2010 BMW Z4 Roadster – a mood elevator that only goes up

Cooped up in a waiting room for what seemed like hours with dozens of people milling in and out, and listening to the constant buzz of mindless conversation mixed with an occasional baby’s wail was claustrophobic.

We arrived for this mismanaged appointment under cool, drizzly skies in our 2010 BMW Z4 roadster, comfortably cocooned with steel top overhead — no claustrophobia present.

When we finally emerged from the torture of waiting two hours beyond our appointment time, the sky had cleared and the temperature had risen to a delightful convertible top-down 75-degrees.

Twenty seconds after a push of the dashboard button, we were sans the roof and taking the long way to the office. A rich reward for our interminable wait. The new Z4 is a mood elevator no matter the circumstances. And the long way back in the open air with 300 energetic horses up front was just the ticket for an attitude adjustment.

This roadster is a humdinger, a blast to drive and a blast to be seen in with its gorgeous roadster styling that turns heads. To us it’s BMW’s best Z effort since its inception 14 years ago. It’s the best looking vehicle in BMW’s ever-growing fleet of “ultimate driving machines.”

The Z flows nicely from front to back. Styling does not look contrived as in the previous rendition, but a complete statement of comfortable coolness. And the sharp flowing lines work just as well with the top up or the top down. The top blends well with the overall styling, and to BMW’s credit designers managed to avoid the bubble-butt look of so many hardtop convertibles.

The Z4 was particularly eye catching in our test car painted in a sparkling silver metallic; it looked dazzling. More than once we got the roll-your-window-down sign at a stoplight. “Hey, man I love your car,” one guy in a big Suburban hollered to us.

The interior is equally stylish in a traditional BMW way. Our test car came with the $2,050 Ivory Extended Leather Package that gives the two-seater a definite upscale look.

Exceptional performance and typical cutting-edge BMW handling make this new Z a complete package.

The Z4 has gone upscale with a combination of sophistication, luxury and performance. And that means the price has gone up accordingly. It may be worth the money, but owners of older model Z4s may be put off when they decide it’s time to purchase a new car.

There are two trim lines — differentiated mainly by engine choice — with base prices of $46,575 for the sDrive30i and $52,475 for the sDrive35i. The BMW is well equipped in the base configuration, but be forewarned for most people that’s just a starting point. There are some very delectable option packages and optional stand-alone equipment that will be hard to pass up.

The sDrive30i comes with a naturally aspirated 3.0-liter inline 6 that makes 255 horsepower and 220 pound-feet of torque. A six-speed manual transmission is standard and a six-speed automatic optional. We didn’t drive that engine, but we figure it will be satisfying for most people.

What we drove, the sDrive35i with BMW’s delightful twin-turbocharged inline 6 rated at 300 horsepower and 300 pound-feet of torque, is a performance demon. Standard equipment is a six-speed manual, but we would opt for the seven-speed dual clutch automated manual transmission.

While we enjoy shifting for ourselves, we aren’t so enamored with a clutch that we would purposely avoid this outstanding automatic. It can be shifted by steering-wheel mounted paddle shifters if so desired.

There is no performance-tuned M edition this time around, and none is needed. The turbocharged six, with its low, menacing growl, posts times nearly equal to the previous M. Both Road & Track and Car and Driver magazines measured the sDrive35i in 4.8 seconds from 0 to 60. Quarter mile time is 13.3 seconds at 106.7 mph. Just hit the accelerator and power instantly arrives in steady doses. We found no hint of turbot lag when an immediate response was demanded.

One performance option we would purchase for $1,900 is the sport package that includes 18-inch wheels with performance tires, sports seats and most importantly Adaptive M Suspension. The suspension can be dialed to three settings — normal, sport and sport plus.

Under normal setting, the suspension is probably softer than any previous Z, but it’s great for long-distance cruising comfort. If you are in the mood for carving up some back-road twists and turns, set it to sport plus and the suspension firms up to typical BMW roadster standards.

Top-down cruising has never been easier. Hit and hold the power top button and the two-piece top folds into the trunk in about 20 seconds. Wind flow with the top down is minimal, one of the more serene open-air experiences we’ve had in recent times.

The top does eat up trunk space, but with the top up the Z4 trunk is rather spacious for a roadster. A luggage partition has to be pulled in place for the top to lower, cutting useable storage to 4.6 cubic feet. But push the partition out of the way with the top up, and space increases to a very useable 10.9 cubic feet.

BMW says two sets of golf clubs will fit, but unfortunately we didn’t have the opportunity to put that claim to the test.

The softer ride adds to the new refinement evident in the Z4. The spacious-for-a-roadster interior is relatively quiet thanks to the new metal top, with one exception — the intrusion of excessive road noise, especially on certain road surfaces, thanks to the high performance, low profile tires. But there is not enough noise to make us forsake the Z4.

The seats are comfortable, and the optional sports seats with adjustable bolsters add to the feel of the car’s driving dynamics.

Order up navigation and iDrive comes with it. Don’t give up the navigation because you don’t want to deal with the infamous iDrive. We just finished a 2,500-mile trek in a 7-Series with the new-generation iDrive and we found it surprisingly user friendly.

Our test car, an sDrive35i, came with numerous options bringing the bottom line to $63,245. In addition to the aforementioned Sport Package and ivory leather seats, our test car featured premium sound and a premium package that includes power seats and auto-dimming mirrors.

The new Z4 is an entertaining, handsome and refined luxury roadster. It doesn’t get much better than this.

Kia begins production at new $1 billion manufacturing plant at West Point, Georgia

WEST POINT, Ga. — In the midst of one of the most severe economic downturns since the Great Depression, the economies of this small town on Interstate 85 and surrounding communities near the Alabama state line about 60 miles southwest of Atlanta are booming.

That’s because nearly five years ago the Hyundai-Kia Group of South Korea decided to build a Kia manufacturing plant here.

The plant officially began production on Oct. 23 when the first 2011 Kia Sorento rolled off the line.

It is Kia’s first U.S. manufacturing plant, built at a cost of about $1 billion. The plant now employs 1,200 workers, which will rise to 2,500 as production increases. Another 7,500 workers are employed or will be employed by Kia suppliers, most of which are in a nine-county area around the plant.

Georgia Tech University has estimated that by 2012 as many as 20,000 jobs could be created.

Kia officials here this week said there were 43,000 applications within 30 days for the 1,200 initial jobs. Salaries for the non-union production jobs start from between $14 and $20 an hour. Salaries range up to about $27 an hour on the mechanical side.

The state of Georgia executed the Site Acquisition and Development Agreement in March 2006 for the construction on 2,259 acres along I-85. Kia officials said the close proximity of Birmingham, Ala., and the recently opened Hyundai plant there, played a big part in deciding on location. There will be some shared suppliers with the Birmingham plant, and Hyundai builds some engines in Birmingham that will be used in the Kia products.

At full capacity the West Point plant can manufacture 300,000 vehicles a year.

Toyota 4 Runner – Runs on All Fours

By Casey Williams  MyCarData

Boulder, CO – The recent downturn in the economy and high fuel prices over the past couple or years have separated authentic SUVs from the pretenders and interlopers. Originally based on Toyota’s popular compact pickups, the 4Runner has always been the choice for off-road capability and on-highway comfort and style. With even some big name competitors leaving the roadways to car-based crossovers, the new 2010 4Runner stays true to its truck-based roots.

Completely new styling takes the best of the Tundra pickup, Land Cruiser, and previous-generation 4Runner, but turns it out in a wholly modern wrapper. The front is dominated by a scaled-down, but meaner-looking, version of the Tundra’s blunt nose. Accentuated wheel arches communicate the SUV’s toughness and off-road capability while chrome doorhandles and up to 20” alloy wheels paint with panache. 4Runner looks tough enough to tackle the Rubicon, but suave enough for an evening on the town.

Once inside, you may give a care about neither the Rubicon nor town. Passengers ride in a cabin that can best be described as industrial swank. The center control stack and gear selector are girded by silver finish and feel of towering strength. Fortunately, the dash also contains easy-to-use controls for the optional dual zone automatic climate control, navigation, and available 15-speaker JBL audio systems. Mirror-mounted rearview camera monitors are standard on Limited and Trail grades, optional on SR5. A Smart Key with keyless entry and push button starting is standard on the Limited.

Much attention was paid to seating. Three rows can be upholstered in leather (standard in water-resistant cloth). Front and second-row thrones recline – rears up to 16 degrees. Access to the third row is made easier by splitting the second row into a 40/20/40 with a one-touch walk-in switch. Protection is provided by eight standard airbags, including dual front, front side, front knee, and side curtains. In case one of these airbags deploys, Automatic Collision Notification automatically calls a response center to dispatch emergency services.

Powertrains come in two types: Frugal and Ferocious. Eco-minded drivers will choose the base DOHC 16-valve 2.7-litre four-cylinder engine that generates 157 horsepower and 178 lb.-ft. of torque. Attached to a four-speed automatic transmission, fuel economy is rated 18/23-MPG city/highway.

Those with something to prove, or a trailer to tow, will step up to the available 4.0-litre V6 that produces a hearty 270 horsepower and 278 lb.-ft. of torque. That’s 34 more ponies than the previous-generation and 10 more than the optional V8 that has been discontinued. Fuel economy for the V6 improved a couple of MPGs and is now rated 17/23-MPG for the 4×2 and 17/22-MPG for the 4×4.

Most owners will not choose the 4Runner for its luxuriously leather seats or frugal gas mileage. They could choose a Lexus RX350 for those and be completely content. Unless you’re the Swiss Army Knife type who wants ridiculous capability whether you need it or not, you’re likely to shop for a 4Runner because of what it can do for you.
4Runners can pull up to 5,000 lbs., ride on a full truck frame, and eat crossovers as granola. There’s more to help your adventures. The SUVs can be equipped with Toyota’s CRAWL Control, an adjustable system that contains the vehicle’s speed on rough terrain by one of five settings. It is also available with a Multi Terrain Select system that varies the amount of wheel slip permitted, depending on conditions. Downhill Assist Control (DAC) and Hill start assist lasso downhill runs and hold the vehicle steady when lifting from brake to throttle going uphill. Vehicle Stability Control, traction control, and four-wheel anti-lock brakes with electronic brake force distribution keep the vehicle steady on highways and byways.

Said Bob Carter, group vice president and general manager of Toyota Division, “In 1984 the first 4Runner helped cultivate and foster the up-and-coming SUV market. When the new 4Runner launches later this fall it will continue to be a perfect fit for young, and young-at-heart, outdoor and off-road enthusiasts.”

There are more new features on the 2010 4Runner than three articles could contain. To find the right model for you, at an appropriate price point, you’ll need to visit a Toyota retailer or go online. If history is any indication, the all-new model will give chase to some very competent off-road machines, and more than a few luxury cars. With base prices starting at $29,175, competitors include the Jeep Grand Cherokee, Nissan Xterra, Hummer H3, and Chevy Tahoe.

Fisher Kia

Fisher Kia’s Contact Information:
6025 Arapahoe Road
Boulder, CO 80306
Yahoo! Map & Directions

Phone: 720-897-7446
Web site: http://www.fisherkia.net

More Information About Fisher Kia
Fisher Kia Family owned and operated in Boulder Colorado. Serving Denver, Westminster, Arvada, Thornton, Broonfield, and all the Denver Metro area. We offer great values on new Kias. We also offer fully inspected and certified pre-owned vehicles at value prices. Visit Fisher  Kia today.

Ford C-MAX; Coming to America!

Source – Ford MyCarData

For all of you who commented last week on the article, “First Look at the All-new Ford C-MAX,” here’s the announcement you’ve been waiting for: The Ford C-Max is coming to North America!

The all-new 7-seat Ford C-MAX debuted today at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show, and it will arrive in North America beginning late 2011. The new C-MAX brings kinetic design language to the compact segment, combining bold styling and versatile, spacious 7-seat layout.

The C-MAX is the first of a new generation of global C-segment cars scheduled for introduction by Ford over the next several years. This series of new models will include the all-new, next-generation Ford Focus sedan and five-door hatchback models, scheduled to launch late in calendar year 2010 in the United States.

According to Ford analysts, small cars in the B- and C-segments accounted for less than 15 percent of the U.S. market in 2004. In year-to-date sales through August 2009 however, the small car segment has reached nearly 22 percent of total industry sales, and further gains are expected.

Ford’s new C-vehicle family is the result of an unprecedented global development program that will deliver for customers an array of available advanced technologies aimed at enhancing their convenience, comfort, safety and overall driving experience.

“Consumers are seeking uncompromised vehicles offering value for the money, and C-MAX squarely hits those targets,” said Derrick Kuzak, group vice president, Ford Global Product Development. “The Focus C-MAX will be great to look at, great to sit in and great to drive, bringing Ford DNA to a new market segment in the form of an aspirational, fuel-efficient people carrier.”

Exterior design elevates segment

The new Ford Focus C-MAX demonstrates that compact, 7-seat vehicles can be stylish and desirable while still delivering outstanding space and functionality.

Bold exterior and interior designs have been created using the latest evolution of Ford’s kinetic design form language, building on the themes established in recent product introductions like the hugely successful European-developed Fiesta, Kuga and Mondeo ranges.

Kinetic design elements applied to the new C-MAX include the dynamic, rising beltline, full sculpted surfaces, bold wheel lips, strong athletic shoulders supported by a prominent undercut line and the distinctive kick-up of the window graphic at the C-pillar.

Offering seating for up to seven, the C-MAX destined for North America features a high roofline and thin pillars to emphasize the generous room and visibility in the cabin. Twin sliding doors are neatly integrated, with the rail concealed by the undercut line on the shoulder of the vehicle.

Stylish, modern interior

The new C-MAX interior mirrors the dynamic and modern character of the exterior, complete with muscular, expressive shapes and bold graphics.

Key design features include the taut, wing-like form of the upper instrument panel, which reaches out to the sides of the interior. A dramatic sweeping form connects the instrument panel with the center console.

The cockpit provides a commanding, raised driving position with high-mounted shifter and center console inspired by the acclaimed layout in the new Fiesta. Carefully designed storage areas are located throughout the cabin, including generous door pockets, a large glove box and additional compartments and cup holders in the center console.

Ingenious 7-seat layout

To maximize the versatility of the 7-seat layout, Ford engineers developed a new seat-folding mechanism for the three second-row seats. This mechanism allows the center seat to fold quickly and easily under one of the two outboard seats, creating a handy walk-through space between them.

This walk-through space allows passengers to access the third row without having to disturb the two outer seats, which is particularly helpful when those positions are occupied by child safety seats. Owners have the option of using the convenient 2+2+2 seating layout or switching to a full 7-seater when required.

The second- and third-row seats also have been cleverly engineered so they can be folded to create a flat load floor, regardless of how many seats remain in use. All of the folding mechanisms are designed so they operate with just one hand.

Ford EcoBoostTM advanced powertrains

In many markets, the new C-car family will be offered with versions of Ford’s new EcoBoostTM engines. EcoBoost combines direct petrol injection, turbocharging and dual variable valve timing to maximize efficiency, resulting in fuel consumption and CO2 emissions reduced by up to 20 percent compared with conventional gasoline engines with a similar power output.

The initial Ford EcoBoost four-cylinder lineup will comprise 1.6-liter and 2.0-liter engines. The engines will be available globally, with versions launching in Europe and North America in 2010, and the first rear-wheel-drive application in the Ford Falcon in Australia in 2011. By 2013, nearly 80 percent of Ford global nameplates will have an available EcoBoost option.

Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid Surfaces

Source – Toyota MyCarData

The 2010 Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid (PHV) Concept vehicle will make its world debut next week at the Frankfurt Motor Show.

Demonstration Program Begins in U.S. Late 2009.

Based on the third-generation Prius, the PHV Concept expands Toyota’s Hybrid Synergy Drive technology, utilizing first generation lithium-ion battery technology and enabling electric operation at higher speeds and longer distances than conventional hybrids. When fully charged, the vehicle is targeted to achieve an electric-only range of approximately 12 miles and will be capable of achieving highway speeds in electric-only mode. For longer distances, the PHV concept reverts to “hybrid mode” and operates like a regular Prius. This ability to utilize all-electric power for short trips or hybrid power for longer drives alleviates the issue of limited cruising range encountered with pure electric vehicles.

Beginning in late 2009, Toyota will begin global delivery of 500 Prius PHV vehicles. Of this initial fleet, 150 will be placed with select U.S. lease-fleet customers for market and engineering analysis. This program will allow Toyota to gather real world driving feedback and understand customer expectations for plug-in technology. In addition, the program will allow evaluation of the first generation lithium-ion battery’s durability, reliability and performance.

“The greatest hurdle in bringing to market a reliable lithium battery is mass production. We must have a production process that guarantees each battery will be identical in performance and quality,” said Irv Miller, TMS group vice president, environmental and public affairs.

The vehicle’s first-generation lithium-ion battery will be built on a dedicated PEVE (Panasonic EV Energy Company, LTD) assembly line. PEVE is a joint-venture in which Toyota owns 60 percent equity. The first generation lithium-ion batteries were developed in-house by Toyota Research and Development, and a dedicated battery development team is already working on the next battery “beyond lithium.”

The 150 demonstration vehicles will be placed in strategic clusters around the U.S., allowing development of charging infrastructure and communications support for program participants. Each placement scenario will have a variety of ‘use cases’ or driving conditions (ie: commute length, usage type, access to charging) to gain maximum input to vehicle performance and customer needs.

“Although we like to be first to market with these technologies, it’s more important that we are best to market,” said Miller. “This demonstration program will ensure that the vehicles we bring to market will not just meet customer expectations, but exceed them.”

Boulder’s Fisher dealership transitions from Chevrolet to Kia

By Alicia Wallace Camera Business Writer

After more than 40 years as a Chevrolet dealer, the family-run Fisher auto dealership in Boulder is transitioning from the iconic American brand to Kia, a decision triggered by General Motors’ bankruptcy earlier this year.

“We think it’ll be a good deal,” said Craig Fisher, owner of Fisher Auto Inc., which runs Fisher Honda and, now, Fisher Kia.

Fisher said he received the “emotional and disappointing” news in June from the beleaguered GM that its Chevrolet business was one of thousands to be cut nationwide. The local operation wasn’t given a reason why or given a chance to appeal, he added.

“We decided we’ve got to move on,” he said.

GM did not disclose which dealers were cut and left it to them whether to make that information public.

Fisher’s officials spent the summer looking at various brands and settled on Kia Motors because its vehicles appear to be going more upscale and also offer “a lot of car for the money,” he said.

Fisher said he is optimistic about the transition, noting that his dealership has a wide coverage area and that traffic at his dealership has improved during the summer — thanks in part to 110 “Cash for Clunkers” deals.

“Since October of ‘08 through April of ‘09, it was a difficult business climate, but it seemed like when May came along, the business has picked up considerably.”

On Thursday, the transition was complete — it was Fisher’s final day as a Chevrolet dealer and first as a Kia dealer. Fisher said he expects to have the Kia vehicles on the lot off 60th and Arapahoe as soon as next week.

Fisher was not the only Boulder County auto dealer affected by GM’s decision to thin out its ranks for its financial health.

Longmont’s Hajek Chevrolet received word in May that its dealership was on the chopping block. Manager Brett Hajek said his family continues to talk with GM about reversing the decision and has received some positive comments from the manufacturer.

“We’re plugging along business as normal and business has actually been good for us,” he said.

Officials for Longmont-based King Auto Group, the other local dealership to reportedly receive a letter from GM, could not be reached for comment.

Other local dealerships appear to have been spared from the cuts. Broomfield-based Century Chevrolet did not receive a letter from GM, officials said. Mark McCaddon, owner of Boulder’s McCaddon Cadillac Buick Pontiac GMC, has told the Camera that he also did not receive notification from GM.

Preview New 2010 Honda Crosstour

As if by the world’s spirits, Honda unveiled its all-new 2010 Accord Crosstour the same week I drove the Toyota Venza. The two cars are vastly different in their styling, but obviously target the same empty nesters who want extra utility in their comfy sedans. Based on the benchmark Accord, Crosstour promises all of its sister’s excellence with even more functionality.

“Our concept is to broaden the appeal of the Accord line-up by leveraging traditional Accord strengths of fun-to-drive performance and handling while also adapting to dramatic shifts in the light truck marketplace,” said Erik Berkman, vice president of American Honda Motor Co., Inc. “The Accord Crosstour accomplishes that by offering a modern interpretation of a [Crossover Utility Vehicle] while integrating the refinement and efficiency of a premium sedan.”

Styling is a more advanced take on the current Accord, Insight, and FCEV that is being leased in California. The front features Honda’s new three-plane grille and strong facia. A character line runs from the front wheels and inverts to form strong rear fenders. The arching roofline gives the car a fastback look while concealing a large amount of cargo space. Interior photos have not been released, but I would not expect the Crosstour to venture far from the Honda norm.

Berkman continued, “We know SUV buyers like the commanding view of the road that comes with a high eye-point and like the comforts of living with an SUV. This vehicle meets the needs of buyers looking for those attributes yet at the same time want an image that is different from a conventional SUV.”

As a premium version of the Accord, Crosstour will occupy a space at the top of the model’s hierarchy in terms of luxury, space, and price. It should be exactly what a generation of upwardly mobile trendsetters requires. Final prices will be released when the car goes on sale later this fall, but expect the Crosstour to start around $26,000 and top out near $40,000 fully-optioned.

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Valley Subaru

Valley Subaru’s Contact Information:
1005 Ken Pratt Blvd.
Longmont, CO 80501
Yahoo! Map & Directions

Phone: 888-245-3032
Web site: http://www.valleysubaru.com

More Information About Valley Subaru
Valley Subaru has built a reputation on providing courteous, honest service. Customers appreciate the way they do business, and you will too. Valley Subaru’s motto is “We are big enough to serve you but small enough to know you.” Whether you live in Boulder, Greeley, Fort Collins or beyond they are your one stop dealer for anything Subaru.

Valley Subaru Business hours

* Mondays: 8 a.m. to 9 a.m.
* Tuesdays: 8 a.m. to 9 a.m.
* Wednesdays: 8 a.m. to 9 a.m.
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