Honda CR-Z Turbo Could Arrive This Year

Due to overwhelming demand, not to mention lackluster sales for the original hybrid version, Honda will bring to market its CR-Z turbo model, possibly as early as this year.

Facing new competition from the Hyundai Veloster, and aiming to offer something in line with higher-performance versions of the MINI Cooper, the CR-Z turbo will reportedly be available in two performance levels. A 160-hp model will offer added grunt, whole a 200-hp version will top the line. Both cars will use a turbocharged 1.6-liter 4-cylinder engine.

At last year’s SEMA Show, Honda displayed a CR-Z Hybrid R Concept (above), using a 1.5-liter turbocharged and hybrid engine to deliver as much as 200-hp.

The current CR-Z makes 122-hp and 128 ft-lbs of torque.

If Honda is able to move ahead on the project as fast as it’s believed they want to, we could see a debut of the car before the end of the year at the Tokyo Auto Show.

[Source: AutoCar]

Inside Line: 1987 Buick Regal Grand National vs. 2011 Buick Regal CXL Turbo

What a awesome car the Grand National was.... That 3.8L kicked a$$!

Source via Autoblog!

2010 Acura TSX V6 vs. 2011 Buick Regal CXL Turbo, 2010 Volkswagen CC 2.0T R-Line - Comparison Tests

This is a really good article, follow the link at the bottom of the page for the full version....

1st place: 2010 VW CC 2.0T R-Line

Highs, Lows, and Verdict
Highs: Precise steering, perfect seats, cosmopolitan styling inside and out.
Lows: Restricted sightlines, only four seats, occasional shivers in the platform.
The Verdict: A “four-door coupe” with the grace and agility of a ballerina.

2nd Place: 2010 Acura TSX V6

Highs, Lows, and Verdict
Highs: Right-now power, aggressive “sport” transmission mode, Honda quality.
Lows: Feels bigger and heavier than it is, happier on interstates than in the hills.
The Verdict: Fast in a straight line but lacking the reflexes we expected.

3rd Place: 2011 Buick Regal CXL Turbo
Highs, Lows, and Verdict
Highs: Light steering, great styling, blend of interesting cabin surfaces.
Lows: Too heavy, a gritty powertrain, relentlessly reminds that it’s a four-banger.
The Verdict: All the right stuff is there; it just needs some finessing.

Source (full article with tons of pics);
http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/comparisons/10q4/2010_acura_tsx_v6_vs._2011_buick_regal_cxl_turbo_2010_volkswagen_cc_2.0t_r-line-comparison_tests