truth about domestics

American Muscle just announced some cool new performance upgrades for the 2011 Mustang. These include a C&L Performance prototype cold air intake and Bama custom tuning profiles. The modifications look very promising, by gaining 22 hp and 31 lb-ft of torque with both the cold air intake and special tune:

• Stock – no modifications: 363RWHP / 331RWTQ
• Factory tune, Prototype C&L cold air intake: 374RWHP / 338RWTQ
• Bama Custom Tune, stock Airbox: 379RWHP / 357RWTQ
• Bama Custom Tune, Prototype C&L cold air intake: 385RWHP / 362RWTQ

Take a look at the video and visit American Muscle for more details.

Woah!!! The new 2010 Buick LaCrosse beats out the entry-level luxury de facto standard, the 2009 Lexus ES 350. The new Buick beats the Lexus in styling, driving dynamics, features and cost. Check out the full detailed review at Edmunds Inside Line.

My favorite part is where the editor mentions the tape deck in the Lexus: “And we nearly called an anthropologist when we spied the ES 350′s cassette tape player. Sure, Lexus drivers are known enthusiasts of books on tape, but does Mark Levinson know it’s still there?” Hahaha, that’s awesome!

We’ve posted on the new 2010 Ford Taurus already, but I like the review that the author of The Dallas Morning News wrote up. Check it out here.

Normally, I’m not a big fan of Top Gear (original British version) because Clarkson manages to tear apart pretty much every non-European car, but this is a great review of the new 2010 Ford Focus RS. Yea, yea, I know, we don’t have the pleasure of getting one here in the States. One day, we may though; until then, check out this video review.

Another exciting new product from Ford…when will this onslaught end???  The 2010 Transit Connect is aimed at businesses that are too small or just plain don’t need an Econoline van and for that it is perfectly equipped.  Featuring a 4 cylinder engine and a four speed automatic, the Transit Connect is rated at 22 mpg city and 25 mpg highway.  All while being able to carry 1,600 lbs of cargo in the back.  It is also available as a “wagon” variant with a 3 row bench in the middle.

For all the details, and more photos on it’s custimization options, head on over to Autoblog.

The folks over at Edmunds have had the opportunity to drive the new 2010 Ford Taurus and it’s SHO sibling and have returned with some fairly positive news.  My favorite line of the entire review is as follows:

“Still, what we’ve seen so far makes us certain that the 2010 Ford Taurus SHO is by far the best SHO to date, and it seems to be yet another sign that Ford has its act together.”

If you haven’t seen the car, I suggest you take the time to browse the gallery over at Inside Line and read the review.

The Lincoln MKZ was refreshed for 2010 with new front and rear ends as well as a highly reworked interior.  The result of all of Ford’s hard work?  Packaged into a nice little review by the folks over at Autoblog.  The MKZ offers unmatched reliability, as well as more standard features than the other cars in its class all at a price that is more affordable.

Take a look at Car and Driver’s comparison of the Mustang GT, Chevy Camaro SS, and Dodge Challenger R/T. This is the first time the three muscle cars have been compared (by Car and Driver) since…the sixties!?

Who would have ever thought that you can compare a Fiat Panda 4×4 to a Range Rover!? Well, to tell you honestly, I didn’t even know what a Fiat Panda was until about 30 minutes ago; it’s a very tiny SUV. So check this video out for a comparison.

Hmm…small, fuel-efficient, and capable Jeep Panda anyone?

AutoWeek Road Test Editor Natalie Neff was driving in the Ford Fiesta that was provided to her for a review when suddenly the unexpected happened.  A tire removed itself from an Oldsmobile Cutlass and crossed the median, flying some 20 feet into the air before smashing down onto the Fiesta’s hood, ending up in the top of the windshield.

Incredibly, Neff escaped the Fiesta with nothing more than some cuts from broken glass.  What does Neff credit for her minimal injuries?  The boron variety of ultra-high-strength steel that was used in the A and B pillars to help the Fiesta handle impacts with larger vehicles while at the same time reducing the weight of the car.  While it isn’t new, it’s use to this extent in such a low price point vehicle is.  For more on the crash, head on over to AutoWeek.