Happy New Year From Keeler Motor Car Company

Wishing everyone a very Happy and Healthy 2010!

KBB lists its "most researched" new cars and trucks in 2009

Kelley Blue Book (KBB) strained the data from its voluminous cache to come up with the year's 20 most researched cars, and the five brands that got the most attention. This will probably come as a surprise to precisely none of our readers, but Honda and Toyota dominated the upper reaches of the list. Together they made up all of the top five and nine of the top ten -- Nissan's Altima squeezed into ninth.The secondary ten provided more model mix, with three Fords and two Chevrolets making up the domestic squad. Midsize cars also made a return to buyers' attentions, after last year's list was overrun by fuel sippers.

PRESS RELEASE
Kelley Blue Book's kbb.com Names Most-Researched New Vehicles for 2009, Brands With Greatest Share of Market Interest This Year

Chevy Equinox and Camaro, Ford Fusion, Lexus RX 350 Jump into 2009's Top 20 Most-Researched New Cars

IRVINE, Calif., Dec. 29 /PRNewswire/ -- Kelley Blue Book, the leading provider of new and used car information, today announces the most-researched new vehicles of 2009 on the company's top-rated Web site, www.kbb.com. In addition, Kelley Blue Book's kbb.com reveals the top five brands with the greatest share of market interest for 2009.

This year marks the fourth consecutive year that Kelley Blue Book saw increased visitation to its Web site, with nearly 180 million visits to kbb.com in 2009. Because kbb.com is one of the most-trafficked automotive research sites, visitation to specific vehicles has become a leading indicator of sales patterns for manufacturers.

Kbb.com's Top 20 Most-Researched New Vehicles of 2009
1. Honda Accord
2. Honda Civic
3. Toyota Camry
4. Honda CR-V
5. Toyota Corolla
6. Toyota RAV4
7. Toyota Highlander
8. Toyota Prius
9. Nissan Altima
10. Honda Pilot
11. Ford Escape
12. Chevrolet Camaro
13. Honda Odyssey
14. Ford Fusion
15. Mazda3
16. Ford Mustang
17. Volkswagen Jetta
18. Toyota Sienna
19. Lexus RX 350
20. Chevrolet Equinox

The Honda Civic, Honda Accord and Toyota Camry (in varying orders each year) have been the top three most-researched new-vehicles on kbb.com each year since 2004. However, many vehicles made noteworthy jumps into the top 20 most-researched new-vehicles for 2009 that were not on the list in 2008. Chevrolet's all-new redesigned Equinox and Camaro models both grace this year's list for the first time. Also new to this year's top 20 are the recently revamped Lexus RX 350 and the popular, fast-selling Ford Fusion.

The stabilization in gas prices for 2009 has indicated a trend away from smaller, more fuel-efficient vehicles over the past year, and thus some popular small cars that were among the most-researched in 2008 have fallen off the list for 2009. Subcompact cars like the Toyota Yaris and Honda Fit, along with the compact MINI Cooper, were among the most-researched new cars last year, but do not hold court among the most-researched models this year. In addition, Chevy's Malibu, redesigned for the 2008 model-year and featured on last year's 'most-researched' list, has seen some of its popularity fade over the past year, no longer listing among the top 20 most-researched new cars of 2009.

"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 2009," said James Bell, executive market analyst for Kelley Blue Book's kbb.com. "Declined interest in smaller, more fuel-efficient vehicles and increased popularity in attractive, recently redesigned models is an accurate reflection of the marketplace in 2009. We also see that consumers are reacting well to new models and redesigns from domestic manufacturers like Chevy and Ford, which bodes well for their future sales numbers."

(Source: Kelly Blue Book)

Keeler Honda Holiday Event

This is the BEST week of the year to buy a car. We have incredible deals going on at all our stores. Here are just a few of the amazing offers at Keeler Honda or visit us at www.keelerhonda.com.

click here for more details

Happy Holiday's From Keeler Motor Car Company

Happy Holidays from everyone here at Keeler Motor Car Company. Wishing you all a very happy and healthy New Year!

Mercedes-Benz presents Leno with engine for his restomod

Needless to say, life is good for Jay Leno. Not only has the former late night talk show host moved on to greener pastures, Mercedes-Benz has provided him with a 6.2-liter V8 (M156) -- not, as previously reported, the SLS AMG's M159 engine -- to cram into his vintage 300SEL 6.3.As opposed to the SLS' M159, with its dry-sump lubrication system, bespoke internals and magnesium intake manifold, the M156 uses a traditional wet-sump setup -- the same engine fitted to the S63, SL63 and E63 AMG. Regardless, it's only down 45 horsepower from its gullwinged sibling, putting out 518 hp rather than the SLS' 563 hp. Not that it will make much difference when it's powering Leno's modernized lead sled.
(source: Autoblog)

MINI Countryman Could Come to WRC

Mini's history doesn't just include producing attractive, efficient city cars -- it's done some damage in the rally circuit. But while BMW's 2001 reincarnation of the storied British brand has been a success on the sales front, it hasn't taken the motorsports world by storm. As previously reported, that could change with Mini's upcoming five-door people hauler.

The Countryman will reportedly come in several variants, including a GTI version with similar power to the Cooper S or a BMW-sourced 2.0-liter diesel capable of 200 hp. Word on the street is that Prodrive is working on a WRC concept due to debut at the Geneva Motor Show in March.

We're looking forward to seeing the production Countryman in person, but there is some question as to when the micro crossover will finally be on the showroom floor. AutoCar says the Countryman will arrive in September, while Mini-focused site Motoring File says the crossover may be delayed until 2011. If the Rally-ready Countryman does in fact come to fruition, Mini could once again have a mighty mouse ready to take on its larger competition, and that could be fun to watch.

Source:[Autoblog]

Winter Tires

What type of technology do you use? Do you prefer an 8-track tape or an iPod? When it comes to winter tires, much of the public’s perception dates back to when 8-track was the best way to listen to the Bee Gees.

Twenty years ago, winter tires differed from highway tires only in their tread design. We called them snow tires back then and they had big, knobby lugs that were designed to give good traction in deep snow. They had the same rubber compound as regular tires and they weren’t very good on ice, packed snow or wet roads. They were not even very good on dry roads. They really helped in deep or loose snow, but they did a poor job the rest of the time. They were loud and rode hard. You couldn’t wait to get them off in the spring.

Then all-season tires started to come along. All-season tires are really a compromise between summer and winter performance. They have acceptable hot weather ride and tread life, and you can get through mild winter road conditions OK. But there are some really good reasons to consider winter tires.

Modern winter tires do a terrific job in a wide range of winter conditions. First of all, below 45 degrees Fahrenheit, regular tires become hard and inflexible. That means they don’t provide the road grip you need. Even if you don’t live somewhere with a lot of snow, but it still gets below 45 degrees in the winter, you will be safer with winter tires.
In addition, they are specifically designed to more effectively move snow and water. That’s the key to traction on ice, packed snow and wet roads. They use a micro-pore compound that allows the tire to bite into ice and snow. They also use wider grooves that run around the circumference of the tread to expel snow from the tire better. The lugs and grooves on winter tires have a special shape that throws the packed snow out of the tread as the tire turns. The tread is then open when it comes back in contact with the road and can provide good traction.
Winter tires also have a lot of sipes. Sipes are thin slits in the tread. The edge of the sipes grab ice and packed snow to provide tons of traction and to expel water and slush out of the tread. Winter tires have a rounder casing to cut into the snow’s surface. The treads on regular summer tires can actually get packed with snow instead and become very slick. Winter tires offer 25% to 50% more traction than all-season tires. And when it comes to stopping power, all-season tires take 42% longer to stop than winter tires. Sometimes that’s the difference between getting home safely and spending the night in a snow bank.

Now back when the 8-track was king, you just put snow tires on the drive wheels. That worked out OK because the rubber compound was essentially the same. Now, winter tires provide so much more traction than all-season or summer tires, that there’s a huge difference between the traction at the front and rear ends of the car if you only put winter tires on the drive wheels.
For example: if you take a corner on an icy road and the rear end starts to slide out, essentially the rear is trying to pass the front because it’s going faster. If you have high traction winter tires only on the front, they are going to be much more effective at transferring cornering grip and stopping power to the front wheels. This will actually cause the rear end to whip out even more.

That’s why tire manufactures instruct their dealers that they must install winter tires on the rear wheels as well whenever they put winter tires on the front end of any vehicle. It’s a major safety concern. It’s strongly recommended that winter tires be installed on all four wheels on rear wheel drive vehicles as well. The front tires do most of the steering and braking work – it only makes sense that you provide the front end with the best traction you can.

People often assume that if they have four-wheel drive or all-wheel drive they don’t need winter tires on all four wheels. Would you intentionally disconnect the four-wheel drive in poor road conditions? Of course you wouldn’t, but that’s essentially what you do if you only put winter tires on one end. It only makes sense to have the same level of traction and control at all four corners.

The province of Quebec in Canada has issued a law requiring all passenger vehicles, taxis and rental cars with Quebec license plates to install a full set of four winter tires between November 15th and April 1. It’s that important.

Many modern cars have traction control and anti-lock brakes so people may think that they don’t need winter tires. But you need traction to accelerate, steer and stop. The tires provide the traction so that the traction control and anti-lock brakes have something to work with.
Look for tires with the symbol of a mountain with a snowflake in it. This means the tire complies with the severe snow standard. All-season tires will have an M&S, for mud and snow, on the sidewall.

So when the temperatures drop below 45 degrees, be sure you have a set of four winter tires for maximum performance in snow, packed snow, ice, wet and dry roads. Your tire professional can help you find the right winter tire for your vehicle and driving needs.
(Source: AutoNet TV)

Insider Tips On Buying A Used Car

The main "ups" of buying a used car are the lower initial purchase price, as well as lower property taxes (where applicable) and insurance costs. The main "downs" of buying a used car are that it's a used car, not new -- so there's no new car warranty and you are more vulnerable to used car problems that could cost you money, as well as aggravation.
To reduce your risk of exposure when you buy a used car, there are a number of precautionary steps you can take when shopping for a used vehicle.

These Tips to Buy a Used Car Include:

Shop for newer used cars that still have at least a portion of their original manufacturer's warranty remaining:
Most late model used cars have at least three-year/36,000 mile basic warranty coverage (and often longer "powertrain" coverage on the engine and transmission). This means you'll get at least a year or so of peace of mind if you buy a used car that is less than three years old. (Important: Be sure to confirm the used car warranty is fully transferable.)

Check into Certified, Pre-Owned (CPO) vehicles:
These are late model used cars and trucks that typically have less than 50,000 miles and have been given multipoint inspections -- with any needed service or upkeep taken care of before the used car is put on the lot. CPO programs are backed by the automakers (Ford, GM, Volvo, etc.) and the vehicles often include a no-cost extended warranty on major parts such as the engine and transmission. CPO used cars are usually clean and well-maintained -- the "cream puffs" of the used car market.

Do a "background check" for indications that the particular used car make/model you are considering might be a problem car:
One with an unusual record of either recalls or consumer complaints. You can find information about recalls and safety-related defects at the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's Web site, and information about consumer satisfaction at JD Power & Associates. Consumer Reports is another good place to poke around. It's also a very good idea to do a simple Google or Yahoo! Web search; just type in the make and model of the vehicle and "lemon." You can bet if the car has a history of problems, there will be complaints all over the Internet.

Screen your candidate -- the specific used car you are looking at:
Even if the make/model has a great reputation for quality and reliability, that particular used car may not have been well-maintained -- even abused. Have a third-party mechanic (not one working for the dealer) look the used car over as a condition of sale. If the dealer refuses to permit this, you should consider yourself well warned -- and walk away.

Ask to see the used cars' service records:
If these are available, it's usually a good sign the car was well cared-for, and perhaps more importantly, proof (if the records are complete) that there weren't any unusual repairs or problems. If the used car records are not available, you should be suspicious. It doesn't necessarily mean the used car is a bad car, but you have to wonder why the seller would not have kept such a strong selling point as evidence of proper upkeep and maintenance. In such a case, it is doubly important to have a mechanic you trust give the used car a thorough once-over before you commit to buy.

Be sure it will pass both state safety and emissions tests (where applicable):
In most states, this is a legal requirement, but don't assume it is. It can cost hundred of dollars (or more) to repair a used car that fails either state safety or vehicle emissions testing -- and in many cases, you can't legally register or drive that used car until it does pass.

Lastly, jot down the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN):
located on a stamped plate on the top of the used cars dashboard and run a CARFAX Vehicle History Report to check for information that could impact your decision about a used vehicle. Some types of information that a CARFAX Report may include are title problems, accidents, ownership and service history. A CARFAX Report costs less than $30, and is well worth the expense.
(Source: AOL Autos)

Unintended Consequence of Technology: New LED traffic lights can't melt snow

Traffic lights using state-of-the-art LED illumination use 90 percent less electricity, offer a much longer service life and are more durable than their incandescent counterparts. Taking advantage of the countless benefits, cities around the country have been replacing traditional filament-based traffic signal bulbs with LEDs for years. Unfortunately, the low-watt LED units burn much cooler than its white-hot counterpart making it unable to melt snow off weather exposed traffic fixtures.

"I've never had to put up with this in the past," said Duane Kassens, a driver from Indiana who was involved in an accident attributed to a snow-clogged traffic light. "The police officer told me the new lights weren't melting the snow. How is that safe?" It obviously isn't.

Municipalities around the country are taking different steps to keep their signals shining brightly in the face of Mother Nature. Crews in St. Paul, Minnesota, use compressed air to keep their lights clean. In Green Bay, Wisconsin, city workers brush the snow off by hand in a labor-intensive process. Until a fix arrives, it is best to take the advice of Dave Hansen, a traffic engineer with the Green Bay Department of Public Works. Treat a blocked signal as if the power is out. "If there's any question, you err on the side of caution," says Hansen

(Source: AOL Autos) (Image: Owsego Police)

Detroit Preview: BMW Concept ActiveE set to amp up 1 Series

Six months into its Mini E field test program, BMW is getting ready for phase two of its electric vehicle development. At the Detroit Auto Show next month, the Bavarian automaker will introduce its Concept ActiveE which brings electric drive to the Roundel. This time, instead of the diminutive Mini, these new teaser images suggest that a 1 Series coupe is set to go the plug-in route.

With the Mini E, BMW rushed to get the cars out into the field, recruiting AC Propulsion to produce the powertrains and battery packs comprised of laptop cells – a setup not unlike the Tesla Roadster. This time around, the car is much closer to what might be expected of a mass-produced electric car. BMW plans to build another fleet of EVs based on this concept, and once again, it will again put cars into the hands of ordinary drivers and fleets for more field testing. Read on here for more details and the official press release.

Source: BMW

Overview of the Honda Display at the 2009 LA Auto Show

Overview of the Honda Display at the 2009 LA Auto Show

http://www.hondanews.com/categories/804/photos/24072

MINI Brand Vehicles Win Accolades for High Resale Value

MINI Brand Vehicles Win Accolades for High Resale Value
Recognition from both Kelly Blue Book and ALG

MINI vehicles have long been known for maintaining their overall value, and the company is proud to accept multiple awards for resale and residual value during the LA Auto Show from both Kelley Blue Book’s kbb.com and Automotive Lease Guide (ALG).

MINI brand vehicles won a total of three Best Resale Value Awards from Kelley Blue Book’s kbb.com. The 2010 MINI Cooper Clubman was named Best Resale Value in its class for the compact car segment; while the 2010 MINI Cooper Clubman and 2010 MINI Cooper Hardtop are both named among the Top 10 cars with Best Resale Value according to Kelley Blue Book’s kbb.com.

These latest honors from Kelley Blue Book's kbb.com mark the seventh year in a row that a MINI Cooper vehicle has won in either the compact car, hatchback or convertible categories, and also the seventh time it has earned a spot in the overall list of Top 10 models.

MINI Cooper has also received the 2010 Residual Value Award for BEST SPORTY CAR from ALG. ALG’s 11th annual Residual Value Awards, for the 2010 model year, honored the vehicles in each industry segment that ALG predicts will retain the highest percentage of their original price after a three-year period.

“The resale value awards that MINI received this week further reinforce that a MINI brand vehicle purchase is a wise investment,” said Jim McDowell, Vice President of MINI USA. “It also demonstrates that the MINI speaks to the practical argument for buying one of the brand’s vehicles, as well as the emotional appeal of a MINI and the promise of a fun motoring experience.”

LA 2009: Mini owns its inner Bulldog

Mini may be many things, but stuffy they're not. When your business consists of selling tiny hatchbacks with sports car handling at a near luxury price, you really can't take yourself too seriously all the time. Mini ad campaigns have capitalized on that cheeky spirit to great effect. While at the LA Auto Show this week, we were treated to a preview of some of the newest commercials that will be getting airtime soon. Rest assured, the attitude is still there in abundance.

A good example of that spirited personality is the car you see here. Playing on the old Mini's Bulldog alter ego, the automaker has chosen to put this new Cooper S Clubman on a leash...with a spiked collar. Seriously. And they even went step further with some funny warnings painted into the danger hash marks on the floor around it. We can't think of many other car companies that could pull this off, but on a Mini, that collar actually looks amusingly good
source: autoblog.com

Lease the Mercedes-Benz 2010 GLK350 4-MATIC for $399/mo!

Here's hoping that you'll find something special in your driveway this Holiday Season!

Find exceptional lease offers from the Mercedes-Benz Center at Keeler Motor Car on some of their most popular models including lease prices starting at $399 on the GLK350 4-MATIC Sport Utility Vehicle.....perfect for Winter driving!

The Holiday Event is going on now at The Mercedes-Benz Center at Keeler Motor Car

Route 7, Latham, NY

http://www.keelermercedesbenz.com/

Will the Recession Change BMW for the Better? Perhaps.

Article by Car and Driver

BMW recently held a “One-Day University” program at its home base in New Jersey, intended, according to our hosts, “to begin a discussion” about the role of high-end automakers in the future of personal transportation. The six-session curriculum covered a range of hairy topics, not the least of which was the evident movement of well-heeled Americans away from conspicuous consumption to more restrained, reward-based purchasing habits.

The hour I found most interesting was entitled “What Consumers are Learning from the Recession and Consequences for Premium Products” (which I’m sure could be combined into one word in German), presented by Madelyn Hochstein, owner and president of the research firm DYG, Inc. Citing numerous social and consumer trend studies, Hochstein suggested that people are starting to take ownership of their circumstances (however bleak those may be), that they’re starting to cut back on superfluous financial expenditures, and that more and more rich people see themselves as—get this—“humble.” Also in the research was an alleged shift in the standard of success from “excess” to “ethics.” In other words, according to Hochstein, there is a “responsibility revolution” trending away from seeking “a life of riches” to “a richer life.”

So how might this responsibility revolution change the Ultimate Driving Machine? It’s tough to say definitively, since BMW people were not giving the seminar (they were actually among us in the audience). All I can infer is that we’ll see a whole lot more of this Efficient Dynamics stuff from the BMW brand, that Mini will keep kicking ass, and that the new $250K Rolls-Royce Ghost will far outsell the big, “phat” Phantom.

Source:[CarandDriver]

Honda Odyssey Review by Edmunds.com

Review by Edmunds.com

For most of its lifespan, the Honda Odyssey has been a favored pick for many savvy minivan consumers. Although the vehicle had a rather humble debut, it quickly hit its stride once Honda came out with the second-generation model, which featured a spacious cabin and an innovative fold-into-the-floor third-row seat. Now in its third generation, the Odyssey is one of the top minivans currently available.

Invariably, whenever we've had a minivan comparison test, the Honda Odyssey has made a strong showing, usually earning top honors. ... the Honda's combination of [performance and family-friendly] features, along with a roomy, comfortable cabin, sporty driving dynamics and a long-standing impressive record of reliability, have made the Odyssey a favorite among our road-test staffers with kiddies.

The Honda Odyssey is a seven-passenger minivan available in LX, EX, EX-L and Touring trim levels. The well-equipped LX features full power accessories, cruise control, side curtain airbags, stability control and a CD player. The EX adds alloy wheels, eight-passenger seating, power-sliding doors, power driver seat, a six-disc CD changer, in-floor storage with a "lazy Susan" and second-row sunshades.

There's also the EX-L version that provides leather seating, heated seats, a power tailgate and a sunroof. The Touring adds triple-zone climate control, driver memory seat, AC power outlet, power-adjustable pedals, foglights, parking sensors, a second-row removable center console, run-flat tires and a tire-pressure monitoring system. A rear entertainment system and navigation system are optional on the EX-L and Touring.

For power, the Honda Odyssey relies on a 255-horsepower 3.5-liter V6 mated to a five-speed automatic transmission. The EX-L and Touring trim levels feature Variable Cylinder Management, or VCM, which improves the Odyssey's fuel efficiency by "shutting off" three of the engine's six cylinders during cruising and deceleration. When power is needed for acceleration, the engine seamlessly switches back to all six cylinders.

On the road, the Odyssey impresses thanks to its powerful engine and stable handling. Cornering is flat, the steering is direct and acceleration and braking are linear and sure. All of these qualities have made this Honda van a favorite of Edmunds editors, and it won the Edmunds.com Editors' Most Wanted minivan award more times than any other minivan on the market.

source: Edmunds.com

Toys for Tots 2009

The United States Marine Corps has officially begun its annual Toys for Tots campaign for the 2009 holiday season. This campaign has reached out and assisted needy and deserving children all around the capital region for over 42 years. Without this wonderful program, children in our communities would not have the opportunity to celebrate the holidays the way they deserve to. Last year’s campaign reached out to over 106,000 deserving children, making their holiday’s memorable ones. This year, the Marine Corps goal is to increase that number to over 120,000. With the trying times and the recession looming over this holiday season, we are in an even bigger need of support from our capital region community.

Join the United States Marine Corps and Keeler Motor Car Company in bringing happiness and hope to area children this holiday season. Your gift will help disadvantaged children in the Capital Region have a memorable holiday experience this year.

Drop off your unwrapped new toy to any of our stores; smart Center Latham, Keeler Quality Pre-Owned Center, The Mercedes-Benz Center, Keeler BMW, Keeler Land Rover, Keeler Jaguar, Keeler MINI and Keeler Honda; now through December 11, 2009.

Keeler Motor Car All-Wheel Drive Event

No Payments Until 2010 when you purchase any in-stock All-Wheel Drive vehicle at Keeler Motor Car Company.*

Keeler Motor Car Company has one of the most diverse and unique inventory selections of All-Wheel Drive vehicles.

Whether you crave Utility, Performance, Efficiency or Safety, Keeler has the right vehicle for you.

From now until November 30, 2009, buy any new or pre-owned, in-stock All-Wheel Drive vehicle from Keeler and we'll make the first finance payment up to $500. Please hurry in, this offer is limited to the first 100 purchases.

Make your very best deal, including all manufacturer's incentives and programs and Keeler will make your first month finance payment,* so that you won't have any payments until 2010.

Keeler Motor Car Company All-Wheel Drive Special Event
*No payments until 2010
*Keeler will make your first month payment
*Utility
*Performance
*Efficiency
*Safety
*Selection

*Must be credit approved through one of our primary lenders. Must take delivery by November 30, 2009. Previous orders excluded. Offer applies only to retail finance contracts (Leases excluded).

New York State hiding tax increase behind throwback license plates?

The great state of New York has just unveiled a new license plate design. They're calling it "Empire Gold," unlike the current drab white and blue plates that New Yorkers have been affixin' to their rides since 2001. However, 57,000 people have already filed a petition at a website called nonewplates.com. Already? While the new NY plates aren't the best looking we've ever seen (black on yellow California plates from the 1950s FTW), they aren't that bad. What gives?

You, the taxpayer, that's what. New Yorkers are required to get the new plates. And they cost $25. Want to keep your same license plate number so you don't have to call and fuss with your insurance company? Or let's say you want to hang onto an existing vanity plate? That's going to cost you an extra $20. So if you have three vehicles and are happy with your numbers, these new plates will set you back $135. Out here in the Golden State, we've tossed people from office (hello Gray Davis!) for similar antics. Just sayin'. All in all, the new plate is expected to rake in $129 million for the state of NY and they drop in April, just in time for tax season.

Source: Autoblog.com

The Annual Customer Appreciation Event at Keeler Mercedes-Benz

It goes without saying how important our customers are to the livelihood of our business. Cars don't drive themselves! Since I've been employed at Keeler Motor Car - 8 years in January - we have held an annual customer appreciation party at our Mercedes-Benz store. We have had many themes such as, "Hollywood", "Men In Black" and my personal favorite, Vegas! This year our theme was "Cruise." And it was a cruise ship unlike any other!

Our fabulous showroom was transformed by Fine Affairs Decorating into a cruise ship with all the amenities one would fine on a luxury oceanliner. We had the Mercedes-Benz Lounge featuring The Michael Panza Band, a casino, a buffet,catered by Panza's Restaurant, fit for a king and of course the cars!! This year we highlighted the all new 4-Matic E Class. Click here if you are interested in finding out more about this magnificent car!

Below are pictures from our event. Enjoy! And thank you to all our customers for making this a night to remember!

Fun in our "ship's" casino

Eating at our port of call in the Riviera

Crowd gathered around the 4-Matic E Class. We had over 500 attendees!

Rumormill: Mercedes considering more affordable "baby" SLS AMG gullwing?

The folks over at Mercedes appear to be pretty excited about their newest supercar. For starters, the SLS AMG gullwing is the first ever home-grown AMG supercar, and it replaces the ho-hum McLaren SLR. And of course, the nearly $200,000 German hot rod comes equipped with retro-tastic gullwing doors and a 6.2-liter V8 capable of 563 horsepower and 0-60 mph times of 3.8 seconds – both of which we certainly like. But will the SLS AMG be the one-and-only purpose-built vehicle to come from Mercedes' performance group? We kinda doubt it, and so do the scribes over at PistonHeads.

While attending the SLS drive event in Monterey, California, the PistonHeads crew spoke off-the-cuff with company execs who said that an additional AMG model could be in the works. We already know that a convertible version of the SLS is in the works, and a Black Series and dedicated racing version have also been mooted. However, the rumored second AMG Pistonheads is speaking about could be a Porsche 911 hunter based off of the same platform of the SLS AMG, with a front engine layout and smaller overall proportions. Further speculation is that the smaller, presumably less expensive SLS sibling would also carry a V8 engine between 5.8 and 6.2 liters with direct injection and cylinder shutoff tech.

If a smaller, lighter AMG model sounds good to you and you can afford the presumably high price tag, we hope you have some patience. The same executive who spilled bean on the possible smaller AMG also stated that such a car isn't likely to see the light of day for another five years.

Source: Autoblog.com

Keeler Motor Car AWD Event

The Keeler Motor Car Company All-Wheel Drive Event is back again for 2009. No payments until 2010 on all in-stock All-Wheel Drive vehicles - up to $500. Call us at 518-785-4197 and ask to speak to sales consultant for more details.*

* Purchases only - exludes all leases. Must be credit qualified

South Korean Woman Finally Passes Driver's Test After 950 Tries

Yep, you read that right. According to Sky News, Cha Sa-Soon of South Korea has been taking and failing driver's tests daily since 2005.
It has cost her nearly $4,000 over the years, but she never gave up, finally passing with a reassuring 60%.
Oh, and this was just the written part. She still has to take the actual driving test before getting a license.

2011 BMW 5 Series: Most Esoteric Teaser Ever?

BMW released this "teaser shot" of the 2011 BMW 5 Series, which is getting a full redesign. To create this, uh, true to life silhouette, BMW designers made use of the kinetic sculpture exhibit at the BMW Museum in Munich. You can watch a short video of the "construction" phase after the jump.
Needless to say, earlier spy shots of the next-gen 5 Series give you a much better idea of how it will look -- pretty much like a scaled down BMW 7 Series. And the next M5 was spotted even before that.
BMW will officially unveil the 2011 5 Series on November 23 at 8 p.m. Central European time -- in other words, 2 p.m. if you're on the east coast, 11 a.m. if you're in California.

2010 Jagura XJL Supercharged Neiman Marcus Edition

What with the advent of the world wide web, few of us do our Christmas shopping in catalogs anymore. That probably won't stop Neiman Marcus from selling out of all 50 examples of the limited edition 2010 Jaguar XJL Supercharged Neiman Marcus Edition that will appear in its Christmas Book this season. Neiman Marcus offers a limited edition vehicle in its Christmas Book every year, and this will be third time a Jaguar has been offered. This special version of the new XJ will feature an exclusive Celestial Black paint job with 20-inch double-10 spoke wheels. Other than a special nameplate inscribed with "Neiman Marcus 1 of 50", the yuletide Jag will be just like any other XJ with a supercharged version of the brand's new 5.0-liter V8 producing 470 horsepower. The XJ itself, meanwhile, goes on sale the normal way in the U.S. in early 2010. If you've got a hankering for one of the first, call 1-866-524-6963 on Friday, October 16 at noon EST to place your order. Gift wrapping not included.

Honda Crosstour: First Interior Photos Revealed

You've probably already gotten a good look at the Accord Crosstour's sleek exterior. Now it's time for a look inside its versatile interior. These official photos include the very first glimpse of the Crosstour's easy fold-down rear seatback, large rear cargo area and hidden, removable utility box.



Honda has a longstanding reputation for building vehicles that maximize interior space. With the Crosstour, bold, sporty styling goes hand in hand with roominess and practicality. In addition, the Crosstour will come with standard V-6 power, and the added capability of available 4-wheel drive. Please visit the Honda Web site for more information as it becomes available.

Monterey 2009: 2010 Jaguar XJ has North American debut at Pebble

The XJ was, for the longest time, the model most commonly associated with the Jaguar brand. Like Porsche's iconic 911, the XJ's basic shape had soldiered on for decades with significant platform changes hidden behind an all-too-familiar face. When Jaguar switched things up by introducing the forward-looking midsize XF a couple of years ago, people started to take notice that it wasn't going to be business-as-usual anymore in Coventry – or Mumbai for that matter. Heritage and tradition were one thing, but Jaguar needed something radical to reclaim its place at the top of the luxury sedan class. Enter the 2010 XJ, an all-new vehicle with an all-new look that should help Jaguar capture some all-new customers.

Borrowing heavily from the XF playbook, the new ultra sedan offers tastefully modern styling with a dash of traditional elegance and a healthy dose of British class. Sure, the tail lamps might look like they were borrowed from a Citroen, but in person this car has genuine presence. It is a large vehicle compared to the previous XJ, but not as big as, say, an S-Class Benz. The proportions remind us of the BMW 7 Series and the new Porsche Panamera.

As we've told you from our first encounter with the car a month ago, the new 2010 Jaguar XJ will be available in regular or extended wheelbase form, with one of three variations of the company's direct-injected 5.0 liter V8 underhood. The base models get a 385-horsepower normally-aspirated version; the XJ Supercharged gets boosted to 470 hp; and the top-of-the-line Supersport gets the XFR's 510-hp mill. Prices will range from a base of $72,500 to $115,000, making this one dear kitty. No matter the price, it's one striking sedan, and we can't wait to get some seat time soon.

Officially Official: Happy 50th - it's the MINI Coupé Concept!

Rumors have been swirling for months about what BMW would do on August 26, 2009 for its Mini brand. After all, that is the fiftieth anniversary of the public debut of Alec Issigonis' original Mini. With most of the speculation revolving around either a coupe or some kind of cropped windshield speedster, it turns out the reality was somewhere in between. Unlike the original coupe of the Sixties that simply had a fastback replacement for the standard square-back roof, the new MINI Coupé Concept completely replaces everything from the beltline up. The upright windshield that has been part of the Mini look from day one is finally swept back and a truncated roof covers the remaining two seats.

All pretenses of being a four seater has finally been dispensed with for the new coupe. The shape of the roof indicates that should Mini move ahead with production, and it could easily be replaced by a folding fabric unit to create the anticipated speedster model. What's more, dumping the rear seats means Mini could theoretically add a hefty brace back there restoring some of the structural integrity lost in the standard convertible, or perhaps restore some cargo room as compared to the Cabrio. At this point, it's unknown if those B-pillars are are tinted glass or just big solid blind spots (after this post was published, MINI released additional photos of the interior that showed slim pillars and tinted glass, photos have been added to the gallery), but visually, the lower half of the car remains pretty standard R56 John Cooper Works.

Although we don't have images of the interior yet, it sounds like it's largely standard Mini, although there are two clocks hanging off the sides of the steering column mounted tachometer much like the so-called Openometer in the convertible. One tells time while the other is a stopwatch for recording laps. The MINI Coupé Concept will be shown publicly at the Frankfurt Motor Show next month alongside the production version of the new Crossover.
Source: Autoblog

Honda teases new Crosstour on Facebook

The Honda Accord Crosstour has been essentially seen in several spy shots, but its front end remains something of a mystery. Honda has dispelled a bit of that with the release of two frontal pics, and it looks like the front could match the back for curves versus its Accord sedan stablemate. The grille takes an Accord shape, albeit with a different application pattern for the chrome trim. Although having a slightly different layout, the headlights look to have the sleekness of the Accord Coupe's lamps matched to a more stylized version of the Accord sedan's fog lamps. If you want more of the piecemeal reveal routine, you could always join Honda's Facebook page... or you could just wait for the full reveal, happening in a couple of days. The Accord Crosstour goes on sale later this year as a 2010 model.

2012 BMW 3-series Adds a Turbo Four and Hatchback to the Range - Car News

BMW is planning to dramatically expand the number of offerings within its various model ranges, especially the strong-selling 3-series that is the backbone of the brand. All eyes are on the next 3, due for 2012.

Aside from the usual body styles—sedan, station wagon, coupe, and retractable-roof convertible—BMW will also build a five-door hatchback version featuring an aggressive design that will combine station-wagon practicality with coupelike style. In other words, the 3-series range will get its own version of the 5-series GT concept, BMW’s attempt to cross-pollinate an SUV and a station wagon. Like the 5-series GT, the 3-series GT will offer two adjustable seats with a center console in the rear and straddle the fine line between BMW SUV and BMW wagon in regard to overall height.

Optional equipment such as a lane-departure warning system, night vision, a system to prevent the driver from nodding off, and radar-based adaptive cruise control with collision-mitigating automatic braking will bring tech features of the 5- and 7-series into the realm of the 3.
Like the current 3-series, powertrain and suspension tuning will remain sporty. But for those who want greater control, BMW will offer a three-stage driving-dynamics button similar to that of Audi’s drive select. It will sharpen or soften damping as well as steering, gearbox, and throttle responses.

A new line of aluminum four-cylinder gas engines will get the latest technology, including variable intake- and exhaust-valve timing, sequential turbochargers, and direct fuel injection. Power output for the four-cylinder line will range from 135 to 220 horsepower—in the U.S., we’ll likely only get the 220-hp version. Purists need not fret; at least one gas inline six-cylinder engine is expected to survive the downsizing to four-cylinder power. But the 300-hp, twin-turbo six-cylinder in the 335i may be replaced by a 2.0-liter, sequential-turbo four-cylinder gas engine making nearly as much horsepower.

BMW will also offer a hybrid version of the 3-series. Like the system in the upcoming X5 hybrid, developed in a joint venture with GM, Chrysler, and Daimler, this one will augment the transmission with two electric motors. Expect a fuel savings of about 20 percent.

Source: Car & Driver

Keeler MINI at the Drive-In

MINI AT THE DRIVE-IN

On Saturday, July 25th over 100 Keeler MINI enthusiasts and their families rallied to the Malta Drive-In.

Our group left Keeler MINI at 5:30 and rallied together – taking the back roads – to Malta. Once we arrived, each MINI received free admission to see the new Disney movie, G-Force, catered lunch, $10 MINI Munching Money to use at the concession stand and cake to celebrate MINI's 50th Birthday. Click here to see pictures from the event.

A fantastic time was had by all. Here are some comments made by our customers that attended the event:

Thank you so much for the "mini" experience.....it was fun....the lite supper was also very good...we appreciate keeler's efforts to bring together its clients for a fun experience....more businesses ...should follow your example....again thank you.

Thank you so much for a wonderful and fun Saturday night. We had a terrific time! Can’t wait to the next one...

It was a fantastic event, great job. Everyone loved it! I know that at least 1 non-mini owner spoke to me about how she will buy a Mini this month! Again, Thank you.
Thanks so much for putting this event together! We had a great time and loved being able to see so many Minis at one time and be able to visit with their owners! The picnic supper and "munching money" was great and very much appreciated. We are brand new Mini owners, and look forward to joining you for future events.

I just wanted to pass along my thanks to you and everyone else who made the "MINI Drive-In Event" a success! I was impressed on how well organized it was, making for a fun and pleasant evening. At one point on the way to the Malta Drive-In, while stopped at a traffic light on a slight curve, all I could see in my rearview mirror was an endless line of MINIs. Very cool!

Thanks for the great time tonight at the Mini rally! We really enjoyed ourselves and it was really cool to see all those Mini's together! Thanks again!

Thank you very much for providing such an enjoyable evening at the MINI Drive In. We had a great time on the motor up to Malta. The route very enjoyable a great drive. The sandwiches and fixin' were great. The birthday cake for MINI 50 was a nice touch. My family and I appreciate all that work that you and Keeler put into organizing such a fantastic event. Thank you for including us!

Mercedes-Benz Club of America Winery Tour

Join fellow Mercedes-Benz Club of America on a great day of touring the Hudson Valley and visiting two wineries and a castle. DATE OF THIS EVENT IS AUGUST 22, 2009 STARTING IN RED HOOK, NY. The first winery specializes in white wines while the second winery is mostly reds. The castle built entirely of recycled material, we will tour the home with the husband and wife builders.

The cost of this event will vary depending on what tours you choose. All member cars will pay to the section a $20.00 fee which will give you two boxed picnic lunches which we will eat under a tent on the beautiful winery grounds. Additional lunches are $10.00 each.

YOU MUST HAVE YOUR REGISTRATION TO ME NO LATER THAN AUGUST 15, 2009, NO EXCEPTIONS AS WE MUST COMMIT FOOD AND TO THE TOUR GUIDES. COMPLETE DETAILS WITH REGISTRATION FORMS AND DIRECTIONS CAN BE FOUND AT http://www.blogger.com/WWW.MBCA-HUDMO.ORG.

Cash for Clunkers

There is a lot of chatter on twitter today about how much money is left under the $4500 to $3500 rebate program commonly known as Cash for Clunkers or CARS. According to our friends who are watching this program closely there is approximately $858 Million left, but over 65% of the sales have still not been reported.

That means roughly 30% of the $1 Billion budget is still available if estimates are correct.
That means $700 Million dollars inflated-worth of clunkers are now off the streets within 5 days! Obama and the NHTSA must be estatic!

That is a very significant boost in new car sales of more fuel-efficient vehicles.
So far, at Keeler Motor Car Company, we have seen the money going to very economically-minded people who would usually drive a car into the ground. Contrary to some perceptions we have read out there, this program is benefiting folks who can afford new vehicles. We cannot deny that the other side of argument will be able to find some examples that show differently, but that has not been our experience in the Albany, NY area.

Despite some of the processing short-commings, we are still ecstatic about the program and urge anyone who qualifies for the program to call us at 757 687-3431 immediately. 30% will dwindle fast!!!

Honda Accord Crosstour officially confirmed for Fall 2009 as 2010 model

Honda has finally officially confirmed what we've known for some time now – the Japanese automaker will gain a new genre-crossing model called Accord Crosstour, with sales earmarked to begin this fall as a 2010 model.Presumably, by calling it an "Accord Crosstour," Honda will also be able to neatly fold in the rakish new crossover/wagon/hatchback model's sales figures into that of the Accord upon which it is based – all the better to take on Toyota's Camry at the top of the sales charts. Check out Honda's official press release below:

PRESS RELEASE:All-new Honda Accord Crosstour to Arrive in Fall 2009-Torrance, CA

An all-new crossover vehicle based on the award-winning Honda Accord will go on-sale in the fall of 2009 as the "Accord Crosstour," American Honda Motor Co., Inc., announced today. This new addition to the Honda lineup will be sold as a 2010 model. Additional information will be announced later in the year.For more information about all Honda vehicles, please visit http://www.hondanews.com/. Consumer information is available at www.honda.com.

BMW celebrates 1.5 million "new" Minis made

2009 has been a big year for BMW's Mini brand. Mini launched a new convertible, turned 50 years old, and has now produced 1.5 million new generation models since production began in 2001. Interestingly, the 'new' Mini has outpaced the demand of the original car, which sold over 5.3 million copies from 1959-2000.

Mini's success has been a boon to BMW, as customers have been willing to pony up over $30,000 for fully optioned-out model. The re-launch of the brand has been so successful that BMW has introduced the cute little car in 80 countries. The Oxford, England plant that produces the Mini employs over 7,000 workers and represents 1% of the island's total GDP. Hit the jump to pour over the shorter than usual BMW press release.

Source: Autoblog.com

Mercedes-Benz 2010 E-Class Commercial

The New Jaguar XKR and XFR

Honda celebrates 50 years in the U.S. [w/VIDEO]

It's official: Honda America is 50 years old. The company actually began its golden jubilee celebration earlier this year with a special float in the Tournament of Roses parade in Pasadena. That was followed by a little ceremony at the company's headquarters in Torrance, California this month – almost a painfully modest way to commemorate going from nothing to market heavyweight in at least five different areas (cars, motorcycles, recreational vehicles, power equipment, and racing). And all of it was done on the back of a 50 cc step-through motorcycle. Perhaps Honda wants its milestones to sing their own tunes, so you can check them out in the gallery of high-res photos below, or read about them and check out a video that spans the ages after the jump.

Mini dealership network to expand by 20% to meet demand

The next 18 months will be huge for BMW's MINI brand. Execs are looking for big sales increases by 2011, and the fuel efficient little car company is adding 17 dealerships to its retail network in that time frame to help get the job done. The additional dealerships will predominantly go to urban areas that don't currently have a MINI presence, bringing the total figure to 100 dealerships in the States. MINI is looking for a "double digit increase" from 2008's record 54,077 U.S. sales by 2011; a number that is impressive considering the current state of industry sales, but more likely due to the addition of a new model line (Clubman) as much as anything else. With more dealers in the fold, the lofty sales goals ought to be attainable, though, provided the nation's economy improves.The first new dealer network, which comes online later this year, will be in Birmingham, Alabama. The next 18 months will see still more openings in urban hotspots like Austin, Texas and Seattle, Washington. For a complete list of new locations, hit the jump to read the press release.

Jaguar, the Most Dependable Car. Really.

The New York Times
MARCH 19, 2009, 7:01 AM

Jaguar, the Most Dependable Car. Really.
By CHERYL JENSEN

Bill Pugliano/Getty Images
Just when it seemed the automotive world was in such upheaval that nothing more
shocking could happen, Jaguar and Buick have tied for the top spot in the 2009 J.D.
Power Vehicle Dependability Study.

Jaguar, once reliable only for being the butt of cocktail party jokes about poor quality,
and Buick have toppled Lexus from first place, which the Japanese brand had held for the
last 13 years. (In 2007, Buick shared the top spot with Lexus.)

The 2006 Buick LaCrosse was the highest-ranked vehicle in the midsize car segment, according to the latest J.D. Power study on dependability. J.D. Power’s dependability rankings are determined by the number of problems per 100 vehicles that consumers experience: The lower the number, the better. This year’s study is based on responses from more than 46,000 original owners of three-year-old (2006 model year) vehicles.

While vehicle dependability has always been important to consumers, this year it’s even
more so as consumers hold onto their vehicles longer. The average age of a vehicle when
it’s traded in has increased to 73 months in 2009, up from 65 months in 2006, according
to J.D. Power.

Darren Staples/Reuters Jaguars parked outside a plant in Birmingham, England.
Buick and Jaguar were tied for first place with 122 problems per 100 vehicles; Lexus was
second with 126 problems. Toyota at 129 and Mercury, 134, rounded out the top five. The
bottom five were, in descending order, Mazda, Isuzu, Land Rover, Volkswagen and
Suzuki.

It isn’t that something significantly bad has happened to Lexus quality, said Neal Oddes,
director of product research and analysis for J.D. Power and Associates, the marketing
information services company.

“Their performance is exceptional,” Mr. Oddes said. “It’s just that other nameplates are
coming up and starting to challenge the quality leader, which is great for consumers.”
In addition to ranking the 37 brands, J.D. Power gives awards in 19 segments by naming
the top three models in each segment.

“Lexus performance at the nameplate ranking may have slipped slightly, but at the model
level they are still doing exceptionally well,” Mr. Oddes said.

Toyota vehicles ranking the highest in five segments, which was more than any other
brand, were the Highlander, Prius, Sequoia, Solara and Tundra. Lexus, Toyota’s luxury
brand, came next with four segment winners, which were the ES 330 (tied with the Acura
RL), GX 470, LS 430 and SC 430.

The highest ranked vehicles in other segments were the Scion xA, Mazda MX-5 Miata,
Buick LaCrosse, Mercury Grand Marquis, Nissan 350Z, Lincoln Zephyr, Honda Element,
Ford Ranger, Dodge Caravan and Lincoln Mark LT.

The study also found that Buick, Lincoln, Mercury and Jaguar owners were less likely to
have to replace large components than owners of other brands.

All of the top three vehicles in the segments and complete brand rankings are available at
JDPower.com.

Source: (The New York Times)

VIDEO: Ian Callum talks about the 2010 Jaguar XJ

The top-of-the-line leaping cat was blessed with an aluminum chassis that was well ahead of its time, but the Jaguar XJ's historically derivative design left luxury customers less than impressed – if indeed they recognized it as a new model. Chief Jaguar designer Ian Callum, who hit the ball right out of the park when he designed the award winning XF, now has an opportunity to make things right with the flagship XJ. We've already seen spy photos of the XJ's interior and exterior, and everything so far points to the Jag's flagship model taking plenty of cues from the smaller, less expensive XF; not that that's a bad thing.The 2010 Jaguar XJ is one of the most eagerly anticipated unveilings this year, but since it won't go public until July 9, you'll have to wait until we can gather some more information. We only caught two very brief, very muddled shots of the next generation of Jaguar's "Gorgeous" design philosophy, but it's still worth a look.

It's a Small World After All: Official pictures from MINI United

To celebrate 50 years of all things small and wonderful, MINI held a little party at one of England's most iconic racetracks, Silverstone. The event was equal parts racing, music festival and fashion show, highlighted by a concert by "modfather" Paul Weller, he of The Jam and The Style Council fame.

This was the third edition of the event, dubbed MINI United, and for MINI's 50th birthday it attracted a crowd that was anything but mini. Some 25,000 enthusiasts made it to the party, driving more than 10,000 Minis and representing 40+ countries. Folks from as far away as Russia, the United States and South Africa descended on Silverstone with their customized Coopers.

It was also a golden opportunity to show off the company's newest specials, the Mayfair and the Camden, as well as the George Harrison tribute MINI. Common folk and celebrities alike partook, including iconic British designer Mary Quant, inventor of the miniskirt. Quant even admitted that the name of the short skirt owed more to her love of her own little car than to the garment's length.

Among the thousands of cars on hand, a bunch of customized MINIs were displayed, with artwork by designer Paul Smith, David Bowie, Kate Moss, Missoni and illustrator Alan Aldridge among others. There's a gallery of pics from the event below, and a full press release Here.

BMW celebrates 75 years of building roadsters

We generally think of BMW as the maker of some of the world's best sports sedans, but its put out some impressive roadsters over the years. Seventy-five years to be exact. The Bavarian auto manufacturer has been producing two-door open-seaters for three quarters of a century now, starting with 315/1 Sports model that was unveiled at the 1934 Berlin Motor Show followed by the more powerful 319/1. Two legendary roadsters came next, starting with the 328 Roadster in 1936 that was bred on the Nurburgring, and the classically-styled 507 in the late 1950's that inspired the next half century of BMW two-door ragtops.

It was nearly 30 years before BMW produced another roadster, and it came in the form of the Z1 that launched in 1988. The quirky roadster featured plastic body panels that bolted onto the steel monocoque body and doors that could retract into the side of the car. In 1995 BMW brought the roadster to the masses with the Z3, followed by the modern day Z4 that's just begun its second generation. Then, of course, there is the elegant Z8. Perhaps our favorite of all BMW's roadsters, it offered everything we would ever want from a sporty two-door convertible: a 400 horsepower V8, six-speed manual transmission, and a design that will never go out of style.
BMW has provided a wonderful gallery of photos highlighting each car, all available in high resolution. More details on each roadster can also be found in the press release here.

Come Celebrate Summer at the Keeler Block Party

New Mercedes-Benz 2010 E-Class Commercial

2008 smart fortwo Passion Coupe for Sale

Color: Blue Metallic with Black Tridion
Price: $13,999
Odometer: 8,360 miles
Style: 2-Door Coupe
Year: 2008
Transmission: semi-automatic

Specs:
9-spokes alloy wheels (15")
power windows
softtouch: automatic gear program, switchable to softtip
electrically adjustable and heated door mirrors
smart premium sound system package
lockable glove box
fog lamps
air conditioning, including dust and pollen filter
panorama roof
electric power steering
seat heating

click here for more details or contact Jon Monroe at 518-785-4197 ext. 501 or jmonroe@keeler.com.

The Future of BMW - Z2

Over the last several weeks we have been hearing interesting news in terms of what BMW is thinking about the future and future models. We all know that over 20 new models will be coming to market within the next few years but in which direction is the company moving?
Most enthusiasts are concerned about the overall increases in size and weight of BMWs in general. We have heard from several (reliable) sources this is not necessarily the direction of the future. With the possibility of new legislation being passed throughout the world to help combat pollution BMW has been investing in Efficient Dynamics to decrease emissions and make cars lighter. We have seen the first stage of the this program with stage 2 to be released shortly to the buying public in the form of hybrids.

That is not the end of the program; the team at Project-i is mandated to defy conventional thinking. And with the Vision Concept (the Z2) they will do just that in Frankfurt this September. The Z2 is not expected to hit dealers until 2013. continued →

(Source: BimmerFile)

Driving your smart in your garage

Have you ever thought about better ways to make use of your garage? How about driving in and driving out of it? Well the smart makes things like this possible. See for yourself.

XJ Update: Jag's big sedan looks to XF for inspiration

If it seems as if we've been talking about the Jaguar XJ a lot recently, it's because we have. The redesigned flagship model is very important car for the British-born, Indian-owned automaker. Reports say that its new design will borrow heavily from the automaker's modern, but still traditionally classy XF. Jaguar revealed the first official 2010 XJ teaser image at the Shanghai Auto Show today, and based on the overhead shot that shows the car's panoramic roof, we'd say the reports we've been hearing are spot on. Notice the hood in particular and what appears to be either a very thin or completely blacked out C-pillar. You can also follow the jump to watch the short teaser video Jaguar revealed at the Shanghai show earlier today.

Jaguar says that July 9 will be the date of the XJ's coming out party in London. There will be both short and long wheelbase versions, with power coming from the company's new range of gas and diesel engines. That includes the 503-hp, supercharged, direct-injection, 5.0-liter V8, although that model might not wear the "R" moniker like the similarly equipped XKR and XFR models. The "R" badge is said to be reserved for an even higher performance model to be announced later on.

When the new car hits showrooms in December, it should directly challenge the benchmark Mercedes-Benz S-Class and BMW 7 Series with plenty of high-tech features in a very stylish package, both inside and out. The XJ will feature the same JaguarDrive gear selector first introduced in the XF, but also paddle shifters to work the 6-speed auto. It will definitely be a leap into the 21st century for Jag's big sedan. There's reportedly even an extended range electric in the mix that will take on the Fisker Karma among others.
Gallery: 2010 Jaguar XJ teasers

[Sources: Jaguar, Auto Express, Autocar]