2010 Subaru WRX STI Special Edition

A touch of JDM suspension tuning flair will soon be making its way to the U.S.-market Subaru WRX STI lineup the form of the 2010 Subaru STI Special Edition -- a model developed by Subaru's famed Subaru Tecnica International high performance subsidary. If you aren't quick enough to get your hands on one of the first 125 units, don't worry: Subaru is making the STI Special Edition a regular part of the lineup after the special edition goes on sale in Spring 2010. To be officially unveiled at the 2009 Los Angeles Auto Show, the STI Special Edition is a slightly more enthusiast-focused machine that forgoes some of the usual creature comforts in favor of upgraded suspension components from the Japanese-market Subaru WRX STI spec C.


The STI spec C lends its stiffer rear sub-frame bushings, retuned springs, and 1-mm thicker rear stabilizer bar to the STI Special Edition. The WRX STI's 305-hp turbocharged 2.5-liter Boxer four is unchanged, and as you'd expect on a car like this, it's hooked up to Subaru's six-speed manual transmission. But the Special Edition forgoes the STI's HID headlights in favor of halogen units, its 10-speaker sound system is replaced with four-speaker unit, and manual A/C takes the place of the automatic climate control.

Passersby won't be able to discern the STI Special Edition by its 16% stiffer front springs or 29% stiffer rear shocks, but the unique Aspen White color should be a clue. If you can't tell the regular STI's Satin White Pearl from the Aspen White, focus on the 18-in. seven twin-spoke wheels. The charcoal-colored rims -- also taken from the spec C -- would be attractive in silver but are especially eye-catching against the white paint. The rest of the package is standard STI spec, including the highly customizable powertrain and handling settings. The STI-specific AWD system lets the driver pick among three automatic performance modes plus six manual center differential locking settings. Stopping power is made easy thanks to four-wheel Super Sport ABS disc brakes from Brembo.

A base 2010 WRX STI starts at $35,690 (including destination) -- don't expect the STI Special Edition to stray too far above that mark. The car's exact price will be announced at the L.A. show. This model is set to become part of the permanent STI family and is probably as close as Subaru enthusiasts can expect to get to a U.S. version of the STI spec C.

Mazda2 Certainly Present in Indonesia

Mazda Motor Corporation and Ford Motor Company collaborate to build and operate car factory in Thailand that named by Auto Alliance Thailand (AAT). The factory was inaugurated on Monday, July 13, 2009. Area of land reached 326,314 square meters and expenses USD 500 million, placed in Rayong’s industrial Seatboard Eastern Industrial Estate, Thailand. The factory can produce 275,000 units passenger car per year, such as Mazda2, Ford Fiesta, Mazda BT-50, Ford Ranger and Ford Everest. Mazda2 will be sold in Indonesia are also produced in this factory.


PT. Mazda Motor Indonesia declares the completion of a factory in Thailand; the Mazda2 will entry to Indonesia auto market soon, at least the end of this year. By the present of Mazda2, market segment of City Car Medium (Hatchback) more attractive and competitive. Its will be share the market with Toyota Yaris, Honda Jazz, Suzuki Swift, Nissan Livina Hatchback. Although competitors have been released new variants, Mazda remains confident.

For Indonesia auto market, Mazda2 will equipped by 1.5 liter engine, inline 4-cylinder, 16-valve Double Over Head Camshaft. This engine able to produces maximum power 103 HP/6,000 rpm and maximum torque 137 Nm/4000 rpm. Mazda claimed the fuel consumption records 11.23 km / liter (city cruiser), 17.8 km / liter (out of city), and a 14.7 km / liter (combination). PT. Mazda Motor Indonesia state the Mazda2 have a high quality, more modern design, low fuel consumption, safety, and spirit of Zoom-Zoom. Despite the price list of Mazda2 still calculate, PT. Mazda Motor Indonesia remains confident that hatchback able to breaks Medium City Car market segment and more competitive than others.

2010 Volvo XC60

Volvo’s new mid-size crossover, based on its recent S80 sedan. Family values: Tons of safety equipment including the cutting-edge City Safety feature; sophisticated styling inside and out; standard all-wheel drive. Price range: $38,000-$45,000.


The 2010 Volvo XC60 gives fans of the Swedish brand a great way to step down from the more expensive seven-seat XC90 sport-ute. The XC60 crossover seats five and is stylish inside and out, with a classic Scandinavian theme inside. Safety technology abounds, including a City Safety system that helps brake the car under 20 mph if an accident looms. A turbo in-line six is standard for now; less expensive, non-turbo versions are in the works, as is a front-drive version. TheCarConnection.com rates the XC60 at 8.2 out of 10, with high marks in safety and features.

Likes:
* Attractive styling
* Well-trimmed interior
* Good handling and acceleration
Dislikes
* Poor fuel economy
* Lots of techno buttons

2010 Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano HGTE

At the 2009 Geneva Motor Show next week will show a sport car, Ferrari will hold two world premiers both having to do with its 599 GTB Fiorano.


Ferrari has developed a new track focused handling package for the car. Called the Handling Grand Turismo Evoluzione (HGTE), the new upgrade will help add some spice to the 599 as it draws toward the end of its product cycle.

2009 Ford Flex

A big, bold seven-passenger crossover with a MINI Cooper-fish flair. Family values: Big safety scores, big headroom, tons of entertainment features and available all-wheel drive. Price range: $28,000-$36,000.


The 2009 Ford Flex is one of the highest-rated family cars at TheCarConnection.com, rating 9 out of 10 with exceptionally high marks in safety and features. With V-6 power and available all-wheel drive, the Flex is a tall, roomy family wagon with three rows of seating in most versions. Seating even in the third row is adult-sized, and the Flex makes long trips a snap with features like an in-car refrigerator, a panoramic sunroof, and Sirius Travel Link, which feeds traffic, weather and even movie times into the car’s navigation/entertainment system. Even better, slow sales have forced Ford into heavy discounts; base versions normally priced at $26,000 can be had for far less.

Likes:
* Against-the-grain styling
* Wealth of features
* First- and second-row seating comfort
Dislikes:
* Tight headroom in third-row seat
* Uncomfortable headrests
* No telescoping steering wheel

2009 Buick Enclave

A seven-seat crossover vehicle introduced by GM in 2007. Family values: Five-star safety ratings; powerful V-6 engine; usable third-row seat; high-quality interior with many entertainment and convenience features. Price range: $32,000 - $37,000.


The 2009 Buick Enclave continues a winning streak for GM’s premium family-car lineup. The big crossover vehicle is beautifully curved and looks decidedly upscale inside, while sporting a big V-6 engine and a six-speed automatic. All-wheel drive is available, and the Enclave seats seven, though adults will have some difficulty clambering into the way-back bench. TheCarConnection.com rates the Enclave at an overall score of 8.2 out of 10.

Likes:
* Elegant exterior
* Luxurious, roomy interior
* Easier to live with than a full-size SUV
* Lots of standard features
* Clever options, like heated windshield washers
Dislikes:
* Disappointing fuel mileage
* Transmission “hunts”
* Hefty, at 5,100 pounds

Peugeot 4007 DCS Automatic

Peugeot will premiere at the Frankfurt Motor Show an updated 4007 with a six-speed dual clutch automatic transmission. New Dual Clutch System (DCS) brings more driving pleasure and a choice between full automatic mode or semi-automatic by using the gear selection paddles located behind the steering wheel. The DCS is controlled by the ECU, which provides smooth driving.


The 2.2 liter HDi engine is latest generation common-rail diesel with 156bhp and 380Nm of torque. The performance is not exceptional, but it is good enough for vehicle of this size. It is capable of doing 38.7 MPG and only 192g/km of CO2 harmful emissions.

The Peugeot 4007 DCS price starts at £23,345 and with the SE trim level at £24,545.