Not Just Another SUV – Toyota’s Venza Blends Comfort with Functionality

Toyota’s new crossover sedan, officially unveiled at the 2008 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS), may be just what the SUV market needs. Drivers are certainly considering their options – considering rising gas prices – and many are veering away from larger vehicles – starting with the SUV.

Venza, claims the manufacturer, will redefine what it means to be a crossover vehicle; it will combine the smooth ride of a sedan and the functionality of a sport utility vehicle.
Indeed, Toyota is hoping to bring the “fun” back into family vehicles.

The brand-new 2009 Venza will be sold exclusively in North America. Designers and developers set out to blanket this unique market by trying to shift away from the traditional SUV look and feel toward something sleeker – something that appeals to everyone, from the commuter to the family guy to the mommy-on-the-go.

With a sporty exterior and a premium comfort interior, the Venza also promises cargo space, towing capability and all-wheel-drive performance.

Key Features:

• User Friendly: A lower rocker design will allow occupants to more easily step in and out of the vehicle than a typical sedan.
• Ample Space: Venza will feature a spacious interior providing ample room for all five passengers and abundant SUV-like cargo space behind the second row of seats.
• Rear Entry: The rear hatch provides a low cargo height that allows for easy loading and unloading of luggage and outdoor gear
• Sit back and Relax: For added passenger comfort, the rear seats recline up to 14 degrees.
• Extras Galore: The center console also contains an iPod/MP3 storage compartment with wire management and illuminated dual cup holders. All Venza models will be equipped with an array of standard features including auto dual zone air conditioning, AM/FM six-disc CD, tilt/telescopic steering wheel with audio controls, remote keyless entry and more

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Holden’s 570-hp HSV W427 Rebadged as Vauxhall for UK Market: Pontiac Jealous?

Even the “refined” tastes of the UK appear poised for the arrival of some Holden horsepower & design as the HSV W427 and its 570-hp fresh from their Melbourne debut are getting rebadged as the Vauxhall VXR8 for the UK market. Powered by the new Corvette ZO6’s LS7 7.0 liter V8 engine the HSV W427 has been stated to have 570 hp, the Holden HSV W427 is aggressively targeted at the BMW M5 and the Audi RS6. Why should they aim for less?

The Holden HSV W427 (not the easiest name to say) is priced in the area between $140,000 to $170,000 Aussie dollars and will have its rebadged Vauxhall version in the UK priced at 55,000 Pounds ($110,000 US).  The HSV W427 is certainly a brute force sedan with reclassed styling and refinement for a GM product, but at a price similar to the M5 will the Holden/Vauxall name plate win against a BMW head-to-head. Judging by Automobile Mag’s comparison of a G8 GT to a BMW 550i…. maybe.

The Pontiac G8 GT is based off the same Holden Commodore design as the HSV W427, and with its 361-hp engine it competed nicely against the 550i of BMW at nearly half the price. The only disparity was in the interior where the GM plastics, while much improved from prior attempts, were really no match for the classic elegance of the BMW’s.  However, at half the price some disparities can be forgiven. By pricing the Vauxhall VXR8 too close to the BMW M5, and despite the Corvette power, it could be a tough sell in a Euro-first market. As long as they can keep the US executives/designers hands out of the rebadging process the Vauxhall VRX8 will have a better chance. (more…)

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New York 2008: Saleens Latest SuperCar the S5S Raptor Shines Beneath the Lights

The S5S Raptor is the latest supercar concept to come from the designers at Saleen and it is sure to stop most auto enthusiasts in their tracks at this years New York Auto Show. The first thought that comes to mind is that Saleen must have lured over some Hot Wheels designers to come work in their design department. The look of the S5S Raptor has toy written all over it, but this conceptual gem is a toy aimed at a completely different crowd.  Plus, instead of arriving in a cardboard and plastic box for about $3 this super toy would run up to $185,000.  …I think the kid in me just fainted.

Following in the lead of some Le Mans racing teams and some other rare concept supercars the Saleen S5S Raptor runs on ethanol fuel. The bio-fuel allows them to avoid the high-octane blends while giving the supercar a slightly Green flavor. And if the S5S Raptor makes it into production in the two years Saleen said it would take I am sure the well connected supercar aficionado on the East Coast would be able to truck in that ever elusive bio-fuel.

The S5S Raptor is driven by a 5.0 liter twin-screw supercharged engine producing 650-hp and 630-ft lbs of torque. That is sufficient power to give the Raptor a top speed of 200 mph and a 0-to-60 time of 3.2 seconds. As the Official Press Release says below the S5S Raptor is “mean and clean” with its road prowess and clean burning ethanol fuel.

There are sure to be complaints and comparisons on the S5S Raptors design elements as many critical observers of the supercar class typically do. So here is your chance to be heard as Saleen is looking for the media and general publics response to their S5S Raptor Concept to determine if it will make it into production. The vote coming out of these offices is a firm “yes,” but then again the one yes-vote is the best these offices can do. The 185,000 dollar votes it would take to own one is not quite in our possession yet.

Check out the Full Gallery of photos, video and the official Saleen Press Release for more details on the S5S Raptor Concept. (more…)

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Is the F700 Concept the Future of Mercedes-Benz Design?

It has been said that when Mercedes-Benz placed their F700 concept sedan on the spinning stage at the Frankfurt Auto Show they were putting on display the future of Mercedes design. While there will obviously be alterations to what you see now on the F700 when the car morphs into the 2012 C-Class, what you see above may be the dominant features to be exhibited. And just like many future concepts there are those who see the beauty in the intended design concept and there are others who may just be glad they buy BMW’s. (more…)

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