Vince Burlapp Car Page

2011 Peugeot 408

2009-11-20T08:39:00.000-08:00

Just another illustration of the next Peugeot sedan.

I must say, Peugeot used to be pretty conservative looking. Then they became pretty modern, and later really modern .
But they seem now to be getting just weird....

Ford B Max?

2009-11-20T08:30:00.000-08:00

Ford could soon replace the Euro Fusion with this. The Euro Fusion is a small SUV type that was based on the previous Fiesta.
This of course would be based on the current one.

I don't think this illustration looks right. Doesn't seem to fit Ford's current design themes, except for the Fiesta front end.
Since we are getting the Fiesta over here, we could actually get the B Max as well....

Acura ZDX prices

2009-11-20T08:16:00.000-08:00

The "base" AWD model will start at a bit over $46 000.
That is almost a $7000 premium over the AWD model of its sedan cousin, the TL.

The technology package will add about $4000.
And the Advance package is another $6000.

Pretty crazy prices if you ask me.
With both packages we are talking about over $56 000.
I think everything should be included in the $46 000 base price if you ask me. And it still wouldn't be cheap.

I don't see the point of an Acura getting so expensive.

What is this car???

2009-11-19T22:15:00.000-08:00

From the mid seventies...

Is Saturn back??? With the help of Brilliance?

2009-11-19T18:50:00.000-08:00

That's a new rumor. Chinese car maker Brilliance would be interested in getting about 30 old Saturn dealers.
Somehow they would sell their cars under the name Saturn.
That would be a much smaller deal for GM than Penske/Renault/Samsung one.

I am all for Saturn staying alive in one way or another. But I'm not sure current Chinese cars are ready for the US market.
(Although what we've been getting from Chrysler over the past few years isn't that much better...)

Above are some pictures of their current models.

This is pretty much what almost killed Brilliance in Europe.
A 0 star rating in a crash test.

Although I have to say, that a revised, newer version of the Brillaince BS6 was re tested later and got a 3 star rating in the same test.

Would you buy a "Chinese Saturn"???
So they are improving. Fast...

2011 Buick Regal 6 speed manual

2009-11-19T17:26:00.000-08:00

The all new Insignia based Regal will be available with a 6 speed manual option "sometime after launch".
And It will probably be an option on the 2.0 Turbo version only.

I think it is good news and will go a long way in trying to establish Buick as an attractive option for a younger audience.

Good news...

2011 Mercedes CLS

2009-11-19T09:01:00.000-08:00

These are still, just illustrations.
But they do look really close to the spy shots we've seen so far of the car.

And I must say, it looks fine. I love the current model and think it should never be redesigned.
But if they have too, this isn't bad.

2011 Mazda 2

2009-11-18T08:56:00.000-08:00

First official picture of the US version.
So we are getting a 5 door hatchback.
We might be getting the sedan and 3 door later.
I am not sure how they will market it, without competing with its close cousin, the new Ford Fiesta.

I'll be reporting about both cars in a couple of weeks, when I get to actually see them.

Cruze and Volt

2009-11-17T13:38:00.000-08:00

Together.
The US version of the Cruze will be officially shown next month.

Here is what GM says:

"With expected highway fuel economy up to 40 miles per gallon, Cruze will be extremely gas friendly while the Volt electric vehicle can be operated gas-free," said Brent Dewar, vice president, Chevrolet. "Chevrolet's focus is on forward-looking technologies to the benefit of our customers, such as the highly efficient, small-displacement turbocharged engine in the Cruze or the Volt electric vehicle with extended range."

The Cruze has already launched to high acclaim in Europe and Asia and has undergone refinement for America. It goes on sale in the U.S. in the third quarter of 2010 but has already logged more than 4 million miles in quality and durability testing worldwide, making it one of the most globally tested Chevrolet products prior to a U.S. launch.

Cruze is designed to achieve class-leading highway fuel economy using a new family of efficient engines that include a 1.4L turbo. It will lead the way for Chevrolet in small-displacement, turbocharged engines that are designed for excellent fuel efficiency and durability – while also being fun to drive.

Defying preconceptions of what a compact car can be, Cruze will offer a more spacious interior and cargo capacity than the Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla, and upscale infotainment amenities such as a navigation system, Bluetooth connectivity and XM Satellite Radio. Ten standard air bags that provide a safety cocoon for occupants – along with OnStar– also make it one of the safest vehicles in the segment."

2011 Peugeot 508

2009-11-17T08:56:00.000-08:00

The new 508 sedan will be replacing the current 407 when it comes out.
But there are now rumors that it might also be replacing the larger 607 model.
The 607, like most large Peugeot models, has never been very popular. At these prices, it is hard to get European buyers out of their BMWs and Mercedes.
Many European no luxury brands abandoned the idea of large luxury models before. Like Opel and Ford.

Seems like Peugeot is finally giving up too...

Nissan doubles CVT warranty

2009-11-17T08:45:00.000-08:00

From 5 years to 10!

A pretty amazing coverage. Plus, they will pay for repairs already made.

Here is the official word:

"While Nissan is proud to offer this technology on many of our models, a small percentage of owners of early models equipped with CVTs have expressed concerns about the cost of repair of their transmissions after the warranty expires. We take these comments about the cost of vehicle ownership seriously. We strive to provide an exceptional ownership experience and are implementing a thorough Customer Satisfaction Program to address this topic.

First, to provide you with additional assurance regarding your overall cost of ownership we have doubled the warranty period for the Continuously Variable Transmission in your Nissan. The existing powertrain warranty coverage of 5 years/60,000 miles will be extended at no cost to you, for CVT repairs, replacements or related towing, to 10 years/120,000 miles, whichever comes first.

This extension is effective immediately and requires no action on your part. The remainder of your powertrain warranty coverage for components other than the transmission remains unchanged, at 5 years/60,000 miles, and your basic warranty coverage also remains unchanged. All other warranty terms, limitations and conditions otherwise apply. This extended transmission warranty is also fully transferable to future owners of your vehicle.

Second, Nissan will reimburse customers who have previously paid to repair or replace their CVT, if the repairs would have been covered within the new extended warranty period. Even if you no longer own your Nissan we will reimburse you for past CVT repairs that would have been covered under this extension of the warranty.

Further, in the unlikely event that your vehicle's transmission should need repair beyond the extended warranty period we are working to decrease the cost of repair and have already reduced the Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price of a replacement CVT. In addition, we continuously strive to enhance our products, and have made ongoing improvements to our CVTs over the years.

Nissan is taking these actions to demonstrate our confidence in the CVT technology and to show our commitment to stand behind our products."

At least it shows that the company does stand behind their products.
Many others just wouldn't care...

2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee

2009-11-16T20:02:00.000-08:00

Looking a lot like the Dodge Journey. At least from the back.
Sure, the new Grand Cherokee is now more car based.
But shouldn't it still look more like a Jeep?
Something a bit more special than a Dodge Minivan/Crossover/SUV thing?

MG6

2009-11-16T19:57:00.000-08:00

The MG 6 is basically a sportier hatchback version of the Roewe 550. One of the best looking Chinese cars.
Outside of China, the 550 is already available as an MG in Chile.

Nothing in Europe or the US yet.
Although reports are mentioning the car being sold in Europe as a Ssang Yong. Another brand owned by parent company SAIC...

New Chinese electric sedan

2009-11-16T19:52:00.000-08:00

From the Beijing brand.
Seems to be doing 0 to 60 in about 15 seconds, with a top sped of 100mph and a range of about 130 miles on a charge.
Doesn't seem to bad.

They are expecting to start production of 20 000 to 40 000 cars a year starting in 2011.

2010 Fiat Doblo

2009-11-16T19:38:00.000-08:00

Usually, a small Fiat utility van wouldn't be news for us.
But since Fiat now owns Chrysler, I cant help but wondering if this will end up over here.
We already have the European Ford Transit Connect.
So why not.

I guess it wouldn't be a Chrysler, but maybe a Dodge.
Or a small new Ram truck.

So far, there is only one gas engine offered with just 95hp.
But they also have a diesel with 135hp.

I say "why not". Chrysler needs all the help they can get...

2012 Beetle?

2009-11-16T19:06:00.000-08:00

VW has announced there will be a New "New Beetle" in 2 years.
I'll just be known as the Beetle.

Let's just hope it won't really look like this illustration.
A Bug should always look like a Bug...

New BMW 5 series

2009-11-16T15:17:00.000-08:00

These illustrations are getting pretty realistic.
Now that we've all seen the GT hatch version of the same car, the sedan won't be such a big deal.

Official pictures very soon...

New GM Taxi

2009-11-16T08:53:00.000-08:00

GM has been working on it for a while.
Some new Taxi idea. It looks horrible.
I'm sure it's roomy, but really. This thing would have looked bad 30 years ago.
Please bring back the Checker...

I think this is a better idea for a modern version of the Taxi.
Ford showed a few months ago what could be done with their new small Transit.
It sure seems smaller than the GM monstrosity, but I'm sure it's enough for most needs.

And at least, it looks modern and could be really efficient.

2011 VW Jetta?

2009-11-16T08:35:00.000-08:00

These illustrations seem pretty close to the spy shots that we've seen so far.
And just like the Golf, the Jetta won't really be all new.
Just new front and rear and a revised interior.

I guess they figure it'll be enough for the next few years.

2012 Mercedes A/B class

2009-11-15T21:04:00.000-08:00

Mercedes has announced that "at least one version" of the next A and B class will make it to the US.
This is pretty good news.
Which version we'll get, who knows.
These illustrations above show what some of these might look like.

I bet we'll just get a boring sedan with a trunk, and a small SUV>

Future Buick hatchback?

2009-11-13T11:49:00.000-08:00

Why not.
The Insignia is also offered as a hatchback in Europe, so it's ready to go.
I know, I know... "Americans don't like hatchbacks"...
But maybe a really good one will change our minds. Even if the last Mazda6 didn't...
But that was back when people were still crazy about SUVs.

And how about the wagon version?
I guess a Buick wagon might be more "acceptable"...

2011 Infiniti M/Nissan Fuga interior

2009-11-13T08:20:00.000-08:00

I noticed this before, but what is the reason for the fake and horrible looking wood color????

The wood parts are darker on the edges, which makes it looked airbrushed. Giving the whole interior a vulgar 1970's feel to it.
Why???

I hope this is only for the Japanese market Nissan version of the car, and that it won't end up in our Infiniti version.

This is one of the worst thing I've seen inside a car in years.

2011 Audi A1

2009-11-13T08:15:00.000-08:00

This looks like a new A3 to me.
But again, it's hard to tell an A4 from an A6...

The A1 will eventually be available as a 3 and 5 door hatchback, as well as a sedan.

2010 Chery QQ

2009-11-13T08:05:00.000-08:00

The QQ is basically a copy of the Daewoo Matiz.
It has been out since 2003 and will get a new front end design for the 2010 model year.

GM tried to sue Chery over the design. They are so close that the doors are interchangeable!

Here is a picture of the current QQ

And here is a picture of the QQ after a crash test.
The usual scary result for a Chinese car.
Even though the Matiz itself has a very poor score, the Chinese copy still manages to do worse...

2011 Regal: Interior up close

2009-11-12T08:16:00.000-08:00

Just a better picture.