The Auto Grind

First look at the 2011 Porsche Boxster Spyder

glosiast — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 16:40:01 +0000

A lighter and more hardcore version of the Boxster S tipping the scales at just 2,811 pounds, 176 less than an “S” model. The new Spyder will go on sale here starting next February. Unique bodywork aft of the cockpit includes a single-piece decklid with a pair of contoured “humps” similar to those on the Carrera GT and a low-slung. It has a minimalist soft top that extends farther rearward when raised than the normal Boxster lid. The Spyder’s mass-minimizing component mix also includes lightweight aluminum door skins and inner panels culled from a 911 GT3 RS.

The basics: 10 extra horsepower and 176 less pounds
Price: $62,150*.

Competes with: BMW Z4 and Audi TTS

Drivetrain: 320-hp, six-cylinder with seven-speed double-clutch PDK transmission

Hits dealerships: February 2010

2009 Top 10 Coolest New Cars Under $18,000

glosiast — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 03:40:31 +0000

2009 Ford Focus

2009 Honda Fit

2010 Kia Soul

2010 Mazda MAZDA3

2009 Nissan Cube

2009 Scion xB

2009 Smart Fortwo

2009 Subaru Impreza

2009 Suzuki SX4

2009 Volkswagen Rabbit

Who wants a Hybrid?

cstranieri1 — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 01:38:19 +0000

In all the weeks of writing and talking about hybrids it came to my mind that some people still may not be interested in saving the planet and going green for a car. This is not something that should happen over night, but it is better for our children and grandchildren of tomorrows planet. Please take into consideration the buying of your next car in all seriousness and plan on making it a hybrid. carmen

Buick Regal Announced!

Corey Mullane — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 00:09:35 +0000

The Buick Regal is returning stateside and the new entry level Buick couldn’t be more of a crowd pleaser. Delivering classic Buick looks, a 21st century interior and an optional 2.0L Turbo motor that delivers over 30mpg, this Buick has the goods.

The motor is the real treat here as it is a proven performer that comes in the Cobalt SS, Solstice GXP and SKY Redline, so even though it’s small it can dish out the ponies with ease.

The interior is a great place to enjoy putting the pedal down as well. Featuring tons of accoutrements to make your daily drive a great experience.

Dinosaur Tires in Ft. Lauderdale

kparke15 — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 20:24:19 +0000

In Ft. Lauderdale there lies a very special shop where customers can buy just about any wheels for their cars. This company can order just about any rim if they don’t have it and install it for you for low prices. DinoTires has gained a quite the reputation over the years in South Florida. With flashy, simplistic, luxurious, and colorful varieties of rims are in stock, Dinotire is taking over as the leading rim and wheel shop in South Florida. They sell rims from companies such as, Forgiato, Asanii, Hipnotic, Donz, Dub, etc. Ordering online and even calling in for rough estimate prices is there specialty. Kenton Parker

4 and 6 Cylinder Engines

glosiast — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 18:56:22 +0000

In a 4-cylinder engine, there are four pistons rising and falling in four chambers.
The 4-cylinder engine is standard in smaller cars.
A 4-cylinder engine might hesitate when you press on the gas.

A 6-cylinder engine features six pistons and produces more power than the same 4-cylinder engine.
The 6-cylinder engine is standard on passenger cars, vans, small trucks and SUVs.
A 6-cylinder will tend to be more responsive when you press on the gas.
Standard trucks and larger SUVs commonly feature an 8-cylinder engine. These heavier vehicles are used for carrying substantial weight.

Forecasts of most reliable cars for 2010

kparke15 — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 00:05:40 +0000

Small cars
Most reliable: Honda Insight hybrid
Least reliable: Nissan Versa sedan
Family cars
Most reliable: Toyota Prius hybrid
Least reliable: Chrysler Sebring
Luxury cars
Most reliable: Infiniti M35 (rear-wheel drive)
Least reliable: Jaguar XF
Sporty coupes and convertibles
Most reliable: Lexus SC
Least reliable: Chrysler Sebring convertible
Wagons/minivans
Most reliable: Toyota Venza (4-cylinder)
Least reliable: Chrysler Town & Country
Small SUVs
Most reliable: Honda CR-V
Least reliable: Saturn Vue
Midsize SUVs
Most reliable: Toyota FJ Cruiser
Least reliable: Jeep Commander
Luxury SUVs
Most reliable: Mercedes-Benz GLK
Least reliable: Volkswagen Touareg
Large SUVs
Most reliable: Toyota Sequoia
Least reliable: Chevrolet Suburban 2500 KENTON PARKER
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New Concept Cars at the 2009 Tokyo Motor Show

glosiast — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 02:27:49 +0000

Daihatsu Basket Concept

Honda CR-Z Concept

Honda EV-N Concept

Honda Skydeck Concept

Mitsubishi PX-MiEV Concept

2010 Nissan G-TR

Nissan Land Glider Concept

Subaru Hybrid Tourer Concept

Suzuki Fuel Cell SX4

Suzusho Supasse V

Toyota FT-86 Concept

Toyota Sai

Toyota FT-EV II

HONDA WOW! The future is here.

cstranieri1 — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 01:06:45 +0000

The Honda-CR-Z hybrid concept is made to cool. Even if this is just a concept , its a concept built around Honda’s current hybrid in this generation’s Civic hybrid/Accord. This is the car of Honda’s future!

Chevy Cruze Delayed For…

Corey Mullane — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 23:07:41 +0000

The newest upcoming member of the GM family, the Chevy Cruze, is reportedly going to be delayed by 3 months. Our wondering is, why the delay? The Chevy Cruze is already being produced globally and all the kinks have been worked out in production already so are we in for a surprise Cruze?

DetNews reported that the delay, “Will give GM time to have every variant of Cruze ready for customers on day one.” Every variant? The Cruze is supposed to ship with one variant that features a new 1.4-liter turbocharged ECOtec four-cylinder but since the Cruze’s announcement the small car community has been adamant about the fact that the Cruze should also be available as an SS with the 260hp 2.0L Turbocharged ECOtec powerplant.

As for us here at the Autogrind we hope Detroit listens to the people as a Cruze with 260hp under the hood sounds like a good way to “cruise” down the road.