Yesterday, General Motors unveiled the new 2011 Buick Regal, which is making its public debut today in Los Angeles. In its press release GM said that the Buick Regal’s key competitors include the Acura TSX, Volvo S60, Mazda 6 and Volkswagen Passat.

As GM does the whole “May the best car win” campaign, we figured we’d run a little test of our own out of curiosity. Based on what you know about the 2011 Buick Regal, would you pick it over its key competitors?

Let us know in the poll below – if you have something to say, follow the jump for the comments section.

Refresher: The 2011 Buick Regal will be available in two options including a 182-hp 2.4L 4-cylinder and a 220-hp 2.4L 4-cylinder turbocharged. Estimated fuel-economy for the non-turbocharged model comes in at 20/30 mpg (city/highway). The 2011 Regal will be built in Russelsheim, Germany, giving it the handling and dynamics of a premium European sport sedan.

2011 Buick Regal:

- By: Omar Rana

Would you rather have English pop star Cheryl Cole or Megan Fox in your passenger seat? Also, would you rather drive a Bugatti Veyron or an Aston Martin One-77? That was the question a poll by MPH Prestige & Performance Motor Show asked 13,000 visitors to MSN Cars.

The result? Men fantasize about driving a Bugatti Veyron with Cheryl Cole more than any other vehicle or woman – including Megan Fox and an Aston Martin One-77.

Cole acquired 24 percent of the “perfect passenger” vote, while Megan Fox came in second with 21 percent. Jessica Alba came in 3rd with 12 percent followed by Jennifer Aniston with 11 percent, Beyoncé Knowles with 8 percent and Victoria’s Secret model Adriana Lima with 3 percent.

The Bugatti Veyron topped the “perfect car” list with 36 percent followed by Aston Martin’s One-77 with 29 percent. Ferrari’s California trailed behind with 9 percent followed by the Pagani Zonda R with 8 percent, Alfa 8C Spider with 7 percent and Koenigsegg CCX 7 percent.

- By: Omar Rana

Source: Inside Line

Green Car Journal announced today that it has picked five finalists for the 2010 Green Car of the Year. The winner will be announced during a press conference at the 2009 LA Auto Show on Dec. 3.

2010 Green Car of the Year Finalists:

• Audi A3 TDI
• Honda Insight
• Mercury Milan Hybrid (no idea why it’s not the Ford Fusion Hybrid)
• Toyota Prius
• Volkswagen Golf TDI

Let us know who you think should win by casting your vote in the poll below. Have something to say? Hit the jump to have your voice heard in the comments section.

Press Release:

Five Finalists Announced for the 2010 Green Car of the Year®

Winner to be Announced During an LA Auto Show Press Conference on Dec. 3

LOS ANGELES – Oct. 7, 2009 – Green Car Journal announced today its five finalists for the 2010 Green Car of the Year®, including the Audi A3 TDI, Honda Insight, Mercury Milan Hybrid, Toyota Prius and Volkswagen Golf TDI. For the fifth consecutive year, this prestigious award will be announced during a press conference at the Los Angeles Auto Show press days, Dec. 3.

The Green Car of the Year® award is a program that honors environmental leadership in the automobile field and recognizes vehicles that are readily available to consumers during the award year. Green Car Journal editors perform an exhaustive review of vehicle models to identify the five finalists. The winner is ultimately decided by jurors such as Jay Leno, Jean-Michel Cousteau, Carroll Shelby, Matt Petersen of Global Green USA and the Sierra Club’s Carl Pope, along with Green Car Journal editors.

“We’re seeing the trend for ‘green’ cars emerging at all levels, from entry-level cars to luxury models, and even performance cars and SUVs/crossovers,” said Ron Cogan, editor and publisher of the Green Car Journal and editor of GreenCar.com. “Plus, an array of technologies and fuels as well as strategies like lightweighting and reducing rolling resistance are being applied to the challenge. Greater choice provides buyers a personal stake in lessening environmental impact, and that’s important.”

This year’s finalists reflect this diversity. For the first time an Audi makes the final five with its sporty A3 TDI clean diesel. Volkswagen’s new Golf TDI shows an expanding focus on clean diesel technology in the VW lineup. The Insight is a completely new hybrid sedan for Honda and the 2010 Toyota Prius is a totally redesigned, third-generation version of this popular hybrid model. The Milan Hybrid is Mercury’s application of its advanced-hybrid technology in an upscale mid-size sedan.

About Green Car of the Year®

The GCOY award is an important part of Green Car Journal’s mission to showcase environmental progress in the auto industry. Since 1992, Green Car Journal has focused on the intersection of automobiles, energy, and environment, first with an industry newsletter and then with an award-winning auto enthusiast magazine. Today, the magazine is considered the premier source of information on high fuel efficiency, low emission, advanced technology, and alternative fuel vehicles. Subscription information, along with a downloadable sample issue, can be found at GCJUSA.com. Green Car of the Year® is a registered trademark of Green Car Journal and RJ Cogan Specialty Publications Group, Inc.

About the Los Angeles Auto Show

The 2009 Los Angeles Auto Show will be held on Dec. 2-3 for press and Dec. 4-13 for the public. Media registration is now open. This year, the Organisation Internationale des Constructeurs d’Automobiles (OICA), the world automobile trade association, has officially named the Los Angeles Auto Show as one of its sanctioned international exhibitions. For more information, please visit LAautoshow.com.

- By: Stephen Calogera

According to PPG Industries, charcoal and other gray shades are considered silver. With that in mind, the silver color has become the most popular vehicle color in the world for the ninth consecutive year.

PPG said that in North America, silver and charcoal saw a strong increase of 25 percent in 2009. White came in second with 18 percent, black came in third with 16 percent and red came in fourth with 12 percent. PPG pointed out that 15 years ago, green was the most popular color in North American with 21 percent, while silver only had 8 percent of the market.

What’s your favorite color from the top 4 vehicle colors in North America? Cast your vote in the poll below. Don’t like any of those colors? Let us know your favorite in the comments section below.

Press Release:

Silver still entrenched as world’s favorite vehicle color, according to PPG data

Company introduces 70 new shades at annual Automotive Color Trend Show

TROY, Mich., Oct. 1, 2009 – For the ninth consecutive year, the silver category, which includes charcoal and gray shades, has ranked as the most popular vehicle color in the world according to data from PPG Industries (NYSE:PPG), the world’s leading manufacturer of transportation coatings.

In North America, silver and charcoal saw a strong increase in popularity from 20 percent in 2008 to 25 percent this year. White was second (18 percent), black was third (16 percent) and red was fourth (12 percent). These four color categories comprise well over two-thirds of all vehicles sold in North America. Just 15 years ago, the most popular color on vehicles in North America was green with 21 percent, while silver had only 8 percent in 1994.

“What helps drive silver’s popularity are all of the innovative effects that really make silver shine … much more than just a simple gray,” said Jane E. Harrington, PPG manager, color styling, automotive coatings. “Silver tones work well with today’s tinted metallic textural looks. The diversity of silver, from subtle hue shifts to dimensional metallic flake appearances, works with a variety of vehicle styles.”

In Europe, silver and charcoal (35 percent) were followed by black (22 percent), blue and white (13 percent each), red (9 percent), naturals (5 percent), green (2 percent) and other/niche colors (1 percent).

In the Asia/Pacific region, silver and charcoal (34 percent) were followed by black (21 percent), white (17 percent), blue (9 percent), red (7 percent), naturals (6 percent), other/niche colors (4 percent) and green (2 percent).

“Clearly, the automotive industry is moving toward more color choices,” Harrington said. “Palettes are broadening as the number of models decreases and the industry consolidates. Going forward, automotive manufacturers are going to be relying on color more and more to distinguish their brands.”

At this year’s annual Automotive Color Trend Show held at PPG’s offices here, the coatings company presented its ideas for future vehicle colors. Titled “3D Color” – representing “Design,” “Dimension” and “Differentiator” – the show included a collection of interior and exterior colors developed globally and inspired by fashion, interior design, industrial design, culture, commercial construction and nature. PPG presented automotive designers with 60 new exterior shades and 10 new interior shades for consideration in their designs of the 2012-2013 model years. The new shades were grouped in four themes based on vehicle type: “Dimension” for compact vehicles; “Perspective” for mid-size vehicles; “Surface” for hybrid vehicles; and “Depth” for luxury automobiles.

PPG introduced automotive manufacturers to new colors such as Champagne Silver, a tinted silver with a slight warm copper beige cast; Outer Space Blue, a deep, dark blue with a slight sparkle effect; Haute Couture, a black base coat with a high sparkle blue mid-coat that gives it an appearance inspired by a black designer evening gown with blue sequins; Quantum Rose, an interior color close to a neon red; and Hulk, a color developed in Australia that is bright green, just like its namesake.

In addition to the new exterior and interior colors, PPG added a computer-generated imaging demonstration to the show. This provides automotive designers with the ability to see some of the new colors as they might appear on new model vehicles.

In addition to color trend forecasting, PPG is continuing to develop new paint technologies that offer automotive design options to enhance appearance and help manufacturers differentiate their brands.

One of the paint systems that PPG previewed at the show is a next generation of glass flake coatings. These are paints that include very smooth glass flakes coated with various metal-oxide layers. “Because of the coating’s narrow particle distribution and very smooth surface, this product shows extreme sparkle and brightness,” said Jerry R. Koenigsmark, PPG manager of color design, North America automotive coatings. Koenigsmark said that the company hopes to make these coatings available commercially in the next two to three years.

PPG also highlighted its Chaos Sky White mica coatings. These are new shades of white based on synthetic micas coated with titanium dioxide (white pigment).

Additionally, PPG spotlighted its new inorganic infrared-reflective pigments. These coatings have a very high solar reflectivity that helps to keep the vehicle cooler, reduce air conditioning use, and reduce fuel consumption.

On the forefront of innovation in decorative and protective coatings and environmental application concerns since 1924, PPG helps automakers advance coatings technologies and application processes.

About PPG
Pittsburgh-based PPG is a global supplier of paints, coatings, optical products, specialty materials, chemicals, glass and fiber glass. The company has more than 140 manufacturing facilities and equity affiliates and operates in more than 60 countries. Sales in 2008 were $15.8 billion. PPG shares are traded on the New York Stock Exchange (symbol: PPG). For more information, visit www.ppg.com.

At the end of the two-day summit held by the Department of Transportation to crack down on distracted driving, President Barack Obama signed an executive order banning federal workers from texting while driving government vehicles. The White House said that the ban also applies to privately owned vehicles if the employee is on official government business.

The president’s order encourage federal contractors and others doing business with the U.S. government to enforce their own ban on texting while driving on the job, the White House said.

“This order sends a very clear signal to the American public that distracted driving is dangerous and unacceptable,” Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood said. “It shows that the federal government is leading by example.”

The Transportation Department officials plan to seek a federal ban for truck and interstate bus drivers on text messaging and using cell phones while on the job.

What are your thoughts? Do you think the United States government should legally ban texting while driving? Cast your vote in the poll below.

- By: Omar Rana

Source: Detroit News
Photo Credit: Pete Souza – Flickr

Last week we reported that General Motors Company’s new 60-day money back guarantee program is off to a somewhat slow start. While many consumers agree that the 60-day money-back guarantee sounds like a great incentive, most are worried about how much money they’re actually going to get back if they return their new GM vehicle.

What many don’t know is that if you’re not interested in the 60-day money back guarantee, you can opt for a $500 cash back credit.

“We launched this activity to encourage people to give our four brands consideration,” Susan Docherty, General Manager, Buick and GMC said today during a live chat GM’s FastLane Blog. “If a consumer is not interested in the 60 day guarantee, they can opt for a $500 credit.”

Out of curiosity, we were wondering what you would go for – the 60-day money back guarantee or the $500 cash back.

Cast your vote in the poll below. Have something to say? Head over to the comments section after the jump.

- By: Omar Rana

In case you missed it – Nissan unveiled its new electric-car over the weekend – the 2010 Nissan LEAF EV. The five-seater hatchback is powered by a 107-hp electric-motor that runs on power supplied by lithium ion cells. On a full-charge, the Nissan LEAF allows for a driving range of 100 miles with a top speed of 87 mph.

The 2010 Nissan LEAF EV takes up to 8 hours to charge on a standard 200V outlet. Buyers can opt for the DC 50kW quick-charger, which recharges the battery up to 80 percent in under 30 minutes.

The model is scheduled to be launched in late 2010 in the U.S. with prices starting around $30,000.

With all that in mind – we’re wondering what you think of the new Nissan Leaf and whether or not you would purchase such a car over the Toyota Prius, Honda Insight or the upcoming 2011 Chevrolet Volt.

Cast your vote in the poll below. If you have something to say, follow the jump for the comments section.

2010 Nissan LEAF EV:

- By: Kap Shah

After the gorgeous concept unveiled at the 2008 New York Auto Show and all the anticipation for the production model, Suzuki finally unveiled the 2010 Kizashi yesterday for the North American market. Right off the bat you notice that the production model looks much different than the concept seen last year in New York.

Nonetheless, this is Suzuki’s first entry into the mid-size segment with hopes to compete against the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry.

Even though analysts have suggested that Suzuki pull out of the North American market, Suzuki has no intentions of giving up on the United States. The 2010 Suzuki Kizashi will go on sale in the U.S. this winter and will be offered with front-wheel or all-wheel-drive. While at launch it will only be offered with a 2.4 DOHC inline 4-cylinder, a V6 and hybrid variant are in the works for the future.

So now that you’ve and learned almost everything (pricing will be announced closer to launch, although we’re pretty sure it’ll be cheaper than its rivals) about the 2010 Kizashi, would you consider buying one over the Accord or the Camry? Vote in the poll and if you have something to say – follow the jump for the comments section.

2010 Suzuki Kizashi:

- By: Omar Rana

Yesterday, Audi revealed the official details on the new 2010 Audi A5 Sportback, which will go on sale in Europe this September. Audi clearly confirmed that the A5 Sportback “is not planned for the United States.”

Audi’s decision really disappoints us and we’re pretty sure that there are many out there that feel the same way.

Either way, we decided to run a poll and see who would like to see the Audi A5 Sportback in the U.S. in a miniscule effort to change Audi’s mind.

Check out our original post from yesterday to learn the full details on the 2010 A5 Sportback.

2010 Audi A5 Sportback:

- By: Omar Rana

European automakers have always been a bit skeptical in offering their diesel models in the United States. However, with the price of diesel hitting a dramatic decline, U.S. sales of diesel-powered vehicles are going strong. Volkswagen dealers across the nation are saying that they can’t get enough of the Jetta TDI sedan and station wagon.

According to AAA, the average nationwide price for a gallon of diesel was $2.60, reports Automotive News. When compared to the price of regular unleaded gasoline at $2.67, diesel isn’t looking all that bad. A year ago, diesel prices hit a whopping $4.85 a gallon while scaring the pants off of BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Audi and VW – all who sell 50-state diesel models in the United States.

Volkswagen said that it has sold 3,862 diesel Jettas in May, up from 2,253 in April.

“Things have changed, and diesel Jettas are moving. I want more,” says Casey Gunther, owner of two Volkswagen stores in Fort Lauderdale, Fla.

With that in mind – would you guys consider buying a Euro-diesel model? Have your say in the poll below.

- By: Omar Rana

It’s no secret that GM will phase out the Pontiac brand in 2010 with the 2010 Pontiac Vibe being the last model from the brand. Even though the Pontiac G8 is the most loved Pontiac model after the GTO, GM’s CEO Fritz Henderson is not a fan of keeping it alive.

Fritz has said over-and-over again that the G8 will not live on as a model in one of its four-core brands. There was some hope earlier this month when GM’s vice chairman of global product development Tom Stephens, said that the Pontiac G8 may survive with another GM badge.

Well, Fritz has blatantly rejected the idea once again. In his second online-chat with media and analysts on Friday, Fritz was asked whether or not “Pontiac G8 have any kind of future within General Motors as a re-badged model.” Fritz simply replied “I am not a fan of rebadging.”

What is it going to take to convince Fritz that Americans love and want the G8 to live on? Driving a bunch of G8s to the Renaissance Center may be one option but for now – we’re guessing a poll may help out. So let us know. Would you buy a Pontiac G8 if it was rebadged as Chevrolet or Buick?

Also, check out our recent review of the 2009 Pontiac G8 GXP.

Reviewed: 2009 Pontiac G8 GXP:

- By: Mo Eladawy

As GM moves to create the ‘New GM,’ it must do all it can to overcome skepticism among U.S. consumers about the quality of its cars and whether buying from a bankrupt automaker will hurt the vehicle’s resale value. Same goes for Chrysler, which is in the process of handing over the newly created Chrysler Group LLC to Fiat SpA.

“I feel good now about buying American,” Karl Gattlieb, who drives a 2007 Honda Accord, told the Free Press.

Others are still worried about buying American or from a company that is going through bankruptcy. Alya Segal of San Diego, whose family owns two Hondas and a Toyota, wants to wait and see what the impact of the bankruptcy filing will have on GM and Chrysler.

This brings us to today’s poll. Would you consider buying a GM or Chrysler vehicle right now? Have your say by casting your vote in the poll below. Have something more to say? Drop a comment in the comments section below.

- By: Kap Shah

GM announced earlier this morning that it is key vehicle launch for 2009 and 2010 are on track. While eight brands may have sounded like a good idea at one time, GM will now focus on four core brands including Chevrolet, Cadillac, GMC and Buick.

Those four brands will be responsible for the launch of eight new models starting this summer and through the end of 2010. If somewhere in your heart you still have love for GM products (and we’re not ashamed to say that we do), we’re wondering which of the new eight model you’re looking forward to the most.

The list includes the 2010 Chevrolet Camaro, 2010 Buick LaCrosse, 2010 Cadillac SRX, 2010 Cadillac CTS Sport Wagon, 2010 Chevrolet Equinox, 2011 Chevrolet Cruze, 2011 Chevrolet Volt and the 2010 GMC Terrain.

Have your say by casting your vote in the poll below.

Follow the jump to see the high-res image gallery of each model.

2010 Buick LaCrosse:

2010 Chevrolet Camaro:

2010 Chevrolet Cruze:

2010 Chevrolet Equinox:

2010 Chevrolet Volt:

2010 Cadillac SRX:

2010 Cadillac Sport Wagon:

2010 GMC Terrain:

- By: Kap Shah

Yesterday, a study by the folks at R.L. Polk & Co., found that 55 percent U.S. car shoppers plan on buying new cars in the next two years, with 72 percent of them considering domestic models. 

Many of you who commented on the Miscellaneous Thoughts post yesterday seem to disagree with R.L. Polk & Co. Some comments from users who felt the R.L. Polk & Co., study was, well stupid, said: 

me2: Ha ha this study or survey stinks. Look around and you’ll see most people buy and drive European and Japanese cars. At least here in New York. Dumb rednecks will keep buying american because that’s the only thing they know…..

Burton: I don’t know who the f*** cnn interviewed (rednecks *cough*) but let have a vote here. WHO here is planning to buy american in the next two years? You’re out of luck if you want a tesla, it’s out of your league!

Well, we decided to have to do our own study. So let us know if you would buy American in the poll below.

- By: Kap Shah

Now that GM has made Pontiac’s death official, we’re wondering what your thoughts are on the brand’s best model.

And yes, while the 2010 Pontiac G8 ST never made into production in the first place, we decided to add it to our list for you El Camino fans.

Cast your vote below.

- By: Omar Rana

All of you high-performance hatchback lovers may now rejoice. Ford is considering bringing its 305-hp 2009 Ford Focus RS to the U.S. According to Hermann Salenbauch, FoMoCo’s director of advanced product creation and global performance, the decision to sell the Focus RS in the U.S. depends on enthusiasts such as Focus SVT owners.

Ford is looking for “feedback from the media and customers” Salenbauch told Automotive News. “How much do they like it? Is it really what they want? We are pretty confident that it is.”

The next-generation redesign and Europe-engineered 2011 Ford Focus goes on sale in the U.S. in late 2010. The RS model for the U.S. would be based on that platform.

Would you buy a Ford Focus RS if it came to the U.S.? Have your say in the poll below.

2009 Ford Focus RS:

- By: Omar Rana

Tesla and Fisker are like the Pepsi and Coke of the electric-car industry – well almost. Both offer outstanding products that push the limits of ‘green’ cars to a whole new level. Both company’s have arrived on the electric-car/hybrids scene with one product each and while Tesla’s Model S Sedan is still 2 years out (maybe more than that) Fisker’s Karma hybrid four-seater will hit markets in late 2009. So we were wondering which car you would go for if you had a budget of $110,000.

Now let’s get one thing straight before we continue. The Tesla Roadster is a full-electric vehicle running without an engine. The Fisker Karma hybrid sedan, on the other hand, is what we in the auto industry like to call a ‘EREV’ – an Extended-Range Electric Vehicle that provides a certain distance of zero-emissions driving on battery power alone. After the battery is depleted, an on-board engine acts as a generator providing extended range capabilities. One other thing we’d like to point out is that the Tesla Roadster is a fun-to-drive sports car while the Fisker Karma is a four-door luxury sports car.

Tesla Roadster – $109,000: Power for Tesla comes from a 375 volt AC induction air-cooled electric motor that pumps out 248-hp with a maximum torque of 276 lb-ft. The two-seater will go from 0 to 60 in 3.9 seconds with a top speed of 125 mph. Tesla says that you can get about 220 miles between charges. A full charge is reached in about 3.5 hours when using Tesla’s High Power Connector.

Fisker Karma – $87,900: The Fisker Karma hybrid luxury sedan is powered by a 201-hp electric motor that is mated to a lithium-ion battery pack provided by Q-DRIVE. That allows the Karma sedan to travel a total of 50 miles on battery power alone. After the batter runs out, a 260-hp turbocharged 2.0L Ecotec direct-injection engine kicks in to provide additional mileage. Fisker says that the Karma can travel a total of 300 miles on full battery power and a full tank of gas. 0 to 60 mph comes in 5.8 seconds with a top speed of 125 mph.

So let us know which will be your ticket to environmental-friendly driving. Want to justify your selection? Drop a comment in the comments section

Click through for high-res image galleries of both cars.

2010 Fisker Karma:

Tesla Roadster:

The two largest Japanese automakers, Toyota and Honda, came to Detroit this past weekend with two new hybrid vehicles. The 2010 Toyota Prius and the 2010 Honda Insight hybrid vehicles will hit dealerships in April going head-to-head with each other. If you’re currently in the market for a hybrid – we want to know which one you would be interested in purchasing come April.

The all-new 2010 Toyota Prius is powered by 1.8L 4-cylinder engine that produces 98-hp. Total horsepower comes in at 134-hp with Toyota’s hybrid system allowing for a combined fuel-economy of 50 mpg. The 2010 Honda Insight, on the other hand, is powered by a 1.3L SOHC i-VTEC engine mated to a CVT transmission. That engine works together with Honda’s Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) hybrid technology that allows for an EPA rated fuel-economy of 40/43 (city/highway) mpg.

What’s the price tag on each hybrid you ask? Well, Honda and Toyota have yet to reveal pricing but Honda says that the Insight will be priced below the Civic Hybrid which starts at $23,650. We’re guessing that the 2010 Prius will be priced somewhere around the current Prius which starts at $22,000.

Cast your vote in the poll below and if you have something to say – let your voice be heard in the comments section below.

Follow the jump for the high-res image gallery on both models.

2010 Honda Insight:

2010 Toyota Prius: