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There are about as many all-wheel-drive systems on the market as there are potholes in Chicago, so it’s hard to determine if one automaker’s uniquely named AWD system is actually any different from another. This week at Ask.cars.com we compared Audi’s Quattro system to Acura’s Super Handling All-Wheel Drive, and also dug up some news on when the next Infiniti FX SUV will be unveiled. Have a similar question? Drop by Ask.cars.com and leave it for us.
This week we had a lot of different cars come in and out of the fleet, but we decided to let Mike wax poetic about the Civic Hybrid’s mileage in his own post. That left everyone clamoring for seat time in the new Mercedes C-Class and a few of us revisiting an old Faceoff winner.
2008 Mercedes-Benz C300
Considering the C300 is the less-powerful trim level, I thought it accelerated pretty well. It’s no rocket, but it certainly benefits from the seven-speed transmission. It takes off smoothly and quietly, seeming to start out in second gear when in Drive, an old Mercedes practice. Even in the Sport version, it didn’t live up to the BMW 3 Series or the Infiniti G35, but it was pretty satisfying to drive — and not every luxury automaker can chase the same goal.
For years, the quintessential mom-mobile was the minivan. Times have changed, but Chrysler is hoping there’s still a spot for that cliché in the market and that its new Town & Country will fit the bill. One of the mom-reviewers at Mother Proof recently got a sneak peek at the new Town & Country and its slew of family-friendly features; she offers her initial thoughts over at Motherproof.com.
Hybrid fuel economy has been a hot topic on the blog, so when I had a chance to take a 100-mile trip in Honda's Civic Hybrid, I made sure to keep detailed gas mileage notes. While my trip average of 40 mpg was much lower than the EPA's combined 50 mpg estimate for the Civic Hybrid, it's pretty close to the new combined rating of 42 mpg that 2008 Civic Hybrids will receive as a result of new government testing procedures. More interesting, though, was the effect different types of driving conditions had on the car's fuel economy.
My route took me on a variety of roads, including suburban streets and toll roads, with speeds ranging from 5 mph to around 70 mph.
A number of websites leaked information about the Mini Clubman last night, days before it was supposed to be revealed. The surprising thing is one of those sites was owned by Mini itself. These images are of the new Mini Clubman, an elongated version of the Mini Cooper that will go on sale early next year.
A Clubman micro site was launched today by Mini and that’s where these computer-aided images are from. Keep reading to see more pictures and visit Mini.com for a lot of video game-esque driving. We’ll have full specs and official photos as soon as possible.
Volvo is recalling 42,000 2005-model-year XC90 SUVs due to potential short-circuits in the battery. The company says no reports of short-circuits have been reported, but that it “wants to be extra careful.” The reason there might be an issue is that the battery is in the rear of the vehicle and can come into contact with a spare tire jack, causing a short. Vehicles will be inspected to make sure the battery is safe, and extra warning labels will be added so owners don’t place the jack handle too close to the battery.
Volvo to Recall 42,000 Cars in North America Because of Short Circuit Risk (DelmarvaNow.com)
There seems to be a lot of rumors of what the next Mini variation might be. After the new Clubman debuts soon, there’s word an SUV might be next. Or Mini could just follow in the footsteps of an industrious Spanish Mini owner and build a Mini Cooper boat. We don’t have much more information on the transport shown here other than it was indeed a Mini at one time. We also don’t know if the boat can drive on land. Still, the picture is priceless.
Mini Boat (Motorpasion via MotoringFile)
When General Motors first showed off the hybrid versions of its Chevy Tahoe and GMC Yukon SUVs, it said mileage gains would be around 25% over the gasoline-only versions. Now GM is saying that when the two hit dealers this fall, city mileage could be 40% better — about 19-20 mpg using the EPA’s 2008 testing guidelines.
These will be the first vehicles to use a new hybrid system developed jointly with Chrysler Group and BMW, both of which have hybrid plans of their own. Towing rates will go down, though, from 8,200 pounds to 6,200 pounds, but the SUVs will still be four-wheel drive.
This hybrid system, like many others, doesn’t impact highway driving as much as city driving, and mileage both on the highway and overall is expected to be around 20 or 21 mpg.
Pricing hasn’t been announced yet, but a $5,000 or more premium over the regular versions would be a conservative estimate.
GM Expects 40% Mileage Boost on Big SUV Hybrids (USA Today)
Minutes ago, Chrysler announced it would offer a lifetime powertrain warranty on all of its new Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep vehicles. A powertrain warranty covers the engine, transmission and drive system of a car, but is separate from a bumper-to-bumper warranty. Chrysler says this will include parts and labor.
This is an unprecedented move in the automotive industry. GM recently announced a 10-year powertrain warranty, and foreign nameplates like Hyundai, Kia, Suzuki and Mitsubishi also have 10-year warranties.
Owners must go through an inspection process every five years, at no cost, to maintain the warranty. The warranty is non-transferable so used car buyers will be out of luck. The warranty also excludes all SRT high-performance models, diesel vehicles, Sprinter trucks, Ram chassis cab and certain fleet vehicles. We’re still waiting on word from the company and will update this post when we learn more.
Related
Making Sense of New-Car Warranties (Cars.com)
Pollution is probably the biggest surprise here, but Forbes said that 50% of a person’s exposure to ultrafine particulate matter from pollution comes during a commute.
The list of the 25 most dangerous commutes is below. Reminder to self: Don’t send resume to any companies in Riverside, Calif.
America's Unhealthy Commutes (Forbes)
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