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AutoPacific announces 2009 Vehicle Satisfaction Awards. 25,000 consumers tell us how satisfied they are with their cars, and in the tough environment of 2009, winners had to go the extra mile.

Who says extended-range vehicles can’t tackle trails? Not Jeep, as they explore the application of in-wheel motors to a vehicle with full Jeep capability. This concept is not officially Trail Rated, but that’s the direction Jeep is heading.



The full Jeep description is available after the jump.

Two Jeep products at this year’s Detroit show explore applying extended-range electric powertrains to the iconic go-anywhere brand. The Patriot described here gives small SUV buyers an option, while the Jeep Wrangler EV concept explores four-wheel-drive applications.


Jeep’s full release and more photos are after the jump.

Though Chrysler announced their intention to create extended-range electric vehicles along the lines of Chevrolet Volt back in September 2008, they used the 2009 Detroit show to provide a few more details and an update on the program overall. Also, unlike GM, Chrysler LLC is exploring using the powertrain in existing vehicles rather than creating an all-new platform.



Four products were shown in Detroit, including a Dodge, two Jeeps, and this Chrysler Town & Country.
Full PR details after the jump.

Though Chrysler announced their intention to create extended-range electric vehicles along the lines of Chevrolet Volt back in September 2008, they used the 2009 Detroit show to provide a few more details and an update on the program overall. Also, unlike GM, Chrysler LLC is exploring using the powertrain in existing vehicles rather than creating an all-new platform.



Four products were shown in Detroit, including a Dodge, two Jeeps, and this Chrysler Town & Country.
Full PR details after the jump.

Maserati tries to put a positive spin on product at the Detroit show, enhancing the Quattroporte into the GT S. More power and luxury, the stuff of dreams.



Follow the jump for Maserati’s announcement.

Ford's Flex gets advertising sendoff.

Vehicle Voice contributor Katrina's first run it a very fast car.

If you’ve read our review of the 2008 Smart ForTwo here, you’ll know that we like its chic design, spacious interior (but only for two), and its point and squirt ability in urban environs. And you’ll also know there was plenty we didn’t like about the Smart, including its limited usefulness (only two seats and tiny cargo area), lack of power, and perhaps most seriously, its frustrating and dim-witted transmission.
As good fortune would have it, we were able to arrange for a brief drive of the Mitsubish i, an interesting extension of the basic Smart idea. The tiny Mitsubishi actually does share some DNA with the Smart. Its platform is related to the Smart’s, as is its 3-cylinder engine (but reduced in displacement to – get this – 0.7 liters in order to meet Japanese Kei-class parameters). That means it’s rear-engined and rear-wheel-drive, just like the Smart.

Okay, let me run some names by you:

Charger

Camaro

GTO


Pop quiz, hot shot: What decade is it?