Currently the new Buick LaCrosse is available in a 3.0L and 3.6L Direct-Injection V6 engine. Direct injection increases compression, efficiency and horsepower significantly.   The 3.0L engine delivers 255 hp and the 3.6L engine turns out 280 hp. Both models have 6 speed automatic, electronically controlled transmissions with Driver TAPShift Control.  TAPShift allows the driver to shift gears manually by tapping the shifter up or down to adapt to road conditions.  An ultra fuel efficient model, the LaCrosse CX is anticipated to join the lineup this spring. The CX model will be powered by an Ecotec 2.4L, 4 cylinder engine with 182 hp and an expected 30 mpg highway and 20 mpg city.

Inside the 2010 Buick LaCrosse cabin, drivers and passengers alike will enjoy the benefits of Quiet Tuning design, triple door seals and a laminated windshield create a peaceful ride with virtually no road noise.  Soothing blue ambient lighting runs along the dash, flanks the dark poplar wood side panels and surrounds the poplar and chrome center console. Heated and ventilated, custom leather appointed, driver and passenger seats are embellished with French stitching for added luxury.  An available panoramic sunroof allows for sunny or starlit views for driver, front and back row passengers. The LaCrosse has more standard features than other vehicles in the same class.  A Radio Anti-theft System, Satellite Radio, Navigation System and plenty of OnStar Services including Automatic Crash Response, Emergency Services, Roadside Assistance, Stolen Vehicle Assistance, Hands-Free Calling are all on board.

Buick is anticipating that the LaCrosse models will be top sellers this year as LaCrosse sales are up 238 percent compared to last year.*  This spring, when the LaCrosse CX comes available, Buick anticipates it will account for around 25 percent of LaCrosse sales for the entire year.  Overall, the LaCrosse lineup has a model to suite just about everyone.  With a  base price of around $27, 000 (about $7K less than most vehicles in the same class) Buick definitely has built a winner.

*http://media.gm.com/content/media/us/en/news/news_detail.brand_buick.html/content/Pages/news/us/en/2009/Dec/091217_LaCrosse_Pricing

If you thought Cadillac cars were from a dinosaur age specialized for old people, prepare to be enlightened with the new Cadillac CTS.  With this new extravagant showpiece Sedan, a positive word can be said about GM’s Cadillac. The Cadillac CTS has a jaw dropping European inspired interior design and a chiseled wide exterior design that will make heads turn. And the CTS has recently been named Motor Trend’s Car of the Year!

Every New 2010 Cadillac CTS comes equipped standard with an eight speaker Bose audio system, dual zone climate control, and 17-inch wheels. It also has all-wheel drive and profuse backseat space. This one of a kind Sedan is fast too.  The CTS has quickness under the hood and is taut and responsive. It has a 304-HP VVT V-6 Engine with direction-injection.  Automatic transmission is sleek and offers manual override.

This Cadillac is outfitted with many options and optional features to choose from, including: iPod integration, a 40GB hard drive for the entertainment system, swiveling headlights, a sunroof and a remote start system. The Sport package also includes steering- wheel mounted shifters.   Overall, GM’s new Cadillac CTS continues to amaze with its first-rate refinement, powerful engines, striking interior and exterior, and sharp handling.

The Acura ZDX will find its place in the Acura lineage somewhere between the sleek TSX Sedan and its bulkier SUV cousin, the MDX.  On the surface the ZDX is more “car” and less “SUV” with its low profile and long body style. Further exploration reveals a surprisingly high wheel base and sufficient cargo room common to an SUV. Luxurious natural grain leathers and high quality  embellishments grace the interior which surrounds a tall, stylish, center console.  Added elegance is courtesy of a panoramic moon roof comprised of two individual glass panels shielded by a tight fabric mesh which allows light into the cabin while eliminating UV rays and excessive heat.  Acura spent extra time reinforcing the cabin with sound deadening materials such as acoustic noise-absorbing mats and an active noise canceling feature in the audio system.   Under the carriage, wheel housing insulators and special tire tread where added to keep road noise to a minimum. The result is an ultra quiet and relaxing interior.

There will be three different ZDX versions to choose from the ZDX, ZDX Technology and ZDX Advance.   All will be powered by the 300-hp 3.7-liter VTEC ® V-6 Engine that can reach 60 mph in about 6.5 seconds.  Other standard features include a rearview camera, 19-inch wheels, Bluetooth connectivity and a 266-watt audio system with eight speakers. The ZDX Technology package includes a multi-view camera, real-time weather and traffic, navigation,  Satellite communications, keyless entry and a 435-watt audio package with ten speakers and a 15GB HDD.  The ZDX Advance includes all the extras of the Technology package as well as added adaptive cruise control, blind spot information system, active suspension, collision mitigation braking system, ventilated seats and a sport steering wheel.

Only time will tell if this new breed of crossover will gain the same popularity as those with which it will compete.  Acura is hopeful that their new offering will make a mark in the evolution of the SUV and has priced it competitively .  The new 2010 ZDX starts at $45,495 which is just a skosh more than the pricing of the 2009 Infiniti FX but well below the $56,000-$67,000 required to own a BMW X6.

Under the hood the M37 has a variable valve event and lift (VVEL-equipped) 3.7–liter V-6 engine that delivers 327 hp and 269 lb-ft of torque enabling it to leap from 0 to 60 mph in about 6 seconds. A new multilink rear suspension and 4 wheel steering system enables the M37 to glide around corners. The New Infiniti M37 is more fuel efficient than its predecessor and is equipped with Infiniti Drive, which allows for four modes of transmission operation: Standard, Eco, Sport and Snow.

The new M is about 2 inches longer and wider than the M35 allowing for a skosh more space in the cabin. The interior is luxuriously appointed with quality materials including hand crafted wood accents and leather trim. An easy to read instrument panel sits aside the center dash which houses the audio, navigation and climate control systems. Perhaps the most innovative new feature is the air-conditioning system which filters out odors, controls for humidity and can even create a soothing breeze to comfort passengers.

The exterior of the 2011 Infiniti M37 has similar features to the Infiniti’s concept car, the Essence, which has been teasing audiences with its good looks for years. At first glance the M37 appears muscular and sturdy but a second look reveals elegant lines from the roof line to the grill and along the sleek body style. The M37 is a rare combination of power, strength and grace for around $50,000. Look for them to arrive at dealerships spring 2010.

Luxury cars offer the latest and greatest safety features. Manufacturers of luxury cars spend the extra money to research and design new safety features. Indeed, many of the safety features found in the general car market today, like air bags and anti-lock brakes were first introduced in luxury vehicles. The cost of developing these innovations drives up the price of luxury cars, but they consistently have higher safety ratings than less expensive cars.

Luxury cars come with more and better standard features.  After all, buyers who are willing to pay for a luxury vehicle don’t want a stripped down model. Additionally, luxury car manufacturers offer a wider variety of options. You can get heated leather seats, headrest mounted dvd players and surround sound Bose stereo systems that work with your iPod. You can get plush interiors including soft leather and real wood trim. Keyless entry and ignition, night vision displays and integrated child booster seats are some of the newer available options.

The performance offered by a luxury car is better than other cars. The manufacturer spent more time and used better materials to make sure that their top of the line cars have superior handling and enhanced aesthetic value.

Luxury automakers offer longer and more comprehensive warranties. Coupled with better reliability, it could be said that the luxury car owner pays more upfront to save on repairs later. Dealership service departments offer a first-class experience too. You’re more likely to enjoy free wi-fi and gourmet coffee while waiting for your car. If it needs to stay in the shop for a few days, you’re likely to get a luxury car for a loaner.
Even in these difficult times, prestige and image are still valuable. People who want their car to convey their status and exemplify their success will want to be seen in a luxury car. Even those who just want the very best available, and can afford it, will always gravitate toward the luxury car market.

Like the rest of the automobile industry, luxury carmakers are seeing decreased sales and tough times. But in the long term, luxury cars will survive and thrive because they do offer real value to the consumer. Whether you’re looking for a top of the line sports car with excellent handling, a professional looking car with comfort and safety, or a combination of the two, you’ll always be able to find it.

If you live in Southern California, start at these places. Infiniti CA, Infiniti G35 Riverside and
Costa Mesa Cadillac.

The engines will still be made in Tennessee, then shipped to Japan to be installed in the cars, which will then be shipped back to the U.S. for sale. How can that make sense? Well, it appears that the time and cost involved in shipping is less expensive than setting up an engine plant in Japan.

But for how long? Inifiniti sold 7,657 units in 2008, down from 12,288 in 2007. But as the economic recovery progresses, Americans will again buy luxury SUVs. In fact, inventories of the Infiniti QX56 have been too low this summer. Ben Poore, the Vice President of Infiniti’s business unit in North America has already asked Nissan to increase production.

Will increased demand make it worth it for Nissan to build a plant in Japan to make the engines as well as the rest of the vehicle? Or will the shipping costs kick in and cause Nissan to move the production in the Infiniti QX56 back to the U.S.?

Source: Automotive News

Unfortunately they panicked and overreacted. The result? Only the most well qualified buyers with stellar credit could get a loan. There were many people who could afford to pay car payments, but they couldn’t get financing at decent rates, so they didn’t buy a car. As buyers disappeared, car dealerships started offering spectacular incentives, including low and even zero interest rate loans. But those are only available to those same well qualified buyers.

The next problem in the downward spiral was about the stability of auto manufacturers who weren’t selling cars. What happens to your warranty if General Motors goes under?

On Monday, President Obama announced that the federal government would stand behind car warranties. That removes that hurdle.

Today GMAC announced that they will extend credit to car buyers with credit scores below 620. If you are one of the many people who could almost buy a car, now is your chance. GMAC has committed to making $5 billion available over the next 60 days.

Maybe this is the beginning of a recovery for the auto industry, or maybe we have a ways to go. Either way, if you’re planning to buy a car or truck any time soon, this is probably the right moment. You can even contact the Financing Department of your local GM Dealer by phone or email to see if you can get a loan on that car you’ve been thinking of.

Dupage County Cadillac
Los Angeles Cadillac
Southern California GMC
California Chevy Dealer
Riverside Auto Mall
Chicago Cadillac

After a 14-year reign at the top of JD Power and Associates Dependability Study, Lexus has been supplanted by Buick and Jaguar, who tied for the top spot.

JD Powers and Associates polled 46,000 owners of 2006 model year vehicles about problems with their cars. The results are measure in PP100, or problems per 100 vehicles. Buick and Jaguar tied for the fewest problems per 100 vehicles: 122 for each. Compare this to an average of 170 PP100.

This is the 19th year that JD Powers and Associates has conducted their annual study. The results are widely used by consumer to make informed decisions and by manufacturers to improve the reliability of their products.  Indeed, the average PP100 is 170 in 2009, down from 206 in 2008.

The current recession has made reliability more important than ever. Car owners are keeping their cars longer than in the past, and a better dependability rating means decreased car repaircosts. Even if the repairs are covered by warranty during the first few years, it’s an inconvenience to the owner. It also speaks to the car’s probable reliability after the warranty period expires.

Buick has been in the top 10 every year since the study was redesigned in 2003. In 2007 they tied with Lexus for the top honor. Jaguar, previously plagued with a reputation for unreliable vehicles, moved from tenth place in 2008 to tie for the first spot in 2009.

Winners of segment awards for individual models include Toyota, Lexus, Lincoln, Ford, Honda, Mazda and Mercury. Toyota took the majority of the awards for its Prius, Highlander, Solara, Sequoia and Tundra.

Source: JD Powers and Associates

The New 2009 Lincoln MKS

No Gas Cap Required!

Lincoln has turned spoiling into an art with many little touches. Have you heard about the Easy Fuel Capless Filler System on the New 2009 Lincoln MKS? No fumbling with the cap or worrying that you’ll leave it behind at the gas station. When you remove the nozzle, the system seals shut automatically. Now gas caps are not a major daily worry, but isn’t it nice that they took the time to make your life that much easier?

Easy entry without finding your key!

Or what about the SecuriCode Keypad? I love being able to leave everything in the car and go running or something without carrying a key. Or your child wants to get something out of the car. You no longer have to find your key, remind the child NOT to lock it in the car and collect it back again.

Adaptive HID Headlamps can turn your high beams on and off automatically depending on whether there’s another car coming towards you. Again, turning the high beams on and off isn’t terribly taxing, but isn’t it nice to have it taken care of for you?

The lavish extras don’t stop outside the car. Push-button start allows you to start the car with a push of a button as long as the key fob is anywhere in the car (like at the bottom of your purse?). Very nice.

Sync allows you to operate your MP3 player and Blue-Tooth enabled phone with voice commands. I realize that this is actually a safety feature to keep your attention on the road, but to me it seems like just one more way that Lincoln is making life easier.

I know that most people buy a Lincoln MKS because it drives so smoothly and has all the latest safety features, but once you’ve got it, you’ll sigh every time one of these luxurious little extras does something for you.