Brian Carless, Gleaner Writer
The 2009 Acura TXS.
The second generation TSX power comes from a 2.4-litre 4-cylinder DOHC i-VTEC engine producing 201 hp with 172 lb-ft of torque which meets the EPA's Tier 2-Bin 5 and CARB LEV II ULEV standards, a first in TSX history. It has power characteristics of a V-6 without sacrificing the light weight or fuel efficiency of an in-line four cylinder.
The engine can be coupled to a close-ratio 6-speed manual or Sequential SportShift 5-speed automatic transmission; paddle shifters are optional for the automatic. Estimated fuel mileage is 21/30/24 mpg (city/highway/ combined, 5 AT) and 20/28/23 mpg (city/highway /combined, 6 MT). A broad range of passive safety features likewise contribute to occupant safety, including six airbags (dual-stage, dual-threshold front airbags, new dual-chamber front seat side airbags, and side curtain airbags for outboard seating positions).
Three-point seat belts and head restraints are provided in all seating positions, and front seat belt load limiters with an integrated automatic tensioning system further protect the TSX driver and front passenger. A new Active Headrest Restrain System is used for the first time on the TSX, while the rear seat features a Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH) system that allows for the easy and secure affixing of up to two child seats. There is no word yet on pricing or when the 2009 Acura TSX will go on sale.
Hilary promises help for the auto industry
Presidential candidate Senator Hilary Clinton visited a General Motors plant in Maryland. In a speech to the workers, she promised help for the automotive industry through research and development funding, better trade deals, and better health care. Clinton discussed her plan to create 5 million 'green-collar' jobs - which includes $10,000 tax credits for plug-in buyers, $20 billion in low-interest 'Green Vehicle Bonds' to help retool outdated auto plants, and $2 billion for automakers to use in battery development.
However, while she's willing to aid the automotive industry she still contends to impose tougher CAFE standards. She wants to raise the 35 mpg by 2020 standard to 40 mpg, then to 55 mpg by 2030.
Rally champ getsspeeding ticket
Sébastien Loeb and co-driver Daniel Elena, while competing in the Swedish rally, were stopped by local Swedish police for speeding. Speeding fines are based on income in Sweden, but they are capped at roughly Swedish $1,060. Loeb is likely to be much more upset about retiring out of the race, than to get the speeding ticket.
This is not the first time he has encountered the law, he was stopped by the cops during the 2006 WRC Corona Rally Mexico for driving with only one rear tyre on a public road. The police didn't issue a ticket, but instead took a photo and gave the French driver an escort to the finish line. Loeb won that race. There are 13 races left in WRC season, with Mexico next on the calendar.
2009 Suzuki Equator
The 2009 Equator is powered by a fuel efficient 2.5-litre DOHC inline four with 152 horsepower and 171 lb.-ft. of torque or an optional 4.0-litre, V6 DOHC engine producing 261 hp with 281 lb.-ft. of torque. The engine is mated to either a five-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission (I4 and V6) or five-speed manual transmission.
Built at Nissan's manufacturing facility in Smyrna, Tenn. Designed for outstanding performance and durability, the Equator's V6 engine incorporates an aluminum block with cast iron cylinder liners, forged steel crankshaft, micro finished crankshaft and camshafts, Teflon-coated pistons, variable valve timing and a silent two-stage timing chain. Equator also features a variety of available wheel and tire packages, including 16-inch off-road style wheels with rugged 265/75R16 tires and 17-inch wheels with 265/65R17 tyres.
Dakar Rally heads to Central Europe
The newly rescheduled and renamed race will be held April 20 through 26 in Romania and Hungary, offering a markedly different venue for an event that would otherwise be held in the arid landscape of the Sahara. The Central Europe Rally will cover some 3,000 kilometres over the course of six days.
While the title is different, all the big name teams from Dakar will be in attendance, including BMW, KTM, Mitsubishi, Schlesser and Volkswagen. This first event also stands as the inaugural race of the 'Dakar Series,' which was supposed to start in 2009, but will now begin a year ahead of schedule.
