The ICOTY Award Goes to the 2011 Jaguar XJ

The 2011 Jaguar XJ took the North American International Auto Show by storm this year receiving the 2011 International Luxury Car of the Year (ICOTY) award, presented by a panel of 12 nationally-renowned automotive journalists.

The ICOTY awards have been handed out since the 1997 inauguration year at the North American International Auto Show. The ICOTY’s are famous for becoming the first automobile awards ever to be based on the emotional connection a consumer has with the car.

The Jaguar XJ did the ultimate job in connecting with consumers and drivers have plenty to be passionate of what the XJ offers. Drivers have the ability to shift between three different transmission modes with the simple turn of a dial. Drivers can shift in the “Normal” mode to enjoy a comfortable and smooth trip, “Dynamic” mode which offers a sportier and more responsive ride, or the “Winter” mode which allows more grip for the tires on slippery surfaces.

Additionally, the Jaguar XJ packs an enormous punch in its new 5.0L, V8 engine that cranks the car from 0-60 mph in less than five seconds. Not to mention the top speed of the XJ, for those that dare to stretch the limits, reaches 155mph.

The major award was presented to the Jaguar XJ model that has been receiving rave reviews and accolades since its release in May 2010. The XJ also has wrapped up the Executive Sedan of the Year by Bloomberg, Top Gear’s Luxury Car of the Year, and AUTOMOBILE Magazine’s Design of the Year and All-Star awards to name a few.

Mitsubishi i Looks to Make a Splash in Hawaii

Mitsubishi has taken a step towards helping the ecosystem by developing their all new 2011 i Electric. With its November release set in Hawaii, the i Electric is sure to catch the attention of its consumers and competitors.

With the creation of a new electric car technology, called the MiEV technology, the i Electric is 100% electric. Mitsubishi boasts that it doesn’t even have a tailpipe. The electric motor has a high-tech drive train that produces zero on-road emissions. The Mitsubishi i will also have a regenerative braking system that allows the battery to charge when the car is slowing down.



The i Electric provides three different options to allow the convenience of charging up anywhere. The first option is a cable that plugs into any household’s standard 120v outlet, the second option is a 240v home charging dock and finally an additional charging port on the driver’s side of the vehicle that can take the car from 0 to 80% full battery in a half-hour.

The eco-friendly Mitsubishi i electric car is expected to top out at speeds of 80 mph, and have a range of 85 miles between charges. It is equipped with rear-wheel drive, with a rear 49 kW AC synchronous motor and a 16 kW lithium-ion, 330v with 88 cells.

The Mitsubishi i will retail at around $28,000 and with the $7,500 federal tax credit program still available for the purchase of a new electric car, drivers can cash in on this pocket book saver for around $20,000. The i Electric will surely make a splash in the automobile industry by saving drivers thousands of dollars in a gas bills while doing its part to save our environment.

2012 Subaru Impreza Debuts in New York

Yesterday, the all-new 2012 Impreza was revealed by Subaru among a crowd of media and online viewers.

Subaru showed off their 2012 Subaru Impreza model at the New York International Auto Show yesterday. Subaru made the unveiling a major event at the show in front of media and with a live stream online for Subaru fanatics.

Subaru fans should be very excited with what the 2012 model has to offer. Subaru’s symmetrical All-Wheel Drive is standard again on the Impreza, a major feature on a smaller car that has made it so attractive to so many drivers. Subaru’s All-Wheel drive system allows drivers to have complete control over the car for whatever road and weather conditions come their way.

A brand new 148 horse-powered, 2.0 liter SUBARU BOXER® engine design has made fuel efficiency the major improvement for the 2012 model. The Impreza dons a 36 MPG rating this year making it the most fuel efficient All-Wheel Drive vehicle in America. The 36 MPG rating comes with the standard features on the car, no additional options needed to attain that level. Last year’s model had a 27 MPG rating, a major step in advancement for Subaru.

The look of the 2012 Impreza has become sportier as well. With major design changes to the lights, wheel arches and overall flow of the front and rear of the car, the Impreza looks bolder and more attractive than past models. The hawk headlights really give an attitude to the car. Subaru also extended the roof line to provide more headroom and comfort for those in the Impreza. The Impreza will be available in 4-door and 5-door body style designs.

Find the new 2012 Imprezas at Subaru dealers this fall.

2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee Awarded "Best Buy" Title

In 2011, the all new Jeep Grand Cherokee has been awarded Consumers Digest's "Best Buy" title. By providing SUV lovers with the perfect combination of flawless on-road performance, legendary four-wheel drive, and vastly improved fuel efficiency, drivers can experience what everyone is raving about!

What separates this year’s Grand Cherokee is the combination of the all-new Quadra-Lift air suspension system and the new Selec-Terrain system. The Quadra-Lift suspension system delivers unprecedented off-road capabilities. The Selec-Terrain system allows the driver to choose the drive system that best matches their driving conditions.



Every surface of the all-new Jeep Grand Cherokee is new and treated for aerodynamics. This improves fuel efficiency and puts more fluidity into the design while delivering an 8.5 percent improvement in drag compared with the previous model. The front includes Jeep’s classic seven-slot grille, round headlamps and trapezoidal wheel arches. The removable lower front fascia delivers improved fuel economy, on-road performance and off-road capability. From the side, Jeep Grand Cherokee features an athletic, muscular profile.

The new 2011 Grand Cherokee combines premium SUV on-road performance and legendary Jeep ruggedness to produce a top of the line crafted vehicle that can allow a driver to push toward greater heights.

New BMW M5 Video Release

With the Auto Shanghai 2011 right around the corner, BMW has released a video of their newest M-Class member, the Concept M5. With the Concept M5, BMW will surely take China by storm.

New Cadillac Protection Program Unveiled

Cadillac will begin 2011 by providing every new Cadillac owner a sense of reassurance. What they will be getting is the best protection on their car that isn't provided by any other luxury brand. The “Cadillac Shield” gives luxury owners everything they will need while owning a Cadillac.

The shield includes Premium Care Maintenance, Warranty Protection, and Diagnostics by OnStar, Connections by OnStar, Emergency by OnStar, Security by OnStar, Navigation by OnStar, Roadside Assistance, and Courtesy Transportation. OnStar is standard on all Cadillac models for 1 year with the option of renewing after that. The OnStar MyLink mobile app will send monthly emails about the status of key operating systems on your Cadillac. OnStar also allows the driver to use hands free calling capabilities, sends alerts to emergency services in case of an accident, and uses GPS technology to help authorities recover your Cadillac if it is stolen.

The Premium care maintenance part of the package is a maintenance program that covers selected required maintenance services during the first 4 years or 50,000 miles; the Warranty Protection also offers a Bumper-To-Bumper Limited Warranty which will cover repairs on your entire vehicle, including parts and labor to correct problems in materials and workmanship for 4-years or 50,000 miles. This warranty protection is the best in the luxury car industry.

Courtesy transportation provides alternate transportation or reimbursement of transportation expenses if your Cadillac requires warranty repairs. Standard 5-year roadside assistance is also offered which will provide lock-out service, towing, and re-fueling or Dealer Technician roadside service.

2012 Evoque Cuts Weight

Land Rover has announced the launch of its new 2012 Range Rover Evoque. After cutting more than 1000 pounds from its current 6000 pound frame, this weight loss will place the new look Range Rover into the Jeep Grand Cherokee weight class. Design Director Gerry McGovern is looking to introduce more jewelry into these new model Range Rovers. McGovern told Motor Trend, “The Range Rover itself must maintain elegance and formality. Its basic forms will be even more pared down than the current model.” The Range Rover will be instantly recognizable with its classic exterior appearance. The interior is where Land Rover is making its new mark. Land Rover has brought in successful fashion businesswoman, Victoria Beckham, to act as a consultant and give the team insights to high-value materials. Land Rover has made comfort a priority; installing reclining climate-controlled rear seats. The Evoque has combined its superior quality interior with its traditional stylish exterior to create the revolutionary 2012 Range Rover. The SUV will certainly take the market by storm.

2011 GMC Yukon Awarded Best Overall Value of the Year - SUV

Since 1986 IntelliChoice has been the market leader in ownership costs and car value analysis and each year they release a list of the Best Overall Value of the Year vehicles based on careful and practical analysis of ownership costs. These ownership costs include depreciation, maintenance, repairs, fuel, fees, financing and insurance. For 2011 the GMC Yukon was awarded Best Overall Value of the Year for the full-size SUV segment.

This honor by IntelliChoice confirms Consumer Guide’s opinion that the GMC Yukon is a “best buy.” According to the general manager of GMC, “Today’s consumers are looking for vehicles that will provide the best value for their money, which is what we strive to accomplish with GMC vehicles.”

With the growing economy consumers are re-entering the buyer’s market, yet because the economy is still slowing recovering consumers are looking for vehicles that will provide them the most value for the longest period of time. If the consumer is looking for a full-size SUV, the GMC Yukon is the vehicle that will do that for them.