Suzuki has yet to be known for their mid size sedan offerings, but they are hoping this will change with the upcoming release of the 2011 Kizashi.  Even though the new sedan name sounds like a raw fish appetizer, Suzuki is hoping they can build on the success of their compact car offerings.  If they can start stealing market share with little cars, why can't they do it with midsize?  Not to mention the pie is a little larger, weighing in at 20% of Canada's market.

Like most press releases from car manufacturers in a recession, it's full of big words and supposed cutting edge technology.  Plenty of references to european style handling, expensive styling ques, and the ability to be had for a fraction of the next closest competitors price.  But what stands out to me is its lack of engine options.  Early adopters of the Suzuki Kizashi will have only one choice for engines, a 4 cylinder.

Now, this works in compact cars, but I'm not sure how it will stack up in the mid size market.  The minimum offering should at least be a 4cylinder gas saver for the car-pooler without friends and then a 6 cylinder option for those living in the mountains driving a full load.  Fill a mid size sedan up with 4 fat ass business types, throw in some luggage, and good luck getting that 4 cylinder to react and perform like other sedans on the market with v6 offerings.

That being said, just because it's got the same safety equipment, handling, and amenities of every other mid size sedan on the market doesn't mean you can take some pie.  It will only take one poor review from a fat driver to put your sales in the tank.  Good luck Suzuki, but please hurry up and plan on offering a V6 option in the 2011 Kizashi.

It's amazing how far of a cry the final 2011 Suzuki Kizashi is from the concept a few months back.  So much for hoping for a performance minded mid size sedan.

Regular readers of The-Grayline.com know how much I ooze over the idea of a potent Mustang.  Lately Ford just seems to keep on delivering one awesome version of a Mustang over another.  Even though the SVT brand doesn't seem to be hanging around, we have been blessed with the Shelby GT500 and now, the 2010 Cobra Jet.  Fitting, considering Ford has aesthetically and internally redesigned the 2010, so let's see what's in store.

The 2010 Ford Cobra Jet Mustang can be seen by those lucky enough to attend the 2009 SEMA show in Las Vegas, which begins today.  The Cobra Jet has been specially outfitted in SEMA paint, complete with Cobra likeness down the side.  The pictures of the SEMA special Cobra Jet can be seen in the gallery below.

What sets the 2010 Cobra Jet apart from other 2010 Mustangs?  First of all it will come equipped with the first ever factory equipped Rev Limiter, which is a staple for low ET's.  Basically the Cobra Jet is a factory built race car, similar to the one Ford released on the 40th anniversary of the Cobra Jet in 2008.  Although consider it a much more track ready beast, complete with roll cage.

I've had trouble finding specific power numbers for the 2010 Cobra Jet, but suffice it to say, it won't matter to those buying.  All 50 produced have already been ordered by the dealers and sold to customers, sorry, no longer available.  But maybe, just maybe, you might have a friend of a friend that will give you a ride in one.  Until then, please feel free to slobber over the pictures below.

Cobra Jet's Available for purchase right now on eBay

Ford Torino fastback 428 1969 Fairlane Fastback 428 Cobra Jet Ram Air R code    US $338.33

Ford Mustang Mach 1 1973 Mach 1 Cobra Jet Marti Report    US $4,898.54

Ford Torino R CODE 1969 TORINO R CODE 428 COBRA JET RAM AIR MARTI REPORT    US $10,000.00

Honda was showing off their latest in go-kart technology at the Toyota Motor Show with the all new CRZ concept.  Of course it's a hybrid and it's biggest selling points are efficiency, but Honda is touting it as a hybrid sport vehicle.  Performance and enough efficiency to keep the hippies at bay?

As you can see from the CR-Z pictures below, it's a concept car still and I'm sure the glass ceiling w0n't make it to production.  Honda claims that the new CR-Z will be available in the US market by late 2010.  Will this be available to compete with Chevy's Volt?

The veil has been lifted on the redesigned 2010 Dodge Ram Power Wagon.  Everything from the raked front grill and hood, to the pin striping screams pavement-eating-hippie-hater.  The v8 Hemi is more efficient than it's grandpa from years ago, but that doesn't' mean it will be winning any MPG awards.  Consider this, the 2010 Dodge Ram Power Wagon will be known as one of the most versatile 4x4's ever.

Do you believe the hype?

4WheelOffRoad.com got their hands on one early to do some testing for an upcoming issue.  According to their blog post on the 2010 Power Wagon, it's a worthy contender with lots of promise.  It's bigger, more powerful with 383 horsepower and 400 ft lb of torque, and equipped with a 12,000 lb winch.  Find out if it will walk away with the 4x4 Of The Year Title in the February issue of 4 Wheel Off Road Magazine.

2010 Dodge Ram

Seems like 'All New' is the number one method used to increase sales in a recession, at least for automobile manufacturers like Ford.  The all new 2010 Taurus is no exception, marking yet another generation change for the popular sedan.  Ford is labeling it, "Americas Smartest Full Size Sedan."

Personally, I love it, everything about it.  The new redesign doesn't remind of the 4 door sedans elder and instead looks on par with the edgier luxury sedans on the market.  Also, it doesn't quite scream reworked 500, like the previous generation, rather an entire new concept for the Taurus.

Consider this, buyers will be able to put one of the 2010 Ford Taurus into their drive way for around $26,000.  A very attractive price point considering the complete revamping of the line and luxurious feel.

Lexus is counting on buyers going smaller and more efficient in the years to come.  And why not?  With the success of the US governments clunker program and other incentives why wouldn't someone buy a fuel efficient daily driver?

Lexus has released a picture of what they think the future of luxury hybrids will be, with the LF-Ch concept.  View the pics below and chime in with your opinions.  I personally don't think anyone looking for expensive luxury would have any need for a smaller package.  But perhaps Lexus is hoping to flesh out a new niche, not yet attained by competing manufacturers.

Lexus LF-Ch Hybrid

Is it possible for the renown super car maker Ferrari to produce a potent vehicle worthy to wear the Ferrari badge and get decent fuel mileage?  According to Ferrari engineers they will be producing the 458 Italia, complete with a 0-60 time of 3.4 seconds and will do so at 17 mpg.

Take this announcement with a grain of salt, especially considering actual specs have yet to be released.  Furthermore, the harder you stomp the right pedal the faster the fuel gauge drops, no matter the technology.  I would think it would be pretty difficult to keep the foot off the go fast pedal in something as sleek and sexy as a Ferrari.

The Ferrari 458 Italia fuel efficient super car can be seen below.  Image courtesy of Ferrari.

17 MPG Super Car

So Ford posts a $2.3 billion dollar profit today for the 2nd quarter of 2009 and already the official industry experts are chiming in.  I already have  a view point on why Ford managed to get in the black for the second quarter and it has nothing to do with vehicle offerings.  That's right, I don't think hybrids and fuel economy had anything to do with the recent numbers published by Ford.

In my opinion Ford manged to turn $2.3 billion in profit because they received the support of the American consumer.  The regular Joe blows saw that this corporation was not taking a hand out and decided to show their support through their wallets.  The American consumer, when faced with countless options on car lots, decided to choose a Ford vehicle over GM, Chrysler, or Toyota.  It's a sign that the majority of Americans don't support the bail out plans in Washington.

Another driving force in sales will be whether or not the vehicle you buy now will be supported 5 or more years from now.  If you have a major component go out on your car after the warranty has expired, will parts be radically expensive, or supported by the manufacturer.  Vehicles that are discontinued generally see higher replacement parts in generic and OEM form, why put yourself in that kind of a position.

I thoroughly realize that $2.3 billion in profits is a far cry from where a company this size needs to be, especially to keep the stock holders happy.  However, in this economic environment every ray of sunshine helps to swallow the negative news around every corner.  It's a move in the right direction and I hope Ford can prove themselves again next quarter and the American people continue to voice their opinions with their wallets.

If the idea of strapping a 4 cylinder motor between your legs sounds exciting, then keep your eyes on this all new Honda VFR1200 motorcycle.  Reportedly in production and expected to be released in 2010, the Honda VFR1200 plans on revolutionizing the sport bike industry.  According to Motorcycle News in the UK the photos below are reportedly of the finished production model.

Although the specifications are still under wraps, reportedly the 4 cylinder motorcycle engine will produce around 200 horsepower.  To remain friends with green drivers 2 of the 4 cylinders will reportedly operate under normal load.  The only time all 4 cylinders will kick in is when you are ready to launch.  Sounds thrilling.

Fuel Efficient Sports Cars

Chevrolet is showing the world that big power can also translate into big fuel efficiency.  The 2010 Camaro comes in several different trim packages, each sporting it's own miles per gallon ratings and some of these numbers will really surprise you.  Let's start with the smallest of the engines, the 3.9 V6 which is available in the base model 2010 Camaro.

3.9 V6 2010 Camaro LS

According to Chevy the 2010 base model V6 Camaro is capable of a whopping 29 miles per gallon.  Impressive on it's own, but this motor is also producing over 300 horsepower.  This technological advancement is a far cry from the 67 Camaro outfitted with the inline 6 cylinder.

6.2 V8 2010 Camaro SS

The beefiest version of the 2010 Camaro sports a huge 6.2 liter V8, which produces over 420 horsepower.  It's a bulging muscle machine, that's also capable of producing some respectable miles per gallon.  Consider that the SS Camaro gets 24 mpg highway, an efficiency never conceived in this size engine package before.

What the fuel economy in the 2010 Camaro means?

The numbers don't lie and if the 2010 Camaro proves to be dependable, then we will have a true leap in efficiency for usable sport vehicles.  This type of fuel efficient technology will slowly find it's way into SUV's, Trucks, and hopefully even more sports cars.  Perhaps the fear of single digit gas mileage in sports cars will permanently be a thing of the past.  Of course, depending on how heavy your foot is, mileage may vary.