2009 Nissan Murano Appears

The current Murrano has aged well among its other CUV competitors. Nissan's latest iteration is safe, but a good step forward as to not offend Murrano lovers. The nose is a radical departure from the original, some call jack-o-lantern, face of the old model. This new face is going to take some getting use to. Have no fear, the interior update looks to be of high quality with a new recently popular instrumentation layout. Check out the photos to see the full unveiling at the LA Auto show.

-A. Carter

Chrysler Axes Four Models

If you haven't heard the news, last week Chrysler put the death blow on four of its slowest selling models. The Pacifica, PT Cruiser Convertible, Magnum, and the Crossfire which will end their production sometime next year.

I agree with most of their cuts except for the Pacifica. I've always like this big family CUV. I had a chance to drive one a few years back and thoroughly enjoyed it. The overall minivan look never took off with a large group of customers, nor the sluggish 3.5 liter V6, which now is 4.0 liters. The Pacifica had a better interior than any of Chrysler's recent cars or trucks.

Chrysler could stand to add a few more cars to the chopping block, like the Jeep Compass, Dodge Durango, and Serbring and convertible. The Compass is just a softer designed Jeep Patriot, I can't remember the last time I saw a new Dodge Durango or the piecemeal, disjointedly designed Serbring.

Althogether, I think this is a good move in the right direction. Hopefully, Chrysler can turn itself around before the axe falls on the whole company.

-A. Carter

Autoblog Post 2009 Hyundai Tiburon

It's great to finally see the Tiburon that I've been hearing so much about over the past few months. Hyundai's new Genesis platform is underpinning the sleek new skin. From the start you see Infiniti G37 styling ques in the rear and overall all shape. Is Hyundai looking to take the Tiburon a little more upmarket?

Autoblog reports that Hyundai wants to go up against Ford's Mustang. Though, I'm not sure if customers shopping for a Mustang are the same one looking at the Tiburon. I envision this coupe more in line with Nissans Altima Coupe or Honda's Accord Coupe. And from prelimenary reports the new Tiburon want be lacking in the engine department, offering a 2.0L turbo producing 215HP and 217 ft-lbs of torque, or a 3.8LV6 with 300HP and 280 ft-lbs. That easily would out do any of it's competitors base and optional engines.
-A. Carter

Kia's New Borrego: Too late to the party?

Kia has finalized the name for its new large SUV now called the Borrego which previously was the Mesa. Personally, I liked the name Mesa better. As you can see from the image, Kia's design is very nondescript.

The Borrego looks like it could be any SUV from a number of automakers. A Bland any brand look seems to be what the designers were looking to Achieve—they succeeded triumphantly.

I find it strange, given the rising gas prices here in America, that Kia would choose now to introduce a big body on frame SUV. Added, the market is already saturated with other brands, and crossover vehicles are steadily eroding sales from full-size vehicles and minivans.

Nevertheless, the Borrego's entry rounds out their offering with a larger hauler above the Sorrento.
I curious to see what people will think of the Borrego.

-A. Carter

2008 Pontiac Vibe

Pontiac introduced its all new 2009 Vibe today. Essentially this is a twin of the Toyota Matrix with just cosmetic changes to separate the two. The interior is identical to the Matix. The exterior has a chiseled appearance giving it a more aggressive look than its twin.

The last Vibe sold decently for Pontiac and I have no doubt that this new design will do the same. One very welcomed addition is the new 2.4 liter 4-cylinder to give it more punch on the road. Vibe loyalist will keep this car alive and only greater solidify the emerging lineup at Pontiac.
- A. Carter

Autoblog Breaks 2009 Lincoln MKS!

Autoblog recently posted snap shots of Fords new Lincoln MKS sedan being used in a new Hollywood movie. From what I can tell, the lines look clean and the shape is modern. I particular see a little Masarati Quattroporte in the MKS rear design and taillights.

I have not seen interior shots to gage whether it fits with the new slick shape. I am hoping this sedan will be one of a first to turnaround Fords fortune or misfortune in the auto business. Along with Chrysler, Ford struggles to design cars that the public would consider buying.

In an upcoming review, I'll outline at least 4 design practices that I think pigeon holds Ford and is indicative of how their understanding of current auto design trends and the shifting expectations of American buyers has not effective penertrated the minds of its designers and management. Until we can see the complete package, interior and all, judgement is tabled.
-A. Carter

Americans Too Fat for Disneyland Rides?

It seems that Americans are becoming fatty boom booms. In an article posted on Wired's blog, American's increasing rotundity are causing cute little Disneyland boats to loose their float. Literally running aground in the water. What's your take?

-A. Carter

If there's a sadder commentary on the state of American society, we can't think of it -- we've grown so fat we sink the boats of It's A Small World.

According to Miceage.com, the boats routinely bottom out under the weight of super-sized riders, bringing the popular ride to a grinding -- literally -- halt. That's increased the wear and tear on the fiberglass boats, which have been in use since the ride opened during the 1964 World's Fair, when Americans, on average, weighed 25 pounds less than we do today.

It's a big problem. Other rides, including the drop in the Pirates of the Caribbean, face the same problem, Miceage says, but nowhere is it more of headache than It's a Small World.

The ride features several twists and bends where overloaded boats easily bog down, including the "S" bend through the Scandanavian room.

Employees -- Disney calls them "cast members" -- have been aware of the issue for some time now and so discretely leave empty seats in boats carrying heavy riders. But backups persist, and in some cases no one realzes there's a problem until boats stop emerging from the ride.

Disneyland is putting the ride in drydock for 10 months to make it ship-shape again. The boats will be replaced with more buoyant models, and the new flume will be one inch deeper. Work will begin in January.

Source: Wired Blog via Miceage