2009 Ford Focus Gets Refocused Design

Ford is selling a lot of the 2008 Focus compact sedan and coupe. Sales have been up throughout 2008, thanks in part to the car’s high gas mileage — 35 mpg highway with a manual transmission — and low price, which starts at $14,395.

Ford has gotten knocks for the new Focus’ looks, though, especially in the coupe version. So tonight during “American Idol” it will debut a revised version of the two-door model for the 2009 model year. We hope it won’t be rolled out in a horrible Idol-ized commercial, but we suspect it will be. The 2009s will go on sale later this summer. The sedan will most likely remain unchanged.

In grand terms, not much has changed, but the alterations are all positive. Most notable is the deletion of the chrome side vent on the 2008 model, which is an omission we loudly applaud. A revised front end with a larger, rounder lower bumper and darkened chrome bars now make up the grille. Fog lights are now standard across the lineup. For more info and photos, keep reading.

VW to Give $1,500 for College With New Routan Minivan

We’ve seen some innovative incentive offers before. Recently, car companies have jumped on the exploding gas-price craze, offering to help pay for fuel. Well, college costs are growing rapidly, too, which is why VW is targeting families with an incentive to save for future education funding.

With every sale of a new Routan minivan, VW will pay $1,500 into a UPromise account supplied by the buyer. The college-saving website then allows users to put the money into a 529 plan.

It’s not a bad idea, especially to tout a new model hitting the market for the first time, but VW says the Routan won’t hit dealerships until September. That’s a long time to wait after generating buzz with this college-cash announcement. The Routan is based on Chrysler’s Town & Country minivan and will have a starting price of $24,700. 

More VW Routan News

New Car Tracker: 5.1.08

Summer is almost here — we haven’t even had spring yet here in Chicago — and that means a lot of new models will soon go on sale. The economy may be a bit depressed, but new cars are still intriguing to those who have waited a long time to get behind the wheel. Below is our updated list of what’s coming and what's on the lot right now.

2009 Suzuki SX4 Adds Standard Nav for Under $16,000

Suzuki’s compact SX4 was already a pretty value-oriented car. Now the company is upping the ante as it rolls out the new 2009s. Both the four-door SX4 Sport sedan and a newly available front-wheel-drive version of the hatchback will come with a touch-screen navigation unit as standard equipment. Final prices haven’t been announced, but the company says it will be under $16,000. The current Sport sedan starts at $14,770.

The navigation unit will come standard, but to get features like Bluetooth and real-time traffic, weather and gas prices, buyers will have to upgrade to a different trim package.

The other news we get from Suzuki is that the SX4 hatchback will now be available with front-wheel drive as an option, with all-wheel drive still considered standard. However, AWD almost always adds to the MSRP. For 2008, the AWD SX4 started at a low $15,270, making it the most affordable AWD car on the market. We’d guess the FWD crossover would be less.

2008 Suzuki SX4 Sport Expert Review (Cars.com)
2007 Suzuki SX4 AWD Crossover Expert Review (Cars.com)

2009 Audi A3 Gets a Nose Job

When a new or revised model gets announced, we usually list bullet points on what it competes with, what it looks like, what’s under the hood, etc. Those bullet points kind of shout to the reader “Hey, look at me, I’ve been updated or introduced!” The 2009 Audi A3, however, gets some … new headlights and taillights. 

We’re intentionally downplaying the model-year changes in part because Audi themselves only released one photo for the U.S., which doesn’t show the rear of the car at all. That is, in fact, a portion that they say they’ve changed. Nor do we get a look at the “fine-tuned” interior which actually remains the same, except for new coloring and “decorative inlays.”

Engine choices also remain the same with the 200-hp, 2.0-liter turbocharged four cylinder or 250-hp, 3.2-liter six-cylinder with Quattro all-wheel drive. Quattro will be an option on the 2.0 models. There is a new dual-clutch transmission teamed to the larger engine. A new option is Audi’s magnetic ride system, which allows drivers to change the suspension for sport or comfort. This would also raise the price of what many consider an already pricey little luxury vehicle; it starts just under $26,000. But hey, you get LED headlamps now.

Prices for 2009 haven’t been announced, but it will go on sale this fall. We don’t expect a big price bump. Check out photos of how the 2009 compares to the 2008 below. 

U.S.-Bound 2009 Mazda6 Revealed

• Competes with: Chevy Malibu, Nissan Altima, Toyota Camry, Honda Accord
• Looks like: The European 6 revealed last September
• Drivetrain: 3.7 liter V-6 with six-speed automatic transmission, 2.5 liter four-cylinder with six-speed manual or five-speed automatic
• Hits dealerships: Summer 2008

Last year, we saw the thoroughly restyled Mazda6 lineup that would be sold worldwide. We have no idea why it took so long for Mazda to finally take the wraps off of the U.S. version, seen here for the first time, since it looks so similar to the worldwide version. However, the changes are significant since Americans will get a larger car inside and out with a powerful V-6 option, and a different interior.

What of the hatchback and wagon we saw for Europe? Nope, they’re not coming to the U.S., just the sedan.

Engine choices are interesting: The top of the line 3.7-liter V-6 is the same engine that powers the CX-9 three-row crossover. In the CX-9 it produces 273 hp. If those numbers remain, the new Mazda6 would be the most powerful non-luxury midsize sedan on the market, beating out the Honda Accord, Toyota Camry, Chevy Malibu and Nissan Altima V-6s. It will be teamed to a six-speed automatic transmission.

A 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine will serve as the base power plant and is the same engine that powers the European version. We’d guess power would be similar to the announced 170-hp engine for Europe, and fans of manual transmissions get a six-speed manual. A five-speed automatic is also available. Both automatics come with a manual shift feature. All North American Mazda6 sedans will be built in Flat Rock, Michigan at a plant shared with Ford.

When the Mazda6 debuted, it really set the tone for how sporting and sophisticated daily transportation could be in what is normally a rather boring segment. Since then, every automaker has caught up. With this redesign, Mazda looks to recapture its edge. One additional photo can be found below.

2010 Mercedes-Benz GLK 350 Details, Photos

• Competes with: Acura RDX, BMW X3, Land Rover LR2, Infiniti EX35, Audi Q5
• Looks like: The “concept” we saw months ago
• Drivetrain: 268 hp 3.5-liter six cylinder engine, seven-speed automatic transmission, two and four-wheel drive
• Hits dealerships: January 2009

Audi dropped the veil on the new Q5 compact SUV earlier this week. Now, Mercedes-Benz has revealed details about the U.S.-bound version of its all-new BMW X3 competitor, the GLK 350.

Mercedes is giving us solid numbers: 268 hp, 0-60 mph in 6.5 seconds, 23 mpg on the highway (exactly what the X3 and LR2 get) and 54.7 cubic feet of cargo room with the rear seats folded, which is just a bit less than the LR2. 

What sets the GLK apart from the X3, LR2 and upcoming Audi Q5 is that it will be available in both two-wheel- and four-wheel-drive models. The others come standard with all-wheel drive. For the buyer just interested in the luxury and utility of the GLK, the two-wheel drive should cost less than the competition.

19-inch wheels, Bluetooth, power seats and dual-zone climate control come standard but almost everything else is optional. There are five — count ‘em, five — option packages and nine stand-alone options covering everything from a panoramic sunroof, power liftgate, navigation, leather seats, etc. We’ll have to weigh in on the value of the GLK when pricing is announced, but with so many options and two-wheel drive, the starting MSRP could be significantly lower than its competition. More photos below.

Pontiac Asks: What's in a Name?

And the winner is…

That's the question everyone wants answered when it comes to the 2010 car/truck rendition of the Pontiac G8. And the answer is: All those inquiring minds will have to wait.

The deadline for consumers to submit names for the upcoming two-door car/truck version of the G8 sedan came and passed last week, but don't expect the winning moniker to be revealed until the end of May at the earliest, says Pontiac spokesman Jim Hopson. 

2009 Ford Fusion to Get Boost in Power

The Ford Fusion has done well for Ford since it debuted as a 2006 model. Not only did it carve out a niche for the automaker in the midsize sedan market, it framed the new look for Ford with its bold three-bar grille.

However, the Fusion is showing its age and for 2009 it will get a slightly revised look and a new more powerful base engine. The 160-hp four-cylinder in the current S and SE trim levels will be replaced with a 170-hp four-cylinder and will be teamed with a six-speed automatic instead of the current five-speed. That likely means better fuel economy; the Fusion is currently rated at 20/29 mpg city/highway. Ford told dealers it would deliver “best in class” fuel economy, which is currently the 2009 Hyundai Sonata at 22/32 mpg.

A more powerful and fuel-efficient V-6 may also be in the works for the Fusion. Expect to learn more specific details when the 2009 is announced later this year.

Ford adds power to Fusion (Detroit News)

2009 Audi Q5 Revealed

• Competes with: Acura RDX, BMW X3, Land Rover LR2, Infiniti EX35
• Looks like: Audi slapped its design on an X3
• Drivetrain: 265 hp 3.2-liter six-cylinder, six-speed automatic transmission, all-wheel drive
• Hits dealerships: Early 2009

It’s not a shock to see Audi jump into the suddenly crowded compact luxury SUV market. The Q5 will hit the U.S. early next year and the company claims it will be priced around the competition listed above. The specs show that the Q5 will almost be identical in length to the EX35 – but it’ll be taller – and about the same overall height of a BMW X3, but longer. To us, that means it will actually have a useful cargo area unlike the Infiniti. In the looks department, the Q5 is far from cutting edge, although the LED taillights are quite something.

There won’t be any trim levels at launch, just one engine, one drivetrain, one transmission, no choices. Still, Audi’s 3.2-liter six cylinder is a terrific powerplant if you only get one choice, and most buyers in this segment are looking for all-wheel drive.

The Q5 adds an aluminum hood and tailgate to lower weight which helps with performance, but which also will make it easier to open and close them. Audi’s multimedia interface (MMI) is standard and there are a ton of high-tech options, including a Bang & Olufsen sound system, heated and cooled cupholders, power tailgate and a navigation system with real time traffic.

Check out more photos below and let us know if you think the Q5 measures up to the competition.

No Surprise: 2008 Hyundai Tiburon the Last

With the all-new Hyundai Genesis coupe coming down the pipeline in 2009 as a 2010 model, the current Hyundai coupe, the Tiburon, will cease to exist. This isn’t really a shock, since there’s not enough room in the line-up for two coupes. The 2008 model year will be the Tiburon’s last, and it will stop production as the Genesis goes on sale in the spring of 2009, according to the Automotive News.

However, company executives aren’t calling the Genesis coupe a replacement for the Tiburon. There is a chance that a smaller front-wheel-drive two-door coupe could be sold right next to the larger, rear-wheel drive Genesis coupe.

We can’t say we’ll miss the Tiburon — its time has come. During the first quarter of 2008 its sales were down 28.7%.

What do you think? Should Hyundai produce a small coupe like the Veloster concept we saw in Los Angeles last year? That’s the one the company is hinting at. Or do you think it should stick to the Genesis coupe as its sole sporty car?

2009 Honda Pilot Trim Levels, Pricing, More

Yesterday we brought you a full review on the new 2009 Honda Pilot, along with a couple of videos and a photo gallery. Today, we're going to break down the trim levels that will be available and the differences therein.

Pricing has not been announced but Honda expects the MSRP to be between $27,500 and $40,000 when it goes on sale May 22. That’s right in line with the current $27,595 starting point, but the addition of a Touring trim level takes the formerly top price of $33,445 way up. The current low price is also for the Value Package trim, which is not available for 2009; it’s being replaced with an LX trim. Confused? Don’t worry — we’re going to break down all the trim levels below. 

Chrysler, Nissan Team Up on Trucks, Small Cars

Chrysler builds a good truck — the Ram. Nissan builds a good small car — the Versa. The two companies are now acknowledging their own strengths and tapping the other’s to boost their respective lineups.

In an agreement announced yesterday, Chrysler will build a full-size pickup for Nissan at its Mexico assembly plant. The resulting Nissan truck will replace the current Titan and go into production in 2011.

In exchange, Nissan will build an all-new (“all-new” meaning “not based on the current Versa”) fuel-efficient small car that is based on a “unique Chrysler concept.” It will be sold in North America and will hit the streets in 2010. Just because the agreement says “Chrysler” does not mean the small car will be branded a Chrysler; it could be a Dodge or Jeep.

Currently, Chrysler is still working with Chinese automaker Chery on a global small car. There’s no word on how the Nissan agreement may impact that deal or if the two models will overlap. Check out a number of recent Chrysler small car concepts below and let us know which one you’d like to see make it into production.

2009 Honda Pilot Week

The all new 2009 Honda Pilot will officially break cover tomorrow morning and Cars.com will be the place to be to learn all about this updated suburban fixture. Tomorrow, we’ll have the full expert review from Mike Hanley along with a video. There will also be a large photo gallery going live tonight at midnight PDT and a thorough breakdown of the Pilot lineup later this week. Stay tuned and if you have any questions feel free to ask them in the comments below.

Update:
2009 Honda Pilot Expert Review (Cars.com)
More Honda Pilot News (KickingTires)

Toyota, Subaru Joining Forces for Small Sports Car

Toyota fans have been jonesing for a sports car ever since the Supra was discontinued in 1998. They’ve been clamoring for a small sporty car of any kind since the Celica was euthanized in 2005. Now they can rejoice: Toyota CEO Katsuaki Watanabe has confirmed his company is working jointly with Subaru to develop a small, affordable, rear-wheel-drive sports car. 

Check that: it’s actually two small, rear-wheel-drive sports cars — one for Toyota and one for Subaru. According to Automotive News, both will be powered by a Subaru supplied boxer engine similar to what’s currently under the hood of Subaru’s Impreza, Legacy and Forester.

This isn’t the only confirmation, as a Subaru executive said he’s driven the test vehicle already. Expect the new car to go on sale in 2011. Plans are for a Japan introduction with overseas markets to follow and presumably, the U.S. will be included. If you’d be willing to put money down at your local Toyota or Subaru dealer for one, let us know in the comments below. 

Buick Announces Pricey New Lucernes

For the 2008 model year, GM is offering two new trim levels of the Lucerne sedan: the CXL Special Edition and the Lucerne Super. Both add value to the aging model, but they also come with significant price tags attached. Both go on sale this month.

The Lucerne Super has a 292-hp V-8 engine, more precise steering, improved shocks and springs, magnetic ride control, 18-inch wheels and all-season tires for a price tag of $38,630 plus a $765 destination charge. The current top-of-the-line Lucerne with a V-6 engine starts at $29,570 and has $1,500 cash back.

While the Lucerne is a larger sedan, we much prefer the redesigned Cadillac CTS, which has a more powerful and more efficient V-6 engine and a much more upscale interior for nearly $5,000 less.

A newly announced Lucerne CXL Special Edition will feature either a 197-hp V-6 or a 275-hp V-8 along with various cosmetic changes inside and out. It will be offered in three unique colors: Dark Mocha Metallic, White Diamond Tricoat and Crystal Red Tintcoat. The V-6 starts at $31,285 and the V-8 at $33,085 before the $765 destination charge.

We’re not sure dressing up the Lucerne will help sales, which were down 37% in March. 

New Car Tracker: 3.27.08

With the New York auto show winding down this weekend, we have a lot more information on future production vehicles and when you’ll be able to buy them. Because of the New York show’s timing, a lot of the cars that debuted won’t be available for some time. It seems automakers just wanted to show off their goods well in advance. Check out the list below. If you're interested in something not on there, mention it in the comments below and we’ll see what we can find out.

Mini John Cooper Works Pricing

We got to see the new John Cooper Works versions of the hardtop Cooper and Clubman in New York City last week, and they looked pretty snazzy in their red, white and black duds. This year marks the first time the performance-oriented trim level will be created at the factory instead of at the dealer level, which should make enthusiasts happy when they go on sale this summer.

The changes are much more than cosmetic. Turbocharged engines from the S trim levels get more power, up 36 hp from 172 to 208 hp. That shaves about a half a second off the cars’ 0-60 mph times. There will also be new high-performance brakes, sports suspension, exhaust system, modified six-speed transmission and unique 17-inch light alloy wheels and tires. 

The price bump isn’t a small one, though: $28,550 and $30,800 will get you into the JCW Cooper hardtop and Clubman, respectively. Prices do not include a $650 destination charge. That’s a $7,330 and $7,350 premium over the S versions of each car. Is it worth it? Tell us in the comments.

2010 Chevrolet Camaro Ready in a Year

For months, Chevrolet has hinted that the remake of the Camaro sport coupe would arrive in January of next year as a 2009 model, but Chevy general manager Ed Peper says, nope, it will go into production in February of next year and won’t be in showrooms until March 2009 — as a 2010 model.

Rather than a January intro and a short 2009 model run before switching to a 2010 designation in the fall, the Camaro will have a long run as a 2010 model before switching to a 2011 designation in the fall of 2010.

Peper said only the coupe will be offered for the first nine months of the model’s life, with a choice of a 400-plus-hp, 6.0-liter V-8 or a 300-plus-hp, 3.6-liter V-6. He said mostly V-8s will be produced, for enthusiasts eager to get their hands on the first ones off the assembly line.

The convertible will be added at the end of 2009, also as a 2010 model.

Toyota iQ Could Come to U.S.

Toyota unveiled a production version of its iQ microcar at the Geneva Motor Show earlier this month, and now AutoWeek is reporting that the company may import the iQ to the U.S. if it can meet federal safety standards, which are more stringent than those overseas.

The iQ is slightly larger than a Smart ForTwo and has rear seats that bump up against the rear hatch and glass. We’d guess those seats would have to go if the iQ were to meet safety requirements. We’d also guess Toyota will wait to see if the Smart is successful before making a business case for the iQ.

2009 Subaru Forester Pricing Announced

We first saw the all-new 2009 Subaru Forester last month at the Detroit auto show. Subaru has just released pricing for the new Forester, and the base model comes in $1,200 under the 2008 Forester’s base price.

Starting at $19,995 — not including a $665 destination charge — the 2009 Forester is larger than the outgoing model and has ditched its station wagon appearance for a more traditional crossover SUV look.

There are additional standard features on the 2009, including side curtain airbags and an electronic stability system. Sticking around are all-wheel drive and the turbocharged XT model. The base 2.5X ($19,995) comes with a manual transmission, while an automatic 2.5X starts at $21,195. Low-emission versions with Partial Zero Emission Vehicle status add $200 across the lineup.

The new Forester is expected to show up at dealerships in April. Keep reading for a full pricing breakdown.

2009 Ford Flex In-Depth Gallery

One upcoming model we’ve heard a lot of questions about is Ford’s new Flex crossover that’s coming out this summer. This faux-minivan has been hanging around the auto show circuit for almost a year, and we’ve covered it extensively in the past during those shows. We recently discovered Ford’s official page for the 2009 Flex and were a bit stunned at the amount of all-new photos on it.

The photos show off different color combinations, inside and out, including the different roof colors. We also get some up-close shots of important stuff like seating layouts and cupholders. We’ve dutifully put a gallery together for you below, and you can check out Ford’s official site here. A bit of a warning though: If you go to “Configure Your Own Flex,” the prices listed are NOT official; they’re for survey purposes. Ford will track the use of this site and perhaps alter the asking price of the vehicle and options.

New Car Tracker: 2.14.08

February is turning out to be a big month for new cars to finally go on sale. Major sellers like the Toyota Corolla and Nissan Murano are hitting dealers lots, and we’ve learned a bit more about a number of other new models coming this spring and summer. As always, let us know which cars you want more information about.

Indian Company Bringing Diesel Hybrid Pickup to U.S.

Mahindra, an Indian automaker, is planning a U.S. invasion in 2009 led by a diesel-powered midsize pickup about the size of a Toyota Tacoma. The company is already planning a dealer network of roughly 300 by 2010, with a few dozen stand-alone stores to sell the truck. It’ll also be made in the U.S., possibly at a plant in Ohio.

After the diesel goes on sale in 2009, a hybrid version will go on sale in 2010. The regular diesel will get an estimated 30-35 mpg with a 2,600-pound payload and 7.5-foot bed.

The truck won’t be “Chinese junk,” according to an executive close to the deal. It will have an interior designed for American tastes and a price tag starting around $22,000.

We’re not sure if there’s a giant consumer market for such a truck, or even for a hybrid version, but small-business owners might be more than enough of a segment for Mahindra to prosper in the U.S.

Mahindra Promises Diesel Hybrid Pickup by 2010 (Pickuptruck.com)

2009 Hyundai Sonata Starts at $18,795

Hyundai's restyled 2009 Sonata family sedan will cost $18,795, including destination. That's a slight increase over the 2008 model, but the new Sonata comes with a number of updated elements, including a revised interior, new exterior styling and more-powerful and more-efficient engines. The new Sonata goes on sale this month. A pricing breakdown by trim level follows.

2008 Scion tC RS 4.0 Announced

For most cars debuting at the 2008 Chicago Auto Show, we’ll throw up a big headline with the show name and year, but the Scion tC RS 4.0 is simply a special edition trim of the already-popular coupe. As the number suggests, this is the fourth Release Series for the tC. Unlike other tCs, it features a subdued Galactic Gray Mica paint job, which will be limited to the 2,300 run of the 4.0 starting in March.

Other differences between it and a standard tC include a body kit, two-tone gray and black Alcantara seats, a leather steering wheel, a custom shift knob and badging with each car's limited number on it.

The cost of the package is $2,770 over the MSRP of $17,000 for the manual transmission tC and $17,800 for the automatic. A matching spoiler is another $285, not including installation, and none of the prices include the $620 destination charge.

Usually these packages aren’t really worth the money, but a body kit and Alcantara seats would probably set a customizer back a similar amount.

Ch-Ch-Changes: 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL Roadster

• Competes with: BMW 6 Series, Aston Martin V8 Vantage, Jaguar XK
• Looks like: Sadly, a Chrysler Sebring
• Drivetrain: 382-hp, 5.5-liter V-8 with seven-speed automatic; 510-hp, 5.5-liter twin-turbo V-12 with five-speed automatic; or 604-hp, 6.0-liter twin-turbo V-12 with five-speed automatic
• Hits dealerships: Spring 2008

Mercedes continues to update its entire lineup with new bodywork that incorporates a larger logo and revised grille. There’s a little more updating with the SL than with others we’ve seen recently, like the CLS-Class. The hood is new with “power domes,” new headlights and revised fenders. There are new trapezoid tailpipes and a new bumper around back. Inside, there’s a new steering wheel and instrument cluster.

The lineup will remain the SL550 with the 382-hp V-8, the SL600 with the 510-hp V-12 and the SL65 with the 604-hp V-12 engine. Prices will probably remain similar to the current $95,300, $133,200 and $187,200, respectively.  That’s without destination and gas-guzzler charges. More photos below.

New Car Tracker: 1.29.08

We're now smack dab between two major auto shows: Detroit's in January and Chicago's in early February. That means we have a lot of new models that were introduced, along with when we expect them to go on sale. Here we track as many as we can think of, and we always welcome reader feedback on any cars you don't see here that you want information on.

2008 Chicago Auto Show: 2009 Hummer H3T

• Competes with: Chevy Avalanche, Honda Ridgeline
• Looks like: A Hummer truck
• Drivetrain: 242-hp, 3.7-liter five-cylinder with five-speed manual or automatic or 300-hp, 5.3-liter V-8 with four-speed automatic
• Hits dealerships: Late 2008

Hummer went out and did it — it’s made a pickup version of the H3 SUV. The truck you see here will go on sale this year and test the waters to see if there’s still a healthy market for Hummers.

When the H3 debuted it saw healthy sales, but they’ve stalled lately as gas prices have risen. We wonder if the H3T will add a spark or fall flat.

As a product, the H3T is pretty interesting. It’s a tad longer than the SUV to accommodate its five-foot bed, so it’s positioned above midsize trucks but below full-sizes. Hummer hopes its offroad capability will help sell it, with standard full-time four-wheel drive and 32-inch tires. Front and rear locking differentials and 33-inch tires will be optional.

The rear seats fold flat to create a level surface, but we prefer truck seats that fold up, exposing a flat floor. The bed itself has a standard bedliner, a rail system and built-in storage compartments.

The H3T Alpha will top the range with a 300-hp V-8 engine, while the base model gets the 242-hp five-cylinder in the current range. There are more photos of the Alpha version below. Let us know in the comments if you think this is a winner or not.

Ford Will Redesign Taurus Next Year

Ford CEO Alan Mulally let slip some interesting product news today: During a speech at the Auto World Congress in Detroit, he said that there would be a new Taurus sedan coming next year. “The new Taurus is the one we should have made originally," he said.

There are a few interesting tidbits here. One, it was Mulally who, after arriving at Ford from Boeing, immediately decided to resurrect the Taurus name on an existing and failing model, the Five Hundred. The resurrection included some major upgrades and took place just last year, for the 2008 model year.

We’d guess the current Taurus would stay for another year as a 2009 model. Even after it’s replaced, there’s a chance its sister vehicle, the Mercury Sable, could stay around as is. Neither is lighting the world on fire in the sales department, but the Ford Fusion and Mercury Milan might be too similar to their sibling sedans, even though they’re smaller vehicles. It’s unlikely the Taurus would move to a rear-wheel-drive platform, but it could take its cues from the upcoming AWD 2009 Lincoln MKS. We’ll have to wait and see.

Ford CEO Says New Taurus Coming (Detroit Free Press)

Scion xB 5.0 Special Edition Coming in February

There are a lot of big events coming in February. The Super Bowl, Super Tuesday, the Academy Awards. Now, Scion’s also picked the month of St. Valentine to put its latest special edition on sale, the Scion xB 5.0. The limited edition has a body kit, special wheel covers — no, not special wheels — and a moonroof. It comes in only one color, Gold Rush Mica, and the color theme continues on the interior. The price for all this specialness is $2,470 over the base xB price of $15,650 for a manual transmission and $16,600 for the automatic. A special spoiler is an additional $320. Only 2,500 of the 5.0s will be produced, but we’re not sure it’s worth the price over what is a pretty well-equipped base model.

Dodge Journey Priced Under $20,000

Dodge’s all-new three-row crossover will go on sale in the first quarter of 2008 in a segment that is getting more and more competitive. Price will be one factor in buyers’ minds and Dodge hopes its base price of $19,360 will be an attractive point of entry.

That prices is for the base SE trim which comes with a 2.4 liter four-cylinder engine while SXT and R/T models come equipped with either a 2.7 liter engine or a 3.5 liter V-6 engine with a six-speed automatic transmission. All models come with stability control, four-wheel disc brakes, ABS and side airbags standard.

Full pricing below.

Suzuki Midsize Pickup Confirmed

Last week, PickupTruck.com wrote an interesting article on Suzuki bringing a midsize pickup based on the Nissan Frontier to market. Today, official word came from Nissan that it will indeed build the Suzuki-branded truck at its Smyrna, Tenn., plant sometime in 2008.

PickupTruck.com states that the new truck — a trademark search discovered the name Equator, although that could just as easily not be the name — will debut at the Chicago Auto Show in early February.

Midsize trucks haven’t been setting the sales world on fire lately, but Suzuki feels it can sell the vehicle to fans of its ATVs and motorcycles who are looking for a capable truck to tow their toys. There hasn’t been any glimpse of the design, but we expect it to look similar to the XL7 SUV shown above.

Hyundai Preps Move to Luxury Cars

Last week, Hyundai debuted its new Genesis sedan for journalists in Korea. While a version for U.S. consumers is still technically unofficial — expect to hear more on that later this month in advance of the Detroit auto show — company execs had no problem talking details about what American shoppers can expect.

The Genesis will start under $30,000 equipped with a standard V-6 engine. A V-8 engine will be offered as well, a first for Hyundai in the U.S. Even with a V-8, no Genesis trim level will top $40,000.

Hyundai makes no bones about the fact that this rear-wheel-drive sedan is aimed directly at Toyota’s Lexus division. While many buyers still think of Hyundai as the company that sold the Excel, Hyundai has had a streak of impressive, value-oriented releases of late, especially in the SUV and crossover market with the Santa Fe and Veracruz.

But will luxury shoppers seriously consider a Genesis over a Lexus ES?

Hyundai Takes on Luxury Market With Genesis Sedan (USA Today)

Toyota Prices All-New 2008 Sequoia

Toyota was hit pretty hard for unveiling its new Sequoia at the L.A. auto show. It seems most of the media and consumers think L.A. is too environmentally sensitive to show off a full-size SUV with two V-8 engine options. We, however, realize there are a ton of car shoppers out there who buy these vehicles for various reasons, and who are we to judge? We can judge the pricing, though.

The new Sequoia goes on sale later this month and comes in a base SR5 trim that has the same 4.7-liter V-8 from last year. You get the totally redesigned body and interior, though, at a 3% bump in price, up to $34,150 for the 4x2 SR5 and $37,375 for the 4x4. Add the optional 5.7-liter V-8 engine and prices go up to $35,275 and $38,500 for the 4x2 and 4x4, respectively. 

Limited trims get the 5.7-liter engine standard and start at $45,225 and $48,450 for the 4x2 and 4x4, respectively. Those figures are up roughly $3,000 from last year’s Limiteds, but that model was stuck with the 4.7-liter V-8. 

There’s also a Platinum trim that starts at $52,375 for the 4x2 and $55,600 for the 4x4. The larger V-8 comes standard, as do 20-inch diamond-finish aluminum wheels, among other amenities. None of the prices include a $685 destination charge.

Related
2007 L.A. Auto Show:2008 Toyota Sequoia with Photo Gallery (Cars.com)
Up Close With the 2008 Toyota Sequoia (KickingTires)

New 2009 Pontiac Vibe Price Drops $1,500

The 2009 Pontiac Vibe is all-new and will hit dealerships in February. Along with a new exterior, interior and engines — which we can only assume will be an upgrade over the aging design they replace — the new Vibe will start $1,545 less than the 2008. Starting MSRP will be $15,310, versus the 2008’s $16,855 price.

Besides the manual transmission, this isn’t a totally stripped vehicle. All Vibes come with ABS, four-wheel-disc brakes, six airbags and stability control standard.

All-wheel drive and GT models return to the Vibe lineup for 2009, starting at $18,910 and $19,310, respectively. Both come with a more powerful 158-hp engine standard. None of the prices include a $585 destination charge. 

Related
Video: Pontiac Vibe (KickingTires)
2007 Los Angeles Auto Show: 2009 Pontiac Vibe with Photo Gallery (Cars.com)

Mini Confirms Future SUV

In a very dry press release announcing a partnership for future production, Mini casually confirmed it would indeed build an SUV. Called a sport activity vehicle, the new SUV will be outsourced — built in Austria by the same company that built the BMW X3. This allows Mini to maintain its current level of production on the Mini Cooper, Cooper convertible and Cooper Clubman to continue meeting demand while also bringing a new model to market quickly. There’s no official word on how big the new vehicle will be, nor are there many other details. The code name for the project is Colorado, but we doubt the final product will be named that. The SUV should also come with all-wheel drive, a first for Mini. We’d expect the new Mini SUV to go on sale sometime in 2009, possibly hitting the car show circuit late next year.

More Mini News

New Car Tracker: 12.06.07

After every auto show there always seems to be a lot of new production models for us to keep track of. After last month’s L.A. auto show we had even more all-new models heading to dealers lots than we expected. We’ve compiled a list of all the new models introduced at that show, along with others we’re still waiting on, below. Our dates are estimates based on information from the manufacturers themselves. If you have an announced/planned model you’re interested in that we haven’t listed, please say so in our comments.

All-Wheel-Drive Saab 9-3 Coming in 2008

This week, Saab brought its limited edition 2008 Turbo X to the U.S. auto show circuit in Boston. The all-black sedan and wagon are similar to any Saab 9-3, except the Turbo X comes with a higher power engine, performance upgrades and most importantly to car shoppers, Saab’s new all-wheel-drive system, called XWD. 

We didn’t want to report on this limited edition — only 600 of the Turbo X will come to the country, priced at $42,510 and $43,150 for the sedan and SportCombi wagon, respectively — until we had official confirmation on wider availability of AWD 9-3s.

GM has confirmed that folks who just want a regular 9-3 in any color will be able to get AWD this spring, but only on the upper-level Aero trim of either body style. No pricing has been announced for the optional AWD but expect it to be around a $2,000 premium. 2008 9-3 sedans and SportCombis start at $34,670 and $35,770, respectively. 

All-wheel drive will hit the full 9-3 range for the 2009 model year.

Ford Ranger to End Run in 2009

Automotive News is reporting that the plant responsible for building the engines for the Ford Ranger small pickup and the assembly plant itself will both shutter their doors by the end of 2009. The industry publication is extrapolating that with those two integral plants shut down, the Ranger won’t find a new home anywhere else and won’t get a redesign. The larger F-150 is the best-selling truck in the country and is due to be redesigned next year. Expect Ford to put all its dollars into that. And you thought the John Mellencamp Silverado ads were omnipresent.

2008 Infiniti EX35 Priced Less Than $32,000

Infiniti's entry-level crossover SUV will have a starting price of $31,300 for the base, rear-wheel-drive model, which puts it below competitors like the Acura RDX, BMW X3 and Land Rover LR2, all of which feature standard all-wheel drive. The EX35 hits dealerships Dec. 21. Here's a pricing breakdown by trim level:

• EX35 RWD: $31,300
• EX35 AWD: $32,700
• EX35 RWD Journey: $34,850
• EX35 AWD Journey: $36,250

Even the most expensive version of the EX35 is almost $2,000 less than a BMW X3, and it features a more powerful six-cylinder engine that produces 297 hp. Additional standard features include a five-speed automatic transmission that has a clutchless-manual mode, 17-inch alloy wheels, aluminum trim in the cabin and an eight-way power driver's seat.

The Journey version adds a power moonroof, leather upholstery, a power-folding second row, automatic headlights, and front and rear parking sensors.

The EX35 has received much attention lately for its Around View Monitor system and Lane Departure Prevention, and those features are included in a $1,950 Technology Package that also includes adaptive cruise control. A full list of options