fr ee
Chevrolet 2012 Malibu
Charger Heavy muscle
Nissan's authentic SUV sports above average reliability .............. E4
The SRT8 powers up with 470 horses............................................ E1
Autos plus
#21488
2012 Chevy Cruze LS MSRP $18,590
Buy for $17,349
Sunday July 1, 2012 Section E
The Sentinel www.cumberlink.com
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Dodge Charger SRT8 personifies American muscle One of America’s storied muscle cars is enjoying a second run and this year, and it is running with more muscle than ever. Charger began its brawny saga in 1965, as an option package for the Dart GT. Charger was mothballed in 1978 and returned in 2006 as a nostalgic re-imagining of its heyday. The inaugural ’65 Charger earned its rep by stampeding out 230 horses, and the 2012 SRT8 version more than doubles that original power out- spoiler. New 4-inch round dual exhaust tips are positioned input. side of the redesigned rear fasBeckoning muscle lovers cia while the SRT8 decklid badge With the SRT8 badge and de- boldly shows its Street and Racsign, Charger beckons muscle ing Technology DNA. With a unitized steel body and lovers of yesterday and today. aluminum hood, the long and The Chrysler Group’s Street and Racing Technology (SRT) brand muscular Charger SRT8 meauses a successful product devel- sures 200.3 inches long, 74.4 opment formula featuring five inches wide and 58.2 inches high proven hallmarks: beefy power- on a 120.2-inch wheelbase while trains; track-worthy ride, han- offering 4.3 inches of ground dling and capability; superior clearance. Charger SRT8 weighs braking; evocative and functional in at a beefy 4,365 pounds with exteriors and race-inspired and 54 percent of the vehicle’s weight up front. high-performance interiors. The standard Charger is forceful as is, paired with a 292-horse- Powering up with 470 horses Under hood is HEMI® power. power 3.6-liter aluminum Pentastar V-6 engine, but that is The 6.4-Liter V-8 HEMI® enonly the beginning. The Charger gine with Fuel Saver Technology R/T trim is designed for hard- is linked to a 5-speed automatic core enthusiasts who crave even transmission, and the system demore performance, and they get livers 470 horses and 470 lbs-ft it with a 370hp HEMI® V-8 en- of torque. The monster produces gine. But the muscle king of the in all ranges and all conditions. 2012 Charger line-up is the SRT8 On the track, my test Charger reand its 470hp 6.4-liter HEMI® corded a 4.4-second sprint from zero to 60mph, and completed a V-8 engine. quarter-mile run in 12.9 seconds. Looks scream high These were exactly the same times I achieved in its sister, the performance Chrysler 300C, in tests completThough built at Chrysler’s ed earlier this year. Brampton Assembly plant in Charger’s stiff independent Brampton, Ontario, Canada, front suspension and five-link inCharger is American Muscle perdependent rear smooth out most sonified, through its HEMI® enroad irregularities and SRT8’s gine and its powerful physique. The 2012 Dodge Charger SRT8 adaptive Bilstein shocks tweak to screams high performance from tighter handling when automatiits performance-sculpted hood cally asked. There is a bit of top that features a black air exhauster wobble from the surprisingly tall for added engine cooling, to its Charger, but the SRT-tuned rack high-gloss black front grille and and pinion steering with hydrauthe Dodge crosshair next to the lic power assist responds unhesisignature SRT badge, to the 6.4L tatingly. Cornering is a composed sureHEMI® badges on each fender and 20-inch full forged alumi- thing that is precise and confinum wheels with painted pockets dent, though you can power slide In the rear, the Charger SRT8’s on the Goodyear Eagle RS-A2 new signature “race track” tail- tires (245/45R20 all-season) and lamp design with 164 illuminat- drift when desired in autocross ing LEDs sits just below a rear settings.
By Mike Blake
Associated Press
Charger’s stiff independent front suspension and five-link independent rear smooth out most road irregularities and SRT8’s adaptive Bilstein shocks tweak to tighter handling when automatically asked. EPA estimated at a thirsty 14 city and 23 highway on the recommended Premium 91 octane fuel, my mixed-use tests showed an average of 15.2mpg.
Cabin combines comfort, tech and racing cues Inside, Charger combines world-class accommodations with race-inspired technology and appointments. With seating for five, you get 38.6 inches of front headroom, 41.8 inches of legroom in row one and 59.5 inches of first seat shoulder room, and rear accommodations of 37.9 inches of headroom, 41.0 inches of legroom and 57.7 inches of shoulder room. The luggage compartment provides 16.3 cu. ft. of space. Cabin niceties include an 8.4inch color touchscreen display, full-color graphic Electronic Vehicle Information Center with Performance Pages timers for 0-60 mph, one-eighth mile and
quarter-mile times, 60-0 braking distance, and lateral and longitudinal g-forces. Other interior features include a 19-speaker Harman Kardon® audio system with innovative GreenEdge® technology and 900 watts of power, a 10-inch subwoofer, leathertrimmed bucket seats with SRT embroidery, heated front and rear seats, 8-way power driver and front passenger seats with 4-way lumbar, SRT8 badging, climate control, and a bevy of tech and upscale accents. Charger addresses safety with more than 65 advanced safety and security features including standard Keyless Enter-N-Go, electronic stability control, Ready Alert Braking and Rain Brake Support, front-row reactive head restraints, full-length side-curtain air bags, driver’s knee air bag and front seat-mounted sidethorax air bags. The standard Charger SE starts at $25,595 with eight-speed au-
tomatic transmission, deliver refinement, improved performance and 31 miles per gallon on the highway. The Charger R/T is estimated at 25 mpg highway and starts at $29,995. And the big-muscled Charger SRT8 has a base price of $47,425. My test ride was bathed in Redline 3-coat Pearl exterior paint for an extra $500; the power sunroof added $995; adaptive cruise control with Adaptive Speed Control and Forward Collision Warning added $795; destination charges added $995 and the sticker-as-tested totaled $50,210. ––– Visit www.CarlisleEvents.com for more on the automotive hobby. Mike Blake, former editor of KIT CAR magazine, joined Carlisle Events as senior automotive journalist in 2004. He’s been a “car guy” since the 1960s and has been writing professionally for about 30 years.
XXXXX Autos
E2 — The Sentinel at www.cumberlink.com
Sunday • July 1, 2012
Car prices fall as inventories return to normal Associated press
DETROIT — New car prices have dropped $500 on average in the past year, mainly because Japanese automakers have restocked dealers after shortages in 2011, according to the Kelley Blue Book auto pricing service. Prices have dropped the most for the Toyota Prius and Honda Civic, while prices of Detroit models haven’t fallen quite as much, KBB said Wednesday. Toyota, Honda and smaller Japanese companies ran short of cars after an earthquake and tsunami hit Japan in March of 2011, knocking out power and hampering production of parts and cars. With few cars to sell last summer, Toyota and Honda dealers had little reason to offer discounts. But with Japanese plants at full strength again and U.S. dealers restocked, discounts are back. Those deals, along with aging cars and easier access to auto loans, could keep buyers coming to dealerships this summer, despite anxiety about the jobs market. KBB said that the average price paid for a Honda is almost $1,200 less than it was a year ago. Subaru, Mazda and Toyota models are down $700 to $800. Ford, Chrysler
and General Motors have seen much smaller drops, less than $500. The average price paid for a Prius gas-electric hybrid is down $2,500 from last June. The Civic is down $1,550, according to KBB. “Although conditions in the global economy continue to deteriorate, consumers who are willing to pull the trigger on a new vehicle will find that there are plenty of deals available,” said Alec Gutierrez, senior market analyst for KBB.
“Consumers who are willing to pull the trigger on a new vehicle will find that there are plenty of deals available.”
Associated Press
A line of 2012 Prius sedans at a Toyota dealership in the south Denver suburb of Littleton, Colo. New vehicle prices have dropped $500 on average in 2012, mainly because Japanese automakers have restocked dealers after car shortages in 2011, according to the Kelley Blue Book auto pricing service.
alec gutierrez
senior market analyst
Big Ford store!
PennsylvAniA’s Annual
Sale Ends Promptly L AST ! Monday at 8pm CHANCE
Pre-Owned
tent sale continued New 2012 Escape XLT Front Wheel Drive w/Sync
New 2012 Escape XLT Four Wheel Drive w/Sync
over
75
8 l nt-whee
10
escAPes in stock!
Fro drives
rice At this P
Four -whe el dr At t ives his P rice
3,000 OFF 3,500 OFF % APR $ % APR $ 0 249 0 269 $
MSRP
MSRP
$
and
or lease for
and
or lease for
up to 60 months
plus tax
up to 60 months
plus tax
MSRP $26,090, 39 months/10,500 Miles/Year with only $493.55 due at signing, for well qualified buyers.
MSRP $29,035, 39 months/10,500 Miles/Year with only $519.00 due at signing, for well qualified buyers.
2008 Honda Ridgeline RTL
2008 Saturn Vue XR
2008 Ford F-150
2008 Chevy Malibu LTZ
2008 Nissan Altima 2.5S
Stk#T122276A1, Was $24,995
Stk#12435A, Was $18,995
Stk#T12785A, Was $30,995
Stk#T12158B, Was $19,995
Stk#T12471A, Was $15,995
NOW
NOW
NOW
22,910
$
SOLD
NOW
15,260
$
NOW
29,840
$
17,765
$
12,180
$
2011 Ford Crown Victoria LX
2011 Ford F-150
2011 Ford Ranger Sport
2009 Toyota Corolla LE
2009 Mustang Shelby GT500
Stk#2066A, Was $22,995
Stk#T12786A, Was $25,995
Stk#T2102A, Was $25,995
Stk#T2098B2, Was $14,995
Stk#2090A, Was $43,995
NOW
18,880
$
23,840
$
NOW
S$ OLD
NOW
23,840
$
S$ OLD
NOW
13,620
$
S$ OLD
NOW
39,920
$
OLD S $
2011 Ford Fusion SE
2010 Ford Mustang GT
2010 Lincoln MKZ
2008 Cadillac SRX
2010 Ford Flex SEL
Stk#12659A, Was $20,995
Stk#12511A, Was $26,995
Stk#1204A, Was $28,995
Stk#T2159A, Was $28,995
Stk#T12401A, Was $32,995
NOW
19,750
$
NOW
23,285
S$ OLD
NOW
27,420
S$ OLD
NOW
24,440
S$OLD
NOW
28,870
2010 Dodge Gr. Caravan SXT
2010 Ford Edge SE
2007 Jeep Liberty Sport
2006 Scion xB
2004 Ford Econoline 150
Stk#T12758A2, Was $19,995
Stk#12503A, Was $22,995
Stk#T12339A, Was $14,995
Stk#T12311A, Was $13,995
Stk#T12650A, Was $12,995
NOW
NOW
NOW
NOW
17,845
$
NOW
21,990
12,480
11,970
11,970
$
Autos Plus
The Sentinel at www.cumberlink.com Classic 810 Specialty Autos CHEVELLE, 1968 SS 396. 400 auto., shift kit, 410 possey, 129k original mi. $13,500. Call 717-336-6025. FORD, 1964 Mustang 1/2 Convertible. Needs restored. 55k documented miles. $16,500. 717-855-6880. NASH COUPE 600, Antique 1947. Partially restored. $11,500/neg. Call 725-6786
Parts & 825 Accessories TIRES, (4) Sigma P215/70R15, like new, $160/all. Call 776-3065. TRUCK CAP, 8ft aluminum. Grey color, fair condition. Fits Ford $50/obo. Call 648-2746
RV / 840 Travel Trailers TIFFIN, 2004 Allegro Motor Home, 32’, 2 slides, generator, back up camera, hydraulic jacks & much more. Like new, 13,600 mi. Asking $45,900. 697-0564.
850
Motorcycles / ATVs
855 Sport Vehicles BRONCO, 1995, V8, AT, full power, 200k, fair, runs great, new tires. $2,500/obo. 648-2746 GMC, 2011 Terrain SLE AWD, 2.4L, 4 cyl., auto., A/C, power seat & windows, rear camera, cruise, XM, OnStar, GM certified.
Stock #92008A. SALE PRICE... $25,995!
1-888-532-2121 Full inventory: www.hhchev.com HONDA, 2007 Pilot EX-L 4x4
Sunroof, Navigation, leather, power heated seats, 3rd row seat, alloys, keyless entry. Very nice! Stock #72170A. SALE PRICE... $19,995! 1-888-532-2121 Full inventory at: www.hhchev.com NISSAN, 2007 Xterra Sport 4x4
V6, auto., A/C, power windows, CD, keyless entry, alloy wheels, tow hitch, assist step. Stock #61039A.
SALE PRICE... $14,995! 888-532-2121 Full inventory: www.hhchev.com SATURN, 2007 Vue
AWD, V6, auto., A.C, power windows, cruise, CD, alloys, XM. Only 51,910 miles! Stock #12157A. SALE PRICE... $14,995!
1-888-532-2121 or view our full inventory at: www.hhchev.com TOYOTA, 2005 Highlander SR 4x4 V6, 101,038 miles. Rahal Select. Stock #T45069A. $12,988! 1-866-785-0082
HONDA, 1985 Magna 500cc. New inspection, mostly garage kept. $950. Call 717-433-3475. SUZUKI, 1990 750 Intruder, water cooled, shaft drive, leather bags, lots of chrome, custom paint, garage kept, beautiful. Must sell $2,300/obo. 240-0794. YAMAHA, 1999 4WD. Excellent condition. $2k. Call 241-3004.
TOYOTA, 2007 Highlander 4x4 64,958 miles. Toyota Certified. Stock #TP5175. $15,969! 1-866-785-0082 TOYOTA, 2008 Highlander 4x4 V6, 36,163 miles. Toyota Certified. Stock #T45626A. $22,898! 1-866-785-0082
855 Sport Vehicles CHEVY, 2010 Equinox Red/Gray, 19k miles. Stock #LX16555A $18,988
1-800-778-0850 www.bobbyrahallexus.com
DODGE, 2008 Durango SXT 4x4 V8, 50,400 miles. Rahal Select. Stock #T45350A. $12,969! 1-866-785-0082 FORD, 2008 Escape Limited 4x4 LA SR V6, 43,571 miles. Rahal Select. Stock #T45430A. $17,866! 1-866-785-0082 FORD, 2009 Escape XLT 4x4 SR V6, 53,953 miles. Rahal Select.
FORD, 2012 Edge
Stock #T45490A. $18,948! 1-866-785-0082 TOYOTA, 2010 RAV4 Limited 4x4 V6, 13,437 miles. Toyota Certified. Stock #TT590. $25,969! 1-866-785-0082
860
Trucks
DODGE, 2007 Ram Quad Cab Short Bed 4x4. 5.7 Hemi, white, grey leather custom interior, all options, over $6,000 in access., new brakes & tires, 40k mi. Excellent condition! Asking $24,900! Call 717-648-5017.
Stock #T43034B. $17,942! 1-866-785-0082
FORD, 2004 Sport Trac Red/gray, 91k miles. Stock #LX15280C $11,988
Red/black, 5k miles. Stock #LX16579A $35,988
TOYOTA, 2008 Tacoma Double Cab Sport 94,172 miles. Rahal Select.
1-800-778-0850 www.bobbyrahallexus.com GMC, 2008 Yukon
TOYOTA, 2009 RAV4 4x4 30,019 miles. Toyota Certified.
Black/black, 49k miles. Stock #LX16592B $26,988
1-800-778-0850 www.bobbyrahallexus.com
be our friend.
1-800-778-0850 www.bobbyrahallexus.com
Stock #T45647A. $20,988! 1-866-785-0082
870
Autos
BMW, 2010 335XI
880
Autos
880
Autos
880
Autos
ABSOLUTE MINIMUM OF $350 OR HIGHER PAID ON MOST VEHICLES! Licensed dealer. Call 717-324-9395, anytime.
CHEVY, 2009 Malibu LT Spring Edition Sunroof, power steering & windows, cruise, CD, XM, OnStar, 18" chrome clad wheels, remote start, keyless entry, GM certified. 1 owner, local trade. Stock #12099A.
SPECIAL... $14,900! Call 1-888-532-2121 or view our full inventory at: www.hhchev.com CHEVY, 2011 Cruise LTZ 1.4L turbo, sunroof, leather, power windows & heated seats, remote start, OnStar, XM, alloys, cruise, CD, 1 owner. Stock #11122A. SPECIAL... $17,900! 1-888-532-2121 or full inventory: www.hhchev.com FORD, 1994 Taurus SHO. 5-speed, cold AC, inspected, R-title 220k miles. $1,500. Call 717-795-6107. FORD, 2011 Fiesta SE 4 door, 1.6L, 4 cyl., A/C, CD, power windows, 1 owner. Local trade. Stock #71143A SPECIAL... $12,500! 1-888-532-2121 Full inventory at: www.hhchev.com FORD, 2012 Focus SE Hatchback Sunroof, auto., A/C, power windos, cruise, CD, keyless entry, alloys, Sirius. Stock #72155A. SALE PRICE... $17,995! 1-888-532-2121 Full inventory at: www.hhchev.com GMC, 2002 Yukon XL. Sunroof, leather, good condition. Purchased new, maintenance records kept, 170k mi. $6,500. 717-701-8480. HONDA, 2009 Civic Gray/gray, 47k miles. Stock #LXP545B $14,988
1-800-778-0850 www.bobbyrahallexus.com
INFINITI, 2009 G37X
Gray/gray, 58k miles. Stock #LX16717A $22,988
1-800-778-0850 www.bobbyrahallexus.com
MAZDA, 2006 Miata MX5. Black, 11k mi. Auto. A/C, like new. $16,200. Call 717-448-8823. MAZDA, 2007 Miata Convertible Auto., A/C, power windows, cruise, CD, spoiler, keyless entry, low miles.
Stock #12149A. SALE PRICE... $15,995!
1-888-532-2121 or view our full inventory at: www.hhchev.com PLACE YOUR AD 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Go to Cumberlink.com SUBUARU, 1996 Legacy AWD inspection Nov. 12. Runs rough check engine light is on. Sold as is. Serious Inquiries only. $1,200/obo. Call 717-608-1636 TOYOTA, 2008 Solaro Blue/gray, 51k miles. Stock #LX16669A $13,488
1-800-778-0850 www.bobbyrahallexus.com
TOYOTA, 2009 Avalon XL 33,967 miles. Toyota Certified. Stock #TP5191. $21,441! 1-866-785-0082 VW, 2004 Beetle
Black/gray, 41k miles. Stock #LXP611A $8,488
1-800-778-0850 www.bobbyrahallexus.com
Black/brown, 46k miles. Stock #LX16700A $31,988
1-800-778-0850 www.bobbyrahallexus.com CADILLAC, 2006 CTS Sunroof, leather, 3.6L V6, power heated memory seats, CD, XM, OnStar, alloys, new tires.
Stock #72189A. SALE PRICE... $15,995!
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Autos
Vans
DODGE, 2001 Grand Caravan ES, 75k mi. 3.8L V6, 1 owner, clean Carfax, dealer maintained, $6,450. Call 241-5311 5-9pm
880
880
Sunday • July 1, 2012 — E3
888-532-2121 or view our full inventory at: www.hhchev.com
PICK THE W OF EEK
FORD, 1994 Tau rus SHO. 5-speed, cold A/C, inspected R-title, 22 , 0k miles. $1,500. Call 717795-6107 .
“Cleanest Cars in Town” Since 1953!
www.martysinc.com
Happy 4th of July! Thank you for your business!
08 Ford Taurus SEL.........................$10,900 06 Hyundai Elantra GT HB, 5 Spd......... $8,900 05 Chrysler Town & Country, 1 Owner.... $8,900 05 Hyundai Elantra, 5 Spd. ................ $6,900 04 Dodge Grand Caravan SXT ............. $9,500 04 Hyundai Accent, AT...................... $6,500 04 Ford Focus ZX3, Cpe., 68K............. $7,500 03 Chevy Cavalier Cpe., AT, 1 Owner .... $6,900 03 Ford Focus CP, AT, 1 Owner............ $5,900 02 Hyundai Elantra GT, AT ................. $5,900 02 Honda CR-V EX, 1 Owner, AT, 96K...$11,000 02 Saturn SL1, AT ........................... $5,500 02 Chevy Prizm, AT.......................... $5,500 01 Saturn SL1, AT ........................... $4,900 01 Nissan Altima GXE, AT, 1 Owner ...... $6,500 01 Honda Civic EX Sdn...................... $6,500 00 Dodge Caravan, 54K..................... $5,500 00 Ford Focus ZTS, Leather, 79K ......... $6,600 00 Ford Focus SE, AT ....................... $5,500 471 E. NORTH STREET, CARLISLE
2495418
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E4 — The Sentinel at www.cumberlink.com
Autos
Sunday • July 1, 2012
Behind the Wheel
2012 Xterra: Nissan’s authentic SUV By ANN M. JOB
In Focus
For The Associated Press
The 2012 Nissan Xterra sport utility vehicle is a rugged, capable off-roader with strong V-6 and authentic SUV ride and looks. It’s this genuine SUV character that differentiates the high-riding, boxy Xterra from today’s slew of softer-riding, pavement-loving SUVs that have become popular with mainstream buyers. To be sure, the five-seat Xterra, with its fully boxed ladder frame and rear suspension with solid axle and leaf springs, harkens back to the SUV basics — even if buyers can opt for leather-covered seats instead of cloth in the top model. And, Xterra offers iPod connectivity these days. Still, to SUV purists, the five-door Xterra can be a refreshing vehicle that provides an old-school ride along with a new-car warranty. Consumer Reports says Xterra reliability has been above average. Just don’t expect to get great fuel economy. The best rating the 2012 Xterra receives from the federal government is 16 miles per gallon in city driving and 22 mpg on the highway. A fourwheel drive test model averaged 15.6 mpg in combined, city, highway and off-road travel. Starting manufacturer’s suggested retail price, including destination charge, for a base, 2012 Xterra X with two-wheel drive and automatic transmission is $26,035. The lowest starting retail price for a 2012 Xterra with four-wheel drive is $28,085 for a base X model that comes with automatic transmission. These prices compare to the $28,750 starting MSRP, including destination charge, for a front-wheel drive, 2012 Kia Sorento with 276-horsepower V-6 and automatic transmission and the $30,450 starting price for an all-wheel drive 2012 Sorento with V-6 and automatic. Note that the Sorento also is offered with a fourcylinder at a starting retail price of $23,950. All Sorentos come with automatic
2012 Nissan Xterra Pro-4X
Submitted photo
BASE PRICE: $25,210 for base, 4X2 X; $27,200 for 4X2 S; $27,260 for 4X4 X; $28,200 for 4X4 S; $30,370 for Pro-4X manual; $31,420 for 4X4 Pro-4X with automatic. PRICE AS TESTED: $32,625. TYPE: Front-engine, four-wheel-drive, five-passenger, mid-size sport utility vehicle. ENGINE: 4-liter, double overhead cam, V-6. MILEAGE: 15 mpg (city), 20 mpg (highway). TOP SPEED: NA. LENGTH: 178.7 inches. WHEELBASE: 106.3 inches. CURB WEIGHT: 4,425 pounds. BUILT AT: Smyrna, Tenn. OPTIONS: iPod interface $260; Pro-4X floormats $120. DESTINATION CHARGE: $825.
The 2012 Nissan Xterra. transmission. But the Xterra has one engine only — a 261-horsepower six cylinder — and can be ordered with a manual transmission that some off-roaders prefer. Meantime, the competing 2012 Toyota FJ Cruiser with two-wheel drive, 260horsepower V-6 and automatic has a retail starting price of $26,875. The Xterra tester was the top-of-the-line Pro-4X with fog lights at the front bumper, light bar on the roof and skid plates protecting the lower part of the engine in case it hits a rock or tree stump off-road. Like all Xterras, the tester featured noticeable, large flared wheel wells, a hood that’s chest high and flat metal sides devoid of decoration. There’s even a step built into the side of the Xterra, near the rear bumper, that helps driver and passengers access items stowed on the roof during those off-road excursions. Nissan also offers an Xterra tent that connects the cargo area to a tented sleeping and living area once a day’s travels are over. And, in contrast to softer SUVs, the Xterra carries
around under the rear cargo floor a full-size spare tire. A small, temporary spare would never do in the wilderness. Small statured people have to scramble to get up onto the front seats of the Xterra, which has a minimum ground clearance of 8.2 inches in the base model and up to 9.5 inches in the Pro-4X. Views out front in the tester were great as the driver looked down onto the roof of a Mini Cooper. But a Honda Odyssey van and large pickups still blocked views ahead. Backing up the Xterra was a bit stressful because metal pillars alongside the tailgate window blocked views, and there’s no factory option for a backup camera. Nissan does, however, offer a mind-blowing Rockford Fosgate audio system with eight speakers and a subwoofer. Satellite radio is available, too. The 4-liter, double overhead cam V-6 is a longtime, award-winning powerplant at Nissan and moves the heavy Xterra along in sprightly fashion. Just a touch of the accelerator and the test Xterra rushed forward eagerly. Throttle tip-
in was light, which required the driver to learn to carefully meter foot pressure to drive smoothly. Otherwise, the engine’s 281 footpounds of peak torque at 4,000 rpm came to the fore. The Xterra merged well into traffic. But wind noise became noticeable at just over 40 miles per hour, and even at stoplights, sounds from nearby cars entered the passenger compartment. There’s no refined ride in the Xterra. On uneven pavement, passengers felt a bounciness, and a sensation of heaviness at the four wheels was evident. In turns and sweeping curves, passengers felt “head toss” in the tall 4,200-pluspound vehicle as weight
DETROIT — Ford Motor Co. is experimenting with technology that can figure out when a driver is stressed out and might need some help. The system links sensors inside and outside the car to measure traffic, speed, road conditions and the driver’s pulse and breathing to estimate the workload. In high-stress situations, the car could give more frequent alerts for front-end crashes, and it could even block out an incoming cell phone call. Ford and other automakers already have radar-activated blind-spot detectors that monitor traffic in adjoining lanes, and they have radar cruise control that can warn drivers if they’re approaching something too quickly. Ford also is testing steering wheel and seat belt sensors that can check a driver’s heart and breathing rates, and even facial temperature. The company is developing formulas to determine when a driver is stressed and when to assist. “In addition to using existing vehicle data to estimate demand on the driver, we’re researching ways to get an even better understanding of the stress level of the driver,” Gary Strumolo, manager of vehicle design and infotronics for Ford, said in a statement. In low-stress situations, the system would allow telephone calls to go through and relax warnings, Ford said Wednesday. The technology is still in research, and the company didn’t say when it might find its way into production vehicles. Shares of the Dearborn, Mich., company’s stock fell a penny to an even $10 in afternoon trading.
Ford to close assembly plant in Philippines MANILA, Philippines — U.S. carmaker Ford Motor Co. says it will close its 13-yearold assembly plant in the Philippines at the end of the year. Ford Group Philippines president Randy Krieger said Wednesday that the company
“could not make a strong enough business case for future manufacturing” in the Philippines. The plant has exported over 80,000 vehicles since 2002. About 250 workers will be affected. The plant will close after the last Ford Escape SUV rolls out in December. Ford closed its original Philippine assembly plant in 1983 and reopened a new plant in 1999 citing improved political stability.
Anderson’s former GM plants getting second look ANDERSON, Ind. — Amid the vast open spaces that are the former General Motors plants, two City of Anderson buses could be seen rumbling through the overgrown weeds and cracked concrete. In these areas that have rarely experienced movement for several years, two dozen people poured out of the buses to get a good look at the properties, and to learn about their potential. Local officials said they are excited that companies have been showing interest in some of those brownfields — former industrial or commercial properties that have been left vacant and need or are undergoing environmental cleanups. The visitors included local government officials, as well as representatives from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Manufacturing Alliance of Communities, a national coalition of local government leaders working to revitalize former factory and manufacturing sites. Those officials, and others, were gathering Tuesday for a full-day discussion on the challenges that auto communities face, and how to move forward. Mayor Kevin Smith, interim economic development director Greg Winkler, and Gary McKinney, the city’s brownfield redevelopment specialist, led the tour of the former Guide Lamp property along Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard and 29th Street and through several former GM plants along Scatterfield Road. –Associated Press
material looked cheap, and none of the windows came with a power-up function. The driver’s window had power-down only. Still, the Xterra’s many usable storage spots were impressive for how much they could hold. Two cupholders between the front seats can accommodate large drinks, for example, and there are two gloveboxes. The 2012 Xterra has been the subject of one safety recall involving bolts holding the engine oil filter and engine cooler in place. Some bolts could break at the oil filter attachment point, causing oil to leak and creating the potential for the engine to seize up and cause a crash.
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shifted from one side to the other. Note: The test vehicle had the Pro-4X’s Bilstein gas-filled shock absorbers for a tighter ride off-road. Headroom is a generous 39.3 inches in front and rear seats, and rear legroom of 34.4 inches is better than what’s in the FJ Cruiser. Fit and finish on the Tennessee-built Xterra was excellent, with body gaps outside consistent and interior plastic materials lined up just so. The Pro-4X came with an attractive cloth upholstery that looked to have a cloth netting, in contrasting color, over it. It worked well to keep passengers from sliding around in the seats. But the Xterra’s ceiling
2012 Chevrolet
2012 Chevrolet
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