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Originally slated for a September release date, Honda's redesigned subcompact Fit jumped the gun and went on sale Aug. 26 to overlap with decreasing 2008 inventory and high demand for the fuel-efficient hatchback. There are already hundreds of 2009 Fits in Cars.com's new-car listings. If we've left off a car you're interested in, please let us know in the comments. As always, we remind our readers that we don't list models that are rumored; we only list confirmed vehicles.
Updated information in bold.
- 2009 Acura RL: Out now
- 2009 Acura TSX: Out now
- 2009 Acura TSX diesel: 2009
- 2009 Acura TL: September 2008
- 2009 Audi A3: Fall 2008
- 2009 Audi A4, A4 Avant: Fall 2008
- 2009 Audi Q5: Early 2009
- 2009 Audi Q7 TDI: Early 2009
- 2010 Buick LaCrosse: Spring 2009
- 2009 BMW 335d: Fall 2008
- 2009 BMW X5 35d: Fall 2008
- 2009 BMW 7 Series: Spring 2009
- 2009 BMW 3 Series: Fall 2008
- 2008 Cadillac CTS-V: Late 2008
- 2010 Cadillac CTS coupe: Summer 2009
- 2010 Cadillac CTS wagon: Spring 2009
- 2008 Cadillac Escalade Hybrid: Summer 2008
- 2010 Cadillac SRX: Second quarter 2009
- 2009 Chevrolet Aveo5: Out now
- 2010 Chevrolet Camaro: Early 2009
- 2011 Chevrolet Cruze: 2010
- 2010 Chevrolet Equinox: Summer 2009
- 2009 Chevrolet Malibu four-cylinder w/six-speed automatic: Out now
- 2008 Chevrolet Silverado Hybrid: Late 2008
- 2009 Chevrolet Traverse: Late 2008
- 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8: Out now
- 2009 Dodge Challenger SE, R/T, SRT8: Fall 2008
- 2008 Dodge Durango/Chrysler Aspen Hybrid: August 2008
- 2009 Dodge Ram: Fall 2008
- 2009 Ford Escape, Escape Hybrid: Out now
- 2009 Ford F-150: Late 2008
- 2010 Ford Fiesta: 2010
- 2009 Ford Flex: Out now
- 2010 Ford Focus: 2010
- 2010 Ford Fusion: Early 2009
- 2010 Ford Mustang: Early 2009
- 2010 Ford Taurus: Mid-2009
- 2009 Honda Fit: Out now
- 2009 Honda Insight: Spring 2009
- 2009 Honda Civic: Out now
- 2009 Hummer H3T: Late 2008
- 2009 Hyundai Elantra Touring: Late 2008
- 2009 Hyundai Genesis: Out now
- 2010 Hyundai Genesis coupe: Spring 2009
- 2009 Infiniti G37 convertible: Early 2009
- 2009 Infiniti G37 sedan: September 2008
- 2009 Infiniti FX: Out now
- 2009 Jaguar XF: Out now
- 2009 Kia Borrego: Out now
- 2009 Kia Optima: Late 2008
- 2009 Lincoln MKS: Out now
- 2009 Mazda6: Out now
- 2009 Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class: January 2009
- 2009 Mercedes-Benz M-Class: Fall 2008
- 2008 Mini Cooper John Cooper Works: Out now
- 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution: Out now
- 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart: Summer 2008
- 2009 Nissan GT-R: Out now
- 2009 Nissan Maxima: Out now
- 2009 Pontiac G8 Sport Truck: Late 2009
- 2009 Pontiac G8 GXP: Late 2008
- 2009 Pontiac Solstice coupe: Early 2009
- 2008 Saab 9-3 sedan, AWD SportCombi: Out now
- 2010 Saab 9-4X: Fall 2009
- 2009 Saturn Vue 2-Mode Hybrid: January 2009
- 2008 Smart ForTwo: Out now
- 2009 Subaru Impreza 2.5GT, WRX: Sept. 1, 2008
- 2009 Suzuki Equator: Late 2008
- 2009 Toyota Venza: Late 2008
- 2008 Volkswagen Jetta SportWagen: Out now
- 2008 Volkswagen Jetta/Jetta SportWagen TDI: Out now
- 2009 Volkswagen Passat CC: Fall/winter 2008
- 2009 Volkswagen Routan: Summer 2008
- 2008 Volkswagen Tiguan: Out now
- 2009 Volvo XC60: Early 2009
The controversial new generation Impreza has returned for 2008 with a more recognisable profile.
Subaru has now officially released the sedan variant of its all-wheel drive Impreza range - carrying a price tag identical to that of the equivalent model hatch.
Buyers of the Impreza R, RX and RS variants now have the option between either a hatch or sedan without having to take into consideration any price premium.
The sedan model still boasts a five-star crashworthiness rating for occupant safety from ANCAP with Subaru’s Vehicle Dynamics Control stability system standard on all models.
The new generation Impreza has averaged more than 1000 sales per month with year-to-date sales up 12.5 percent - and that’s without a sedan model, until now.
“Impreza is one of Australia’s fastest-growing models of 2008. We can only see that improving with the addition of the naturally aspirated sedan versions.”
The Impreza sedan is 35mm higher with a wheelbase 95mm longer than the previous model which provides extra head and leg room.
The boot space has also increased by 45mm with more useable space thanks to the double wishbone rear suspension, with a split/fold rear seat included for the first time for even greater cargo carrying flexibility.
All naturally aspirated variants offer the choice of five speed manual and four speed SPORTSHIFT automatic transmissions.
The turbocharged Impreza WRX sedan is set to make its Australian debut in December along with a new list of options for the RX and RS variants.
Click through to the next page for a gallery of the new Subaru Impreza.
Virtual Car has presented a set of tempera paintings portraying futuristic vehicles in sci-fi environments. The author is Alessandro Porta, Italian artist and designer who worked for Fiat Styling Center.
Victoria Police have announced plans to use five custom built Hummer H3s in a new operation to tackle the weekend violence in Melbourne’s CBD.
General Motors’ Hummer brand will be loaning the five vehicles to Victoria police with media reports suggesting the cars will be ready within five weeks.
The concept is for the Police force to stand out and have a stronger felt presence on city streets. The idea has already been in the works for some time, however the announcement follows yet another weekend filled with violence that left a 24-year-old man dead and another seriously injured.
“The idea of going to the Hummers is that it’s about trying to measure visible impact so we’ve got to try to introduce something which might look different to our current fleet of vehicles. We want to be visibly seen and we want to make sure the police out on the streets are recognisable and that we do reassure the public that we’re there.” Asst Commissioner Gary Jamieson said
Will the use of more “stand-out” vehicles such as the Hummer have any noticeable impact on the alcohol problem in Melbourne?
2008 Volkswagen Tiguan 103TDI Automatic Review & Road Test
Tiguan demonstrates just how good a modern SUV can be
Model Tested:
- 2008 Volkswagen Tiguan 103TDI 4MOTION wagon 2.0-litre turbo diesel six-speed automatic - $38,290 (RRP)
Options Fitted:
- Metallic Paint $790; Audio System Upgrade (DynAudio) with Satellite Navigation & Reversing Camera $4780; Xenon Headlamps $1990; Leather Trim $3990; Front Fog Lamps $390; 17” Alloy Wheels $1490
Willing Engine, Smooth Auto, Quality Feel & Finish, Good Looks
Waiting List, Smaller Cargo Capacity, Steering Wheel Adjustment
CarAdvice Rating: 
- by Matt Brogan
It’s been a few months since we first had the exciting new Tiguan visit the CarAdvice office and although we were highly impressed last time, we couldn’t help but wonder if driving the more sought after automatic model would change our opinion of VWs marvelous mid-sized SUV.
In the blue corner, weighing in at 1676kg we have the 103TDI (103 kilowatt, turbo-diesel injection, automatic gearbox) variant which has had just about every box ticked on the feature list, thus giving us an idea of how sweet owning a diesel soft-roader can be. While in the red corner we have the entry-level manual model as tested previously (click here for manual review).
Catalina Blue / Wild Cherry Red
Fortunately the days where owning a smaller SUV meant a basic, bone jolting ride with rattling, smoky engine and little or no creature comforts are long gone and with Tiguan demonstrating just how good a modern compact SUV can be, it’s little wonder we’re back for more.
In addition to the standard kit of MP3 compatible CD tuner, power windows, heated power mirrors, semi-automatic air-conditioning, power steering, remote central-locking, cruise control, leather steering wheel with remote audio and cruise controls, trip computer, cloth trim, 16-inch San Francisco alloy wheels, black roof rails, and a cargo area cover Tiguan can also be rather highly optioned – just like our test car.
Featuring satellite navigation with 16:9 (800 x 480 pixel) 6.5″ colour screen and 30GB hard drive, DynAudio 300W premium six-CD tuner, self parking system, reversing sensors and camera with park assist guidance, leather electrically adjustable heated seats, bi-xenon self leveling and cornering headlamps, low tyre pressure warning indicator, climate control air-conditioning, automatic wipers, dusk sensing headlamps, 17-inch Boston alloy wheels (18-inch New York alloys also available), auto dimming mirror, fog lamps and anti-theft alarm, the only omission from our little blue beast is the glass electric tilt and slide sunroof.
The touch screen RNS510 audio and navigation system features 3D mapping and is by far the most user-friendly system on the market. Not only is it simple to set up and use but is also easy to understand visually, a great tool for those who often find themselves geographically embarrassed.
The self parking system takes but a few tries to master and can complete both angle and parrellel parks with a few touches of the screen and a light prod of the throttle, the rest (steering and braking) is managed automatically. Having recently sampled a similar system in the Lexus LS460 I must say this system is far easier to use and far better at getting the park right first time.
Toyota Australia has announced today it will bring a glimpse of its future hybrid cars to Australia with the unveiling of the Hybrid X concept car at this year’s Australian International Motor Show in Sydney.
Not only does the Hybrid X showcase a new design philosophy for future hybrid vehicles from the Big T, but also show-off the latest technology for future hybrid cars.
If you’re wondering, no, the Hybrid X is not designed in Japan, rather by Toyota’s European styling centre ED² in the south of France. The concept is a four-door, four-seat car that gives an indication of where Toyota design is heading.
The concept measures 4,500mm in length, 1,850mm wide and sits 1,440mm above ground. It’s based on a 2,800mm wheelbase.
The company says we should take a good look at the hybrid X because its design will influence not only future hybrid models but the entire Toyota brand as well.
Toyota plans to develop the ultimate CO2-free eco-car, with the Hybrid X concept being a step in the right direction.
The design is dominated by two ‘U’ shapes created by the upper glass frame area and the unconventional A and C pillars. From a bird’s eye view, the Concept gives the impression of a large X - therefore the name, Hybrid X.
The concept rides on customised 20-inch alloy wheels with ultra-low profile 225/40 R20 tyres. Although we are pretty sure they won’t make it to any production model in the near future.
Moving inside, LED headlamps are built into the car’s dashboard and display vital information such as safety distances, acceleration and braking to other drivers and pedestrians.
Another cool feature is the adjustable ambience meter, which allows the driver to set the ambience within the car, controlling sight, sound, touch and even smell… although we are not sure how the driver can control smell.
Behind the wheel a drive-by-wire steering pad is available which features a central control screen to inform the driver of the energy flow path, fuel consumption and gear position.
Those sitting in the rear can swivel their seats by 12 degrees to face each other or the scenery.
Okay Toyota, we agree, the Hybrid X Concept is a cool looking car, but please let’s see some of its design philosophy and technology find its way into your every day cars as well.
Ford Performance Vehicles will turn 5 this year, and in order to celebrate the auspicious occasion, FPV has today announced that it will build a special commemorative model, details for which will be revealed at next month’s Australian International Motor Show.
We have seen a few special editions from FPV lately, following last year’s 40th Anniversary GT and Cobra models. However FPV General Manager, Rod Barrett promised FPV fans the special edition model would be a great collector’s vehicle.
FPV was born after the acquisition of the Tickford by UK-based Prodrive. Motor sport fans would know Prodrive as the leaders behind many motor sport success stories ranging from the Subaru world rally team to Aston Martin.
The first car came in the shape of a V8 FPV GT in 2003 and marked the beginning of a new era in performance motoring, with the company now best known for its turbocharged vehicles.
“When we first launched FPV the brand revolved around the iconic status of the GT, now FPV has grown in only five short years to include two families - the GT and the F6, available in sedan, Ute and SUV models.” said Rod Barrett.
Back to the special edition 5-year anniversary model. Although we have had a hard time squeezing information out of our sources. They all say it will be something truly special. A GT HO?
“There has been much speculation about where FPV will head next, the GT HO is always on the radar, however, it would depend on whether a business case could be achieved and whether there would be market demand when we are ready to release it,” added Barrett.
What about an FPV Focus to sit above the XR5?
“Whether or not we move into the small car market is something we will look at once the Focus is produced here in Australia, of course it is always an option for the future.”
New changes following the motor show will include the addition of unique FPV badging with Mr Barrett saying owning an FPV is no longer about whether it’s a GT or an F6, but about serious performance.
There are not many car companies that can legitimately claim to be the masters of engine development. BMW however, doesn’t even need to claim, we are happy to give away that title.
Whether its producing 309kW from the M3’s 4.0-litre N/A V8 or providing endless torque from the “engine-of-the-year” 3.0-litre twin turbo six, the German powerhouse knows what makes a great engine. With that in mind, say hello to the latest incarnation, a 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8.
To be used firstly in the new X6, xDrive50i, the BMW V8 twin turbo marks yet another stepping stone in engine development. Producing 300 kW and 600 Nm of torque from its 4.4-litres, the new engine sits at the very top of the BMW performance engine range. M cars excepted of course.
It would be an educated guess to say the twin-turbo V8 is capable of slightly more power, but to keep the M cars supreme (rightly so), it has been slightly detuned.
The two turbochargers are arranged one per cylinder bank, and located within the engine vee. Using direct petrol injection, BMW says there is no such thing as turbo lag, not to mention the low inertia turbines spool up (rather quickly) to 175,000 rpm peak, which in turn uses the waste gases as additional thrust.
0-100 km/h? 5.4 seconds. Impressive! No doubt this engine will soon find its way into the other models in the BMW range, perhaps even the 5-series.
The X6 xDrive50i comes with BMW’s intelligent xDrive which helps distribute all that power between the front and rear axle. The car also receives Dynamic Performance Control as standard. The system allows for variable distribution of drive forces between both rear wheels. We didn’t know what that meant either!
Essentially, as we understand, when cornering on a trailing throttle, the computer can work out the correct amount of traction and torque to feed each wheel. Plus it also helps stabilise the car in all sorts of demanding conditions.
With all that power comes responsibility. Responsibility to be able to stop in time! Hence the BMW X6 xDrive50i gets its own set of unique brakes. Lightweight brakes with discs measuring 385 millimetres (only 5 mm smaller than the Aston Martin DBS!).
Power and technology aside, standard equipment includes everything already available in the six-cylinder petrol and diesel X6 models plus: special 20-inch light alloy wheels, Adaptive Drive, Self-levelling Pneumatic Suspension, Comfort Access, electrically adjustable front Comfort Seats, Head-Up Display, four-zone Automatic Climate Control, 16-speaker Hi-Fi system, gear-shift paddles mounted on the steering wheel for the six-speed automatic gearbox and interior and exterior mirrors with automatic anti-dazzle function.
Out of the box a the interior is crafted in a premium “Nevada” leather upholstery with the option of a perforated finish in combination with seat heating and ventilation.
Four interior trim finishes are available as well, ash or bamboo dark grain fine-wood, Aluminium, finely brushed lengthwise, and Aluminium Flywheel Black.
Telling the twin-turbo V8 apart from its smaller brothers isn’t that hard. If the 20 inch wheels don’t grab your attention, maybe the satin-finish window surrounds, Titanium-coloured kidney grilles and a satin chrome side strip, while two rectangular form chrome tailpipes might do the trick?
Prices start from $145,000 plus dealer delivery and on road costs. The X6 xDrive50i will be available from December 2008 from BMW dealers Australia-wide.
The new Peugeot 308 CC will be revealed first at the Paris Motorshow next month, but unlike most European cars which take the greater part of a year to come down under, the new coupe cabriolet will also be revealed at the Australian International Motor Show the following week.
Peugeot has arguably given birth to the CC market, having originally pioneered the “folding roof cars” with its 401, 601 and 402 “Eclipse” models from the 1930s.
Those of us with a keen eye can easily notice the countless 206 CCs driving around Australia, a car which according to the French company, brought the ownership experience of a hard-topped convertible to within reach of all motorists.
Since then we’ve seen the introduction of its current 307 CC and 207 CC models. So with the 308 and 308 Touring out and about, it’s now time for the all new 308 CC.
The company says the 308 CC has four full-size adult seats, which although we would dearly love to believe, having a quick glance at the rear seats in the picture below quickly changes our understanding of ‘full-size’.
Some of the new features found in the 308 CC include the “Airwave” system, which acts like a scarf by diffusing warm air adjustable for temperature, flow and direction around the occupant’s shoulders and neck.
The 308 CC will be on public view at next month’s Australian International Motor Show (October 9), however the 308 CC will not go on sale in Australia until April next year.
Ford Australia has today announced that all new FG Falcon XT models built from September onwards (MY09) will come standard with 16-inch alloy wheels which replace the 16-inch steel wheels.
This is an added bonus of $500, but Ford has only increased the price by $300 to $36,790, effective from September 1, 2008.
Additional upgrades for the FG Falcon range include the availability of a reverse camera ($500) and premium audio system ($1,100) on G6 models, available now.
The premium audio system has a respectable 262-watt total power output and comes with a six-disc, in-dash CD/MP3 player, eight speakers, 150-watt amplifier and sub-woofer plus a seven-inch colour TFT display screen.
As mentioned before All FG Falcon Utes will come standard with Ford’s Dynamic Stability Control (ESC), effective from September 1.
However, the ’standard’ specification upgrade, comes at a cost. RRP for the FG Falcon XR range, which includes the XR6 Cab Chassis and Styleside Box, XR6 Turbo Styleside Box and XR8 Styleside Box models, has gone up by $500.
New pricing for FG Falcon Ute XR models is as follows:
- XR6 (CC) $34,590
- XR6 (SSB) $34,990
- XR6 Turbo $38,990
- XR8 $38,990
Additionally, there will now be a new colour for the FG Falcon, SY Territory and FPV vehicle lines to spice up things a little. The colour, named Velvet, is a dark chocolate cherry paint colour with an intense red/copper metallic highlight. XT buyers shouldn’t get their hopes up as its only available for sports/luxury models across the locally-produced Ford and FPV model line-ups.
The new car is available on G6, G6E and G6E Turbo, Territory Ghia, Territory Turbo and Territory Ghia Turbo, and FPV GTE models.
Last month Ford sold 2708 Falcons, compared to Holden, which found 4,814 buyers for its Commodore. In total, Ford sold 8603 vehicles last month, down from 9,544 in the same period last year. The blue oval holds 11.1 per cent of the Australian market share.
News stories from Sunday 07 September, 2008
In a tribute to the solidarity of Japanese product, Nissan’s mighty GT-R, driven by Steve Jones, has beaten off Porsche and Lamborghini to win this year’s Quit Targa West Rally in Western Australia.
Jones (above, right) and his co-driver Ruari Soutar-Dawson bravely fought off challenges from the Porsche GT2, driven by veteran racer Jim Richards, and Kevin Weeks in the Lamborghini Superleggera. Jones was 15 seconds in front of Richards by the chequered flag.
On Father’s Day, however, Steve Jones attributed his win to his dad.
“[I want to] thank my dad for everything he did for me, my old man is the reason I wanted this for so long. He passed away when I was 17 and I’ve done this for him, I’ve given him what he wanted!”
Jones also commented that time in the car was critical to his success.
“It was a learning curve for us, the car is so new and I didn’t know what to do it is so electrical. I learnt the car, every hour I spent in the car I learnt how to drive it and we just became stronger and stronger, it was so good!”
“I don’t know who to thank; all the people here that helped me come here and get what I’ve wanted for so long.”
Gentleman Jim Richards was gracious in defeat.
“Young Steve’s done a fantastic job, he’s definitely got a bright future and we’re really rapt that he’s won”, said Richards. “We would have liked to have won but we didn’t so very, very happy for him.”
Click here to see the results.
Photos courtesy Paul Brockbank - Antilag.com