Dodge Expects V-6 to Power Almost Half of Challengers

Spurred by high gas prices, Dodge unexpectedly sped the introduction of a V-6 version of the 2009 Challenger, a model that could account for 40% or more of Challenger sales. The Challenger SE, powered by a 3.5-liter V-6, joined the much-anticipated 2009 Challenger R/T — which uses a 5.7-liter Hemi V-8 — on stage at the New York auto show. Come fall 2008, those versions will join the current Challenger SRT8, which has a 6.1-liter version of the Hemi V-8 and is the sole trim level available as a 2008.

While Dodge expects the R/T trim level to be the volume seller, Bryan Zvibelman, Chrysler Group's manager of car, minivan and truck product communications, says the model's appeal is broad enough to attract buyers who are less interested in speed. "The look of the car is a big part of its appeal, and people will be happy to have that for just over $20,000," he said. That rough price refers to the base SE trim level; the SRT8 stickers for $37,320.

Video: Kia Koup Concept

Isn’t everyone a little tired of companies spelling words with a “K” when they should really have a “C”? Come on, when was the last time it ever led to anything good? Krispy Kreme? Kia, however, hopes the misspelling of its Koup is a good thing, and after checking it out in person at the New York auto show I’d have to agree it might be. Some of the folks over on YouTube took me to task for saying that it was both styled like an Acura from the 1990s and futuristic. They contended that would make it out of date, which is true; what I meant was that while it borrows the style, it’s still a modern interpretation. Plus, car nuts I know love Acuras from that time. You decide. Check out the video and let us know what you think in the comments.

Share this video via YouTube

Video: 2009 Pontiac Solstice Coupe

Folks going to the New York auto show this week will get to check out the all-new Pontiac Solstice coupe. Those not so lucky can sit in the comfort of their desk chair and check out Joe Wiesenfelder’s video highlighting the good — hey, more headroom — and the bad — wicked blind spot — of the new two-seat sportster.

Share this video via YouTube
More on the Pontiac Solstice

2009 Audi A4, A4 Avant Get New Engines

It seems kind of silly to report that these all-new Audi models are getting new engines. New models should get new engines, after all, but that isn’t always the case in the automotive world. With its new A4, though, Audi is making it all-new in terms of exterior styling, interior and, now we learn, the base power plant.

Replacing the turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder that is a staff favorite at Cars.com is a new, more powerful turbo four. Horsepower bumps up 11 hp to 211, and torque gets a healthy addition of 51 pounds-feet to 258.

The turbo will be the only power plant available for the A4 Avant, while the sedan offers an optional 265-hp, 3.2-liter V-6. Both come with either a six-speed manual or automatic transmission. The new A4 and A4 Avant go on sale this fall. 

Related
More 2009 Audi A4 Avant Photos
Up Close: 2009 Audi A4
More Audi A4 News

First Drive: Ford Escape Plug-In Hybrid

In connection with the New York International Auto Show, in a city where Ford Escape Hybrid taxicabs are an increasingly common sight, Ford offered me a test drive in an experimental plug-in version of its compact SUV.

The philosophy behind this vehicle is similar to that of the Toyota Prius plug-in, on which I reported from Detroit: to increase the battery capacity and to charge that battery in the home with a common extension cord before hitting the road. This supplements the normal hybrid with power that's comparatively cheap and potentially cleaner than gasoline, and that comes from North American sources such as coal, natural gas, nuclear, and, in regrettably rare cases, renewable energy like hydroelectric and solar. All current hybrids generate their own electricity with their gas engines and through recapturing the energy of motion during braking, which improves efficiency over that of a larger gas engine alone but doesn't meet the full potential of electric power.

Video: 2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe

After reading all you could find on the new Hyundai Genesis Coupe, were you left wondering what it was really like? In this video, Cars.com’s Kelsey Mays takes a look inside and out of  Hyundai’s new rear-wheel drive performance machine and finds everything to be pretty remarkable.

Share This Video Via YouTube
More on the 2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe

Video: 2009 Volvo XC60

Cars.com's resident Suburban Dad, Patrick Olsen, takes a look at Volvo's new SUV, the XC60. It competes with the BMW X3 and Land Rover LR2 but is remarkably large for what's considered a compact segment. Patrick shows off the cargo area and rear seat room, as well as the fancy interior duds.

Share this video via YouTube
More on the 2009 Volvo XC60

Video: 2010 Pontiac G8 Sport Truck

Everyone's seen pictures of the modern El Camino, but has anyone see the tailgate fold down? Senior editor Joe Wiesenfelder lowers that tailgate and takes a look inside. He also shows the behind-seat storage, which we haven't seen in photos yet. Check it out.

Share this video via YouTube
More on the 2010 Pontiac G8 Sport Truck

2008 New York Auto Show: Winners and Losers

click on any photo to see a full image gallery

As the auto show season winds down, New York City took center stage. This year automakers really toned down the flashy, wild concepts to let new production models sink in a little better — one concept was even ready to be tested on roads. Mike Hanley, David Thomas and Joe Wiesenfelder took out their red and green pens one last time to decide which vehicles are worthy of showgoers’ time in New York.

2009 Nissan Maxima

David Thomas: Winner
I was surprised at how much better the Maxima looks in person. I still think the grille is too rectangular and Nissan could’ve integrated it better with the stylish headlights, but everything else about the Maxima screams winner. The interior is near Infiniti-quality, and there’s plenty of room in the back despite the car’s smaller size. The trunk is huge, too. Big-sedan fans should be very happy.

Mike Hanley: Winner
The new Maxima's upright grille was a bit jarring when I first saw photos of it, but after seeing it in person it's grown on me. There are interesting styling cues almost everywhere you look on the outside of this car. What put me more in the sedan's corner was its interior; like Dave, I think it offers materials that wouldn't be out of place in Nissan's Infiniti luxury brand. For a big car, however, I found the backseat to be pretty small.

Joe Wiesenfelder: Winner
Here's a switch: I was more accepting of the new Maxima’s styling than were the others when we got the photos earlier this week, but now I'm not sold on it. Specifically, I question how well the front-end treatment will work with darker paint. The headlights and grille blend into the show car's silver paint, blunting the impact. Nissan finally succeeded in making this model significantly nicer than the Altima on which it's based, but now I wonder if it's too far into Infiniti territory. One of two things is happening: Either Nissan doesn't need this model at all, or I'm not seeing the need. On its own merits, though, the Maxima's a winner.

Video: 2009 Acura TSX

Acura has eloquently refreshed the TSX small sports sedan inside and out for 2009. But are looks all that matter? Cars.com’s Mike Hanley has already reviewed the new TSX, and he shares his thoughts on video at the New York auto show.



Share this video via YouTube
More on the 2009 Acura TSX