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Powertrains and Performance

The base Dodge Magnum SE comes standard with a 2.7-liter V6 engine
that generates 190 horsepower and 190 pound-feet of torque. Upgrading
to the SXT gets you a 3.5-liter V6 putting out 250 horses and 250 lb-ft
of torque. For serious hauling of people or toys, the R/T is a more
satisfying choice with its 5.7-liter V8 good for 340 hp and 390 lb-ft
of torque; the optional Performance Group adds an extra 10 horses.
Stepping up to the big-dog SRT8 puts a pumped-up 6.1-liter V8 under the
hood that cranks out 425 hp and 420 lb-ft of twist. The base car puts
its power through an old-school four-speed automatic transmission, but
all others are equipped with a modern five-speed automatic. Magnum SXT
and R/T models have the option of either rear-wheel or all-wheel drive,
but the others are rear-drive only.

Safety

Four-wheel disc brakes are standard on all Magnum models, and
antilock brakes, traction control, stability control and
power-adjustable pedals are optional on the base SE and standard on all
other Magnums. The SRT8 is also equipped with full-length side curtain
airbags, which are optional on the others. Self-sealing tires are
available on all except the SRT8. In government crash testing, the
Magnum received five out of five stars for driver and front-passenger
protection during frontal collisions, and four stars for front
occupants and five stars for rear occupants during side crashes.

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2009 Porsche 911 Vehicle Overview

Introduction

Few modern sports cars are worthy to be deemed icons. With its
classic design and prestigious motorsports pedigree, the rear-engine
Porsche 911 is one of the most enduring and historically important
high-performance cars on the market today. A host of new features take
the 2009 Porsche 911 to the next level, including more powerful and
efficient engines, a revised entertainment system and an optional,
state-of-the-art automated manual transmission. Combined with a
refreshed exterior, the new 911 improves on an already superb
combination of sharp looks, ferocious performance and daily
drivability.

The 2009 Porsche 911 gets a power and fuel economy boost over its
predecessor thanks to direct-injection, flat-6 engines. The 3.6-liter
base Carrera gets 345 horsepower, up from 325, and the 3.8-liter
Carrera S gets a 30 hp boost for a total of 385 hp. In addition,
combined fuel economy has improved by about 10 percent. The new
seven-speed automated manual transmission, known as PDK (an acronym for
Porsche-Doppelkupplungsgetriebe), utilizes the same type of
"dual-clutch" design that Volkswagen uses for its highly regarded DSG
transmissions. While driving, PDK will pre-select the next gear, so
when it comes time to shift, the next gear can instantly take over --
virtually eliminating the lag in shift time. Like other transmissions
of this type, PDK can be placed in a fully automatic mode or shifted
manually via steering-wheel-mounted buttons. Porsche says the software
controlling the PDK also knows whether to plan for an upshift or
downshift based on certain parameters, such as hard acceleration and
braking.

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2008 Acura TSX Overview

Introduction

"The last one was better."

For some reason, car enthusiasts love throwing this out when it
comes to a redesigned model. It's an unusual (and often faulty) way of
showing off supposed automotive acumen; an offshoot of the "they don't
build 'em like they used to" attitude. Having said that, the 2009 Acura
TSX may not be worse than its predecessor, but we're not sure it's
improved.

The TSX basics remain. Acura's entry-level model is a
front-wheel-drive sedan with a high-revving four-cylinder engine, taut
handling, a spacious cabin and class-leading feature content. Some
thought Acura would use the turbocharged engine from its RDX, a small
SUV, this time around, but instead it chose to just slightly revise the
normally aspirated 2.4-liter inline-4 to produce a bit more low- and
midrange power -- a decision that could prove to be a potential
liability. With 201 horsepower and 170 pound-feet of torque, output is
certainly adequate and now more useful in everyday driving, but
shoppers keen on spicy acceleration will find more to like from
turbocharged or V6-powered competitors. Given that the fuel economy is
also only a hair better than the related (and heavier) Honda Accord's
268-hp V6, it seems Acura missed the opportunity to get a jump on
competitor vehicles that provide similar power and fuel economy to the
TSX.

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2009 Pontiac Solstice Vehicle Overview

Introduction

There are few cars in the $20,000-$30,000 range that can turn heads
quite like the Pontiac Solstice. Even though it's entering its fourth
year of production, this curvaceous roadster still commands looks from
fellow drivers and passers-by. This sexy styling, along with the
Solstice's able powertrain and sporty driving dynamics, have made it a
sales success. For 2009, Pontiac has added even more varieties of
Solstice to the menu.

Most notably, this model year sees the debut of a Solstice coupe
that's available in the same base and GXP trim levels as its roadster
sibling. Like the Chevy Corvette, the Solstice coupe actually has a
targa-style removable roof panel. Pontiac says it's concave on the
inside to allow for more headroom -- slightly more than 37 inches
total. The coupe keeps the roadster's rear fenders and rear fascia, but
features a slightly different taillight design, and the deck lid is
topped with a sleek-looking (and functional) ducktail-style rear
spoiler. And although the interior remains mostly the same as the
original Solstice, the area behind the coupe's seats has been
redesigned for better access to the cargo area. The result is a car
that keeps the original Solstice's sexiness while offering added
rigidity and versatility.

Another addition to the 2009 Pontiac Solstice lineup is the Street
Edition, which combines the base Solstice's 2.4-liter four-cylinder
engine with the GXP's performance-oriented suspension. We're not quite
sure of the logic behind putting the lower-powered engine and
all-season tires on a stiffer suspension, but standard features such as
air-conditioning and an upgraded seven-speaker audio system offer a
level of comfort above that of other Solstice trims.

As before, the soft top 2009 Pontiac Solstice's chief competitor is
the Mazda MX-5 Miata. The Solstice (as well as its twin, the Saturn
Sky) may have the advantage when it comes to looks and straight-line
performance, but the Mazda still beats the Pontiac in day-to-day
enjoyment thanks to its more athletic personality, quicker-revving
engine, a more polished demeanor and an effortless drop top (including
an available retractable hardtop). The Mazda is also more practical and
enjoys a vastly superior reputation for reliability. We'd take the
Miata over the base Solstice roadster any day, but the powerful GXP is
tougher to resist -- and even more so in coupe form.

US Online America Group 2009 Dodge Durango Vehicle Overview

Introduction

Truck-based chassis. Fifteen mpg combined fuel economy. Less
passenger space than a big crossover. With all of that going against
it, the 2009 Dodge Durango is looking like a dinosaur in the final
moments before that comet smacked into Yucatan. A new "two-mode" hybrid
model is a last-minute attempt to adapt to a changing climate, but it
seems unlikely to sway many people interested in purchasing an SUV.

The current-generation Durango debuted five years ago, and it
follows the traditional SUV playbook with a body-on-frame design
(rather than the increasingly more common carlike unit-body design of
crossover SUVs) and rear-wheel or four-wheel drive. This rugged
construction lends itself better to towing and off-roading. Among
midsize and full-size SUVs, the Durango is a "Goldilocks" choice:
bigger than choices like a Ford Explorer or Nissan Pathfinder, but
smaller than something like a Chevrolet Tahoe. It's also one of the
most powerful choices you'll find. Its optional Hemi 5.7-liter V8
engine cranks out an impressive 376 horsepower. As expected, fuel
economy is pretty dismal, though this big V8 features cylinder
deactivation technology, helping return fuel economy no worse than the
Durango's smaller V6 and V8 power plants.

For the best fuel economy, there is the new-for-2009 Dodge Durango
HEV hybrid. Utilizing so-called "two-mode" hybrid technology
co-developed by General Motors, BMW and the company formerly known as
Daimler-Chrysler, this powertrain features a detuned version of the
Hemi, plus a pair of potent electric motors and a trick transmission
with variable gear ratios, which maximizes the efficiency of both power
sources. The result is combined fuel economy of about 20 mpg, a 5-mpg
increase over a regular 5.7-liter V8-equipped Durango. Unfortunately,
all that hybrid hardware jacks the Durango's price up by approximately
$5,000 over the similarly equipped non-hybrid Limited trim level. Even
after federal tax credits, it could take years to recoup the cost
purely through fuel savings.

The Dodge Durango is really only a viable choice for those who need
loads of family space and the ability to tow heavy objects. And if
that's the case, the bigger Chevy Tahoe is a better pick anyway.
Meanwhile, newer crossover vehicles like the Chevrolet Traverse, Ford
Flex and Mazda CX-9 offer more passenger-friendly accommodations, the
same or more cargo capacity and good fuel economy. The Durango Hybrid
matches them in the last regard but is considerably more expensive.
Overall, we think most SUV shoppers will find something better suited
to their needs than a 2009 Durango.

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Every Toyota Corolla comes with antilock brakes, front-seat side
airbags, full-length side curtain airbags and active front head
restraints. Stability control is standard on the XRS and optional on
other Corollas. Only the XRS has four-wheel disc brakes; other Corollas
have rear drums.

Interior Design and Special Features

Cabin design is a strong point for the 2009 Toyota Corolla. The
driving position better accommodates drivers of different sizes than in
past years, and the control layout is as ergonomic as they come.
Storage is more than ample up front, particularly with the addition of
a double glovebox, though the provisions are a bit stingy in back.
Materials quality is high, and fit and finish is consistent with
Toyota's historically high standards. In back, the Corolla offers
plenty of space for children and just enough room for adults. The trunk
measures 12.3 cubic feet (average for this class) and has a wide
opening.

US Online America Group Website Driving Impressions

The 2009 Audi Q7, with its sharp looks and Quattro AWD system, is
better suited for navigating slippery pavement in inclement weather
than for tackling a muddy trail. The Q7's size and weight can make it
feel a bit unwieldy around town, but the available back-up camera makes
parking easier.

In terms of performance, acceleration with the 3.6-liter V6 is
noticeably lacking and even the 350-hp V8 struggles to get things
moving. The six-speed automatic transmission can also be jerky and
slow. Handling, on the other hand, is much more enjoyable, especially
with the adaptive air suspension on the Q7's 4.2 model. The
suspension's adjustable settings enable the driver to switch between a
well-mannered cruiser and a more dynamic people mover that's ready to
tackle curving mountain roads.

US Online America Group Info Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options

The 2009 Hummer H3T is a midsize crew-cab pickup truck that's
available in two trim levels: base and the more powerful Alpha. The
base H3T features 16-inch steel wheels, full skid plates,
air-conditioning, cruise control, OnStar telematics, Bluetooth
connectivity, keyless entry, full power accessories and a six-speaker
CD stereo with satellite radio. The Alpha adds the V8 engine, alloy
wheels and embroidered headrests.

Two packages are available for the base H3T. The Adventure Package
adds an off-road suspension, a shorter-geared transfer case for better
hill-climbing and descending, front and rear locking differentials,
33-inch off-road tires and a Monsoon audio system with a six-CD
changer. The Luxury Package comes with the Monsoon system, leather
upholstery, power and heated front seats and oversized floor mats. The
H3T Alpha's oddly named Alpha Leather Package has the features of the
Luxury Package along with chrome wheels and exterior trim. Major
options for both include a power sunroof, an in-dash six-CD changer, a
navigation system and a rearview camera.