TH
N O V E M B E R 2 0 0 9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ M O T O R T R E N D . C O M
GRAND SPORT
RACE LEGEND, ROAD HERO
CHEVY REMASTERS A CORVETTE ICON
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USA $4.99 CANADA $5.99
600-HP MCLAREN MP4-12C
F1 WAR HITS THE ROAD—LOOK OUT, FERRARI!
2010 NISSAN LEAF EV
100 MILES WITHOUT GAS—FOR $25,000
Think About It
The Hyundai Genesis received the highest numerical score among midsize premium cars in the proprietary J.D. Power and Associates 2009 Automotive Performance Execution and Layout StudySM. Study based on responses from 80,930 new-vehicle owners,
measuring 245 models and measures opinions after 90 days of ownership. Proprietary study results are based on experiences and perceptions of owners surveyed in February-May 2009. Your experiences may vary. Visit jdpower.com. For more information on
North American Car of the Year visit northamericancaroftheyear.org. Hyundai is a registered trademark of Hyundai Motor America. All rights reserved. © Hyundai Motor America.
44 52
34 66
74 80 V,
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97
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20
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■ Cover ■ Features
34 A Grand Design 80 Six Decades of Pop Culture
Corvette Grand Sport & the Automobile
The Vette team cuts and pastes up an Our 60th-anniversary party continues.
awesome new model from existing parts. Matt Stone
Frank Markus
90 Terror Australis
Three adventurers replicate an historic
■ Tests & Drives crossing Down Under in another Mini.
Gavin Green
44 Speed Demon
Mazdaspeed3
Can the new hot hatch dethrone the current king? ■ Special Section
Allyson Harwood
97 2010-2011 SUV, Truck,
52 Taking It to the Streets and Minivan Driver’s Guide
McLaren MP4-12C Let the shopping begin.
After decades of battling Ferrari on the track, Sherri Collins & Bob Nagy
McLaren is bringing the fight to the road
with an all-new supercar. ■ Cover photograph Wesley Allison
Angus MacKenzie Digital retouching Steve Hewett
66 No Compromises, No Competition
Ford SVT Raptor
What do you get when a bunch of hot-rod guys
build an off-road-racing truck?
Edward Loh
74 Leaf-y Green
Nissan Leaf
Is this all-new electric vehicle the seed
of a zero-emissions revolution?
Edward Loh
continued on page 6
14
28 30
120 146
130 132
this month @ motortrend.com ■ Departments
8 The Big Picture
Making history
Angus MacKenzie
14 Trend
2
24 Your Say
2
28 The Asphalt Jungle
Ring engagement Arthur St. Antoine
30 Technologue
3
Light fantastic Frank Markus
120 Newcomers
112
Nissan 370Z Roadster Matt Stone
Cadillac CTS Sport Wagon Todd Lassa
■ International Showtime
BMW 760Li Paul Horrell
Alfa Romeo 8C Spider Matt Stone
The general malaise that’s infected the auto industry
around the globe hasn’t stopped most of the world’s 128 Long-Term Arrivals
12
biggest automakers from showcasing their latest and Honda Insight Kim Reynolds
greatest wares on the big stage. In case you missed it, Audi A4 Avant 2.0T quattro Mike Floyd
the Frankfurt show press days just passed, and we have
showfloor photos, information, and insight on all the 132 Long-Term Update
13
biggest debuts from the home turf of BMW, Benz, and Infiniti FX50 S/Mini JCW Clubman
VW. We’ll also be on the floor of the upcoming Tokyo BMW 335d/Hyundai Genesis 4.6
show (October 21-22 press days), which is expected to Volkswagen Jetta TDI/Ford F-150
premiere the long-awaited Lexus LF-A supercar among Acura TL SH-AWD
other surprises from the Asian market powerhouses. Ron Kiino
Catch all the action at www.motortrend.com/auto_shows
136 Long-Term Verdict
13
Chrysler Town & Country Ltd. Kim Reynolds
146 Archive
114
Hard-working horsey Matt Stone
TURN-BY-TURN DIRECTIONS
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*Driving while distracted can result in loss of vehicle control. Only use mobile phones and other devices, even with voice commands, when it is safe to do so.
MARK STEHRENBERGER x2
2012 CADILLAC ATS COUPE
GENERAL MOTORS outlined its new-model strategy into There’s a new GMC on the way that undoubtedly was designed
the 2013 model year and unveiled a few other new models further as a Pontiac, plus a new “baby Enclave” from Buick. There will be
out into the decade in a recent press preview. No photos of the no Vuick, however. The biggest surprise was that GM’s Executive
myriad new products were allowed or handed out. Committee killed plans to make the Saturn Vue a Buick a week
We’ve predicted most of these in previous issues and at after the company showed a prototype to the press and to
motortrend.com. There were a couple surprises, however. For one, bloggers at the preview.
the Super-Epsilon Cadillac, codenamed GM 166, which we broke The Vuick fiasco was the product of two conflicting
at motortrend.com and in the July issue, isn’t designed to slot in philosophies at the New GM: (1) Don’t dilute any of the four
below the ATS (Alpha RWD platform) in price. It will be Cadillac’s core brands by creating models that don’t fit a brand via badge
“flagship” until a proper large RWD sedan can be developed off engineering, and (2) Don’t throw away any projects on which it
Gen III CTS hardware. has spent lots of money, such as the plug-in hybrid Vue. Or was
The Chevrolet and GMC lineups are what we predicted, the Vuick simply an elaborate public relations ploy?
although the Aveo replacement won’t get a name change to Viva. Meanwhile, here’s how GM’s new model range shapes up:
CADILLAC 2012 XTS: Cadillac has been working Greater use of high-strength steel, a cost
2012 ATS: Cadillac showed the coupe- on a convergence of the STS and DTS, but Cadillac can afford to absorb, would allow
version of its new BMW 3 Series-fighter, the Super-Epsilon-based FWD/AWD large the CTS to grow in size without adding the
on its new, high-strength steel-intensive sedan, handsome as it is, is not an STS/ same proportion of pounds.
Alpha platform. It sports a thick, wedgy, DTS convergence. It replaces only the DTS.
and fast C-pillar, large sweptback The profile sports a very fast C-pillar and CHEVROLET
rectangular headlamp covers surrounding powerful, masculine swag line, and the 2012 SPARK: Retains much of the
a wider, squatter grille (reminiscent of grille features the kind of high-cost detail Beat hatchback concept’s design, with
the Mk I CTS’s grille), a long dash-to-axle previewed by the Converj concept. ATS and four doors instead of two. While smaller
relationship and short front overhangs. XTS are working names so far. Cadillac also than the Aveo, Chevy figures it has an
A source says the coupe has a longer dash- noted it’s working on an all-new RWD CTS, “aspirational” design people will want
to-axle and different dimensions from the which should launch about the ’13 model because it’s small, not because it’s cheap.
Alpha sedan (illustrated), like the current year. As the Mk II CTS continues to gain Features include ambient lighting and the
3 Series coupe versus sedan. Expected traction in the luxury car market, expect motorcycle clusterlike instrument panel.
early in the 2011 calendar year, about the the Mk III CTS to grow longer and take over 2012 AVEO: It’s an astonishing design
same time as the XTS’ release. from the XTS status as Cadillac’s flagship. improvement over the current car, with a
Model Lineup
fast,, wedgelike
g shape and wheels pushed
out to the corners. To be available as
C7 Corvette may make the ’13 m
but ’14 is more likely.
model year,,
Is VW Taking Porsche
Mainstream?
Wolfsburg wants three new models, more volume
WE SPOKE with Martin (Porsche had sold 98,652 cars Boxster. They no longer call
Winterkorn, Volkswagen between July 2008 and July ‘09.) the shots. They’re not against
Group chief, just days after the Winterkorn later told Germany’s expanding Porsche, as they did
denouement of the VW-Porsche Manager Magazin that Porsche first with the Cayenne and now
takeover saga. Porsche had to should add three new cars, with the Panamera. They want
give up its four-year attempt including one smaller than the the expansion to be measured,
to take over VW and was Boxster. and done with expensive
itself taken over. Porsche CEO This ties in with a strategy vehicles.
Wendelin Wiedeking lost his outlined in our reports in past Winterkorn is also considering
job while VW chief Martin months. VW brand chief Ulrich reviving a Porsche twin (bottom
Winterkorn got named CEO of Hackenberg told Motor Trend the photo) to the Audi Q5 small SUV. gets more profiled side panels
the new combine, which will BlueSport mid-engine roadster The tie-up between the Cayenne, with obvious shoulders over
merge in 2011. And shortly needs a sister car from another Touareg, and Audi Q7 has been a the rear wheels. The tailgate
after Wiedeking departed, brand to make a business case. It sales success for all three brands. is faster, and the third side
German prosecutors raided his would make a good Audi R4, but As with the new Touareg, (“Trend,” window more rakish and
office and others to investigate that might sit uneasily alongside September), the new Cayenne triangular.
possible market manipulation. the TT roadster. From a new fuel is on its way. It still uses the The cabin features a dash
Winterkorn was, as expected, economy/emissions standard Touareg platform, this time in Mk architecture and switchgear
in an expansionist mood. How perspective, an entry-level four- II form. It’s based on the original rather like the Panamera’s.
many cars might Porsche build cylinder Porsche (top photo) but is lighter in base-model form, The main new engine is the
a year? “There’s no limit,” he said. does make sense. by making heavyweight off-road supercharged V-6 hybrid
Is 150,000 worldwide possible? At least to Winterkorn it does. hardware optional. edition. Other powertrains
“Why not?” Porsche management, The design has a more continue with little change. The
He advocated doing this including new CEO Michael Porschelike nose: The hood new Cayenne will be shown in
by 2012 or 2013, by entering Macht, has spoken against cutline comes forward between 2010 for sale in 2011.
new sectors with new models. making a car cheaper than the the headlights. The new model ■ paul horrell
● MT CONFIDENTIAL ●
MIKE CONNOR
achieve at least 230 mpg in city driving. That would go a long estimates for most models. Here are some of the best and worst
way toward meeting Corporate Average Fuel Economy standards of the past 25 years, expressed using both the new formula’s
of 35.5 mpg for cars and 30 mpg for trucks by 2016. This got us numbers and the original estimates that appeared on window
to thinking: Which cars and trucks got the best and worst EPA stickers:
50'2!$%4/#!342/,%$'%
7)4(8"%44%27%!202/4%#4)/.4(!.-/"),7
4HEREARESYNTHETICS!NDTHENTHERES#ASTROL%$'%7ITHANADVANCEDFULL
SYNTHETICFORMULATHATS
PROVENTOSAFEGUARDAGAINSTFRICTIONANDENGINEFAILURE3ODOWHATSBESTFORYOURCAR
2ESULTSBASEDONINDUSTRYSTANDARD3EQUENCE)6!WEARTEST
)43-/2%4(!.*534/),)43,)15)$%.').%%2).'
4-
some things can’t be replaced. don’t let unfair laws take you off the road.
we hear
PRESIDENT OBAMA was expected to name Ron Bloom to a new position that would set U.S.
manufacturing policy. Earlier this year, Bloom replaced Steven Rattner as the car czar, head of
the Treasury Department’s Automotive Task Force. Bloom is a former United Steelworkers Union
advisor and Lazard investment banker. Last summer, before he pulled his Brett Favre, GM’s Bob
Lutz suggested that the U.S. needs a permanent agency dealing with automotive and other
manufacturing issues, like similar agencies throughout Western Europe, or Japan’s Ministry of
International Trade and Industry.
upright look and cargo capacity greater TOYOTA Motor’s new president, Akio Toyoda, wants the brand his grandfather launched to
than the GLK’s, but less than the M-Class’. add flavor and passion to its high-quality road appliances. So a joint-venture sport coupe with
Still, Mercedes isn’t taking many Subaru is back on track. “Toyota plans to build an exciting, fun-to-drive, affordable sports car
chances with the W212 estate, its fifth- and launch it within the next few years. I am very excited about it, and I plan to fast-track it,” he
generation E-Class wagon. Like the said. The project was put on hold early this year for cash conservation. Toyoda also confirmed a
model it replaces, the non-AMG version plug-in version of the Toyota Prius hybrid before the end of the year, and a pure electric vehicle
of the wagon comes only as the E350 (probably based on the iQ) by 2012. “We’re also making great progress on hydrogen fuel-cell
4MATIC. In Benz-speak, that means it’s vehicles and hope to make this technology available and affordable for customers within the
available only with the 268-horsepower, next half-dozen years,” Toyoda added.
3.5-lilter V-6 and latest-generation all-
wheel-drive system, with a seven-speed KIA’S first U.S. assembly plant is starting production about the time you read this. Kia Motors
automatic transmission. Suspension Manufacturing Georgia, in the town of West Point, starts up with the all-new 2011 Sorento,
is Mercedes’ new Agility Control with a three-row unibody crossover replacing the old body-on-frame model. The first U.S. plant
active damping and self-leveling rear. originally was conceived as a place to build Kia’s now-canceled pickup truck. The Chicken Tax
Expect a price in the $58,000 range still exists and makes it near impossible to import pickup trucks. The Georgia factory employs
when it goes on sale next summer. about 2500 non-union workers and has capacity for 300,000 units per year, so we can expect
■ todd lassa more models to be built there in the future. ■
LEAN MEAT
AND A FULL SERVING
OF VEGETABLES
*
readers on
location
where do you read
motor trend?
E-mail digital photo(s) of you and
Motor Trend to: motortrend@gmail.
com or mail them to: Motor Trend,
c/o Mail, Readers on Location,
Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles, CA
Chief Warrant Officer (Ret) Steven Kelley sent these images of his sons, st Sgt. Troy and
TSgt. Jim. Troy watched for insurgents placing IEDs and “loves his new Challenger,” writes
Dad. Jim repaired runways and built roads near Baghdad International Airport.
old unit, and the prep on the jet takes priority if you have to ask… what appears to be the need to Photoshop
before the big event, e.g., stripping pylons, You guys really must be running low on ideas. the planes used in the article. Clearly, Lt.
launchers, etc., anything to get an edge. You What is the point of putting a souped-up Vette Walborn’s plane is #, a two seat F/A-
should check it out sometime. up against an F/A- Hornet? with his name. But, the # shown racing the
Aaron Harms, TSgt, USAF Brent South Corvette on the bottom of page is only a
Emerald Knights (new unit of Muscle Shoals, Alabama single seat-cockpit with a different name on
assignment), Fighter Wing the side. I’m no aviation expert, but these
Luke Air Force Base, Arizona thin blue line are obviously not the same planes. Taking
Really enjoyed St. Antoine’s article the license to unnecessarily distort reality
We should. But our first “Jet versus Vette” story comparing the Blue Devil Corvette with detracts from the credibility of the article
appeared in our June issue, when we pitted the Blue Angels’ F/A- Hornet. Both are and does a disservice to your readers.
a twin-turbo, -mph Corvette against Chuck incredible rides and the “race” made a Glenn Boundy
Yeager’s Northrop T- Talon.—Ed. great read. However, I have to question Fort Pierce, Florida
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High-horse brigade
While reading the August issue on “Devil
versus Angel,” your Arthur St. Antoine made
a very unfortunate remark concerning the
pilots of the Blue Angels. The comment read:
“Clearly, testing hot cars for a living is one of
the few jobs in the world (maybe Playboy
photographer too) that can make a fighter
jock envious.” Here’s where I stopped reading
what this undisciplined man had to say. Is it
reasonable to assume that Art would take
advantage of foolish young girls so they
can be exploited for selfish reasons? If this
pervert thinks that way it is one thing, but to Crisp, comfortable white 100% cotton pinpoint oxford
impose his immoral attitude concerning this dress shirts in Regular, Big & Tall or Trim Fit at a
cancerous industry onto the top of their class,
highly disciplined, and motivated servants SPECIAL
of America’s safety is inexcusable. This would
demand an apology to these pilots. I guess Art
INTRODUCTORY
couldn’t conceive of these people trading their PRICE...
careers for something righteous and good.
John Klucznik
Via the Internet
$19.95
Reg. $39.50-$49.50
© 2009, Ashland Inc. See valvoline.com or where products are sold for detailed benefits and limitations.
“ PLASMA DISCHARGES
FORM IN AS LITTLE AS 100 NANOSECONDS—
ABOUT AS LONG AS
IT TAKES THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT
TO SPEND $13.
”
air-fuel mixture. Such plasma discharges form
in as little as nanoseconds ( billionths of
a second—about as long as it takes the federal
government to spend $). Regular sparks last
some times longer, so it’s possible to
most highly sought Corvettes extant, and this auction records. And some complain that “special” than the last GS (though the Grand
new one will neither be limited in number without the 10-percent power bump (official Sport Registry will welcome 2010 owners).
nor get its own VIN number sequencing output ratings are unchanged), 1000-car Be that as it may, strap into this rig and whip
(as the 1996 Grand Sports did, and today’s limited-production run, and standard fender it like Martha on soufflé day and you’ll find
ZR1s do), so it’s unlikely to set any collector hashmark stripes, this new model is less yourself struggling to recall why folks made
STEALTH WARRIOR
COPYRIGHT 2009 GM CORP. USED WITH PERMISSION, GM MEDIA ARCHIVE
CLEAN OUT UP TO 15% OF SLUDGE IN THE 1ST CHANGE *. Nothing feels better than a
clean-running engine. But over time, sludgy deposits can rob you of that clean feeling. So choose an oil that’s packed
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TIRE
13649 Valley Blvd. / Fontana, CA 92335 / Tel: 800.723.2553 Fax: 909.466.1169 www.falkentire.com
2010 MAZDASPEED3
BASE PRICE $23,945
PRICE AS TESTED $25,840
VEHICLE LAYOUT Front engine, FWD, 5-pass,
it’s noticeable enough that we hope to temperamental; it wasn’t as progressive as 4-door hatchback
see the addition of all-wheel drive in the we would’ve liked, and on a few occasions, ENGINE 2.3L/263-hp/280-lb-ft
future—or a slight power reduction. The the gates seemed so close together that turbocharged DOHC 16-valve I-4
suspension is firm and taut without being engaging second gear was difficult when TRANSMISSION 6-speed manual
uncomfortable, and the car was confident downshifting. CURB WEIGHT (F/R DIST) 3239 lb (62/38%)
and highly entertaining in turns. However, At the track, the new Speed3’s performance WHEELBASE 103.9 in
when it comes to day-to-day driving, you’ll was not all that different from what it was the LENGTH x WIDTH 177.6 x 69.7 x 57.5 in
feel bumps and dips, as we noted on some last time we tested it (on a 2009 model). x HEIGHT
of the poorly maintained roads where we did This year, the hatch reached 60 mph in 5.6 0-60 MPH 5.6 sec
part of our driving. Steering feel is nicely seconds, which was exactly the same time QUARTER MILE 14.1 sec @ 99.9 mph
weighted and communicative. Brakes also as last year. It completed the quarter mile in BRAKING, 60-0 MPH 112 ft
felt firm and provided excellent response, 14.1 seconds at 99.9 mph (as opposed to LATERAL ACCEL 0.92 g (avg)
showing no signs of fade. The last year’s 14.1 at 100.6 mph), and braking MT FIGURE EIGHT 26.2 sec @ 0.69 g (avg)
clutch was a little in both cases was 112 feet. EPA CITY/HWY FUEL ECON 18/25 mpg
Can the new MazdaSpeed3 beat the next- CO 2 EMISSIONS 0.94 lb/mile
generation GTI? The Speed3 offers fun on
twisty roads at a bargain price, good looks
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©)''0:_\mifeGif[lZkj:fdgXep#JXeIXdfe#:8%
8cci`^_kji\j\im\[%:_\mifeXe[k_\:_\mife?XccdXibXi\
i\^`jk\i\[kiX[\dXibjf]:_\mife@ek\cc\ZklXcGifg\ikpCC:%
RACING is in Ron Dennis’ blood. Dennis the fabled F1—and is expected to weigh engines is you’re tied to their cycle plans,”
began his racing career in 1966 as a mechanic just over 3000 pounds, at least 100 less than says American Antony Sheriff, who runs the
with Cooper, the British race team whose an F430 coupe and almost 300 less than a McLaren road car business.
giant-killing hot-rod Minis are remembered Gallardo. It will boast a host of performance- The engine, dubbed M838T, will rev to
with today’s Mini Coopers and the John enhancing technologies that could come 8500 rpm—impressive for a roadgoing
Cooper Works Special models. Since 1980, only from a company operating at the cutting- turbo motor—and will deliver 80 percent
he’s run McLaren Racing,which has won seven edge of Grand Prix race-car engineering, of its 442 pound-feet of torque at less than
Formula 1 Constructors’ World Championships including a carbon-fiber chassis, light and 2000 rpm. It drives the rear wheels through
and 10 Drivers’World Championships with compact McLaren-developed seven-speed the previously mentioned seven-speed dual-
such drivers as Alain Prost, Ayrton Senna, dual-clutch manual transmission, active roll clutch transmission, which offers a variety
Mika Hakkinen, and, of course, 2008 World control, and advanced aerodynamics. of shift protocols, from full automatic to full-
Champion Lewis Hamilton. Mercedes, which owns 40 percent of commando race mode, along with launch
Intensely competitive and obsessively McLaren Group, offered an engine for control. Ratios are selected via steering-
perfectionist, Dennis was the very archetype the car, but the MP4-12C is powered by wheel-mounted paddles with two-stage
of the modern Formula 1 team boss. But in a bespoke 3.8-liter twin-turbo V-8 with haptic (feel) control. Slight pressure on either
April this year, he suddenly announced he quad cams and four valves per cylinder, paddle (right for upshifts, left for downshifts)
was stepping down from the day-to-day a dry sump, and a flat-plane crankshaft. primes the clutch and torque handover
operation of the McLaren F1 team. “The problem with using other people’s processes for near seamless shifts.
You’re looking at one of the reasons
why: The McLaren MP4-12C, a brand-new
supercar, the first from McLaren since 1993’s
radical, 240-mph F1. But while the F1 was little
more than a money-no-object side project,
the MP4-12C is the centerpiece of a grand
plan to turn McLaren into a company that
builds and sells up to 4000 high-performance,
road-legal sports cars a year.
Did someone just say “Ferrari”?
The new McLaren is aimed squarely
at the new Ferrari 458 Italia, as well as
Lamborghini’s Gallardo, Porsche’s 911
Turbo, Bentley’s Continental GT, and Aston
Martin’s DB9. But Dennis says the MP4-12C
will offer the performance and technology of
megabuck hypercars such as the Mercedes- CENTER STACK has buttons
McLaren SLR, Porsche Carrera GT, Ferrari for engine start/stop, dynamic-
Enzo, and, yes, even the Bugatti Veyron. control activation, winter-
Here’s how: The MP4-12C will have around driving mode, launch control.
600 horsepower—just 27 horses less than
The suspension and powertrain components estate for the rear diffuser. A rear wing is guess what’s coming: A convertible version
are hung off lightweight aluminum subframes integrated into the overall form, somewhat and an ultralight track-oriented model are
bolted to the front and rear of a molded like that of the Acura NSX. On the McLaren, no-brainers. The MP4-12C will also be a
carbon-fiber core structure that weighs just however, the center section pivots to deploy global car, built in left- and right-hand drive,
176.4 pounds. This core structure, dubbed as an airbrake that also helps move the and the company is already talking with
the MonoCell, is a truly innovative piece: center of aerodynamic pressure toward potential dealers in the United States, which
While the Porsche Carrera GT’s carbon-fiber the rear of the car under heavy braking is expected to take 25 percent of the 1000
chassis was made up from 1000 separate and can be set at a higher angle of attack cars a year initially planned.
pieces patched together by hand, and took to generate more downforce. “I’d love to aspire to be Ferrari,” says
one week to complete, the McLaren’s is resin Stephenson’s interior is minimalist, yet Dennis candidly, in answer to the obvious
molded in just four hours. elegant and spacious for a two-seater. The question. And he believes McLaren has
Suspension is double wishbone all graceful center stack is reminiscent of that the credentials to take on the storied
around, with coil springs and hydraulically of the Porsche Carrera GT and features a Italian marque: “No disrespect to any
interconnected shocks that allow adaptive seven-inch touch-screen mounted in portrait sports car brand, but few can list 20 World
damping and adjustable roll control.The AP fashion, instead of the traditional landscape Championships and wins at Indy and Le
Racing brakes are composites, featuring cast scenario. The screen accesses functions Mans,” he says.That’s true, as not even Ferrari
iron rotors mounted on forged aluminum such as audio, navigation, and telephony. can claim racing’s triple crown. And if the
bells, saving 17.6 pounds per corner over The center stack also contains buttons MP4-12C drives anywhere near as well as its
conventional brakes. Carbon ceramic brakes for engine start/stop, dynamic-control specification suggests, the guys at Maranello
will be available as an option. activation, a winter-driving mode, and had better be on their game. ■
The MP4-12C’s exterior is the work launch control.Two rotary switches manage
of another American, designer Frank powertrain and handling, the former 2011 MCLAREN MP4-12C
Stephenson, whose credits include the changing throttle response, transmission
new Mini, the Fiat 500, as well as a stint as shift strategy, shift times and feel, with a BASE PRICE $220,000-$250,000 (est)
Ferrari’s design chief. The non-structural coaxial Manual button controlling the use VEHICLE LAYOUT Mid-engine, RWD, 2-door,
aluminum and composite panels are of manual transmission functions,the latter 2-pass coupe
wrapped tightly around the 105.1-inch changing stability control, steering weight, ENGINE 3.8L/600-hp (est)/442-lb-ft
wheelbase. The car’s signature graphic is suspension firmness and roll stiffness, with twin-turbo, DOHC 32-valve V-8
the swooping intake scoops on either side, a coaxial Aero button that deploys the rear TRANSMISSION 7-speed twin-cl auto
which riff off the McLaren logo shape. spoiler into high downforce mode. CURB WEIGHT 3100 lb
The exhausts exit high, above the license The MP4-12C is the first in a range WHEELBASE 105.1 in
plate, keeping the amount of plumbing of McLaren sports cars, and though no LENGTH 177.4 in
required to a minimum (hence saving one will elaborate further, you have only ON SALE IN U.S. 2011
weight) and allowing uninterrupted real to look at the Ferrari F430 playbook to
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I MEAN, this is amazing, right?” shouts SVT Vehicle I’m not having fun, so he decides to show me what a little
Dynamics engineer, Ford Tier 3-certified test driver, and full-throttle opposite lock can do.
possible asylum candidate Gene Martindale over the din of It’s when we launch off a huge whoop while yawed at 45
35-inch tires pulverizing desert gravel. degrees, that I realize I should let Gene know how much I’m
Amazing? No, this is utterly ridiculous. It’s 106 degrees F, and digging it. I let off a whoop of my own, and his response is an
we’re streaking across the rock- and sand-strewn frying pan immediate, “I know, right? You just can’t do that in any other
that is Borrego Springs, California, in August. It’s absolutely truck!”
miserable out here, so hot and dry the scorpions have taken Which is precisely the point. Back in 2006, when Ford’s
refuge under the sidewinders. Special Vehicles Team set out to create a performance variant
You’d never know it from inside our truck. The A/C is blowing of the next-generation F-150, they considered creating another
cubes, and Gene keeps his right foot flat as we literally glide slammed and supercharged street truck like the 1999-2004
over whoop after whoop (an off-road-racing term for the SVT Lighting. Then SVT chief engineer Jamal Hameedi studied
thousands of beige speed bumps scattered before us). what was hot at the annual SEMA aftermarket show. What he
We’re maxed out at 100 mph. At half this rate, any regular saw was a resurging trend among Southern California truck
truck would explosively dismantle as fast, hard, and repeated enthusiasts toward prerunners modeled after Baja desert
hits induce massive suspension or tire failure. Our truck simply racers. So he issued a challenge to his SVT team: Build the
strides over them, without any gut-wrenching, bolt-stripping, baddest off-road truck ever offered by an OEM. Have they
metal-on-metal indications of imminent disaster. succeeded?
Gene keeps hollering and looking over to gauge my reaction, Well, let’s look at the numbers: Compared with a standard
but because of my helmet, he can’t see the big, goofy grin on F-150, the 2010 F-150 SVT Raptor’s track is 6.6 inches wider
my face. Apparently, he takes my stoicism as evidence that to accommodate longer and stronger upper-and-lower control
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FORD, HONDA, AND TOYOTA have tied their all-electric, zero-emissions driving,
v which, it claims, covers
fortunes to gas-electric hybrids. BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and n the needs of 90 percent of the world’s drivers. This is a bold
VW have been pushing clean diesels for years. Next year, r, assertion, but one Nissan hopes will help secure its status as
General Motors is going all out on plug-in hybrids. Where is the world leader in zero-emissions motoring.
Nissan, Japan’s number-three automaker, on the clean, green, How does it work? The Leaf uses a battery and electric-motor
alternative-fuel front? powertrain on a modified front-drive, C-segment, hatchback
Quietly preparing the Leaf—what could be the most platform. Advances lie primarily in n battery
ba packaging and
significant vehicle of the century. With plans for a limited, technology as the Leaf runs on a large battery pack composed
worldwide launch in 2010, Nissan claims the Leaff will be the of 192 lithium-ion cells. These are not typical cylindrical
first affordable, mass-market electric vehicle. For roughly batteries, but flat, laminated cells developed in conjunction
$25,000, Nissan says the Leaf will provide 100 miles off with Japanese consumer electronics maker NEC. According to
TO COMBAT wind noise, the headlamps and side mirrors direct airflow around the sides of the car.
Nissan, the key advantages of these flat cells design studios.While we see a bit of Honda accessory fans) to a center stack dominated
include reduced complexity, better cooling, Fit in the shape of the front end, the overall by a large, bright multi-information
and superior packaging.The battery pack shape and greenhouse of the car, from the touchscreen. This controls Nissan’s EV-IT
lies under the floor and between the wheels fast angle of the windshield to the kink of system, which provides range, recharging,
in a position Nissan says optimizes vehicle the C-pillar, recalls Nissan’s Murano SUV and navigation information. A futuristic-
handling and interior room. A fully charged with a touch of Versa. looking semispherical transmission
pack delivers enough power to support the What’s up with those headlights? “When controller rests on the center console. Honda
80kW (107-horsepower, 207 pound-foot) driving 75 mph, you can hear only the tires styling cues resurface in the split instrument
AC electric motor for roughly 100 miles and wind, as there is no engine noise. If panel: A lower housing features another
of driving. Recharging at home or work is you have lots of wind noise, it sounds even large, bright display, while a secondary hood
possible in 16 hours on 110V current and greater,” says Shiro Nakamura, Nissan’s chief above shows speed and other EV-specific
in eight hours on 220V. For quick charging, creative officer. To combat this, his team information.
a special higher-voltage charger promises developed those oddly bulging headlamps If the Leaf is so high tech on the inside,
to return 80-percent battery capacity in to direct airflow around the sides of the car why is it so plain on the outside? Nakamura
about 30 minutes. and paid special attention to the shape and explains: “There is a perception in some
At first glance, the Leaf doesn’t look orientation of the side mirrors. At the nose markets that EVs are toys or cheap.That, like
particularly green. Absent is the one-motion, is another EV-specific feature: Under the a golf cart or city car, they are not a real car.
Kamm-back profile of the Toyota Prius and Nissan logo is a door that flips up to reveal We didn’t want to create a car that’s toylike
its doppelganger, the Honda Insight. The the standard and quick-charging ports. or cheap-looking. Ours is a real car. It can
Leaf looks more familiar and traditionally The Leaf has a lot of this kind of high go 87 mph and can seat four to five.”
Japanese. It should; its exterior and interior technology built in, from the optional roof- We haven’t been able to verify either
styling are the result of Nissan’s Japanese mounted solar panel (said to help power claim, as our drives have been limited
facebook.com/honda
We have a theory: everybody knows somebody who loves a Honda. If you think about it,
it’s probably true. And that’s pretty cool. Come help us prove it at facebook.com/honda.
Civic Si Coupe, Pilot EX-L, Fit Sport, Element SC, Accord EX V-6 and Insight EX 2010 models shown. ©2009 American Honda Motor Co., Inc.
AT THE NOSE, under the Nissan logo (bottom right) is a door that
flips up to reveal standard and quick-charging ports.
to EV development mules based on the from the single speed transmission and markets that have or are now building
Nissan Cube and Versa. If the Leaf performs absence of combusting fuel. charging stations to support their use. U.S.
anything like those two, you can expect brisk At first, Leafs will be sold (with leased cities include Portland, Oregon, San Diego,
but quiet acceleration and eerie smoothness battery packs) only in predetermined California, Seattle, Washington, Phoenix/
Tucson, Arizona, and parts of Tennessee
near Nissan’s headquarters.
ELECTRIC COMPANY
While there are significant questions
as to whether there will be enough EV
infrastructure to support the Leaf when
it goes on widespread rollout in 2012, it
looks like Nissan will be able to make a
sizeable push into this new market. Capacity
at Nissan’s Oppama, Japan plant is 30,000
vehicles a year, but when battery and
vehicle production come online in Smyrna,
Tennessee, capacity will grow by another
150,000 units a year.
So is there a healthy green future for
the Leaf or will it wither away as other
manufacturers’ EV attempts have in the
past? That will depend on how well Nissan
NISSAN, MITSUBISHI, AND SUBARU parent company Fuji Heavy educates potential buyers and stimulates
Industries are working together to build a grid of charging stations in Japan EV infrastructure construction, but so far, the
for EVs. Nissan’s interest obviously makes sense, but so does the others’. Leaf looks green and green means go. ■
Subaru’s Stella plug-in EV went on sale in Japan earlier this year as did
Mitsubishi’s i-MiEV electric vehicle. Like the Leaf, the i-MiEV is also coming
2010 NISSAN LEAF
to the U.S. The i-MiEV (i is the minicar this model is based on; the rest stands
for Mitsubishi innovative electric vehicle) is powered by a battery composed BASE PRICE $27,500 (est)
of 88 lithium-ion cells connected in series and also uses a permanent magnet VEHICLE LAYOUT Front-engine, FWD, 5-pass,
synchronous electric motor and a single-speed reduction gear transmission. 4-door hatchback
An on-board charger allows you to charge the battery with 100V/200V AC, MOTOR 107-hp/207-lb-ft AC electric
taking seven to 14 hours for a full charge. There’s also a quick-charge option TRANSMISSION 1-speed auto
similar to Nissan’s: 30 minutes yielding 80 percent of full charge. Range is as CURB WEIGHT 3400 lb (mfr)
much as 99 miles on a single charge, but with varying congestion, weather, WHEELBASE 106.3 in
and driving style, that number will be lower. There is room for four inside, but LENGTH x WIDTH x HEIGHT 175.0 x 69.7 x 61.0 in
don’t be surprised if this car isn’t chock full of creature comforts beyond air 0-60 MPH 10.0 sec (MT est)
conditioning and a driver display that shows power consumption, remaining EPA CITY/HWY FUEL ECON 350 mpg (est)
range, and energy recovery. Mitsubishi has yet to announce when the i-MiEV CO 2 EMISSIONS 0.0 lb/mile
will go on sale in America or how much it will cost. ■ allyson harwood ON SALE IN U.S. Fall 2010
■ 3. ■ 4. ■6
6. ■ 7. ■ 13. ■ 14.
■ 1. “Little Deuce Coupe” The Beach Boys ■ 16. “Always Crashing in the Same Car” David Bowie
■ 2. “Drive My Car” The Beatles ■ 17. “The Race” Yello
■ 3. “Ramrod” Bruce Springsteen ■ 18. “2-4-6-8 Motorway” Tom Robinson Band
■ 4. “Little Red Corvette” Prince ■ 19. “Brand New Cadillac” The Clash
■ 5. “Hot Rod Lincoln” Charlie Ryan ■ 20. “Chevrolet” ZZ Top
■ 6. “Dead Man’s Curve” Jan and Dean ■ 21. “Crazy ’Bout an Automobile” Ry Cooder
■ 7. “Hey Little Cobra” The Rip Chords ■ 22. “Elvis’ Rolls-Royce” Was, Not Was
■ 8. “Jeepster” T. Rex ■ 23. “Stickshifts and Safety Belts” Cake
■ 9. “Mercedes-Benz” Janis Joplin ■ 24. “Fast Car” Tracey Chapman
■ 10. “Jump in My Car” Ted Mulry Gang ■ 25. “Jesus Built My Hot Rod" Ministry
■ 11. “I Can’t Drive 55” Sammy Haggar ■ 26. “My Hooptie” Sir Mix-A-Lot
■ 12. “Highway Star” Deep Purple ■ 27. “Mercury Blues” Alan Jackson
■ 13. “Radar Love” Golden Earring ■ 28. “The Passenger” Iggy Pop
■ 14. “Paradise By the Dashboard Lights” Meat Loaf ■ 29. “Wouldn’t you Like to Ride” Malik Usef
■ 15. “Fuel” Metallica ■ 30. “Travelling Without Moving” Jamiroquai
MOVIE-STAR CARS Natascha McElhone hurling cops. We, on the other the Top 100 Films instead),
Dreadful as the silver screen BMWs, Benzes, and Audis hand, prefer to ponder the this Burt Reynolds smash
can be at times—skyscraper through Paris and the deep meaning of man and ensured that the screaming-
closeups of Brad Pitt, south of France at Grand machine traversing the chicken hood decal would
subtlety-free directing by Prix speeds? Director John bleached canvas of the Old mean to the ’70s what the
Michael Bay, the occasional Frankenheimer hired F1 West, the pathos of one's alligator polo shirt would
“intelligent” English frilly- pilots to tackle the chases— quest to find tru—…ouch! mean to the ’80s.
frocks-and-horse-carriages which put the famed
drama—at other times, “Bullitt” scene on a trailer. GRAND PRIX (1966) MAD MAX (1979)
nothing beats a Hollywood Before Stallone wrote Arguably, Mel Gibson’s
motion picture. Curious that BULLITT (1968) his emetic car-race finest-ever film (you do
all those times seem to be Okay, we just slammed “film” (2001’s “Driven”), an engagingly bizarre,
when the movie in question “Bullitt” (above). But he should’ve watched cannibalized-cars Aussie
features a car front and McQueen’s Mustang versus Frankenheimer’s brilliant Western, and then you
center. Here, in no particular Charger flog through San Formula 1 opera at least do "Braveheart"? Curious
order, are a few of our Francisco is just too damn once. No, 10,000 times. career path, Mel). Bet you
favorites. iconic to leave off a list of didn’t know: Only Gibson is
movie-star cars. For a lesson GONE IN 60 SECONDS wearing real leather in the
THE ITALIAN JOB (1969) in moviemaking continuity, (1974) Again, if you movie. Due to the miniscule
If you think the stars are count the number of times think we’re referring to budget, all the other cops
Marky Mark and Charlize the chase cars pass the yet another travesty of a are clad in vinyl.
Theron, you’re banished to downhill VW Bug. remake, please exit the
cleaning the lint from Rush airliner now. Writer/director/ THE FAST AND THE
Limbaugh’s navel. We’re RENDEZVOUS (1976) star H.B. Halicki’s original, FURIOUS (2001) Imagine
talking about the original Director Claude Lelouch’s a full-length car chase, was “West Side Story” without
“Job” here—the one with illegal dash through Paris a true labor of love—and the singing, L.A. instead of
Michael Caine, Benny Hill, used to be viewable only remains the “Citizen Kane” New York, and tuner cars
and a wild chase in which in select dungeons and the of smash-up flicks. instead of jackknives. The
’60s Minis rocket from sewer fortified panic rooms of hair gel is about the same.
tunnels to rooftops. illegal casinos. Now you can THE FRENCH
watch it on YouTube. Never CONNECTION (1971) THE F.J. HOLDEN (1977)
DEATH RACE 2000 mind the haters—it's not a Combine “Exorcist” director The fact that both this car
(1975) The writer of the Ferrari, the engine sound William Friedkin, Oscar- flick and our editor-in-chief
movie-poster tagline is fake, it wasn’t an F1 ace winner Gene Hackman, a are Australian has nothing to
deserves the Nobel Prize but Lelouch himself driving. 1971 Pontiac LeMans, and do with it being on this list.
for Literature: “In the Year “Rendezvous” is a must-see. an escaping hit man in a When we asked him if the
2000, Hit and Run Driving Is Brooklyn elevated train, and movie essentially represents
No Longer a Felony. It's the VANISHING POINT you have car chase as art. a Down Under “American
National Sport!” (1971) Many fans of this Graffiti,” our ed replied:
cult hit focus on Kowalski’s SMOKEY AND THE “It’s got a 2.2-liter six and a
RONIN (1998) We don’t hopped-up, pistol-shifter BANDIT (1977) Still three-speed manual column
understand the plot, either. Dodge Challenger R/T—and snubbed by the American shiftah. Fair dinkum, mate.”
But who cares when you’ve the countless scenes in Film Institute (oh, fine, put Uh, that probably doesn’t
got DeNiro and the yummy which the pair outrun the “Lawrence of Arabia” in work in U.S. DVD players…
■ 8.
■ 5. ■ 6.
84 NOVEMBER 2009 MOTOR TREND.COM
AUTOMOTIVE understood the importance given consumers had proven and temperamental. Both
EVENTS THAT of statistical process control, largely unwilling to pay for cars changed luxury sedans
CHANGED THE and its impact on product them. GM’s inept attempts and supercars forever—and
WORLD quality, but American to discredit Nader backfired proved Japan had arrived at
The auto industry is still manufacturers weren’t and perhaps unwittingly the very top.
the world’s largest single interested. The Japanese led to greater government
industry. It’s still mostly paid attention, though, and regulation of the auto 1990: FORD BUYS
run by accountants and Deming’s ideas underpinned industry. JAGUAR
engineers—folks who the Japanese auto industry’s Jaguar was a disaster
understand the business in relentless rise during the 1980: AUDI QUATTRO for Ford. It paid way too
terms of system and process postwar period. Toyota, APPEARS AS A COURSE much, and never found a
and metrics—even though Honda, Nissan—all owe their CAR ON THE ALGARVE way to make the storied
its products sell largely on success to the sage America RALLY British marque pay its way,
fluffy intangibles such as ignored. Finnish driver Hannu but without Ford Jaguar
emotion and image and Mikkola drove the all-new, would have almost certainly
desire. Not surprisingly, 1962: HENRY FORD II all-wheel-drive Quattro as perished, and the move
then, there have been some DIVORCES FIRST WIFE an official course car on this paved the way for other
remarkable turning points Four names appeared on the Portuguese event. Stunned mainstream automakers to
that have changed the world shortlist at a 1962 product observers noted that had acquire luxury brands. The
beyond the realms of the strategy meeting to discuss he been a competitor, results have been mixed: GM
mere enthusiast. a new Ford: Monte Carlo, he would've won by nine and Saab never worked, but
Monaco, Torino, Cougar. GM minutes. With its all-wheel- VW Group’s stewardship of
1947: ENZO FERRARI and Chrysler owned the first drive traction, the Quattro Bentley and Lamborghini
LAUNCHES HIS FIRST two. The design team had dominated the 1981 World has been exemplary.
CAR called their car Cougar from Rally Championship, and
For Ferrari, his road-car the beginning, and Ford set the traction template for 2009: DETROIT, AS WE
business was always about boss Lee Iacocca preferred rally cars—and many high- KNOW IT, CEASES TO
supporting his true passion— Torino. When news leaked performance road cars—that EXIST
racing. The 125 S looked of Henry II’s two year affair exists to this day King-hit by the collapsing
like a roadgoing sports car, with Italian divorcee Cristina economy, and their requests
but it was designed to win Vettore Austin, Torino was 1989: LEXUS LS 400 AND for bridging loans rebuffed
races, which it did, taking out. The car became the ACURA NSX LAUNCH by Washington, GM and
1st place in its first race, the Mustang instead. These were two very Chrysler announced
1947 Grand Prix of Rome. different cars from two very prepackaged bankruptcies
The core DNA that has since 1965: “UNSAFE AT ANY different car companies, in 2009, and both
helped make tiny Ferrari one SPEED” IS PUBLISHED but each absolutely emerged with—shock!—the
of the world’s most valuable Activist lawyer Ralph stunned the world’s auto government as the majority
brands dates from right here. Nader’s book was more than industry. The smooth, silent, shareholder. It’s too early to
just a shot at GM’s Chevy beautifully built LS 400 tell what the outcome will
1950: W. EDWARDS DEMING Corvair: Nader detailed how sent imperious Mercedes be, but this much is certain:
LECTURES THE JAPANESE all Detroit automakers were S-Class engineers scuttling The Detroit once defined by
UNION OF SCIENTISTS AND reluctant to spend money back to the drawing board, wealthy, insular, patrician,
ENGINEERS on safety features, which while the NSX proved arrogant auto companies is
Iowa-born Deming was perhaps understandable Ferraris need not be fragile gone. Forever. ■
ULURU, Ayers Rock (above), in the center of Australia, is the world's biggest rock.
Destination reached: capital city of Perth lies beneath frothy clouds.
, T R U C K, A
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Land Rover Range Rover LRX BASE ENGINE 2.0L t-diesel DOHC I-4 + elec motors
(2011) OPT ENGINE None
BASE PRICE: $,* BODY TYPE: SUV
WHAT’S NEW: Unveiled at Detroit , LRX concept may finally see
production thanks to a possible grant from the U.K. government, which DRIVETRAIN Front engine, AWD, 6A*
is seeking ways to promote creation of smaller, higher-mileage vehicles. 0-60 MPH N/A
Diesel, hybrid, and small-capacity gasoline engines are part of the plan. TOW/PAYLOAD N/A
COOL FACT: Very green with vegetable-tanned, chromium-free leather EPA ECON CITY/HWY 50 mpg (comb)*
and headliner and vanilla “suede” door inserts of recycled glass bottles. BASIC WARRANTY 4 yrs/50,000 miles
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Who needs a luxury crossover?
IN A SNEAK peek a few Styling alone could make it a rear header intrudes into the cargo space with the / split rear
years back, Cadillac said the CTS sales breakout here. Cadillac has area, making the optional nav seat up nearly doubles sedan
Sport Wagon was designed to transformed perhaps the best- system’s rear camera screen helpful. trunk space. With the seats down,
lead its assault on the European looking modern luxury sedan into Motivating pounds more its cubic feet is eight feet shy of
market, where BMW Tourings the best-looking luxury estate. Its than the sedan, the optional the new SRX’s. The ’ SRX may be
and Benz E-wagons sell like luxury roof extends to a very fast D-pillar .-liter direct-injection V- as great a leap forward for Cadillac
crossovers. Cadillac expected and power tailgate. The “finlike” provides plenty of power. It’s hard crossovers as the CTS is for its
to sell just per year in the taillamps are exaggerated into to break the rear tires loose at sedans. Given a choice between
U.S. Finances have since put the vertical light pipes that run nearly launch, but the mid- to upper-rev SRX and CTS Sport Wagon, we’d
brakes on the European foray. No to the cargo roof rails. Unlike ranges are strong. There’s no choose the car. ■ todd lassa
more diesel program. No more wagons of yore, the rear window reason to expect anything better
right-hand-drive CTS. The Sport doesn’t provide an exemplary than adequate power from the 2010 CADILLAC CTS SPORT WAGON
Wagon has to sell here on its own outward view. Modern wagons new -horse, pound-foot
merits. need rollover protection, so a thick .-liter gas direct-injection V-, BASE PRICE $40,485
which replaces the port-injected VEHICLE LAYOUT Front-engine, RWD/AWD,
. as the base CTS engine. 5-pass, 4-door wagon
Other changes include more ENGINES 3.0L/265-hp/223-lb-ft
refined powertrain mounting and DOHC 24-valve V-6;
3.6L/304-hp/273-lb-ft
a slightly softer suspension. A DOHC 24-valve V-6
new -inch summer tire option TRANSMISSION 6-speed automatic
(RWD only—all-season s are CURB WEIGHT 4100-4300 lb (mfr est)
available next year) adds grip WHEELBASE 113.4 in
while mostly maintaining the LENGTH x WIDTH 191.3 x 72.6
CTS’ excellent ride-handling x HEIGHT x 59.1 in
balance. The ’s are noisy though 0-60 MPH 6.5-7.5 sec (MT est)
and add bump-thump on rough EPA CITY/HWY FUEL 18/26 mpg (3.6L)
Detroit roads. Steering is precise ECON
and communicative, and the CO 2 EMISSIONS 0.93 lb/mile
brakes feel positively German. The ON SALE IN U.S. Currently
wagon’s cubic feet of cargo
tech my ride
You’ll be surging along in serene performance
IT’S A LITTLE hard to To ensure it’s a technology And, boy, this car is a tech-fest. each passenger gets his own
spot the point of the BMW Li. showcase, this direct-injection You can alter the setup of the screen, audio and three-way
Does anyone consider the current unit has two turbos, one for each engine response, transmission climate control with separate rear
top Seven, the twin-turbo V- bank, and it’s hooked up to a shift points, adaptive dampers, A/C compressor. As long as the
Li, too slow? Too unrefined? new ZF eight-speed automatic and adaptive anti-roll bars suspension is set to Normal, it’s
Doesn’t BMW look a little flat- transmission. through a rocker switch on the close to benchmark refinement.
footed for launching such an On the autobahn, the Li is tunnel. But only the Normal And that’s the right use for the
engine into today’s constricted magnificent. The engine merely setting feels harmonious. In . It’s not a driver’s car. But oddly
market? whispers, its efforts drowned by Comfort, the soft damping it comes with a load of technology
Well, yes, the engine (it’s pretty the wind and road roar, and they can’t control wheelhop; and in that implies it wants to be. Treat it
much all-new) was given the in themselves are subdued to Sport, there’s an agile car waiting as the Ultimate Riding Machine.
go-ahead in better times. near-subterranean levels. to come out, but the artificial ■ paul horrell
steering suppresses your urge to
find it, and the ride becomes too 2010 BMW 760LI
wooden to allow good traction.
The new eight-speed transmission BASE PRICE $130,000 (est)
is attentive and smooth enough, VEHICLE LAYOUT Front engine, RWD,
though with all those ratios to 5-pass 4-door sedan
choose from, it can seem busy. ENGINE 6.0-liter/537-hp/
The ’s cabin shows a move 553-lb-ft twin-turbo
DOHC 48-valve V-12
away from the austerity of recent
big BMWs. The headliner is TRANSMISSION 8-speed automatic
Alcantara and leather, and the CURB WEIGHT 4800 lb (mfr)
switchgear can be had with black WHEELBASE 126.4 in
ceramic touch-points. The wood LENGTH x WIDTH 205.2 x 74.9
trims are less plasticky, and the x HEIGHT x 58.4 in
graphics of the TFT panel behind 0-62 MPH 4.6 (mfr est)
the main dials are superbly EPA CITY/HWY FUEL ECON Not yet rated
resolved. At the rear, the two ON SALE IN U.S. Fall 2009
outer seats recline and tilt, and
bella voce
Want to understand an emotive, Italian auto? Just listen
WE FIRST drove the rare, rigidity suffers by nearly Power is -horses at revs, hard suspension. This is a car you
expensive, sonorous-sounding percent, the coupe was so strong its -pound-fot torque peak cannot only drive miles a day
C Competizione coupe in late to begin with that the Spider shows up at , and redline is on your favorite ocean/mountain/
, and track-tested one just a is a mostly body-wiggle-free rpm. The biggest functional deserted road, but you’ll want to.
few months ago. We’ve now had a machine. Alfa bagged the notion difference is that the Spider gets The big disappointment is that it
crack at the open-topped version, of a retractable hardtop in favor standard carbon-ceramic brake doesn’t have the latest seven-
and we’re pleased to report it’s of the more coachbuilt nature of a rotors, which were not available speed dual autoclutch transaxle of
more of the same, just al fresco. rich-looking soft top. Weight goes on the coupe. The cabin is a a (less expensive) Ferrari California.
Carbon-fiber bodywork bolts and up about pounds. dazzling smorgasbord of sexy-yet- Alfa will bring only made-to-
bonds to a steel and aluminum Underhood is the Ferrari- functional materials. order C Spiders to the U.S., so it
tubular chassis. There’s additional designed-and-built .-liter V- The C Spider isn’t a “numbers” will be a rare and lucky club that
bracing to compensate for the offered in all current Maseratis, car. It’s plenty fast, but Ferrari owns them. ■ matt stone
structural strength given up by backed by the same six-speed Scuderia or Lamborghini
the loss of its lid. While structural autoclutch manual transaxle. Gallardo LP- will run away 2010 ALFA ROMEO 8C SPIDER
and hide. Its performance is still
impressive, and it’s a handler too. BASE PRICE $299,000
The well-worn C Competizione VEHICLE LAYOUT Front engine, RWD,
coupe we tested ran to in . 2-pass, 2-door conv
seconds, cornered at . g, and ENGINE 4.7L/450-hp/
braked from to in feet. A 354-lb-ft DOHC
32-valve V-8
fresh Spider on good tires will
be within a pinch and an inch of TRANSMISSION 6-speed auto-cl man
these numbers. CURB WEIGHT 3550 lb (mfr)
What sets this macchina WHEELBASE 104.1 in
Italiana magica apart is the fact LENGTH x WIDTH 172.5 x 74.6
that its performance is so easily x HEIGHT x 53.9 in
accessible. You won’t need to 0-60 MPH 4.6 (mfr est)
fold yourself into an inhospitable EPA CITY/HWY FUEL ECON Not yet rated
cabin, leave your luggage at home, ON SALE IN U.S. Fall 2009
or be beaten to death by a rock-
2010
Honda Insight EX
George Jetson’s car—with everything but Mabel the robot
AFTER WEEKS of rumors our vehicle The same allergy to hydrocarbons is
swirling around our Long Term-Vehicle Fleet expected of our $, EX Navi example,
Department, there it was. Parked, otherworldly Base price $22,010 which differs most noticeably from the $,
among our rows of somber-colored, Price as tested $23,810 EX by a navigation system (utterly unavailable
technologically conservative long-termers Vehicle layout Front engine, FWD, 5-pass, as an EX option). It’s also festooned with such
4-door hatchback
was a fish-shaped, electric-blue Honda Insight. goodies as automatic climate control, tilt/
At first glance, I spontaneously blurted, “Ack! Engine 1.3L/88-hp/88-lb-ft SOHC telescoping steering wheel, steering wheel
8-valve I-4; 13-hp/58 lb-ft
Ack!”—then looked around to see if anybody motor; 98 comb hp
audio controls, USB and MP connectivity, and
had heard that. It’s my understanding that driver-seat height adjustment. Of note to hard-
Ack! Ack! is Martian-speak (per Tim Burton’s Transmission Cont variable auto drivin’ hybrid fans are our car’s paddle shifters
authoritative film, “Mars Attacks!”) for, well, just Curb weight (dist f/r) 2735 lb (58/42%) that let you liberally bang up and down
about anything. It felt like the best language in Wheelbase 100.4 in through the CVT’s seven, er, synthetic ratios.
which address this most foreign of visitors who Length x width 172.3 x 66.7 The engine/electric motor combo moving it
x height x 56.2 in
will be staying with us for a year. The Insight is an -horse, .-liter four pancaked against
didn’t respond, but seemed to be smiling. 0-60 mph 10.4 sec a -horse (but pound-foot) motor that
And for good reason. If you were to plot Quarter mile 17.8 sec @ 78.1 mph doubles as a starter (and triples as a flywheel).
ultra-gas-stinginess against low initial cost, Braking, 60-0 mph 127 ft Elegant. And though this might sound like any
way up in the corner of the graph sits the Lateral accel 0.79 g (avg) of Honda’s previous Integrated Hybrid Assist
Insight. Of course, only Insighters (© Reynolds, MT figure eight 29.2 sec @ 0.54 g (avg) system’s, they’ve hacked away about percent
) would have any inclination to plot such EPA city/hwy econ 40/43 mpg of the Insight’s “hybrid premium” compared
things, but no matter, it’s still true. The Insight CO2 emissions 0.47 lb/mile with the Civic’s version of IMA.
starts at $, (including its unavoidable $ Total mileage 4695 miles But even at that, will the Insight prove
destination charge) and delivers a combined Average fuel 38.2 mpg a practical, dependable (and fun) driving
economy
mpg. And in the spec box, note that . proposition in the long term? The wheels
pound/mile of CO production. In fact, get out have already started turning and the fill-up
a pen and underline it: The low-CO car of tabulations have begun. Until our first
is here today, folks. update—Ack! Ack! ■
2009
Audi A4 Avant 2.0T quattro
Hip to be square?
YOU’VE GOT to give it up to the our vehicle which started at $,, got the kitchen-sink
Germans. No matter how out of fashion the treatment, with the $ Prestige package
wagon has become in this crossover-crazy Base price $35,675 featuring an assortment of upscale touches
land of ours, they keep bringing them over. So Price as tested $52,250 including Bluetooth, a Bang & Olufsen sound
we figured, what the heck, instead of testing Vehicle layout Front engine, AWD, system, power tailgate, and Xenon headlamps.
5-pass, 4-door wagon
out Audi’s new A in sedan form, we’d add the For $ we also checked off the navigation
Audi A Avant .T quattro Tiptronic (say Engine 2.0L/211-hp/258-lb-ft option with backup camera that integrates
turbo DOHC 16-valve I-4
that five times fast) to our long-term fleet. Is it with Audi’s slick Multi Media Interface system.
hip to be square? We’re going to find out. Transmission 6-speed automatic Bringing both bling and grip to the Avant
Looking at the numbers, it’s a virtual dead Curb weight 3932 lb is the S line package, which for $ adds a
(dist f/r) (53/47%)
heat at the dragstrip between the Avant and sport tuned suspension, -inch rims shod with
a similarly equipped A sedan we tested Wheelbase 110.6 in high-performance summer rubber, steering-
last year. Audi’s -horse, .-liter turbo is as Length x width 185.2 x 71.9 wheel-mounted shift paddles, and several
x height x 56.5 in
stout a four-banger as they come and boogies interior and exterior trim bits–including
the Avant to in . seconds and on to a 0-60 mph 6.4 sec some sweet, black Alcantara-leather-swathed
.-second quarter mile at . mph (the Quarter mile 14.9 sec @ 90.8 mph buckets. We also opted for the Audi Drive
sedan hit in . seconds and the quarter in Braking, 60-0 mph 102 ft Select feature ($), which allows the driver
flat at mph). Ah, but the wagon has way Lateral accel 0.93 g (avg) to choose several vehicle setups from comfort
more cargo room, you say? Not exactly. The A MT figure eight 26.3 sec @ 0.66 g (avg) to sport. The upgrades helped the Avant pull
sedan’s trunk holds . cubic feet, just . less EPA city/hwy econ 21/27 mpg a very respectable . g on the skidpad and
than the Avant with the rear seats up. As you’d CO2 emissions 0.92 lb/mile buzz through our figure-eight course in .
expect, the Avant wins hands down with the Total mileage 9642 miles seconds at . g.
seats folded (. versus .), and of course, Average fuel economy 21.1 mpg So the Avant can carry the mail and canyon
its hatch makes loading cargo easier. carve all the way home–it’s a formula all those
You’ll pay more for the added room cool crossovers aspire to, but only unhip
though, as the Avant’s base price is roughly wagons can really pull off. Yep, we’re looking
four grand more than the sedan’s. Our tester, forward to our year of being square. ■
Powered by
KIRILL OUGAROV
2009
Infiniti FX50 S
Vroom with a view
“I GOT a chance to take the FX on a ride stitching in the leather is nice for a car in this in the opposite direction.”), but the radar
up to Sacramento to watch some rowing races,” class, as are the individual LED lights in each cruise control “was at times too imposing.
says assistant Web producer Nate Martinez, door handle. Dash layout, with its buttons A system with a ‘radar off ’ button would be
“and it proved a comfortable long-hauler. Like and knobs, is comfortable and within reach of ideal.” Overall, Martinez enjoyed his time in
my four passengers, I most enjoyed the well- front passenger and driver. Best feature of all: the Infiniti, once he grew accustomed to
put-together cabin, with its soft, somewhat the Around View camera. I’ve never backed up the driving experience. “The FX takes a little
worn leather, easy-to-use navigation, and into so many parking spots—for no apparent while to get used to due to its size. The front
clean-sounding stereo system.” Martinez, who reason—as I have with this car.” shoulders, like those on the GT-R and the
has an eye for detail, wasn’t missing the FX’s. Martinez also appreciated the FX’s lane- Maxima, are clearly visible from the driver’s
“The Infiniti’s intricate interior details are worth departure warning system (“I expected a seat and can throw off cornering and lane-
noting. The clock, although a brand staple, is simple beeping to go off once I swerved placement judgment. Smooth throttle tip-in,
a bit too old-school for my taste and seems off course, but was happily surprised when too, takes some time to master. I felt bad for
contrary to the overall modern styling. The I felt a slight brake and tug of the wheel my friends whose heads rocked back into their
respective headrests at nearly every stoplight.”
“There’s not enough rear legroom,” adds
Martinez. “Even my girlfriend, who is a tad
over five feet, complained about the dismal
back seat space. The same can’t be said of the
cargo area, though. We packed in lots of bags,
folding chairs, and other tidbits with ease.”
2009 MINI JCW also impressed that I was able to rake in
CLUBMAN miles on a tank of gas, especially considering
my occasional lead foot and three-hour daily
AT AROUND , miles, the Mini’s commute).” Nits? “The lack of an armrest left
OE Continental run-flat tires were showing me hanging, and I fumbled with the radio on a
exposed wear bars, so we replaced them regular basis.”
with a set of Michelin’s new Primacy HP ZP
run-flats. Total cost, including installation, ■ Months/miles in service 13/18,692
was a healthy $.. Wearing fresh shoes, ■ Avg econ/CO2 26.6 mpg/0.73 lb/mi
the Mini had little trouble impressing Truck ■ Unresolved problems None
Trend Web producer Melissa Spiering. “The ■ Maintenance cost $0 (oil change/
Clubman’s third door made it easy to take my inspection/rotate tires/replace cabin air
two-year-old nephew to daycare and when filter)
I had to pile friends into the back seat. I was ■ Normal-wear cost $993.87 (replace tires)
WILLIAM WALKER
2009 BMW 335D repaired for around $, was still driveable,
so our staff continued to rack up the miles.
EDITOR at large Arthur St. Antoine was “After Art’s misadventure a few weeks
at the d’s wheel when an oblivious driver ago,” logs associate Web producer Rory
of a Volkswagen Jetta, going about mph, Jurnecka, “the car still feels remarkably solid,
rear-ended the Bimmer at a stoplight. “The and I can’t believe how little damage was
d took the impact remarkably well,” notes done to the car. It still rides and drives just
St. Antoine. “It was still driveable, and the rear fine.”
glass was intact. The kid’s Jetta, the lighter
of the two vehicles, didn’t fare so well. The ■ Months/miles in service 7/11,613
entire front end had stepped backward a ■ Avg econ/CO2 27.8 mpg/0.80 lb/mi
few inches, the hood was folded, and the ■ Unresolved problems None
radiator was likely damaged.” As St. Antoine ■ Maintenance cost $0
has stated, the d, which would later be ■ Normal-wear cost $0
MOTOR
TREND
ON THE
WEB
JULIA LAPALME
New, exclusive
2009 HYUNDAI GENESIS
online articles 4.6
is filled with comfortable, quality materials. The
center interface works well and is no iDrive,
though the knob is almost the same diameter
and photos: WHILE MANY luxury cars subject
their owners to pricey maintenance costs,
as a Big Gulp. Besides the interior, the big
V- provides plenty of grunt and a properly
the Genesis ., thus far, has been downright subdued soundtrack for a car that can be
thrifty: only $. for a -mile oil change, called an E-Class for C-Class money.”
full inspection, and tire rotation. “To call the
Future Forecast Genesis ‘the best Hyundai ever’ wouldn’t be
at all unreasonable,” states associate Web
■ Months/miles in service 7/10,684
■ Avg econ/CO2 18.8 mpg/1.03 lb/mi
producer Kirill Ougarov. “Aside from hard ■ Unresolved problems None
First Drives plastics in areas that will rarely be felt by the ■ Maintenance cost $42.87 (oil change/
occupants—a cost-cutting measure but hardly inspection/rotate tires)
Video Spotlight the worst offense in the industry—the interior ■ Normal-wear cost $0
Race Results
Breaking News
Auto Shows
Buyers Guides
Tire Center
JULIA LAPALME
Forums
Contests
2009 VOLKSWAGEN Mercedes TD,” says Martinez. “This diesel
Reader Polls JETTA TDI is as smooth and quiet as any gas- drinking car. It
feels quicker than most too. Thanks to its torque
and more… AT 20,000 miles, our long-term Jetta
TDI needed new brake pads, per the service
curve, I frequently chirped tires without much
enticement of the skinny pedal.”
techs at Neftin VW in Thousand Oaks, California.
VW recommends replacement when there is ■ Months/miles in service 11/21,718
mm of remaining wear in the pads, which ■ Avg econ/CO2 35.1 mpg/0.63 lb/mi
2009 FORD F-150 on the dash; however, it must be done while the
vehicle is in park. A busy boat ramp is not the
AFTER 15,000 miles had accrued place to do this. The sensors will automatically
on the odo, the F- made its second service reset to the On position each time the vehicle is
visit, a $. oil change, full inspection, and started. I’d forget about that until it was my turn
tire rotation. With fresh oil running through its to back down the ramp—too late to stop and
V- veins, the F- hauled managing editor toggle through the menu again.”
Rusty Kurtz to Laughlin, Nevada, for some
jet-skiing fun. “The F-’s backup camera made ■ Months/miles in service 8/15,733
hooking up the jet-ski trailer a breeze. That said, ■ Avg econ/CO2 15.0 mpg/1.29 lb/mi
the backup sensors were another story: Their ■ Unresolved problems None
constant beeping while backing down the boat ■ Maintenance cost $97.92 (2 - oil change/
ramp was unnerving. You can turn the sensors inspection/rotate tires)
off by toggling through a menu with a button ■ Normal-wear cost $0
BRIAN VANCE
JESSICA GERMILLER
2008
Chrysler Town & Country Ltd.
The inventor of the minivan is still ironing out wrinkles
“AH, I STILL DON’T hear anything, our car ponied up for a power-steering hose and yet
sir,” offered the polite technician from Orange another radiator cap, though the radiator count
Coast Jeep/Chrysler in Costa Mesa. We were Base price $37,345 remained at two. And just prior to return, the
heading back down the freeway again, me Options Dual DVD w/Sirius always-dicey, electrically folding third-row seat
backseat TV ($2020),
at the wheel, trying to reproduce a frightful MyGIG multimedia finally jammed up completely, though frankly,
aerodynamic howl that had recently cropped system w/Nav & its correct operation was a bit of an on-going
Sirius traffic ($1300),
up along a breezy desert stretch during a pwr folding 3rd-row mystery. A tidbit from the notebook: “Had an
cross-country vacation. But, of course, no seat ($595), Inferno episode where a piece of luggage accidentally
Red paint ($225)
matter what I did (sorry about that, big-rig), the hit the ‘close’ button on the side pillar and it
banshee wail was being coy today—and was MSRP, as tested $41,485 tried
t to crush a passenger belted into the seat.”
that technician giving me doubtful side glances, Total mileage 32,244 Ideal for James Bond, perhaps—“Goldfinger, I
or was I just imagining things? Avg fuel economy 18.9 mpg have the perfect place for you to ride”—but a
Oh, well, perhaps it was better to not add any Brake wear, radiator, rude way to treat the Purple Stars girls soccer
pwr steering hose,
more to our Chrysler Town & Country minivan’s Problem areas pwr 3rd-row seat, team.
t
swelling list of heavily documented miseries. rattles So, as they say, other than that, Mrs. Lincoln,
On its third visit to the dealer (at a still-new- Maintenance cost $299.56 how did you enjoy the play? Believe it or not,
smelling , miles), we had staggered out Normal-wear cost $864.98 we
w actually liked it nevertheless.
with a bill for $. (including tax) to replace Three-year residual value* $15,026* If you scrape away the layers of creature-
the front brakes and flush the brake fluid Recalls None comfort content Chrysler has festooned it with,
* Automotive Lease Guide
($), service the transmission ($), swap in the
t Town & Country’s foundation is genuinely
new filters, change the oil, and various other likable. There’s power aplenty from the .-liter,
whatnots ($). And that’s what we paid for; the -horse
V-, it steers without complaint, and
warranty took the hit for a replaced, leaking a clogged A/C filter and the usual service the ride is cushy. And, of course, the staggering
radiator (a leaking radiator?). necessities, a brake inspection was deemed utility of such a rolling storage shed/seven-
Okay, so this was an atypical spike in its necessary—as was a new radiator cap. In seat people-hauler/go-anywhere-vacation
service cost history, as the bill for its first addition, the software for the MyGIGRadio mothership is unapproachable by even the
dealer visit was scot-free, and the second system was updated under warranty. Later, most clever of new-gen crossovers. Say what
was a digestible $.. But even here, in during the T&C’s fourth and final scheduled you will, but I’m proudly cuckoo for minivans.
retrospect, dark clouds were forming: Besides service with us, the long-suffering warranty also Including this one.
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but, ahh, it’s not so simple. The spare has to be much about their execution leaves plenty to be 0-80 14.0
140 NOVEMBER
MOTOR TREND.COM
The new organization’s first major event chose to additional mailing offices. Subscription rates for one year (12
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sponsorship sticker on the right-front fender. ■
There’s no feeling quite like the bigger, better, all-new 2010 Legacy. Symmetrical All-Wheel
Drive grips the road. A low-mounted, 31 mpg* SUBARU BOXER® engine gives you
unparalleled balance. That translates into a mid-size sedan you’ll appreciate in every corner,
curve, cloverleaf, and mile. Feel the love. Love. It’s what makes a Subaru, a Subaru.
*EPA fuel estimates for 2010 Subaru Legacy 2.5i with CVT up to 31 hwy. Actual mileage may vary. †MSRP excludes destination and delivery charges, tax, title and registration fees.
Dealer sets actual price. Legacy 2.5i Premium pictured has an MSRP of $20,995.