Autos
*The redesigned 2009 Pontiac Vibe goes on sale in early 2008 with new four-door hatchback styling and a choice of front- or all-wheel-drive and 1.8- or 2.4-liter engines. Like the current version, Vibe is based on the same design as the Toyota Matrix and uses Toyota engines and other components. The 132-horsepower 1.8- is standard on base models and the GT and AWD models get a 158-h.p. 2.4. A 5-speed manual is standard and a 5-speed automatic optional on the base and GT; the AWD Vibe has only a 4-speed automatic. Stability control, anti-lock brakes, side-curtain air bags and thorax air bags for the front seats are standard. Prices have not been announced.
*Motor Trend has named the new Cadillac CTS 2008 car of the year, calling it proof that Detroit can build a world-class sedan. The car, chosen from a field of 18 including the Honda Accord, rivals its German and Japanese competitors in appearance, fit and finish, quality of materials and performance, says the magazine’s editor-in-chief Angus MacKenzie.
*Prices for the 2009 Jaguar XF sedan start at $49,200 for the base Luxury model. The Premium Luxury has a base price of $55,200 and the Supercharged XF $62,200. The prices do not include the $775 destination charge. The Luxury and Premium Luxury models have a 4.2-liter, 300-h.p. V-8 and the Supercharged squeezes 420-h.p. from the 4.2. All have a 6-speed automatic transmission. The XF is the first car to show Jaguar’s new styling direction, which includes a larger grille and more athletic appearance. It replaces the S-Type. Sales begin March 1.
*Chrysler has moved up by a year plans to upgrade the interior of the Dodge Caliber hatchback, says Frank Klegon, executive vice president of product development. Klegon would not give a timetable, but Caliber debuted in 2006 and typically would be due for an update for 2010, so the interior freshening could come on 2009 models. Klegon says changes would include a new instrument panel and door trim and better materials. Analysts have criticized the interior quality, and Klegon says, “We recognized we have to put some cost into it.” Chrysler also plans to put its cars on a five-year life cycle instead of the current six to keep pace with the Japanese, adds Klegon, who was speaking at the Los Angeles Auto Show.
Recall
*Nissan is recalling 653,910 more 2002 and 2005-06 Sentra and Altima sedans with 2.5-liter engines to fix a faulty crankshaft sensor that may shut off the engine. The sensor’s location may expose it to temperature variations that would interrupt signals it sends to the engine control module. Without the signals, the module may shut off the engine at low speeds.
FYI
*Zipcar is acquiring rival car-sharing service Flexcar to head off emerging competition from traditional rental car firms that have been adding outlets in urban neighborhoods. The private firms did not disclose terms of the deal, which will merge the companies as Zipcar, says CEO Scott Griffith.
*The way has been cleared for sports-car maker Porsche to make another bid for Volkswagen now that the European Union’s highest court struck down the nearly 50-year old “VW law” enacted to protect Europe’s largest automaker from a hostile takeover.
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Quick Trips are compiled from the notebook of Rick Popely and from Tribune news services.
