Ouissam Youssef

2009 Cadillac Escalade Hybrid Vehicle Overview

Introduction

Car owners don't just brag about horsepower and speed anymore. These days, image-conscious
consumers throw around catchphrases like "fuel economy" and "carbon footprint." A growing
concern for the environment (as well as the mere desire to seem concerned) has made the hybrid
badge a status symbol, even among those who can afford to go buck-wild at the pump. This
thinking has in part helped spawn the 2009 Cadillac Escalade Hybrid, a large luxury SUV that
offers impressive mileage for its class.

Like most hybrids, this Escalade is at its thriftiest when driven around town. Its fuel economy in
city driving is an impressive 20 mpg; compare this to the gas-only Escalade's 12 mpg. General
Motors' "two-mode" hybrid technology is behind this feat -- it's the same system that powers the
Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid and the GMC Yukon Hybrid. Unlike the technology seen in GM's
previous "mild" hybrids, this system allows the vehicle's electric motor to operate without the
assistance of the gas motor -- provided the vehicle's speed and the driver's technique fall within
the limitations of the electric power plant. When driving conditions become more demanding,
the gas engine kicks in. The two-mode system gives drivers the best of both worlds: It sips gas
around town and in stop-and-go traffic, but offers lots of power when circumstances call for it.

A stout 6.0-liter V8 provides the Escalade Hybrid's gasoline power. It uses cylinder-deactivation
technology, which allows the engine to function like a more economical V4 when full power
isn't necessary. The electric portion of the powertrain is comprised of two 60-kilowatt motors.
Governing the proceedings is an electrically variable transmission that functions as a
continuously variable transmission in light load conditions and as a fixed-ratio system (with four
fixed forward gear ratios) when loads get heavier.

The 2009 Cadillac Escalade Hybrid offers significant gains in fuel economy relative to gas-
powered models, but keep in mind that not all SUV drivers will operate it in a way that optimizes
fuel economy. Heavy loads, steep inclines and even heavy-footed acceleration all call on the V8
for assistance, which, logically, causes fuel economy to plummet. And as for this Escalade's
environmental benefits, we'll let you be the judge -- this is, after all, a 5,900-pound SUV.

If you're eager to invest in hybrid technology and can make some sacrifices in towing capability
and passenger capacity, consider the midsize Lexus RX 400h. This five-seater offers impeccable
luxury and is almost $30,000 cheaper than the Escalade Hybrid, which has a base price of just
over $70,000. Also worth considering are diesel-powered Audi and Mercedes SUVs, which also
provide improved fuel economy over conventional gasoline engines. But if you need a hybrid
luxury SUV that seats eight and offers oodles of opulence and brute force to burn, the 2009
Cadillac Escalade Hybrid is the only game in town.

The Genesis matches up pretty closely with the Chrysler 300 in terms of wheelbase and overall
length, but the Hyundai's exterior styling is less dramatic. If anything, the Genesis resembles a
cleaner interpretation of a Benz S-Class. A 290-horsepower V6 is the entry-level engine, but the
bigger news is a 4.6-liter V8 pumping out an impressive 375 hp. Both engines send their power
to the rear wheels through a six-speed automatic transmission. A well-tuned suspension, a full
complement of the latest luxury and safety features and a striking, high-quality cabin complete
the package.

With badges removed, the Genesis could easily pass as a Lexus or Mercedes-Benz, although we
doubt many brand-conscious folks would give a Hyundai a second glance. Still, anyone shopping
in the $30K-$40K entry-level luxury sport sedan segment would be remiss if they didn't give the
2009 Hyundai Genesis serious consideration.

Ouissam Youssef Buisness :Options include rear side airbags, a towing package, a panoramic
sunroof and a navigation system.

Powertrains and Performance

All Tiguans are powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-4 that makes 200 horsepower and 206
pound-feet of torque. The S can be had with either a six-speed manual or a six-speed automatic
transmission, while the SE and SEL are automatic only. The latter two trims are also available
with VW's "4Motion" all-wheel-drive system.

Volkswagen estimates that the Tiguan can go from zero to 60 mph in fewer than 8 seconds,
which would make it one of the quickest compact crossovers available. Its towing capacity of
2,200 pounds, however, is about 1,300 pounds less than V6-powered rivals.

Ouissam Youssef Owner

2009 Chrysler 300 Vehicle Overview

Introduction

The Chrysler 300 was a game-changing vehicle for Detroit's sickly No. 3 brand when it debuted
in 2005. With distinctive styling and Mercedes-sourced underpinnings, the 300 was a well-
deserved hit that brought rear-wheel drive back into the American car buyer's mind after years in
exile. And with available V8 power, it was plenty fast.

After significant interior and equipment changes last year, the 2009 Chrysler 300 gets even more
upgrades and additions. Most notably, the 300C's 5.7-liter V8 gains variable valve timing, which
boosts horsepower by 19 (now 359). Thanks to cylinder deactivation, fuel consumption remains
acceptable given the ample amount of power available. The available all-wheel-drive system has
also been upgraded with a specialized active transfer case. This automatically disconnects the
front axle to improve fuel economy on the highway by up to 1 mpg, while also providing the
better performance and handling afforded by rear-wheel drive. Wheel slippage, low temperatures
or a certain number of windshield wiper passes re-engage all four wheels. The driver can also
manually manipulate the system.

We've always been fans of the Chrysler 300, and its continuous improvements only make it more
attractive. There are certainly other full-size sedans to consider, though which ones depend on
which 300 you're considering. The base LX's engine is slow and inefficient, and we advise
passing on the trim level. Compared to the 300 Touring and Limited, the Ford Taurus offers
more maximum passenger and cargo space, while the Toyota Avalon offers more luxury and
refinement. The high-performance 300C and SRT8 versions have fewer rivals. However, those
seeking any 300 for its rear-wheel-drive performance capabilities should also take a good look at
the impressive Pontiac G8. That said, the 2009 Chrysler 300 remains a solid choice for a large
sedan.

Interior Design and Special Features

The cabin of the FX35 is rich and luxurious, boasting a more upscale feel than its predecessor.
However, though Infiniti claims the FX35's cargo area has been "reshaped to enhance comfort
and utility," cargo volume has actually been reduced to 25 cubic feet with the rear seats occupied
and 62 cubic feet with them stowed -- a loss of 2.6 and 3 cubes, respectively. Moreover, while
the new generation has slightly more legroom in front, rear legroom, along with front and rear
headroom, has shrunk. Most midsize crossovers are considerably more spacious inside.

Ouissam Youssef Owner :In general, the Tiguan doesn't stray too far from the typical compact
SUV design. It seats five, is offered in front-wheel or all-wheel drive and has nearly all of the
latest convenience and safety features. But the Tiguan does offer a neatly tailored Euro design as
well as the high-grade cabin treatment for which Volkswagen has become known. It also boasts
composed handling and a comfortable ride.

These aspects help the Tiguan stand out a bit at the crossover party. But is it enough? Well, for
people who have bought VW products in the past, the Tiguan will no doubt be a hit. And those
who like to drive will find its Teutonic driving dynamics appealing.

But there are some downsides, including a price tag at least a few thousand above comparable
vehicles and a smallish cargo capacity. As such, you might find models like the Honda CR-V or
Toyota RAV4 to be more practical. There's also the Nissan Rogue, which is similar in concept to
the Tiguan but less expensive. Still, the 2009 Volkswagen Tiguan could be a nice alternative for
discerning consumers looking for a little spice in a mostly bland segment.

Ouissam Youssef Wise 2009 Hyundai Sonata Vehicle Overview

Introduction
They say imitation is the highest form of flattery. But what happens when the imitator becomes
better than the imitated?

For years now, Hyundai has had its sights set on Toyota. The Japanese giant's strategy for its
vehicles is to make them reliable, impeccably made, conservative in style and comfortable to ride
in. Hyundai has taken that approach to heart, and the 2009 Hyundai Sonata is proof positive that
it has gotten it right. In fact, not only has the updated Sonata caught up to the mighty Camry, it's
driven past it.

For 2009, Hyundai's midsize family sedan sees several key changes. Both the four- and six-
cylinder engines have received an influx of power, while raising fuel economy at the same time.
That's worthy of a thumbs-up any day. The biggest news, however, resides inside. While this
generation Sonata's original cabin was hardly an environment worth shaking a finger at, Hyundai
was never pleased with it from the get-go. This year's complete makeover performed on the
center stack, gauges and center console has led to an overall design that is more user-friendly and
better looking. Materials have also been improved, while the top-level Limited trim boasts a
tasteful blend of color combinations, wood-grain accents and alloy trim. To be frank, this is the
Lexus-lite interior we were expecting when Toyota's all-star was last redesigned. Hyundai has
delivered it instead.

When the Hyundai Sonata was redesigned three years ago, it gave the top family sedans a run for
their money -- in fact, we ranked it over the Accord and Camry in a 2006 comparison test. Since
then, both of those rivals have been completely redesigned, as have the impressive new Nissan
Altima and Chevrolet Malibu. The changes for 2009 bring the Sonata back closer to par.
Although we're not sure it's still the class beater, the case can certainly be made that Hyundai has
built a better Camry than Toyota did. Perhaps the imitated should become the imitator.

Ouissam Youssef Contact 2009 Chrysler 300 Vehicle Overview

Introduction

The Chrysler 300 was a game-changing vehicle for Detroit's sickly No. 3 brand when it debuted
in 2005. With distinctive styling and Mercedes-sourced underpinnings, the 300 was a well-
deserved hit that brought rear-wheel drive back into the American car buyer's mind after years in
exile. And with available V8 power, it was plenty fast.

After significant interior and equipment changes last year, the 2009 Chrysler 300 gets even more
upgrades and additions. Most notably, the 300C's 5.7-liter V8 gains variable valve timing, which
boosts horsepower by 19 (now 359). Thanks to cylinder deactivation, fuel consumption remains
acceptable given the ample amount of power available. The available all-wheel-drive system has
also been upgraded with a specialized active transfer case. This automatically disconnects the
front axle to improve fuel economy on the highway by up to 1 mpg, while also providing the
better performance and handling afforded by rear-wheel drive. Wheel slippage, low temperatures
or a certain number of windshield wiper passes re-engage all four wheels. The driver can also
manually manipulate the system.

We've always been fans of the Chrysler 300, and its continuous improvements only make it more
attractive. There are certainly other full-size sedans to consider, though which ones depend on
which 300 you're considering. The base LX's engine is slow and inefficient, and we advise
passing on the trim level. Compared to the 300 Touring and Limited, the Ford Taurus offers
more maximum passenger and cargo space, while the Toyota Avalon offers more luxury and
refinement. The high-performance 300C and SRT8 versions have fewer rivals. However, those
seeking any 300 for its rear-wheel-drive performance capabilities should also take a good look at
the impressive Pontiac G8. That said, the 2009 Chrysler 300 remains a solid choice for a large
sedan.

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