Lexus announces pricing for new CT 200h Hybrid

2011 Lexus CT 200h
Photo Credit: Lexus

Lexus has announced pricing for the all-new 2011 CT 200h hybrid, which arrives in dealer showrooms next spring, and the number comes in under $30,000.  The suggested retail price of the CT 200h will be  $29,995 including the delivery, processing and handling fee.

2011 Lexus CT 200h
Photo Credit: Lexus

Company officials say the CT 200h will boast the luxury car industry’s best overall combined fuel economy at 42 mpg and offer the most attractive price point in the Lexus lineup without compromising the level of refinement, quality and reliability that customers expect.

“For just $1,000 more than the cost of a non-luxury hybrid, buyers can indulge in a CT 200h with our proven Lexus Hybrid Drive technology,” said Mark Templin, group vice president and general manager, Lexus Division. “Lexus hybrids currently make up 90 percent of all luxury hybrid sales in the U.S., so you can imagine how excited we are to continue our leadership in this market with the CT 200h.”

The CT 200h emits approximately 60 percent fewer smog-forming emissions than the average new car, and has EPA-estimated ratings of 43 mpg city and 40 mpg on the highway running on regular unleaded gasoline.  The CT 200h also can be operated in a switchable EV mode which generates zero emissions.

The 2011 CT 200h arrives in early March when it will become the fifth hybrid in the Lexus lineup.

Deja Vu: A subcompact Cadillac?!?

I woke up this morning to the news that Cadillac plans to publicly unveil a new concept this week at the Los Angeles International Auto Show.  That, in and of itself, is not big news.  Pulling the wraps off of upcoming and potentially upcoming new vehicles is what car companies do at the major auto shows.  But, news of this particular vehicle from America's premier domestic luxury brand jolted me awake nearly as fast as my morning cup of extra-strong java.  Caddy is seriously considering another mini-sized offering.  Hmmm....

1982 Cadillac Cimarron
Photo Credit: GM Media

My first thought was, "been there, done that, and it was a very bad move."  Remember the Cimarron debacle of the early 1980's?  For many car consumers, luxury equates with size, spaciousness, suppleness, not to mention power.  In 1981, Cadillac introduced the Cimarron as an entry-level compact car in hopes of drawing in younger buyers and holding on to older folks who might want to downsize from their humongous Fleetwood or De'Ville models.  It was a major flop.  The Cimarron was a Chevrolet Cavalier clone-- literally.  The only real differences, a few minor cosmetic modifications and the leather interior.

2011 Cadillac Urban Luxury Concept
Photo Credit: GM Media

That considered, I found myself thinking, why go down this road again?  While the Fleetwood and De'Ville models are gone, Cadillac is still known for spacious, powerful luxury with its various Escalade and CTS models. And, a new flagship-- the XTS-- is coming soon. So, do Caddy buyers really want something the size of a Toyota Yaris or Nissan Versa?

But, before condemning the concept, I jumped out of bed and got online to search for more information and photos, of course.  I needed to see this concept.  Wow... I'm impressed.

“While small in size, this concept is an exploration of what Cadillac could be in the future, as the brand continues to focus on redefining industry standards for advanced vehicle design and integrated technology,” said Don Butler, vice president for Cadillac marketing.

GM pink slips Mr. Goodwrench

As General Motors continues to reshape its future after bankruptcy, the company has announced that longtime service leader, Mr. Goodwrench, will leave the company.

Yes, that's tongue-in-cheek humor but the news is real.  GM is discontinuing its Goodwrench brand of service centers at dealerships, first introduced in 1974.  The company will introduce new, individual service  brands for each of its core auto brands-- Chevrolet, Buick, GMC and Cadillac.  Dealerships will get details of the plan from GM officials on Wednesday.

Farewell, Mr. Goodwrench.  Your last day on the job will be February 1, 2011 at the latest.

Car and Driver teams up with Chrysler to battle distracted driving

You jump in your car, start the engine, put it in gear and start driving.  As you head toward the other side of town where you have a business lunch appointment, you look at the clock and see that it's 11:40 AM.  You immediately utter a choice word-- that shall remain unprinted-- because you know that you're at least 30 minutes away and your appointment is at noon.  What do you do?  If you're like many people, you grab your cell phone and immediately become a distracted driver.

That scenario plays itself out on roads countless times a day placing drivers and others in danger.  Consider a few facts found on the Distraction.gov website:

• In 2008, almost 20 percent of all crashes in the year involved some type of distraction. (Source: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration - NHTSA)
• Nearly 6,000 people died in 2008 in crashes involving a distracted driver, and more than half a million were injured. (Source: NHTSA)
• Drivers who use hand-held devices are four times as likely to get into crashes serious enough to injure themselves. (Source: Insurance Institute for Highway Safety)
• Using a cell phone use while driving, whether it’s hand-held or hands-free, delays a driver's reactions as much as having a blood alcohol concentration at the legal limit of .08 percent. (Source: University of Utah)

Numerous studies indicate that distracted driving remains a major problem and serious concern on American roads.  In an effort to make roads safer, Car and Driver Magazine has teamed up with Chrysler to release a nifty smartphone app called Txt U L8r.

The Txt U L8r mobile app, when active, automatically reads incoming text messages and reads them out loud for drivers to hear.  The app then sends an automatic response saying that you are driving and will text the messenger back soon.  Effectively, drivers need not take their hands off the wheel or eyes off the road.

Txt U L8r appears to be a branded version of the DriveSafe.ly app developed by iSpeech.org.  Both apps are currently available as free downloads for Android and Blackberry devices.  The DriveSafe.ly site indicates versions of that app for Windows Mobile devices and the Apple iPhone are coming soon. 

Since I'm an iPhone user, I have not tried either app and can't say whether they perform as advertised.  If you use Txt U L8r or DriveSafe.ly, share your thoughts on the apps and rate their performance.

Download Txt U L8r for Android or Blackberry

Download DriveSafe.ly for Android or Blackberry

BMW announces pricing for new X3 SAV

2011 BMW X3 SAV
Photo Credit: BMW USA

BMW announced pricing for its all-new 2011 X3 Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV) models on Wednesday. The X3 xDrive28i will start at $37,625 which is $2,100 less than its 2010 predecessor. The X3 xDrive35i will have a base price $41,925.  Both prices include a Destination & Handling fee of $875.

The second-generation BMW X3 draws inspiration from the original X3 which had a seven-year life cycle.  The X3 xDrive28i has a 240-horsepower engine while the X3 xDrive35i will sport a turbocharged, 300-horsepower engine.  Both models will arrive in dealer showrooms by the end of this year.

Among the new feature is the latest BMW ConnectedDrive technologies, including an available rearview camera with Top View.  BMW also offers what officials call "the most comprehensive integration for the latest Blackberry smartphone devices allowing owners to read emails from a Navigation screen while the car is stationary and, through innovative text-to-speech technology, listen to e-mails while driving.

The BMW X3 is manufactured at the companies North American plant in Greer, South Carolina.  New models will be in dealer showrooms by the end of this year.  

Hit and Miss: GM bats .333 with Thursday's major announcements

GM Orion Assembly Center in Lake Orion, Michigan
Photo Credit: General Motors

THE HIT:  As a Detroit native with family ties to the automotive industry, I am happy to learn that General Motors will invest $145 million in its Orion Township assembly plant for the purpose of building small cars.  It means saving jobs in the heavily depressed Southeast Michigan area and allowing good auto workers to continue doing what they do best-- build cars.

I also hope this new investment is another indication that growth continues following the rebirth of GM, which is an integral part of America's fabric.  It has been great watching the company come back behind the introduction and success of several new models including the Chevrolet Camaro, GMC Terrain, Cadillac CTS Coupe, Buick Lacrosse and others.  Today's announcement included news that Buick's upcoming new small car offering will be among the models manufactured at the Orion plant.  Officials even released a photo of the planned model.

smart USA plans to launch five-door model

One of the world's smallest cars will soon get a big sister.  smart USA, which currently markets the fortwo micro car, plans to introduce a five-door model to the American in the next 15 months.  The announcement was made today in Detroit.

Roger Penske

This will be quite a leap for smart which is known for tiny vehicles, large on efficiency.  "We are faced with continuing customer demand for a smart car with more seating capacity," explained Penske Automotive Group Chairman Roger Penske.  To meet that demand, smart will partner with Nissan to build the B-segment five-door car on architecture from the Japanese automaker.  The new model will only be sold in the United States.

Next Generation Mercedes-Benz CLS

Second generation Mercedes-Benz CLS (European Model)
Photo Credit: Mercedes-Benz

The revolutionary Mercedes-Benz CLS gets its first major redesign since being introduced in 2003.  The production version of the second generation CLS was recently unveiled at the Paris Motor Show.  Mercedes-Benz calls the new CLS "refined sportiness" citing a new design language, more efficiency and more safety among other features.

Mercedes created a new category when it introduced the CLS, combining the sportiness and elegance of a coupe with the comfort and functionality of a sedan.  The German automaker has sold approximately 170,000 CLS models globally.

GM to debut 2011 Chevrolet Camaro Convertible at LA show

Photo Credit: General Motors

An affordable open-air motoring option returns to General Motors with 2011 Chevrolet Camaro Convertible, and everyone gets their first up close and personal look at the production model at the Los Angeles International Auto Show on November 17th.  And, there's more good news.  The Camaro Convertible will arrive in dealer showrooms in February at the starting price of $30,000, including destination.

Photo Credit: General Motors

"The Convertible will make the all-new Camaro, already a smash-hit, even more desirable to a greater range of drivers," said Chris Perry, vice president of Chevrolet Marketing.  I know that I couldn't be more excited.  The rebirth of the Camaro has been nothing short of fantastic.

New generation Smart ForTwo coming for 2011

smart, a division of German automaker Daimler-Benz, will introduce its new generation fortwo models this fall.  The company claims the new models have a fresh interior look and upgraded exterior along with more environmentally friendly engines.

smart brand Managing Director Marc Langenbrinck describes the new generation fortwo as "perfect for our times," calling it attractive and stylish with "visible attention to detail, even more comfort and enhanced functionality."

Fresh ideas include a wider range of available colors.  smart is adding light green with a trendy matt finish to the list of choices.  Light blue metallic will also replace the previous blue metallic choice.  For customers who like open air driving and want some variety, smart will offer red and blue as choices for the soft cabrio top previously only available in black.

2011 Range Rover to include new features

MAHWAH, NJ (LAND ROVER) - Class-leading V8 engines, a multi-talented 6-speed transmission, Terrain Response® upgrades and external styling enhancements all combine to ensure the 2011 Range Rover retains its crown as king of the luxury SUV segment.

The range-topping, 5.0-liter, 510hp supercharged and 375hp naturally-aspirated V8s deliver supreme performance. Their uncompromising, world-class performance is not accompanied by an increase in fuel consumption and emissions compared to their predecessors. These lightweight, direct injection engines combine benchmark efficiency with outstanding power and torque. Acceleration in the naturally aspirated car to 60 mph is reached in just 7.2 seconds, while for those who want the utmost in performance, the supercharged V8 will rush to 60 mph in a mere 5.9 seconds.

4,400 Chevrolet Volt Owners to be Eligible for Free Home Charging Stations

DETROIT (GM) – The first buyers of the Chevrolet Volt electric vehicle with extended-range capability will be eligible for one of 4,400 free home charging stations. The program will provide Volt owners with a 240-volt charge station from either ECOtality, Inc. or Coulomb Technologies. In many cases, it will include the cost of home installation. The projects are made possible with a grant of American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funds from the Transportation Electrification Initiative administered by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE).

“Many owners will plug their Volt into a normal 120-volt electrical outlet, charge overnight and drive to work in the morning using only battery power,” said Tony DiSalle, Product and Marketing Director for the Chevrolet Volt. “For Volt owners who want to install a faster 240-volt charge station, we expect the Department of Energy project to save $1,000 and $2,000.”

Hummer nears the end of the trail

Hummer nears the end of the trail


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Consumer Reports Cars Blog: Hybrid and electric cars may get noisier for safety

Consumer Reports Cars Blog: Hybrid and electric cars may get noisier for safety

Consumer Reports issues safety warning about Lexus SUV

Consumer Reports has issued a "Do Not Buy" warning for the newly redesigned Lexus GX460 SUV for potential rollover dangers.



Click here to read Consumer Reports Q&A on the GX460.

Chevrolet to offer limited number of 2010 Camaro Indy 500 Pace Car replicas to public

DETROIT (GM) -- For the first time since 1993, Chevrolet will build and sell a replica of a Camaro Indianapolis 500 Pace Car.

“We set out to build a collectible vehicle that will appeal to the die-hard Camaro and Indianapolis 500 fan,” said Jim Campbell, U.S. Vice President, Chevrolet Marketing. “We believe we’ve done just that with the 2010 Chevy Camaro Indianapolis 500 Pace Car Limited Edition.”

This limited edition replica includes all the features found on a top-of-the-line regular production Camaro SS, but adds some additional features unique to the actual pace car to be driven by Robin Roberts, anchor of “Good Morning America,” during the this year’s Indianapolis 500.

Test Drive: 2010 Cadillac Escalade ESV Platinum

I was excited to learn that I would get a chance to review the 2010 Cadillac Escalade ESV Platinum. I love the current generation Escalade and have often fantasized about owning one.

GM sent me the vehicle while I was in Greensboro, North Carolina teaching at the National Association of Black Journalists Multimedia Short Course held each year at NC A&T State University.

This is a very large truck with lots of luxury and nice little features that add creature comforts. For example, this Escalade ESV Platinum has front cup holders that will keep your warm drinks warm and your cool drinks cool. You will also find a long list of expected features like a navigation system, premium sound system and Bluetooth connectivity for your cell phone.

Test Drive: 2010 Volkswagen GTI

This week's Test Drive takes place in the 2010 Volkswagen GTI.  Small. Sporty. Stimulating.

My first impressions are very good. I'm finding this car to be quite comfortable. The leather bucket seats are great, though I don't understand why driver's seat has a power recline feature, but adjusts forward and backward manually.

I really dig the race car inspired steering wheel.

This GTI test model is fairly well equipped.  Features include DVD navigation, Sirius satellite radio and a premium sound system which includes an iPod connection.  Bluetooth connectivity is also included for both cell phones and audio devices.  There is no automatic lights feature.

First Impressions: 2010 Dodge Grand Caravan

I'm reviewing the 2010 Dodge Grand Caravan this week.  It is not very grand. This would not be my choice for a personal vehicle. It has no style and no pizazz. Mini-vans aren't even cool soccer mom vehicles anymore with competition from much more expressive crossovers. Hmmm...

The Grand Caravan has a standard V-6 engine that produces anaemic acceleration.  When I say there is nothing remotely fun about driving this vehicle, please believe me.

It's signature feature is the famous "Stow 'n Go" rear seats which you can make quickly disappear into the floor to create substantial cargo space. Click here to see video demonstration.

I will say this-- the Grand Caravan is good basic transportation if you need room for family and cargo without spending a lot of money. The test model they sent me has no options and comes in under $24,000 including the destination charge.

Chrysler/Dodge pioneered the modern minivan in the early 1980's under the leadership of Lee Iacocca.  It now appears the company is trying to stay in a market that GM and Ford have left. And, I'm fairly confident that this bare bones test model would not stack up well against the Honda Odyssey or Toyota Sienna.  But, even with more creature comfort features, I still would not pick a minivan. Chalk it up to personal taste.

Test Drive: 2010 Buick Lacrosse

2010 Buick Lacrosse Surpasses Expectations

When you think about luxury cars, Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Lexus, Infiniti and Jaguar are probably the first brands that come to mind.  Cadillac and Lincoln still register, but they generally fall much further down the list for many people.  And, what about Buick? Does it register at all?  If your answer is no, you may want to reconsider.


General Motors is serious about competing with its European and Asian counterparts in the luxury market.  The Cadillac CTS is regarded as the best luxury sport sedan ever manufactured by an American automaker, performing well against-- if not outperforming-- European competitors.  Now, Buick is seriously challenging the likes of Lexus with the 2010 Lacrosse.

If you have seen the commercials comparing the new Lacrosse to the Lexus ES350 and you find yourself saying, "no way," I'm here to tell you, "way!" Skepticism is understandable.  I had plenty, until I drove the Lacrosse CXS.


Forget about the previous generation Lacrosse.  Buick has totally redesigned the model-- front-to-back, top-to-bottom-- and Lexus was squarely in the crosshairs from drawing board to production line.  If I did not know better, I would say GM kidnapped a Lexus designer and forced him/her to create an ES350 killer.

There are many similarities between the two models.  As demonstrated in a commercial, the profiles of the Buick Lacrosse and Lexus ES350 are nearly identical.  Approach a Lacrosse from just about any angle and you will likely think it's a Lexus until you get close enough to see the Buick logos.  Climb inside and you will discover an interior quality not often associated with recent GM models.

The leather seating is very comfortable and the cockpit is designed to place controls well within reach.  The new center panel design takes a little getting used to.  The layout can be a bit confusing at first glance, but once you get the feel for it, you'll be fine.  Rear seating is also excellent providing generous leg, shoulder and head room.  I don't think you'll hear complaints from passengers.

Features


Since the CXS is the top-of-the-ladder Lacrosse, everything is a standard feature. 
Dual-zone climate control-- standard. Ultrasonic rear park assist-- standard.  Harman/Kardon 384-watt, 11-speaker, 5.1 Matrix surround sound audio system-- standard.  Bluetooth phone connectivity, XM satellite radio, keyless start, ventilated leather seats, power sunshade-- all standard.  I looked up the base CX model on GM's website and discovered the only thing that would leave you feeling less than luxurious is the standard cloth seats.  Again, Buick is clearly serious about taking on and beating the competition.


Powerplant


Under the hood, GM's 3.6L, V-6 VVT direct injection engine powers the Lacrosse CXS.  The engine is mated to a six-speed, automatic transmission.  Together, the powertrain pairing produces 280 horsepower and 259 lb-ft of torque.  Acceleration is good, but very Buick-like. This is not a sports sedan.


Buick models have a rather distinctive feel on the road.  For the driving enthusiast, that feel is a bit soft.  For the more refined highway cruiser, the feel is heavenly.  The suspension absorbs nearly all minor road imperfections to provide one of the smoothest rides I have experienced since testing the Lexus LS460L in 2007.  The cabin soundproofing is so good, I almost thought the engine wasn't running after I started the car.  You can imagine what that means for road noise.  You will hear very little.


Fuel efficiency is average.  EPA fuel economy ratings for the Lacrosse are 17 MPG/City and 27 MGP/Highway.  During my week in the car, I drove 345 miles consuming about 18 gallons of regular gasoline and achieving 19.1 MPG.


Summary

As Motor Trend declared on a recent cover, Buick is back!  The 2010 Lacrosse is the second phase of a major comeback for the division that began with the introduction of the Enclave crossover.  The Lucerne still exists, but I look for it to be phased out soon Buick's direction is clear and the division's new standard bearer is the 2010 Lacrosse.  While it's still a car more suitable for my mother than me, the new Lacrosse is quite impressive.  Pricing starts at $27,835. The CXS model starts at $33,765, including destination charge.

Test Drive: 2010 Kia Soul

The Kia Soul Lives Up To Its Name

Many people view commercials as nuisances while watching their favorite television show or a drama-filled, exciting sporting event like the Super Bowl, The Masters or Daytona 500.  You can count me among those viewers but professionally, I accept commercials as a necessary evil because the revenue they generate is the life's blood for most broadcast media companies.

That said, there are many commercials that I find more entertaining than the programs they support.  Several Geico Insurance spots come to mind.  Don't you just love that gecko?  And how about the Kia hamsters?

The first time I saw that commercial I said to myself, "if the car is truly as cool as that spot, Kia has a winner."  Guess what?  The Soul is a winner!

The Soul is the first of the hip, boxy, pseudo crossovers that I have driven.  Based on my week with the vehicle, the bar is now set pretty high for the competition, which includes the Scion xB and Nissan Cube.  The words comfortable, cute and cool fit the Soul like a glove making the vehicle attractive to both youthful consumers and those with a bit more seasoning who still like fun cars.  I consider myself to be a member of both categories.  (Shhh!  Pay no attention to the birthdate listed on my driver's license.)

The boxy appearance of the Soul instantly makes you think crossover or SUV and because the vehicle is small for those classifications, you might think it offers little in terms of functionality.  Think again.  The Soul is far roomier on the inside than you might expect.  Seating is quite comfortable leaving driver and passengers feeling anything but cramped.  

Open the rear hatch, and you will find ample cargo space for a vehicle of this size.  You can easily fit a couple of small suitcases back there, without having to put the rear seats down.  With the seats down, the cargo space expands nicely for your trip to the farmers' market or the home improvement store.  Don't get me wrong.  You won't be able to get six-foot wood panels in the Soul, but you will certainly be able to haul the big box containing the new lawn mower or outdoor grill you just bought.

Features

On the features tip, I think it would be hard to find a better deal than the Kia Soul.  The car is rich with features that you would not expect in this class.  Among the standard features, you find anti-lock brakes, power windows, door locks and outside mirrors, keyless entry and leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob.

I was quite surprised to find, included among the standard items, Bluetooth connectivity for my cell phone, not to mention an iPod connection allowing the Soul's stereo system to easily access my personal music library.  Sirius satellite radio is also included, as a standard item.  I rather enjoyed driving at night while tuned to one of the bass-thumping Hip-Hop channels which made the speaker lights "dance" to the beat.  So cool.

Amazingly, the only option on my test model was a power sunroof.  Wow!

Powerplant

Under the hood, the Soul is equipped with a spunky engine that I first thought might be a small V-6.  Of course, it was a four-cylinder powerplant which, in my test model, was mated to a five-speed, manual transmission.  The combination provided impressive power that only added to the driving enjoyment.  Acceleration is brisk and once at cruising speeds, you have adequate power to keep yourself rolling past slower moving traffic on the interstate.

Fuel efficiency was not bad for a boxy, non-aerodynamic vehicle.  The Soul has an EPA rating of 24 MPG/City and 30 MPG/Highway.  During my week in the Soul, I achieved only 21.8 miles per gallon, driving 192 city miles and consuming less than nine gallons of regular gasoline.

Summary

I loved this vehicle!  It has personality, practicality and-- well-- soul, all at an affordable price.  Why be the ordinary hamster always running in place when you can roll out and explore the world in something comfortable, cute and cool like the Kia Soul?  Pricing starts at $16,950.  As tested, the Kia Soul Sport was $18,345, including destination charge.

GM to end HUMMER after sale to Chinese company fails

DETROIT – General Motors today announced that Sichuan Tengzhong Heavy Industrial Machines Co., Ltd. (Tengzhong) was unable to complete the acquisition of HUMMER. As a result, GM will begin the orderly wind-down of the HUMMER operations.

“One year ago, General Motors announced that we were going to divest HUMMER, as part of focusing our efforts on Chevrolet, Buick, GMC and Cadillac going forward. We have since considered a number of possibilities for HUMMER along the way, and we are disappointed that the deal with Tengzhong could not be completed," said John Smith GM vice president of corporate planning and alliances. "GM will now work closely with HUMMER employees, dealers and suppliers to wind down the business in an orderly and responsible manner."

GM first acquired the marketing rights to HUMMER from AM General, manufacturer of the military HUMVEE, in 1999.  In 2000, a HUMMER concept was introduced at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit.  That concept became the H2 which began sales in 2002 alongside the HUMVEE-based H1 through a nationwide network of HUMMER dealerships.  GM later introduced several other HUMMER models including the H2 SUT, H3 and H3T.  The H1 was discontinued after the 2006 model year.

GM will continue to honor HUMMER warranties, while providing service support and spare parts to current HUMMER owners around the world.

GM Finalizes Sale of Saab to Spyker

DETROIT (GM) – General Motors and Spyker Cars NV today announced that they have finalized the deal for Spyker to purchase Saab Automobile AB.
Going forward, Saab and Spyker will operate under the Spyker (AMS:SPYKR) umbrella, and Spyker will assume responsibility for Saab operations.  The previously announced wind down of Saab operations has ended.

“This transaction represents the successful outcome of months of hard work and intense negotiations, all aimed at securing a sustainable future for this unique brand, and we are pleased with the positive outcome,” said John Smith, GM vice president for corporate planning and alliances.  “This is a great day for Saab employees, dealers and suppliers, and a great day for millions of Saab customers and fans worldwide.”

“Throughout negotiations over the past year, GM has worked with many parties, including governments and investors, to find a solution for Saab,” said Nick Reilly, president, GM Europe. “I’m very pleased that we could come to a positive conclusion, one that presents a viable future for Saab and preserves jobs in Sweden and elsewhere.”

Test Drive: 2010 Ram 1500 Laramie Edition

Pickup trucks are not just for hauling construction supplies and towing horse trailers anymore.  While sales were down in 2009 for every major manufacturer, U.S. consumers still purchased more than 1.4 million pickup trucks.

Trucks remain popular and therefore, automakers continue to give consumers options ranging from small to large and basic utility to sheer luxury.  The 2010 Ram 1500 Laramie Edition is clearly in the big and luxury columns.

As a former HUMMER H2 owner, I like big vehicles.  There is something about their practical utility and bodacious image that make you feel invincible.  When I stepped into the 2010 1500 Laramie that Ram sent for review, I felt like I was back in my old H2 but with upgrades.

The leather seats are comfortably wide and—like the H2—they can warm your body when it’s cold.  However—unlike the H2—the Laramie seats can also cool your body when it’s hot because, in addition to being heated, they also are ventilated.

Another advantage the 1500 Laramie has over my former HUMMER is very good rear access.  This crew cab has large rear doors making it easy for passengers to enter and exit.  Rear leg room and shoulder room are quite ample allowing three-- maybe four, depending on size-- guests to ride in comfort almost matching the driver and front passenger.

Of course, the true mettle of a pickup truck is its utility.  In the case of the Ram 1500 Laramie edition, the crew cab configuration allows for the shortest payload length in the 1500 lineup; just 67.4 inches.  However, my test model was equipped with an extender allowing you to open the tailgate to accommodate and secure longer items.

This truck also provides several storage options including two glove compartments; a deep, split-level center console; and map pockets on the inside.  Outside, the 1500 Laramie has fairly deep, lockable side storage boxes on both sides of the payload area providing good space to securely keep tools or other items.

Under the hood, the Ram 1500 Laramie has the venerable 5.7-Liter HEMI V-8 engine which produces 390 horsepower and 407 lb-ft of torque.  Acceleration is brisk; cruising is smooth.  And, if you have something to tow, the muscular powertrain allows you to pull up to 9,900 pounds and carry a maximum payload of 1,430 pounds.

Features

Standard features on the Ram 1500 Laramie Edition include remote keyless entry, security alarm, tire pressure monitor, SIRIUS satellite radio, heated and leather wrapped steering wheel, 20-inche chrome wheels, and more.

Optional features on the test model included leather-trimmed bucket seats, ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, rear park assist system, RamBox cargo management system, and more.

Summary

The Ram 1500 Laramie Edition is a good combination of size, strength and suppleness.  It provides the comfort you expect from a luxury SUV and the utility you expect from the average pickup truck.  If you are in the market for a truck, do not write this one off before you give it a serious look.

Editor’s Note:  While the Ram series is America’s #3 selling full-size pickup behind the Ford F-150 and Chevrolet Silverado, MotorWeek—television’s original automotive newsmagazine—has named the Ram series its 2010 Drivers’ Choice Award winner for the second consecutive year.