NADAguides.com Names Most Exciting New Cars for Spring 2010
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- New Models Fuse Affordable Luxury with Hybrid Technology -
COSTA MESA, Calif., April 16, 2010; NADAguides.com, the leading provider of vehicle pricing and information, today revealed its picks for the most exciting cars for spring 2010. With the New York International Auto Show serving as the launching pad for what's to come in 2011, many car companies are moving forward with new advancements in hybrid technology and fuel efficiency while introducing several affordable luxury amenities. New economic news also proves that automotive manufacturers have turned the corner and are again bringing innovative ideas into production to suit economical demands. The standout cars this spring are focused on being kind to both the environment and the wallet.
With numerous performance options and interior refinements, the 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee should help Chrysler gain market share in the SUV arena. Grand Cherokee loyalists will have their choice between the 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 that delivers 280 hp and 260 lb.-ft. of torque or the 5.7-liter HEMI V8 engine that produces 360 hp and 390 lb.-ft. of torque. For comfort both on- and off-road, the 2011 Grand Cherokee can be outfitted with a heated steering wheel, heated and cooled front seats, heated rear seats, rain-sensing wipers, keyless entry, a backup camera, a power tilting and telescoping steering wheel, and a power rear hatch. An available panoramic sunroof is a bright addition for the 2011 Grand Cherokee and fuses two panes of glass together to let the light shine in on front and rear passengers. The long list of standard safety equipment includes electronic traction control and stability control with roll mitigation making it suitable for carpooling on the weekdays and off-roading on the weekends. Scheduled to launch in July, starting prices will be in the low-$30,000 range making this all-around SUV a perfect fit for any family.
Nissan's newest sport crossover, the Juke, received its influence from its popular Rogue sibling and encompasses a highly distinctive design including a robust stance, high waistline, complex curves, coupe-like profile and aggressive wheels and tires. The bold interior design features a wide center console that takes its inspiration from a motorcycle fuel tank of all things and deserves a tip of the hat for Nissan's design group. The Juke's compact powerplant is a turbocharged, 1.6-liter, four-cylinder engine which puts out nearly 180 hp and 170 lb.-ft. of torque, and the optional i-CON packaging allows drivers to choose between economy, sport, and normal settings to tailor the car to their preferences for nimble around-town driving. Starting at around $20,000, the Juke will surely make an impact on crossover lovers looking for something sporty and fun.
Recently named the 2010 NADAguides.com Car of the Month for April, the all-new Ford Mustang is highlighted by significant powertrain enhancements with a class-leading 305 hp, 3.7-liter V6 model. Boasting impressive horsepower figures is one thing, but backing it up with fuel efficiency is another. The V6 gets 19 city and 31 highway mpg. Its 5.0-liter V8 sibling is something to brag about, producing 412 hp while still maintaining 26 mpg on the highway -- a first for the Mustang. On a long drive, the six-cylinder is a spirited stallion and provides all the power that most drivers would want, while the V8 is for thrill seekers wanting bursts of wheel-chirping acceleration. Both can be had with a six-speed manual or automatic transmission. Joining its timeless design with the latest technology adds to the convenience and safety of the 2011 Mustang, from the availability of the latest version of Ford SYNC®, with applications such as Traffic, Directions and Information, 911 Assist(TM) and Vehicle Health Report, to standard AdvanceTrac® Electronic Stability Control, which complements the all-speed traction control and standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS). Pair all that with a starting price at an affordable $22,145 for the V6 and $29,645 for the V8, the 2011 Ford Mustang is a definite must-see for the classic car lover.
Hyundai's latest addition to the luxury vehicle market is now posing even stronger competition for the likes of Mercedes and Lexus. With a 4.6-liter V8 delivering 378 hp and 324 lb.-ft. of torque and fuel efficiency at 16 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on highway, the performance benchmarks are pointedly exceeded and worth a second look; both the Lexus LS and Mercedes-Benz S-Class V8 sedans have slightly lower horsepower and gas mileage numbers. In addition, an air suspension is standard as is electric power steering and the usual host of safety features such as nine airbags including curtain airbags, stability control, and active headrests. Luxury touches include LED lighting, wood trim, navigation, a Lexicon audio system with XM-HD radio, and Bluetooth connectivity. Adaptive cruise control is offered, and a front camera can be paired with the rearview safety camera and parking sensors. The most expensive Hyundai vehicle will start in the mid-$50,000 range, but when compared to the flash and features of leading luxury vehicles on the market, not to mention the free iPad you receive with your owner's manual, Hyundai may just be on to something.
Porsche's first production hybrid has been well received and is noteworthy for loyalists who are looking for power and presence while lowering their carbon footprint. The Cayenne S Hybrid features a 333 hp 3.0-liter supercharged V6 churning out 428 lb.-ft. of torque paired with a 47 hp electric engine allowing the thoroughbred to run up to 97 mph on only electric power for short distances. Upon pressing the pedal, it will go from a standing start up to 35 miles per hour before seeking help from the gas engine. However, by decoupling the engine from the electric motor via an innovative automatic transmission, the Cayenne S Hybrid allows drivers to switch off the gas engine and run on pure electricity while cruising down the highway, and the eight-speed transmission is supplemented by a Hybrid Controller system on the interior that shows which system the car is running in. The Porsche Cayenne S Hybrid is truly unique and with a starting price under $70,000, it's the luxury solution for eco-friendly drivers who want to save the world in style.
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NADAguides.com (http://www.nadaguides.com/) is the largest publisher of vehicle pricing and information for new and used cars, classic cars, motorcycles, boats, RVs, and manufactured homes. NADAguides.com offers in-depth shopping and research tools in addition to the most market-reflective pricing available. The company also produces software, web services, raw data, web syndicated products and print guidebooks.
