Inexpensive New Cars

Smart Fortwo Cabriolet

2010-05-24T01:53:00.000-07:00

cabrio-smart_fortwoThe Smart Passion Cabriolet of America offers you all the rewards of a Smart Passion ForTwo coupe, but with impressive styling that radiates sunshine and fresh air and in keeping with the Smart tradition of presenting different styles for different people, the Smart ForTwo Cabriolet is offered in the Passion model. The Smart Passion Cabriolet is manufactured at Smartville, a purpose-built factory complex in Hambach, France. It takes about 4.5 hours to make a Smart, compared to around 20 hours for a small four door sedan.

The Cabriolet offers changeable body panels, available in 3 standard colors that include black, yellow and white, while blue metallic, red metallic and silver metallic are optional. Yellow will not be offered for 2009!09_smart_fortwo_conv

The Smart Cabriolet was introduced in 2000, restyled in 2002 and is by far the smart choice. The Cabriolet offers changeable body panels, available in 3 standard colors that include black, silver and white, while blue metallic, red metallic and silver metallic are optional. Yellow will not be offered for 2009!

Like most convertible vehicles, the Smart ForTwo Cabriolet features a soft, plastic rear window that folds along with the top.

The new Smart Cabriolet is tailored for the American driver, and we know it will capture the hearts and imagination of drivers who insist on a unique, classy car that's environmentally friendly.

Having established itself as a frontrunner in America's mini car market for many years, the Smart ForTwo make its appearance last year with a sassy new design and a solid reputation for smart performance in crowded metropolitan areas.

While the unique and beautiful styling of the Smart Cabriolet ForTwo isn't best suited to long trips or mountain roads, it performs miracles in congested metro traffic and busy city centers, where it beats the heat with zippiness and verve.

The 2009 Passion Cabriolet, with its eye-catching, innovative design, will be launched with a new, three-cylinder, 70 hp Mitsubishi engine. The engine is combined with an automated manual five-speed transmission from Getrag, replacing the previous laborious, six-speed model.

The smart engineering for 2009 provides for a smoother driving experience and, despite the extra power, fuel consumption ranges are good. The changed running gear and slightly larger body (from 2007) make the Smart Cabriolet Passion more comfortable and safer.

While standard safety and optional equipment differs from model to model, all smart vehicles share the same Smart concept: high fuel efficiency, no emissions, and incredible styling.

DaimlerChrysler claims that the Fortwo's safety rating matches that of the Mercedes Benz C-class sedan.

Following its triumphant launch in the US, this Smart will make its debut in China this year and Brazil.

People love the Smart Fortwo Passion Cabriolet for many reasons, including its ability to park almost anywhere, its economical fuel consumption, its cost, and, of course, its knockout looks.

Unfortunately, for America the MHD (mild hybrid system) that comes standard on all gas-powered 2009 Smart ForTwos sold in Europe will not be available in the U.S.A. This vehicle is sold in 37 countries and over 1,000,000 Smart cars are on roads around the world.
All Smart Car Fortwo specs are as follows:

Engineering:

* Engine Type: In-Line 3-Cylinder
* Engine Block/Cylinder Head: Aluminum-Alloy
* Displacement (l): 1.0
* Horsepower @ rpm (SAE net, Rev 8/04): 70 HP @ 5,800 rpm
* Torque (lb.-ft. @ rpm): 68 lb.-ft. @ 4,500 rpm
* Bore and Stroke (in): 2.83 x 3.22
* Compression Ratio: 10.0:1
* Valve train: 4-valve per cyl. - SOHC
* Electronic Multi-Point Fuel Injection
* Rear-wheel Drive
* CARB Emissions Rating: ULEV-2
* Federal Emissions: Tier II/Bin5
* Direct Ignition System with Immobilizer

Transmissions: 5-Speed Automated Manual

Gear Ratios: 1st: 3.308 2nd: 1.913 3rd: 1.258 4th: 0.943 5th: 0.707 Final Drive: 4.529 Reverse: 3.231

Body/Suspension/Chassis: Unit-Body Construction MacPherson Strut Front Suspension DeDion axle Rear Suspension Stabilizer Bar (mm, front): TBD mm/none

* Rack-and-Pinion Steering: Turning Diameter, Curb-to-Curb (ft.): 28.7
* Power-Assisted Ventilated Front Disc/Solid Rear Disc Brakes (in.): 11/8 Wheels: All-Season Tires: 155/60 R15 Front/175/55 R15 Rear

Interior Measurements:

* Headroom (in.): 39.7
* Legroom (in.): 41.2
* Shoulder Room (in.): 48
* Hip-room (in.): 45.4
* Cargo Volume (cu. ft.): 12.0
* Passenger Volume (cu. ft.): 45.4
* Seating Capacity: 2

Exterior Measurements:

* Wheelbase (in.): 73.5
* Length (in.): 106.1
* Height (in.): 60.71
* Width (in.): 61.38
* Track (in., front/rear): 50.51/54.53
* Coefficient of Drag: 0.34
* Curb Weight (lbs.): 1,808

08 EPA Mileages:

* 5-Speed Automatic Manual (City/Highway): 34/40
* Crankcase (qt.): 3.5 incl. oil filter
* Required Fuel: Premium Unleaded recommended
* Coolant System (qt.): 4.5.
* Fuel Tank: 10 gallon – 8.7 with 1.3 gal. Reserve

Toyo Tires World Challenge at Long Beach

2010-04-24T10:00:00.000-07:00

2010 Toyo Tires World Challenge at Long Beach – Click above for high-res image gallery

The final race of the weekend-long Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach was the 2010 Toyo Tires World Challenge event, held at dusk on this downtown/oceanside street course as the crowds streamed out following Ryan Hunter-Reay's IndyCar victory. The track had picked up a lot of rubber during the week, with Indy Lights, ALMS, IndyCar and Drifting demos going on along with the SCCA Pro action. The skies were clear but the track was cooling as the cars lined up for round three of the championship.

The race was the third on the WC schedule following a double-header in St. Petersburg. That set of races had seen Peter Cunningham and Todd Buras sweep in GTS and Touring Class respectively, while GT crowned two winners. Randy Pobst had won from pole position on Saturday, besting teammate Andy Pilgrim to the checkers. On Sunday, it was second-place qualifier, Dino Crescentini who took the win, having dropped out of the first race due to electrical problems.

Long Beach is something of a home-track for several of the racers and everyone seemed pumped to do good in front of their family and friends. Last but not least, by Sunday afternoon it was time to run the final race on the Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach card. Follow the jump to see how the race went down and be sure to check out our gallery of pics below.

2010 Toyo Tires World Challenge at Long Beach

Acura ZDX

2010-04-16T06:03:00.000-07:00

2010 Acura ZDX – Click above for high-res gallery

It's only been on the market since December, but the 2010 Acura ZDX has already gotten its first official recall. According to AutoWeek, Acura believes that less than two percent of the 1,850 ZDXs built so far were assembled with a dashboard material that was incorrectly cut. The problem could cause the passenger-side front airbag to deploy improperly.

If you think you may have one of the affected vehicles, you are urged to take your minty-fresh ZDX to your local Acura dealer so the vehicle can be inspected. If there is indeed an issue, the entire dashboard will be replaced at no expense to the owner.

Owners should be getting notifications through the mail any day now. Alternatively, you can also call (800) 382-2238 for more information.

2010 Acura ZDX

Complete guide to the new '10 plates'

2010-03-18T23:32:00.000-07:00

Complete guide to the new '10 plates' - Feature Picture

26. February 2010
Confused with all this talk of 10 cars in March?

We explain how the system works drive in the new decade.

How does the current system works disk?

Sample sign: TDR AT60

1. The first two letters stand for the local tag memory "- was recorded in the vehicle. For example, LY Los Angeles to London.

2. The third and fourth numbers are the numbers as "known age identifier. They are changed every six months in March and September. For example:

• '09 'in March 2009 and "59" in September 2009
• "10" March 2010, and '60 'in September 2010
• "11" in March 2011, and '61 'in September 2011
• "12" in March 2012, and '62 'in September 2012

The best way to think, to believe that in March and September of this year, when more than 50 years.

3. The final three letters are random. Remember that some custom plates not follow this system. Auto Trader, along with some of the leading UK supplier plate - Shop for your perfect badge.

Does it make sense to wait until March or September?

If you want to buy a car, the new design seems a good idea to wait until March or September - or earlier - before visiting a dealer.

If you are a bargain, but before you buy - dealers sometimes get rid of old stocks at low prices in February and August each year.

What was the old system, the number plate?

Sample plate: A 470 TDRs

1. The first letter is "age identifier" - the years of the car was registered. That changed in August each year after 1999 was there every six months instead.

2. The third and fourth numbers are random numbers.

3. The final three letters are random. From 1963 to 1983, the letter the year the car was at the end of the plate.

The original plate was a system change every year until 2001. Dealers would sell a large peak in August each year, drivers who wanted them to find the latest cars to see what resulted in lower sales during the remainder of the year.

It was abolished in 2001 and for the biennial to-plate system, which is still in force.

A spokesman for the DVLA said the format will be reviewed and updated in 2050.

2011 Toyota Camry Competitor Comparison

2010-03-08T18:41:00.000-08:00

2011 Toyota Camry Competitor Comparison

Toyota Camry Buick Regal CXL Dodge Avenger SXT Pontiac G6
Year 2011
Make Toyota
Model Camry
Trim
General Pricing
View: Expand All
Toyota Camry Buick Regal CXL Dodge Avenger SXT Pontiac G6
MSRP $20,645.00 $26,245.00 $21,170.00 $21,275.00
Destination $750.00 $750.00 $740.00 $720.00
Internet Price Get My Price Get My Price Get My Price Get My Price
Engines & Power
Toyota Camry Buick Regal CXL Dodge Avenger SXT Pontiac G6
Standard Engine 2.5L 169hp I4 2.4L 182hp I4 2.4L 173hp I4 2.4L 164hp I4
Horsepower 169 @ 6000 RPM 182 @ 6700 RPM 173 @ 6000 RPM 164 @ 6400 RPM
Torque 167 @ 4100 RPM 172 @ 4900 RPM 166 @ 4400 RPM 156 @ 5000 RPM
Valves 4 4 4 4
Displacement (cc) 2494 2384 2360 2384
Bore X Stroke (in.) 3.5 X 3.9 3.5 X 3.9 3.5 X 3.8 3.5 X 3.9
Compression Ratio 10.4:1 11.2:1 10.5:1 10.4:1
Fuel Economy
Toyota Camry Buick Regal CXL Dodge Avenger SXT Pontiac G6
City (mpg) 22 20 21 22
Highway (mpg) 32 30 30 30
Exterior Dimensions & Weight
Toyota Camry Buick Regal CXL Dodge Avenger SXT Pontiac G6
Curb Weight - Automatic (lb.) 3306.9 3600.1 3403.9 3304.7
Wheelbase (in.) 109.3 107.8 108.9 112.3
Length (in.) 189.2 190.2 190.9 189
Width (in.) 71.7 73.1 71.8 70.6
Height (in.) 57.9 58.4 58.9 57.1
Track Front (in.) 62 62.4 61.8 59.6
Track Rear (in.) 61.6 62.5 61.8 60
Ground Clearance (in.) N/A N/A N/A N/A
Interior Dimensions
Toyota Camry Buick Regal CXL Dodge Avenger SXT Pontiac G6
Standard Seating 5 5 5 5
Front Headroom (in.) 38.8 38.8 40 39
Rear Headroom (in.) 37.8 36.8 38.3 36.5
Front Legroom (in.) 41.6 42.1 42.4 42.2
Rear Legroom (in.) 38.3 37.3 36.2 37.6
Front Shoulder Room (in.) 57.8 56.7 56.4 55.4
Rear Shoulder Room (in.) 56.9 54.4 56.3 55.4
Front Hip Room (in.) 54.6 55.4 53.2 52.7
Rear Hip Room (in.) 53.9 52.3 53.2 51.9
Payload & Towing
Toyota Camry Buick Regal CXL Dodge Avenger SXT Pontiac G6
Passenger Volumn (cu. ft.) 101.4 96.8 100.5 96.1
Steering, Suspension & Brakes
Toyota Camry Buick Regal CXL Dodge Avenger SXT Pontiac G6
Front Suspension strut strut strut strut
Rear Suspension multi-link multi-link multi-link multi-link
Tires 215/60R16 235/50R18 215/65R16 215/55R17
Anti-Theft & Locks
Toyota Camry Buick Regal CXL Dodge Avenger SXT Pontiac G6
Power Door Locks Std. Std. Std. Std.
Braking & Traction
Toyota Camry Buick Regal CXL Dodge Avenger SXT Pontiac G6
4 Wheel Drive / All Wheel Drive front wheel drive front wheel drive front wheel drive front wheel drive
ABS Brakes (2 or 4 Wheel) Std. Std. Std. Std.
Limited Slip Differential or Axle N/A N/A N/A N/A
Vehicle Stability Control System Std. Std. N/A Std.
Entertainment, Communication & Navigation
Toyota Camry Buick Regal CXL Dodge Avenger SXT Pontiac G6
Radio AM/FM N/A N/A N/A
Cassette Player N/A N/A N/A N/A
CD Player Yes Yes Yes Yes
CD Changer N/A N/A N/A N/A
DVD Player N/A N/A N/A N/A
Navigation Aid N/A Std. N/A N/A
Interior
Toyota Camry Buick Regal CXL Dodge Avenger SXT Pontiac G6
Cruise Control Std. Std. Std. N/A
Tilt Steering Yes Yes Yes Yes
Telescopic Steering Column Yes Yes Yes Yes
Heating, Ventilation & Air Conditioning
Toyota Camry Buick Regal CXL Dodge Avenger SXT Pontiac G6
Air Conditioning Std. Std. Std. Std.
Safety
Toyota Camry Buick Regal CXL Dodge Avenger SXT Pontiac G6
Driver Airbag Std. Std. Std. Std.
Front Side Airbag Std. Std. Std. Std.
Passenger Side Airbag Std. Std. Std. Std.
Rear Side Airbag N/A N/A N/A N/A
Seats
Toyota Camry Buick Regal CXL Dodge Avenger SXT Pontiac G6
Driver Multi-Adjustable Power Seat N/A Yes N/A Yes
Roof
Toyota Camry Buick Regal CXL Dodge Avenger SXT Pontiac G6
Sunroof / Moonroof N/A N/A N/A N/A
Windows, Mirrors & Wipers

What Car? star ratings explained

2010-02-25T23:17:00.000-08:00

What do ratings mean?
1-5 scale explained
How do we decide them?

Latest News

Jaguar XJ: driven
Lotus's plug-in Evora
New look for Skoda Fabia and Roomster
Porsche Cayenne revamped