2010 Ford Flex with EcoBoost

"With the 2010 model year, Ford is marking the start of its EcoBoost initiative, a plan that will dramatically effect the company's entire lineup in the coming years. By using turbocharging and direct injection with smaller-displacement engines, Ford says it can offer better performance and fuel economy. The company expects it will put 1.3 million EcoBoost engines on the road by 2013 and offer the technology in 90 percent of its models.

The Flex crossover is one of the first Fords to get EcoBoost. Using a 3.5-liter V-6, the Flex achieves V-8 performance with V-6 fuel economy. The Flex EcoBoost (which is only available with all-wheel drive) achieves the same fuel economy as the base all-wheel-drive Flex, which is rated at 16/22 mpg.

Powertrain
The technology in Ford's EcoBoost engines isn't revolutionary, but the company's plan for such widespread adoption is unique. In the 3.5-liter V-6, two turbochargers spin as fast as 170,000 rpm to force more air into the engine while fuel injectors spray gasoline into the cylinders at 2175 psi. Adding more air and fuel allows extra power to be squeezed out of each combustion event.

There are plenty of automakers that might detune a performance engine by 10 to 20 hp in the family crossover, but the Flex receives the same 355 hp that will move the Ford Taurus SHO, the Lincoln MKS, and the Lincoln MKT. Ford has decided that its first EcoBoost engine needs to place more emphasis on performance than fuel economy in order to build a positive impression of the technology. Future Ford engines using turbochargers and direct injection may focus more on the fuel economy side of the equation. Torque is rated at 350 lb-ft and spans from 1500 to 5250 rpm. It's that plateau-flat torque curve that creates an exciting and effective blast when the throttle is planted. Ford estimates 0-to-60-mph acceleration occurs in about 7 seconds.

EcoBoost Flexes all receive a manual-shift mode for the six-speed automatic transmission, along with steering-wheel-mounted shift paddles. The paddles are a great addition for the performance engine but could use some refinement. When the gear selector is left in drive, the paddles can't be used to effect a downshift. In manual mode, the transmission is happy to provide downshifts at a fairly quick pace but sometimes isn't restrictive enough (yes, we just said that). Multiple times, we asked for one too many downshifts, and the Flex obliged by dropping down a gear - right on top of redline. To top it off, the coarse, dull finish on the plastic paddle shifters looks out of place compared with the rest of the well-trimmed cabin."

2010 BMW ActiveHybrid X6

"When you think about BMW – what is usually the first thing that comes to your mind? Well, the first thing that comes to my mind is never hybrid and never ever fuel efficient, however – BMW has switched their name around a bit and they are not becoming one of the premium hybrid car makers, starting with the all new 2010 BMW ActiveHybrid X6. This beautiful, wonderful and powerful BMW lives right up to the name and is certainly one of the hybrids that is not only pretty to look at … but absolutely powerful in every way possible.

The great thing about the 2010 BMW ActiveHybrid X6 is that there is a ton of horsepower behind that engine – 480 HP actually and it has very impressive powertain that consists of twin electric motors and twin-turbo 4.4-liter V8 engine. This car can run to sixty and will take just about 5 seconds to get to the top speed of 130 miles per hour.

2010 BMW ActiveHybrid X6 is the car to get – it is a hybrid, it is fast and it is by far one of the coolest looking cars."

Volvo’s New XC60 Premium Crossover

"Irvine, Calif. (Jan. 9, 2009) – Volvo Cars of North America, LLC, today announced that it’s upcoming entry in the small premium utility segment, the XC60, will be a 2010 model year. Set to arrive in Volvo retailers in March, the 2010 XC60 will be offered as a single well-equipped T6 AWD model featuring 281 horsepower and standard all-wheel drive with Instant Traction. Final pricing is expected to be announced late January with a base MSRP of less than $40,000.

Continuing Volvo’s quest as a pioneer and leader in vehicle safety systems, the XC60 introduces a new world’s first as standard equipment. City Safety is a driver support system aimed at preventing or mitigating collisions occurring at speeds of 19 mph or less. It utilizes a closing velocity sensor to help determine whether a collision is likely. Depending on the closing speed, City Safety will either pre-charge the brakes or automatically brake the XC60 to help avoid a rear-end collision or lessen its impact.

The 2010 XC60 also announces Volvo dynamic new design language. From every angle, the XC60’s dramatic style takes Volvo design DNA to the next level by artfully blending muscular lower body cues capped off by a sporty coupe-like greenhouse. The XC60 features a charismatic strong shoulder line while adding more expressive design elements front and rear.

The XC60 is Volvo’s first all-new carline to offer HD Radio as standard equipment updating radio to digital quality. FM broadcast quality improves to the level of a typical CD while AM broadcast quality is improved to the prior level of FM. The XC60’s standard high performance sound system includes AUX and USB inputs to allow connection and control of personal music devices such as iPodsTM, memory sticks and other media players."
Source Volvo Cars USA

Lotus

"Lotus was founded by the brilliant engineer Colin Chapman and we have always held his principles at the core of everything we do; innovation, performance through light weight, excellent ride and handling and fun to drive.

A hand-built manufacturing process using our innovative aluminium chassis provides an involving and communicative drive. Lightweight materials and finely tuned suspension ensures lightning responsiveness and inspirational handling.

Every modern Lotus embodies these values to create the most pure driving experience available in any car today. These values are now more relevant than ever. Our obsession with low mass ensures that efficient, exhilarating performance will always be the trademark of our cars."

Nissan Murano

Nissan Murano will be produced limited only. However it is successful model and sold rather than being around in the corner.

"he Murano houses only 31.6 cubic feet of cargo space and considering the extra space required by the convertible mechanism, we can expect to see this figure decreased further."

"Nissan will resist the temptation to make the model a hard top, instead sticking with the lighter soft top. The 265-horsepower 3.5-liter V6 engine is likely to win the engine bay's vote for the limited edition model and it is expected to be available in either front or all wheel drive."

Nissan Murano is enjoyable to drive. Comfortable so that nothing to worry about during long distance travel.

Pricing is set to come in just shy of $40K.