrief to grumbled assistant, salt-well driller “Uncle” Billy Smith
essentials: “Here’s how ya start it, don’t go got rich. Neither did the town—Titusville looks
over 65 mph, and check all the fluids. Now we nothing like Dallas or Dubai. The Drake Well
need a drink and some food, stat!” So the next Museum is well worth the 80-mile detour north
morning, as Vance immortalizes our visit to the off I-80. The functional replica of the original
Gateway City, I sit contemplating the array of unmarked, nearly well and the working engine that powers numerous widely dispersed
identical knobs and levers on the 190’s dash. It’s far simpler than pumps from a central location via rods, levers, and turnbuckles will
the modern ML’s, and yet I must study the manual to work it. Some enthrall Rube Goldberg enthusiasts.
things never change. Having arranged the ventilation levers for Our last oil-trail stop is 13 winding miles south in McClintock,
maximum cooling, we cross Old Man River and head for Illinois’s Pennsylvania, home of the world’s oldest producing oil well, drilled
oil fields, which account for two percent of domestic oil production. in 1881. From the rock-steady ML’s cockpit, the 190 seems to
It’s a muggy 80 degrees out, but the 190’s cockpit stays cool even list precipitously on its 13-inch Dayton Thorobred tires, but long
with the windows up, thanks to high-pressure air flowing unassisted suspension travel was the norm back then, and everything feels
through ducts from openings next to the radiator grille. No modern quite natural from the old girl’s broad, cushy driver’s seat.
sedan delivers this much unheated air with the compressor off. Back on I-80, it’s a straight shot into Manhattan, where our 1959
But when the mercury nudges past 90, the ML’s climate-controlled predecessors ended their odyssey at the now defunct Luchowski’s
cocoon is the only place to be. restaurant. Our Mercedes hosts treat us to dinner at the similarly
First stop: the Illinois Oil Field Museum in Oblong, where we learn foreign-sounding but perhaps swankier Bar Boulud, which leaves us
about 100-foot-high gushers that set records during a mini oil boom wanting for nothing—except perhaps a Manhattan cocktail. Our hotel
in 1906 and marvel at scale models of the Marathon refinery that bar obliges us, validating an old adage about the city’s namesake
still operates in nearby Robinson. From here we press eastward to libation:“One’s too many and three aren’t enough.”
Indianapolis for an ironic photo-op of our Teutonic turtle blurring Our Wednesday-morning finish line is 30 miles north at MBUSA’s
by the Speedway. This detour brings our noses to within range of headquarters in Montvale, New Jersey, and even the noon call for
King’s Ribs, where we pig out on astonishing barbeque. lunch and a presentation seems ambitious on this morning after.
Rolling across I-70 in a post-gorge stupor a half-century’s progress We arrive a tad late, but rally in time to grip, grin, and reflect quasi-
in vehicle entertainment systems becomes starkly obvious.The 190’s coherently on Mercedes-Benz’s 50-year history of selling reliable,
signal-seeking Becker AM-FM radio barely pulls in a few crackly economical diesels in America.We gush about the 190’s exemplary
Christian stations, while the ML’s harman/kardon system receives stamina and impressive 29.7-mpg economy, and laud the ML’s
hundreds of AM/FM/HD and Sirius radio stations and plays CDs, exceptional power, comfort,
DVDs, or four gigs’ worth of on-board MP3 tunes. 27.2-mpg performance and
By sunset, we arrive in Caldwell, Ohio, to see North America’s first 600-plus mile range. We
(accidental) oil well.While drilling for salt brine in 1814, Silas Thorla thank everyone at MBUSA
and Robert McKee kept encountering a nasty black goo, which they and the Mercedes-Benz
sopped up in blankets, wrung out, and bottled as “Seneca Oil,” a Classic Center, then collapse
topical liniment and purgative. The next morning, we top off the into airport limos vowing to
radiator, watch the glow-plug indicator coil on the dash heat to its attack our next cross-country
finger-searing cherry red, and depart for the birthplace of the global adventure with greater
oil industry,Titusville, Pennsylvania. It was here, on August 27, 1859, moderation.
that “Colonel” Edwin L. Drake drilled the world’s first commercial ■ frank markus

FROM ST. LOUIS
through Titusville,
Ohio, New York City,
and ending at MTUSA
headquarters in New
Jersey, our faithful
Teutons have served
with distinction.
FROM THE ROCK-STEADY ML'S COCKPIT, THE 190 SEEMS

TO LIST PRECIPITOUSLY, BUT LONG SUSPENSION TRAVEL
WAS THE NORM BACK THEN AND EVERYTHING FEELS QUITE
NATURAL FROM THE BROAD, CUSHY DRIVER'S SEAT
BRAIN VANCE

* diesel
dieseel ac\oss
a ame\ica by the numbe\s *
■ HIGHEST FUEL ECONOMY:: LEG 1, RUNNING SLOWER ACCOUNTING FOR INFLATION, THAT’S 3.4 TIMES THE
SPEEDS ON FLATTER TERRAIN: 33.1 MPG IN THE 190D, 1959 TAB OF $32.27. THE ML TOOK $907.54.
27.8 MPG IN THE ML320 BLUETEC ■ LONGEST DAY: CHICO, CALIFORNIA, A, TO SEATTLE, 680
■ LOWEST FUEL ECONOMY:
O : LEG 3 IN THE 190D, MILES, 12 HOURS 12 MINUTES
HOOFING ALONG AT 60.7 MPH FOR 27.6 MPG; LEG 4 ■ SHORTEST DAY: VERNAL, UTAH, TO D DENVER,
CLIMBING THE ALLEGHENIES IN THE ML320, FOR 26.4 COLORADO; 448 MILES, 8 HOURS 30 MINUTESU S
MPG ■ LONGEST LEG: 2, SEATTLE, WASHINGTON, TO DENVER,
■ TOTAL TRIP DISTANCE: 5167 MILES (JUST 45 MILES COLORADO; 1511 MILES, 27 HOURS 43 MINUTES
LONGER THAN THE 1959 TRIP!) ■ SHORTEST LEG: 4, ST. LOUIS, MISSOURI, TO MONTVALE,
■ TOTAL GALLONS CONSUMED: 173.917 IN THE 190D, NEW JERSEY; 1196 MILES, 20 HOURS, 8 MINUTES)
192.390 IN THE ML320 ■ FASTEST LEG: 3, DENVER, COLORADO, TO ST. LOUIS,
■ AVERAGE MPG: 29.7 MPG (190D), 27.2 MPG (ML320) MISSOURI; 60.7 MPH AVERAGE (MAKING UP FOR TIME
■ HIGHEST FUEL PRICE: $5.30, FIREBAUGH, CALIFORNIA LOST WHILE A FAULTY GLOW PLUG IS REPAIRED IN
■ LOWEST FUEL PRICE: $4.35, OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA CITY)
OKLAHOMA ■ SLOWEST LEG: 1, IRVINE, CALIFORNIA, TO SEATTLE,
■ TOTAL FUEL BILL: $816.42 FOR THE 190D WASHINGTON; 54.0 MPH AVERAGE
* invaluable t\avell pa\tne\s *

GARMIN NÜVI 880 Many of the statistics above were touch screen. Its speedo needle always reads 10-15-mph
provided by the trip computer function of the portable high, but the Garmin’s speed-reading matched several
Garmin Nüvi 880 we mounted to the 190D’s windshield. “Your speed” radar displays we passed. The unit displays
This unit costs $428 posted speed limit
more ($1071) than on most highways.
* the \oute *
the Nüvi 760 we garmin.com
used in February’s
Chevrolet Malibu Seattle ESCORT 9500IX
odyssey and adds P
PASSPORT RADAR/
voice-command LASER DETECTOR
control to the Escort’s high-tech
many functions, new GPS-equipped
plus navigation Leg 2 New York 9
9500ix Passport
to geo-tagged Leg 1 always knows
Denver Leg 4
photos and a St. Louis how fast you’re
built-in receiver going, so it can
for MSN Direct Irvine boost sensitivity
Leg 3
streaming content at highway speeds
like live fuel and reduce it at low
pricing, local sspeeds to ignore
traffic and weather, door openers in
movie times, news, parking lots. And
stock quotes, etc. w
when we received
This subscription incoming radar or
service is free laser beams, our
Did we go through your town? Check our huge photo gallery at
for the first year, instantaneous
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speed was clearly
thereafter, and displayed. The
adds most of the 9500ix also warns
capabilities of the fanciest factory XM or Sirius satellite- of nearby speed and red-light camera installations, a
linked factory nav systems. You still get Bluetooth database of which is available at escortradar.com (a
connectivity for hands-free phone use, FM signal, or nominal fee applies after the first 90 days). Users also
aux cable connection to the vehicle’s stereo for nav can mark known speed traps, and the 9500ix also marks
commands and playing MP3 music or audio books from and ignores low-level false-alarm signals that occur
the internal hard drive or SD memory card, and many along frequently traveled routes. $500. 800/964-3138;
more. The unit is easily programmed via the 4.3-inch escortradar.com/9500ix ■ frank markus

quality you can’t ignore.
chevy malibu
2008 “highest ranked midsize car in initial quality”*
We had one goal when building the Chevy Malibu: to craft an impeccable sedan
that people would love to own. Mission accomplished. This ranking is just the
latest in a long list of honors Malibu has received since its introduction, including
being named 2008 North American Car of the Year, one of Car and Driver’s 2008
10Best and an AUTOMOBILE Magazine 2008 All-Star. If the critics like the Malibu
this much, just imagine how much you will. Chevy Malibu. Built to Last. Built to Love.
chevy malibu
ta k e a v i rt ua l t e s t d r i v e at c h e v y. co m / m a l i b u
starts at $22,275.†
LTZ price as shown, $29,145.† *Chevrolet Malibu received the lowest number of problems per 100 vehicles among midsize cars in the proprietary J.D. Power and Associates 2008 Initial Quality
perceptions of owners surveyed in February–April 2008. Your experiences may vary. Visit jdpower.com. †MSRP. Tax, title, license, dealer fees, and optional equipment extra. Chevrolet and Malibu

Study.SM Study based on responses from 81,530 new-vehicle owners, measuring 344 models and measures opinions after 90 days of ownership. Proprietary study results are based on experiences and
are registered trademarks and Chevy is a trademark of the GM Corp. ©2008 GM Corp. Buckle up, America!

● words mark williams

ford f-150 (first drive)
THIS PICKUP HAS TO BE THE BIGGEST HIT

IN BLUE OVAL HISTORY TO SAVE
THE COMPANY FROM BECOMING HISTORY
MOTOR TREND.COM DECEMBER

ER 2008 87

(first drive) ford f-150
THIS TIME, Ford has brought every which wheelbase and towing option package range. It’s possible this was a track-surface
possible F-150 configuration to the table the truck has, to improve the often criticized anomaly, but we’ll keep our eye on it.
where other makers are being measured. numb F-150 feel. And it works. Our test unit came equipped with the
In other words: No one will accuse Ford We recently sampled several of these new popular 5.4-liter V-8, rated at 310 horsepower
of bringing a knife to a gun fight. Plenty of varieties under a host of conditions at the and 365 pound-feet of torque (320 horse-
buyers will appreciate this, Ford’s Baskin- manufacturer’s proving grounds. Steering power and 395 pound-feet running on E-85).
Robbins approach to truck building, with feel in our SuperCab tester proved a bit soft As strong as that sounds, it still felt taxed
more than 31 flavors from which to choose. on center but had a firmer, quicker feel when during normal driving. Make no mistake, with
But can Ford keep making so many flavors cornering, and directional stability has been all the safety and strength-adding support
when the economy and truck lovers have improved.The ride on our SuperCrew around to the frame and undercarriage, as well as
gone on a crash diet? uneven concrete and blacktop surfaces sound-deadening material throughout the
The new F-150 features an updated, fully of Dearborn, Michigan, was noticeably cabs, this is a heavy truck, and it drives like
boxed frame to act as a more rigid platform, absorbing just about every rut and pothole it. In fact, the new six-speed (really more
which allowed suspension engineers to make (and there were many). Likewise, on several like a five-speed with an extra overdrive)
incremental improvements. Nothing revolu- around-town freeway loops, where concrete allows much of the engine’s inherent power
tionary here. In fact, the overall suspension was broken and rutted, our empty Ford to feel like it slips away. Chalk this up to
strategy of the truck is no different from the tester hunkered down and swallowed up the Ford’s desire to achieve the best cruising
previous model (front coil-over shocks with hits. A drive around the racetrack, however, fuel-economy numbers possible. Recently
double A-arms, and a rear live axle on leaf revealed an oddity in the suspension. Off released EPA numbers list the 5.4-liter V-8
springs).The rear spring pack is wider and six the line, at or near wide-open throttle, we rated at 14/18 city/highway, with its new SFE
inches longer, while the front uses a stronger encountered a notable axle-hop oscillation. F-150 (see sidebar) rated at 15/21.
stamped-steel lower control arm. Ford also uses A simple adjustment on our takeoffs ended We also towed a few heavy loads with the
two separate steering ratios, depending on up putting 0-to-60 times in the eight-second new Ford, specifically, a 6500-pound trailer
WHAT’S YOUR FLAVOR? Seven trim packages, three grille types, three bed and engine choices. Total configurations: Over 60.

MAKES AND MODEL CONFIGURATIONS
XL $22,270 4.6-liter 2-valve V-8,

4A (Regular Cab)
STX $25,070 4.6-liter 2-valve V-8,

4A (Regular Cab)
XL XLT $26,240 4.6-liter 2-valve V-8,

4A (Regular Cab)
LARIAT $34,110 5.4-liter V-8, 6A, Sirius,

Tow Pkg, 10-way power-heated front
IAN MERRITT/CARS.COM
seats, SYNC, power pedals (SuperCab)
FX4 $35,555 5.4-liter V-8, 6A, Sirius,

STX Tow Pkg, driver power seat (SuperCab)
KING RANCH $40,765 5.4-liter V-8,

6A, Sirius, Tow Pkg, 10-way power-
heated/cooled front seats, SYNC, through suburban Detroit.This is where the
power pedals, universal garage opener F-150 is at home. With wider and longer
(SuperCrew) leaf springs, stability and confidence under
load are as good as anything in the segment.
PLATINUM $44,860 5.4-liter V-8, 6A, Maybe that’s not surprising because the
XLT 20-inch wheels, power runningboards, new F-150 has the highest towing capacity
unique grille, heated/cooled seats with at 11,300 pounds and the largest payload at
console flow-through, rain-sensing 3030 pounds of any vehicle in the segment.
wipers (SuperCrew) With 700 pounds of tongue weight, steering
feel was solid and without wander, much
MIX AND MATCH of which is most likely due to the standard
3 ENGINE OPTIONS integrated brake controller, which now
■ 4.6L 2-valve SOHC V-8 includes an anti-sway algorithm.
LARIAT ■ 4.6L 3-valve SOHC V-8 We further took the off-road package
■ 5.4L 3-valve SOHC V-8 through nasty trails and obstacles.The four-
variable camshaft timing wheel-drive system offers a push-button
rear locking differential for extra traction,
5 WHEELBASES as well as bigger, standard all-terrain tires,
■ 126 ■ 133 ■ 145 ■ 157 ■ 163 new shocks, custom wheels, stickers, and a
unique grille. The system is so capable, we
2 AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS made it through heavy-duty mud bogs and
FX4 ■ 4-speed 4R75E rocky hillclimbs in four-wheel-drive high
■ 6-speed 6R80 range, not even needing low range. The
FX4 had no trouble extricating itself over a
3 CAB CONFIGURATIONS slushy steep slope, crossed with a few felled
■ Regular ■ SuperCab ■ SuperCrew trees and several ill-placed boulders, where
low range was put to use, the rear locker
3 BED LENGTHS engaged. Gearing is excellent in the 5.4L
■ 5.5 feet ■ 6.5 feet (regular or V-8: The standard six-speed has a 4.17:1 first
flareside) ■ 8.0 feet gear, which, in combination with the 3.73:1
KING RANCH ring and pinions and 2.64:1 low-range ratio,
4 AXLE RATIOS gives a huge slow-crawl advantage.
■ 3.15:1 ■ 3.31:1 ■ 3.55:1 ■ 3.73:1 As to interior and exterior design, Ford
has stuck with its “flavor for every trucker”
15 WHEELS mentality, offering seven different trim pack-
■ 11 new ■ 4 20-inch wheel choices ages (with three types of grilles), three cab
configurations, three bed boxes, and three
13 COLORS engine choices, bringing the grand total of
PLATINUM truck choices, depending on how you count,
to more than 60 packages (see sidebar).

Certainly this strategy should satisfy core numbers) to keep core truck buyers happy and tons of music options.The tailgate step
truck buyers, but will the market continue to could be the truck’s greatest weakness. Down- and arm-hold, pop-out sidesteps (for easier
support more expensive, luxury appointed sizing for efficiency and practicality could access into the bed) are fun to play with, and
(in some cases, $45,000), high-zoot pickups? be in the cards for many new buyers, which the new cargo management system makes
The folks at Ford seems to think so, as they means there could be an opportunity here it easy to clip in the separators, along with
keep their premium-priced Lariat, King for Ford’s long-ignored Ranger or something a tool chest and storage box.
Ranch, and Platinum models strong in the new in the vein of last year’s Ford Explorer The price range for the 2009 F-150 runs
mix. Whether there are still enough of those America (wouldn’t be too difficult to hybridize the entire spectrum. A regular-cab XL
buyers to keep this significant investment a a smaller pickup truck from that) or the (rubber mats, bench seat, 4x2, 4.6-liter V-8)
viable choice remains to be seen, but Ford coming Pontiac G8 ST. will start at just over $22,000, with a fully
still has a few cards left to play. Ford has a lead against just about every loaded Platinum (20-inch wheels, electric
New technologies like EcoBoost (a V-6 with competitor in clever details. Inside, the vastly runningboards, 4x4, leather) will top out
V-8 power) and a new diesel are just around improved Gen-II SYNC technology helps around $45,000.
the corner, and at first glance seem worth the provide directions to the cheapest fuel, your But is it enough?
extra money. Ironically, Ford’s investment into favorite football team’s full-year schedule, a Many will argue this is the wrong time to
size and strength (big towing and payload seven-day weather report for the local area, release a full-size pickup. The F-150 is Ford’s
best-selling vehicle, however, and if it doesn’t
remain a hit in the marketplace, there may
be little hope for Ford’s survival. We’ll find
WORKING FOR SUPERIOR FUEL ECONOMY (SFE) out how the new F-150 stacks up against the
other new trucks this year in our February
WE’RE TOLD this 2009 issue. Stay tuned! ■
package has been in
the works, practically
2009 FORD F-150
from day one of the
redesign, but it looks BASE PRICE RANGE $22,270-$44,860
awfully suspicious VEHICLE LAYOUT Front engine, RWD/4WD,
that not long after 2-6-pass, 2-, 2+2, or 4-door
pickup
GM announced its
new XFE (Extra Fuel ENGINES 4.6L/248-hp/294-lb-ft SOHC
Economy), here 16-valve V-8; 4.6L/292-hp/
320-lb-ft SOHC 24-valve V-8;
SFE $33,240 4x2 XL or XLT, 4.6-liter 3-valve comes the Ford 5.4L/310-320-hp/365-390-
V-8, 6A, 3.15:1 gears, 18-inch aluminum equivalent. The target lb-ft SOHC 24-valve V-8
wheels, special tires (SuperCrew) was to achieve 15 TRANSMISSIONS 4- or 6-speed auto
mpg in the city and CURB WEIGHT 4750-5850 lb (mfr)
over 20 mpg on WHEELBASE 126.0-163.0 in
the highway, and Ford got it. Special low-rolling-resistance tires, high 3.15:1 LENGTH x WIDTH x HEIGHT 213.1-250.3 x 78.9 x 74.6-76.7 in
axle gears, and a few aero changes allow this 4x2 SuperCrew to reach such 0-60 MPH 7.0-9.5 (MT est)
un-trucklike numbers. Could it get more with a few body-panel tricks, some EPA CITY/HWY FUEL ECON 14-15/18-21 mpg
de-contenting, and maybe a CVT? We’ll see. Ford’s EcoBoost V-6s should CO 2 EMISSIONS 1.13-1.25 lb/mile
raise the mpg bar even further. ON SALE IN U.S. Currently

CHEVY SILVERADO CAR AND DRIVER’S BEST PICKUP TWO YEARS RUNNING
LOWEST COST OF OWNERSHIP1 BEST V8 FUEL ECONOMY2 BEST COVERAGE
IN AMERICA CHEVY.COM/THETRUCK
1 Based on Vincentric’s 2008 Model Level Analysis. 2 Based on 2008 GM Large Pickup segment and Silverado 2WD with available 5.3L V8 with an EPA est. MPG 14 city/20 hwy. Excludes other
GM vehicles. Silverado is a registered trademark and Chevy is a trademark of the GM Corp. ©2008 GM Corp. Buckle up, America!

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traction on hard-packed snow and ice
Studless Ice & Snow - Coupes, Sedans, Minivans and Crossovers

The Blizzak WS60’s silica-enhanced tube multicell compound has thousands
of microscopic tubes, cells, and bite particles uniformly distributed to help
wick away water from between the tire and road, as well as provide extra
traction on packed snow and ice. R-Speed Rated
Performance Winter - Sports Cars, Coupes and Sedans

The Blizzak LM-25 combines European high speed durability and handling
with good winter traction. They feature directional independent block tread
designs which use multiple biting edges in the tread blocks to help grip
snow and ice to enhance winter traction. H- and V-Speed Rated
Studless Ice & Snow - Pickups, Crossover Vehicles and SUVs

While the four-wheel-drive systems of pickup trucks, crossover
vehicles and sport utility vehicles enhance foul weather traction,
it’s the Bridgestone Blizzak DM-Z3 Link Multicell Compound
that helps maximize all winter capabilities of light trucks by
providing the snow and ice traction you need. Q-Speed Rated
All Bridgestone tires listed on this page meet the severe snow service performance standards of the Rubber Manufacturers
Association (RMA) and the Rubber Association of Canada (RAC) for snow traction, and are branded with the mountain/
snowflake symbol. Due to the traction capabilities of the Blizzak winter tires, Bridgestone recommends using them only in
sets of four to provide the best handling characteristics and tire performance.
Hours: EST M-F 8am-8pm SAT 9am-4pm 1-888-372-8473 www.tirerack.com ©2008 Tire Rack

Ultra High Performance Tread Compound

Powerful traction in wet and dry conditions
Semi-Slick Outboard Shoulder and Twin

Circumferential Ribs
Smooth response, cornering grip and stability
3-D Center Tread Block

Increases tread contact with road
Wide, Straight Tread Grooves

Enhance wet weather hydroplaning resistance
Ultra High Performance Summer – Sports Cars, Sporty Coupes and Performance Sedans
The Potenza RE760 Sport is designed to maximize sport driving pleasure without
abandoning treadwear. It delivers a sharp response along with powerful traction in
wet and dry conditions.
Ultra High Performance All-Season High Performance All-Season

Sports Cars, Sport Coupes and Performance Sedans Sports Cars, Coupes and Sedans
The Potenza RE960AS Pole Position The Potenza G019 Grid was designed
was designed to provide year-round to combine sporty styling, a sophis-
driving flexibility. It molds a dual-layer, ticated directional tread design, and
all-season tread compound into a directional design to affordable pricing with Bridgestone’s UNI-T Technology
deliver predictable handling, traction and control on dry to provide great looks, good wear, predictable handling
and wet roads, as well as in light snow. and year-round traction, including in light snow.
On-/Off-Road All-Terrain – Pickup Trucks and SUVs

The Dueler A/T REVO with UNI-T AQ II is Bridgestone’s On-/Off-Road All-Terrain
light truck tire that features an advanced compound and construction to help it handle
the best and worst driving conditions by combining a smooth ride with powerful grip
in wet, dry, and snowy conditions.
*NOTE: Like all summer tires, the Potenza RE760 Sport is not intended to be driven in near-freezing temperatures, through snow or on ice.

Call or shop at
tirerack.com
for a complete
list of sizes
and prices.
ContiWinterContact TS810 S
Performance Winter
The ContiWinterContact TS810 S (Sport) tires were developed to emphasize han-
dling, good snow traction and European high-speed winter driving performance.
A continuous contact, notched rib design provides more precise handling and
sportier performance compared to the ContiWinterContact TS810. To reduce
the risk of hydroplaning, the number of circumferential grooves that channel
water corresponds with the tire width. Wider sipes on the inner shoulder and
sipe spacers provide multiple biting edges to enhance winter traction.
Available in low profile, H-, or V-speed rated sizes for high performance
sport cars, coupes and sedans, as well as Self-Supporting Runflat (SSR)
versions for BMW, MINI and Mercedes-Benz applications.
205/55HR-16RFT 235/50VR -17XL N1 265/40VR -18XL
205/50VR -17XL BMW RFT 235/40VR -18XL N0 265/40VR -18XL N0
205/55VR -17XL N1 245/40VR -18XL MO 245/35ZR -19XL
225/45HR-17RFT 245/45VR -18XL BMW
All tires listed meet the severe snow service performance standards of The Rubber Manufacturers
Association (RMA) and the Rubber Association of Canada (RAC) for snow traction.
ContiWinterContact TS810
Performance Winter
The ContiWinterContact TS810 tires were developed to emphasize ride comfort,
snow traction and European high-speed capability. Broad, rounded outer shoulder
blocks enhance dry road handling performance, while notched or independent
intermediate tread blocks and wide circumferential grooves enhance wet
traction and hydroplaning resistance. Wider sipes on the inner shoulder and
sipe spacers provide multiple biting edges to help winter traction.
Available in low profile, T- or H-speed rated sizes for sporty coupes and sedans.
185/65TR -15 205/65TR -15 225/45HR-17
195/65HR-15 195/55TR -16 225/45VR -17XL
205/60HR-15 205/55HR-16 225/50HR-17
205/65HR-15 205/60HR-16MO 235/45HR-17

Proud Sponsor of
BBS CH
18x8 $359ea. 19x8.5 $265ea. 19x8.5 $510ea.
3 of the 150 styles available

for the 2009 Audi A5 at
www.tirerack.com
2009 Audi A5 with 20"

O.Z. Ultraleggera HLT
Visit www.tirerack.com to see our entire selection of over 546 wheel styles!
Comes with Red, Chrome &

Carbon Fiber Inserts
ASA AR9 Mach. Anth. BREYTON RACE GTS-R ENKEI PERF. LS-5 Chrome ENKEI PERF. WDM MSW TYPE 16 Black w/Red ZINIK Z27 SOFIN
18 19 18 18 20 15 16 17 18 15 16 17 18 19 18 19 20
STARTING AT $189 ea. STARTING AT $309 ea. STARTING AT $245 ea. STARTING AT $111 ea. STARTING AT $103 ea. STARTING AT $217 ea.
SEE THEM
ON YOUR
CAR
In the Upgrade
Garage at
www.tirerack.com.
Experience one-click access to everything that
fits your vehicle, and keep a wishlist of ®
your favorites.
O.Z. SUPERLEGGERA III Blk. ASA AR1 Black BREYTON RACE GTS Grey AVARUS AV1 Chrome MOTEGI RACING SP10
WANT MORE INFO? 18 19 20
STARTING AT $918 ea.
17 18 20
STARTING AT $99 ea.
19 20
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STARTING AT $139ea.
Call and talk to our highly trained experts.
WHAT ABOUT
TPMS?
If your vehicle came equipped
with a direct tire pressure
monitoring system, we can
assist you in selecting wheels that are compat-
ible with its sensors. We also offer an extra set
of sensors for all TPMS systems, so your tire
and wheel package can arrive with sensors ENKEI PERF. LF-10 ENKEI RACING RPF1 BREMMER KRAFT BR01 KAZERA KZ-W NASCAR® BY VICT. FONTANA
already installed. 18 20 15 16 17 18 18 19 17 18 20
STARTING AT $245 ea. STARTING AT $199 ea. STARTING AT $175 ea. STARTING AT $135 ea. STARTING AT $279 ea.
Test Drive Griot’s Garage TRUCK & SUV – See 124 addtional truck and SUV wheel styles at tirerack.com!
Wheel Care Sample Kit
FREE with purchase of
four alloy wheels.*
Shop for wheels at

tirerack.com/griotspromo
GRANITE ALLOY GA10 MAMBA M4 DALE JR. CANNON NASCAR ® BY VICT. DAYTONA
*Valid 10/1/08 – 11/30/08. Includes Tire & Wheel Packages. 18 20 22 17 18 20 22 17 18 17 18 20
STARTING AT $154 ea. STARTING AT $178 ea. STARTING AT $167 ea. STARTING AT $195 ea.
BRAKES SUSPENSION AIR INDUCTION

HTR T4 HTR H4 Eagle F1 Eagle F1 GS-D3 Assurance

P165/70 R- 13 $41 P175/65 R- 14 $51 All Season 215/45 ZR- 17X$165 P185/60 R- 15 $74
P175/70 R- 13 45 P185/60 R- 14 47 205/55 ZR- 16 $119 225/45 ZR- 17XL 152 P185/65 R- 15 69
P185/70 R- 13 47 P185/65 R- 14 56 225/50 ZR- 16 116 225/45 ZR- 17 161 P195/60 R- 15 75
P175/65 R- 14 45 P195/60 R- 14 50 205/45 ZR- 17XL 120 225/50 ZR- 17 167 P195/65 R- 15 72
P175/70 R- 14 45 P195/65 R- 14 56 205/50 ZR- 17XL 143 225/55 ZR- 17XL 189 P205/60 R- 15 78
P185/60 R- 14 48 P195/70 R- 14 52 215/45 ZR- 17XL 124 235/40 ZR- 17 179 P205/65 R- 15 74
Potenza RE050A Potenza RE960AS HTR+ P185/65 R- 14 52 P185/65 R- 15 55 ContiSport Tech M550 A/S Firehawk GT 215/50 ZR- 17XL 134 245/35 ZR- 17 164 Eagle GT P205/70 R- 15 72
Pole Position Pole Position 195/55 R- 15 $62 P185/70 R- 14 50 P195/60 R- 15 54 Contact 3 205/55 ZR- 16 $84 P195/60 R- 14 $61 225/45 ZR- 17 134 245/40 ZR- 17 174 195/55 R- 15 $77 P215/60 R- 15 79
205/55 ZR- 16 $145 185/60 R- 14 $69 205/40 R- 16 53 P195/60 R- 14 51 P195/65 R- 15 58 235/45 ZR- 17 $179 215/55 ZR- 16 85 P185/65 R- 15 67 225/50 ZR- 17 141 245/45 ZR- 17 218 195/60 VR- 15 63 215/70 R- 15 69
205/50 ZR- 17 169 195/60 R- 14 73 205/55 R- 16 68 P195/70 R- 14 50 P205/60 R- 15 57 P195/60 R- 15 235/45 ZR- 17 141 255/40 ZR- 17 219 215/60 VR- 15 72 P205/50 R- 16 96
255/35 ZR- 18XL 269 225/50 ZR- 16 86 67
P205/55 R- 16
245/40 ZR- 17 202 185/65 R- 15 69 205/60 R- 16 76 P205/70 R- 14 54 P205/65 R- 15 57 225/35 ZR- 19XL 228 P195/65 R- 15 72 235/50 ZR- 17 187 255/45 ZR- 17 222 195/65 R- 15 68 92
225/55 ZR- 16 89 275/40 ZR- 17 235 P205/60 R- 16 87
245/45 ZR- 17 169 195/60 R- 15 71 215/40 R- 16 59 P215/70 R- 14 57 P215/60 R- 15 62 235/35 ZR- 19XL 266 245/50 ZR- 16 95 P205/60 R- 15 66 235/55 ZR- 17 160 205/60 R- 15 69
215/60 R- 16 79 P205/65 R- 15 285/40 ZR- 17 219 205/65 R- 15 76 P205/65 R- 16 85
255/40 ZR- 17 217 195/65 R- 15 72 P195/60 R- 15 61 P215/65 R- 15 60 255/35 ZR- 19XL 293 205/45 ZR- 17 99 71 245/40 ZR- 17 161 P215/55 R- 16
225/40 ZR- 18 200 225/50 ZR- 16 72 255/40 ZR- 19XL 313 P215/60 R- 15 72 245/45 ZR- 17 149 315/35 ZR- 17 292 205/50 VR- 16 93 96
205/60 R- 15 76 225/60 R- 16 65 P195/65 R- 15 53 P205/55 R- 16 78 205/50 ZR- 17XL 109 225/35 ZR- 18XL 199 P215/60 R- 16 85
225/45 ZR- 18 211 P205/60 R- 15 56 P215/55 R- 16 78 275/30 ZR- 19 313 205/50 R- 16 91 255/40 ZR- 17 152 205/55 VR- 16 94
205/65 R- 15 77 245/50 ZR- 16 79 215/45 ZR- 17XL 92 225/40 ZR- 18XL 178 205/60 VR- 16 84 215/65 R- 16 82
245/45 ZR- 18XL 230 P205/65 R- 15 59 P215/60 R- 16 64 205/55 R- 16 89 275/40 ZR- 17 165 P225/60 R- 16
215/60 R- 15 79 205/40 ZR- 17 67 ContiSport 215/50 ZR- 17 100 205/55 R- 16 235/40 ZR- 18 236 215/55 VR- 16 95 88
255/40 ZR- 18 250 205/55 ZR- 16 110 215/40 ZR- 17 77 P205/70 R- 15 56 P225/50 R- 16 85 93 215/35 ZR- 18 132 235/50 ZR- 18XL 215 P235/60 R- 16 103
265/35 ZR- 18 259 Contact 2 215/55 ZR- 17 109 P205/60 R- 16 74 225/40 ZR- 18XL 142 215/60 R- 16 91
215/55 ZR- 16 116 215/45 ZR- 17 79 P215/60 R- 15 62 P225/55 R- 16 82 225/45 ZR- 17XL 102 245/35 ZR- 18 217 225/50 R- 16 100 235/65 R- 16 92
275/40 ZR- 18 268 P215/65 R- 15 58 P225/60 R- 16 68 265/35 ZR- 18N$269 P205/60 R- 16 86 225/45 ZR- 18XL 155 P215/55 R- 17
225/50 ZR- 16 131 215/50 ZR- 17 79 295/30 ZR- 18N2 327 225/50 ZR- 17 106 215/55 R- 16 92 245/45 ZR- 18XL 225 225/55 R- 16 105 114
285/30 ZR- 18 336 225/45 ZR- 17 82 P215/70 R- 15 57 P235/55 R- 16 84 225/50 ZR- 18 168 245/50 ZR- 18 222 225/60 R- 16 89 P215/60 R- 17 106
245/35 ZR- 19XL 272 225/55 ZR- 16 123 P205/55 R- 16 71 P245/50 R- 16 89 255/40 ZR- 19 311 225/55 ZR- 17 109 P215/60 R- 16 90 235/40 ZR- 18XL 161 P215/65 R- 17
225/50 ZR- 17 105 285/35 ZR- 19 328 215/65 R- 16 255/40 ZR- 18 249 215/45 ZR- 17XL 102 87
275/30 ZR- 19XL 294 225/60 ZR- 16 115 235/40 ZR- 17 82 P215/60 R- 16 68 P225/55 R- 17 93 235/45 ZR- 17 109 73 235/50 ZR- 18XL 184 255/45 ZR- 18XL 233 P225/55 R- 17 115
225/50 R- 16 215/50 VR- 17 116
275/35 ZR- 19XL 303 245/50 ZR- 16 145 235/45 ZR- 17 89 P225/60 R- 16 73 ContiSport 235/50 ZR- 17 122 103 245/40 ZR- 18XL 165 255/55 ZR- 18 217 215/55 R- 17 122 P225/60 R- 17 112
245/35 ZR- 20XL 299 205/40 ZR- 17XL 166 235/50 ZR- 17XL 111 HTR 200 235/55 ZR- 17 112 225/55 R- 16 98 245/45 ZR- 18XL 182 275/40 ZR- 18 301 225/45 ZR- 17XL 107 225/65 R- 17 93
215/45 ZR- 17XL 149
Contact P225/60 R- 16 80 P235/55 R- 17
255/35 ZR- 20XL 300 245/40 ZR- 17 88 175/50 R- 13 $51 205/50WR- 16 $173 245/45 ZR- 17 104 255/35 ZR- 18XL 184 285/35 ZR- 18 299 225/50 ZR- 17 119 122
275/30 ZR- 20XL 310 215/50 ZR- 17XL 162 245/45 ZR- 17 94 275/40 ZR- 17 117 215/55 R- 17 115 255/40 ZR- 18XL 181 295/35 ZR- 18 307 225/55 R- 17 119 P235/65 R- 17 102
175/70 R- 13 41 225/45WR- 17BM189 225/50 R- 17 126
225/45 ZR- 17 154 255/45 ZR- 17 96 185/60 R- 13 41 255/40 ZR- 18 249 225/40 ZR- 18XL 112 255/45 ZR- 18XL 197 245/35 ZR- 19XL 268 235/45 ZR- 17 113
Turanza with 275/40 ZR- 17 101 225/55 R- 17 121 265/35 ZR- 18 189 245/40 ZR- 19XL 312 235/55 ZR- 17 127 Assurance
Serenity Techn. 225/50 ZR- 17 168 195/60 R- 13 45 225/40 ZR- 19 265 225/45 ZR- 18 124 P225/60 R- 18
235/45 ZR- 17 165 215/35 ZR- 18 89 205/60 R- 13 49 255/35 ZR- 19 275 225/60 ZR- 18 125
121 265/40 ZR- 18XL 203 255/35 ZR- 19XL 250 245/40 ZR- 17 130 ComforTred
195/65 R- 15 $104 235/50 ZR- 17 175 225/35 ZR- 18 98 215/50 R- 13 57 275/40 ZR- 18 215 255/40 ZR- 19 309 245/45 ZR- 17 118 P185/65 R- 14 $71
205/65 R- 15 115 225/40 ZR- 18 93 235/40 ZR- 18XL 126 255/40 ZR- 17 124
245/45 ZR- 17 167 175/65 R- 14 51 235/35 ZR- 19 179 265/30 ZR- 19 294 P185/70 R- 14 67
205/55 R- 16 127 235/40 ZR- 18 98 HTR Z III 245/40 ZR- 18XL 134 275/40 ZR- 19 262 225/40 ZR- 18XL 122 P195/70 R- 14
225/40 ZR- 18 165 175/70 R- 14 45 245/45 ZR- 18 135 245/35 ZR- 19 195 69
205/60 R- 16 120 245/40 ZR- 18 102 205/50 ZR- 17XL $84 245/45 ZR- 19 221 275/45 ZR- 20XL 248 225/45 ZR- 18XL 135 P205/75 R- 14 69
215/55 R- 16 133 225/45 ZR- 18 184 185/60 R- 14 46 255/40 ZR- 18XL 151 245/35 ZR- 21XL 404 235/40 ZR- 18XL 134 P185/65 R- 15 76
245/40 ZR- 18 196 HTR Z II 215/45 ZR- 17 91 185/65 R- 14 52 255/35 ZR- 19XL 229
225/55 R- 16 141 215/50 ZR- 17 83 255/45 ZR- 18XL 139 245/35 ZR- 20XL 211 285/30 ZR- 21XL 407 235/50 ZR- 18 153 P195/60 R- 15 81
225/55 R- 16 149 245/45 ZR- 18XL 193 205/45 ZR- 16 $73 185/70 R- 14 47 275/40 ZR- 18 158 245/40 ZR- 18 141 P195/65 R- 15 75
205/50 ZR- 16 225/45 ZR- 17XL 97 195/60 R- 14 48 255/35 ZR- 20XL 226 Assurance 245/45 ZR- 18 151
225/60 R- 16 137 265/35 ZR- 18 224 69
225/50 ZR- 17 116 255/40 ZR- 19XL 201 P205/60 R- 15 85
235/60 R- 16 138 275/35 ZR- 18 233 225/60 ZR- 16 72 195/70 R- 14 49 285/35 ZR- 19 249 Firehawk Eagle F1 GS TripleTred 255/35 ZR- 20XL 147 P205/65 R- 15 83
235/60 ZR- 16 235/45 ZR- 17 97 205/60 R- 14 51 ContiExtreme
215/50 R- 17 148 225/55 R- 16 $183 PP185/70 R- 14 P205/70 R- 15
275/40 ZR- 18 231 77 235/50 ZR- 17 121 245/45 ZR- 20 164 Wide Oval $75 Eagle 77
215/55 R- 17 155 235/35 ZR- 19XL 220 205/40 ZR- 17 66 235/55 ZR- 17 109 205/70 R- 14 53 Contact 265/35 R- 22 159 205/50 ZR- 16 $102 195/70 R- 14 78 P215/65 R- 15 86
215/65 R- 17 132 245/35 ZR- 19XL 251 205/50 ZR- 17 73 245/40 ZR- 17XL 99 195/50 R- 15 64 P205/55 VR- 15 $88 P205/55 ZR- 16 97 Eagle F1 P195/60 R- 15 94 ResponsEdge P215/70 R- 15 79
225/45 ZR- 17 213 215/40 ZR- 17 79 245/45 ZR- 17 103 195/60 R- 15 50 P205/65 VR- 15 74 ContiProContact P225/50 ZR- 16 114 P195/65 R- 15 91 195/55 R- 15 $111 P205/55 R- 16 99
275/30 ZR- 19XL 256 Asymmetric P205/60 R- 15 98 195/60 R- 15 77 P205/60 R- 16
225/50 ZR- 17 163 295/30 ZR- 19 293
215/45 ZR- 17 79 255/40 ZR- 17 105 195/65 R- 15 60 P225/60 VR- 15 87 P225/55 ZR- 16 113 90
225/55 R- 17 155 225/45 ZR- 17 83 275/40 ZR- 17 115 205/50 R- 15 68 P205/55 VR- 16 90 195/65 R- 15 $66 P225/60 ZR- 16 111 225/45 ZR- 17X$154 P205/65 R- 15 95 205/50 R- 16 106 P205/65 R- 16 89
235/45 ZR- 17 236 245/35 ZR- 20XL 274 235/40 ZR- 17 205/60 R- 15 53 P215/55 VR- 16 97 225/50 R- 16 115 235/40 ZR- 17 180 P205/70 R- 15 85 235/60 R- 16 117 P215/55 R- 16 101
255/35 ZR- 20 285
84 215/40 ZR- 18 111 P245/50 ZR- 16 123
235/50 R- 17 165 235/45 ZR- 17 84 205/65 R- 15 59 P225/50 VR- 16 91 185/65 R- 15 71 215/45 ZR- 17 125 235/45 ZR- 17XL 165 P215/60 R- 15 95 215/50 R- 17XL 147 P215/60 R- 16 96
275/30 ZR- 20XL 275 225/40 ZR- 18XL 111 245/40 ZR- 17XL 192 P215/65 R- 15 102 225/45 ZR- 17 124 P215/65 R- 16
P225/60 R- 18 153 245/40 ZR- 17 91 225/45 ZR- 18XL 139 215/60 R- 15 56 P225/55 VR- 16 93 235/60 R- 16 113 235/50 ZR- 17 145 89
235/50 R- 18 216 285/30 ZR- 20XL 297 245/45 ZR- 17 88 225/50 R- 15 69 P225/60 VR- 16 91 205/50 R- 17 141 245/45 ZR- 17 139 225/35 ZR- 18XL 211 P215/70 R- 15 91 225/55 R- 17 149 225/55 R- 16 114
235/40 ZR- 18XL 116 P245/50 VR- 16 94 215/65 R- 17 96 225/40 ZR- 18XL 191 P205/55 R- 16 109 235/55 R- 17 120 P225/60 R- 16 96
255/45 ZR- 18XL 267 Potenza RE-01R 255/40 ZR- 17 89 235/50 ZR- 18 139 P255/45 ZR- 17 169
245/45 ZR- 19 317 255/45 ZR- 17 93 HTR Z III (cont.) P205/40WR- 17 75 215/50 R- 17 120 265/40 ZR- 17 155 235/40 ZR- 18XL 218 P205/60 R- 16 106 245/45 R- 17 153 P225/70 R- 16 95
195/50 R- 15 $118 245/40 ZR- 18XL 122 109 235/60 R- 18 163
275/40 ZR- 19XL 345 P275/40 ZR- 17 99 245/45 ZR- 18XL 156 245/40 ZR- 19X$191 P215/40WR- 17 95 225/45 R- 17 131 P275/40 ZR- 17 159 235/50 ZR- 18XL 201 P215/55 R- 16 P235/60 R- 16 106
205/55 R- 16 116 225/40 ZR- 18 245/45 ZR- 19 182 P215/45WR- 17 101 225/55 R- 17 131 P285/40 ZR- 17 169 245/35 ZR- 18XL 224 P215/60 R- 16 105 255/45 ZR- 18 197 P235/65 R- 16 95
97 255/35 ZR- 18XL 169 104 255/55 R- 18 159
Potenza RE050 225/50 R- 16 149 235/40 ZR- 18 102 255/40 ZR- 18XL 153 255/35 ZR- 19 205 P215/50WR- 17 111 245/40 R- 18 158 225/40 ZR- 18 139 245/40 ZR- 18XL 209 215/65 R- 16 215/55 R- 17 120
225/40 ZR- 18 $205 225/45 ZR- 17 181 245/40 ZR- 18 255/40 ZR- 19 187 P225/45WR- 17 109 245/40 R- 18 203 295/35 ZR- 18 229 245/45 ZR- 18XL 237 P225/50 R- 16 122 215/60 R- 17 109
235/40 ZR- 17 203
102 255/45 ZR- 18XL 168 275/30 ZR- 19XL 233 P235/45WR- 17 113 255/35 ZR- 18XL 247 P225/55 R- 16 125 Eagle F1 P215/65 R- 17 100
255/45 ZR- 18 P255/45 R- 19 207
Potenza RE050A 265/35 ZR- 18XL 172 275/40 ZR- 19 209 P245/45WR- 17 118 245/40 R- 19 229 108 Supercar
138 225/60 R- 16 P225/55 R- 17 126
245/45 ZR- 17 166 265/35 ZR- 18 153 265/40 ZR- 18 169 245/40 ZR- 20XL 224 255/45 ZR- 18XL 235 P215/50
225/40 ZR- 19 $265 225/40 ZR- 18 211 225/35 ZR- 20 158 P275/40WR- 17 125 Vanco-2 R- 17 137 P235/45 ZR- 18 $305 P225/60 R- 17 116
275/35 ZR- 18 163 275/35 ZR- 18 179 245/35 ZR- 20 152 P215/35WR- 18 105 275/35 ZR- 20 231 265/35 ZR- 18XL 273 P215/55 R- 17 133 P255/45 ZR- 18 141 P235/55 R- 17 122
235/40 ZR- 18 242
Potenza RE050RFT 275/40 ZR- 18 128 275/40 ZR- 18 144 245/40 ZR- 20 184 P235/40WR- 18 138 195/70 R- 15 $86 P295/40 R- 20 236 265/40 ZR- 18XL 233 P215/60 R- 17 119 235/60 R- 17 118
245/45 ZR- 18 $306 245/40 ZR- 18 241 285/30 ZR- 18 168 285/30 ZR- 18XL 189 255/35 ZR- 20XL 149 P245/40WR- 18 142 Vanco 4 Season 225/35 ZR- 19XL 214 P215/65 R- 17 105 Excellence ROF 235/65 R- 17 113
245/45 ZR- 18 248 285/35 ZR- 18 285/35 ZR- 18 189
Firehawk Wide 255/35 ZR- 19XL 260 P225/55 R- 17 132 195/55 R- 16 $185 P225/55 R- 18
285/40 ZR- 18 378 165 275/30 ZR- 20XL 217 P245/45WR- 18 154 245/75 QR- 16 $205 Oval RFT 126
265/35 ZR- 18 275 235/35 ZR- 19 152 295/30 ZR- 18 185 275/35 ZR- 20 209 P255/40WR- 18 179 275/30 ZR- 19XL 324 235/55 R- 17 136 195/55 R- 16 179 P225/60 R- 18 129
Potenza RE92A 245/35 ZR- 19 270 245/35 ZR- 20 113 235/35 ZR- 19XL 155 285/30 ZR- 20XL 219 P275/40WR- 18 189 Vanco-8 P245/40 ZR- 18L$203 245/30 ZR- 20XL 315 235/65 R- 17 120 225/45 ZR- 17 208 P235/55 R- 18 128
P225/55 ZR- 17 $124 275/30 ZR- 19 299 255/35 ZR- 20 109 245/35 ZR- 19XL 188 295/25 ZR- 22XL 273 P255/35WR- 20 136 C205/70 R- 15D $99 P285/35 ZR- 19 286 285/25 ZR- 20XL 335 P225/50 R- 18 142 245/40 ZR- 17 271 P235/60 R- 18 131
AVID Touring S Avid W4s ADVAN S.4. S.drive ADVAN Sport ADVAN Pilot Exalto A/S Pilot Sport A/S g-Force Sport g-Force Super Traction T/A H Ventus RS-2
P175/65 R- 14 $54 205/40 ZR- 17XL $82 205/55 ZR- 16 $129 195/50 R- 15 $64 205/50 YR- 17 $160 Neova AD07 185/60 R- 14 $86 Plus 195/50 R- 15 $78 Sport A/S 185/65 R- 14 $66 195/60 R- 14 $75
P185/65 R- 14 55 215/45 ZR- 17XL 98 215/55 ZR- 16 129 195/55 R- 15 68 205/55 YR- 17 137 175/55 ZR- 16L$192 195/60 R- 14 96 205/55 ZR- 16 $142 195/55 R- 15 78 205/50 ZR- 15XL $92 195/60 R- 14 64 195/50 ZR- 15 77
P185/70 R- 14 54 215/50 ZR- 17 118 215/60 R- 16 121 205/50 R- 15 82 215/45 ZR- 17XL 170 225/45 ZR- 17LO 266 195/50 R- 15 155 225/50 ZR- 16 181 205/50 R- 15 84 205/45 ZR- 16XL 103 P195/65 R- 14 67 205/50 ZR- 15 94
P185/60 R- 15 58 225/45 ZR- 17 108 225/50 ZR- 16 131 205/55 ZR- 15 87 225/45 YR- 17XL 160 195/55 R- 15 135 205/50 ZR- 17 175 205/55 R- 15 81 205/50 ZR- 16 104 P195/70 R- 14 70 225/45 ZR- 15 99
225/50 ZR- 17 119 225/55 ZR- 16 134 195/45 ZR- 16XL 88 225/50 ZR- 17XL 169 ADVAN A10F 195/60 R- 15 105 225/45 ZR- 17 180 205/60 R- 15 71 205/55 ZR- 16 112
P185/65 R- 15 58 195/40 ZR- 16XL 89 195/65 R- 15 103 205/60 R- 14 76 225/50 ZR- 15 99
235/45 ZR- 17XL 117 225/60 ZR- 16 123 225/55 ZR- 17XL 162 225/50 R- 17 $222 225/50 ZR- 17 175 215/50 R- 15 93 225/50 ZR- 16 118 P185/65 R- 15 205/45 ZR- 16 96
P195/60 R- 15 57 205/50 ZR- 17XL 147 205/45 ZR- 16XL 93 235/45 YR- 17XL 173 245/40 R- 18 332 205/55 R- 15 139 69
P195/65 R- 15 61 245/45 ZR- 17 116 205/50 ZR- 16 90 205/60 R- 15 98 235/45 ZR- 17 195 225/50 R- 15 98 225/55 ZR- 16 125 195/60 R- 15 68 205/50 ZR- 16 97
255/40 ZR- 17 122 215/45 ZR- 17 164 205/55 ZR- 16 94 235/50 YR- 17 174 235/50 ZR- 17 200 225/60 R- 15 93 245/50 ZR- 16 125
P205/65 R- 15 65 225/45 ZR- 17XL 147 235/55 ZR- 17XL 174 ADVAN A13C 205/65 R- 15 109 195/65 R- 15 73 205/55 ZR- 16 97
215/40 ZR- 18XL 125 215/40 ZR- 16XL 94 215/65 R- 15 109 245/40 ZR- 17 207 205/40 ZR- 16 78 225/40 ZR- 17XL 114 205/60 R- 15 74 215/45 ZR- 16 102
P205/70 R- 15 62 225/50 ZR- 17 176 215/55 ZR- 16 98 245/40 YR- 17 188 245/40 R- 18 $315 245/45 ZR- 17 192 205/45 ZR- 16 88 205/50 ZR- 17 135
225/40 ZR- 18XL 125 225/60 R- 15 139 205/65 R- 15 75 225/45 ZR- 16 106
P215/60 R- 15 65 225/45 ZR- 18 143 225/55 ZR- 17 161 225/50 ZR- 16 95 245/45 ZR- 17XL 189 195/50 R- 16 175 255/40 ZR- 17 199 205/50 ZR- 16 86 215/45 ZR- 17XL 122
P215/65 R- 15 67 235/45 ZR- 17 158 225/55 ZR- 16 102 255/40 YR- 17 192 215/60 R- 15 77 225/50 ZR- 16 98
235/40 ZR- 18XL 138 205/50 R- 16 184 275/40 ZR- 17 237 205/55 ZR- 16 86 215/50 ZR- 17 133 225/60 R- 15
215/70 R- 15 62 235/50 ZR- 17 157 195/40 ZR- 17XL 89 215/45 YR- 18 184 205/55 R- 16 215/40 ZR- 16XL 81 225/45 ZR- 17XL 124
81 245/45 ZR- 16 113
235/45 ZR- 18 149 205/40 ZR- 17XL 91
129 285/40 ZR- 17 283 205/55 R- 16
P205/55 R- 16 78 245/40 ZR- 17 173 225/40 YR- 18XL 198 205/55 R- 16 225/40 ZR- 18XL 222 215/55 ZR- 16 81 225/50 ZR- 17 129 91 215/40 ZR- 17XL 114
245/40 ZR- 18XL 145 245/45 ZR- 17 177 205/45 ZR- 17XL 102 225/45 ZR- 18XL 194
139
215/55 R- 16
P215/60 R- 16 71 215/55 R- 16 143 225/45 ZR- 18XL 221 225/50 ZR- 16 91 235/45 ZR- 17 131 93 215/45 ZR- 17XL 114
245/45 ZR- 18 155 255/40 ZR- 17 181 205/50 ZR- 17XL 103 235/40 YR- 18N0 226 P215/60 R- 16
215/65 R- 16 72 225/35 ZR- 20XL 129 215/60 R- 16 116 235/40 ZR- 18 224 225/55 ZR- 16 94 245/40 ZR- 17 144 87 225/45 ZR- 17XL 116
225/40 ZR- 18XL 196 215/35 ZR- 17 103 235/40 YR- 18XL 217 225/55 R- 16
P225/60 R- 16 74 245/35 ZR- 20XL 134 215/40 ZR- 17XL 106 215/60 R- 16 135 235/45 ZR- 18XL 220 245/50 ZR- 16 115 245/45 ZR- 17 138 102 235/40 ZR- 17XL 122
235/40 ZR- 18 199 245/35 YR- 18XL 249 225/50 R- 16 144 255/50 ZR- 16 113 255/40 ZR- 17 146 P225/60 R- 16 92 245/40 ZR- 17XL 126
255/35 ZR- 20XL 137 245/40 ZR- 18 211 215/45 ZR- 17XL 103 235/50 ZR- 18 216
Avid TRZ 215/50 ZR- 17XL 116 245/40 YR- 18XL 223 ADVAN A048 225/50 R- 16 159 205/40 ZR- 17 85 255/45 ZR- 17 167 P235/60 R- 16 109 245/45 ZR- 17XL 125
245/45 ZR- 18 207 245/45 YR- 18XL 238 Competition Tire 225/55 R- 16 136 245/40 ZR- 18 250
P185/60 R- 14 215/55 ZR- 17XL 122 245/45 ZR- 18XL 250 205/45 ZR- 17 116 275/40 ZR- 17 139 225/55 R- 17 119 215/35 ZR- 18XL 145
$63 245/50 R- 18 212 225/35 ZR- 17XL 114 255/35 YR- 18XL 243 195/50 ZR- 16L$216 205/50 R- 17 194 P235/45 R- 17
P185/65 R- 14 255/35 ZR- 18 219 215/50 R- 17 255/35 ZR- 18XL 356 205/50 ZR- 17 114 215/35 ZR- 18XL 132 117 225/40 ZR- 18XL 157
62 225/45 ZR- 17 115 255/40 YR- 18XL 248 225/45 ZR- 17LT 259 163
215/40 ZR- 17 104 225/40 ZR- 18XL 128 P245/45 R- 17
P195/70 R- 14 64 255/45 ZR- 18 217 225/50 ZR- 17XL 118 255/45 YR- 18XL 259 225/45 R- 17 183 255/40 ZR- 18 246 129 235/40 ZR- 18XL 161
265/35 ZR- 18 229 225/55 ZR- 17 119 235/45 R- 17 173 255/45 ZR- 18 230 215/45 ZR- 17 115 235/40 ZR- 18 148 225/60 R- 18 119 265/35 ZR- 18XL 206
P185/60 R- 15 65 255/55 ZR- 18XL 266 ADVAN Sport
265/40 ZR- 18XL 222 235/40 ZR- 17 122 265/35 YR- 18XL 266 continued 265/35 ZR- 18XL 254 225/45 ZR- 17 118 245/40 ZR- 18 153 315/30 ZR- 18 268
P185/65 R- 15 69 Primacy MXV4 225/50 ZR- 17 105 245/45 ZR- 18 165
275/35 ZR- 18XL 236 235/45 ZR- 17XL 122 265/40 YR- 18XL 258 285/35 ZR- 19 $350 275/35 ZR- 18 269
P195/60 R- 15 68 235/50 ZR- 17 123 185/65 R- 15 $105 275/40 ZR- 18 249 225/55 ZR- 17 93 255/45 ZR- 18 175 Ventus S1 evo
245/45 R- 19 244 275/35 YR- 18 281 295/30 ZR- 19XL 412
P195/65 R- 15 74 Avid H4s 255/35 YR- 19XL 258 235/55 ZR- 17XL 123 195/60 R- 15 109 285/30 ZR- 18XL 318 235/40 ZR- 17 119 275/35 ZR- 18XL 198 225/45 ZR- 17X$106
P205/60 R- 15 275/40 ZR- 18XL 263 305/30 ZR- 19XL 427
72 P185/60 R- 14 $61 255/40 YR- 19XL 248 245/40 ZR- 17 116 285/30 YR- 18XL 322 315/25 ZR- 19 439 195/60 R- 15 148 285/35 ZR- 18 311 235/45 ZR- 17 115 275/40 ZR- 18 169 225/40 ZR- 18XL 145
P205/65 R- 15 81 P185/65 R- 14 63 275/40 YR- 19XL 271 245/45 ZR- 17XL 124 195/65 R- 15 115 235/35 ZR- 19XL 269 245/40 ZR- 17 128 245/35 ZR- 20XL 177
255/40 ZR- 17 149 285/35 ZR- 18XL 297 245/30 ZR- 20XL 331 205/60 R- 15 114 225/45 ZR- 18XL 151
P205/70 R- 15 73 P195/60 R- 14 70 285/40 ZR- 18 277 245/35 ZR- 20XL 256 245/40 ZR- 19 298 245/45 ZR- 17 125 255/35 ZR- 20XL 195 235/40 ZR- 18XL 152
P195/65 R- 14 275/40 ZR- 17 135 205/65 R- 15 106 255/40 ZR- 17 125
P215/60 R- 15 75 66 215/35 ZR- 18XL 135 295/30 YR- 18XL 344 245/40 ZR- 20XL 323 245/45 ZR- 19 285 Traction T/A T 245/45 ZR- 18XL 162
P185/65 R- 15 215/60 R- 15 109 255/45 ZR- 17 126
P215/65 R- 15 82 72 215/40 ZR- 18XL 137 295/35 YR- 18 329 255/30 ZR- 20XL 336 225/60 R- 15 134 275/35 ZR- 19 334
P195/60 R- 15 69 275/40 ZR- 19 329 275/40 ZR- 17 144 P185/65 R- 14 $62 255/35 ZR- 18XL 189
P215/70 R- 15 74 205/40 ZR- 18XL 131 315/30 YR- 18 360 255/35 ZR- 20XL 321 205/55 R- 16 133 P185/70 R- 14 61
P195/65 R- 15 77 225/35 ZR- 18XL 136 225/35 ZR- 19XL 259 255/35 ZR- 20XL 326 215/35 ZR- 18 133 265/35 ZR- 18XL 195
P205/55 R- 16 93 205/55 R- 16 156 Pilot Sport A/S P195/70 R- 14 65
P205/60 R- 15 71 225/40 ZR- 18XL 138 225/40 ZR- 19XL 291 265/35 ZR- 20XL 359 205/60 R- 16 124 215/40 ZR- 18XL 114 275/40 ZR- 18XL 191
P205/60 R- 16 82 Plus ZP P185/60 R- 15 69
P205/65 R- 15 79 225/45 ZR- 18XL 154 235/35 ZR- 19XL 272 275/30 ZR- 20XL 371 205/60 R- 16 171 225/35 ZR- 18 133 295/30 ZR- 18XL 222
P205/65 R- 16 82 P215/60 R- 15 235/40 ZR- 18XL 152 225/40 ZR- 18 138 185/65 R- 15 68
78 235/35 ZR- 19XL 266 275/35 ZR- 20XL 352 205/65 R- 16 126 245/45 ZR- 17R$217 225/35 ZR- 19 183
P215/55 R- 16 105 P215/65 R- 15 Avid V4s 245/35 ZR- 18XL 156 215/55 R- 16 147 235/40 ZR- 18 146 P195/60 R- 15 64
79 235/40 ZR- 19 265 275/35 ZR- 20XL 375 275/40 ZR- 18RFT277 245/35 ZR- 19XL 215
P215/60 R- 16 83 P205/40 R- 16 77 P205/55 R- 15 $86 245/40 ZR- 18XL 156 235/45 ZR- 19 272 275/35 ZR- 20XL 407 225/60 R- 16 131 245/40 ZR- 18 158 Traction T/A V P195/65 R- 15 68
255/35 ZR- 18XL 173 245/40 ZR- 19XL 218
P215/65 R- 16 84 P205/45 R- 16 79 P205/55 R- 16 99 265/35 ZR- 18XL 179 245/30 ZR- 19XL 287 275/40 R- 20XL 351 225/60 R- 16 152 Pilot Sport A/S 255/35 ZR- 18 167 P195/55 R- 15 $91 P205/60 R- 15 72
P225/55 R- 16 P205/60 R- 16 P205/60 R- 16 225/65 R- 16 135 245/40 ZR- 20 $359 265/35 ZR- 18 186 205/55 R- 15 89 P205/65 R- 15 70 245/45 ZR- 19XL 204
108 81 89 215/35 ZR- 19XL 164 245/35 ZR- 19XL 280 285/30 ZR- 20XL 336
P225/60 R- 16 92 P215/60 R- 16 85 P215/55 R- 16 108 245/40 ZR- 19XL 257 285/25 ZR- 20XL 336 235/60 R- 16 142 255/30 ZR- 20 322 275/35 ZR- 18 188 205/65 R- 15 88 P205/70 R- 15 69 255/30 ZR- 19XL 217
225/35 ZR- 19XL 177
P225/65 R- 16 100 P205/40 R- 17 80 P215/60 R- 16 91 235/35 ZR- 19XL 185 245/45 ZR- 19 298 295/25 ZR- 20XL 342 215/50 R- 17XL 158 205/50 R- 16 106 P215/60 R- 15 74 255/35 ZR- 19XL 233
P225/70 R- 16 89 P215/40 R- 17 99 P225/50 R- 16 102 245/30 ZR- 19XL 189 255/30 ZR- 19 300 295/40 ZR- 20 377 215/50 R- 17XL 174 Pilot Sport A/S ZP 205/55 R- 16 91 P215/65 R- 15 74 275/35 ZR- 19XL 240
P215/45 R- 17 102 P225/55 R- 16 107 245/35 R- 19XL 199 255/30 ZR- 19XL 296 305/25 ZR- 20XL 391 215/55 R- 17 137 245/45 ZR- 17 $208 P215/50 R- 16 115 P205/55 R- 16 82 275/40 ZR- 19XL 237
P235/60 R- 16 105 225/45 R- 17XL 176
235/65 R- 16 P225/45 R- 17 111 P225/60 R- 16 97 245/40 ZR- 19 198 255/35 ZR- 19XL 299 255/30 ZR- 21XL 357 275/40 ZR- 18 266 215/55 R- 16 107 205/60 R- 16 87 275/45 ZR- 19XL 222
99
P225/55 R- 17 P235/60 R- 16 255/40 ZR- 19 207 225/55 R- 17XL 169 P215/60 R- 16 94 P205/60 R- 16 78
P215/60 R- 17 99 126 99 255/40 ZR- 19XL 293 245/35 ZR- 21XL 382 225/55 R- 17XL 183 285/30 ZR- 19 255
225/65 R- 17 109 P245/50 R- 16 109 275/35 ZR- 19 221 265/30 ZR- 19XL 304 295/35 R- 21XL 435 Pilot Sport Cup 225/50 R- 16 122 P205/65 R- 16 79
P215/65 R- 17 99 225/35 ZR- 20XL 150 235/55 R- 17XL 166 245/30 ZR- 20XL 246
P235/45 R- 17 117 P255/50 R- 16 160 265/35 ZR- 19 301 255/35 ZR- 21XL 416 225/55 R- 18 179 225/50 ZR- 15 $215 225/55 R- 16 118 P215/55 R- 16 89
P225/55 R- 17 102 245/35 ZR- 20XL 156 225/60 R- 16 93 P215/60 R- 16 79 245/35 ZR- 20XL 232
235/55 R- 17 115 P215/50 R- 17 127 245/40 ZR- 20XL 149 275/30 ZR- 19XL 323 285/30 ZR- 21XL 375 225/60 R- 18 157 205/55 ZR- 16 218
P225/60 R- 17 108 235/65 R- 17 P215/55 R- 17 275/35 ZR- 19XL 295 295/25 ZR- 21XL 373 225/50 ZR- 16 229 Traction T/A Spec 215/50 R- 17 112 215/65 R- 16 86 275/30 ZR- 20XL 259
114 128 255/35 ZR- 20XL 159 245/45 R- 18XL 226
P215/55 R- 18 109 P245/45 R- 17 124 225/50 R- 17 125 275/30 ZR- 20XL 169 275/40 ZR- 19XL 290 295/30 ZR- 21XL 377 245/45 ZR- 16 248 P215/65 R- 16 $84 215/55 R- 17 113 P225/60 R- 16 83 285/30 ZR- 20XL 278
P225/50 R- 18 111 P255/40 R- 17 127 P235/55 R- 18 142 275/35 ZR- 20XL 180 275/45 R- 19XL 274 255/30 ZR- 22XL 357 Pilot HX MXM4 205/50 ZR- 17 246 P235/60 R- 16 109 225/50 R- 17 115 P235/55 R- 16 96 295/25 ZR- 20XL 288
P225/55 R- 18 111 P225/40 R- 18 123 265/60 R- 18 139 285/30 ZR- 20XL 199 285/30 ZR- 19XL 371 265/30 ZR- 22XL 299 235/50 R- 18 $222 225/45 ZR- 17 250 P235/65 R- 17 113 245/45 R- 18 155 P225/55 R- 17 97 265/30 ZR- 22XL 287
SPECIALS
Pricing Effective November 1-30, 2008

Hours: EST M-F 8am-8pm SAT 9am-4pm 1-888-372-8473 Prices Subject to Change www.tirerack.com ©2008 Tire Rack

R6
Competition Tire
P185/60 ZR- 13 $161
P205/60 ZR- 13 166
P225/45 ZR- 13 181
P225/50 ZR- 13 181
P205/55 ZR- 14 190
Direzza Sport SP Sport Maxx Exclaim UHP Altimax HP Ecsta SPT KU31 Ecsta ASX P4 Four Seasons PZero Rosso ZRi VRi A6 P225/50 ZR- 14 201
P205/60 ZR- 14 191
Z1 Star Spec 205/55 ZR- 16 $92 195/50 R- 15 $57 205/55 R- 16 $81 225/55 ZR- 16XL $81 205/50 ZR- 15 $58 P185/65 R- 14 $60 Asimmetrico 205/55 ZR- 16 $82 195/55 R- 15 $69 Competition Tire P205/50 ZR- 15 203
195/55 R- 15 $91 205/50 ZR- 17 140 195/55 R- 15 61 Exclaim UHP 225/45 ZR- 17XL 94 205/55 ZR- 16 80 P195/60 R- 15 74 225/45 ZR- 17X$186 225/50 ZR- 16 91 205/50 R- 16 74 P225/45 ZR- 13 $181 P215/60 ZR- 15 203
205/50 R- 16 105 215/45 ZR- 17XL 99 235/45 ZR- 17XL 101 205/50 ZR- 17 107 P225/50 ZR- 13 181 P225/45 ZR- 15 210
205/50 R- 15 66 continued
245/40 ZR- 17 111 215/40 ZR- 17 94
P195/65 R- 15 72 235/45 ZR- 17XL 151 225/55 ZR- 16 94 205/55 R- 16 71
P255/40 ZR- 13 200 P225/50 ZR- 15 210
205/55 R- 16 109 215/45 YR- 17XL 111 205/55 R- 15 66 215/50 R- 17XL $92 P205/60 R- 15 76 225/60 ZR- 16 79 215/60 R- 16 70
225/50 R- 16 120 235/40 ZR- 18XL 189 245/45 ZR- 17 102 215/45 ZR- 17 94 245/40 ZR- 17 216 245/45 ZR- 16 99 P205/55 ZR- 14 190 P225/55 ZR- 15 210
195/50 ZR- 16 67 225/45 ZR- 17 86 P205/65 R- 15 74 225/50 R- 16 88 P225/50 ZR- 14 201 P245/50 ZR- 15 217
215/40 ZR- 17 122 265/35 ZR- 18XL 225 205/40 ZR- 16 75 225/50 ZR- 17 92 255/40 ZR- 17 104 215/50 ZR- 17 104 255/40 ZR- 17N3 232 245/50 ZR- 16 98
255/45 ZR- 17 113 P205/70 R- 15 70 215/50 R- 17XL 91 P205/50 ZR- 15 203 P275/35 ZR- 15 244
215/45 ZR- 17 126 225/35 ZR- 19XL 188 205/45 ZR- 16 70 235/45 ZR- 17 92 215/55 R- 17 99 245/50 ZR- 18 289 205/40 ZR- 17XL 75 215/55 R- 17 90
275/40 ZR- 17 126 225/45 ZR- 17 94 P215/60 R- 15 81 P225/45 ZR- 15 210 P275/50 ZR- 15 244
225/45 ZR- 17 130 235/35 ZR- 19XL 211 205/55 R- 16 71 235/50 ZR- 17 106
235/40 ZR- 17 137 245/40 ZR- 19XL 255 285/40 ZR- 17 146 225/50 ZR- 17 107 P215/65 R- 15 78 265/35 ZR- 18N4 302 215/40 ZR- 17 83 HRi P275/35 ZR- 15 244 P205/45 ZR- 16 212
215/55 R- 16 73 245/40 ZR- 17 100 215/35 ZR- 18XL 101 P215/70 R- 15 74 215/45 ZR- 17 86 P205/45 ZR- 16 212 P225/50 ZR- 16 212
235/45 ZR- 17 139 225/50 ZR- 16 81 245/45 ZR- 17 92 225/55 ZR- 17 99 285/40 ZR- 18 412 185/60 R- 14 $45 P225/50 ZR- 16 212 P245/45 ZR- 16 226
215/50 ZR- 17XL 102
154 255/30 ZR- 19XL 251
XL
245/40 ZR- 17 215/40 ZR- 18 119 235/40 ZR- 17 102 P205/55 R- 16 86 P255/50 ZR- 16 232
225/55 R- 16 78 245/50 ZR- 17 107 235/35 ZR- 19XL 310 225/45 ZR- 17 92 195/60 R- 14 46 P245/45 ZR- 16 226
245/45 ZR- 17 143 275/35 ZR- 19XL 258 205/40 ZR- 17XL 67 275/40 ZR- 17 117
215/45 ZR- 18 124 235/45 ZR- 17 102 P205/60 R- 16 78 185/65 R- 15 51 P255/50 ZR- 16 232 P275/45 ZR- 16 244
255/40 ZR- 17 275/35 ZR- 20 238 225/40 ZR- 18XL 97 235/50 ZR- 17 120 P205/65 R- 16 80 245/45 ZR- 19BM268 235/40 ZR- 17 99 P205/40 ZR- 17 221
156 205/45 ZR- 17 85 215/35 ZR- 18XL 86 225/45 ZR- 18 116 195/60 R- 15 48 P275/45 ZR- 16 244
225/40 ZR- 18 167 SP Sport 5000 245/40 ZR- 17 116 P215/60 R- 16 84 255/40 ZR- 19XL 361 235/45 ZR- 17 98 P225/40 ZR- 17 237 P225/40 ZR- 17 237
205/50 ZR- 17XL 91 225/40 ZR- 18XL 90 235/40 ZR- 18XL 120 195/65 R- 15 51
225/45 ZR- 18 179 215/40 ZR- 17XL 79 225/45 ZR- 18 104
245/45 ZR- 17 104 P215/65 R- 16 87 285/35 ZR- 19 403 245/40 ZR- 17 99 P225/45 ZR- 17 237 P225/45 ZR- 17 237
235/40 ZR- 18 185 P245/50WR- 17 $194 235/45 ZR- 18 134 255/40 ZR- 17 111 P225/60 R- 16 91
245/45 ZR- 17 102
295/30 ZR- 19N1 435 255/40 ZR- 17 99
205/60 R- 15 50 P245/40 ZR- 17 244 P245/40 ZR- 17 244
245/40 ZR- 18 191 215/45 ZR- 17 82 235/40 ZR- 18 116 235/50 ZR- 18 124 255/45 ZR- 17 113 205/65 R- 15 53 P255/45 ZR- 17 244 P245/45 ZR- 17 244
235/55 R- 18 119 245/40 ZR- 18 141 P215/60 R- 17 95 245/40 ZR- 20XL 368 P255/45 ZR- 17 105 215/60 R- 15 53 P275/40 ZR- 17 271 P255/45 ZR- 17 244
245/45 ZR- 18 189 255/50 ZR- 17 124 P275/40 ZR- 17 271
255/35 ZR- 18 220 245/40 ZR- 18 127 245/50 ZR- 18 153 275/40 ZR- 17 114 P225/60 R- 17 103 255/50 ZR- 17 125 215/65 R- 15 55 P295/35 ZR- 17 289
245/45 ZR- 18 128 265/35 ZR- 18 180 PZero System P315/35 ZR- 17 303 P295/35 ZR- 17 289
265/35 ZR- 18 239 285/40 ZR- 17 141 P6 Four Seasons 275/40 ZR- 17 121 225/60 R- 15 54 P315/35 ZR- 17 303
275/35 ZR- 18 275/35 ZR- 18 167 275/40 ZR- 18 174 215/35 ZR- 18RF 101 Asimmetrico P335/35 ZR- 17 314
241 295/30 ZR- 18XL 195 225/60 R- 16 $103 215/35 ZR- 18ZRF 94 205/50 R- 16 68 P335/35 ZR- 17 314
275/40 ZR- 18 149 225/40 R- 18 96 205/45 ZR- 17 $192 225/40 ZR- 18 95 205/55 R- 16 70 P225/40 ZR- 18 271 P225/40 ZR- 18 271
215/35 ZR- 19XL 112 235/35 ZR- 19 160 P225/45 R- 17 129 P245/35 ZR- 18 282
245/35 ZR- 19 162 235/40 ZR- 18RF 115 225/45 ZR- 17 171 235/40 ZR- 18 115 205/60 R- 16 57 P245/35 ZR- 18 282
225/35 ZR- 19XL 130 235/50 ZR- 18 134 P245/40 ZR- 18 282 P245/40 ZR- 18 282
SP Sport 9000 245/35 ZR- 20 118 245/50 ZR- 17 305 245/40 ZR- 18 136 215/55 R- 16 77 P275/35 ZR- 18 290
235/45 ZR- 17 $195 235/35 ZR- 19XL 136 245/40 ZR- 18 135 215/60 R- 16 59 P255/40 ZR- 18 287
SP Sport 245/35 ZR- 19XL 143 225/35 ZR- 20 126 225/40 ZR- 18N3 212 265/35 ZR- 18 155 P285/30 ZR- 18 309 P275/35 ZR- 18 290
275/35 ZR- 18 300 255/35 ZR- 20 117 255/35 ZR- 18 180 285/60 R- 18 119 225/50 R- 16 80 P295/30 ZR- 18 311
Signature 265/30 ZR- 19XL 156 255/45 ZR- 18 153 265/35 ZR- 18N3 308 225/35 ZR- 19XL 134 P285/30 ZR- 18 309
275/40 ZR- 18 312 225/55 R- 16 85 P315/30 ZR- 18 320 P295/30 ZR- 18 311
205/55 R- 16 $92 275/30 ZR- 19XL 170 Solus KH16
XL
285/50 ZR- 18 270 265/35 ZR- 18 171 275/40 ZR- 18 377 235/35 ZR- 19ZRF145 P335/30 ZR- 18 352
225/60 R- 16 62 P315/30 ZR- 18 320
245/35 ZR- 19 258 P205/60 R- 16 82 225/30 ZR- 20 144 P185/60 R- 14 $56 275/35 ZR- 18 177 P345/35 ZR- 18LL 352 P335/30 ZR- 18 352
Direzza DZ101 215/55 R- 16 93 245/35 ZR- 20XL 117 P185/65 R- 14 63 275/40 ZR- 18 172 295/30 ZR- 18 385 245/35 ZR- 19ZRF155
N3
205/40 R- 17XL 62
275/30 ZR- 19ZRF176 215/45 R- 17 72 P345/35 ZR- 18LL 352 P235/35 ZR- 19 298
245/45 ZR- 18 $157 SP Sport 9000 DSST 225/55 R- 16 99 245/40 ZR- 20XL 128 P195/65 R- 15 63P 245/45 ZR- 20 179 PZero Rosso P235/35 ZR- 19 298 P265/35 ZR- 19 309
255/35 ZR- 18 167 205/50 R- 17XL 109 255/35 ZR- 20XL 110 235/50 R- 17 119 255/45 ZR- 20 159 Ecsta W710 255/35 ZR- 20 129 215/50 R- 17 87 P265/35 ZR- 19 309 P295/30 ZR- 19 313
205/45 R- 17 $270 Direzionale 265/50 R- 20 149 225/45 R- 17 77
275/35 ZR- 18 176 P215/55 R- 17 116 275/35 R- 20XL 202 245/30 ZR- 22XL 174 205/50 R- 15 $96 P295/30 ZR- 19 321 P315/40 ZR- 19 379
245/35 ZR- 19 166 SP Sport 01 235/55 R- 17 113 285/30 ZR- 20XL 197 Solus KH21 255/30 ZR- 22XL 167 215/45 R- 16 203 245/45 YR- 18X$306 275/45 R- 20 125 235/45 R- 17 86 P325/30 ZR- 19 379 P325/30 ZR- 19 379
275/30 ZR- 19 239 225/45 R- 17 $168 245/45 ZR- 18XL 146 295/25 ZR- 22XL 292 P215/70 R- 16 $74 255/30 ZR- 24 183 265/45 R- 16 229 245/40 YR- 19 360 275/55 R- 20 126
XL
245/45 R- 17 88 P345/30 ZR- 19 389 P345/30 ZR- 19 389
LIGHT TRUCK & SUV TIRES LIGHT TRUCK & SUV TIRES LIGHT TRUCK & SUV TIRES
Destination A/T Fortera SilentArmor

P 225/70 R- 14OWL $90 P 215/75 R- 15OWL $100
P 205/75 R- 15OWL 81 P 225/75 R- 15OWL 114
P 215/75 R- 15OWL 84 P 235/70 R- 15OWL 109
P 225/70 R- 15OWL 94 P 235/75 R- 15OWL 113
P 225/75 R- 15OWL 92 P 265/70 R- 15OWL 124
P 235/70 R- 15OWL 99 P 265/75 R- 15OWL 133
LT 235/75 R- 15OWL 99 P 215/70 R- 16OWL 126
P 235/75 R- 15XL 95 Destination LE Dueler A/T Revo P 225/75 R- 16OWL 134 Grabber UHP Latitude Tour Geolandar A/T-S Long Trail T/A Tour All-Terrain T/A KO
P 235/75 R- 15XL OWL 94 P 225/70 R- 14OWL $84 P 225/75 R- 15OWL $113 P 235/70 R- 16OWL 133 P235/75 R- 15 205/70 R- 15 P 215/75 R- 15 LT 215/75 R- 15C RW $106
LT 30x9.5 R- 15OWL 99 P 245/70 R- 16OWL 131 205/70 R- 15 $64 $127 $75 $78
P 215/70 R- 15 74 P 235/70 R- 15OWL 126 265/70 R- 15 97 P215/75 R- 16 146 215/70 R- 15 78 P 225/70 R- 15 88 30x9.5 R- 15C 124
LT 31x10.5 R- 15OWL 111 P 235/75 R- 15OWL 119 P 245/75 R- 16OWL 132 LT 215/75 R- 15OWL P 225/75 R- 15
LT 33x12.5 R- 15OWL 134 P 215/75 R- 15OWL 87 255/65 R- 16 138 215/65 R- 16 82 P 225/75 TR- 16OWL 157 99 86 LT 33x9.5 R- 15C 141
P 225/70 R- 15OWL 88 L T 235/75 R- 156P OWL 135 215/70 R- 16 83 P235/70 R- 16 155 P 225/70 R- 15OWL 82 P 235/70 R- 15 95 LT 31x10.5 R- 15C RWL 138
P 235/70 R- 16OWL 100 L T 30x9.5 R- 15OWL 139 P 255/70 R- 16OWL 131 P 235/70 R- 15OWL P 235/75 R- 15
P 235/75 R- 16 94 P 225/75 R- 15OWL 86 P 265/70 R- 16OWL 139 225/70 R- 16 90 P235/70 R- 16 151 95 93 LT 32x11.5 R- 15C RWL 145
P 235/70 R- 15OWL 89 L T 31x10.5 R- 15OWL 153 235/60 R- 16 83 P245/70 R- 16 LT 235/75 R- 15C 96 P 265/70 R- 15 121 LT 33x10.5 R- 15C 146
P 235/75 R- 16OWL 97 P 265/70 R- 15OWL 142 P 265/75 R- 16OWL 146 154
P 235/75 R- 15OWL
P 245/70 R- 16OWL 103 LT 235/75 R- 15C OWL 91 P 275/70 R- 16OWL 150 235/70 R- 16 92 P255/70 TR- 16 154 96 P 265/75 R- 15 108 33x12.5 R- 15C RWL 154
L T 215/85 R- 16E OWL 153 245/70 R- 16 30x9.5 R- 15C OWL 106 P 225/70 R- 16 104 LT 35x12.5 R- 15C RWL 165
LT 245/75 R- 16 OWL C
124 P 235/75 R- 15OWL 88 L T 225/75 R- 16D OWL 145 235/65 R- 17 148 92 P 245/65 R- 17 188
P 255/70 R- 15OWL 90 255/55 R- 16 90 265/70 R- 15 103 P 215/70 R- 16 95 LT 215/70 R- 16C RWL 142
P 245/75 R- 16OWL 105 L T 225/75 R- 16E OWL 164 P 245/65 R- 17OWL 162 P 255/75 R- 17 197 31x10.5 R- 15OWL
P 255/70 R- 16OWL 111 P 265/75 R- 15OWL 98 P 255/75 R- 17 255/65 R- 16 94 118 P 215/75 R- 16 98 LT 225/70 R- 16C RWL 139
P 235/70 R- 16OWL 134 147 P 265/70 R- 17 189 32x11.5 R- 15C OWL 134 P 225/75 R- 16XL
P 265/70 R- 16OWL 138 LT 31x10.5 R- 15C OWL 105 L T 235/85 R- 16OWL 173 P 265/70 R- 17OWL 157 265/70 R- 16 95 P 245/60 R- 18
97 LT 225/75 R- 16D RWL 130
275/70 R- 16
166 33x12.5 R- 15OWL 142 P 235/65 R- 16 119 LT 235/70 R- 16C RWL 159
P 265/75 R- 16OWL 113 P 215/70 R- 16 85 P 245/70 R- 16OWL 140 275/55 R- 17 166 101 P 265/70 TR- 18 210 215/60 R- 16
LT 265/75 R- 16OWL C 129 P 275/60 R- 17OWL 235/65 R- 17XL 111 98 P 235/70 R- 16 112 LT 235/85 R- 16E RWL 145
P 225/70 R- 16OWL 88 L T 245/75 R- 1610P/OW 165 162 P 275/55 R- 18 208 215/65 R- 16 95 P 235/75 R- 16XL
LT 285/75 R- 16OWL E 163 P 225/75 R- 16XL L T 245/75 R- 16OWL 162 P 285/60 R- 18 177 255/60 R- 17 122 99 LT 245/70 R- 16D RWL 153
86
275/55 R- 17 P 255/60 R- 19 112 215/70 R- 16 92 P 245/70 R- 16 114
LT 305/70 R- 16OWL 163 P 235/65 R- 16XL 99 P 245/75 R- 16OWL 131 136
LT 215/85 R- 16D OWL LT 245/75 R- 16E RWL 165
LT 315/75 R- 16D 179 P 255/70 R- 16OWL 142 Wrangler SilentArmor 255/55 ZR- 18XL 119 115 P 245/75 R- 16 100 LT 255/70 R- 16D RWL 168
P 235/70 R- 16XL OWL 96 255/50 ZR- 19XL
Latitude Tour HP 225/70 R- 16 99 P 255/65 R- 16 113
P 235/65 R- 17 122 P 235/75 R- 16 XL OWL L T 265/75 R- 1610P/OW 191 LT 235/75 R- 15OWL C$113 156 LT 225/75 R- 16D LT 265/70 R- 16D RWL 185
P 235/70 R- 17OWL XL 116
96
P 235/75 R- 15OWL XL 123 285/45 ZR- 19 235/60 R- 16 $138 115 P 255/70 R- 16 116
P 245/70 R- 16 OWL L T 265/75 R- 166P/OWL 169 188
255/65 R- 16 235/60 R- 16 105 LT 265/75 R- 16E RWL 179
P 235/75 R- 17OWL 115 98
P 265/75 R- 16OWL 144 LT 30x9.5 R- 15OWL C 123 275/45 R- 20XL 116 155 P 265/75 R- 16 114 LT 265/75 R- 16D RWL 175
P 245/75 R- 16OWL 94 275/55 R- 20XL 265/70 R- 16 198 P 235/70 R- 16OWL 105 P 225/65 R- 17
P 245/65 R- 17 OWL
125 P 275/70 R- 16OWL 165 LT 31x10.5 R- 15OWL C 130 123 LT 235/85 R- 16E OWL
125 LT 275/70 R- 16D RWL 185
P 245/70 R- 17OWL 119 P 255/65 R- 16OWL 115 L T 285/75 R- 16OWL 194 LT 33x12.5 R- 15OWL C 144 285/50 R- 20 275/70 R- 16 192 118 P 235/60 R- 17 119
P 255/70 R- 16OWL 102
131 P 245/70 R- 16OWL 108 P 235/65 R- 17 LT 285/75 R- 16E RWL 198
P 245/75 R- 17OWL 121 P 235/65 R- 17OWL 161 35x12.5 R- 15OWL C 148 295/45 R- 20XL 136 P 225/60 R- 17 186 118 LT 285/75 R- 16D RWL 194
P 265/70 R- 16OWL 110 235/55 R- 17 LT 245/75 R- 16E OWL 126 P 235/70 R- 17XL
P 255/65 R- 17OWL 124 P 235/75 R- 17OWL 139 LT 215/85 R- 16 140 295/50 R- 20XL 127 191 255/65 R- 16 115
127 LT 295/75 R- 16D RWL 198
P 255/70 R- 17OWL 121 LT 265/75 R- 16C OWL 121 P245/70 R- 17OWL 149 LT 225/75 R- 16 139 305/40 R- 22XL 150 235/65 R- 17MO 192 P 235/75 R- 17 124
P 265/75 R- 16OWL 105 P 255/70 R- 16OWL 108 P 245/70 R- 17 LT 305/70 R- 16D RWL 207
P 255/75 R- 17 125 P265/65 R- 17OWL 180 P 235/70 R- 16OWL 139 305/45 R- 22XL 149 255/60 R- 17 198 P 265/70 R- 16OWL 114
125
LT 315/75 R- 16D RWL 199
P 265/65 R- 17OWL 137 P 225/65 R- 17 105 P265/70 R- 17OWL 164 LT 235/85 R- 16E OWL 149 305/40 R- 23XL 156 275/55 R- 17 204 P 255/65 R- 17 129
P 235/60 R- 17 LT 265/75 R- 16D OWL 128 P 255/70 R- 17 LT 33x12.5 R- 16.5RW D165
P 265/70 R- 17OWL 127 109 L T 265/70 R- 17OWL E 195 P 245/70 R- 16 OWL
131 305/40 R- 24XL 264 P 245/60 R- 18 142 LT 265/75 R- 16E 134
132
LT 35x12.5 R- 16.5RW D189
LT 265/70 R- 17 C OWL
145 P 235/65 R- 17OWL 108 LT245/75 R- 16OWL C 154 315/35 R- 24XL 222 P 255/55 R- 18 P 265/65 R- 17 138
Dueler H/L Alenza 230 275/70 R- 16 117 P 265/70 R- 17 LT 245/75 R- 17E RWL 166
LT 275/70 R- 17C OWL 162 P 235/70 R- 17 XL OWL
114 P245/75 R- 16OWL 135 255/55 R- 18 LT 285/75 R- 16D
131
LT 285/70 R- 17D OWL 173 P 205/70 R- 15OWL P 255/70 R- 16OWL 136 Grabber HTS 248 139 P 275/60 R- 17 LT 265/70 R- 17C RWL 189
P 245/65 R- 17OWL 124 $102 255/55 R- 18 230 LT 315/75 R- 16D 174
118
LT 265/70 R- 17E RWL 214
P 285/70 R- 17OWL 137 P 245/70 R- 17OWL 113 P 215/75 R- 15OWL 107 P 265/70 R- 16OWL 159 P 255/70 R- 15 $88 P 235/65 R- 18 132
P 225/70 R- 15OWL P 225/70 R- 16 255/55 R- 18 XL N0
277 225/60 R- 17 117 P 265/70 R- 18 LT 285/70 R- 17D 208
LT 315/70 R- 17D OWL 181 P 255/65 R- 17 119 109 LT 265/75 R- 16OWL E 179 87
225/65 R- 17 141
P 255/70 R- 18OWL 134 P 225/75 R- 15OWL 112 LT 265/75 R- 16OWL C 150 P 235/75 R- 16 87 255/55 R- 18 XL ZP
198 118 P 275/55 R- 20 155 LT 285/70 R- 17D RWL 223
P 265/65 R- 17 126 P 265/60 R- 18 225/70 R- 17 108 LT 305/65 R- 17E
P 265/60 R- 18OWL 149 P 265/70 R- 17OWL 119 P 235/70 R- 15OWL 115 P 265/75 R- 16OWL 142 P 235/75 R- 16 92 242 P 275/60 R- 20 153 249
P 235/75 R- 15OWL P 245/70 R- 16 P 275/60 R- 18 235/65 R- 17XL 120 LT 315/70 R- 17D 239
P 265/70 R- 18OWL 139 P 275/60 R- 17 128
117 LT 285/75 R- 16OWL D 193 94 230
P 235/70 R- 17OWL 113
P 275/65 R- 18OWL 155 P 265/70 R- 15 146 LT 305/70 R- 16OWL D 207 P 245/75 R- 16 93 P 285/60 R- 18 228 37x12.5 R- 17RWL D 291
P 235/65 R- 18 136 P 215/70 R- 16OWL P 255/65 R- 16 285/60 R- 18 245/65 R- 17 122 LT 265/65 R- 18 RWL E
LT 275/65 R- 18C OWL 175 129 P235/70 R- 17OWL XL 148 108 XL
239 LT 245/70 R- 17E
244
LT 325/65 R- 18E 278 P 245/60 R- 18 123 P 225/70 R- 16OWL 132 P 235/75 R- 17 129 P 255/70 R- 16 97 255/50 R- 19XL 255
135 LT 285/65 R- 18E 261
P 265/60 R- 18 OWL
141 P 225/75 R- 16OWL P 265/70 R- 16 255/65 R- 17 125 LT 325/65 R- 18RWL D 313
P 275/60 R- 20OWL 178 120 LT 235/80 R- 17OWL E 171 100 255/50 R- 19XL 268 P 255/70 R- 17OWL Scorpion ATR
P 265/65 R- 18 122 P 235/70 R- 16 141 P 245/65 R- 17 151 P 275/70 R- 16 115 275/45 R- 19XL 288
122 LT 305/65 R- 18RWL E 288
Destination M/T P 265/65 R- 18OWL 128 P 235/75 R- 16OWL P 275/70 R- 16 265/65 R- 17 135 P 245/70 R- 16 $121
124 LT 245/70 R- 17OWL E 157 119 285/45 R- 19 278 P 265/70 R- 17OWL 129 LT 37x12.5 R- 18D RWL 359
LT 225/75 R- 16D $131 P 265/70 R- 18OWL 132 P 245/70 R- 16 145 P 245/70 R- 17 149 P 255/65 R- 17 118 L T 245/75 R- 16E 138 LT 285/55 R- 20DRWL 352
P 245/75 R- 16OWL 255/50 R- 20XL 267 LT 265/70 R- 17E 158 P 265/70 R- 16
P 265/50 R- 20 161 130 LT 245/75 R- 17 OWL E
174 P 265/70 R- 17 107 255/50 R- 19XL ZP 277
138 LT 285/65 R- 20RWL E 340
Transforce HT P 275/55 R- 20 255/65 R- 16 153 P 265/70 R- 17 P 275/60 R- 17OWL 164 L T 265/75 R- 16E
159 P 255/65 R- 17OWL 146 112
255/55 R- 19XL 275 275/65 R- 17 153
168 LT 305/55 R- 20RWL E 391
LT 235/75 R- 15C $99 P 275/60 R- 20OWL 148 P 265/70 R- 16OWL 152 P 255/70 R- 17OWL 162 P 275/60 R- 17 124 P 245/65 R- 17 116 LT 325/60 R- 20RWL D 421
LT 215/85 R- 16D P 265/75 R- 16 145 255/55 R- 18XL 265/50 R- 20 263 LT 315/70 R- 17 187 P 265/70 R- 17
109 P 255/75 R- 17 145 133
37x12.5 R- 17D
126 LT 325/50 R- 22E 513
LT 215/85 R- 16E 116 P 275/70 R- 16 171 P 265/70 R- 17OWL 169 L T 275/65 R- 18E 165 275/40 ZR- 20XL 304 263 P 275/55 R- 20OWL 114
225/65 R- 17 275/45 R- 20XL 316 265/60 R- 18 168 LT 325/60 R- 22D 495
LT 225/75 R- 16D 115 137 LT 265/70 R- 17OWL C 184 L T 275/70 R- 18E 160 L T 325/60 R- 20D 258
235/65 R- 17 145 275/55 R- 20XL P 275/60 R- 20 P 265/70 R- 18 161 L T 325/45 R- 24E
LT 225/75 R- 16E 121 LT 265/70 R- 17OWL E 188 132 219
275/60 R- 18
404 Mud-Terrain T/A KM2
LT 235/85 R- 16E 121 P 245/65 R- 17 155 LT 275/70 R- 17OWL C 196 P 285/50 R- 20 270 177
Tech ST P 255/75 R- 17 149 Grabber AT2 305/45 R- 20 179 Scorpion STR LT 215/75 R- 15C RW $135
LT 245/75 R- 16E 125 LT 285/70 R- 17OWL D 216 305/50 R- 20XL 252 LT 235/75 R- 15C RWL 152
LT 265/75 R- 16E 130 255/60 R- 18XL $114 275/55 R- 17 173 P 265/60 R- 18OWL 161 205/75 R- 15OWL $73 315/35 ZR- 20 355 P 205/70 R- 15 $91
P 275/60 R- 17 145 235/75 R- 15OWL 90 215/65 R- 16 125 30x9.5 R- 15C RWL 150
LT 265/75 R- 16E OWL 129 275/45 R- 20XL 127 P 275/65 R- 18OWL 174 295/40 R- 22XL 369 31x10.5 R- 15C RWL 161
LT 8.75 R- 16.5E 122 275/45 R- 22XL 175 255/55 R- 18XL 179 LT 275/70 R- 18E 206 P 215/70 R- 16 109
305/40 R- 22XL 165 P 285/60 R- 18 191 Latitude Sport P 235/70 R- 16 114 33x10.5 R- 15C RWL 166
LT 9.50 R- 16.5E 134 P 275/55 R- 20 LT 325/60 R- 18E 261 32x11.5 R- 15C RWL 177
LT 235/80 R- 17E 134 305/45 R- 22XL 150 178
255/55 ZR- 18XL $277 P 255/65 R- 16 147
P285/45 R- 22 201 235/50 R- 18 167 33x12.5 R- 15C RWL 192
LT 245/70 R- 17E 131 295/35 R- 24XL 289 275/45 ZR- 19XL 312
295/35 R- 24XL 253 P 275/45 R- 20 189 LT 235/85 R- 16E RWL 173
LT 245/75 R- 17E OWL 146 Dueler H/T D687 Radial Rover A/T 275/45 ZR- 20XL 347 LT 245/75 R- 16E RWL 197
LT 265/70 R- 17E OWL 305/35 R- 24XL 304 295/35 ZR- 21XL 432 P 285/55 R- 20XL 208
148 215/70 R- 16 $104 P265/75 R- 16OWL $118 P 305/50 R- 20 166 LT 255/70 R- 16D RWL 216
LT 275/65 R- 18E OWL 175 235/60 R- 16 126 LT 255/85 R- 16E RWL 187
LT 275/70 R- 18E OWL 165 Ranger TSE XTi Radial Mud Rover Parada Spec-X Scorpion STR A
P 225/75 R- 15 $79 P 225/70 R- 16 265/30 VR- 22XL $215 LT 265/75 R- 16E RWL 203
$82 LT 235/75 R- 15C $115 P 235/75 R- 15XL OWL $91 LT 285/75 R- 16E RWL 218
P 235/75 R- 15 80 P 235/70 R- 16 86 30x9.5 R- 15C OWL 119 265/40 VR- 22XL 195
P 265/70 R- 15 285/35 VR- 22XL 205 P 265/70 R- 15 117 LT 305/70 R- 16D RWL 243
92 P 245/70 R- 16 91 31x10.5 R- 15C OWL 129 HTR Sport H/P P225/70 R- 16OWL 114
P 215/70 R- 16 82 Ecsta STX P 255/70 R- 16 95 285/40 R- 22XL 233 LT 315/75 R- 16D RWL 252
32x11.5 R- 15C OWL 139 255/55 R- 18 P265/70 R- 16OWL 125 LT 245/70 R- 17E RWL 192
P 225/70 R- 16 89 255/55 R- 18 $117 P 265/70 R- 16 100 33x12.5 R- 15C OWL 154
$103 285/45 VR- 22XL 170
CrossContact LX LT 225/75 R- 16D 114 LT 265/75 R- 16C 285/60 R- 18 109 305/40 VR- 22XL 162 P245/65 R- 17 131 LT 285/70 R- 17D RWL 226
265/65 TR- 17 265/60 R- 18 124 113 35x12.5 R- 15C OWL 171 P265/70 R- 18OWL 165 LT 305/65 R- 17E RWL 259
$125 P 235/65 R- 16 98 285/60 R- 18 120 P 235/65 R- 17 105 275/45 R- 20 109 305/45 VR- 22XL 165
275/55 VR- 17 150 235/70 R- 16 P 245/65 R- 17 LT 235/85 R- 16E OWL 143 275/55 R- 20XL 125 285/35 VR- 23XL 185 Scorpion Zero 35x12.5 R- 17D RWL 265
97 265/40 R- 20XL 190 110
LT 245/75 R- 16E OWL 137
CrossContact UHP P 245/70 R- 16 97 275/45 R- 20 107 LT 245/70 R- 17D 125 285/50 R- 20 123 285/40 VR- 23XL 228 255/55 R- 19XL $235 37x12.5 R- 17D RWL 318
LT 245/75 R- 16E 126 275/55 R- 20XL 114 P 265/65 R- 17 116 LT 265/75 R- 16D OWL 151 P 295/45 R- 20 129 295/30 VR- 23 268 LT 305/60 R- 18RWL 298
255/50 WR- 19 $223 LT 285/75 R- 16D OWL 166 255/50 ZR- 20XL 289
285/45 WR- 19 238 P 245/75 R- 16 99 285/50 R- 20 110 P 265/70 R- 17 107 305/50 R- 20 124 305/40 VR- 23XL 196 35x12.5 R- 18RWL 311
255/65 R- 16 105 305/50 R- 20 126 P 275/65 R- 18 141 LT 305/70 R- 16D OWL 177 265/35 R- 22XL 148 285/40 VR- 24XL 326 Scorpion Zero Asim. 37x12.5 R- 18D RWL 406
4x4 Contact P 255/70 R- 16 103 305/45 R- 22 149 P 285/60 R- 18 154 LT 315/75 R- 16D OWL 176 285/35 R- 22 189 295/35 VR- 24XL 386 265/35 ZR- 22XL $183 37x12.5 R- 20D RWL 498
235/50 R- 19 $201 LT 265/75 R- 16C 112 305/35 ZR- 24 278 P 275/55 R- 20 154 LT 265/70 R- 17C OWL 148 305/40 R- 22 155 305/35 VR- 24XL 328 305/35 ZR- 22XL 265 LT 305/55 R- 20E RWL 396
255/50 R- 19XL 183 P 265/75 R- 16 94 325/35 R- 28 XL
875 P 275/60 R- 20 148 LT 35x12.5 R- 17C 208 P 305/45 R- 22 154 325/35 VR- 28XL 1050 305/30 R- 26 470 LT 325/60 R- 20D RWL 434
SPECIALS
Pricing Effective November 1-30, 2008

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AFTER NISSAN announced in specifically, Dodge’s Street & Racing as well as old, new, smooth, and rough
May of this year that its 480-horsepower, Technology team—to the point that SRT pavement, all meandering its way through
all-wheel-drive GT-R lapped Germany’s said, what the heck, let’s go for it. So SRT terrain that, after just one bend, can switch
infamous 20.8-km (12.9 mile) Nürburgring shipped two ACRs to Germany, hired a pro from an open field to a dense forest. It’s
Nordschleife (“North Loop”) in a time of driver through Zakspeed (a race team that no wonder racing legend Jackie Stewart
7:29.0,Viper people became restless.Then, runs Vipers in the ADAC Zurich 24h Race at dubbed it the “Green Hell.” And, given
just a month later, following Chevrolet’s the Nürburgring), rented the Nordschleife that there’s not a more demanding track
declaration that its 638-horsepower super- for a half-day at a cost of $2000 Euro (about in the world, it’s no wonder automakers
charged Corvette ZR1 was now king of $2800 U.S.) per hour, and hoped for good develop their cars at the ’Ring, fine-tuning
the hill, breaking the GT-R’s record with weather and, more important, a lap time every facet from steering and suspension
a time of 7:26.4, Viper people became quicker than 7:26. And, for posterity, the to engine and transmission.
downright mad. Not the folks who work SRT team figured having a media outlet
for Dodge, that is, but the members of the on hand was a wise idea, so they invited DAY OF RECKONING
Viper Club of America, a fan base that, in us along for the exclusive ride. On August 18, 2008, the day of the record
fact, stretches its arms well beyond the U.S., So, what’s the big deal with the attempt, the climate gods appear to be on
as far away as Japan and Germany. Sick and Nürburgring? Well, within its 12.9 miles, Dodge’s side—temps are in the 60s F, and
tired of hearing about other cars making the Nordschleife boasts roughly 170 rainclouds have come and gone the day
history at the Nordschleife, they wanted to turns, which means nearly every possible prior, so, save for two slightly damp spots,
see their pride and joy—namely, Dodge’s permutation of curve—on- or off-camber; the track is dry (a rarity at the Nordschleife,
new track-attacking 600-horsepower Viper visible or blind; low-, medium-, or high- as precipitation is common in the Eifel
ACR (American Club Racer)—take a shot speed; uphill or downhill—is represented. region of Germany, often leaving the ’Ring
at the record books. But what could they Further, there are jump-inducing crests and wet, in parts or entirety). At 8 a.m., FIA
do about it? undercarriage-denting dips (evidence of World Touring Car Championship (WTCC)
Well, they bugged and bugged Dodge— the nearly 1000 feet of elevation change) driver Tom Coronel, who pilots a Leon TFSi
CORONEL (left) drove a Dallara-Opel alongside teammate Ralf Schumacher in the 1995 German Formula 3 championship.
After the fourth and final run, Zakspeed mechanics (right) diagnose the ACR’s ailing clutch.

NOTES FROM A PRO
1.72 g
Mile 5
8 Bergwerk
Hohe Acht
10
2.29g Mile 8
Mile 4 7 Einfart Mile 6
Klostertal Mile 7
6 Breidsneid
Wehrseifen
157 mph
9
Karussell
1.42 g
Mile 9
Pflanzgarten
Mile 3
11
159 mph NÜRBURGRING
NORDSCHLEIFE
5 Fuchsrohre Mile 10
Schwalbenschwanz
Schwedenkreuz 1.71 g 150 mph
4
Mile 2 12
Galgenkopf
165 mph
Mile 11
170
Flugplatz 130
3
Miles per hour

Mile 12 13
165 mph Tiergarten
Mile 1 90
2 1 14 Hohenrain
T13
Hocheichen
50 and below
START/FINISH
CORONEL TAKES US ’ROUND THE ’RING

■ 1. FIRST TURN, T13, IS A TIGHT LEFT; second gear; 45 going because it’s full throttle from here to Klostertal. If
mph; Coronel: “Light oversteer and slight wheelspin.” good through here, you can really make up time.”
■ 2. ESSES LEADING UP TO HOCHEICHEN; second gear; 91 ■ 9. KARUSSELL; second gear; 44 mph; “Attack here—hard
mph; “Car must roll well because of left-right, left-right.” braking, downshift to second, and jump in. The front splitter
■ 3. JUST BEFORE FLUGPLATZ—A FAST, SWEEPING hits bottom many times and some wheelspin exiting.”
RIGHT—THERE IS A HIGH-SPEED JUMP; fourth gear; 138 ■ 10. HOHE ACHT; third gear; 99 mph; “Challenging
mph; “Four wheels off the ground here—very exciting!” section—jumps and left-right, left-right.”
■ 4. SCHWEDENKREUZ, ANOTHER HIGH-SPEED JUMP; ■ 11. JUST AFTER PFLANZGARTEN; third gear; 87 mph;
FOURTH GEAR; 152 mph; “Getting jump right is important “Light jump coming out of Pflanzgarten and then shift to
for fast lap time—must go flat-throttle.” fourth and flat-out until almost Schwalbenschwanz.”
■ 5. FUCHSROHRE, TRACK HEADS DOWNHILL AND THEN ■ 12. GALGENKOPF; third gear; 84 mph; “Slow in, early full
UP; fourth gear; 150 mph; “Tough on the car—hit bottom throttle, and look for sign 186 for turn-in point. There is a
through this section.” reflector on the sign, so I use that for reference at night
■ 6. WEHRSEIFEN; first gear; 42 mph; “Slowest section of during 24-hour race.”
track and only time in first gear.” ■ 13. TIERGARTEN; fourth gear; 147 mph; “Lift slightly to
■ 7. EINFART BREIDSNEID, THE HALFWAY POINT; fourth prevent bottoming out.”
gear; 136 mph; “Flat through here and good brake test ■ 14. HOHENRAIN; fourth gear; 130 mph; “Careful braking
leading into Bergwerk.” after Hohenrain because coming off of long straight, so
■ 8. BERGWERK; second gear; 66 mph; “Start to get heart brakes and tires are cooler.”

urgring the steering was too light.”
b
e nür
Still, he is not fully satisfied with the
at th car.“In the downhill part after Pflanzgarten
viper acr and before the second carousel, normally

ure) I can take the kinks flat out, but the car
(feat was jumping side to side too much, so I
had to go off throttle, so there I lost some
speed.” Nevertheless, Coronel logs a
record-breaking time of 7:24. The team is
relieved and happy but not overjoyed—the
record is theirs but they know the car can
do better. According to SRT engineer Mike
Shinedling, computer simulations completed
back in Michigan showed the ACR capable
of times well into the teens, so a sub-7:20 is
the ultimate goal.
Before Coronel attempts his third run, the
crew throws on another set of fresh rubber
and also raises the front splitter back to
normal height, to setting 0. Coronel has
complained that during the previous hot
CORONEL (red suit) and lap the splitter was bottoming out too much,
SRT team celebrate the preventing him from taking the last chicane
record (below) and sign flat-out. Alas, even with the modifications, the
ACR’s rear wing to mark the Viper can render only another 7:24 on the
historical moment (above). third hot lap of the day. Pleased with the car
and Coronel’s consistency, the team is still
determined to dip below 7:20.Thus, another
downforce will lower top speed on the long four Michelins are mounted, and Coronel
two-mile straight, and too little will diminish once again readies himself, donning his
grip and handling through the fast turns. bright-yellow helmet and tightening the
The front splitter is set 5 mm below stock six-point harness.
height, ride height is 0.5 inch lower, and the
adjustable dampers are set to position eight LAP TO BE RECKONED WITH
out of 14, with 14 being the firmest.) On the fourth run, another single hot lap,
If there are any skeptics regarding Coronel puts down his best time of the day,
Coronel’s ability to hustle a Viper around a 7:22.1, slicing over four seconds from the
the ’Ring, his first two laps—a 7:42 and ZR1’s count. It’s not a sub-7:20, but it’ll more
for SEAT Team Holland, arrives at the track, a 7:35, respectively—silence all of them. than do. Per Shinedling,“Had we shortened
ready to be debriefed and prepped for his 9 Informed of his times, Coronel seems some- the gearing and had more than a day to
a.m. start time. In addition to his experience what pleased, asking only, “And what time develop the car for the Nordshcleife, we
in WTCC, Coronel, a Dutchman, has compiled are we trying to break?” After hearing he’s probably could’ve dipped below 7:20, but
an impressive resume in Formula 3, Formula nearly 10 seconds behind the record, he we’re very happy with our time.” Coronel
Nippon, and, most significant on this day, shrugs and says,“I think that is possible.” To agrees, noting,“There are many spots on the
the 24-hour race at the Nürburgring, in address Coronel’s complaints that the ACR is track where I was hitting the rev limiter in
which he’s logged hundreds of laps in a displaying moderate understeer in medium- second and fourth gears. If I upshift to third,
second-generation Viper GTS Coupe. After to high-speed turns and its steering feels I lose time because I have to downshift right
donning his race suit and conversing with light, engineers stiffen the front dampers for way. And if I upshift to fifth, the car doesn’t pull
the SRT engineers, Coronel squeezes into compression and rebound (up three clicks as hard.” Regardless, Coronel is elated with
the red-and-black ACR and departs on his to position 11) and the rear dampers for his time and suggests the team celebrate
warm-up lap. compression (again, up three clicks to 11). with a round of beer at the famous Pisten-
(A note on the Viper ACR: Except for a The pit crew also installs a fresh set of stock klause restaurant. Everyone obliges, as there
Racetech seat with a six-point harness, the Michelin Pilot Sport Cup tires. is much to rejoice and, let’s face it, likely little
ACR is factory stock and fitted with the Hard Coronel heads out for his second stint and, time to enjoy it—undoubtedly, the ZR1 will be
Core Package, a no-cost option that cuts 40 after just one hot lap, it’s evident he’s more back as will the GT-R (rumors abound that
pounds off the curb weight. About 10 percent comfortable with the revised suspension a V-Spec version has lapped a 7:25), aiming
of ACR customers order the HCP, which and new tires. “Big change,” Coronel says, to clock, at worst, a 7:21. But for now, the
deletes the audio system, trunk carpet, rear- “especially in the front—turn-in is easier to Viper ACR is the most lethal ringer
cabin sound insulation, tire inflator kit, hood feel, and I can attack the corner. There is around. ■
insulator, and steel battery cover.The ACR’s still light understeer, but at least now I can
adjustable rear wing, which offers seven hole lean against the limits; before, I couldn’t
positions with the seventh delivering the lean against [the limits]
most downforce, is set to position three to because
provide a more neutral behavior:Too much

YOU DON’T NEED AN ADVANCED DEGREE IN ENGINEERING
TO UNDERSTAND THIS AD. BUT IT HELPS.
HYDROFORMING
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By hydroforming the front frame section,
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TORSION
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–
The body mounts are strategically
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REDUCED MASS transmission of vibrations.
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This, along with the lower control
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and stability.
It passed our engineers’ test. And with a towing capacity up to 10,600 lbs,* it’s ready to pass yours. The Sierra,
*Trailer ratings are calculated assuming a properly equipped base vehicle plus driver. See the GMC Trailering Guide for details. ©2008 General Motors Corp. All rights reserved. GMC® GMC logo® Sierra®

TORSIONAL STIFFNESS
–
Sierra’s frame is now 230%
torsionally stiffer than the previous
generation. Increased torsional
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The rear frame is fully boxed back to the
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from GMC. Engineering that happens when you never say never. WE ARE PROFESSIONAL GRADE. GMC.COM / SIERRA
WE ARE PROFESSIONAL GRADE®

motor trend
2009
2 sport/utility of the year
■ words motor trend editors ■ photographs brian vance/julia lapalme
w

A YEAR HAS PASSED SINCE THE LAST BRUTAL WAR,
AND THE WORLD HAS CHANGED—SMALL
A CARS HAVE TAKEN OVER AND
HIGH FUEL COSTS HAVE WOUNDED
OUNDED THE POPULACE. THE SPORT/UTILITY
VEHICLE, ARMED WITH THE LATEST TECHNOLOGY,
IS REFUSING TO GO DOWN WITHOUT A FIGHT.

motor trend
WHERE’S THE VENZA? YOU KNOW the world has DNA under all the glitz and glitter of sat-nav
changed when one of the contenders for systems, automatic climate control, and
Motor Trend’s 2009 Sport/Utility of theYear surround sound. Kia’s Borrego is a surprising
BACK AT THE 2008 Detroit is a 390-horsepower four-door coupe that’s Korean take on a Tahoe, while the Lexus LX
show, Toyota made a point of only a tenth of a second slower to 60 mph 570 is a bullet-proof Toyota LandCruiser
calling its American designed and than a Ferrari Testarossa and takes barely masquerading somewhat self-consciously
engineered Venza a “crossover a half second longer to cover the standing as an upscale luxury vehicle. Meanwhile,
sedan.” Thing is, the two-box quarter mile. Back in 1985, when we first the giant, gas-guzzling Toyota Sequoia, built
Venza looked more like a Lexus tested the Testarossa, the American sport/ off the Tundra pickup chassis, is absolute
RX 330 on steroids than a sedan. utility vehicle segment could be pretty proof that, just like the guys in Motown, the
Ahhh, said Toyota, but the much summed up in one, rugged four guys in Nagoya never saw $4 a gallon gas
Venza is a vehicle that combines letter word: J-e-e-p. Now, it’s atomized into coming, either.
SUV-like utility with the driving a collection of vehicles more diverse than Honda’s goggle-eyed Pilot and Chevrolet’s
dynamics of a sport sedan. any other, offering everything from high- surprisingly slick Traverse are two variations
Ummm, okay… riding hot-rods, to functional family wagons, on a similar theme that’s fast becoming
Fast forward seven months. Our to all-purpose luxury limos, to tough-as- the default setting for most modern SUVs,
invitation to the press launch of nails rock-crawlers. offering a vaguely trucklike persona with
the Venza contains the following So what makes a modern sport/utility vaguely carlike manners and vaguely
sentence: “Venza combines a vehicle? For all their apparent diversity, minivan-like people- and/or load-carrying
unique blend of sedan refinement today’s SUVs do have a number of key capacity. It’s the same with Dodge’s Journey,
and SUV functionality.” Ten days characteristics in common: (1) high ride Subaru’s Forester, and Nissan’s Murano,
later, our invitation for the Venza height and high seating position; (2) a though on a smaller scale, of course, while
to be a part of the 2009 Sport/ two-box body and multifunction interior VW’s Tiguan is the latest in a growing line of
Utility of the Year judging elicits that allows a combination of seating or load- premium compact SUVs from Europe.
the following reply from Toyota carrying configurations; (3) the availability And then there’s Ford’s Flex. Perhaps the
P.R.: “We’ll be passing…as it’s of all-wheel drive. most intriguing new entry in the SUV category
positioned as a passenger car…” These characteristics, which are carried this year, the Flex edges tantalizingly close to
Huh? over from their off-roading ancestors, make a vehicle segment that has been regarded
Let’s review, shall we? The today’s SUVs attractive “lifestyle” vehicles— as toxic by Detroit automakers since Jimmy
Venza has a high seating in the truest sense of the word—for many Carter left the White House—the full-size
position and a two-box body American consumers. The high seating wagon.The Wagon Queen Family Truckster
with multifunction interior and position allows a commanding view of the of the 21st century? Or Motor Trend’s 2009
is available with all-wheel drive. road; the multifunction interior is ideal for Sport/Utility of theYear? We’d need a week
Sounds like the modern definition carrying kids and/or stuff; and the availability of testing to find out.
of an SUV to us. of all-wheel drive, combined with extra Phase one involved a full tech check and
We dug a little deeper. The ground clearance, ensures an extra margin weigh-in, then full track testing to determine
Venza is wider and taller than the of mobility in Snowbelt states.These vehicles baseline data for acceleration, braking, and
Infiniti EX. It has 3.0 inches more have a lot of utility. And plenty of sport, too, handling.
ground clearance than the Ford if you so desire. Phase two was three days of road loops
Flex and rides higher than the EX, Two of this year’s 13 contenders could in California wine country, with each of
the VW Tiguan, and Chevrolet rightly be described as “muscleSUVs.” the 11 judges getting an hour behind the
Traverse. It offers higher towing The BMW X6 and Infiniti FX offer potent wheel of each contender under identical
capacity than the EX, Tiguan, six-cylinder engines and truly storming conditions.The 35-mile loop included a mix
Dodge Journey, and Subaru V-8s—a naturally aspirated 5.0-liter with of freeway, two-lane blacktop, small-town
Forester. If it walks like a duck… 390 horsepower in the Infiniti and a twin- streets, and a dirt track section that allowed
Then the penny dropped: turbo 4.4-liter with 400 horsepower in us to evaluate each vehicle’s handling on
The high price of gas has made the BMW. Both have six-speed automatic low-friction surfaces.
SUVs—necessarily thirstier than transmissions with paddleshift control, The final phase was a walk-around of
conventional cars because of their hard-riding suspensions, and tires with the each vehicle and hours of discussion and
height, mass, and all-wheel-drive contact patch of a Lamborghini. The FX’s argument.
systems—persona non grata for baby brother, the Infiniti EX, is more like a Sport/Utility of the Year judging is not a
many American consumers. Could high-riding 3 Series, with tight-fitting sheet- comparison test, but a process. Each vehicle
it possibly be Toyota is desperate metal, punchy performance, and buttoned- is evaluated against a set of criteria, which
for the Venza to be labeled as down ride. allows us to start with a bunch of vastly
anything but an SUV? At the other end of the spectrum are the diverse vehicles and choose one winner.
separate chassis rigs, big wagons that still And this year’s winner is very much an SUV
serve up a significant dose of off-roading for the times. ■

THE CRITERIA
SPORT/UTILITY OF THE YEAR is not a comparison test. It’s open only to all-new or substantially
upgraded vehicles that have gone on sale in the 12 months to January 1, 2009. We’re looking for the pick
of each year’s crop of new SUVs, not to revisit vehicles that have been on sale for the past five years.
EACH SUOTY CONTENDER IS EVALUATED AGAINST THREE CRITERIA:

1. SUPERIORITY. 2. SIGNIFICANCE. 3. VALUE.
We look at engineering How well does the vehicle do How a vehicle compares
excellence, advancement in the job its maker intended against its direct rivals. A
design, utilization of resources, it to do? And how does it vehicle with a low sticker price
and safety. Vehicle concept and affect or change its particular might not be as good a value
execution are important, as are market segment, influence as a more expensive vehicle
use of materials, packaging, consumer perceptions, that delivers outstanding
dynamics, styling, and fuel and transform product performance, quality, and
consumption. development trends? functionality.
THE JUDGES
MIKE FLOYD EDWARD LOH SCOTT MORTARA MATT STONE
Online Editor Senior Editor Road Test Editor Executive Editor
RON KIINO ANGUS MACKENZIE KIM REYNOLDS MARK WILLIAMS
Senior Editor Editor-in-Chief Technical Editor Editor, Truck Trend
TODD LASSA FRANK MARKUS ARTHUR ST. ANTOINE
Detroit Editor Technical Director Editor at Large

2009 contender WE LIKE: Twin-turbo kick
(plenty even with the six) and physics-
defying handling deftness.
bmw x6 WE DON’T LIKE: Cramped cabin, lousy
cargo room, at-times punishing ride.
THE PERFECT SUV—IF YOU’RE BATMAN

PROBABLY NO vehicle in this 2008 BMW X6
year’s field generated more buzz—pro and
con—than the X6.“Considering its heft, this BASE PRICE RANGE $53,325-$63,825
bad boy handles really well on the pavement,” PRICE AS TESTED $63,825 (xDrive 35i)
writes Floyd. “Useless but somehow cool,” VEHICLE LAYOUT Front engine, AWD, 4-pass,
notes Stone.“Feels like a cheetah disguised 4-door SUV
as a brick,” adds Kiino. ENGINE 3.0L/300-hp/300-lb-ft DOHC
BMW’s new SUV without the “U” doesn’t twin-turbo I-6
really know what it is. It’s big and immensely TRANSMISSION 6-speed automatic
heavy (nearly 5000 pounds), yet seats only CURB WEIGHT (F/R DIST) 4985 lb (50/50%)
four (sort of) and offers limited luggage mph faster than anything else.” Yes, the X6 WHEELBASE 115.5 in
space in back. It’s pricey enough to char has its charms. Someone with silly money LENGTH x WIDTH x HEIGHT 192.0 x 78.1 x 66.5 in
your American Express Black Card: more and few common vehicular needs—say, 0-60 MPH 5.9 sec
than $63K as-tested with the twin-turbo six Batman—would enjoy an X6 as a fourth QUARTER MILE 14.5 sec @ 93.7 mph
and easily a good $10 grand more for a or fifth car. BRAKING, 60-0 MPH 111 ft
similarly optioned twin-turbo V-8 xDrive This BMW makes zero sense for anyone LATERAL ACCELERATION 0.87 g (avg)
50i. It rides tall like an off-roader, but would else.There is no “utility” in its mission profile. MT FIGURE EIGHT 26.4 sec @ 0.66 g (avg)
prefer not to get dirty. Visibility is limited, None.“Sport” it can do—but not as well as EPA CITY/HWY FUEL ECON 15/20 mpg
particularly to the rear. The sport-biased even other machines wearing the propeller MT OBSERVED FUEL ECON 13.2 mpg
chassis will hammer your backside if the badge. As Lassa writes: “Give me a 335i C02 EMISSIONS 1.15 lb/mi
tarmac picks up any lint. sedan with six-speed manual and the $10K RATINGS
And yet…on the right road the X6 savings.” And even many of its “cool” features ENGINEERING ★★★★
performs as if it never heard of Sir Isaac disappoint.The transmission lever is overly DESIGN ★★★
Newton. 5000 pounds? So what? Even with fussy. And “the backup camera is absolutely INTERIOR/FUNCTIONALITY ★
the “base” twin-turbo six, the X6 whooshes lousy,” notes Loh.” Grainy, noisy, useless at PERFORMANCE ★★★★★
to 60 mph in just 5.9 seconds (engine and night. The Japanese made better systems ON-ROAD REFINEMENT ★★★
six-speed auto flow and fly like a champion two generations ago.” OFF-ROAD ABILITY ★★
figure-skating pair). Then Loh really warms up. “I’m a red- VALUE ★
Handling prowess can be breathtaking; blooded, meat-eating male, but even I can’t BOTTOM LINE
more than one driver remarked that the X6 stomach the waste this vehicle represents.” “APPARENTLY,” WRITES LASSA, “THIS IS THE ULTIMATE
Hoovered through turns “easily 10 or 15 ■ arthur st. antoine SMALL-PENIS COMPENSATION MACHINE.”

2009 contender WE LIKE: Exterior styling, sweet,
strong direct-injection V-6.
WE DON’T LIKE: Marginal
chevrolet traverse real-world fuel mileage,
heavy curb weight.
MOST LIKELY TO SUCCEED

CHEVY’S NEW three-row cross- 2009 CHEVY TRAVERSE
over proves among the more pleasant
surprises in this year’s contest.The Traverse BASE PRICE RANGE $28,990-$41,760
is the fourth General Motors’ model built PRICE AS TESTED $45,250 (LTZ AWD)
on its Lambda chassis architecture, others VEHICLE LAYOUT Front engine, AWD, 7-pass,
being the Buick Enclave, Saturn Outlook, and 4-door SUV
GMC Acadia. The Traverse is functionally ENGINE 3.6L/288-hp/270-lb-ft DOHC
much the same as its cross-brand siblings 24-valve V-6
and gives Chevy a much-needed entry in TRANSMISSION 6-speed automatic
this segment, replacing the ages old, truck- CURB WEIGHT (F/R DIST) 5111 lb (55/45%)
based TrailBlazer. It also gives us our first Everyone has been pleased with the power- WHEELBASE 118.9 in
taste of GM’s direct fuel-injection V-6 in this train.With optional dual exhausts, the newest LENGTH x WIDTH x HEIGHT 205.0 x 78.4 x 72.8 in
platform, although the other variants also version of GM’s 3.6-liter DOHC V-6 spools 0-60 MPH 7.9 sec
are so equipped for 2009. out 288 horses, more than competitive power, QUARTER MILE 16.1 sec @ 86.2 mph
“Times have changed,” says Kiino.“We’re although it’s necessary to move the Traverse’s BRAKING, 60-0 MPH 133 ft
criticizing a Honda instrument panel and 5111 pounds, plus cargo.The engine is quiet LATERAL ACCELERATION 0.76 g (avg)
center stack and praising a Chevy’s.” It’s true: and smooth, with a wide powerband. It’s MT FIGURE EIGHT 28.9 sec @ 0.57 g (avg)
The Traverse’s IP and controls are clean and mated to a six-speed automatic transaxle, EPA CITY/HWY FUEL ECON 17/23 mpg
workable.The interior plastics and materials replete with a handy toggle switch on the MT OBSERVED FUEL ECON 12.1 mpg
are attractive and appear durable. Third- end of the shifter to allow manual scrolling CO2 EMISSIONS 1.05 lb/mile
row access is straightforward, although up and down all six gears.“Ford should take RATINGS
the second row’s high floor and short seat a lesson from that,” observes Lassa, as the ENGINEERING ★★★★
bottom compromises its comfort a bit. Flex has no such thing. DESIGN ★★★★
The Traverse is a nice-looking piece on The Traverse leads the one category it least INTERIOR/FUNCTIONALITY ★★★★
the outside, too, although the rear window wanted to among this year’s contestants—Worst PERFORMANCE ★★★★
line is shaped the way it is in the name of Fuel Economy. We’ve averaged 12.1 mpg, ON-ROAD REFINEMENT ★★★
style, not visibility. Fold the second- and which includes off-road testing, a lot of idling OFF-ROAD ABILITY ★★
third-row seats flat, and the Traverse will during photo shoots, and harder than normal VALUE ★★★
swallow 116.4 cubic feet of stuff. Need to driving. Competitors like the Flex and Pilot have BOTTOM LINE
bring more junk along? No problem, given gotten 14.9 under the same conditions. SOLID, IF NOT LANDMARK, ENTRY INTO CROSSOVER SEGMENT.
its 5200-pound towing capacity. ■ matt stone

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2009 contender WE LIKE: Myriad out-of-sight
stowage compartments.
WE DON’T LIKE: Retro
dodge journey powertrain, chassis, and
interior refinement.
MORE ABOUT THE DESTINATION THAN THE JOURNEY

THIS should be a hit. Smallish car-based 2009 DODGE JOURNEY
crossovers are all the rage, and this one offers
a miserly four-banger, a $20,750 opening BASE PRICE RANGE $20,750-$29,160
price, and an optional third-row seat (V-6s PRICE AS TESTED $35,745 (R/T AWD)
only). Wow features like storage under the VEHICLE LAYOUT Front engine, AWD, 7-pass,
front-passenger seat cushion and beneath 4-door SUV
the second-row footwells, integrated child- ENGINE 3.5L/235-hp/232-lb-ft SOHC
booster seats, the MyGig stereo/nav system 24-valve V-6
with live Sirius satellite traffic and weather, TRANSMISSION 6-speed automatic
and (soon) even Internet connectivity in the CURB WEIGHT (F/R DIST) 4370 lb (56/44%)
car should have buyers lining up and editors economy than a three-row RAV4 V-6 delivers. WHEELBASE 113.8 in
awarding big points on significance and The welterweight Journey should feel lighter LENGTH x WIDTH x HEIGHT 192.4 x 72.2 x 66.6 in
value. But the journey from drawing board on its feet than its middleweight Flex and 0-60 MPH 8.4 sec
to showroom floor included shortcuts. Chevy Traverse rivals, and while steering QUARTER MILE 16.4 sec @ 83.3 mph
Inside, the oddly sloped center console feel and maximum lateral grip are slightly BRAKING, 60-0 MPH 130 ft
places frequently-used audio controls at better, howling understeer, poor body-motion LATERAL ACCELERATION 0.77 g (avg)
the bottom near a blunt corner where many control, and a tendency to crash over bumps MT FIGURE EIGHT 29.1 sec @ 0.55 g (avg)
drivers rest their knees. And our jury is make it feel discombobulated on twisty, EPA CITY/HWY FUEL ECON 15/22 mpg
unimpressed by the sheens and textures of undulating pavement. Its performance in the MT OBSERVED FUEL ECON 14.9 mpg
the plastics. Chevy and Ford have seriously telling figure-eight test also trails the bigger CO 2 EMISSIONS 1.11 lb/mile
upped the ante in this department. boys, and its generally undistinguished RATINGS
Midsize Avenger sedan underpinnings performance on road and track undermines ENGINEERING ★★★
make the Journey smaller and 500 pounds the value of the R/T badge. DESIGN ★★★
lighter than a similarly equipped Ford Flex, Adding a six-speed auto to the four INTERIOR/FUNCTIONALITY ★★★★
yet Dodge’s aging single-cam 3.5-liter V-6 and switching to the upcoming global V-6 PERFORMANCE ★★★
returns fuel economy lower than the Flex’s should help close the gap in performance, ON-ROAD REFINEMENT ★★
by the EPA’s reckoning and identical under refinement, and economy with the cream of OFF-ROAD ABILITY ★★★
our lead feet (14.9 mpg). It’s also slower the crossover crop, especially if the chassis VALUE ★★★
through the quarter mile. An elderly four- and interior get spiffed up along the way. But BOTTOM LINE
speed automatic hobbles the 2.4-liter four- for now, there are better ways of “getting THE GETTING-FROM-POINT-A-TO-B CROWD CAN DO BETTER.
cylinder front-drive version with worse fuel there.” ■ frank markus

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† 100% Satisfaction Guarantee includes full refund of purchase price, less shipping and handling. Call for details. If you decide to return your
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© 2008 Nautilus, Inc. All rights reserved. Bowflex, the Bowflex logo, and Bowflex Revolution are either registered trademarks or trademarks of
Nautilus, Inc. SpiraFlex is a registered trademark of SpiraFlex, Inc. (1208) P1208MTRTRNREDEF

2009 contender WE LIKE: Optional fridge, power lumbar
support for the driver’s seat, comfortable
ride, spaciousness.
ford flex WE DON’T LIKE: Duratec V-6 is grainier
than Traverse’s engine.
ZEN AND THE ART OF THE MODERN WOODY WAGON

CONSIDERING oil prices and 2009 FORD FLEX
the swiftly shifting market, this year’s most
significant contenders split into two subsets: BASE PRICE RANGE $28,995-$37,255
small, four-cylinder models (Forester,Tiguan) PRICE AS TESTED $43,820 (Limited AWD)
and larger, space-efficient unibody family VEHICLE LAYOUT Front engine, AWD, 6-pass,
wagons (Traverse, Journey, Pilot, Flex).While 4-door SUV
the Chevy Traverse and Ford Flex duked ENGINE 3.5L/262-hp/248-lb-ft DOHC
it out for superiority, in the end, the Ford’s 24-valve V-6
distinctive take on the basic box and its more TRANSMISSION 6-speed automatic
entertaining interior won the argument. It CURB WEIGHT (F/R DIST) 4864 lb (54/46%)
was the only other contender besides our With its soft suspension, deliberate steering, WHEELBASE 117.9 in
winner to get votes (three). and big flat expanse of hood ahead of the LENGTH x WIDTH x HEIGHT 201.8 x 79.9 x 68.0 in
“Its engine noise is not as pleasant as driver, it doesn’t inspire spirited driving, 0-60 MPH 8.4 sec.
the Chevy’s,” Frank Markus says, “but the which helps explain better fuel economy QUARTER MILE 16.3 @ 84.6 mph
interior is dressier than the similarly equipped versus the Traverse on our loop. The V-6/ BRAKING, 60-0 136 ft.
Traverse.” With a third-row seat rated for six-speed automatic combo is smooth with LATERAL ACCELERATION 0.75 g (avg)
two passengers to the Traverse’s three, it’s adequate power, although the transmission MT FIGURE EIGHT 29.0 sec @ 0.55 g (avg)
available in six- (with optional refrigerator offers no upshift-downshift options for family EPA CITY/HWY FUEL ECON 16/22 mpg
between the split second row) and seven- vacations across the Rockies.Those who fondly MT OBSERVED FUEL ECON 14.9 mpg
passenger variants. Other notable options remember late-1960s Country Squires with CO 2 EMISSIONS 1.06 lb/mile
include Microsoft Sync and a big panorama 429 V-8 options will appreciate the coming RATINGS
roof. The third row is more comfortable for 3.5-liter EcoBoost making about 325 horses. ENGINEERING ★★★★
adults than the Traverse’s three-passenger The Flex evokes various heydays of Ford DESIGN ★★★★★
rear seat. Sharing its Volvo-based platform wagons for our seasoned editors. It makes INTERIOR/FUNCTIONALITY ★★★★★
with a variety of Fords, including Taurus X, Stone think of his friend’s 1947 Woody. The PERFORMANCE ★★★
Flex’s dimensions are similar to the Chevy’s, concept version of the Flex was named ON-ROAD REFINEMENT ★★★★
with a lower h-point.The driver can set his seat Fairlane—the 1957 and 1958 Fairlane sedans OFF-ROAD ABILITY ★
low, making it feel like a station wagon, or high, were the basis for the first Country Squires. VALUE ★★★★
for that much desired SUV-command view of Whatever year you think of, the Flex makes BOTTOM LINE
the road. It’s by no means an off-roader, yet it Ford wagons cool again and does so without THE MOST STYLISH PEOPLE-MOVER BOX SINCE THE ORIGINAL
handled our off-road section with ease. reverting to retro styling. ■ todd lassa VW MICROBUS.

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can help make a difference in our world, visit navy.com or call 1-800-USA-NAVY.
© 2007. Paid for by the U.S. Navy. All rights reserved.

2009 contender WE LIKE: Refinement, bigger interior,
thoughtful cubbyholes, and sophisticated
cylinder-deactivation technology.
honda pilot WE DON’T LIKE: Easy-to-ridicule grille, still
mediocre mileage, old-school SUV visage.
FLYING HIGHER IN A DOWNDRAFT SEGMENT

WHILE SOME of our contestants 2009 HONDA PILOT
were busy stretching the precepts of the
SUV like taffy on a hot August day, a photo of BASE PRICE RANGE $28,265-$39,065
Honda’s all-new Pilot could be printed next PRICE AS TESTED $40,665 (Touring AWD)
to the SUV’s dictionary definition.The Pilot’s VEHICLE LAYOUT Front engine, AWD, 8-pass,
got all the telltale SUV visual cues—boxyness, 4-door SUV
copious ground clearance, and rough-and- ENGINE 3.5L/250-hp/253-lb-ft SOHC
ready-looking rolling stock.Which in today’s 24-valve V-6
SUV-fleeing marketplace, basically amounts TRANSMISSION 5-speed automatic
to three strikes against it. For numerous other CURB WEIGHT (F/R DIST) 4607 lb (55/45%)
manufacturers, three strikes might mean and an inch wider and taller, providing WHEELBASE 109.2 in
you’re out, but, remember, we’re talking about respectable room for eight inside. However, LENGTH x WIDTH x HEIGHT 190.9 x 78.5 x 72.7 in
Honda here, which, almost as a self-imposed being a Honda, its weight is virtually 0-60 MPH 8.4 sec
rule, never, ever, produces inefficient or one- unchanged, despite gaining the effective QUARTER MILE 16.6 sec @ 83.5 mph
dimensional vehicles.Think of the Ridgeline ACE body structure and reductions in BRAKING, 60-0 MPH 149 ft
among its truck peers. Or the defunct NSX chassis flex. How? Again the Honda touch: LATERAL ACCELERATION 0.75 g (avg)
against its supercar brethren. Just because Its hood is now formed of aluminum, and a MT FIGURE EIGHT 29.1 sec @ 0.56 g (avg)
the Pilot matches the characteristic template considerable percentage of the rest of it is EPA CITY/HWY FUEL ECON 16/22 mpg
for SUVs, don’t jump to conclusions. high-strength steel. Among the new Pilot’s MT OBSERVED FUEL ECON 14.9 mpg
For instance, compared with its predecessor, most notable new features are its rear glass, CO 2 EMISSIONS 1.06 lb/mile
the 3.5-liter V-6 under the hood has gained which can be separately lifted from the hatch, RATINGS
six horsepower and 13 lb-ft of torque, while hill-start assist, and humidity control built ENGINEERING ★★★★★
simultaneously improving its mileage by into the A/C system. DESIGN ★★
one mpg in the city, and either one or two So what keeps it from wearing this year’s INTERIOR/FUNCTIONALITY ★★★★
on the highway, depending on the number crown? The complicated dash has drawn PERFORMANCE ★★★
of driven wheels. How? The Honda touch: mixed reactions (one driver finds the high- ON-ROAD REFINEMENT ★★★★
Among other tweaks, its cylinder-deactivation mounted shifter position problematic, others OFF-ROAD ABILITY ★★★★★
protocol has added a four-cylinder mode to don’t), and the Tonka-toy grille has been VALUE ★★★★
its previous three-cylinder option. lambasted. However, its biggest obstacle BOTTOM LINE
And that better mileage is despite a bigger is simply being pretty good in a field that’s A BETTER PILOT (GRILLE EXCEPTED), BUT HONDA NEEDS A
footprint on the road; it’s 2.9 inches longer universally pretty good. ■ kim reynolds LINDBERGH TO HANDLE THIS TURBULENT SUV ENVIRONMENT.

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2009 contender WE LIKE: Sport-sedan moves, posh
cabin, Around View Monitor.
WE DON’T LIKE: Snug back seat, lack
infiniti ex of cargo capacity,
minimal ground clearance.
BLURRING THE LINE BETWEEN CAR AND CROSSOVER

“FEELS like a tallish sport coupe,” says 2009 INFINITI EX35
editor at large Arthur St. Antoine. Technical
director Frank Markus agrees, at least that BASE PRICE RANGE $32,765-$37,915
the EX seems little like an SUV, claiming, PRICE AS TESTED $46,265 (AWD Journey)
“It’s a sport wagon in my book,” while VEHICLE LAYOUT Front engine, AWD, 5-pass,
executive editor Matt Stone concludes, 4-door SUV
“It’s not a car and it’s not an SUV—it might ENGINE 3.5L/297-hp/253-lb-ft DOHC
best be thought of as a G35 wagon with 24-valve V-6
a high center of gravity.” Suffice it to say, TRANSMISSION 5-speed automatic
the EX proved the most carlike entry in CURB WEIGHT (F/R DIST) 4032 lb (54/46%)
this year’s field and, subsequently, the most In a straight line, the EX’s appeal does not WHEELBASE 110.2 in
difficult to classify. Apparently, Infiniti faced diminish—its 0-to-60 time (6.5 seconds) LENGTH x WIDTH x HEIGHT 182.3 x 71.0 x 61.9 in
similar predicaments when categorizing its and quarter mile (14.9 at 94.5 mph) were 0-60 MPH 6.5 sec
G sedan-based sport/utility, opting for the quicker than those of the Volkswagen Passat QUARTER MILE 14.9 sec @ 94.5 mph
comparably catchy and appropriate title of 2.0T and the Acura TSX. BRAKING, 60-0 MPH 123 ft
“coupe-inspired luxury crossover.” The EX’s biggest upside—that it’s as sporty LATERAL ACCELERATION 0.81 g (avg)
While Infiniti’s label for the EX is rather as a decathlete—is also its largest downside, MT FIGURE EIGHT 27.6 sec @ 0.63 g (avg)
oxymoronic, the vehicle’s dynamics parlay a magnifying the fact that it conspicuously EPA CITY/HWY FUEL ECON 16/23 mpg
much clearer message: The EX is a marvel lacks utility. Among the other two-row SUVs MT OBSERVED FUEL ECON 15.8 mpg
to guide down a curvy road, delivering the in this year’s collection, the EX has the least CO 2 EMISSIONS 1.05 lb/mile
most driver-focused experience of the group. ground clearance (5.7 inches) and backseat RATINGS
“The X6 probably generates more ultimate legroom (28.5 inches) as well as the smallest ENGINEERING ★★★★
grip,” says Markus,“but this one’s low-to-the- cargo hold (18.6 cubic feet). Compared DESIGN ★★★★
ground stance and way tidier dimensions with the similarly sized Subaru Forester, the INTERIOR/FUNCTIONALITY ★★
suit the task of twisty road driving much EX is down 4.2 inches in ground clearance, PERFORMANCE ★★★★★
better.” Detroit editor Lassa concurs, noting, nearly 10 inches in rear legroom, and over ON-ROAD REFINEMENT ★★★★★
“The EX is more fun to drive than most SUVs/ 12 cubic feet in cargo volume. Alas, minus OFF-ROAD ABILITY ★
CUVs, with light, precise steering,” which, as real utility, it’s nearly impossible to become VALUE ★★★
Markus states,“was the only one that actually Sport/Utility of the Year. If only we had an BOTTOM LINE
gave me some communication regarding the award for Sport/Crossover/Wagon/Coupe TWO PARTS SPORT AND ONE PART UTILITY, THE EX IS A
amount of cornering the car was generating.” of theYear. ■ ron kiino DRIVER’S DELIGHT AND A FAMILY’S DISPLEASURE.

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Inc. ©2008 XM Satellite Radio Inc. All rights reserved.

2009 contender WE LIKE: Monster power and grip,
seven-speed paddles, four-sided camera.
WE DON’T LIKE: Swoopy body styling,
infiniti fx lane-departure warning,
stiff suspension.
ABOUT AS THIN AS YOU CAN SLICE A NICHE

AS IF TO emphasize that the SUV and 2009 INFINITI FX
crossover market is slicing itself much too
thin right before our eyes, we have three BASE PRICE $41,815-$57,565
specialized competitors for this year’s PRICE AS TESTED $65,065 (FX50 AWD)
competition. VEHICLE LAYOUT Front engine, AWD, 5-pass,
They include the all-new BMW 4-door SUV
X6, the all-new Infiniti EX35, and the ENGINE 5.0L/390-hp/369-lb-ft DOHC
second-generation Infiniti FX50, the last of 32-valve V-8
which has the impressive honor of being the TRANSMISSION 7-speed auto
fastest SUOTY player we’ve ever tested. Can CURB WEIGHT (F/R DIST) 4670 lb (53/47%)
you say 0-to-60 in 5.4 seconds? a headache (we especially hate the Lane WHEELBASE 113.6 in
Although the bottle-nose-dolphin “good” Departure Beep, Beep, Beep). Additionally, LENGTH x WIDTH x HEIGHT 191.3 x 75.9 x 66.1 in
looks have just about everyone on staff even when cruising around town, the throttle 0-60 MPH 5.4 sec
scratching his head, not a single driver is touchy and jumpy, almost fighting with the QUARTER MILE 13.9 sec @ 100.7 mph
has complained about the 390-horsepower engine and all-wheel-drive system. BRAKING, 60-0 MPH 127 ft
DOHC V-8. Unfortunately, and maybe not too As you might expect, the FX is not LATERAL ACCELERATION 0.86 g (avg)
surprisingly given how most of us drive, it’s designed for dirt-road driving, let alone a MT FIGURE EIGHT 26.7 sec @ 0.66 g (avg)
also gotten one of the worst fuel-economy challenging trail. But we can overlook that EPA CITY/HWY FUEL ECON 14/20 mpg
numbers on our test route, just nipping knowing the engineers didn’t intend the MT OBSERVED FUEL ECON 12.9 mpg
ahead of the much heavier Toyota Sequoia FX to be a rock-crawler. However, there are CO2 EMISSIONS 1.20 lb/mile
and Chevy Traverse, but falling a tick behind just too many other uncoordinated pieces RATINGS
the (also much heavier) BMW X6 and Lexus of design and technology working against ENGINEERING ★★
LX 570. each other to make it a strong player with DESIGN ★★
In some ways, the FX is a study in opposites: our judges. INTERIOR/FUNCTIONALITY ★★★★
It has a crossover shape, but not much room In the end, there have been too many PERFORMANCE ★★★
inside. It wants to compete with Porsche and missed targets to ignore. But there is a silver ON-ROAD REFINEMENT ★★★
BMW, but its ride and handling are punishing, lining. The FX may just be the best argu- OFF-ROAD ABILITY ★
with its suspension tuned much too stiffly. ment for buyers to look at the smaller, much VALUE ★★
And while it wants to be a driver’s choice less-expensive, and more capable and fun- BOTTOM LINE
in the segment, it has so many electronics to-drive EX35. BUILT FOR SPEED—BUT TOO MUCH UP FRONT AND NOT
that it will give anyone who enjoys driving ■ mark williams ENOUGH BACKSIDE. AND BE READY FOR A ROUGH RIDE.

“WHEN YOU PEAK, YOU WIN.”
Danica Patrick
IndyCar® Series Driver
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2009 contender WE LIKE: Interior appointments, nice
engine, quiet cabin, true utility.
WE DON’T LIKE: Suspension feel
kia borrego when the going gets rough,
lacks some essential features.
NICE VEHICLE, BAD TIMING

KIA EXECS have got to be beyond 2009 KIA BORREGO
tired of seeing the phrase above pop up
whenever the discussion turns to the Borrego, BASE PRICE RANGE $26,995-$33,745
the Korean automaker’s stout, all-new midsize PRICE AS TESTED $39,295 (EX V-8 4WD)
SUV (sorry, Kia, had to go there again). VEHICLE LAYOUT Front engine, 4WD, 7-pass,
Despite a market that’s run screaming from 4-door SUV
traditional truck-based SUVs, Kia remains ENGINE 4.6L/337-hp/323-lb-ft DOHC
confident its first seven-passenger SUV will 32-valve V-8
be a sales success. After hustling it around TRANSMISSION 6-speed automatic
our test loops, we’re pretty sure the Borrego CURB WEIGHT (F/R DIST) 4872 lb (54/46%)
will more than hold its own. should help snuff out any lingering cracks WHEELBASE 114.0 in
Not some sissy car-based crossover, the about Kia’s quality. Praise continues for the LENGTH x WIDTH x HEIGHT 192.1 x 75.4 x 71.3 in
Borrego is a brawny, body-on-frame lad Borrego’s sheetmetal, with a prominent 0-60 MPH 7.2 sec
capable of towing up to 7500 pounds with grille and traditional SUV looks that aren’t QUARTER MILE 15.5 sec @ 90.5 mph
the optional 337-horse, 4.6-liter V-8 (the breaking any rules, but not breaking any BRAKING, 60-0 MPH 130 ft
base 3.8-liter V-6 pulls up to 5000 pounds). mirrors, either. LATERAL ACCELERATION 0.77 g (avg)
We have the loaded-up, 4WD V-8 mated So why no Calipers for the Borrego? For MT FIGURE EIGHT 28.9 sec @ 0.57 g (avg)
to a smooth-shifting, six-speed automatic one, the stiff suspension tends to get out of EPA CITY/HWY FUEL ECON 15/20 mpg
with a manual mode. It’s a solid freeway sorts, especially over rough pavement and MT OBSERVED FUEL ECON 13.6 mpg
cruiser, with more than enough power for during the off-road portion of our test loop. C0 2 EMISSIONS 1.15 lb/mi
any pavement-pounding situation. Steering Our tester also has an annoying rattle in RATINGS
feel is nicely-weighted and direct, and the the back we’ve been unable to diagnose ENGINEERING ★★★
brakes are strong, stopping the 4872-pound (although to be fair, other Borregos we’ve DESIGN ★★★★
vehicle in 130 feet from 60 to 0 mph. driven didn’t exhibit that noise). It lacks a INTERIOR/FUNCTIONALITY ★★★★★
The Borrego’s well-executed center power rear lift-gate, the backup camera is PERFORMANCE ★★★★
console features a smartly designed nav only available only on the top trim level, and ON-ROAD REFINEMENT ★★★
system, along with plenty of standard and the V-8 4WD is thirsty, delivering only 13.6 OFF-ROAD ABILITY ★★★★
available entertainment options.We haven’t mpg during our testing. But, overall, a nice VALUE ★★★★
heard a lot of noise in the leather-trimmed piece at a typically competitive price. We BOTTOM LINE
cabin at freeway speeds, and its fit-and- hope for Kia’s sake the market will rebound A SOLID, IF NOT LANDMARK, ENTRY INTO THE CROSSOVER
finish appear first-rate. It’s an interior that and notice. ■ michael floyd SEGMENT THAT GETS THE JOB DONE.

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2009 contender WE LIKE: Top-notch quality, smooth ride,
amazing off-road ability.
WE DON’T LIKE: Astronomical
lexus lx 570 price, gas-guzzling nature, awkward
third-row seats.
MOUNTAIN GOAT IN AN ARMANI

SINCE LAST year’s contest, a lot 2008 LEXUS LX 570
has changed with regard to the SUV market.
Most manufacturers are going for the smaller, BASE PRICE RANGE $76,530
more fuel-efficient, and in some cases car- PRICE AS TESTED $83,710
based vehicles, the 2009 Lexus LX 570 is VEHICLE LAYOUT Front engine, 4WD, 8-pass,
none of those, and it’s damn proud of it. 4-door SUV
This Lexus is an amazing luxury/utility ENGINE 5.7L/383-hp/403-lb-ft
vehicle, capable of a dash to 60 mph in 6.5 DOHC 32-valve V-8
seconds, while the quarter mile disappears TRANSMISSION 6-speed automatic
in under 15 seconds at over 90 mph, and all CURB WEIGHT (F/R DIST) 6164 lb (51/49%)
this by a behemoth that weighs over 6000 stuck back there. Also, the seats don’t fold WHEELBASE 112.2 in
pounds. flat; they fold up and hang in the air. Our LENGTH x WIDTH x HEIGHT 196.5 x 77.6 x 73.4 in
Oh, did we mention the Lexus can also tester developed a nasty rattle with the third 0-60 MPH 6.5 sec
off-road with the best of them? Hillclimbs, row up, and this storage style compromises QUARTER MILE 14.8 sec @ 92.5 mph
rock crawling, sand washes—nothing slows cargo room as well. BRAKING, 60-0 MPH 133 ft
this machine down. During our on-road drive loop, some LATERAL ACCELERATION 0.73 g (avg)
Such off-road ability is due to features staffers have found the LX 570’s adjustable MT FIGURE EIGHT 29.3 sec @ 0.56 g (avg)
like Crawl Control, a three-speed downhill suspension a nice addition, but haven’t seen EPA CITY/HWY FUEL ECON 12/18 mpg
assist that also works going uphill, and Active much difference between the two settings. MT OBSERVED FUEL ECON 13.2 mpg
Height Control, which adjusts the vehicle to Others have judged the ride quality not up CO 2 EMISSIONS 1.37 lb/mile
three inches above or just over two inches to the standards they’ve set for a vehicle RATINGS
below its normal ride height. from Lexus. ENGINEERING ★★★★
Since this is still a Lexus, the interior lives The off-road section has proved no DESIGN ★★★
up to what the rest of the vehicle delivers. match for this road beast, while a few other INTERIOR/FUNCTIONALITY ★★★
Senior editor Ron Kiino says,“The Lexus LX competitors have had a bit of a struggle. PERFORMANCE ★★★
570 has an ultra-luxurious interior: The wood, In the end, its sheer size, astronomical ON-ROAD REFINEMENT ★★★★
leather, and plastics are all elegant and first- price, and heavy fuel consumption prevented OFF-ROAD ABILITY ★★★★★
rate; the fit and finish is impeccable.” the large Lexus LX 570 from being our 2009 VALUE ★★
One issue many judges have had is with SUOTY winner. Guess size really does BOTTOM LINE
the third-row seats, which are too tight, matter. LUXURIOUS WITH AN INTERIOR FIT FOR A KING.
definitely a penalty box for the three folks ■ scott mortara UNFORTUNATELY, YOU’LL PAY A KING’S RANSOM TO OWN IT.

World’s Most Valuable
Timepiece Disappears
B
ack in 1933, the single most important are assembled entirely by hand and then tested price. Many fine 27-jewel
watch ever built was engineered for a for over 15 days on Swiss calibrators to ensure automatics that are on the
quiet millionaire collector named Henry accuracy. The watches are then reinspected in market today are usually priced
Graves. It took over three years and the most the United States upon their arrival. well over $2,000 dollars, but
advanced horological technique to create the What makes rare watches rare? you can enter the rarified world The face of the
multifunction masterpiece. This one-of-a-kind of fine watch collecting for original 1930 s
Business Week states it best…“It’s the complica-
watch was to become the most coveted piece under $100. You can now wear Graves timepiece
tions that can have the biggest impact on price.” from the
in the collection of the Museum of Time near a millionaire’s watch but still
(Business Week, July, 2003). The four interior Museum of Time.
Chicago. Recently this ultra-rare innovation keep your millions in your vest
complications on our Graves™ watch display
was auctioned off for the record price of pocket. Try the handsome Graves ‘33 timepiece
the month, day, date and the 24 hour clock
$11,030,000 by Sotheby’s to a secretive risk free for 30 days. If you are not thrilled with
graphically depicts the sun and the moon. The
anonymous collector. Now the watch is locked the quality and rare design, please send it back
innovative engine for this timepiece is powered
away in a private vault in an unknown location. for a full refund of the purchase price.
by the movement of the body as the automatic
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2009 contender WE LIKE: Beautifully trimmed and roomy
interior, smooth V-6, pleasing
chassis dynamics.
nissan murano WE DON’T LIKE: Sport-sapping CVT,
bouncy off-road ride, peculiar styling.
RESIDES BETWEEN “LACKADAISICAL” AND “LACKLUSTER”

IF EVERYONE in the Ice-Cream 2009 NISSAN MURANO
Shoppe is ordering Fudge Peanut Ripple
Marshmallow Mango Royale and you’re BASE PRICE RANGE $27,650-$37,230
ordering Vanilla, that new Murano parked PRICE AS TESTED $34,990 (SL)
outside probably belongs to you. VEHICLE LAYOUT Front engine, FWD, 5-pass,
Since making its debut as a 2003 model, 4-door SUV
Nissan’s sporty, midsize crossover has sold ENGINE 3.5L/265-hp/248-lb-ft DOHC
well—even into old age. The 2006 edition 24-valve V-6
nudged out three rivals (Ford Edge, Toyota TRANSMISSION Continuously variable auto
Highlander, and Hyundai Santa Fe) for top CURB WEIGHT (F/R DIST) 4028 lb (58/42%)
spot in an MT comparo. Now comes a brand- Lassa concludes.“Nissan got conservative WHEELBASE 111.2 in
new 2009 version—and it’s as if someone and tried too hard with the grille.” LENGTH x WIDTH x HEIGHT 188.5 x 74.1 x 67.0 in
packed Vanilla into a Mango Royale box. The cabin, in contrast, draws raves. 0-60 MPH 7.2 sec
“Nissan’s VQ six continues to impress,” Among the comments: “Impressive back QUARTER MILE 15.5 sec @ 92.7 mph
writes Kiino.“Delightfully light compared with seat with good legroom.” “Nice, simple BRAKING, 60-0 MPH 131 ft
the LX 570 and the Borrego,” logs Markus, layout.” “Interior has gone way upmarket, LATERAL ACCELERATION 0.74 g (avg)
adding, “Astute suspension makes for a with a richer look plus better materials and MT FIGURE EIGHT 29.2 sec @ 0.57 g (avg)
comfier ride.” Notes Lassa: “Does nothing textures.” “Good enough to give pause to EPA CITY/HWY FUEL ECON 18/23 mpg
to overly impress, upset, or offend.” prospective Infiniti FX35 buyers.” MT OBSERVED FUEL ECON 17.3 mpg
Diminishing the Murano’s appeal is its Though the Murano is available with all- C0 2 EMISSIONS 0.97 lb/mi
standard CVT. “A good transmission for wheel drive, our SL tester is front-drive—on RATINGS
those who don’t care about cars,” writes Loh. our steep off-road climb, reaching the top ENGINEERING ★★★
“Uninvolving dynamics punctured by the usually requires a good run-up.Yet even DESIGN ★★★
whiny CVT,” comments Lassa. The Murano without AWD (or navigation), the Murano INTERIOR/FUNCTIONALITY ★★★★
sabotages its sporty-vehicle pretensions carries a steep $35K sticker. PERFORMANCE ★★★
with the CVT’s unusual power flow. Though the Murano’s looks suggest ON-ROAD REFINEMENT ★★★
Exterior styling takes hits. “Polarizing,” “wacky and out-there,” in fact it’s a mild OFF-ROAD ABILITY ★★
is how Kiino describes the nose. “Funky, and unassuming machine, a fine everyman’s VALUE ★★
futuristic shape that I don’t really get,” adds crossover. But you don’t get to wear a cape BOTTOM LINE
Loh.“Would be more significant, despite its when you’re playing Everyman. DON’T ASK FOR TOO MUCH, AND YOU GET IT.
average dynamics, if the styling were fresher,” ■ arthur st. antoine

2009 contender WE LIKE: Quiet comfort and
prodigious poke.
WE DON’T LIKE: No automatic
toyota sequoia 4WD mode, busy
overwrought dash.
AS RIGHT FOR OUR TIMES AS A TREBUCHET

TOYOTA HAS FINALLY nailed 2009 TOYOTA SEQUIOA
this full-size-truck thing, just as the potential
buyers are craigslisting their Cigarette boats, BASE PRICE RANGE $34,895-$56,345
Boston Whalers, and Airstream campers. PRICE AS TESTED $59,115 (Platinum 4WD)
Surging gas-prices mean fewer folks can VEHICLE LAYOUT Front engine, 4WD, 7-pass,
afford to fuel these toys, much less drag 4-door SUV
them around behind three-ton, mountain- ENGINE 5.7L/381-hp/401-lb-ft DOHC
climbing, isolation-tanks that can run the 32-valve V-8
60-mph dash in 6.7 seconds. Complicating TRANSMISSION 6-speed automatic
things is the fact that the company dares not CURB WEIGHT (F/R DIST) 6134 lb (51/49%)
advertise this mega-guzzler much for fear third-row seats, an air-assist suspension, and WHEELBASE 122.0 in
of eroding its moral hybrid high ground. So electronic shocks.These assets plus superior LENGTH x WIDTH x HEIGHT 205.1 x 79.9 x 74.6 in
the Sequoia’s “Significance” score suffers in track performance helped Sequoia win an 0-60 MPH 6.7 sec
today’s automotive climate. April comparison against the Tahoe, Expedition, QUARTER MILE 15.2 sec @ 91.7 mph
You may wonder about its “Value” score, too, and Nissan Armada. And in our trials for this BRAKING, 60-0 MPH 135 ft
given the eye-watering $59K price of our all- exercise, the big Toyota acquits itself reasonably LATERAL ACCELERATION 0.72 g (avg)
singing,all-dancing Platinum edition.Show some well, demonstrating terrific capability off road, MT FIGURE EIGHT 29.3 sec @ 0.56 g (avg)
restraint on the order sheet and a reasonable and providing better ride comfort than the EPA CITY/HWY FUEL ECON 13/18 mpg (est)
$39,245 buys equal or better functionality in Lexus on rough pavement with reasonable MT OBSERVED FUEL ECON 12.8 mpg
an SR5 with the same brawny 5.7-liter V-8/ body-motion control in the twisties, though CO 2 EMISSIONS 1.31 lb/mile
six-speed automatic combo, a 9600-pound many criticized its too-light steering. RATINGS
tow rating (10,000 with RWD), and the same St. Antoine describes driving this leather- ENGINEERING ★★★★
multimode 4WD system with locking center lined, hot-rod heavy-hauler as “a decidedly DESIGN ★★★★
differential and advanced traction control. guilty pleasure,” but notes that even among INTERIOR/FUNCTIONALITY ★★★★
Introduced in mid-2008, the Tundra-based these mastodons it may no longer be king PERFORMANCE ★★★★★
Sequoia is sized to fit between the long of the hill.The Tahoe’s dash is better looking ON-ROAD REFINEMENT ★★★★
and short full-size ’utes from Chevy and and more ergonomic, and for 2009 it’s nicer to OFF-ROAD ABILITY ★★★★★
Ford. It boasts savvy packaging for up to drive, with more power, a six-speed automatic, VALUE ★★★
eight, a choice of two smooth powerful V-8s, and of course, a hybrid model that can still tow BOTTOM LINE
four-wheel independent suspension, and 6200 pounds. And that’s a full-size SUV that A TERRIFIC CHOICE FOR THOSE HAULING KING-SIZE FAMILIES,
tempting extras like power-folding 60/40 split can be advertised. ■ frank markus LOADS, OR TRAILERS.

©2008 Chevron Products Company, San Ramon, CA. All rights reserved. TECHRON, TEXACO and the STAR T Logo are registered trademarks of Chevron Intellectual Property LLC.
MOTOR TREND® is a registered trademark of SOURCE INTERLINK MAGAZINES, LLC ©2008. All Rights Reserved.

2009 contender WE LIKE: Peppy powertrain,
multifunctional interior,
gas mileage.
volkswagen tiguan WE DON’T LIKE: Sticker shock, torque
steer, spooky behavior at the limit.
AS FUN AS IT IS CUTE
VOLKSWAGEN affectionately 2009 VOLKSWAGEN TIGUAN
refers to the Tiguan as “the GTI of compact
SUVs.” Given that VW’s cuddly crossover BASE PRICE RANGE $23,890-$33,630
shares myriad parts—notably, the 2.0-liter PRICE AS TESTED $31,255 (SE)
turbo four-cylinder—with the company’s VEHICLE LAYOUT Front engine, FWD, 5-pass,
pocket-rocket, that statement isn’t far-fetched. 4-door SUV
After extensive on- and off-road driving in a ENGINE 2.0L/200-hp/207-lb-ft
Tiguan SE—Volkswagen provided a midlevel turbocharged DOHC 16-valve I-4
front-driver rather than one with 4Motion TRANSMISSION 6-speed automatic
all-wheel drive, which is available on SE CURB WEIGHT (F/R DIST) 3556 lb (58/42%)
and SEL trims—we can confirm that VW’s even among front-drivers) but also displays WHEELBASE 102.5 in
assertion is more truth than hyperbole. unnerving torque steer. As Detroit editor LENGTH x WIDTH x HEIGHT 174.3 x 71.2 x 66.3 in
“Really superb chassis,” says editor at Lassa puts it,“With FWD, the Tiguan is built 0-60 MPH 7.5 sec
large St. Antoine, adding,“The front end bites more for slowly building up to speed, not QUARTER MILE 15.7 sec @ 88.9 mph
hard and delivers really good steering feel.” for full-throttle launches.” BRAKING, 60-0 MPH 134 ft
Technical director Markus echoes those Assuming an enthusiast can live with some LATERAL ACCELERATION 0.78 g (avg)
thoughts: “I love the way this one steers— wheel tug, the Tiguan’s six-speed manual— MT FIGURE EIGHT 28.3 sec @ 0.59 g (avg)
quicker ratio than most, very light and lithe, available only on the base $23,890 front-drive EPA CITY/HWY FUEL ECON 18/24 mpg
and predictable turn-in with minimal drama.” S—is the transmission of choice. Not that we MT OBSERVED FUEL ECON 17.3 mpg
The SE also proved satisfyingly quick at the mind our tester’s Aisin six-speed automatic, CO 2 EMISSIONS 0.96 lb/mile
track, scooting from 0 to 60 in 7.5 seconds and of course, which provides seamless shifts RATINGS
the quarter mile in 15.7 at 88.9 mph. in its sport and manual modes. We also ENGINEERING ★★★
When pushing the envelope near don’t mind the Tiguan’s rich, roomy, and DESIGN ★★★★
10/10ths, however, the Tiguan becomes cubby-loaded interior. Still, at over $31,000 INTERIOR/FUNCTIONALITY ★★★★★
more frightening than fun. “At speed, the for a well-equipped front-drive cute ’ute PERFORMANCE ★★★
Tiguan gets floaty,” says senior editor Ed with a cloth interior—about the same as ON-ROAD REFINEMENT ★★★★
Loh, who also notes,“Under hard braking in similarly equipped competitors with AWD OFF-ROAD ABILITY ★★
a straight line, it pulls right then left—scary if and leather—the Tiguan SE failed to score VALUE ★★★★
the wheel is even slightly turned.” Our front- high on the value card, a deficit that most BOTTOM LINE
drive tester not only struggles to overcome likely cost it a chance at the Calipers. LIKE AN OVERSIZED GTI WITH A BIG INTERIOR AND A BIG
a steep, uphill section off-road (the only one, ■ ron kiino PRICE TAG.

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winner: subaru forester

SOARING FUEL PRICES AND A FIZZLING
ECONOMY HAVE MADE IT A JUNGLE OUT
THERE, BUT THIS YEAR’S WINNER IS EASY
TO SEE FOR THE TREES
● words edward loh
● photographs julia lapalme

2
IT WOULD be easy to say that this posted the best observed fuel-economy when Kia serves notice to the entire category
year’s winner is a knee-jerk reaction, that numbers (16.0 mpg) for an all-wheel-drive with its own body-on-frame,V-8-powered
the editors of Motor Trend responded to the SUV in this year’s competition, but that’s not Borrego, and Infiniti conjures up seven-speed
skyrocketing cost of gasoline like the rest of the whole story. transmissions and jaw-dropping bird’s-eye-
the driving public by abruptly abandoning So how does a small, quirky, former view monitoring systems?
the traditional SUV formula for something airplane manufacturer from the Gunma Just how does the Subaru Forester do it?
smaller, more fuel-efficient, greener, more, prefecture of Japan finish first among surprise Let’s start with the humble powertrain. On
well, forest-y. It would be easy to categorize offerings from established players and bold paper, it’s nothing new or particularly special;
our selection of the Subaru Forester as Motor moves by newcomers? How does it beat a all Forester models receive a version of the
Trend’s 2009 Sport/Utility of the Year as chest-thumping, head-turning macho mobile 2.5-liter horizontally opposed four-cylinder
a choice made solely at the pump, but it known as the BMW X6? How, when Ford found in the Impreza sedan. Transmission
wouldn’t be true. wraps stylish sheetmetal around a Gulfstream options are even less stunning: a carried-over
Sure, our Subaru Forester 2.5XT contender V interior and calls it Flex? How can it win, five-speed manual or four-speed automatic
for entry-level 2.5X models; auto only if you
opt for the turbocharged 2.5XT variant.
At the track, that four-speed, 224-horse-
power Forester 2.5XT zips to 60 mph in 7.2
seconds and to the quarter mile in just 15.5.
Not as impressive as the 6.6 and 15.1-second
runs a similarly equipped Forester 2.5XT
managed in our previous comparison
(“Turbo Chargers,” September 2008), but
still as fast or faster than all but the BMW
X6, Lexus LX 570,Toyota Sequioa, and Infiniti
FX and EX. It’s not just fast, but fuel friendly,
too. In that comparison, the Forester 2.5XT
logged the best observed and EPA-certified
city/highway fuel economy (19.6 mpg, 19/24
mpg) against the turbo fours and six-speeds
of Mazda CX-7 and VW Tiguan.
Says St. Antoine,“I’m amazed at how well

2
the powertrain works with only a four-speed. returns even better EPA fuel economy (20/26 measure. While classmates like the VW
The turbo four is torquey enough not to feel mpg), and is classified as a partial-zero- Tiguan manage only 56.1/23.8 cubic feet
like it needs more ratios, and at cruising emissions vehicle. Not only is the Forester of cargo space behind the front/rear seats,
speed it’s not revving overly hard.” class dominant, it’s as green as a you-know- the Forester yields a whopping 63.0/30.8.
The naturally aspirated Forester is no what. Similar spatial advantages are seen in
slouch, either. Rated at 170 for power and More feats of engineering competence the commodious driver and passenger
torque, the 2.5X takes regular unleaded, were revealed when we broke out the tape compartments; in our other small-CUV
comparison test (“The Frugal Five,” June
2008), the Forester provided the most front/
STUMP PULLER: A NEW BOXER DIESEL rear headroom and front legroom in a field
that included the Honda CR-V, Nissan Rogue,
Saturn Vue, and Toyota RAV4.
Still not impressed? Then factor in the
one metric that puts the S in SUV: ground
clearance.With an undercarriage 8.9 inches
(8.7 for Forester 2.5X) above ground, the
Forester 2.5XT not only beats every one
of the CUVs in the two aforementioned
comparisons, it equals or betters fellow
SUV of the Year contenders Honda Pilot
IN ADDITION to the Forester’s two gasoline-fueled powerplants, by (8.0), Kia Borrego (8.5), and Lexus LX 570
2010, U.S. models may also sport a new boxer diesel recently released in the (8.9). Consider those mere soft-roaders?
European market. The world’s first production boxer diesel, the turbocharged, Both Foresters beat or equal the Land Rover
DOHC, 2.0-liter four makes 145 horses at 3600 rpm but a mighty 258 pound- LR2 (8.3), Toyota FJ Cruiser 4x2 (8.7), and
feet of torque at 1800 rpm. Standard and only transmission is a six-speed Ford Expedition 4x4 (8.7). Inside and out,
manual newly developed for the diesel (Subaru doesn’t have an auto able to off-road and on, this little Subaru is truly an
handle the diesel’s torque and says developing a new tranny is unlikely). The impressive feat of packaging.
Forester 2.0D’s estimated EPA city/highway fuel efficiency checks in at an Despite high clearances, the Forester
amazing 34/41 mpg. Towing capacity climbs to a lofty 4400 pounds. Price: doesn’t drive particularly tall. In fact, in a
about $2800 more than the turbo gas four. Want to see the Forester 2.0D field that includes two bona-fide hot-rods
stateside? Send Subaru your thumbs-up now. ■ arthur st. antoine (BMW X6, Infiniti FX) and, let’s face it, a car
(Infiniti EX35), the Subaru produced more

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2
than its fair share of grins on our real-world/
off-road loop.
Says Lassa,“It’s as much fun as the EX35
with better mileage.The Infiniti seems more
planted, but the Subie is light on its feet.”
“Ride quality is remarkably nice on Alisos
Canyon Road, and it’s way big dirty fun on
the rally stage,” notes Markus.
Truck Trend editor Mark Williams adds,
“A few rough shakes when the tarmac is
broken, but overall it handles more like a
solid crossover.When it gets on dirt, it seems
to encourage you to go faster, almost saying,
‘It’s all right, I’ve got your back. Let’s go.’”
Analysis of these fine driving characteristics
reveals more of the Forester’s comprehensive
and complementary competence. It’s
not enough to simply credit its feathery
3447-pound curb weight (lowest of all
contenders) or new control-arm rear
suspension. We must mention the engine
again and highlight its compact, horizontal
cylinder arrangement, which allows it to sit
low in this high-riding chassis, reducing
the center of gravity. Plus that new rear
suspension not only smooths out the ride,
but its layout also means less cabin intrusion
and all that extra room in the cargo area.
Contrast these harmonious revelations
with the comments about runner-up Ford
Flex—so many positive attributes often
scuttled by negatives. While the Forester
manages to be big on the inside, small on
the outside, the Flex feels only big and bigger.
As for the powertrain, Flex’s Duratec V-6 and
six-speed transmission perform respectably
at the track and pump, but often feel grainy,
harsh, and unrewarding.
Then there’s the value proposition. With
a starting price of $20,660, our Subaru is
the most affordable AWD SUV in this group.
Perhaps not saying much in a field that
includes $65,000 Infiniti and $80,000 Lexus
behemoths, until you look at what’s included.
Naturally, Subaru’s hallmark symmetrical
AWD system is found on all models, but so
are such features as four-wheel disc brakes
with ABS, VDC traction control, three 12-volt
BASE FORESTER
power points, including one in the rear-cargo
2.5X models come with a
area, HVAC filtration, and gas-filled hood
170-horse, 2.5-liter boxer
struts (Toyota and Honda still use cheaper
four-cylinder engine and
prop rods). Fully spec’d models have luxuries
either a five-speed manual
including liquid-filled engine mounts, heated
or four-speed automatic
seats, front windshield-wiper de-icers, a
trans. Turbocharged 2.5XT
touch-screen GPS navigation system, and
comes with 224 horses and
a massive, all-glass moonroof. Yet, with all
only the four-speed auto.
that kit and more, our 2.5XT Limited topped
out at only $31,523.

2009 SUBARU FORESTER 2.5X 2.5XT LIMITED
POWERTRAIN/CHASSIS
DRIVETRAIN LAYOUT Front engine, AWD Front engine, AWD
ENGINE TYPE Flat-4, alum block/heads Turbo flat-4, alum block/heads
VALVETRAIN SOHC, 4 valves/cyl DOHC, 4 valves/cyl
DISPLACEMENT 149.9 cu in/2457 cc 149.9 cu in/2457 cc
COMPRESSION RATIO 10.1:1 8.4:1
POWER (SAE NET) 170 hp @ 6000 rpm 224 hp @ 5200 rpm
TORQUE (SAE NET) 170 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm 226 lb-ft @ 2800 rpm
WEIGHT TO POWER 19.5 lb/hp 15.3 lb/hp
TRANSMISSION 4-speed auto 4-speed auto
AXLE/FINAL/LOW RATIOS 4.44:1/3.08:1/-- 4.44:1/3.08:1/--
Of course, it isn’t perfect. No SUV is, not SUSPENSION, FRONT; REAR Struts, coil springs, anti-roll Struts, coil springs, anti-roll
bar; control arms, coil springs, bar; control arms, coil springs,
even the one that wins Sport/Utility of theYear. anti-roll bar anti-roll bar
For starters, if you’re interested in moving
more than five people or 2400 pounds of STEERING RATIO 16.5:1 16.5:1
TURNS LOCK-TO-LOCK 3.2 3.2
towable gear, the Forester must be chopped
BRAKES, F;R 11.7-in vented disc; 11.7-in vented disc;
from your list. 11.3-in disc, ABS 11.3-in disc, ABS
Some judges also dinged the Subaru
WHEELS, F;R 7.0 x 17 in, cast aluminum 7.0 x 17 in, cast aluminum
for its “parts-bin interior” and lack of style.
TIRES, F;R 225/55R17 95H M+S, 225/55R17 95H M+S,
Others pegged this simplicity as back-to- Yokohama Geolander G95 Yokohama Geolander G95
basics goodness. “After some of the other
DIMENSIONS
complex, flight-deck instrument panels (like
WHEELBASE 103.0 in 103.0 in
the aptly named Pilot’s), the Subaru’s simple 60.2/60.2 in 60.2/60.2 in
TRACK, F/R
and easy-to-use controls are a welcome LENGTH x WIDTH x HEIGHT 179.5 x 70.1 x 66.9 in 179.5 x 70.1 x 66.9 in
break. VW easily trumps the Subaru for GROUND CLEARANCE 8.7 in 8.9 in
visual pizzazz, though the Forester works APPRCH/DEPART ANGLE 24.8/24.8 deg 24.8/24.8 deg
better,” comments St. Antoine. In other words, TURNING CIRCLE 34.4 ft 34.4 ft
quiet, comprehensive competence. CURB WEIGHT 3308 lb 3447 lb
No, our selection of the Subaru Forester WEIGHT DIST, F/R 55/45% 56/44%
as Motor Trend’s 2009 Sport/Utility of the TOWING CAPACITY 2400 lb 2400 lb
SEATING CAPACITY 5 5
Year is not a reaction to prices at the pump,
HEADROOM, F/R 41.6/40.4 40.0/37.7 in
but a renewed appreciation for the value of
LEGROOM, F/R 43.1/38.0 in 43.1/38.0 in
the dollar and a thoughtfully designed, well- 56.1/55.6 in 56.1/55.6 in
SHOULDER ROOM, F/R
executed vehicle. At a time when our nation CARGO VOL BEHIND, F/R 68.3/33.5 cu ft 63.0/30.8 cu ft
is paying the piper for poor investments and TEST DATA
past excesses, the Forester brings to mind ACCELERATION TO MPH
many of the humble values that made this 0-30 3.1 sec 2.2 sec
country great: thrift, resourcefulness, doing 0-40 4.9 3.5
more with less. 0-50 7.4 5.3
St. Antoine sums it up best,“It takes only 0-60 9.9 7.2
0-70 13.1 9.4
a few miles to begin to appreciate the
0-80 17.9 12.6
Forester’s many virtues. It does everything
0-90 N/A 16.3
most SUV buyers need—with more off- PASSING, 45-65 MPH 5.1 sec 3.8 sec
road capability than they’ll likely use—yet QUARTER MILE 17.4 sec @ 78.9 mph 15.5 sec @ 88.2 mph
remains friendly and carlike in its character. BRAKING, 60-0 MPH 129 ft 131 ft
In many ways, the Forester represents the LATERAL ACCELERATION 0.78 g (avg) 0.78 g (avg)
new SUV paradigm; it’s the right vehicle for MT FIGURE EIGHT 28.8 sec @ 0.56 g (avg) 28.1 sec @ 0.60 g (avg)
the times.” ■ TOP-GEAR REVS @ 60 MPH 2450 rpm 2250 rpm
CONSUMER INFO
BASE PRICE $20,660 $28,860
PRICE AS TESTED $23,140 $31,523
STABILITY/TRACTION CONTROL Yes/yes Yes/yes
AIRBAGS Dual front, front side, f/r Dual front, front side, f/r
curtain curtain
BASIC WARRANTY 3 yrs/36,000 miles 3 yrs/36,000 miles

POWERTRAIN WARRANTY 5 yrs/60,000 miles 5 yrs/60,000 miles
ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE 3 yrs/36,000 miles 3 yrs/36,000 miles
FUEL CAPACITY 16.9 gal 16.9 gal
EPA CITY/HWY ECON 20/26 mpg 19/24 mpg
CO 2 EMISSIONS 0.87 lb/mile 0.93 lb/mile
MT FUEL ECONOMY 20.1 mpg 16.0 mpg
RECOMMENDED FUEL Regular Premium

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(newcomers) suzuki equator
label conscious
BADGE ENGINEERING BRINGS A PICKUP TO SUZUKI’S STABLE
FOR THE entire time side by side in Nissan’s plant in towing and payload capacity as pickups turn to smaller models,
Suzuki has sold ATVs, motorcycles, Smyrna, Tennessee. Both come the Frontier, you can lug up to  Suzuki could benefit. This one
dirt bikes, and outboard motors with a choice of a .-liter four or pounds of adventure gear. provides towing capacity, interior
in the USA, it’d had to watch .-liter V-; five-speed manual We drove the two-wheel-drive room, and off-road capability, all
these toys being towed by other or automatic transmissions (the short-bed V- Crew Cab and with a seven-year/,-mile
manufacturers’ trucks. For , Frontier adds the option of a weren’t surprised to find that the transferable powertrain warranty,
that’s changing, as Suzuki made six-speed manual); two-wheel Equator not only looks like the which is better than that of the
a deal with Nissan for its own drive or four-wheel drive with VDC, Frontier, but drives like it, too. The Frontier.
version of the Frontier. Called the HDC, and Hill Start Assist; short V-’s power delivery is excellent, ■ allyson harwood
Equator, Suzuki hopes to lure sand, or long bed; and extended cab but the engine is somewhat crude
mud, and marine enthusiasts to its or crew cab. Interior and exterior and noisy. The Equator’s rough 2009 SUZUKI EQUATOR
automotive showroom for a truck dimensions are nearly identical, ride could be helped by filling
with its own name brand. but presumably because of the the bed with cargo, but there’s BASE PRICE $23,000-$29,000 (est)
There are few differences different front fascia, the Suzuki nothing that can be done about VEHICLE LAYOUT Front engine,
between the Equator and is about an inch longer overall. its .-foot turning circle—that RWD/4WD, 5-pass,
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Frontier, which are manufactured The Equator provides the same just about guarantees three-
point turns where U-turns would ENGINES 2.5L/152-hp/171-lb-ft
suffice in other trucks. The cabin DOHC 16-valve I-4;
4.0L/261-hp/281-lb-ft
has plenty of room, but the only DOHC 24-valve V-6
noticeable visual difference is the
Suzuki badge in the center of the TRANSMISSION 5-speed automatic
steering wheel. The Equator’s truck CURB WEIGHT 3700-4500 lb (mfr)
bed benefits from Nissan’s Utili- WHEELBASE 125.9-139.9 in
track bedrail system and spray-on LENGTH x WIDTH 206.6-220.1 x 72.8
bedliner. x HEIGHT x 68.7-70.1 in
As a smaller automaker, Suzuki 0-60 MPH 7.7 sec (MT est)
doesn’t need high-volume sales EPA CITY/HIGHWAY 15-19/20-23 mpg
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THERE IS no automotive The TDI makes  horsepower superb DSG six-speed dual- fun to drive in a way that most
silver bullet that saves money, from its .-liter turbocharged clutch automatic. The TDI is one econoboxes and hybrids will never
reduces environmental impact, diesel I-, but delivers an EPA of the quietest diesels you’ll be. This is a rather compelling
and gets us off foreign oil all estimated / mpg with an hear, at idle or up the rev range. bullet, for sure.
in one shot. But Volkswagen automatic, / with the manual. As is typical, there’s an instant ■ matt stone
has chambered a round that The gas Jetta’s five-banger is rated of turbo lag upon takeoff, but
moves the game forward by a at  pound-feet of torque, but once in the fat part of its torque 2009 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA TDI DSG
fair amount. The Jetta TDI “Clean the TDI gurgles out  pound- band, the Jetta steps out smartly.
Diesel” sedan and wagon have feet, from  to  rpm. The The power flattens out as you BASE PRICE $23,740
arrived, featuring cutting-edge Jetta . puts out . pound per near the -rpm redline, but PRICE AS TESTED $24,740
technology, substantially better mile of CO gases. The TDI, by when worked in that magic VEHICLE LAYOUT Front engine, FWD,
mileage than a gasoline engine, virtue of covering more miles per --rpm range, it’s got 5-pass, 4-door sedan
and affordable pricing. gallon burned, emits .-. grunt to spare and will handily ENGINE 2.0L/140-hp/236-lb-ft
The Jetta ., powered by a pound per mile. outrun the gasoline model. The turbodiesel SOHC
16-valve I-4
gas-fueled -horse inline-five- Transmission choices are responsive DSG is a sweetheart.
cylinder, is EPA rated at / mpg. a six-speed manual or VW’s It’s a bargain at $, but we wish TRANSMISSION 6-speed twin-clutch
it had shifter paddles. Otherwise, auto
the M is a good choice, although CURB WEIGHT 3346 lb (61/39%)
the shifter is a bit notchy. WHEELBASE 101.5 in
More numbers: The TDI LENGTH x WIDTH 179.3 x 70.1
costs about $ more than a x HEIGHT x 57.4 in
gas-engine Jetta. But you may ACCEL, 0-60 MPH 8.4 sec
get some of that back from Uncle QUARTER MILE 16.4 sec @ 83.6 mph
Sam in the form of up to $ in BRAKING, 60-0 MPH 125 ft
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Motor Vehicle income tax credits. LATERAL ACCEL 0.82 g
Diesel prices range from - EPA CITY/HWY FUEL 29/40 mpg
per gallon more than regular ECONOMY
unleaded, which takes the gloss CO 2 EMISSIONS 0.67 lb/mile
off of some of the TDI’s mileage ON SALE IN U.S. October 2008
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words thomas voehringer
(long-term test) arrival
BRIAN VANCE
2009
John Cooper Works Clubman
More race, more room, more mini
RACER JOHN COOPER four-cylinder, -Inch alloy wheels, /R
our car
is inextricably linked to Mini. Appending his ContiSportContact  SSR run-flat tires, and
surname to the little beastie created one of the Brembo front disc brakes with .-inch Base price $31,450
most iconic Anglophile sportsters ever. The ventilated rotors and red-painted calipers. Price as tested $32,550
tradition continues with Mini’s latest John Cooper However, Mini thrives on a palette of Vehicle layout Front engine, FWD, 4-pass,
2+1-door wagon
Works (JCW) branded Mini, the Clubman. This personalization and extended upgrade
one joins the Motor Trend stable as our third long- options; thus, our Chili Red Clubman sports Engine 1.6L/208-hp/192-lb-ft
turbocharged DOHC
term Mini—following the -horsepower  $ black hood stripes, a $ multifunction 16-valve I-4
Cooper S and our -horsepower  Cooper steering wheel, $ Rooster Red interior
S—in an ascending progression of power and highlights, and a $ USB/Bluetooth adapter. Transmission 6-speed manual
performance. Yeah, sure, the optional $ sport suspension Curb weight 2768 lb (59/41%)
(dist f/r)
As expected, most of the Clubman’s package, which we opted not to get, would
performance goodies are standard have been icing on the cake for hard-core Wheelbase 100.3 in
equipment: .-liter turbocharged -valve staffers, but retaining an ounce of civility goes Length x width 155.8 x 66.3 x 56.4 in
x height
0-60 mph 5.7 sec

Quarter mile 14.3 sec @ 96.3 mph
Braking, 60-0 mph 109 ft
Lateral acceleration 0.93 g (avg)
MT figure eight 26.5 @ 0.67 g (avg)
EPA city/hwy econ 26/34 mpg
CO2 emissions 0.67 lb/mile
Total mileage 4440
Average test mpg 25.6 mpg
Unresolved problem None
areas

(long-term test) arrival
WILLIAM WALKER 3x
a long way on extended jaunts. The options pound-feet of torque, the tweaked .-liter Brakeforce Controller (EBC) to balance braking
we did select on the list added only $ to offers ample muscle, especially in a vehicle when weight distribution changes.
the $, base price, bringing the total up weighing only  pounds. It’s no surprise, With our JCW, we return to a standard
to $,. then, that with a weight-to-power ratio of . Getrag six-speed manual transmission, a
Choosing the +-door Clubman over pounds per horsepower, the test numbers refreshing, more involving switch after a year
the standard two-door does not indicate a are imposing: -to- in . seconds, the with the six-speed slushbox in our long-
giant leap of practicality, but its lengthened quarter mile in . seconds at . mph, and term  Cooper S. One unaddressed and
wheelbase nets more cargo area and -to- braking in just  feet. For context, unwelcome dynamic of the Mini’s front-drive
enhanced rear-seat accommodations, the our long-term -horse Mitsubishi Evo MR layout, however, is torque steer. The JCW
latter boasting a legroom bump of . inches recorded -to- in ., the quarter mile in . Clubman has it to the max, and we, as will Mini
over the coupe, allowing adults to sit in at ., and -to- in  feet. Keeping the owners, will have to live with it or try to tame
relative comfort. It’s one attribute passengers Mini’s potency in check is an alphabet soup of it with bolt-ons. That said, the torque steer is
will appreciate even though it’s still no family tech systems: Dynamic Traction Control (DTC), brazen but not unworkable, so after the driver
hauler. The curbside-only half-door eases Dynamic Stability Control, and Electronic adapts, the experience can be quite rewarding.
ingress and egress as well as simplifying side Differential Lock Control (EDLC), all of which Minis are almost a staple in the Motor
loading or installation of a child safety seat. are linked and help modulate power to the Trend stockade of asphalt weaponry. The JCW
Further, our over-equipped photography team wheels and are semi-programmable from the Clubman brings us a slightly larger package
has already exploited the barn-door cargo cockpit using the DTC switch. There are three that’s more eager than ever to take on the
access and fold-flat second row. braking-system monitors, as well—Anti-Lock varied tasks staffers will ask of it. How eager?
The real prize in the JCW Clubman is the Braking System (ABS), Corner Brake Control Well, it’s already amassed over  miles in
performance. With  horsepower and  (CBC) for braking while steering, and Electronic only two months of duty. ■

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larger. It doesn't matter if they are smaller than requested that they send me Extenze formula so I they would let me improve the formula of Extenze,
average, average, or larger than average. It's even could review it, then we would talk. I would do the commercial for free!
been my experience that guys that are almost too Before I knew it I was working with their
big, so big in fact that many women wont go near
them with a ten foot pole (sorry about that) still
want to be larger! "they claim to have sold
I was so intrigued by this fact that I started to do almost a quarter of a billion
research about the "so called" male enhancement
pills that came on the market several years ago. capsules to men."
The concept that a simple pill could noticeably
increase the size of a man’s organ seemed chemists at the manufacturing plant where we
plausible, but I wanted to know more. I had done added the most revolutionary thing to the formula
much research over the years about certain of Extenze. We added DHEA, also known as the
sexually enhancing compounds available, so I "mother of all hormones.” DHEA is the most
believed the concept was sound that a pill could be important human prohormone and is the
made to make a man larger. prohormone that converts into testosterone in men.
My first task was to look at some of the ads I had DHEA levels decrease with the aging. Production
seen in magazines for male enhancement. There peaks in a man’s early 20's, and declines about
were some amazing claims by many of these 10% every 10 years. Low levels of testosterone
makers. My personal favorite was a cream that can lead to low sex drive and a smaller sex organ.
claimed to make men instantly larger. I had to After a few more weeks of tweaking the formula
laugh out loud when I read what it said. The ad of Extenze, we were done. The new Extenze
read, “apply cream, rub vigorously, increase your formula has been selling even better then the old
size.” I thought for a minute and then decided you formula, with over 75% of sales to repeat
could put virtually anything on a man, including customers. Extenze has been on the market for 7
guacamole, and if he rubbed vigorously it would years and has sold almost a quarter of a billion
increase his size. Then there was an ad for a pill, capsules to men all over the world. It doesn't
that if taken daily, would increase the length of a I then visited the Extenze.com web site, where I matter if you're 18 or 80 years old. In my opinion
man by 3 to 4 inches in just a few short days (sorry found a page that showed the top twelve adult film Extenze can make you larger, harder and increase
about the “short” comment). stars, all holding Extenze and endorsing it. I thought both your intensity and pleasure and it is as simple
I'm sorry, but after all those years of medical to myself, “Is it possible Extenze actually works?” as taking a single tablet daily. Extenze is so sure it
school, I know enough about anatomy to know that The next day I received the proprietary Extenze would work for anyone that they're sending out a
a guy who is 5 inches in length isn't going to add 3 formula and there it was, virtually all of the free one-week supply of Extenze for nothing more
to 4 inches to his little friend unless he buys a rope, ingredients that I hoped would be in a male then the cost of a postage stamp. You can contact
gets a large brick, finds a bridge and...well, you get enhancement product, 19 pharmaceutical grade them directly at 800-641-4743. I recommend any
the picture. At about this time I was beginning to nutraceuticals. There was Yohimbe (which used to be man healthy enough to engage in sexual activity
think that perhaps these makers hadn't found the available by prescription only,) L-Arginine, should try Extenze. You have nothing to lose but a
magic mixture of compounds I had hoped they Maca...all of it was there. lot to gain.
might have.
As the founder of both the Stein Medical Institute
and the Foundation for Intimacy, I have spent most A Pill That Can Increase Your Size!*
of my adult life trying to improve men and
“a pill that, if taken daily, FREE

would increase the length of week
a man by 3 to 4 inches.” supply
women's sexual health. I pride myself on being the
best medical doctor I can be and my reputation is
important to me. So, when out of the clear blue sky,
I got a call from the makers of Extenze, the leader
in male enhancement, wanting me to be in one of Just pay for the postage stamp.
their TV commercials, I thought, “Boy, did they
pick the wrong guy!”
Little did they know that I had done real research
800-641-4743
www.MyExtenZeToday.com
into this concept and had recently looked at some
of these male enhancement products. But the *These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. ExtenZe is
not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
makers of Extenze seemed to be genuinely

words ron kiino
(long-term test) update
JULIA LAPALME
2007
Honda CR-V
Graciously smooth operator
FOR AN annual -mile fishing trek four-banger, but I was proven wrong. Even tranny is fairly intuitive and responsive, but,
to Mammoth Lakes, senior editor Ron Kiino trudging up the steep grade from Bishop to nevertheless, it would be nice to have full control
signed out the CR-V to transport himself and Mammoth—an elevation gain of over  to be in a specific gear at any given moment—
three buddies, not to mention a -quart cooler, feet—the CR-V, spinning at around  rpm in especially when passing on a two-lane highway.”
four duffel bags, eight fishing rods, four sets of fourth gear, had minimal trouble conquering the Besides that one grumble, Kiino had little else to
waders and boots, and two float tubes—the last ascent.” That said, Kiino did wish for one feature complain about. “
items deflated, of course. “I was a bit worried,” absent in the Honda. “The five-speed auto could Overall, the CR-V is a smooth operator—the
says Kiino, “that a full load of people and gear really use a manual mode as in the Subaru throttle is nicely calibrated, the brakes are
would overburden the CR-V and its -horse Forester and Mitsubishi Outlander. As it is, the easy to modulate, the steering feels quite
organic—and a total lifestyle accommodator,
what with its huge cargo hold (that dual-deck
shelf is ingenious), ample interior volume, and
entertainment/nav screen, which displays
maps, XM radio info, and the backup camera.
Moreover, with the lofty price of gas, the CR-V
and its .-liter engine prove that SUVs and
frugality are not necessarily mutually exclusive.
“So even loaded to the gills, the CR-V returned
average fuel economy of . mpg on the
trip—impressive.” ■
■ Months/miles in service 12/20,743

■ Avg econ/CO2 21.7 mpg/0.89 lb/mi
■ Unresolved problems None
JULIA LAPALME
■ Maintenance cost $488.97 (2 oil change/

inspection/rotate tires, 1 air-filter change,
axle-fluid change, A/C pollen filter change)
■ Normal-wear cost $0

advertisement (long-term test) update
EXCEEDING
EXPECTATIONS
Extremely powerful.
Incredibly fuel-efficient.
JULIA LAPALME
The Sierra, from GMC.
Explore every model with

2008 CHRYSLER TOWN & crushed the passenger belted into the seat.
Jean Jennings, Automobile COUNTRY It doesn’t seem equipped with any pressure-
sensitive retract feature.” The bright side? “Fuel
Magazine Editor-in-Chief. TRUCK TREND editor Mark economy on highway cruising seems almost
Williams, who spent a week with the T&C, unnaturally good—got . mpg over the 
notes, “It has none of the booming echoes miles I drove, and even got  miles between
that big, hollow caverns typically do, but there fill-ups. Love the -gallon tank.” ■
are some problems. The high-pitched whistle
FIND THE GMC SIERRA emanating from the driver-side A-pillar at ■ Months/miles in service 5/15,659
THAT’S RIGHT FOR YOU AT higher speeds ( mph or so) is just about ■ Avg econ/CO2 19.0 mpg/1.02 lb/mi
intolerable. Also, the power pushbutton ■ Unresolved problems None
MOTORTREND.COM/GMC.
setup for the third-row seat had an episode ■ Maintenance cost $190.07 (2 oil change/
in which a piece of luggage accidently hit the inspection/rotate tires, 1 replace A/C filter)
‘close’ button on the side pillar and almost ■ Normal-wear cost $0
JESSICA GERMILLER
2008 SCION xB of the other long-termers, I simply adjust the

seat, fix the mirrors, and off I go. But in the xB, I
THE xB is still frugal at the pump, feel like my whole body is out of place. Maybe
delivering about  mpg over its nearly this is due to the high seating position and
,-mile tenure. Before its ,-mile awkward dash layout. It takes about  minutes
service—a $. oil change, inspection, tire of driving until I feel at home.” ■
rotation, and cabin air-filter change—the Scion
had racked up maintenance cost of just $.. ■ Months/miles in service 11/15,711
Still, its tab of $. for over , miles of ■ Avg econ/CO2 22.7 mpg/0.85 lb/mi
reliable, fun, practical use is nothing to harp ■ Unresolved problems None
on—our long-term Sentra SE-R accrued a bill ■ Maintenance cost $213.25 (3 oil change/
of $. over that period. As for adjustment inspection/rotate tires, 1 cabin air filter
periods, copy editor James Dryden has a change)
recurring one when hopping in the xB. “In most ■ Normal-wear cost $0

advertisement
Packing
an
Efficient
Punch
JESSICA GERMILLER
TOUR THE 2008 ASTRA,

SATURN’S NEW SPORT
COMPACT HATCH, WITH
2008 CADILLAC CTS two illegal turns. It seems the maps are in
JEAN JENNINGS,
need of an update.” The seats don’t agree
“I SPENT a weekend in the CTS with him, either. “I normally rest my left knee AUTOMOBILE MAGAZINE
while apartment hunting and came away on the interior door handle while driving, EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
impressed,” says editorial assistant Carlos but the hard plastic in the CTS makes this
Lago. “Horsepower is more than ample, and uncomfortable. The seatbacks are firm and feel Get a glimpse of
the transmission never misses a beat. Manual like they push into your back. That said, it’s not Saturn’s lineup at
mode makes for a fun experience, too, even an uncomfortable feeling, just odd.” ■ motortrend.com/saturn.
if the upshift and downshift movements are
backward.” Lago does have a few nits to pick, ■ Months/miles in service 8/11,442
though, especially with the navigation system: ■ Avg econ/CO2 17.2 mpg/1.13 lb/mi
“The nav directed me down a dead-end ■ Unresolved problems None
road and told me to drive through a cement ■ Maintenance cost $0
planter. Later that night, it asked me to make ■ Normal-wear cost $0
WILLIAM WALKER
2008 MITSUBISHI Yaw Control, is so willing to rotate it feels like

LANCER EVOLUTION MR oversteer is the name of the game, but in reality,
both ends are sticking like syrup and working
AT 5000 miles, the Evo paid a visit together so beautifully that you can’t believe
to Calabasas Mitsubishi for its first scheduled the car is devouring sweepers that effortlessly.
maintenance, an $. oil change, inspection, Brakes? Awesome. Every turn you feel like you
and tire rotation. With fresh Mobil  synthetic oil can dive deeper and deeper.” ■
running through its .-liter turbo engine, the
Evo entertained Kiino on a twisty drive home. ■ Months/miles in service 3/5372
“The surgical steering is made for tight turns; its ■ Avg econ/CO2 18.3 mpg/1.06 lb/mi
perfectly weighted feel allows you to be ultra- ■ Unresolved problems None
precise when placing the front tires. Chassis ■ Maintenance cost $85.74 (1 oil change/
balance is almost uncanny. The front end offers inspection/rotate tires)
up so much grip and the rear, which gets Active ■ Normal-wear cost $0

advertisement (long-term test) update
EXPLORE
CHEVY’S
FUEL
SOLUTIONS
ANDY FOSTER
WITH JEAN JENNINGS,
AUTOMOBILE MAGAZINE 2008 MAZDA CX-9 is progressive, and, yes, smooth. The initial
grab will not jerk you, or your passengers, out
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF “THE CX-9’S silky-smooth ride of the seat. It’s a firm, measured deployment
and power delivery,” says Truck Trend art reflected exquisitely in pedal feel. The entire
GET MORE INFORMATION director Thomas Voehringer, “make it my driving experience in the Mazda CX- is
ON CHEVY’S INNOVATIVE personal, rolling therapist. Throttle tip-in is graceful” —and it drives through trees with
light and responsive without the aggressive amazing accuracy. ■
HYBRID TECHNOLOGY, overreaction many ‘scoot/utes’ possess. The
INCLUDING VIDEO powerband is strong and fluid as you watch ■ Months/miles in service 12/29,696
WALKAROUNDS AT the digital display tick off the gears. Shifting ■ Avg econ/CO2 16.9 mpg/1.15 lb/mi
can best be described as smooth—even under ■ Unresolved problems None
MOTORTREND.COM/CHEVY. full power, gear selection is seamless.” Luckily, ■ Maintenance cost $225.90 (3 oil change/
our  Sport/Utility of the Year continues to inspection/rotate tires)
impress when turning and stopping. “Braking ■ Normal-wear cost $0
WILLIAM WALKER
2007 KIA RONDO The controls are simple and easy to use. And,
although it’s not a ton of fun to drive, just
ACCORDING to senior editor like that cardboard box, you make of it what
Ed Loh, “The Rondo reminds me of a really you can—take friends to the movies, schlep
nice box, like the kind my dad used to bring your sister and her -pound suitcases to the
home filled with oranges from the local citrus airport, haul lumber. Practical, useful, and best
distributor.” Let’s allow Loh to elaborate: “As of all—cheap.” ■
a child, I appreciated the thick, corrugated
walls of this box and its simple design, with ■ Months/miles in service 11/16,193
a multitude of uses—fort, car, art project, jail ■ Avg econ/CO2 19.3 mpg/1.01 lb/mi
cell for my sister, stairway toboggan. Now, ■ Unresolved problems None
as an adult, I appreciate the Rondo in the ■ Maintenance cost $323.25 (2 oil change/
same way. It’s basic and no frills. The inside is inspection/rotate tires, 1 adjust rear brakes)
covered in broad swaths of inoffensive plastic. ■ Normal-wear cost $0

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words angus mackenzie
(long-term test) verdict
XK
BRIAN VANCE
2007/08
Jaguar XK/XKR
A healthy helping of cat-scratch fever
BACK WHEN some of the more our car highlights in the interior, but also leather
senior Motor Trend staffers started in this on the instrument panel, -way driver and
business, the running gag was, if you wanted Base price $75,500 passenger seats, and the -inch Senta-
a Jaguar coupe, you’d better buy two—one to Options Lux Aluminum pattern alloy wheels.
Package ($8125:
drive while the other was in the shop being aluminum fascia Although convertibles account for the
fixed. Quality was not Job One at Jaguar, as trim, leather majority of XK sales in the U.S., we opted to
instrument
Ford exec Bill Hayden declared not long after panel, 20-inch stay with a coupe when we switched to the
Ford took over the British maker in : “Apart Senta wheels, $, supercharged R version. We prefer
16-way driver and
from some Russian factories in Gorky, Jaguar’s passenger seats) the rakish lines and like the greater structural
were the worst I’d seen.” rigidity. Again, we opted for the -inch Senta
What a difference a decade or two makes. MSRP, as tested $83,625 wheels, but we also ticked the boxes for the
In  months of Jaguar “ownership” (we had a Total mileage 7474 adaptive cruise control, the luxury aluminum-
naturally aspirated XK coupe for six months Avg fuel economy 17.0 mpg weave interior package, and the premium
and the supercharged XKR for eight months), Problem areas None sound package, bringing the total sticker to
we had an air-temperature sensor replaced Maintenance cost $0 a hefty $,. But the XKR looked more like
(mfr provided)
under warranty, spent $ on a new battery for a million dollars in its Lunar Grey metallic
the key fob, and replaced one tire taken out Normal-wear cost $0 paint and striking Ivory and Slate interior with
by a pothole. The only time either car was in 3-year residual value* $37,631 aluminum accents. “Can’t believe how many
the shop was for the XKR’s first complimentary Recalls 3 compliments I get on this car,” writes executive
service at , miles. We wondered a *Automotive Lease Guide editor Matt Stone. “It seems way more visible
data
little at first, though. In addition to the than our red coupe.”
air-temperature sensor failure, the airbag- This XK carries over the engines from
warning light flashed a few times on the red the previous model, but everything else is
XK at  miles, and an engine-warning light Unfortunately, the Ferrari-like hue wasn’t bespoke, including the lightweight aluminum
came on once in the titanium gray XKR at  readily available, so we settled for Radiance, body structure that endowed both our testers
miles. But nothing came of either. a softer, darker-metallic red, combined with remarkably catlike grace and agility on
“Order it in Salsa Red.” That was Jaguar with caramel leather. The $ aluminum the road. There’s terrific grip and precision,
design chief Ian Callum’s advice when he luxury package not only gave us a modern and the steering is wonderfully accurate. Most
found out we were getting a $, XK. alternative to the traditional burled-walnut impressive, the ride remains extraordinarily

2007 Jaguar XK Coupe
POWERTRAIN/CHASSIS
Drivetrain layout
Engine type
Front engine, RWD
90-degree V-8, alum
block/heads
BUICK
Valvetrain DOHC 4 valves/cyl LUXURY
defined
Displacement 257.0 cu in/4211 cc
Compression ratio 10.8:1
Power (SAE net) 300 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque (SAE net) 310 lb-ft @ 4100 rpm
Redline 6200 rpm
Weight to power 12.5 lb/hp
Transmission 6-speed automatic Get behind the wheel of
Axle/final ratios 3.31:1/2.28:1
the luxurious Buick Enclave
Suspension, front; rear Control arms, coil
springs, adj shocks, and Buick Lucerne with
anti-roll bar; multilink,
coil springs, adj Jean Jennings,
BRIAN VANCE
shocks, anti-roll bar Automobile Magazine

Steering ratio 17.1:1 Editor-in-Chief.
Turns lock-to-lock 2.8
Brakes, f;r 12.8-in vented disc;
12.8-in vented disc, ABS
Wheels 8.5 x 19 in; 9.5 x 19 in,

cast aluminum motortrend.com/gm/buick
Tires 245/40R19 94Y;
275/35R19 96Y
Dunlop SP Sport 01 J
DIMENSIONS
Wheelbase 108.3 in
Track, f/r 59.2/59.0 in
Length x width x height 188.6 x 74.5 x 52.0 in
Turning circle 36.2 ft
Curb weight 3756 lb
Weight dist, f/r 53/47%
Seating capacity 4
Headroom, f/r 37.4/33.3 in
Legroom, f/r 43.0/23.7 in
Shoulder room, f/r 55.2/51.5 in
JULIA LAPALME x2
Cargo volume 10.6 cu ft

TEST DATA
Acceleration to mph
0-30 2.0 sec
0-40 3.1
0-50 4.4
from the logbook 0-60 5.8
0-70 7.6
“The new Jag is a looker, turns heads 0-80 9.7
wherever it goes, but that might be the 0-90 11.9
thing it does best.” 0-100 14.8 ENCLAVE.

■ Brian Vance Quarter
Q mile 14.3 sec @ 98.3 mph
THE FINEST LUXURY
Braking,
B 60-0 mph 116 ft
Lateral
L acceleration 0.89 g (avg)
CROSSOVER EVER.
“Quite a mixed bag—but it certainly
grows on you the more time you spend MT
M figure eight 26.8 sec @ 0.66 g (avg)
behind the wheel.” Top

T gear revs @ 60 mph 1750 rpm
■ Mark Williams CONSUMER

C INFO
Stability/traction
S control Yes/yes
“This is a wonderful GT: quick, quiet, Airbags

A Dual front, front side
and comfortable; a car capable of Basic warranty

B 4 yrs/50,000 miles
crossing continents with a minimum of Powertrain warranty

P 4 yrs/50,000 miles
effort and maximum of style.” Roadside assistance

R 4 yrs/50,000 miles
■ Angus MacKenzie Fuel capacity

F 18.8 gal
EPA city/hwy econ
E 16/25 mpg
“The turn-signal sounds like a CO2 emissions

C 1.14 mpg*
grandfather clock. It puts me to sleep.” R

Recommended fuel Premium
■ Andy Foster **based on 2008 ratings

(long-term test) verdict
XKR
JULIA LAPALME x2
our car
Base price $86,035
Options 20-inch Senta
wheels ($5000);
Adaptive cruise
control ($2200);
Lux aluminum
weave package
($2100); Premium
sound package
($1875)
MSRP, as tested $97,210
Total mileage 11,027
Avg fuel economy 16.0 mpg
Problem areas None
Maintenance cost $0
(mfr provided)
Normal-wear cost $5
(key-fob battery)
Recalls None
composed, despite the stiff suspension and Though the XK was developed on Ford’s audio/climate control interface. While the
big tires. watch, it’s clear Jaguar didn’t have a ton of graphics looked good, everyone complained
The naturally aspirated . delivers  money to spend on it. What money it did about having to scroll through a series of
horses, which feels only adequate in a shape have, it spent on the right stuff—the chassis, screens whenever they wanted to change a
this sexy. The supercharger gives the Jag V- the engine, the brakes, the suspension. setting. “It’s certainly not intuitive,” notes Truck
the performance sparkle the naturally aspirated But the nickel-and-diming elsewhere was Trend editor Mark Williams.
version lacks. After swapping out of the XK, occasionally more than obvious: “I HATE the Those quibbles aside, this XK is the first
the -horse XKR felt like a sports car. The power antenna—it screams $, car from Jaguar in decades that truly fulfills its visual
downside? The gas mileage, combined with a ,” writes senior editor Ron Kiino. “The shift promise. It’s fast—in “R” spec, at least—
relatively small (. gallon) tank. On a round paddles feel cheap and cheesy to the touch, comfortable, and gracefully mannered, no
trip from L.A. to San Francisco, we squeezed inexcusable in a car that costs this much,” matter the road or the traffic. It’s a Grand Tourer
 miles out of a tank; around town, we were grumbles Stone. in the truest sense of the term. And you don’t
hitting the Texaco station every  miles. Other niggles concerned the fiddly nav/ need to own two of them to enjoy it.

3*%&
2007 Jaguar XKR Coupe advertisement
POWERTRAIN/CHASSIS
Drivetrain layout Front engine, RWD
Engine type Supercharged
90-degree V-8, alum
block/heads
Valvetrain DOHC, 4 valves/cyl

Displacement 257.0 cu in/4211 cc
4)05(6/
Compression ratio 9.1:1
Power (SAE net) 420 hp @ 6250 rpm
Torque (SAE net) 413 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
Redline 6500 rpm
Weight to power 8.7 lb/hp
8*5).050353&/%
Transmission 6-speed automatic
Axle/final ratios 3.31:1/2.28:1
Suspension, front; rear Control arms, coil
ON THE 2008
springs, adj shocks,
anti-roll bar; multi-
link, coil springs, adj
shocks, anti-roll bar
Steering ratio 17.1:1

DODGE CHALLENGER
Turns lock-to-lock
Brakes, f;r
2.8
14.0-in vented disc;
EUROPEAN TOUR
12.8-in vented disc, ABS
Wheels 9.0 x 20 in; 9.5 x 20 in,

cast aluminum
MOTOR TREND DRIVES AN
Tires 255/35R20 97Y;
285/30R20 99Y,
Dunlop SP Sport Maxx EVOCATIVE AMERICAN AUTOMOTIVE
ANDY FOSTER
DIMENSIONS ICON TO SOME OF EUROPE’S

Wheelbase 108.3 in
Track, f/r 59.2/59.0 in
BEST-KNOWN LANDSCAPES. VISIT
Length x width x height 188.6 x 74.5 x 52.0 in
AUTOS.MSN.COM/CHALLENGER
Turning circle 36.2 ft
from the logbook Curb weight 3671 lb TO WATCH VIDEO FROM ALL
Weight dist, f/r 54/46%
“I have yet to drive this vehicle and Seating capacity 4 THE STOPS THAT SHOWCASE
not get stopped by someone I don’t Headroom, f/r 37.4/33.3 in
Legroom, f/r 43.0/23.7 in
THE PERFORMANCE OF THIS
know and told how gorgeous it is.
Interestingly, they’re always surprised Shoulder room, f/r 55.2/51.5 in
ALL-AMERICAN MUSCLE MACHINE.
it’s a Jaguar. Guesses usually include Cargo volume 10.6 cu ft
Aston Martin, Maserati, or Ferrari.” TEST DATA SIGN UP FOR EXCLUSIVE

■ Michael Floyd Acceleration to mph
0-30 1.9 sec CHALLENGER UPDATES AT
“There’s hardly a sexier, mass- 0-40 2.8
0-50 3.7 DODGE.COM/CHALLENGER/UPDATES
produced Anglo-auto than the XKR.
It’s the trophy wife of our current 0-60 4.7
stable. However, as many powerful 0-70 6.2
men can attest, the trophy wife may 0-80 7.6
have award-winning baggage as well. 0-90 9.2
Unfortunately, the Jag does. Sure, she’s Quarter mile 13.2 sec @ 109.0 mph
a sweet-looking kitty with a plush Braking, 60-0 mph 116 ft
feel and upscale appeal—it’s precisely Lateral acceleration 0.90 g (avg)
what makes the blemishes that much MT figure eight 26.2 sec @ 0.70 g (avg)
more obvious. The high standards of Top gear revs @ 60 mph 1750 rpm
the design are not matched by the CONSUMER INFO
production effort.” Stability/traction control Yes/yes
■ Thomas Voehringer Airbags Dual front, front side

Basic warranty 4 yrs/50,000 miles
“The extra zing of the supercharger Powertrain warranty 4 yrs/50,000 miles
gives the XKR the performance sparkle Roadside assistance 4 yrs/50,000 miles
the naturally aspirated XK lacks. It feels Fuel capacity 18.8 gal
like a sports car. But actually, it’s a EPA city/hwy econ 15/23 mpg*
damned fine GT, in the truest sense of CO2 emissions 1.21 lb/mile*
the term.” Recommended fuel Premium
■ Angus MacKenzie *based on 2008 ratings
dodge.com

performance marketplace
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DECEMBER 2008

a

STATEMENT OF OWNERSHIP,
MANAGEMENT, AND CIRCULATION
(REQUIRED BY 39 USC 3685)
1. Publication title: MOTOR TREND

;4 2. Publication No. 0027-2094
3. Filing date: 10/01/08
4. Issue frequency: Monthly
5. No. of issues published annually: 12
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7. Complete mailing address of known office of publication: 261 Madison Ave.,
New York, NY 10016-2303. Contact person: Brian Laboe; telephone: 212/915-4182.
8. Complete mailing address of headquarters or general business office of publisher:
Source Interlink Media, 261 Madison Ave., New York, NY 10016-2303.

9. Full names and complete mailing addresses of publisher, editor, and managing
editor: Publisher: Ira Gabriel, 6420 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90048-5515.
Editor: Angus MacKenzie, 6420 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90048-5515.
Managing Editor: Rusty Kurtz, 6420 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90048-5515.
10. Owner: Source Interlink Companies, Inc., 27500 Riverview Center Blvd.,
Bonita Springs, FL 34134-4431.
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The purpose, function, and nonprofit status of this organization and the exempt status
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(check one) ✔ Has not changed during
preceding 12 months.
Has changed during
preceding 12 months.
PS Form 3526 (Facsimile), September 2006
13. Publication Title: MOTOR TREND
14. Issue date for circulation data below: September 2008
15. Extent and nature of circulation:
Average No. No.
Copies of Copies of
Each Issue Single Issue
During Published
Preceding Nearest to
12 months Filing Date
a. Total number of copies (net press run) 1,386,570 1,450,434
b. Paid circulation (by mail and outside the mail)
1. Mailed outside-county paid subscriptions stated
on PS form 3541 (include paid distribution above
nominal rate, advertiser’s proof—include
advertiser’s proof and exchange copies) 987,263 982,481
2. Mailed in-county paid subscriptions stated on
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advertiser’s proof and exchange copies) 0 0
3. Paid distribution outside the mails including
sales through dealers and carriers, street
vendors, counter sales, and other paid
distribution outside USPS 124,917 185,000
4. Paid distribution by other classes of mail
through the USPS (e.g., first class mail) 0 0
c. Total paid distribution
Sum of 15b (1), (2), (3), and (4) 1,112,180 1,167,481
d. Free or nominal rate distribution
(by mail and outside the mail)
1. Free or nominal rate outside-county
Copies included on PS form 3541 20,800 18,607
2. Free or nominal rate in-county
Copies included on PS on form 3541 0 0
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f. Total distribution (sum of 15c and 15e) 1,133,948 1,192,573
g. Copies not distributed
(see instructions to publishers #4 (page #3)) 252,622 257,861
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President of Consumer Marketing
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8O\&³ 'AO\8]aS;Q3\S`g1]\dS\bW]\1S\bS` 4SP ³;O` ';WReSab/W`ZW\Sa1S\bS`
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0ERFORMANCE$ATA
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(archive) words matt stone
COURTESY RON MCQUEENY, INDIANAPOLIS MOTOR SPEEDWAY

diesel clatter at the brickyard
1952’s pole sitter was a trendsetter
FREDDIE AGABASHIAN’S coverage march 1978 MOTOR TREND (ISSN 0027-2094)
Cummins Diesel Special wasn’t the first December 2008, Vol. 60, No. 12 Copyright 2008 by Source
Interlink Magazines, LLC. All rights reserved. Published monthly
oil-burner to compete in the Indy 500, but it “Radical New
by Source Interlink Media, LLC, 261 Madison Avenue, Fifth
was the fastest—and likely most significant. Engine for Floor, New York, NY 10016. Periodicals postage paid at New
The company had been there before. In 1931, Chevy?” Are York, N.Y. and additional mailing offices. Subscription rates for
a Cummins-powered Duesenberg qualified we talking one year (12 issues): U.S., APO, FPO, and U.S. possessions $18.
last, but ran the entire race without a pit-stop, about the Canada $31 (price includes surface mail postage to Canada
finishing a lucky 13th. The long, low, heavy developmental and GST—reg. no. 872093125RT0001). All other countries
$33. Subscription information: Send address changes to
Special roadster of 1952 was purpose-built hydrogen-fuel
Motor Trend, P.O. Box 420235, Palm Coast, FL 32142-0235.
for diesel power and surprised everyone in cell powering For subscription assistance: Motor Trend, P.O. Box 420235,
motorsport when it grabbed the pole that year the Equinox Palm Coast, FL 32142-0235, 800/800-6848; motortrend@
with a record four-lap-qualifying average of customer- palmcoastd.com. To order back issues, logon to www.
138.010. It was powered by a turbocharged inline- research primediabackissues.com or write: Motor Trend Back Issues,
six-cylinder truck diesel that put out around 400 vehicle detailed in the current issue or 2900 Amber Lane, Corona, CA 92882. Cost: $6 each, plus $3
shipping and handling. Please specify what magazine, and
horses. Things didn’t go so well in the race, as the the Villella gyro-reciprocating engine
issue date. If this is not specified, your check/money order will
turbocharger inlet was clogged with rubber and outlined in our pages three decades be returned to you. Wait 3-4 weeks for delivery.
other debris by lap 70, overheating the massive past? Could be either one. We also POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Motor Trend, P.O.
engine. The car retired, but the point had been road-tested a strippo Dodge Aspen Box 420235, Palm Coast, FL 32142-0235. Customer Service
made. Turbocharging became common at Indy that sat six, got 23 mpg, and cost just e-mail address: motortrend@palmcoastd.com. Canada Post
by the late 1960s, and diesel-powered race cars $4476—brand new. Prices have gone Publications Mail Agreement No. 40612608. Canada returns to
be sent to Bleuchip International, P.O. Box 25542, London, ON
have since won at Sebring and Le Mans. They up a bit since then.
N6C 6B2 Canada.
owe a lot to the Cummins Diesel Special. ■

Who cares if
you’re there yet?
With the Tribeca, all the fun is in getting there. An available third row ensures plenty of
seating, while the Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive gives you a firm grip on the road. And since
it’s a 2008 IIHS Top Safety Pick,* you get peace of mind as well. Family and the open road
go together better than you thought. Love. It’s what makes a Subaru, a Subaru.
Tribeca.® Well-equipped at $29,995 †
*Top Safety Picks include the 2009 Subaru Tribeca. †MSRP excludes destination and delivery charges, tax, title and registration fees.
Dealer sets actual price. 2009 Subaru Tribeca Limited pictured above has an MSRP of $32,595.

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★ SPORT/UTILITY OF THE YEAR: AND THE WINNER IS...

AMERICAN LUXURY GOES GLOBAL

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why detroit gross domestic product, making it a distant

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8 DECEMBER 2008 MOTOR TREND.COM

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Performance: 30hp more.

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Lower fuel consumption.

The new 911

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2010: The year the

14 DECEMBER 2008 MOTOR TREND.COM

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Hybrids and MIKE CONNOR

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And now…the Mini SUV!

16 DECEMBER 2008 MOTOR TREND.COM

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TOYOTA may spin out its Prius

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Wolfsburg to introduce plug-in hybrid Golf

18 DECEMBER 2008 MOTOR TREND.COM

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The ugly stick?

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WHY JUST TRIM

All correspondence must include an address and a AWZWQ]\DOZZSg7\bS`\ObW]\OZ/cb]AV]e 4W`ab6OeOWWO\7\bS`\ObW]\OZ/cb]AV]e