With Acura’s upcoming 2010 ZDX crossover-coupe-whatever setting the tone for the brand in terms of refinement and technology, its once techno-trendsetting MDX sibling is looking a bit long in the tooth. Indeed, the second-gen MDX-which placed first of eight in our last shootout of $50,000 SUVs-has sat relatively unchanged since its 2007 debut, and this fact, combined with a number of newly engineered goodies also used in the ZDX, makes this year the perfect time for an update.
The 2010 Acura MDX gets freshened styling, additional standard features, and a 6-speed automatic transmission with standard steering-wheel mounted paddle shifters. This premium-midsize SUV seats up to 7 and has all-wheel drive. The sole powertrain is a 300-horsepower 3.7-liter V6 engine paired to a new 6-speed automatic transmission. This replaces a 5-speed automatic. Maximum towing capacity is 5,000 pounds. Available safety features include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, front-side airbags, and curtain-side airbags that cover all seating rows. Newly standard is Hill Start Assist, a mirror with rearview camera display, and a power tailgate. Other standard features include a sunroof, leather upholstery, heated front seats, and a wireless cell-phone link. Options are available in three packages, all priced as separate models.
The 2010 Acura MDX
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Aston Martin Rapide, one of the most eagerly awaited cars of 2009, was unveiled at the 63rd Frankfurt Motorshow. The elegant Aston Martin Rapide, functional yet luxurious, provide space for up to four adults combined with an engaging driving experience synonymous with all Aston Martins.
The 2010 Aston Martin Rapide, marks the return of a 4-door sedan to this exotic automaker’s lineup. Rapide comes in a single tri level with rear-wheel drive. The sole powertrain teams a 470-horsepower 6.0-liter v12 engine with a 6-speed automatic transmission offering steering-wheel shift paddles for manual gear selection. Available safety features includes ABS, traction control, antiskid system, curtain-side airbags, and front-side airbags.
The 2010 Aston Martin Rapide
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The ForTwo is unparalleled in its ability to squeeze into tiny parking spaces and spots between cars in traffic. The Smart is even economical, with a low starting and a good fuel economy rating.
The 2010 Smart ForTwo is largely unchanged. ForTwo is the smallest and shortest car available for the mass market in North America. The ForTwo is an ultra-compact 2-seater designed and built by the Smart company, a division of Daimler and Mercedes-Benz. Smart vehicles are sold at approximately 70 select Mercedes-Benz and stand-alone dealerships across the U.S. Two-door coupe and convertible body styles are offered. The sole engine is a 71-horsepower 1.0-liter 3-cylinder that teams with a 5-speed automated-manual transmission that behaves much like an automatic. Available safety features include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, and side airbags that provide head and torso protection.
The 2010 SmartForTwo
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BYD E6 is an all-electric vehicle by BYD Auto-crossover that deliver to 200 miles (320 km) with a load is expected. Produced the first plans for the mass of the vehicle in China in 2010 were postponed. Instead, field tests will be carried out with 100 units as taxis in the city of Shenzhen in 2010.
BYD Auto—the name stands for “Build Your Dreams”—is the car making arm of one of the largest Chinese battery cell companies, though it now sells vehicles outside China in only a few countries, including Bulgaria, Poland, and Russia.
2010 BYD E6
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The Dodge Caliber tries to be the quintessential hot hatch, but underpowered engines, sloppy handing and subpar interior materials keep it from hitting the mark.
The Dodge will be powered by a new 2.2-liter common-rail Diesel (CRD) engine that will offer 16% more power and 3% more torque. This means, the 2010 Dodge Caliber develops 120 kW (163 hp DIN) and 320 Nm (236 lb.-ft.) of torque.
The 2010 Dodge Caliber
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Suzuki has officially pulled the wraps of their new Kizashi mid-size sedan. The Kizashi, Japanese for “something great is coming”, was designed to mix European styling with Japanese quality. While the latter remains to be seen, the car features an interesting appearance with a bold grille, shapely headlights, and a dynamic rear end. Other styling highlights include 18-inch alloy wheels, and attractive dual exhaust system, and a short front overhang. To driving enthusiasts, as the market is
Few midsize sedans appeal to driving enthusiast, as the market is dominated by the Toyota Camry, setting the pace for the segment with comfortable, economical cars built as everyday commuters. As such, these cars show their best virtues in getting superior fuel economy and providing the kind of cabin tech that lets drivers avoid serious traffic jams while making hands-free phone calls to spouses to see if a grocery stop is necessary on the way home.
The 2010 Kizashi
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The Lotus Evora is the first unveiling of several new sports car models coming from Group Lotus, know in recent years predominantly as the masters of the Lotus Elise and Exige series. True British sports cars that are unlike any other on the track while retaining some streetability, the Lotus Elise and Exige are criticized for being too harsh for most sports car enthusiasts. As daily drivers, Lotus’ current offerings appeal to only the most hardcore “driver’s car” type
The Evora will be offered either as a true two-seater or with a 2+2 seating arrangement, but Lotus warns the rear seats are only suitable for children, and we suspect only those with very short legs. Power will come from a Toyota 3.5-liter V-6 with variable valve timing, tuned to produce 276 horsepower and 252 lb-ft of torque, and Lotus says the car clears the 0-to-60-mph sprint in less than five seconds and tops out around 160 mph. Inside there are way more toys than in the Exige and Elise: air conditioning, leather seating, a tire-pressure monitoring system, a backup camera, cool blue LED lighting, and a remote garage-door opener.
The 2010 Lotus Evora
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While details are limited, the S281 features a unique body kit with a new hood, grille, front fascia, side skirts, and rear window louvers. Out back, the car boasts a sleek spoiler, a rear diffuser, and an aggressive four-tailpipe exhaust system.
The 2010 S281 has a healthy 485 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque on tap. No performance figures were given, but expect a 0-60 time well under 5 seconds. Building on the 2010 “Stang’s track prowess, the 2010 S281 adds Saleen specific rate front and rear springs, nitrogen pressurized front struts and rear shocks and performance sway bars. A front strut tower brace is also available.
The 2010 Saleen S281 MustangLeft Side View of S281
The S281 comes from the factory wearing 20-inch seven-spoke “Speed Star” silver wheels wrapped in Pirelli P-Zero Rosso rubber. A chrome version of the Speed Star wheel is available, as are five spoke chrome units. Larger 14-inch slotted front rotors clamped by four-piston calipers are charged with stopping duties on the base S281, with 15-inch six-piston units optional.
Machine View
Interior View
Wheel and Velg View
Each exterior fascia gets a more aerodynamic piece for that aggressive, yet functional design. Up front, a Super-Flo hood ensures proper cool air arrives to the blown engine.
If you have ever been inside a Honda Accord sedan, the new Honda Crosstour will seem familiar. A crossover SUV that hits Honda (HMC) dealerships at the end of November, the 2010 Accord Crosstour has the same chassis, is almost exactly the same size, and has a similar interior to the Accord sedan’s, to say nothing of being powered by the same 3.5-liter, 271-horsepower V6 that comes in the more powerful version of the Accord. The Crosstour even drives a lot like an Accord sedan.
The 2010 Honda Accord Crosstour
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The 2010 Hyundai Tucson smartly steps to the front of the compact-crossover class with a curved, crested, upscale design. From its nose to its tail, the Tucson appears compact and edgy, while the rear end has visual mass that’s cut somewhat by angular tail lamps.
2010 Hyundai Tucson
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