Sunday, March 26, 2006 

2006 Toyota Yaris Preview

by Justin Couture

In the automotive world, the Georgian College Auto Show isnt even on the radar, let alone a tiny blip. Despite celebrating its 20th anniversary, the Canadian event is small; some manufacturers were absent, while others were represented by local dealerships. But late last week, the town of Barrie, Ontario held what might be one of the most important positions this year out of any auto show in Canada. On September 16th, Toyota pulled the wraps off of its all-new Yaris subcompact, just days after its global premier at this years 2005 Frankfurt Motor Show in Germany, and I drove the distance to see it all take place.

While Toyota's name has been built up by earning high value-for-money ratings, consumer satisfaction with gold-star reliability, or the environmentally friendly Prius and Highlander Hybrids, subcompact cars have also long been the automakers strong hand. The late Echo, still available north of the 49th by the way, did a decent job of staving off rival subcompacts, such as the Hyundai Accent, Kia Rio and the GM-DAT-designed Chevy Aveo. Albeit, with the new Scion brand now available across the nation, the frumpy little Echo just didnt fit in anymore.

But despite its homely appearance, the car is a star in Canada, and the countrys response to both sedan and coupe models prompted Toyota Canada (TCI) to take the relatively small market (the entire country has a smaller population than California) very seriously. Therefore, it brought the Echo hatchback (Yaris/Vitz Mk.I) over exclusively for the Canadian market in 2004. The cars success, beating all competitors in sales, means that Canadians will be getting the special treatment once again; aside from Japan, where the new Yaris has been on sale as the Vitz since February, Canada will be the second market in the world to receive this new car. Yes, TCIs scheduled date of this October beats out Europe, Australia, Africa and even the United States, which will receive the three-door Yaris down the road as a supplement to the Scion range. As a matter of fact, Canadian dealers are taking orders currently. Thats got to choke up Toyota dealers in the U.S., who could use the funky little hatchback to pull in first time buyers.

When it finally arrives in American, the Yaris will be available in two body styles and three different trim levels. For the three-door and five-door hatchbacks, a well-equipped LE and sporty RS models are available. While specifications have not been engraved in stone, the RS features 15-inch alloy wheels, a 6-disc MP3/CD head unit, color-keyed mirrors, sports seats, tachometer, body kit and spoiler, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift-knob, plus fog lamps, while the LE, such as the metallic blue one shown at the Georgian auto show, which featured Package B, includes keyless entry, power windows and air conditioning. Unique to the three-door is the CE trim level which will act as the most basic, value-driven model. A notchback sedan or notchback coupe have not been announced for the new generation, however, the current versions will continue to be on sale until the end of the year. ED2, Toyotas European design studio played a critical role in the way the new Yaris looks. Its an evolution of the current model, with its own distinguishing Vibrant Clarity styling language currently employed in globally marketed products, but also in all future Toyotas heading for North America. Immediately recognizable not only as a Toyota but as the successor to the Echo, further details will be carried through, such as the Toyota logo which is prominently displayed atop the grille, with bulges that stretch from the front fascia, up through the hood. S-shaped doors give extra flair to the body, allowing vibrant new colors like copper orange and bayou blue mica to jump off the body. The end result is a vehicle that defies the stereotype that subcompacts must be boxy and plain, and its certainly not your Aunt Abigails beige Tercel.

Like its exterior, the Yaris interior theme is of a European nature, taking hints from many of Toyotas European designs such as the Corolla Verso and Avensis. Toyotas Loop Style Concept creates a wrap-around look from the door arm rests sweeping up through the pillars and headliner. The car maintains its unique centrally-mounted instrument pod; with Optitron electroluminescent gauges. Its position allows drivers to maintain a field of view of the road including the gauge pod. Similar to Mitsubishis European-market Colt, the Yaris adopts a narrow vertical spar for the climate control. After spending time inside the car, its safe to say that the build quality is excellent, even on this pre-production model, with tight and consistent panel gaps.

Smart packaging, such as space-saving torsion beam rear suspension and a choice to push the wheels to each corner makes for unrivaled interior room within the category, providing Corolla-levels of space and comfort within tiny dimensions. A flat rear floor allows three occupants to ride on board in back without feeling like sardines in a tin, while on the five-door RS model, the rear seats are moveable to further increase available legroom, or maximize cargo space. There are over a dozen well-placed cubbies and pockets for storing and reducing clutter in the cabin, including pockets on the center console and a twin glove box. The trunk holds several clever bins and hidden sub floors, ideal for carrying everything from wet or muddy boots to umbrellas or small loose parcels.

All versions of the Yaris are powered by a 1.5-liter inline-four that features Toyotas VVT-I variable valve timing system. While power and torque outputs remain the same at 106-horsepower and 103 lb-ft of torque, it has been tweaked to deliver power at lower revs, making it better suited for urban driving. The small-displacement engine not only sips fuel with expected ratings equal or less to the current car, but its ULEVII (Ultra Low Emissions Vehicle II rating is remarkably environmentally friendly. Its also reasonably quick, with only 2,320 pounds to haul around; 60 mph is reached in 8.4 seconds. Rumors have it that a performance model available off the showroom floor could pack 140-hp, which could mean a 1.8-liter motor or the addition of a TRD supercharger. Toyota is tight-lipped, of course, on confirming information. For the current range, buyers can opt for either a five-speed manual or a four-speed automatic.


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Friday, March 24, 2006 

2006 BMW M Roadster Review

Starting MSRP $51,300


Preview
Looks Fast, Goes Faster
The latest version of BMW's M Roadster gives this seductive ragtop racecar-like performance.
by Jim Gorzelany


Originally published 12/09/2005

BMW Roadster

BMW hasn't sold an M Roadster since the 2002 model year, when it was based on the former Z3 two-seat convertible. A new version, derived from the recently updated Z4, debuts in early 2006 as a midyear entry. Like every other BMW donning an M on the trunk lid, the M Roadster enhances performance and handling of the car on which it's based — already a quick, nimble and attractive little sports car. Both the Z4 and M Roadster are built at BMW's Spartanburg, S.C. plant.



While the latest M Roadster features a number of cosmetic tweaks that differentiate it from the Z4, including more aggressive front- and rear-end treatments, exclusive 18-inch wheels and four tailpipes, the most pronounced upgrade is under the long hood. Shared with the current M3 is a 3.2-liter V6 engine with dual overhead cams, variable valve timing and individual throttle controls for each cylinder, among other top-drawer technology. The engine generates 333 horsepower and is controlled with a Getrag six-speed manual transmission capable of taking the M Roadster from zero to 60 mph in just under five seconds. Top speed is electronically limited to a highly illegal 155 mph.

BMW's Servotronic electromechanical variable power-steering system and a speed-sensitive limited-slip differential lock improve the Z4's already stellar cornering abilities. Whether careening around a curve or traversing slippery pavement, the differential lock automatically transfers power to the rear wheel with the most traction. This system is designed to work with the latest version of BMW's Dynamic Stability Control system, in order to allow aggressive cornering without undue intervention while still preventing a loss of control in extreme handling situations.

For added safety and control, the M Roadster's heavy-duty compound braking system borrows an array of advancements from the current 3 Series sedan, including

• Brake Fade Compensation, which mitigates loss of braking power due to heat buildup during spirited driving;

• Brake Standby, which anticipates hard braking by automatically closing the brake pads against the brake rotors when the driver lifts off of the throttle;

• Brake Drying, which periodically brings the pads nearly in contact with the rotors, based on input from the car's rain-sensing windshield wipers, to keep the points of contact dry;

• Soft Stop, which is designed to help bring the car to a halt smoothly by automatically modulating brake force upon deceleration; and

• Startoff Assistant, which automatically keeps the car from rolling while in neutral and on an incline.

Interior flourishes unique to the M Roadster include a specific steering wheel, gearshift knob and door sills, as well as white-on-black illuminated instrumentation. The tachometer indicates the engine's current safe operating speed based on the engine-oil temperature; this recommended speed rises concurrently with the temperature of the oil (full throttle is indicated only when the oil is at the proper temperature).


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Thursday, March 23, 2006 

2006 Mercedes-Benz S-Class: Highlights


A new base sedan with a 6-cyl engine joins the roster of Mercedes-Benz' largest cars for 2006. Previously only V8 and V12 engines were offered. Redesigned 2007 versions are due in early calendar '06, with larger dimensions and more power. The current generation of S-Class sedans dates from 2000 and shares basic engineering with CL-Class coupes.
The newcomer is the S350 with a 241-hp V6. The S430 has a 275-hp V8. The S500 has a 302-hp V8. S55 version, tuned by Mercedes' AMG performance arm, have a 493-hp supercharged V8. S600 uses a 493-hp twin-turbocharged V12. The limited-edition S65 AMG has a 604-hp twin-turbo V12. The S430 and S500 are available with Mercedes' 4Matic all-wheel drive at no extra charge. The S350, 4Matic, and AMG versions have a 5-speed automatic transmission. Other models have a 7-speed automatic. Both transmissions have a manual shift gate.

All models come with ABS, antiskid/traction control, front/rear torso side airbags, and head-protecting curtain side airbags. AMG models have aero-body addenda and uprated brakes. An AMG appearance package is available on rear-drive S430 and S500 models at no extra cost.

V12 and AMG models come with Mercedes' Active Body Control, designed to minimize cornering lean. All models include Mercedes' TeleAid assistance and COMAND video control for audio, navigation, and phone. Sedans add Mercedes' Pre-Safe System, designed to sense a crash and automatically tension seatbelts and adjust seat position to minimize possible injury. Options include satellite radio, Mercedes' Distronic cruise control designed to automatically maintain a set following distance, and Mercedes' Keyless Go keyless access and starting system.


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Tuesday, March 21, 2006 

2006 BMW 3 Series Convertible


Though BMW redesigned the 3 Series sedan and wagon this year, the coupe and convertible are not scheduled for the same update until the 2007 model year. As such, the 2006 coupe and convertible continue on with no significant changes.

Advantages of the 2006 BMW 3 Series Convertible:

  • Silky inline six-cylinder engines

  • Telepathic road feel

  • Brilliant handling does not come at expense of ride quality

  • Free scheduled maintenance

Objections to the 2006 BMW 3 Series Convertible:
  • Price premium over many competitors

  • Car's acceleration overshadowed by that of newer and faster competitors

AutoSite's Advice:
Even though the 3 Series sedan has been fully redesigned for 2006, the coupe and convertible remain on the older 3 Series platform for another year. So are these cars past their expiration dates? Hardly. It's true that they're no longer the quickest cars leaving the parking lot, but nothing can touch them in terms of steering feel and road handling. Some people buy BMWs because they want to impress their friends and neighbors. We recommend BMWs because they are pure joy to drive.


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Tuesday, March 14, 2006 

2006 Mercedes-Benz R-Class

Welcome to the world of grand sports touring.By Jim McCraw,

Introduction
The new Mercedes-Benz R-Class is a bit like the platypus, the fur-covered, duck-billed, egg-laying mammal. It combines aspects of other vehicles without becoming one of them.
It looks like a very large station wagon, with four conventional opening doors and a top-hinged one-piece tailgate, but it's not a traditional wagon. It has permanent, computer-controlled all-wheel drive, but it's not an SUV. It has three rows of two bucket seats, kind of like a minivan, but it's not a minivan. It's a brand-new entry in a class the company calls grand sports touring, and there's nothing else quite like it on the market today.

Fortunately, the R-Class is better looking than a platypus. Its radically sloping roof and sweeping lines help disguise its considerable size. Longer than a Cadillac Escalade, the R-Class is truly cavernous inside and comfortably accommodates six tall adults in six well-accommodated bucket seats. It comes loaded with passive safety features designed to protect occupants in the event of an accident.
It's quiet and comfortable on the highway, and surprisingly responsive on winding roads. Initially, there will be only two models, the R350 with V6 power and the R500 with V8 power. The R350 is quite responsive, while the R500 is downright fast. Both are packed with all-wheel drive, electronic stability control and other features designed to help the driver maintain control.
Model Lineup
The R350 ($48,000) is equipped with the V6 and seven-speed automatic transmission, all-wheel drive, four-wheel traction control, ABS, EBD, ESP, load-leveling rear suspension, 17-inch alloy wheels and tires. And it comes loaded with leather seating, birdseye maple wood trim, eight-way power seats, dual-zone air conditioning, the COMAND instrument panel and control system, folding second- and third-row bucket seats, rain-sensing wipers, multi-function steering wheel, eight-speaker AM/FM/WB/CD sound system, integrated garage door opener, and six cupholders.
The R500 ($55,500) adds the V8 engine, 18-inch wheels and 255/50 tires, speed-sensitive steering, six-disc CD changer, heated seats, burl walnut wood trim, three-driver memory system for seats, mirrors and steering column, tilt/telescope steering column, TeleAid security system, additional chrome exterior trim and tinted front and side glass.
The safety package is comprehensive. Every R-Class comes with frontal, side-impact, and side curtain air bags for all three rows. It has earned five-star crash rating in all directions. Anti-lock brakes (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), an electronic stability program (ESP), and all-wheel drive are all standard.
Option packages include Trim ($1750), Lighting ($890), Heating ($1190), Comfort ($1350), Entertainment ($1190), Sunroof ($1490), Airmatic air suspension ($1400), Panoramic Roof ($2390) Multicontour seats ($780), and AMG Sport ($4500). Individual options include Sirius Satellite Radio, Parktronic sonar warning, Keyless Go, heated seats, second-row video entertainment ($3000), second-row console, a power liftgate operated by the key fob, and three-zone climate control ($1050). The Premium package ($5,400) includes the Panorama roof (a five-and-a-half-foot glass section in two huge panels with electric shades for each), the Entertainment package, a power liftgate, DVD navigation and, on the R350, TeleAid.
In about a year, the R63 AMG performance version, with a 500-horsepower 6.3-liter V8 engine, will be added to the lineup, along with a new 5.5-liter four-valve gasoline V8 version replacing the 5.0-liter. And in 2007, Mercedes-Benz expects to add the R320, a 3.2-liter turbodiesel engine version, to the lineup, and an R400, a 4.0-liter V8 diesel for Europe. The factory in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, will also produce a short-wheelbase version, nine inches shorter, for the rest of the world, as well as right-hand-drive versions.


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Sunday, March 05, 2006 

2006 Ford Mustang


What's New for the 2006 Ford Mustang?



desired for a Mustang GT but you can only afford the V6? Get the new Pony Package and no one will be the wiser. It comes with the GT's inboard driving lights, bigger wheels and tires, suspension tuning, and antilock brakes with traction control. The only giveaways are the unique pony emblems. The Mustang GT can be outfitted with two new 18-inch alloy wheel designs, bringing this model's total wheel selection to four styles. Vista Blue and Tungsten Gray paint jobs debut for 2006, and later this year, a darker aluminum dash trim will be offered.
Advantages of the 2006 Ford Mustang:
Large bang for the buck
Ultra-cool styling
Slick retro interior
many room for two adults and two kids

Objections to the 2006 Ford Mustang:
Low driving position; tall beltline
Glare off of the dash
Unimpressive interior materials
AutoSite's Advice:
Yeah, this car rocks. However, if you want one anytime soon, plan to pay a premium - especially for a GT. Many dealers have waiting lists, and we expect this car to sell itself for at least another year or more. Don't expect dealer discounts, don't expect rebates, and don't expect your salesperson to bend over backwards to sell you the Vehicle, because the next guy walking through the door will pay what they want.


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