Auto-Tech HQ

As if the standard version of new 2009 Cadillac CTS-V was not enough, Hennessey tuner introduces several upgrade paths to a bigger badder Caddy.

They present you with four versions of upgrades, V-600, V650, V-700, and finally Vtt-V800, which by the way stands for Twin Turbo 800 HP monster.

I will not go in to the details of each model and what it includes, But I will just give you a list of one:

The Vtt-V800 Model:

Power:

And here is a little vide to go along with it (unfortunately its only V600):

PRESS RELEASE:

SUBARU ANNOUNCES PRICING ON ALL-NEW 2010 LEGACY
Pricing starts at $19,995
Roomiest Legacy Ever with New Levels of Comfort, Quietness and Refinement
New 6-speed Manual and CVT Transmissions for Legacy 2.5i Models
2.5GT Improves to 265-hp Turbo Engine and a New 6-Speed Manual Transmission
New Legacy 3.6R Model Features More Powerful 6-Cylinder Engine


Cherry Hill, N.J., April 29, 2009 Subaru of America, Inc. today announced pricing for the all-new 2010 Legacy sedan. Pricing will start at $19,995 $800 lower than the previous generation Legacy sedan which set a sales record in 2008.

The new Subaru Legacy provides for a bolder design language in a larger midsize package. The 2010 Legacy, whose predecessor is renowned for its sporty handling and reliability, now has a longer wheelbase, four inches of extra rear seat legroom and a new powertrain lineup featuring the new Subaru Lineartronic CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission). All Legacy models now feature an all-new front McPherson strut, rear double-wishbone suspension with front and rear stabilizer bars for improved ride & handling. Additionally, all Legacy models are upgraded with a much larger 18.5 gallon fuel tank for better operating range.

As with all Subaru vehicles, Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive is standard, which helps driving performance by enhancing traction regardless of weather conditions.

Model Pricing Highlights:
The 2.5i is equipped with a either the 6-speed manual transmission with a starting price of $19,995 or the all-new Lineartronic CVT as an option with a starting price of $20,995.

This base model comes complete with 4-wheel disc brakes, quick-ratio power steering, tilt and telescope steering column, 8 cup holders, 60/40 split-folding rear seatbacks, electronic parking brake with Hill Holder® system, auto on/off exterior lights (autolights), AM/FM Stereo with single-disc CD player, auxiliary input jack and 4 speakers, dual lit visor mirrors, variable intermittent wipers, overhead console with sunglasses holder and remote keyless entry system.

There are a number of options available for the 2010 Legacy. (Availability varies by trim level):

* Power moonroof at $995
* All-Weather Package at $500 which includes: heated front seats, windshield wiper de-icer and heated exterior mirrors
* harman/kardon® audio system for $995 which includes: AM/FM 6 CD, 440 Watt harman/kardon amplifier, 9 harman/kardon speakers, hands-free Bluetooth phone capability
* Navigation system for $2,000 which includes: AM/FM/CD/DVD, GPS navigation system 8″ LCD touch-screen, 440 watt harman/kardon amplifier, 9 harman/kardon speakers, hands-free Bluetooth phone and audio, USB port with iPod control and backup camera


The 2.5i Premium comes with either a 6-speed manual transmission or the option of the all-new Lineartronic CVT and will have a starting price of $20,995 (2.5i Premium with Lineartronic CVT starts at $21,995.) Standard equipment includes all 2.5i model features (where applicable) plus 10-way power driver’s seat, driver’s side window w/automatic up and down, leather-wrapped steering wheel, instrument storage bin w/door, overhead console with sunglass holder and ambient light, bright exhaust tip, body-colored mirrors and 16″ Alloy Wheels . Options include: All-Weather Package, harman/kardon audio system, power moonroof and navigation system (navigation system requires power moonroof option).

The 2.5i Limited comes equipped with the new Lineartronic CVT and will have a starting price of $24,995. The 2.5i Limited includes all 2.5i Premium model features (where applicable) plus paddle shifters and a 6-speed manual shift mode, P215/50 R17 all-season tires, 17″ Alloy Wheels, perforated ivory / off black leather-trimmed upholstery, 4-way power front passenger seat, All-Weather Package and harman/kardon audio system. Options include: power moonroof and navigation system (navigation system requires power moonroof option).

The 2010 Legacy 2.5GT Premium and Limited are powered by a 265-hp turbocharged / intercooled Boxer engine and mated with a new 6-speed manual transmission. The engine features a unique turbocharger configuration that is mounted below the engine. This new location contributes to 30 percent quicker turbocharger response. Designed for the discerning enthusiast, the Legacy 2.5GT models are equipped to challenge some of the best names in the sport sedan field.

The 2.5GT Premium will have a starting price of $27,995 and includes all 2.5i Premium model features (where applicable) plus hood scoop, P225/45 R18 summer tires, 18″ Alloy Wheels, dual chrome exhaust tips and All-Weather Package. Options include: harman/kardon audio system and power moonroof.

The 2.5GT Limited will have a starting price of $29,995 and includes all 2.5GT Premium model features (where applicable) plus perforated ivory / off black leather-trimmed upholstery, 4-way power front passenger seat, and harman/kardon audio system. Options include: power moonroof and navigation system (navigation system requires power moonroof option).

The all-new Legacy 3.6R, which replaces the 3.0R model is smoother and more refined, with more torque and power. The 3.6R is powered by a 256-hp 3.6-liter 6-cylinder Boxer engine matched to a 5-speed electronic automatic transmission. Compared to the 3.0-liter 6-cylinder engine it replaces, the more powerful 3.6R has similar external size and uses regular-grade fuel, rather than premium as the 3.0L 6-cylinder recommended to achieve its rated power.

The Legacy 3.6R will have a starting price of $24,995 (a $1,600 reduction over the outgoing 3.0R) and includes all 2.5i model features (where applicable) plus P225/50 R17 all-season tires, 17″ Alloy Wheels, paddle shifters, driver’s side window w/automatic up and down, instrument storage bin w/door, overhead console with sunglass holder and ambient light, and dual chrome exhaust tips.

The 3.6R Premium will have a starting price of $25,995 and includes all 3.6R model features (where applicable) plus a 10-way power driver’s seat, leather-wrapped steering wheel and All-Weather Package. Options include: harman/kardon audio system and power moonroof.

The 3.6R Limited will have a starting price of $27,995 and includes all 3.6R Premium model features plus perforated ivory / off black leather-trimmed upholstery, 4-Way power front passenger seat, and harman/kardon audio system. Options include: power moonroof and navigation system (navigation system requires power moonroof option).

Accessory items for all 2010 Legacy models include 16″ Alloy Wheels, fog lights, a Blueconnect Bluetooth hands-free phone device, iPod auxiliary connector, puddle lights, cargo tray and trunk lid spoiler. A complete list of accessories will be available soon on www.subaru.com.

Destination and Delivery charge is $695 for all 2010MY Legacy and Outback models in the Contiguous 48 States. The MSRP of PZEV (Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle) models is $300 more than the federal specification model. For more information about the 2010 Subaru Legacy, visit www.media.subaru.com

Who says you have to be big or global or green to survive? A handful of car models, such as the Jeep Wrangler and the Smart, are maintaining their sales Despite the general auto collapse, a handful of car models and manufacturers are doing well.   Who said you have to be green to survive?  Look at Jeep, Smart, Subaru, Hyundai, and Kia.  They seem to be holding their own quite well. 

The Koreans have the advantage due to the dollar sharp decline, which leaves some room for greater incentives.  

But what about Subaru, how do they do it?

They have no hybrids or electric cars, the fuel efficiency is nothing spectacular, and to top it off, Subarus are definitely not the prettiest cars.

The company sells around 600,000 vehicles a year worldwide, making it roughly the 20th largest automaker.

Its major markets are Japan and then the U.S., with 187,699 sales here last year, outselling only Mitsubishi, and Suzuki.  Subaru’s idea is that you don’t have to be huge to hold your own in the world of giants.

Subarus that are sold in the U.S. are all-wheel-drive, somewhat even dull looking, family-type wagons and sedans, for the exceptions of the WRX and STI models. They are not the hottest cars ether, but these models are not for the faint of hearts.  People usually fall in to the category of you ether love them or hate them. 

So why the success?  Subaru has good quality vehicles, and they are always recommended by Consumer Reports.  They were one of the first to market with all-wheel-drive vehicles.  You can not forget one of the most important factors of Subaru cars, and it’s their 4 or 6 cylinder horizontally opposed “boxer” engines.

But the main reason to Subaru success is not only the pricing scheme (between $20,000 to $35,000 for the most cars, and up to $40,000 for a selective few models).  I personally think that Subaru crowd is very loyal to their brand, and hardly ever hear a bad word about them.  I just really hope Subaru will be true to their roots and their loyal customers, and stay that way with out trying to sway in to the wrong direction.

BMW plans on bringing two new M cars to market in the 2014 model year; the next-generation M3 and an all-new M coupe based on the second-generation 1 Series.  Both the next 3 and the next 1 Series production models will come in late 2012 for the 2013 model year.

In keeping with Ms new philosophy of cutting cylinders/displacement while cutting weight to maintain performance levels, the next M3 will return to a six-cylinder engine. The question, M division CEO Ludwig Willisch says, is whether it will be an inline-six or a V-6. A V-6 would provide better balance and more packaging versatility, while an inline-six would be lighter, a key quality for BMWs future, and avoid uproar among BMW Enthusiasts.

The new six-cylinder M engine isn’t based on the current 3.0-liter family, Willisch says, and I’m not saying whether it is a twin turbo. It will be a turbo six-cylinder engine.

BMW is changing the way it has been portrayed for many years.  I am not really sure how well it will flow with BMW enthusiasts.  The idea has always been NA engines, but a new trend of FI engines has taken place, so I guess we will have to wait and see what BMW has to offer.

The 760i comes with or offers every gadget currently available on lesser 7-series models, including standard electronic dampers, stability control, and front and rear air suspensions with a self-leveling function in the rear. Active steering and anti-roll bars are optional, as are safety nannies such as night vision, lane-departure warning, adaptive headlights, and active cruise control with stop-and-go capability.

While we don’t have pricing yet, we expect the 760i will command a hefty premium over V-8 750i models, which start at $82,125. And to inform neighbors of your taste for luxury and power, the 760is somewhat obtrusive fender badge common to all 7-series bears a V-12 moniker, while chrome strips accent the quad exhaust pipes and the lower front bumper. The front kidney grilles also get larger chrome surrounds, with other unique touches including special 19-inch wheels, a nappa leather-lined instrument panel, and an Alcantara headliner.

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