Automotive Update

It seems to me that Chrysler can not seem to catch a break.  While they seem to have had some successes in the ways of cars coming out and some brand new models being built, I have to say that since Chrysler Financial has taken a leave and GMAC has stepped in, the dealerships are having a very hard time in meeting the terms set forth.

That is the reason that Chrysler will most likely lose upwards of 145 more dealerships just because they can not get financed at all.  The main reason?  Because GMAC is asking for more collateral than Chrysler Financial was and they are looking for the dealer to actually alter their lending structure.

In total – Chrysler has closed up about 1,000 dealerships, simply because of the financing problems this year alone.

When the 2010 BMW 535i Gran Turismo was first released, no one really knew exactly what to expect … face it, was a BMW GT, what can you expect from that?  Well, now, the 2010 BMW 535i Gran Turismo is actually extremely popular and with the $64k price tag on it … I can tell you that it is certainly a car that many people are going to want to get. 

The cool thing about the 2010 BMW 535i Gran Turismo is that while it might not be in the states until next month, you can still order it at that price.  For a BMW, for me personally, I think that $64k+ is actually a really good price.  Not only are you getting a fantastic car, but a brand that you know.

Remember – the 2010 BMW 535i Gran Turismo is a car that will get you noticed!

I am really starting to become a big fan of Renault vehicles, and the gorgeous Renault Mégane is no acception.

Official pictures of this little piece of heaven were only recently revealed, and the car made its official debut at the last motor show in Paris. The styling cues are extremely sporty, but the hatchback is actually a family one, measuring out at 4.3 meters in length.

The front in is super sharp with sweeping lines and fluid headlamps. In profile, it slopes and swoops in a dynamic, sleek silhouette. Even standing still in a photograph, this baby looks like it can go, go, go.

Inside, the cabin is meant to make driving enjoyable. The forms are fluid, the dashboard is completely integrated, and the aesthetics are second to none.

Okay all you auto-heads out there that have just been waiting for your next fix – the brand new 2011 Lexus LFA is definitely if.  This is actually one car that it took me quite a while to wrap my entire head around, for it is by far one of the best prototypes out there.  This car has a top speed of about 202 MPH and it just looks really freakin’ cool!

This car has been described as a mystery wrapped in an enigma coated in carbon fiber and I have to say that this car is it for me.  While this car might not be a race car just yet, it is going to top the charts, just you wait.

Remember – 2011 is the year for the cars, all sorts of different and unique cars and the 2011 Lexus LFA is just one of them!

The Suzuki Kizashi is the auto manufacturer’s brand new flagship, as well as Suzuki’s very first entry into the highly competitive segment of all wheel drive sport sedans. It takes on from where the automaker’s three concept vehicles left off — incidentally, they all featured the same name and were all three unveiled within the past two years. The main aim of the Suzuki Kizashi is to combine a premium, high quality design aesthetic with dynamic performance features and attributes.

The car features a very conservative design on the exterior, heralded as smoothly mixing Japanese craftsmanship with European style. All the same, the profile is quite sporty.

Inside, the features have finishes made of high quality materials, as one would expect in a flagship sedan. It is consider more upscale than many other of Suzuki’s vehicles.

We all know that your tires are something that you need to keep updated.  If you are having problems slipping and sliding on the road, it is probably all due to the fact that your tires are not in the best shape.  Well, I can tell you that if you are a quality-minded person that cares about the price but is willing to pay a little more to get a little more, Michelin is going to be the company for you.

To be honest, Michelin is one of the only brands that truly conduct an annual tire test and they actually rate models on several different categories.  For example, wet, dry, ice, hydroplaning, snow traction, ice breaking, ride comfort, noise, rolling resistance and finally tread life. 

Michelin was the winner of this test and I have to say that they are awesome!  I have them on my car and they rock!

While the US market is not going to be able to see this particular car … I have to say that down in Frankfurt this week, the fan base for the 2010 Audi A5 Sportback is growing and growing.  The reaction is extremely positive and who knows – by the end of the day, we might be able to get the 2010 Audi A5 Sportback shipped on over to the US!

The 2010 Audi A5 Sportback is so beautiful on its own and I have to say that I love everything from the front grille all the way to the back.  The wheels are absolutely incredible, the headlights are fantastic and I have to say that the bumper kit they put on is awesome!

So if you are looking for the 2010 Audi A5 Sportback, you  might have to go overseas, but I have to say that it is probably worth it!

So far, only Ford reported an increase of their total sales for July 2009 but the other car makers from Detroit is not far behind. Looking at statistics reported by the White House, about half of the cash for clunkers sales rolled of the dealerships of Ford, Chrysler, or General Motors.

The NHTSA have processed approximately over 80,000 of the CARS deals and precisely 47% of the chunk was shared by American car manufacturers. The final tally may not be available until after a few months but the Detroit 3 has a reason to celebrate this early in the ball game.

An additional funding of $2 billion is in the works to fund the cash for clunkers program. The bill has been passed by the House and is awaiting the action of the Senate. The Obama administration dismissed earlier reports and confirmed that the CARS program will stay and remain functional. Of course, the yes’ in the Senate are needed for cash for clunker to continue its effectivity.

The 47% share of the different American car brands of the CARS reflects that the local manufacturers is positioning slightly better than the foreign car marques.

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Recently unveiled at the motor show in Geneva, the Toyota Verso is definitely making waves and garnering a lot of talk. The idea here is to combine a lot more space with plenty of comfort and tons of practicality as well, along with dynamic driving abilities and better handling.

Have they succeeded with this? Time will tell, but things definitely look promising. It was designed at the same studio where the new Prius was created.

Inside of the Verso, drivers will find an improved version of the Toyota Easy Flat 7 System, so that the five individual seats in the rear can be folded. The rows which comprise those seats have been made much more comfortable as well, so there will definitely be something for everyone.

In a world where the cost of more and more cars could safely pay for two semesters of college, many people favor manufacturers like Nissan because they can then afford a car that is both stylish, cost efficient, and fuel efficient. Such conscientious drivers will no doubt be happy to note the new Nissan Leaf.

It is an electric car which can seat up to five passengers. It is a C segment vehicle, built on a brand spanking new platform. Later this year, the car will be launched not only in its native Japan, but also in markets in Europe and the United States.

What primarily characterizes the Leaf is a front end with a definite V shape. It has long LED headlamps which slant upwards; their design allows them to not only split but also to redirect any airflow away from the car’s door mirrors. Extending along the length of the car, there is a featureline with a smooth flow which complements and accents the DLO narrowing in the rear.

The interior of the car is no less stylish and elegant; the vehicle promises not only stylistic integrity, but also a whole host of features.