Subaru Legacy Concept

Subaru came to the Detroit Auto Show this year to celebrate two corporate highlights – the introduction of the Legacy Concept sedan and its 2008 U.S. sales which actually rose while its market share here was the highest in 26 years.

2009 marks the 20th anniversary of the Legacy and the company has produced 2.6 million of them. The current 4th generation has been around since 2005, so tit’s about time to start teasing the public about what Subaru has up its sleeve for the next generation.

If the Legacy Concept is more than just a hint (and rumor has it that it is), the next Legacy to grace dealer showrooms will be much larger than the current iteration. With a wheelbase of 108.3 inches and length, width and height dimensions of 188.8” x 71.7” x 59.0”, the concept has a wheelbase 3.2” longer with overall dimensional increases of  3.8” x 3.2” x 2.5”.

In terms of styling, the cues from the concept will give the new sedan a much more aggressive presence. And while the muscular fender flares in some form will probably make it to the production version, the 4-seat interior layout and the lack of rearview mirrors (cameras are used on the concept) probably will not.

Lexus

2010 Lexus HS 250h

For 2010, Toyota introduces a dedicated hybrid to its luxury Lexus brand. Based on the third-generation European Avensis, the HS 250 will not be sold with any other powertrain. Powered by a 2.4 liter Atkinson-cycle engine that produces 187 horsepower, this latest mileage leader from Lexus is projected be 30 percent more efficient than any of its stablemates and have the best combined mpg of any luxury vehicle sold in the U.S.

Other key features for greenies: eco-plastics make up 30 percent of the interior and cargo area and 85 percent of the vehicle, including the battery, can be recycled.

Toyota

2010 Toyota Camry

Toyota snuck this one in under the radar. Nowhere on any of the press schedules was there any mention of a Camry refresh for 2010 but, nonetheless, here it is.

Changes for 2010 include new front and rear fascias with a unique grille and bumper treatment for the Camry Hybrid to differentiate it from its less environmentally correct brethren. Larger headlamps and tail lamps are shared by both models.

Bigger changes lie under the hood where a new 2.5 liter 4-cylinder engine replaces the previous 2.4 liter unit and horsepower has been upped from the current 159 to 169 for the LE and XLE trim levels while the SE gets additional tuning tweaks resulting in an additional 10 hp. The current 5-speed automatic is also shelved in favor of a six speed unit.

2010 Toyota Prius

When it goes on sale this spring, the third generation of the best-selling hybrid in history will, according to Toyota, be the highest-mileage car sold in America with a combined projected 50 mpg.

While retaining the unmistakable shape of the current generation Prius, Toyota has tweaked and refined the body to deliver an aerodynamic drag coefficient of 0.25 making it (again, according to Toyota) the world’s most aerodynamic production vehicle.

The new Prius boasts an even longer list of options than its predecessor that includes, among other things, light-emitting diode headlights as well as a solar-panel sunroof that generates the electricity required to run the ventilation system while the car is parked, reducing interior temperatures.

The good folks at Kelley Blue book are finishing up another year where their site, www.kbb.com, saw over 140 million unique visitors for the third year in a row. During these “visits”, people looked at cars, cars and more cars. But what were they looking at? “The site traffic on Kelley Blue Book’s kbb.com demonstrates what is on the minds of today’s new-car shoppers, especially when examining the most-researched new-vehicles of 2008,” said Jack R. Nerad, executive editorial director and executive market analyst for Kelley Blue Book and kbb.com. “Continued interest in Honda and Toyota, Chevrolet’s home-run Malibu redesign and an increase in visits to more fuel-efficient, economical vehicles is an accurate reflection of the marketplace in 2008.”

So how does your “best” list stack up against the visitors to the Kelley site? Here, in alphabetical order, are the top 20 searches. Want to know the order of finish? See if you can guess and it’s listed at the end of the article.

Chevrolet

Malibu

Chevrolet division (and General Motors) had just one model in the KBB top 20 list this year and it was an important one. Voted the North American Car of the Year, the new Malibu is an important step for the General in the climb back to engineering, styling and quality prominence in the world market.

Ford

Escape
Mustang

Ford brand has two vehicles on the list with both the Escape SUV and the Mustang. The Escape represents Ford’s most fuel-efficient sport utility with the new Escape Hybrid delivering 20 mpg on the city cycle and 28 mpg on the highway. Meanwhile the Mustang, Ford’s iconic pony car, is set to celebrate its 45th anniversary in April of 2009.

Honda

Accord
Civic
CR-V
Fit
Odyssey
Pilot

Honda lands in second place in the nameplate segment with six vehicles on KBB’s 2008 list – reflecting the brand’s high marks in quality, fuel efficiency and resale value.

Mazda

Mazda3

Mazda’s smaller “zoom-zoom” sedan makes it on the list and is also a perennial favorite with the enthusiast press. Not only does the 3 run circles around most of its peers, it also offers outstanding gas mileage.

MINI

MINI Cooper

The MINI Cooper may finally put the rest the notion that you can’t sell a premium small car in the United States. Equipped with the base 1.6 liter 4-cylinder engine, the MINI achieves 28 mpg city/37 mpg highway with a 6-speed manual transmission.

Nissan

Altima

Nissan’s mid-size entry offers a choice of two body styles – coupe and sedan – as well as the choice of a 2.5 liter 4-cylinder engine, a 3.5 liter V-6 as well as a hybrid powertrain option available only on the sedan.

Toyota

Camry
Corolla
Highlander
Prius
RAV4
Sienna
Yaris

Toyota garners first place in the manufacturer’s category with 7 entries. You can say what you will about bland interiors and middle-of-the-road handling, but the Japanese firm’s reputation for quality and reliability keep it at the top.

Volkswagen

Jetta

The re-introduction of a diesel in the form of the clean-burning, fuel-efficient (30 city/41 highway mpg) Jetta TDI had a lot to do with raising the German brand’s awareness above and beyond “fahrvergnügen” as Green Car Journal’s 2009 Green Car of the Year.

The winning order:

1.    Honda Civic
2.    Honda Accord
3.    Toyota Camry
4.    Toyota Corolla
5.    Nissan Altima
6.    Honda CR-V
7.    Toyota Prius
8.    Toyota Highlander
9.    Toyota RAV4
10.    Mazda3
11.    Toyota Yaris
12.    Ford Escape
13.    Honda Odyssey
14.    Honda Pilot
15.    Honda Fit
16.    Ford Mustang
17.    Chevrolet Malibu
18.    Toyota Sienna
19.    MINI Cooper
20.    Volkswagen Jetta

For Ford, the hits just keep on coming

Certification on the new Ford Fusion Hybrid was completed this week and, not wasting a minute, Ford has announced that the new Fusion model is officially the most fuel-efficient mid-sized car in America with a certified 41 mpg rating in the city and 36 mpg rating on the highway.

These figures mean that the Fusion handily tops the Toyota Camry’s city mileage by 8 mpg and highway figure by 2 mpg. Final certification was completed earlier in the week at Ford’s Allen Park, Michigan testing laboratories, which means Ford’s newest “green machine” even outpaced the Honda Civic Hybrid, besting the smaller car by 1 mpg in city driving (although the Civic holds an EPA rating of 45 mpg on the highway).

New Hybrid System

The new economy benchmark was a result of three years worth of engineering that culminated in the development of Ford’s next-generation hybrid propulsion system. The new 2.5-liter Atkinson cycle 4-cylinder engine with intake variable cam timing (iVCT) enables spark and cam timing to be varied according to engine load for optimal fuel efficiency. In addition, a smaller, lighter nickel-metal hydride battery, which produces 20 percent more power than Ford’s previous hybrid system. Marrying these two technologies enables the Fusion to travel up to 47 miles per hour in pure electric mode, as well as to more seamlessly transition from gas to electric mode and vice-versa.

“The Fusion Hybrid’s ability to run at a much higher speed in electric mode allows drivers to maximize fuel efficiently in many driving situations,” said Praveen Cherian, Fusion Hybrid program leader. “For example, this would allow drivers to travel around their subdivision and parking areas in all-electric mode.”

An Early Christmas Present

For Ford, facing congressional scrutiny on one side and battling a besieged credit market on the other, the news couldn’t have come at a better time. Here at LotPro.com, we hope, for Ford, that this is a glimmer of light at the end of the tunnel.

Yes it’s a popularity contest

It’s getting on towards the end of another year, which means that those of us here at LotPro.com can report with a relative degree of accuracy those models with the largest number of searches for the year. We also know that wading through 50 different models might seem like a large pain. But look at it this way, with fifty different vehicles to pick from, there’s a good chance that at least one of them might also be on your “best” list, too.

So here, in alphabetical order, are the top 50 searches. Want to know the top 2? See if you can guess (they’re listed at the end of the article).

Chevrolet Aveo

Chevrolet

Aveo
Impala
Silverado 1500
Tahoe

Chevrolet division had 4 models in our top 50 list this year. The Aveo, from the General’s Daewoo partnership, is one of the highest-mileage vehicles in the U.S. The Impala also offers a lot of bank for the buck in addition to great fuel economy, while the Silverado and the Tahoe both made late recoveries from mid-year sales slides.

Chrysler 300

Chrysler

300-series

The lone Chrysler entry was the 300-series – one of the few domestic full-size vehicles with a sense of style.

Dodge Challenger

Dodge

Avenger
Challenger
Charger
Ram 1500
Ram 2500

Dodge hits the list with the Avenger, the new Challenger, the Charger and both the half ton and three quarter ton Ram.

Ford F-150

Ford

Escape
Explorer
F-150
F-250 Super Duty
Focus
Mustang
Ranger

Ford brand has seven vehicles on the list with both the Escape and Explorer SUV’s, the Focus and Mustang passenger vehicles as well as three trucks – the Ranger, the F-150 and the F-250 Super Duty.

Honda Fit

Honda

Accord Coupe
Accord Sedan
Civic Coupe
Civic Hybrid
Civic Sedan
CR-V
Fit
Odyssey
Pilot

Honda ties for first place in the nameplate segment with nine entries including the Accord (2 versions), Civic (3 versions), the Fit, the CR-V, the Odyssey and the Pilot.

Hyundai Elantra

Hyundai

Accent
Elantra

Hyundai places with both the Accent and the Elantra sedans. While neither vehicle breaks any new ground, both represent Hyundai’s mantra of affordable transportation with excellent fuel economy.

Jeep Wrangler

Jeep

Wrangler

Jeep hits the list with the Wrangler, the Dorian Gray of sport utility vehicles.

Kia Rio

Kia

Rio

Kia’s most affordable sedan, the Rio, is also its best-selling vehicle – a big reason why it’s on the list.

Mazda Mazda3

Mazda

Mazda3
Mazda6

Both of Mazda’s “zoom-zoom” sedans made the list for 2008.

Nissan Altima

Nissan

Altima
Maxima
Murano
Rogue
Versa

Nissan placed three sedans – the Altima, Maxima and Versa – in the top 50 as well as SUV’s the Rogue and its big brother the Murano.

Scion tC

Scion

tC

By any other name a Toyota, the tC was also one of our top 50 searches.

Toyota Corolla

Toyota

Camry
Camry Hybrid
Corolla
FJ Cruiser
Prius
RAV4
Sienna
Tacoma
Yaris

Toyota ties for first in the nameplate division with 9 entries and wins the manufacturer’s category (10 including Scion) with 5 passenger cars, 2 SUV’s, 1 truck and 1 van.

And the winners are

Congratulations to the Ford F-150 which placed first overall and the Nissan Altima, which took second place.

Green Car of the Year

In the world of automotive awards, GCOTY is a fairly new one. Established just three years ago, the first one was awarded to the 2006 Mercury Mariner Hybrid. A year later, the 2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid was the recipient, while last year, the 2008 Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid received the award that was presented, for the first time, at the Los Angeles Auto Show.

In order to qualify for a nomination, a vehicle must, according to Green Car Journal, “exhibit characteristics that substantially raise the bar in environmental performance and be in production by January 1 of the award year.” In addition, each nominee is driven by Green Car Journal so that its driving characteristics can be observed first-hand. Nominee vehicles must also be in production to make sure they are actually available in the market during their award year.

The winner is selected by an 11 member panel that is comprised of both automotive as well as environmental experts. Past jurors have included such luminaries as Jean-Michael Cousteau of the Ocean Futures Society and TV personality and major car aficionado Jay Leno.

2009 Nominees

In alphabetical order, here are the 2009 nominees:

2009 BMW 335d

The 335d is BMW’s first U.S. diesel sedan in almost 20 years. Equipped with a 3.0 liter turbocharged direct injection diesel, this 3-series Bimmer produces 265 horsepower and a stump-pulling 425 lb.-ft. of torque.

Engine: 3.0-liter inline-six diesel
Emissions, EPA/CARB: Tier 2, Bin 5/LEV
Horsepower: 265
Fuel Economy, city/hwy mpg: 23/33 (EPA)
Base MSRP: $44,725

2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid

Just introduced at the L.A. Show, the hybrid Fusion receives the same makeover as the rest of the lineup for 2010. Under the hood, the hybrid benefits from the same new 2.5-liter Atkinson cycle 4-cylinder engine with intake variable cam timing as the Escape/Mariner hybrids, the green-friendly models produce 155 hp and 136 lb-ft of torque.

Engine: 2.5-liter inline-four, gasoline-electric hybrid
Emissions, EPA/CARB: Tier 2, Bin 5/AT-PZEV
Horsepower: 155
Fuel Economy, city/hwy mpg: 38/35 (est.)
Base MSRP: $27,000-$30,000 (est.)

2009 Saturn Vue 2 Mode Hybrid

The second generation Saturn Vue was introduced at last years Los Angeles Auto Show and, like its smaller brother the Astra, it’s a re-badged Opel, although in Europe it is known as the Antara. The Vue benefits from the first application of the General’s two-mode hybrid technology in a V-6 front-driver.

Engine: 3.6-liter V-6, gasoline-electric hybrid
Emissions, EPA/CARB: Tier 2, Bin 5/AT-PZEV
Horsepower: 255
Fuel Economy, city/hwy mpg: 28/31 (est.)
Base MSRP: Under $33,000

Smart Fortwo

The Fortwo is certainly the latest way for environmental fashionistas to wear their colors. Ideal for urban prowling, the fortwo, with its short wheelbase and lack of storage space, is less suited for spirited driving or family vacations. EPA numbers of 33 city/41 highway are impressive, but 0-60 times are best measured with an hourglass.

Engine: 1.0-liter inline three
Emissions, EPA/CARB: Tier 2 Bin 5/ULEV
Horsepower: 70
Fuel Economy, city/hwy mpg: 33/41 (EPA)
Base MSRP: $11,990

2009 VW Jetta TDI

Here’s where the fun starts. The VW, it must be noted, is the antithesis of the Fortwo. It has terrific handling, plenty of space and a clean diesel engine that meets emissions certification in all 50 states. To top it all off, fuel economy is 30 city/41 highway, with many drivers claiming close to 50 mpg.

Engine: 2.0-liter inline-four, diesel
Emissions, EPA/CARB: Tier 2, Bin 5/SULEV
Horsepower: 140
Fuel Economy, city/hwy mpg: 30/41 (EPA)
Base MSRP: $21,990

And the winner is…

As it announced this afternoon, the 2009 Volkswagen Jetta TDI becomes the first-ever clean diesel to win Green Car Journal’s Green Car of the Year honor. From all of us here at LotPro.com, a tip of the hat to Volkswagen!

2010 Ford Fusion Sport

The New Frugality

Here at LotPro.com, we have been impressed by the new direction the glass house in Dearborn is taking. According to Ford, the defining group of customers in the future will be the “Millennials” – those customers that are between the ages of 13 and 28. Each year, 11,000 of these young people reach driving age and when it comes time to purchase a car, nearly half choose one in the small-car segment.

In addition, Ford notes that buyers in all age groups are looking at more fuel efficient vehicles – not only from a miles-per-gallon standpoint, but also from a cost of ownership perspective. Even with gas prices moderating, customers are looking at current economic conditions and opting for, in the words of Sheryl Connelly, Ford global trends manager, a “take only what you need attitude.”

The current trend of downsizing is also being driven by the 75 million Baby Boomers that are becoming empty nesters. Both groups, according to Ford, are examples of “The New Frugality,” a trend reported in BusinessWeek in its October 20th cover story as Americans, faced with the current contraction in the economy, cut back on personal consumption.

Ford Ka

Where Ford Fits In

Beginning next year, Ford will add two more hybrids to the current Ford Escape and Mercury Mariner twins. According to the company, the next-generation hybrid system featured in these models should result in class-leading fuel economy of at least 5 mpg better than the Camry in city driving with a 47 mph top speed in electric-only mode, easily surpassing both the Camry and Prius.

Ford will also double capacity of its 4-cylinder engines with plans to equip fully 80% of Fusion production with this powerplant. By mating this engine to a 6-speed automatic transaxle and other power-saving technologies such as electronic power steering and vehicle systems technologies, the 2010 Fusion will have increased horsepower of 175, up from 160, better acceleration times as well as increased fuel economy by 4 or 5 mpg.

Within 5 years, Ford expects 1 million vehicles a year off its global B-car platform (Fiesta) and nearly 2 million vehicles a year off its global C-car platform (Focus). And depending on market conditions in North America, Ford President Allen Mulally has not ruled out the possibility of bringing over Ford’s A-segment vehicle, the Ka.

Ford’s EcoBoost technology – turbocharged, direct-injection 4-cylinder petrol engines – will debut in 2010 as an alternative to the traditional V-6 engine. By the end of 2012, EcoBoost will be offered on 80% of the entire North American lineup.

The Bottom Line

“Ford is investing most where consumer growth is taking place. By the end of 2010, nearly all of our North American engines will be upgraded or replaced,” says Derrick Kuzak, Ford group vice president of Global Product Development. “With every new product, we expect to be the best or among the best for fuel economy, aided by one of the most extensive powertrain upgrades ever for Ford.”

Here at LotPro.com, we, along with Ford, are looking forward to the future.

2008 Ford Fiesta

Falling gas prices have little effect

It’s interesting to note that even with falling gas prices; the sales declines for all manufacturers were led by consumers continuing to turn away from full-size pickup trucks and big sport utility vehicles. Everyone, it seems, accepts the fact that high (or at least higher) gas prices are here to stay. Although there was a slight uptick in the sales of these larger vehicles, some of that recovery can be attributed to the large incentives that most manufacturers are putting “on the hood” of trucks and SUVs.

Here, then, is a thumbnail of the top 5 in year over year sales for August:

Toyota: overall sales down 9.4 percent

The good news for Toyota: Sales of the Yaris and Camry were both up and the new Yaris 5-door hatchback should help sales of that model even more.

The bad news: Lexus sales were down, Scion sales were down and Toyota can’t build enough of the Prius Hybrid to meet demand. Making matters worse, Toyota drank from the big pickup Kool-Aid and now has a 1.2 billion dollar assembly plant in San Antonio that was built to assemble 200,000 plus Tundra pickups, while sales of the truck were down 8% in August and 14.5% for the year.

General Motors: overall sales down 20 percent

The good news for GM: Sales in August were up 31% over July, due in no small measure to the “Employee Pricing” incentive that is currently running. Retail car sales were up at Chevrolet, Pontiac and Cadillac – with the Cadillac CTS showing an 87% increase and the Pontiac Vibe a 95% increase in year over year August sales. The GMC Acadia/Saturn Outlook/Buick Enclave trio is also doing well.

The bad news: The Chevrolet Aveo and Cobalt, both small cars, posted sales declines of 21.3% and 26.6% respectively, year over year. Year over year sales of Cadillac trucks were down 49%, Saab sales were down 50%, while HUMMER sales, even with GM employee pricing, suffered a 62% drop.

Ford Motor Company: overall sales down almost 27 percent

The good news for Ford: August sales of the Focus were up 23% year over year, while sales of the Escape were up 17%.

The bad news: August year over year SUV sales at Ford were down 53%, F-Series pickup sales were down 42% while Volvo sales – the entire brand – plunged almost 49%.

American Honda: overall sales down 7.3 percent

The good news for Honda: August Civic sales were up 5.3%, Civic Hybrid sales were up 47.7%, while sales of the new Pilot were up 18.6% year over year.

The bad news: Following industry trends, total Honda light truck sales were down 10.3% year over year. Car sales were also down 4.9%, but this was primarily due to the fact that most Honda dealers ran out of the Fit small car before the end of the month due to model changeover.

Chrysler: overall sales down 34 percent

The good news for Chrysler: August sales of the Dodge Grand Caravan and the Chrysler Town and Country minivans were up 7% over last year. The new Dodge Journey and Challenger are doing well, while Dodge Charger sales were up slightly year over year.

The bad news: Everything else from Chrysler is pretty much in the dumper. Total August truck sales were down 33%, while even Chrysler’s small cars aren’t selling well: Chrysler Sebring sales were down 46%, Dodge Avenger sales were down 41%, sales of the aging PT Cruiser were down a whopping 65%, while sales of the Jeep Patriot, up a total of 89% for the entire year, were down 21% in August year over year sales.

The Bottom Line

While most automakers will want to put August out of their minds as soon as possible, sales prospects for September don’t look much better.