Chrysler enters the Hybrid vehicle business in a big way – announcing their first 4x4 SUV Hybrid vehicles, the 2009 Chrysler Aspen HEMI Hybrid and the 2009 Dodge Durango HEMI Hybrid – priced nearly $8,000 below the competition.

The MSRP for the new 2009 Dodge Durango HEMI Hybrid is $45,340 (including $800 destination fees). The MSRP for the new 2009 Chrysler Aspen HEMI Hybrid is $45,570 (including $800 destination fees). Also, customers are expected to receive an estimated tax credit of $1,800.

Both vehicles use Chrysler's fuel-saving MDS technology which allows the engine to alternate between four-cylinder mode when less power is needed and V-8 mode when more power is in demand. Because of this, both new vehicles offer fuel economy up to 20 miles per gallon - that’s an improvement of 40% in the city and 25% overall.  read more »

Nissan just unveiled the 2009 Nissan Maxima at the 2008 New York International Auto Show. This seventh-generation performance sedan features new exterior and interior designs, along with enhanced performance from a revised 290-horsepower 3.5-liter V6 engine. The 2009 Maxima goes on sale at Nissan dealers beginning in early summer 2008.

Designed as a four-door sports car, the 2009 Nissan Maxima’s exterior combines an aggressive stance and powerful fender design - not unlike many exotic sports cars on the market today. Maxima's new stance comes, in part, from a slight reduction in wheelbase and overall length, along with a wider front and rear track.

The new Maxima's interior design team developed an interior concept of "Super Cockpit" – for the feeling of sports car with controls close, yet with plenty of room for both driver and passengers. The interior includes a special driver's sport seat, available leather-appointed seating, offset shifter lever that is closer to the driver, "Daylight Illumination" gauges and a range of available technology, including a premium audio system, RearView Monitor and Nissan Hard Drive Navigation system with XM NavTraffic real-time traffic information (active XM subscription required, sold separately), Voice Recognition and 9.3GB Music Box Hard Drive.  read more »

The best overall performer in front, side, and rear tests of nine midsize SUV models is the redesigned 2009 Nissan Murano, which earns the TOP SAFETY PICK award. The tests were recently conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

The Jeep Liberty, Jeep Wrangler, and Kia Sorento, all 2008 models, are the worst performers in the side test. The Liberty, also sold as the Dodge Nitro, and Wrangler earn the second lowest rating of marginal for protection in side crashes. The Sorento earns the lowest rating of poor.  read more »

Two of the biggest trends in the automotive world in recent years have been related to the unique function and fashion of luxury SUVs, and the fuel saving function and fashion of hybrids. These two trends were seemingly in opposition, until now.

Cadillac recently announced the world premiere of two new versions of Escalade – the 2009 Escalade Hybrid, the world's first full-size luxury hybrid SUV and the 2008 Escalade Platinum, a special edition version of Escalade with a new front grille, and two new technologies previously reserved for some of the world's most elite cars - LED headlamps and Magnetic Ride Control.

The Escalade Hybrid is the world’s first fuel-saving hybrid applied to a large luxury SUV. Powered by a 2-Mode Hybrid system, Escalade Hybrid delivers more than a 50-percent improvement in fuel economy in city driving – all with the same style, features and full-size capability that have made the Escalade an icon.  read more »