Test driving the 2009 Infiniti FX CUV

There are a host of great CUV’s ready to hit the market like the BMW X6 however; there is one that has got our attention now and that is the 2009 Infiniti FX. It would be so nice to get the opportunity to have a test drive of this CUV but we can only but dream, well those guys over at AutoBlog have managed to secure a test drive and they spent a little time just getting to know the Cross Over Vehicle.

While looking at the exterior of the 2009 Infiniti FX you will notice that it has kept the basic shape of its predecessor although the 2009 model does have a wider track as well as a longer wheelbase. Weight distribution is perfect thanks to front-midship architecture that is used on the G35 sedan.

There are a range of 2009 Infiniti FX models to choose from, the entry-level is the VQ35HR V63.5-liter which pushes out 303hp. However if that is not enough power for you then you could opt for the bigger FX50, the engine used in this beast is the VK50VE V8 5.0-liter and manages to produce 390hp. Both of these models come with a seven-speed automatic transmission with an option for manual shift. If you look at the paddle shifts you will notice that they are the same that are used in the Nissan GT-R.

For a full review on the 2009 Infiniti FX test drive visit: AutoBlog

Review of the 2009 Toyota Venza Crossover Sedan

The new 2009 Toyota Venza looks as though it could be a winner for the Japanese car manufacturer, it seems that the time of the old station wagon is almost gone as these type of crossover sedans take over. The Venza is supposed to be like a sport-utility vehicle; however the vehicle is much more of a car than a CUV. No matter what you call it the 2009 Toyota Venza looks as though it will is a winner.

The car was unveiled at the Detroit International Auto show in January and it seemed to generate a lot of attention to its stand, if you were to ask the question “what does the 2009 Toyota Venza remind us off,” I would have to say like the Ford Edge crossover. As you would expect Toyota seems to lean heavily on Lexus to get the car looking sleek and give it a more luxury fell. The Venza looks a little like the Lexus RX350, however the Venza sits lower to the ground even though the vehicle comes with 19-inch alloys as standard however, if that is not enough as an option you can choose a set of 20-inch alloys.

The 2009 Toyota Venza is very roomy inside and will seat five adults comfortably, however as it is higher than a standard sedan the Venza offers a little more head room. When it comes to storage space in the rear the 2009 Toyota Venza seems to come up a little small, you will get the same amount of storage as you would in a Camery or a Highlander.

The basic engine is big at 2.7 liter, however if you want more grunt then the 3.5 liter V6 is a great choice. That engine will push out 268 horsepower and is mounted to a six-speed automatic transmission. Toyota will offer you the choice of either a front wheel drive or an all four wheel drive.

Toyota have worked on the safety features and has given the 2009 Toyota Venza front, side and head-protection airbags as well as a little knee-protection bag for the driver. Also included is the new Toyota STAR active safety system, this includes anti-lock brakes, brake assist, electronic brake-force distribution, stability control as well as traction control. You could not be in a safer environment.

There are a range of models in the 2009 Toyota Venza Crossover Sedan range even the lowest model comes with cruise control, automatic dual-zone air conditioning, electro-chromatic rearview mirror with compass, six-CD changer, remote keyless entry and a lot more. So you do not have to break the bank in getting some extra gadgets in your car.

Source – City Auto World

First Drive of the 2009 Honda Pilot CUV

Back in January Honda decided to show off a concept of their 2009 Honda Pilot at the Detroit Auto Show; however it seemed as many of the people who visited the Honda stand were a little under whelmed. This is the second generation Pilot, and Honda wanted to try and keep a utilitarian look with this crossover. The problem that Honda faced was trying to create a larger interior; however what that means is you are left with a boxy exterior look.

The 2009 Honda Pilot is not the best CUV on the market so the Mazda CX-9 and the Buick Enclave will not have to worry too much. When you jump into the interior of the Pilot, it is like climbing inside a greenhouse and start driving that around. Ok sorry I am being a little nasty there; the 2009 Honda Pilot is more like a barn. This crossover is not all bad though, the road noise in the vehicle is quieter than the previous model this is thanks to the more aerodynamic styling.

The new model comes with a 3.5-liter V6 engine this power plant pushes out 250HP, and although not much across the entire range fuel economy is up by 1MPG. The acceleration is faster than what you expect; however there are many other crossovers that perform much better like the Audi Q7 TDI 4.2. However, the 2009 Honda Pilot is more of a particle CUV.

The 2009 Honda Pilot CUV will not set your world alight, but Honda have built this crossover to do what it has been built for, and that is for moving a whole bunch of people around and feel comfortable thanks to the amount of room that you have. Although the new Pilot is nothing special, you can upgrade to the Touring trim level. This is more of an expensive model, but it is worth paying the extra and it is almost on par with the Acura.

Source - AutoBlog

Tiger Woods 2008 Buick Enclave CXL on eBay for $100,000: Is it worth that much

Back in January games giant EA Sports held a competition where the winner would walk away with a 2008 Buick Enclave CXL. This was the same courtesy vehicle that was used by Tiger Woods, which the golf legend used while on the 2007 Target World Challenge golf tournament. What makes this car more special is that Tiger Woods won the golf tournament.

Well the winner, Zach Johnson has now taken ownership of the 2008 Buick Enclave CXL but I do not think that the owner is going to keep it. The new owner of the Buick has now placed the vehicle on eBay, and has got a Buy it now price of $100,000. It seems as if this is a huge asking price, but eleven people have made offers.

Source - Auto Blog

Is this Tiger Woods courtesy worth $100,000?

Ford Flex Woody: faux wood paneling please say it’s a joke

The Ford Flex truly is a nice vehicle, and Ford have some plans to offer some Limited Editions, however one that I think seems more like a joke is producing a Ford Flex Woody.

Ok I can understand a Hot Rod Woody, but on a normal vehicle it is an absolute atrocity. Why would you want to take a nice CUV and then spoil it by sticking some faux wood paneling along the sides? Please Ford I beg you, please say that this is part of an April fool.

Source - The Car Connection via njection

Pricing released for 2009 Ford Flex

For those of you who are anxiously waiting for the release of the new 2009 Ford Flex, we can tell you that the automaker has now released their pricing list. The Ford Flex will be going on sale this summer and will start at just $28.995. The price list is the Read more

Toyota Venza: new crossover sedan introduced at Detroit Auto Show

No matter what stand you visit at the 2008 Detroit Auto Show most of the automakers will be showing of some exiting new vehicles, and Toyota is just one of them with their new Venza. This vehicle is a crossover sedan and will be Read more

Mazda CX-9 and Chevy Malibu: North American car, truck of 2008

Last year General Motors walked away with so many awards last year, however according to MLive it is a different story this year. This year the Chevrolet Malibu was given the title of 2008 North American Car of the year, but Mazda decided to Read more

Audi to launch A4 Allroad Quattro: Like Outback Impreza

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IIHS gives Infiniti EX35 CUV Top Safety Pick

Many vehicles main aim is to become one of the safest on the road, many have to go through some very tough safety standards. So it is good to hear that the Infiniti EX35 CUV has been given the Top Safety Pick by the IIHS Read more

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Cadillac Provoq concept to use fuel cell E-Flex powertrain

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Saab to unveil 9-1 Delta at 2008 London Motor Show

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Video teaser of the BMW X6 with chief designer Chris Bangle

We have all been drawn into the hype that is the new BMW X6 and we have to wait until the Frankfurt Motor Show for the unveiling, however we have a video here of BMW chief designer Read more

Hyundai i-Blue Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle to be Unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor Show

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Toyota Vanguard Crossover: stretched RAV4 with 7 seats

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2009 Dodge Journey crossover to debut at 2007 Frankfurt Motor Show

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Lexus 2009 RX crossover prototype spotted: Check out these spy shots

The upcoming Lexus 2009 RX crossover prototype has been very well hidden from prying eyes, but that did not stop leftlanenews.com from getting some great spy shots of this new Read more

Mercedes-Benz new compact CUV to be called the GLK

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H&R tune the Ford Edge CUV: Looking much like the concept we saw in Las Vegas

For those of you out there who thought that Ford Edge is one car that could not be tuned will be surprised to hear that, H&R has managed to tune the Read more