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.

The F Series line of pickups from Ford have stood the test of time.  I myself have owned two different ones, a 97 F150 and an 04 F150, both of which I was very happy with.  Dependability, performance, even a little luxury, but maybe they weren't quite as rugged as I would have liked.  That's why Ford offers Super Duty F Series options, for those who really need to beat up their trucks.

The redesigned 2011 Super Duty will over 2 different engine configurations.  The gasoline V8 will be a whopping 6.2 liters, while the diesel version will be a 6.7 turbo charged v8.  Either one sounds like they won't have any trouble pulling whatever you might be able to hook up to.  Also, thanks to Ford's relentless pursuit of efficiency, just because you need a big dog doesn't mean it will eat like one.  Ford claims that the new Diesel 2011 Super Duty will be the best-in-class for fuel economy.

2011 Ford Super Duty

Oh how I love when new spy photos show up, adorning the new model are always some beautiful camouflage.  The latest spy pics are of the 2011 Kia Sportage SUV, thanks to LefLaneNews.com.

Not a lot is known about the 2011 Kia Sportage, but experts believe that some restyling in the form of coupe-like styling.  Again, so hard to tell with that ugly ass camo and the fact that manufacturers love changing things up right until release.  I don't think the 2011 Kia Sportage need a lot of attention right now and certainly won't get anyone's heart pumping, but new models need their glory.

2011 Kia Sportage Pics

Lamborghini is donating it's heart to the Audi R8 Roadster to be debuted at the Frankfurt Auto Show this year.  The 2011 R8 will feature a whopping V10 monster, pushing 500+ horsepower, allowing the Audi to do 0-60 in under 4 seconds.

According to sources close to Audi engineers the base model Audi R8 will retain it's 4.2 liter V8 motor.  However, the Spyder convertible, will have the V10 option to maintain an elite status.  Although with a top speed of 195 mph it will be hard to tell who's driving anyways.

The V10 Audi R8 Spyder won't be available till model year 2011, so look for it on Audi/Saab show room floors sometime late next year.

Spy Photo

A picture has surfaced on the internet of a Japanese magazine with a concept picture of the 2011 Honda Civic.  Although at this point it may just be a rumor, you can be the judge.  For starters, I'm not sure sporty is the first word I think of when I see this tall squished Civic.  The tuner boys and girls may feel differently.

2011 Honda Civic Spy Pic

2011 Honda Civic

At any rate, looks like Honda has plans to completely redesign the Civic.  Whether or not the all new model will be a 2010 or 2011 Civic has yet to be officially announced.  Please feel free to discuss your predictions in the automotive forum.

Honda Products From The-Grayline.com

Honda Civic Chrome Key Ring

Honda Hoody's Starting at $40.99

Hyundai has already been throwing buzz words around like Turbo Charge and direct injection when describing the 2011 Hyundai Sonata.  The manufacturer has been very committed to the creation of the all new Sonata and stating that efficiency and power will be the focus of their engineers.

More interesting to this post is the spy pics of the 2011 Sonata and it's covered skin but exposed lines.  It resembles a more expensive BMW, but time will tell when we finally get the bra off these mammaries.