Archive for the ‘SUV’ Category

Ford third Flex shift cancelled: 350 jobs at risk

Wednesday, July 23rd, 2008


Ford workers who were due to start the third Flex shift have had their orientation cancelled, Ford decided to hold of on the third shift as vehicle sales have been much lower than expected.

According to The Windsor Star, Ford says that Canada workers from Windsor will not be affected by this decision as they have been able to absorb them into the Oakville workforce. Ford has managed to create jobs for a number of their staff who have retired.

However; it is the fate of 350 new employees that will have to worry, these workers were hired in anticipation of high sales from the Ford Flex, Ford Edge and the Lincoln MKX.

Ford has told these workers not to report for their orientation week, they were meant to start on July 28.

Ford has said that by delaying the third shift, they will now be able to better align production with the unprecedented shift in buyer sentiments, along with the unpredictable economy. This will come as no comfort to those 350 workers who face losing their jobs.

Posted in Ford Flex, CUV, Business, SUV, Autos | No Comments »

2008 Hybrid vs. Diesel Video: Mercedes-Benz GL320 vs Chevrolet Tahoe

Sunday, April 27th, 2008


The Hybrid vs. Diesel debate has been going a little while now and Edmunds are taking a fresh look at this debate in the form of the 2008 Hybrid Chevrolet Tahoe vs. 2008 Mercedes-Benz GL320 Diesel. You can watch the road test and review in the video below this article; Edmunds said that availability might be a big issue with both of these vehicles.

Many car owners would not think of buying a Hybrid, but this attitude is starting to change and with the environment being such a hot topic the idea of a nice green Hybrid will become more popular as the prices get better and choice increases. The 6L V8 Chevrolet Tahoe sounds like every GM truck you have ever heard of, but its got a pair of electric motors in the transmission casing and does 20 city, 20 highway according to the EPA. Some people think the Mercedes-Benz GL320 CDI Diesel is the better way to go, although the two big SUVs do share some common ground. The Mercedes-Benz costs only $480 more than the Chevrolet Tahoe and they both are reasonably fuel-efficient at least by big SUV standards.

Watch the Edmunds hands-on and comparison video below or read the full article on Edmunds.com, where they aim to find out if these vehicles can hit the EPA ratings, they also show you how both vehicles are equals in a contest of speed but the Agile Benz pulls ahead in many areas and although the 2008 Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid is more versatile than earlier hybrid SUVs, Edmunds believe that the diesel wins this round.

Via TecheBlog

Written by Daniel for Product Reviews
In Sections: Autos, Hybrid Cars, SUV
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Posted in diesel, Mercedes-Benz GL320, Chevrolet Tahoe, SUV, video, Hybrid Cars, Autos | No Comments »

Test driving the 2009 Infiniti FX CUV

Wednesday, April 23rd, 2008


There are a host of great CUV’s ready to hit the market like the BMW X6 however; there is one that has got our attention now and that is the 2009 Infiniti FX. It would be so nice to get the opportunity to have a test drive of this CUV but we can only but dream, well those guys over at AutoBlog have managed to secure a test drive and they spent a little time just getting to know the Cross Over Vehicle.

While looking at the exterior of the 2009 Infiniti FX you will notice that it has kept the basic shape of its predecessor although the 2009 model does have a wider track as well as a longer wheelbase. Weight distribution is perfect thanks to front-midship architecture that is used on the G35 sedan.

There are a range of 2009 Infiniti FX models to choose from, the entry-level is the VQ35HR V63.5-liter which pushes out 303hp. However if that is not enough power for you then you could opt for the bigger FX50, the engine used in this beast is the VK50VE V8 5.0-liter and manages to produce 390hp. Both of these models come with a seven-speed automatic transmission with an option for manual shift. If you look at the paddle shifts you will notice that they are the same that are used in the Nissan GT-R.

For a full review on the 2009 Infiniti FX test drive visit: AutoBlog

Written by Peter for Product Reviews
In Sections: Autos, CUV
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Posted in 2009 Infiniti FX, four-wheel drive, test drive, Crossover vehilces, SUV, CUV, Autos | No Comments »

Jeep Liberty could face recall: Government upgrades investigation into SUV

Tuesday, April 22nd, 2008


It seems that there could very well be a new Jeep Liberty recall on the 2002-2003 models SUV; this comes to light after the government has upgraded their investigation as to why the vehicles are losing control. A total of 22 complaints have so far been received by The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, because of a problem with the ball joint which actually separates from either of the front wheels.

This is a very bad safety issue as one of the front wheels could collapse, and as you know that would cause the drive to lose control of the Sports-Utility- Vehicle. The problem with the ball joint has affected over 300,000 Chrysler Jeep Liberty SUV’s and covers the 2002 and 2003 models.

According to Max Gates a spokesperson from Chrysler, over 74 complaints have been received by them which is why the automaker is continuing its investigation into the problem however; thankfully there are no reports of any injuries. The people who have made complaints has said that the ball joint became separated while only traveling at 20mph, but reports have come in from the government that some people have reported the joint separating while doing speed of 40mph, one driver was even traveling at 75mph.

This is not the foist time that the Jeep Liberty has faced trouble, back in August 2006 over 800,000 of the SUV’s were recalled.

Source – Associated Press

Written by Peter for Product Reviews
In Sections: Autos, SUV
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Beijing 2008: Porsche Cayenne Turbo S gets more power and torque

Monday, April 21st, 2008


We are used to nice amounts of power from Porsche vehicles however; the Cayenne has never produced enough power for the Asian and Eastern European market. It seems as if the drivers in those parts of the world demand more power, and the German automaker has answered this with the launch of the Porsche Cayenne Turbo S, and just to tease us Porsche were showing the powerful SUV at Beijing 2008.

Porsche have given the new Porsche Cayenne Turbo S more power and torque thanks to an update in its management system as well as a new exhaust system. The end result is more horsepower 550HP in fact; all this is handled nicely through the 6-speed Tiptronic S gearbox. Have you ever known an SUV to go from 0 to 60 in just 4.7 seconds and reach a top speed of 174MPH. With all that extra power it will be a mammoth task to bring the Porsche Cayenne Turbo S to a stop, which is where the new 16-inch ceramic composite brakes comes in, so now you have more engine power as well as braking power.

The new more powerful Porsche Cayenne Turbo S will be launched in August with prices starting at €111,400, as you can see having this extra power has made this SUV more expensive and I am sure that people will pay the little extra.

Source - AutoBlog

Written by Peter for Product Reviews
In Sections: Autos, SUV
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Posted in Porsche Cayenne, turbo, Beijing, Porsche, SUV, sports utility vehicles, Autos | No Comments »

Review of the 2008 BMW X3 Hybrid: Environmentally friendly SUV

Wednesday, April 16th, 2008


Ok so we know that when it comes to making traditional gas and diesel cars BMW are one of the best in the world, however it seems that when it comes to Hybrids the German automaker is a little behind their rivals Honda and Toyota. Well that is until now as BMW have been working on the 2008 BMW X3 Hybrid, and unlike their rivals does not use the traditional gasoline-electric hybrid power source.

The 2008 BMW X3 Hybrid uses high-performance capacitors or Super Caps as they are now calling it. This system stores the supply of electric and then sends it to the transmission. The Active Transmission uses BMW’s electric motor as well as a straight-six gasoline engine which is mounted to a conventional six-speed automatic gearbox.

The power that is produced from the BMW electric motor is 80HP, and when that is added to the gasoline engine things then get livelier. I do worry that BMW are still playing catch up to their rival and that they could end up going in the wrong direction. When it comes to Hybrid vehicles nothing comes close to the Toyota Pirus, and with the launch of a new one the 2008 BMW X3 Hybrid could be left behind. However, BMW have a huge following and it is that market that the German automaker will tap into that market.

Source – Auto Mobile Mag

Written by Peter for Product Reviews
In Sections: Autos, Hybrid Cars, SUV
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BMW X6 SAV to start at $53,275: Sport Activity Vehicles at its best

Friday, April 11th, 2008


For those of you who were wondering how much it would cost for a new BMW X6 SAV, well the answer is $53,275. Well that is for the 300-hp X6 xDrive35i anyway, this model comes with a 3.0-liter six-cylinder twin-turbo engine.

However if you want a bit more power from your Sport Activity Vehicles, then BMW have the 400-hp xDrive50i version. This model is powered by a new 4.4-liter V8 twin-turbo engine. However you will have to have deeper pockets, as the base price for this model is $63,775.

Source - AutoBlog

Written by Peter for Product Reviews
In Sections: Autos, SUV
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Posted in BMW, Sport Activity Vehicles, engines, Twin Turbo, SUV, vehicles, Autos | No Comments »

2009 Honda Pilot: check out these spy shots

Thursday, April 10th, 2008


I’m not convinced about the new 2009 Honda Pilot, just check out these spy shots and you will see what I mean. That front grille looks so ugly, according to AutoBlog they think that it has been inspired by a bulldog.

This 2009 Honda Pilot spy shot looks much like the prototype that was shown in Detroit. If that grille does not put you off, then the 2009 Honda Pilot will be available later this year. The SUV will come with a V6 engine and will be able to take up to 8 passengers.

The interior looks much better than the exterior; the center stack is huge giving it a very butch look.

Source - AutoBlog

Written by Peter for Product Reviews
In Sections: Autos, Concept Cars, SUV
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HUMMER have launched their HT2 solid candy-bar cell phone

Tuesday, April 8th, 2008


If you have a HUMMER you need a cool looking phone to go with it, and the HT1 was the first attempt. However there is a second-gen handset coming called the HT2 and is a solid candy-bar cell phone. The HUMMER phone is made by ModeLabs, the French telecom company.

The old HT1 model was a slider version, however ModeLabs have decided to go for the candy bar design and wait for it is yellow in color. The case is made from metal, keeping with the sturdy design like the HUMMER vehicle. The phone has a 176 x 220 TFT display along with a 2 megapixel camera.

The HUMMER HT2 comes with Bluetooth and has 11MB of in-built memory; however this can be upgraded by using a microSD card.

The HUMMER HT2 will be available in both Russia and Latin America first; we are not sure how long it will be before North America will get their hands on this handset.

Source – Luxury Launches

Written by Peter for Product Reviews
In Sections: Cell & Mobile Phones, Handsets
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2008 Chevrolet Tahoe: world’s first two-mode hybrid SUV

Friday, February 29th, 2008

world’s first two-mode hybrid SUV
Before you go out and make your purchase on a new SUV, maybe you should stop a think a little about the planet that we are living on. If you were to purchase the new 2008 Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid, which is actually the world’s first two-mode hybrid SUV, you will be doing your little bit for the planet.

However just think you would also be saving yourself some money in the process as you will get a better return on your fuel economy. That is something that we will all have to think about soon, as it seems that oil prices keep rising and that is increasing the price we pay at the pumps.

The price for the new 2008 Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid starts at $50,490, but just think you will be getting at least 50% better city fuel economy.

Source – Uncrate via Chevrolet

Written by Peter for Product Reviews
In Sections: Autos, Green, Hybrid Cars, SUV
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Posted in global warming, GMC, sports utility vehicles, Environment, Chevrolet, Green, Hybrid Cars, SUV, Autos | No Comments »