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Hyundai launched a program last Friday that allows customers that purchase their cars to return them to the dealer if they have problems making payments.  Sounds crazy, right?  Well, I would think so too, if I hadn’t seen an article about it on Autoweek.com.  Hyundai is trying to get buyers that have been too nervous during this economic crisis to purchase a vehicle to do so.  How the program works is as follows:  Hyundai will cover the depreciation on a returned leased or financed vehicle for those people that find themselves unable to make their car payments.  Now, before you run out to buy a Hyundai, there are stipulations to why you can’t make the payments.  The reason has to be beyond your control.  For instance, losing your job, becoming disabled, or losing their drivers license for medical reasons.  Another stipulation is that you must have made at least 2 payments and Hyundai will only refund the depreciation on the returned vehicle up to $7500.  This program is also only good for the first 12 months of leasing or financing.  I want someone to actually participate in this “return program” and see if it works out as Hyundai says.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/28494068/

General Motors is counting on this new 2010 Cadillac SRX crossover vehicle to bring some luxury buyers to this new model.  This new design is replacing the SRX from 2004, and it will be on display at the Detroit Auto Show next week.  The Cadillac SRX should compete with the Lexus RX, Acura MDX, and the BMW X3 and X5.  The designers of this vehicle took things from other Cadillac models, and put them into one, the Cadillac SRX. 

Here are the specs of the new Cadillac SRX.  A 3-liter direct-injection V-6 engine comes standard, with the option of buying a 2.8-liter turbocharged V-6.  GM estimates that the fuel economy for highway will be in the mid-20s.  The 2010 model will be available in mid-2009 for buying.   

According to MSNBC.com, Ford is planning on debuting this self-parking technology on their 2010 Lincoln MXS sedan and the Lincoln MKT luxury crossover vehicle.  Ford plans to put this self-parking technology in 90% of its Ford, Lincoln, and Mercury vehicles with this electric power steering by 2012. 

This technology uses ultrasonic sensors on the front and rear of the car, combined with electric power steering to angle and guide the vehicle into snug parking spaces, all by just pushing a button.  Lexus has a a special parking technology too, but it is a video camera parking system that can tell you whether you have enough room to park in a certain spot.  According to Ford, their new self-parking technology is ”easier to use and works in downhill parking situations, unlike competing systems.” 

Here’s what you have to do as the driver of this new system.  You need to shift the transmission and operate the gas and brake pedals, as a person would do for you if they were standing outside of your vehicle.  The driver never touches the steering wheel.  Pretty neat!  I would love this, since my parallel parking has much to be desired! 

This self-parking technology also monitors blind spots, and it warns the driver with a indicator light that something is detected or traffic is approaching.  This new electric power steering can help to improve fuel economy and reduce carbon emissions, because it is powered by the battery in the car.  This self-parking technology will be featured at the Detroit Auto Show next week. 

www.luxuo.com

Wouldn’t you love to clean out your relative’s garage and found a rare 1937 Bugatti Type 57S Atalante?  That’s what happened to relatives of Dr. Harold Carr, an orthopedic surgeon that was an “eccentric hoarder” according to his family.  I found this story on yahoo.com.   

The Bugatti is a rare two-seater that has been unused since 1960.  There were only 17 made in 1937, and when it’s cleaned up and auctioned in Paris next month for approximately $4.3 million or at least 3 million pounds.  That’s a good piece of garbage that the family found!  I wish I could find something like that! 

The Bugatti was a supercar (at the time) and ahead of its time by having the capability of going 130 mph, when most other cars topped out at 50 mph.  What was particularly special about this Bugatti was that it was originally owned by Earl Howe, a British race car driver, and the car has its original equipment, so it can be restored. 

This man also had a Aston Martin, that was sold, and a Jaguar sports car that was scrapped because it was in poor condition.   Geez, I wonder what my relatives will find???  Maybe $10…….

As technology continues to get better and better, more gauges and such are wanted/needed on the instrument panels of vehicles. The problem is that there is only so much room available on the instrument panels.  An article was written on edmunds.com called “Technology Muscles In on the Instrument Panel.”  Many things on vehicles have changed such as styles, power sources, etc, but the instrument panels have stayed the same until recently when more and more manufacturers are trying to find different ways to set up the instrument panels with more technological advances. 

The new Subaru Tribeca is moving the fuel-level and engine-temperature levels to the far lower right and left of the instrument cluster.  This will take some getting used to by the owners, because it’s so different than what anyone is used to.  The new BMW 3 Series has done away with the coolant temperature gauge.  Something that has become standard equipment on vehicles 2008 and later is the tire-pressure gauge, that monitors your tire pressure.  Now, there needs to be room for this gauge, so something must go or move to another spot most likely. 

It’s kind of neat to see how different instrument clusters are.  Some are becoming quite technological and fancy, while others are just staying traditional and the same as they have been for many years.  It will be interesting to watch the instrument clusters continue to improve and show more technology and gauge more in your car. Who knows what kind of technology will be available in the years to come for instrument panels. 

www.cadillacctsvseries.com

Hello again, for those that read this blog often. Sorry, it’s been awhile. The holidays messed me all up!  So, I thought I’d talk about another high end car for those thinking of upgrading for a New Years Resolution.  How about you try the new 2009 Cadillac CTS-V?  It’s a nice looking car for sure with extra power for those of you looking for that feature.  The V series of the CTS has many competitors;  the Mercedes-Benz AMG series, the Lexus F models, the Audi S cars, and the BMW M models as well.  The CTS has many features that make it stand out.  You can get to 60 mph in less than 4 seconds and the top speed is 191 miles per hour.  The Cadillac CTS-V has a 556-horsepower, 6.2-liter V-8 engine that is boosted by a supercharger.  This vehicle also has the Magnetic Ride Control feature, which is said to be the world’s fastest reacting suspension system.  The sticker base price is $59,995, which is no drop in the bucket, but if you want a luxury vehicle, this price is in the ballpark for sure.  So, if you are looking for a fun, smooth riding luxury vehicle to start your new year off right, get the Cadillac CTS-V.  I think it’ll be worth the money. 

If you were excited about the Detroit Auto Show coming on January 17-25, 2009, then you should be even more excited to hear what Toyota plans to unveil there.  Toyota will be bringing a small, battery-electric ”urban commuter vehicle concept” according to autoweek.com.  There are not many details known about this car, but it is said that Toyota will just put this vehicle on the show floor and answer whatever questions are asked by the media during the media preview January 11-13.  They do not plan to have a formal press conference about this battery-electric vehicle.  A spokesperson for Toyota hinted that this car would be similar to the Toyota iQ.  Toyota plans to mass produce a battery-electric car for 2010.  Also on a side note,  Toyota will reveal the 2010 Prius at the Detroit Auto Show as well.  During these bleak economic times and especially for the auto industry, the Detroit show should get people a little enthusiatic about the new cars that will be out in the next few years.  I’m excited and looking forward to more news on new cars to be revealed at the show in the next month.       

According to Car and Driver magazine’s January Issue, they have found what they see as the “10 Best Cars” in the United States for 2009.  Here is the list in no particular order. 

1.  Jaguar XF - the starting price is just under $50,000. Supposedly there is “bond-level gadetry and a shifter that is much more satisfying than the BMW and Mercedes column levers.”

2.  Mazda MX 5 Miata - the MSRP is not being disclosed until January.  According to auto writers, this car has “all-around satisfying handling dynamics, as well as impressive quality and value.”

3.  Honda Fit - MSRP of $14,550. To make it look and feel bigger, there is a panoramic glass sky roof.  This car has good fuel mileage. 

4.  Honda Accord - MSRP just under $21,000. This is an ever popular car that gets decent gas mileage and “performs like a champ.”

5.  Volkswagen GTI - MSRP just under $23,000.  It has a sporty feel and has been given many awards over the past few years. 

6.  Porsche Boxster - MSRP starts at $46,600.  It has more power, higher fuel efficiency, quicker acceleration than its 2008 counterpart.

7.  BMW 3 Series - MSRP around $34,000.  Edmunds.com calls this car a “world-class fit and finish, ample power and a comfortable ride and handling trade-off that is unmatched by most cars at any price.”

8.  BMW M3 Sedan - MSRP of $54,500. This car was around 10 years ago and is finally back. It can reach 60 mph in under 5 seconds.

9.  Infiniti G37 - MSRP of $37,000.  Offers, according to Car and Driver magazine, “serious horsepower, refined manners, and excellent handling.” 

10.  Porsche Cayman - MSRP $50,300.  Many sing this car’s praises for its ”driveability, quality, no-nonsense interior, and stunning performance.”

So, here’s the list. Some of the cars are really expensive, especially when the automotive market is so tough right now. It will be interesting to see if these cars will be the top 10 SOLD models of 2009 at this time next year. I guess we’ll have to wait and see…..

Michael Bettenhausen of the Bettenhausen Dodge dealership in Tinley Park, IL is offering an unbelievable deal to its customers….buy two cars for the price of one.  An article by Bradford Wernle of the Automotive News that I found on Autoweek.com talks about how Chrysler dealerships around the country are just trying to survive during these tough times and sell cars if they can at the same time. 

Specifically, Bettenhausen Dodge offered a two-for-one promotion starting in October.  Customers could buy a new car and a specified low-mileage used car together.  One of the deals included a 2008 Dodge Dakota which has a sticker price of $27,590, and a used 2008 Chyrsler PT Cruiser with 17,700 miles for $27,590.  By itself, the PT Cruiser would cost about $10,963.  The dealership was able to do this because of $6963 in dealer incentives that were available on the Dakota and a national rebate of $4000, which totals $10,963.  Bettenhausen is still having big problems with sales, because there is a problem getting customers credit. 

It’s amazing that a dealership would actually sell two cars for the price of 1, but as I said earlier, these dealerships are just trying to make ends meet and move their inventory any way that they can.  Hopefully, the economy will turn around soon for them and others as well. If not, more dealerships may be offering 2 for 1 deals!  

www.canim.net

The Covini C6W is a new car that will be produced and sold starting the end of 2009 to a limited number of people. The uniqueness of this car is that it has 6 wheels!  Yup, that’s right, I said 6 wheels!  I think it looks a little strange. This is the first car to be built with 6 wheels. 

The Covini C6W has two smaller tires in the front with the intention to “increase air penetration and have a smaller frontal area effectively reducing drag” according to www.jalopnik.com.  According to www.jalopnik.com, here are the reasons for the 6 wheels: less risk of front tires deflating, less risk of aquaplaning, better braking, better grip, better comfort, and better absorption of frontal impact.  The Covini C6W has a 4.2-liter engine with 433 horsepower and top speed of 185 mph.  There is not price available for the 6 wheeled beast, but I’m sure it won’t be cheap.  More information as it becomes available.