When setting out to replace the 350Z, Nissan did the unthinkable – they downsized. While most new vehicle iterations seem to only get bigger than their predecessors, the latest Nissan Z is smaller, lighter, and of course it’s now faster.

The folks at WebRidesTV in particular wanted to experience just what these tighter dimensions and lighter weight delivered on the open road, and simply put they were quite impressed.

Other changes that have contributed to the 370Z’s improved performance include a wider stance for better handling, as well as a more powerful 3.7-liter V6 engine that produces 332 horsepower.

Performance isn’t the only are of improvement on the 370Z. The quality of the interior has been vastly improved, causing Nissan Beverly MA enthusiasts to remark that its cabin now offers more Infiniti-like accommodations with loads of aluminum and suede.

No matter how you look at it, the Nissan has improved upon an already great sports car. And with a base price under $30K, the new Z still holds offers incredible performance for the price, which is one of most beloved qualities among generations of Nissan Z enthusiasts.

If you happen to reside in the Washington State area and are looking for a good deal on a 370Z or other Nissan model, you may want to look for Nissan Quotes Seattle WA today at Advantage Nissan.

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Car enthusiasts knew ahead of time that they would have their hands full in Chicago dealing with the freezing temperatures, bitter wind, and snow flurries; but add to that a 4.3 earthquake this morning and you will see how truly dedicated these car aficionados are. The 2010 Chicago Auto Show has seriously started off with a bang… even a rumble!

Whatever you are looking for from the Chicago Auto Show, they have you covered. On display at the show are: alternative fuel vehicles, concept cars, family sedans, hybrids, as well as pickups, SUVs, and minivans. For more detailed information on your vehicle of choice, check out the 2010 Chicago Auto Show website.

Beginning Friday, February 12, 2010, the show will be open to the public from 10 AM – 10 PM until Saturday, February 20. On February 21, the show will be open from 10 AM – 8 PM. In addition to admittance to the general public, many special events will be taking place at the show.

• First Look for Charity will be kicking off the event on Thursday, February 11, from 6:30 PM – 10:30 PM.
• Tuesday, February 16, is Women’s Day and women are admitted all day for a discount price.
• Chrysler will be the host of the Chicago Auto Show Food Drive taking place Wednesday, February 17 through Friday, February 19.
• School and Group discounts are available for purchase as well.

Media coverage of the event is just getting under way and although information and photos are sparse, here’s some pictures to get you started…

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Check back for more news and photos of the 2010 Chicago Auto Show.

All photos courtesy of AutoSpies

Okay, so things didn’t go too well when GM tried to sell Saturn. Or Opel. Or, so far, HUMMER. And Saab itself has gone through its share of unsuccessful suitors, too. But it looks like General Motors has finally gotten lucky, putting together a deal that sells its Saab division to Spyker Cars, N.V.

Here’s the lowdown: General Motors gets about $74 million from Spyker, along with some $326 million in preferred shares of the new company—Saab Spyker—with everyone quick to point out that this translates into only 1 percent of the voting rights in the new entity. On the other hand, the stock deal is essentially payback for GM agreeing to remain a “partner” with Saab through the end of 2016. It’s not clear exactly what this “partnership” will entail, but the net result is that the General will have some sort of voice in Saab’s new plans for a while yet.

For Spyker, the deal will give less-expensive access to some of the resources that go into its current C8 exoticar and future models, more outlets at which to sell such vehicles and a steadier stream of revenue from Saab products. Speaking of which, the initial lineup looks like it will include the current Saab 9-3, the much-anticipated and completely redesigned Saab 9-5, and the nifty-looking Saab 9-4X crossover. Notably, even though the latter two vehicles didn’t make it into production before GM initially decided to wind Saab down, prototype testing continued anyway. As a result, it shouldn’t take much in terms of either time or money to restart production come this April, which is when Saab Spyker hopes to restart the factories.

As long as that date isn’t narrowed down to, say, April 1, I think this will be one Saab story that gets a happy ending.

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Last year was rough for General Motors. After emerging from bankruptcy and receiving bailout loans from the government, GM may not seem like it would considered the most innovative company by any measure. But as the Washington Auto Show gets underway, GM has announced that it will be the first major US automaker to manufacture electric motors.

GM is designing and building electric motors for upcoming hybrid and all-electric vehicles within their own facilities, which should make their debut in 2013 on new rear-wheel drive two-mode hybrids.

Vice Chairman Tom Stephens acknowledges that electric motors may become as crucial in the the future as traditional combustion engines are today. By starting to develop this technology now in-house, GM is hoping to make highly-efficient motors that will someday overcome the limitations and challenges of batteries used in today’s hybrids.

Perhaps to no one’s surprise, Uncle Sam has helped GM in developing its electric motor facilities. The US Department of Energy has provided a $105 million grant to GM for improving the automaker’s electric-motor and electric drive component manufacturing capabilities. According to Stephens, this grant will help GM rapidly speed up its R&D and manufacturing capabilities, and hopefully help the “New GM” become more of an innovator than the GM we’ve witnessed in recent years.

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More on General Motors vehicles coming soon.

Technology has exploded over the past decade to the point where we have iPod phones, the iPod Touch, MP3 players, Blackberry phones, blue-ray discs, video conferencing, and much more.  Over the past 15 years, one of the most innovative technologies to hit the automotive industry is the navigation device. The navigation device can be purchased as a single unit from an auto shop or electronic store.  It can be carried into your car as you begin driving on the road.  With the purchase of a brand new car, navigation systems come installed in the center console.   As technology continues to expand, one will think about the next automotive innovation for the new decade.

Many automotive industry experts feel that Google will release the next great car.  That is right!  We might be talking about a Google car within the next couple of years.  Google has recently released a phone, why not take the next step and release a car too?  What would the Google car bring to the table?  While driving towards or away from someone, it would keep you connected with everyone in your life, which is certainly the goal of most new automotive technologies these days suggests one Framingham Nissan dealer. Being able to use email, Twitter, YouTube, Facebook, instant messaging, and many other social media outlets provide major benefits.

Even though this might sound dangerous, everything would be voice activated and backed by Google. Cell phones are no longer necessary.  Now, both hands can be on the wheel and eyes focused on the road at all times.  Even though, technology has hurt the automotive industry with talking while driving, this innovation would improve the safety of everyone on the roads.

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Look for more Google Car information here soon.

Car lovers come to the North American International Auto Show to see the latest and greatest in the automotive industry. In fact, there is some exclusivity to these events as some of these news models are not available outside of the auto show. They are put on display to show what a future model may look like, and if the attendees show enough interest, some of these models may indeed see the light of day.

GMC Granite

The GMC Granite is emblematic of the new direction GMC vehicles are headed. This “urban utility vehicle” is a bit boxy. By targeting a younger crowd with its sporty look, the small sized Granite combines an SUV, a wagon, and a sedan all into one, serving as an all-purpose vehicle. However, these boxy cars have not been known to sell well. So with history against the Granite, only time will tell as to how the GMC performs once it hits the marketplace.

Toyota FT-CH

Toyota is known for their high-quality vehicles. Although they have had a few pitfalls over the past few years, they are ready to get back in the game. The compact hybrid FT-CH was on display at this year’s auto show, showing off its very futuristic look. Will this turn off consumers? We will have to see how it is received. In the meantime, there are some very exciting things taking place in the car industry!

Toyota FT-CH

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Read more about concept cars.

As the 2010 Detroit Auto Show took off, who would have thought this would be the year of electric vehicles, hybrids, and concepts? Throw in a couple refreshed models and you have a very fuel-efficient auto show looking for a fresh start. Although many companies introduced noteworthy vehicles, here is a look at three models that have generated quite a lot of buzz.

2012 Ford Focus

Voted by many to be the Best Small Car in the 2010 Detroit Auto Show, the small and economical 2012 Ford Focus boasts its new, sleek design. Add to that 140 horsepower, a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, and 4 stars out of 5 in driver front and passenger front crash tests. The 2012 Ford Focus should have no trouble topping the 2010 Chevrolet Cobalt or 2010 Hyundai Elantra. Look for Ford to compete with the 2010 Toyota Corolla as well as Chevrolet’s newest competitor, the 2011 Cruze. Instead of risking the potential backfire by launching a new line – i.e. the Taurus and the Five Hundred – Ford stuck with the Focus name. A warning for all readers: don’t be fooled by the Focus label, this car is for real.

2011 Honda CR-Z

Honda is bringing it back the CR-Z with the introduction of their mild-hybrid hatchback. The 2011 Honda CR-Z should be ready to launch in the summer of 2010. A lightweight sports car that is fun to drive and is eco-friendly; that is Honda’s goal. With many car companies looking to produce the next best green alternative, Honda has done just that with the production of the “Compact Renaissance Zero”, or CR-Z. The nimble, 122 horsepower, 1.5-liter VTEC four-cylinder engine produces approximately 36 miles per gallon in the city and 38 on the highway, all the while still looking good.

Audi E-Tron
A winner on pure excitement, thrill and anticipation. This concept car is composed of two electric motors driving the rear wheels, has an aluminum space frame, carbon fiber bodywork, and exerts a total of 204 horsepower – going 0-60 in 5.9 seconds. Best of all, Audi have stated they plan on introducing this EV concept in late 2012! Audi looks to produce running samples within a year with a lithium-ion battery pack that stores 45 kilowatt-hours of energy; the E-Tron can hold a single charge for up to 155 miles, unlike the Chevrolet Volt, that runs approximately 40 miles per charge. By combining the name, performance and style of Audi with the efficiency and economy of an electric car, the E-Tron probably won’t go cheap, but might be well worth the expense.

Again, while there are still many different winners, these three selections really jumped out. Honorable mention goes to: the Cadillac CTS Coupe, the concept 2013 Cadillac XTS, the 2011 Mustang GT 5.0, the 2011 Lincoln MKZ, and lastly, the revival of the Chevrolet Aveo, the 2012 Aveo RS. Feel free to leave any comments blow mentioning your favorites from the 2010 Detroit Auto Show.

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Visit our blog for more information on cars featured at the 2010 Detroit Auto Show.

Traditionally the small car segment has been reserved for first-time car buyers or for those that don’t want to spend the extra money for the size and the amenities of a larger vehicle. However, that trend is certainly changing and anyone wanting evidence of that can simply take a look at what’s on display at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit.

Ford is clearly leading the way on the small car front. Not only did the automaker have an over the top launch for the Ford Fiesta at the 2009 Los Angeles Auto Show, but Ford went on to Detroit to unveil the slightly larger 2012 Ford Focus. Featuring European styling and a number of all-new technologies that are unavailable with the current model, the next Focus will certainly provide more than the average small car when it arrives early next year.

Chevrolet has also been focusing on compact cars in recent months. Like Ford, Chevy used the LA Auto Show to showoff another compact, the all-new Chevy Cruze which will compete directly with the Focus. Making even bigger news in Detroit however was the Chevy Aveo RS concept. Clearly not too far off from being a production model, the Aveo RS features sporty styling and an improved interior that can best be described as being a far more interesting car than the existing Aveo. Although it’s just a concept, the Aveo RS gives consumers a sneak peak into the next generation Aveo subcompact which is due to enter production in early 2011.

Chrysler also made news surrounding the compact category. For starters, the automaker will soon launch a range of all-new four-cylinder engines that will provide outstanding fuel economy without sacrificing power. Chrysler also committed to bringing the stylish Fiat 500 to Chrysler showrooms soon. This new model will battle other microcars heading to market, like the Toyota iQ which Tustin CA Toyota says will be badged as a Scion model.

These new vehicles not only mark a new strategy among automakers, but it also marks new demands among consumers. Concerns over rising fuel costs had previously reinvigorated small car sales, but with gas prices now stabilized, the demand continues for other reasons. More consumers are interested in maintaining high-mileage, but consumers also want to downsize without giving up quality, amenities, or style. This is what has fueled vehicles like those just mentioned as they may be small, but they’re not the typical economy cars that we’ve seen in the past. Lompoc CA Honda dealers have held their ground through the turbulent economy and in the midst of rising gas prices, and domestics are also heeding to importance of having stylish small cars in their lineups. One Hampton VA service facility also suggests that perceived reliability is also playing a big role in consumer buying habits, as consumers don’t want to purchase a new vehicle that they may need to put money into in the short-term.

Today’s car buyers are eager not only for fuel-efficiency, but Honda Hartford also sees customers that want innovative technologies and improved build quality in the next generation of small cars. Despite recent troubles, the Big Three seem more than capable of providing exactly that.

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Read more news and coverage from auto shows on this blog.

Long Beach, CA, proved the place to be for New Year’s Eve. The event, located on the pier off Shoreline Drive, had some 50,000 celebrators who enjoyed our very own, West Coast style New Year’s Eve. Two different stages of live music set the mood at 7 PM, while Red Bull stunt driver Travis Pastrana prepared to set a world record by driving his Subaru Impreza STI rally car off the Pine Avenue Pier onto a floating barge located in the harbor.

With a previous record of 171 feet by Subaru teammate Ken Block, Travis Pastrana drove his rally car off the ramp, landing approximately 269 feet later onto a narrow landing zone; hello new world record! The slick pavement caused the STI to slide into the barrier, but the safety barrier did exactly as it was supposed to. The damage to the car was the least of Pastrana’s concerns.

Sounds easy enough, doesn’t it? Step on the gas, get to over 90 mph, and hope for the best. Wrong. Pastrana’s STI was given a lot of custom work to be able to pull of this type of jump. According to Car and Driver, the STI has between 350 and 400 horsepower and had additional tweaking of the suspension and brakes. Much of the car’s weight had to be distributed properly to prevent an uneven landing jeopardizing the jump and most importantly, Pastrana’s life.

After successfully landing and setting the world record, the excitement in Pastrana’s face was clear. If his thrill was not obvious enough, maybe his back flip off the barge into the harbor proved the point. What a way to welcome in 2010! Pastrana’s precision was the highlight of the event, followed by a midnight fireworks display, on a perfect New Year’s Eve in Long Beach, CA.

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Check out our blog for more information about Subaru.

With 2009 finally coming to a close, the auto industry is no doubt looking forward to 2010. Not only are exciting new cars on the way, but new attitudes are firmly in place as well. Car buyers are interested in new technologies and body styles, and even the most unlikely automakers are introducing hot new eco-friendly small cars. Although economic and environmental concerns did fuel interest in small cars in 2009, it wasn’t until Cash for Clunkers that the demand for small cars truly spiked. Regardless, Americans were buying fewer cars his year due to the crippling economic recession. From January to November, car sales amounted to 9.4 million according to JD Power – down 24 percent from 2008. Here’s a list of what was selling in 2009.

Midsize Pickup Trucks

The Toyota Tacoma took the title of the top selling midsize truck with 102,327 sold through November. The latest generation Tacoma is larger, features a powerful yet refined V6 engine, and provides incredible off-road capabilities. Its excellent safety ratings also help make this a well-rounded pickup for daily commuting.

Subcompact Cars

The winner of the subcompacts was the Nissan Versa. With a lower price than many of its competitors, the Nissan Versa became the ultimate choice for the value-conscious buyer. It’s competitive fuel ratings also helped make the Versa even more appealing than economical mainstays such as the Honda Fit or Hyundai Accent.

Minivans

In many ways the popularity of the crossover vehicle has caused the minivan segment to become smaller, but also more competitive. The minivan that was able to fight off the popular Dodge Caravan and Chrysler Town & Country this year was the Honda Odyssey. The Odyssey has widely been regarded as more fun-to-drive than its domestic counterparts, and its styling, quality, and surprising luxuries make this minivan standout even further.

Premium Compacts

The premium compact segment is hotter than ever, but year after year the benchmark for luxury and performance remains the leader. A total of 81,997 BMW 3-Series models were sold through November. With four body-styles to choose from, not to mention BMW’s no-cost maintenance program that covers the vehicle for the first four years or 50,000 miles, the 3-Series may come at a premium, but it still is relatively high-value compared to some of its competitors.

Large Cars

Not only was the Chevrolet Impala the highest selling large car in 2009, but it also beat the next highest selling vehicle, the Dodge Charger, by a margin of nearly three to one. Although its styling has become seriously dated, the 2009 Chevrolet Impala has still offered consumers a reliable and comfortable family car.

Midsize Crossovers

All-new for 2009, the Chevrolet Traverse has already become a favorite among CUV buyers. With a total of 82,210 sold through November, the Traverse takes the place of GM’s lackluster minivans. With a third row of seats that can accommodate actual adults, the Traverse is roomy for the whole family and their cargo. Best of all, the interior features a high quality look and feel that sets it apart from GM SUVs of the past. This fresh new offering easily overtook the Ford Edge and the Toyota Highlander.

Large Pickup Trucks

Perhaps to no surprise, the Ford F-Series reigns supreme for yet another as the best selling pickup truck. With 351,998 units sold through November, the latest F-Series is more refined and more powerful than ever before. And, its prowess as a work truck keeps it selling strongly even as the industry becomes focused on smaller dimensions and higher fuel economy.

Compact Crossovers

As one of the pioneers of the compact crossover segment, the Honda CR-V has sold a staggering 172,528 units through November. While there have been plenty of sexier, newer options for buyers in this segment this year, the CR-V’s timeless styling, stellar resell value, and impeccable interior quality, has made the CR-V the perfect choice for “cute ‘ute” shoppers.

Midsize Cars

Despite its conservative styling, the Toyota Camry continues to lure car buyers. With its spacious interior, smooth ride, and its array of amenities, 307,299 Camry models were sold through November, making its the second best selling vehicle of the year overall.

Compact Cars

Narrowly beating the Toyota Corolla for the highest selling compact car was the Honda Civic, racking up 237,403 sales through November. With its space-aged design, the Honda Civic is far less conservative than before, which has certainly paid off. The Civic is also larger, heavier, and more refined. For those that aren’t turned-off by its unique styling, particularly its interior, the Honda Civic remains the high-value leader in this segment.