Automotive Writer Matt Nauman Previews the
2009 New Mexico International Auto Show
Acura
New for 2009: All three of Acura’s sedans got significant redesigns for 2009. The Acura TL’s distinctive exterior is sure to elicit lots of comments, but it’s the sophisticated interior that will please its owners the most. Acura calls it a “dual personal” layout, as both the driver and the front-seat passenger get plenty of attention. Standard are a power moonroof, dual-zone adaptive climate control and seats that adjust to numerous settings. The base TL comes with a 3.5-liter V-6 that makes 280 horsepower; the TL SH-AWD (Super Handling-All Wheel Drive) is fitted with a 3.7-liter, 305-horsepower V-6. For TSX fans, the reskinning means more interior room and a car that’s a bit longer (2.4 inches) and wider (3 inches). The 2.4-liter, 4-cylinder carries over, but it now outputs 201 horsepower while earning 30 mpg on the highway. Leather seats and a power moonroof are standard fare on the TSX. The more aggressive RL shares the new face of Acura. It comes with the new 3.7-liter V-6 that makes 300 horsepower. Its 5-speed SportShift automatic transmission is also new. Both steering and suspension have been upgraded, and 18-inch wheels have been added. All-wheel drive and safety tech – including electronic stability control and curtain air bags for all occupants – are standard.
Rest of the Lineup: Acura’s two sport-utes are popular picks. The larger MDX offers seats for seven and an optional power tailgate, while the smaller RDX adds a four-way power seat for the front passenger and comes in four new colors.
Coming for 2010: Many were expecting the reincarnation of the NSX supercar, but worldwide economic woes have canceled that model.
Buick
New for 2009: The seven- or eight-passenger Buick Enclave makes an elegant statement inside and out. Most notable are its church-quiet ride, spacious interior and plentiful amenities. New for 2009 is a direct-injection V-6 engine that makes 288 horsepower while delivering 20-plus mpg on the highway. Also added are heated and cooled front seats and real-time traffic information provided by satellite radio and the vehicle’s navigation system.
Rest of the Lineup: The LaCrosse sedan comes with either a 3.8-liter V-6 or a 5.3-liter V-8 that makes 300 horsepower in the LaCrosse Super version. This quiet machine gets an impressive 28 mpg in highway driving. Buick’s top-drawer sedan, the Lucerne, offers buyers a V-6 that’s larger (3.9 liters) and more fuel-efficient for 2009. The Lucerne Super gets its motivation from its 4.6-liter, 292-horsepower V-8 engine. Buicks continue to be among the highest-quality vehicles made by General Motors.
Coming for 2010: The redesigned 2010 LaCrosse continues the theme of the Enclave – a waterfall grille and portholes accent the exterior. The car will be sold in China and the United States.
Cadillac
New for 2009: The Cadillac Escalade Hybrid matches luxurious functionality with improved fuel mileage. The powertrain includes a 6.0-liter V-8 with cylinder deactivation, an electric motor and a continuously variable transmission. The result is an eight-passenger, 4WD sport utility vehicle that gets 21 mpg on the highway and an estimated cruising range of more than 500 miles.
Rest of the Lineup: The Escalade family continues to grow. In addition to the hybrid version, buyers can pick from the Escalade sport-ute, the longer Escalade ESV, and the Escalade EXT, with its midgate that combines the best traits of a truck and a utility. The SRX continues as the sporty choice of premium utilities. The arrival of the CTS-V brings on-the-edge performance to Cadillac with its supercharged 6.2-liter V-8 that produces 556 horsepower. The athletic styling is sure to please enthusiasts. The regular CTS comes with a choice of V-6 engines. The rear- or all-wheel-drive STS and the front-wheel-drive DTS offer Cadillac sedan buyers plenty of choice. Both the XLR and performance-oriented XLR-V hardtop convertibles get subtle exterior and interior enhancements this year.
Chevrolet
New for 2009: The Chevy Cobalt SS is New for 2009, adding a turbocharged, 260-horsepower engine option to the family. Regular Cobalt sedans and coupes offer as much as 37 mpg in highway driving.
Rest of the Lineup: Sedan buyers can pick from the tidy Aveo, the mid-size Malibu or the slightly larger Impala. That car adds standard traction control for the 2009 model year. When speaking of sport-utes, the list is long in Chevy showrooms. The Suburban and Tahoe appeal to those needing space and towing capability. The Traverse, New for 2009, is a large crossover offering a strong combination of power and fuel efficiency and seating for seven or eight.
The Equinox, which now has Bluetooth capability, and the TrailBlazer, are other Chevy SUV choices. Hybrid choices include the Malibu mid-size sedan and the Tahoe SUV. On the other end of the spectrum, the Corvette family includes a base coupe or convertible, a Z06 with a 7.0-liter V-8 making 505 horses, or a new-for-’09 Z01 with a massive amount of oomph (638 horsepower, 604 foot-pounds of torque). Finally, perfect for truck-happy New Mexico, the Chevy pickup lineup includes the Avalanche SUT, the mid-size Colorado, and the best-selling Silverado. That truck now gets a six-speed automatic with the 5.3-, 6.0- and 6.2-liter V-8s. The Silverado XFE (Xtra Fuel Economy) model offers 21 mpg in highway driving.
Chrysler
New for 2009: Chrysler’s first hybrid comes under the hood of the Aspen, a full-size SUV. Its 5.7-liter Hemi V-8 gets cylinder deactivation, plus an additional two electric motors. The result is an eight-passenger vehicle that gets 19/20 mpg in city/highway driving, a nice improvement from the gasoline-only version.
Rest of the Lineup: The regular Aspen gets 376 horsepower and 401 foot-pounds of torque from the Hemi V-8; a V-6 and a smaller V-8 are also available. A blind-spot detection system is now an option on the Town & Country minivan. The family hauler comes with a choice of three V-6 engines. The Sebring convertible gets a hardtop option, and comes with three engine choices, while the Sebring sedan gets a remote starter as a feature for 2009. The 300 sedan remains a bold statement a half-decade after it arrived on the scene. Longer wheelbase and all-wheel-drive versions are now offered, while the 300 SRT8 provides a 425-horsepower punch. The PT Cruiser convertible is no longer in production, and the iconic wagon will soon go away, as well.
Dodge
New for 2009: “That ‘70s Show” might be off the air, but the 2009 Dodge Challenger and Challenger SRT8 go back to the muscle-car future. Styling is seriously retro with a long hood and big wheels. While a V-6 and a 5.7-liter V-8 are available, the 6.1-liter V-8 rules the roost with 425 horsepower. Two doors, two great bucket seats and a bit of back-seat room define the Challenger’s low-slung interior. Speaking of bold moves, the redesigned 2010 Ram pickup is full of neat touches, such as RamBox bed-side storage. Its 5.7-liter Hemi V-8 adds variable-valve timing, making 390 horsepower. A 3.7-liter V-6 and a smaller V-8 are also available. Coil-spring, multilink rear suspension produce better ride and handling.
Rest of the Lineup: Also New for 2009, the Durango SUV merges into the hybrid lane for 2009, pairing its 5.7-liter Hemi V-8 with two electric motors. The result is a large, eight-passenger SUV that gets 19 mpg in the city and 20 mpg on the highway – improvements of 25 and 40 percent, Dodge officials say. Another new vehicle is the 2009 Dodge Journey, a crossover utility with plenty of choices – engines, front- or all-wheel drive, and even an optional third-row seat. The Nitro, a tough, little SUV, gets drivetrain improvements and some minor exterior tweaks. The Grand Caravan minivan adds another safety feature, as well – a blind-spot warning system. The 2009 Avenger sedan promises a quieter ride, and a choice of a 4-cylinder or two V-6 engines. The Charger comes into 2009 with an enhanced Hemi V-8 and all-wheel-drive systems, while the Charger SRT8 gets suspension upgrades. And, yes, the 600-horsepower Viper SRT10 with its screaming 8.4-liter V-10 rules.
Ford
New for 2009: The bestselling vehicle in America for a decade, the Ford F-150 pickup gets a substantial redesign for 2009. Everything from its frame to its sturdy exterior styling is new. Truck buyers want plenty of choice, and Ford offers it with three V-8 engines and a plethora of trim levels, including the F-150 SuperCrew with four doors and a huge back seat. Also New for 2009, the Ford Flex is perhaps the most distinctive crossover utility on the market. Its white roof attracts second glances, while its refined, spacious interior earns raves from passengers. Power comes from a 3.5-liter, 262-horsepower V-6 that’s paired with a 6-speed automatic tranny. Buyers can pick from front- or all-wheel-drive versions, and six- or seven-passenger capacity.
Rest of the Lineup: Ford remains a candy store for eager SUV shoppers. The Ford Escape Hybrid gets a stronger 4-cylinder engine for 2009. The 2.5-liter, 153-horsepower engine combines with an electric motor for a combined 177- horsepower power rating. The mid-size Edge crossover now comes as a Sport model with 20-inch wheels and body effects. Another crossover, the Taurus X, has three rows of seats and traditional styling cues. Buyers looking for an old-school SUV can tap the mid-size Explorer or the full-size Expedition (or the even-longer Expedition EL). The Sync infotainment system gets nearly as much attention as the compact Focus, sold as a sedan or coupe with a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder. The Ford Shelby GT500KR (King of the Road) is the most powerful Mustang ever with 540 horsepower. The also-tight, still-fast GT500 is offered in coupe and convertible versions. Small-truck fans can pick between two favorites, the Ranger and the Explorer Sport Trac.
Coming for 2010: The muscle-car war is now fully re-engaged, as Ford’s redesigned 2010 Mustang GT arrives this spring (and it’s on display at the New Mexico International Auto Show). The updated pony car gets a new front-end style and bigger wheels; comes as a coupe or convertible; and even offers a glass-roof model. With chassis and other upgrades from the Bullitt Mustang, the GT comes with a 315-horsepower V-8. Speaking of historic names, the Taurus gets a redo for 2010, and emerges as a larger, top-end sedan. It comes with a push-button starter and MyKey, a system that allows parents to program the car before their teenagers drive it. A 3.5-liter V-6 is paired with a choice of 6-speed transmissions. Also new, and at the show, are two versions of the redesigned Fusion sedan, the Sport and the Hybrid. The Fusion Sport matches the 3.5-liter Duratec V-6 with a sport-tuned suspension, 18-inch painted aluminum wheels, a rear spoiler and all-wheel drive. Ford ads tell the tale – the Fusion Hybrid is the highest-mileage sedan on the market. Owners can track fuel economy on the EcoGuide LCD cluster, and the car can travel on electricity at speeds of up to 47 mph.
GMC
New for 2009: Direct fuel injection improves the power and fuel economy of the 3.6-liter V-6 on the GMC Acadia. The crossover holds seven or eight passengers, and is sold in front- and all-wheel-drive versions. Standard safety fare includes traction and electronic stability control and side-curtain air bags for all three rows of seats.
Rest of the Lineup: The full-size Sierra pickup adds a 6-speed automatic transmission that’s paired with all three V-8 engines. The Sierra XFE stands for Xtra Fuel Economy, as it gets 15 mpg in the city and 21 mpg in highway driving. HD (Heavy Duty) models of the Sierra can tow up to 13,000 pounds. The Canyon, a mid-size pickup, adds a new 5.3-liter V-8 as a choice above the 4- and 5-cylinder engines. On the Yukon SUV, a third row of seats is now standard, while the larger Yukon XL gains a 6-speed automatic.
Honda
New for 2009: Redone for the new model year, the Honda Fit gets a more powerful 1.5-liter, 4-cylinder engine with 117 horsepower that’s a nice match with its newly aerodynamic body. Models equipped with the automatic transmission get 28 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway. Front, side and side-curtain air bags are standard, while the Fit Sport also comes with optional Vehicle Stability Assist. That model gets fog lights, 16-inch alloy wheels and a chrome exhaust finisher. Also redesigned for 2009 is the Pilot, an eight-passenger SUV. Added is a more powerful 3.5-liter V-6 that cuts back unneeded cylinders to boost fuel mileage. Also new: a Class III trailer hitch, hill-start assist, 17-inch wheels and a tilt and telescoping steering wheel.
Rest of the Lineup: All Civics get exterior enhancements for 2009, including bumpers, grilles and lights. Inside, every Civic except the DX gets new seat cloth and patterns. The lineup includes coupes, sedans, the Civic Hybrid that gets an estimated 40/45 mpg, the natural-gas-powered GX that gets 24/36, and the Civic Si, a nod to performance fans with its 197-horsepower engine. Vehicle Stability Assist is now standard on Civic EX-L and Hybrid. While the base Accord sedan gets no changes for 2009, the V-6 models are now rated at 271 horsepower. Navigation and satellite radio are among the Accord options. The CR-V has become the best-selling utility, and it comes in three new colors for 2009.
EX-L and Touring versions of the Odyssey minivan with a V-6 engine and variable-cylinder management get boosted power (244 horsepower) and torque (245 foot-pounds) ratings. And the EX-L gets a power tailgate. Truck lovers will appreciate changes to the Ridgeline pickup, including exterior tweaks, a more powerful V-6 engine and revised gearing for better acceleration and towing.
Jeep
New for 2009: Both the Jeep Commander and Grand Cherokee get a more powerful Hemi V-8 in 2009 as optional engines. The Commander seats seven, and comes with a choice of a V-6 motor or two V-8s. The Hemi version generates 357 horsepower from its 5.7 liters. The same engine motivates the Grand Cherokee. Buyers of that SUV can pick from a V-6, a smaller V-8 and a diesel with plenty of grunt – 375 foot-pounds of torque. The Grand Cherokee SRT8 tops the performance lineup with its 6.1-liter V-8, making 420 horsepower.
Rest of the Lineup: The Compass gets a redesigned interior for 2009, and the Patroit has a choice of two all-wheel-drive systems. Both the Liberty – which reminds some of the original Cherokee – and the Wrangler – which still signifies the Jeep brand – are off-road ready.
Lincoln
New for 2009: The Lincoln MKS is an accomplished full-size sport sedan, providing a quality ride, high-tech amenities and 275 horsepower from its 3.7-liter V-6. Standard safety equipment includes electronic stability control and dual front, side, and front- and rear-curtain air bags.
Rest of the Lineup: The Town Car remains a choice for traditional buyers looking for a larger, rear-drive, V-8 sedan. A front bench seat means that the TC can carry six people. The MKX crossover brings Lincoln’s vision of luxury to the crossover segment. Power comes from a 265-horsepower, 3.5-liter V-6. An all-wheel-drive version is available. The Navigator and its rival, the Cadillac Escalade, define the premium, full-size SUV segment. Outside, there’s a chrome grille; inside, it’s gorgeous wood trim. Power is supplied by a 5.4-liter V-8. For 2009, the Sync entertainment system created by Microsoft is available.
Mercury
New for 2009: The mid-size Mariner sport-utility gets improved engine performance for 2009. Its new 4-cylinder now measures 2.5 liters and outputs 171 horsepower, while the 3.0-liter V-6 generates 240 horsepower. Transmission choices include a 5-speed manual and a 6-speed automatic. The front-drive Mariner hybrid gets 34 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway.
Rest of the Lineup: The Mountaineer gets improved towing capability thanks to an added tow-sway control system, and electronic stability control is now a standard safety feature. The Grand Marquis remains a rear-drive American classic, while the Sable is one of the biggest choices in the mid-size segment.
Coming for 2010: The 2010 Milan, available soon, features upgrades throughout, including 6-speed transmissions with both its 4- and 6-cylinder engines. With a sportier exterior and a sculptured interior with metallic trim and an instrument panel resembling fine jewelry, the Milan emerges as a premium sedan. The Milan hybrid, scheduled to be on exhibit in New Mexico, gets a new 2.5-liter 4-cylinder. Its gas-electric powertrain enables a 700-mile cruising range.
Nissan
New for 2009: Long legendary but previously unavailable in the United States, the Nissan GT-R has arrived for 2009. The slick, powerful sports car adds twin turbochargers to its 3.8-liter V-6, resulting in 480 horsepower and 430 foot-pounds of torque. Paddle shifters and a configurable instrument panel add to the video-game aura of this real-world ride. Small back seats provide thrill rides for family and friends.
Rest of the Lineup: Nissan’s Z becomes the 370Z, as the 3.7-liter, 330-horsepower V-6 is now the powerplant in the hardtop. The 350Z convertible continues for another year. The Maxima sedan gets a redesign as it keeps its place atop the Nissan sedan lineup. Styling is more aggressive. The Maxima’s 3.5-liter V-6 is mated with a continuously variable transmission. The Altima, Sentra and Versa offer plenty of choice in price, design and features for sedan buyers. Coupe and hybrid versions of the Altima are also on the market. The Murano SUV was redesigned for 2009, growing a little and adding a bit of oomph to its 3.5-liter, V-6 engine. Nissan SUV fans have a big menu to consider with the Armada, Pathfinder, Rogue and Xterra joining the Murano. Both of Nissan’s trucks get new package options for 2009, as the smaller Frontier adds a PRO-4X off-road choice while the larger Titan now can be had with a Max Utility setup.
Pontiac
New for 2009: The Pontiac Solstice roadster arrived in 2006. This year brings a hardtop coupe version. Styling is sleek and upscale. The base version comes with a 2.4-liter 4-cylinder, while the Solstice GXP adds a turbocharger to a 2.0-liter engine to make 260 horsepower.
Rest of the Lineup: The two Pontiac drop-tops – the Solstice roadster and the G6 coupe – bring excitement to GM’s excitement brand. The base Solstice adds standard electronic stability control and anti-lock brakes for 2009. The G6 is also sold as a two-door coupe and a sedan. The G8 provides buyers plenty of engine choices – a V-6 and two V-8s. The 415-horsepower V-8 offered on the G8 GXP can be had with a 6-speed manual shifter. The Vibe, a five-door hatch, is redesigned for 2009. It offers a choice of two engines, as well as plentiful and functional cargo room.
Saturn
New for 2009: Saturn dealers now offer two versions of the Vue Hybrid (plus a gasoline-only model). The 4-cylinder Vue Hybrid turns off its engine at stop lights and gets power from regenerative brakes, resulting in city/highway mpg of 25/32. New for 2009 is the Vue 2 Mode, a full hybrid capable of a short burst of electric-only travel. General Motors officials say the Vue 2 Mode is as quick as a V-6 version but gets much better fuel economy – measured at 27 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the highway.
Rest of the Lineup: Based on the Opel Astra sold in Europe, the Saturn Astra arrived in the U.S. in 2008. Sold in three- and five-door hatchback versions, the Astra is solid and surprisingly roomy with a smart interior. A 1.8-liter 4-cylinder is found under the hood. The Aura sedan comes equipped with either a 169-horsepower 4-cylinder or a 252-horsepower V-6 engine. There’s a mild hybrid version, too, promising 34 mpg in highway driving. The Outlook crossover utility gets improved performance from its 3.6-liter V-6 engine. It seats eight. The Sky roadster only seats two, but both the driver and the passenger will have fun in this drop-top. The Sky Red Line gets a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine that cranks out 260 horsepower.
Scion
Rest of the Lineup: Although unchanged for 2009, the slick Scion tC coupe offers a nice combination of performance and fuel economy for its 2.4-liter, 4-cylinder engine. Both a 5-speed manual and a 4-speed automatic transmission are offered. Its optional Pioneer audio package lets users download skins to play on its organic electro-luminescent (OEL) faceplate, including images and video clips. The Scion xD is a small five-door hatchback offering a surprisingly spacious interior, six air bags and optional electronic stability control. Highway mpg is 32 and 33, depending upon transmission choice. The boxy xB has gained newfound respect since its 2008 redesign. It’s now big enough for five adults, and carries a 2.4-liter 4-cylinder that generates 158 horsepower. Stingray metallic is a new color for 2009.
Smart
Rest of the Lineup: Introduced in 2008, the tiny, tidy Smart Fortwo offers affordable transportation, European styling and urban appeal. The car gets a slight change to its gearing for 2009. Two versions of the Fortwo are offered – a coupe sold in Pure and Passion variants, and a convertible. Both come with a 71-horsepower, 1.0-liter engine and Smart’s safety-cell design.
Subaru
New for 2009: Now in its third-generation guise, the Subaru Forester improves interior room and heightens its ground clearance. The sport-utility comes with a choice of 4-cylinder, 2.5-liter engines offering either 170 or 224 horsepower. Long popular for its manageable size and understated exterior, the Forester remains a solid choice for SUV buyers.
Rest of the Lineup: Redesigned in 2008, the Tribeca offers Subaru buyers an SUV with three rows of seats and a 3.6-liter, 256-horsepower engine. Lovers of small wagons get plenty of choice from Subaru, including the Impreza and Outback Sport, plus the speedy Impreza WRX and WRX STI. The latter is a street car that’s nearly rally-ready. The Outback is a mid-size wagon, an AWD choice in a segment with fewer competitors these days. Sedan versions of the Impreza, WRX and Legacy are also available.
Toyota
New for 2009: The new Toyota Venza fills a gap between wagon and sport utility vehicle. A strong design statement from the Japanese automaker, the Venza has stylish room for five adults and lots of cargo capacity. It’s offered in front- or all-wheel-drive and with a choice of a 2.7-liter 4-cylinder or a 3.5-liter V-6.
Rest of the Lineup: Bestsellers such as the Corolla and Camry continue to offer strong choices for buyers of compact and mid-size sedans. The Camry comes with either a 4-cylinder or a V-6 engine, and there’s also a hybrid version. The small Yaris adds a five-door hatchback to a family that includes a traditional sedan body as well as a three-door hatch. News among Toyota’s vast SUV clan (FJ Cruiser, Highlander, Land Cruiser, RAV4, Sequoia, 4Runner) is the arrival of a 2.7-liter 4-cylinder that gives Highlander buyers a more affordable option for this two- or three-row vehicle. Truck buyers will appreciate the flex-fuel version of the full-size Tundra, while the smaller Tacoma gets side-curtain air bags and standard stability control. Besides the Prius, other Toyota hybrids include the Camry and Highlander.