Wednesday, June 24, 2009

AutoSpies.com Newsletter: Latest Spy News 06/24/2009

Latest Auto Show Gallery
2009 BimmerFest Photo Gallery
Top AutoSpies.com News
Creating a SHO-stopping buzz was Ford's new Taurus.  Agent001 drove the 2010 Taurus and made sure to let us in on Ford's "Point of View," in the market place against other brands.  Looking to take out the Toyota Camry and the Honda Accord, Ford believes the new Taurus will capitalize in several key areas, particularly: steering, handling and seating comfort.  But, as 001 drove and photographed the sporty SHO, he could not help but wonder if Americans will dish out the cash for a $37,000 Taurus.  Although the 2010 sedan may pack the punch to be a Camry-killer, will it be able to take on the V8-powered titans?  Let the debate rage.

After taking some heat for being downed in J.D. Power's Dependability survey, Lexus took the crown for the firm's Initial Quality Survey.  The IQS serves as the industry benchmark for new-vehicle quality measured at 90 days of ownership.  In addition, Toyota Motor Corporation received 10 segment awards -- more than any other corporation in 2009.  This included five for Lexus, four for Toyota and surprisingly, one for the bargain-basement Scion tC. 

Lexus was not done there, however.  Word on the street is suggesting that the predominantly luxury-focused brand is prepping the LS sedan to go to battle with the AMG's and M's of the world.  Said to be priced at approximately $95,000, this new SZ is alleged to acquire a new body kit, Brembo brakes and BBS wheels.  Agent009 pointed out there was no mention of an increased power output and questioned if Lexus is going to get serious and add substance at some time.

Looking into the philosophical debates, users questioned what is the most photogenic car.  Although a stunning piece of metal in person, the Alfa Romeo 8C does not always photograph too well.  Conversely, BMW's X6 looks downright goofy in photographs but manages to evoke a breathtaking presence and highlight strong, contemporary lines in the flesh.  So, which vehicle looks best in pictures?  Comments suggesting common cars like the Toyota Corolla and Volkswagen Beetle were shot down while some hinted that the entire Aston Martin line-up should take the top place.

With gas prices fluttering near the $3.00 mark, diesel prices on the decline and global concerns about the floundering environment, a report detailed that U.S. diesel sales are on the rise.  Alongside an increase of diesel variants from European auto builders, it appears as though diesel may be here to stay.  Known for their long-time stereotype of being smelly, loud and finnicky, diesels were generally not welcomed around these parts.  Now, it appears the tide is changing.  Tell us your thoughts, to buy or not to buy?

Spy Shots
Toyota issuse a recall on Tundra and other vehicals.
Submitted: 6/24/2009 OFFICIAL BELL & ROSS TIMESTAMP: 9:47:00 AM
( 16 ) Votes   ( 18 ) Comments

First Smashed-Up 2010 Ford Taurus SHO In Chi-Town
Submitted: 6/24/2009 OFFICIAL BELL & ROSS TIMESTAMP: 9:24:44 AM
( 8 ) Votes   ( 7 ) Comments

New Spy Photos BMW 755ih Hybrid
Submitted: 6/21/2009 OFFICIAL BELL & ROSS TIMESTAMP: 1:06:17 PM
( 11 ) Votes   ( 15 ) Comments

Spy News
Next-generation Infiniti M to be based on Essence Concept
Submitted: 6/22/2009 OFFICIAL BELL & ROSS TIMESTAMP: 9:42:54 AM
( 16 ) Votes   ( 11 ) Comments

New Cars
STUD Or DUD? BMW 7-series M-Sport Package Images Leak Out
Submitted: 6/24/2009 OFFICIAL BELL & ROSS TIMESTAMP: 1:51:26 PM
( 18 ) Votes   ( 17 ) Comments

What is the Most Photogenic Car Out There?
Submitted: 6/23/2009 OFFICIAL BELL & ROSS TIMESTAMP: 12:59:48 PM
( 27 ) Votes   ( 30 ) Comments

Hybrid version of Honda CR-ZX coming to the Tokyo Motor Show
Submitted: 6/23/2009 OFFICIAL BELL & ROSS TIMESTAMP: 8:50:18 AM
( 12 ) Votes   ( 9 ) Comments

Smart announces production of the ForTwo Electric Drive
Submitted: 6/22/2009 OFFICIAL BELL & ROSS TIMESTAMP: 1:41:30 PM
( 5 ) Votes   ( 4 ) Comments

Honda CrossTour CUV to enter production in September
Submitted: 6/19/2009 OFFICIAL BELL & ROSS TIMESTAMP: 10:09:23 AM
( 19 ) Votes   ( 18 ) Comments

2010 Subaru Legacy gets EPA rated 31 mpg on the highway
Submitted: 6/19/2009 OFFICIAL BELL & ROSS TIMESTAMP: 10:08:15 AM
( 12 ) Votes   ( 12 ) Comments

Toyota Auris Hybrid coming this autumn
Submitted: 6/24/2009 OFFICIAL BELL & ROSS TIMESTAMP: 12:34:38 PM
( 5 ) Votes   ( 4 ) Comments

Vauxhall's New Astra Roadster Revealed
Submitted: 6/23/2009 OFFICIAL BELL & ROSS TIMESTAMP: 9:56:36 PM
( 7 ) Votes   ( 6 ) Comments

Hybrid Mercedes-Benz S-Class Coupe in the works
Submitted: 6/23/2009 OFFICIAL BELL & ROSS TIMESTAMP: 2:00:54 PM
( 6 ) Votes   ( 4 ) Comments

Iacocca Silver 45th Anniversary Edition Ford Mustang revealed
Submitted: 6/22/2009 OFFICIAL BELL & ROSS TIMESTAMP: 12:11:35 PM
( 8 ) Votes   ( 7 ) Comments

New Lotus Esprit set for Release in 2012
Submitted: 6/22/2009 OFFICIAL BELL & ROSS TIMESTAMP: 9:03:20 AM
( 7 ) Votes   ( 7 ) Comments

Misc News
Formula One Reunites As Max Mosley Gets Forced Out
Submitted: 6/24/2009 OFFICIAL BELL & ROSS TIMESTAMP: 11:48:01 AM
( 12 ) Votes   ( 12 ) Comments

Honda will focus on its engines, says its new president!
Submitted: 6/24/2009 OFFICIAL BELL & ROSS TIMESTAMP: 9:21:30 AM
( 15 ) Votes   ( 20 ) Comments

Japan's Nissan secures billion dollar loan from U.S. government
Submitted: 6/23/2009 OFFICIAL BELL & ROSS TIMESTAMP: 8:31:40 PM
( 12 ) Votes   ( 19 ) Comments

First modified SpecV GT-R appears in Japan
Submitted: 6/23/2009 OFFICIAL BELL & ROSS TIMESTAMP: 8:38:18 PM
( 5 ) Votes   ( 4 ) Comments

BMW Raises HP, Torque, and Mileage on 6 Cylinder Diesels
Submitted: 6/23/2009 OFFICIAL BELL & ROSS TIMESTAMP: 12:32:44 PM
( 11 ) Votes   ( 13 ) Comments

Tesla cuts back on Roadster cost, profits coming next month
Submitted: 6/22/2009 OFFICIAL BELL & ROSS TIMESTAMP: 3:55:06 PM
( 5 ) Votes   ( 4 ) Comments

German government planning to deny Porsche's loan request
Submitted: 6/22/2009 OFFICIAL BELL & ROSS TIMESTAMP: 1:59:47 PM
( 8 ) Votes   ( 9 ) Comments

2012 BMW Z2 Roadster previewed
Submitted: 6/22/2009 OFFICIAL BELL & ROSS TIMESTAMP: 9:54:05 AM
( 7 ) Votes   ( 5 ) Comments

Toyota Patriarch Says: Toyota Emulating GM Failures
Submitted: 6/22/2009 OFFICIAL BELL & ROSS TIMESTAMP: 9:00:57 AM
( 15 ) Votes   ( 20 ) Comments

G-Class Receives New-And-Improved Equipment
Submitted: 6/19/2009 OFFICIAL BELL & ROSS TIMESTAMP: 5:35:44 PM
( 11 ) Votes   ( 10 ) Comments

G8 to Die With Pontiac Because GM Doesn't Like To Rebadge?
Submitted: 6/19/2009 OFFICIAL BELL & ROSS TIMESTAMP: 1:21:06 PM
( 24 ) Votes   ( 25 ) Comments

Koenigsegg wants to give Saab its 'Soul' back
Submitted: 6/19/2009 OFFICIAL BELL & ROSS TIMESTAMP: 10:07:32 AM
( 15 ) Votes   ( 16 ) Comments

Ferrari, Toyota, BMW, McLaren, All Abandon Formula 1
Submitted: 6/19/2009 OFFICIAL BELL & ROSS TIMESTAMP: 8:05:58 AM
( 26 ) Votes   ( 22 ) Comments

GM Slashes 4,000 White Collar Jobs
Submitted: 6/24/2009 OFFICIAL BELL & ROSS TIMESTAMP: 8:33:31 AM
( 5 ) Votes   ( 3 ) Comments

Bmw opens its latest Aerodynamic Test Center
Submitted: 6/23/2009 OFFICIAL BELL & ROSS TIMESTAMP: 3:28:37 PM
( 4 ) Votes   ( 3 ) Comments

Infiniti G37 Convertible sales starting with new campaign
Submitted: 6/22/2009 OFFICIAL BELL & ROSS TIMESTAMP: 10:31:01 AM
( 10 ) Votes   ( 6 ) Comments

Porsche Struggles To Service Debt, Ask For Government Loans
Submitted: 6/22/2009 OFFICIAL BELL & ROSS TIMESTAMP: 9:47:03 AM
( 7 ) Votes   ( 5 ) Comments

Schumacher revealed as Top Gear's Stig
Submitted: 6/21/2009 OFFICIAL BELL & ROSS TIMESTAMP: 9:14:49 PM
( 11 ) Votes   ( 9 ) Comments

2010 Volkswagen Golf GTD First Drive
Submitted: 6/20/2009 OFFICIAL BELL & ROSS TIMESTAMP: 5:21:33 PM
( 5 ) Votes   ( 4 ) Comments

Mercedes-Benz going for three-cylinder engines
Submitted: 6/19/2009 OFFICIAL BELL & ROSS TIMESTAMP: 7:11:38 PM
( 10 ) Votes   ( 11 ) Comments

Photo Galleries
001 Takes YOU To The SHO- Will American's Pay $37K For A Taurus?
Submitted: 6/19/2009 OFFICIAL BELL & ROSS TIMESTAMP: 11:44:40 PM
( 40 ) Votes   ( 81 ) Comments

Reviews
Chevy Camaro SS review
Submitted: 6/18/2009 OFFICIAL BELL & ROSS TIMESTAMP: 9:00:41 PM
( 9 ) Votes   ( 6 ) Comments




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