Category: New Model Introductions

We got the opportunity to briefly drive the new Ford Fiesta in Port Hueneme in anticipation of Ford's "Fiesta Movement" program where they will place 100 5-door Fiestas with influential Millennium drivers.

At the 2009 NAIAS, GM announced that in 2011, a production version of the global Beat minicar and the Orlando seven-seater will both join the U.S. lineup. The Beat, due for a Geneva show production introduction, will be called Spark for production. In the photos that follow, the white vehicle is the Orlando and the green the Beat (eventually to be renamed Spark.)

Profitable or not, GM is bringing an international minicar to the States. While the Spark will reward drivers with terrific fuel economy, will the efficiency gains be enough to adapt to the small size?

The Orlando brings an internationally sized seven-seater to the States. Orlando, introduced as a concept at the 2008 Paris auto show, will focus on moving people more than stuff. Its box shape will provide maximum cargo room for [...]

Cadillac’s CTS expands the range. This car was formally introduced in Paris, and some attendees of the 2008 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance caught a look, but this is the first U.S. auto-show circuit showing. With the goodness of the CTS for a base, it should be no surprise that Cadillac has created a Euro-style, sexy-but-practical wagon.


Follow the jump for more photos and the full Cadillac press release.

Though the future of Saab is very uncertain at the moment, the company does continue to work on new products. While we wait to see when new cars like the 9-4X might arrive, Saab gives the 9-5 a last special edition (a new 9-5 is also under development). The Griffin edition gets a fresh face, rear spoiler, specific 17-inch wheels, and two-tone interior with special stitching and high-gloss trim. The special edition is being offered on the wagon and sedan 9-5.

Follow the jump for Saab’s official press release.

Buick introduces the latest LaCrosse in Detroit. The mid-size sedan segment is still the largest, and with a three-vehicle lineup, LaCrosse is critical to Buick success. The LaCrosse is also the first U.S. production Buick to have its exterior styling led by GM’s group in China. Don’t let the idea discourage you; this is a good-looking sedan. Buick also ups the ante with technology features (side assist and adaptive forward headlights among them) to the brand and a notably improved interior (designed in the States). There are new engines, as well as available all-wheel drive for some models. The new LaCrosse will go on sale later in 2009.


More photos and the full release follow the jump.

After Mazda’s Miata, BMW, Audi, and Porsche revived the roadster market. Arriving as a late 2009MY, the third generation BMW Z4 promises to be the sweetest yet. With a retractable hardtop and available 300HP 3.0L I6, I’m going to start saving my pennies now. Someday, Z4, someday…


More photos and BMW’s full release after the jump.

In Los Angeles in November, Ford showed off the latest Mustang in standard and GT forms. (Click here to see our video interview with one of the designers responsible for the terrific 2010 package, filmed in LA.) In Detroit, we get the first look at the newest GT500. The car will be available in coupe and convertible forms in spring 2009.



The new GT500 has as much attention to detail as the rest of the 2010MY range, with real leather and aluminum in the interior and a two-tone theme that carries in the racing stripes. Mechanically, and similar to the way that the GT took lessons from the very well-balanced 2008 Bullitt, the GT500 adopts its philosophy from the 2008 GT 500 KR, including the 540HP 5.4L [...]

Cadillac’s first-generation SRX was weakly received, to put it mildly, and never quite met Cadillac’s expectations. The successor has turned to the front-drive, unibody architecture of the crossovers consumers are buying these days. When they are buying at all, that is.


More photos and Cadillac’s full release are below the jump.

A V10 for the R8
525HP, quattro, optional ceramic brakes and standard LED headlights. Zero to 60 in 3.9 seconds. What more is there to say?

After the jump, catch more photos and Audi’s official press release.

Chevrolet looks to have improved the Equinox in all the needed areas. New powertrains are more modern, powerful, and efficient and styling is dialed up a notch and a nicely executed take on the family look introduced with Malibu. All in a package about the same size as the outgoing crossover, with space for five passengers and stuff.

More photos and Chevy’s release after the jump