November 27, 2009

Hello, Driving Range fans. This time around we will be checking out the new Chevrolet Traverse, the updated VW diesel and yet another rare Italian exotic..

New vehicles
Chevrolet Traverse – With Chevrolet's latest crossover vehicle, Traverse, its total offering of SUVs and crossovers is now six, not including all of the variations from GM’s other seven divisions. Suffice itto say GM pretty well has this market segment covered. The Traverse rides on GM’s Lambda platform shared with the likes of the Buick Enclave and GMC Acadia, and is available in front- and four-wheel-drive variations. Crossovers are supposed to blend the towing capacity of a mid-sized SUV, the seating capacity of a minivan and the ride and handling of a full-sized car, and Chevrolet appears to have been successful at this venture. With seating for eight, a towing capacity of 5,200 pounds and road tests boasting an impressive driving experience, the Traverse certainly covers the requirements desirable in this segment. Exterior styling is bold and sleek with features, particularly in the front-end treatment, following Chev’s current design theme. Front-seat passengers are treated to Malibu-like individual cockpits, albeit on a larger scale. Three models are available in tune with current Chevrolet trim-level themes, LS, LT and LTZ, with options such asa rear-view camera system and cooled (and heated) front seats available on higher-end models.

Available — now
Price — LS V6 two-wheel-drive — $35,260 LTZ 4x4 - $52,595
Engines — 3.6 L V6 — 281 hp — 253 lb-ft torque
3.6 L V6 — 288 hp — 270 lb-ft torque


The Green Scene
2009 VW Jetta TDI – Where most people may think a green vehicle has to have some type of electric/hybrid or even hydrogen technology, environmental friendliness can come in many forms. Take the new '09 Jetta Diesel, or TDI (Turbo Direct Injection) as it is known, for instance. Clothed in the current body style, an all new 2-litre clean-running engine provides motivation from 140 HP and an impressive 236 lb-ft of torque (the last generation 1.9 L supplied only 100 HP and 177 lb-ft of torque). As quiet running as the gas-powered model, the new TDI benefits from common rail fuel injection that precisely meters fuel delivery through high-pressure (26,000-psi) piezo nozzles. Pollutants are low enough to meet the most stringent guidelines in the entire world thanks to a multitude of exhaust-emission controls such as particulate filters and a number of catalysts. At a starting price of $24,275, a premium of $2,300 over the base 2.5-litre gas Jetta, it doesn’t take long to make the higher price a worthwhile expense, even with diesel fuel at a premium over gas. The deal may be sweetened more with the current government incentive for fuel-efficient vehicles, since this new TDI is frugal enough to earn you the full $2,000 credit. The EPA city fuel consumption rating of 7.8 L/100 km (36 mpg) is the same as the previous-generation engine but highway ratings have increased from 6.3 L/100 km (44 mpg) to 5.7 L/100km (50 mpg) and of course the exhaust emissions are much more environmentally friendly. In fact these fuel ratings are very close to that of the diminutive Smart ForTwo heralded as one of the most fuel-efficient, non-hybrid vehicles on the planet. So you can achieve excellent fuel mileage in a quality German-engineered sedan. What’s not to like?


If Only!
Pagani Zonda – Unless you are a sports car enthusiast it is unlikely you are familiar with the Pagani motor company. This boutique Italian manufacturer has been building limited numbers of its outrageous sports car since 1999 with continuous improvements in power and aerodynamics producing several iterations, with the most recent Zonda Cinque taking honours as the ultimate road-going version of the mark. With a 678-HP 12-cylinder (Mercedes Benz/AMG) engine and a weight of around 2,700 lb (thanks to extensive use of carbon fibre, aluminum and titanium), this street/track car will accelerate to 62 mph in 3.4 seconds and hurtle itself to an astounding top speed of 220 mph. The standard interior is all business with only the essential controls on hand, although more luxurious accommodations are possible if you are willing to pay the price. With the extremely expensive components used to build the Zonda and its relatively rare availability – only built in the low double-digit numbers each year – the price tag for this rare beast can be mind-blowing. The current limited production Zonda Cinque (of which only five will be built) is going for around $2 mil. Yikes!