Mobis Hyundai Tiburon

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-xEDZYmmxBOlQJyqbDCxnTyjEtdQN0sP-7_AzT5FqAaInsqq3lJlW_E3jXTYRd-vbQuc88f7-59isbQePPexCI4Rch_x7OuGENDaKuAVoC7HAIGJsyILnMp9n-o4ZhjRt9Ms6CLX3HSrx/s1600-h/9071031.021.1M.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5134515197912414082" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-xEDZYmmxBOlQJyqbDCxnTyjEtdQN0sP-7_AzT5FqAaInsqq3lJlW_E3jXTYRd-vbQuc88f7-59isbQePPexCI4Rch_x7OuGENDaKuAVoC7HAIGJsyILnMp9n-o4ZhjRt9Ms6CLX3HSrx/s400/9071031.021.1M.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYibq82A3l6Rw6rfRC0EyEH4Q1dPXGqfZZta0ehbkHqL5mpgQTXn0F0SgP8nnLRuoaETa5ou4hc97TQ_Tr9BmyCIUPPfhzNv_yyD69NuwT2QWyhLHQ4RJRdO6PaD4gSbdC1irCB6eSVVHb/s1600-h/9071031.021.Mini4L.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5134515129192937330" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYibq82A3l6Rw6rfRC0EyEH4Q1dPXGqfZZta0ehbkHqL5mpgQTXn0F0SgP8nnLRuoaETa5ou4hc97TQ_Tr9BmyCIUPPfhzNv_yyD69NuwT2QWyhLHQ4RJRdO6PaD4gSbdC1irCB6eSVVHb/s400/9071031.021.Mini4L.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsJHKofGvjoq7Eo5NTAd2-nlZjddphQuwxJjgzTfZ2L5Tvo6tZ7YJHCYphKesA3vCRXi1OkBNDBmjliTCQ4MBM3Ckt9I-dL7wBA54dnrcp5Z6ogbTkyxr5pDYs_J79BbSWYw6Pv2h04A9N/s1600-h/9071031.021.Mini5L.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5134515047588558690" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsJHKofGvjoq7Eo5NTAd2-nlZjddphQuwxJjgzTfZ2L5Tvo6tZ7YJHCYphKesA3vCRXi1OkBNDBmjliTCQ4MBM3Ckt9I-dL7wBA54dnrcp5Z6ogbTkyxr5pDYs_J79BbSWYw6Pv2h04A9N/s400/9071031.021.Mini5L.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1cUxCekHKv-sZLQ3PMkWko7gQg4HPNtNBUXNY13ow3wm7k2RUZaY8zMPo-GtujKmn1y_OOXiIpOqK91dVakzt6DonREWavQ7qDflsNotCGpJ31DbB8X7rHZnJDwv1b2WFTWgmHbwDE83J/s1600-h/9071031.021.Mini2L.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5134514935919408978" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1cUxCekHKv-sZLQ3PMkWko7gQg4HPNtNBUXNY13ow3wm7k2RUZaY8zMPo-GtujKmn1y_OOXiIpOqK91dVakzt6DonREWavQ7qDflsNotCGpJ31DbB8X7rHZnJDwv1b2WFTWgmHbwDE83J/s400/9071031.021.Mini2L.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHyI6h4Tn8UOyT9-Y2ense0hVjEuOy9NZ-XSUChdlDAY-OChMF06bGniXOG3mNdCWQn1hZbOqGF_xXvoLowZFe25hb3AhvOknSKqcpgoyhKppDVUbRaZe8epZTlHhagTODHBvo0x5OCrDv/s1600-h/9071031.021.Mini3L.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5134514841430128450" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHyI6h4Tn8UOyT9-Y2ense0hVjEuOy9NZ-XSUChdlDAY-OChMF06bGniXOG3mNdCWQn1hZbOqGF_xXvoLowZFe25hb3AhvOknSKqcpgoyhKppDVUbRaZe8epZTlHhagTODHBvo0x5OCrDv/s400/9071031.021.Mini3L.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" /></a><br />The Tiburon regularly is at the top of the list of must-see cars at the show, and this year is no exception. Its track-inspired styling and handling characteristics inspire tuners with endless possibilities. To that end, Hyundai’s accessories group, Mobis Parts, created the Hyundai Mobis Parts Expo Vehicle. In addition to the KDM full-body kit by Tomato, supercharger by Next Generation Motorsports and Eibach suspension, this Tiburon features prototype parts that will be in Hyundai dealerships’ parts departments in the near future.

Mobis Hyundai Tiburon

The Tiburon regularly is at the top of the list of must-see cars at the show, and this year is no exception. Its track-inspired styling and ...

Read more »

Nissan Murano Review

Californians designed it. Italy’s glass blowing artisans lent it their name. A Franco-Japanese alliance headed by a Brazilian CEO builds it in a Japanese factory. The Murano is a twenty-first century multinational mutt. Introduced in 2002, this strange beast has faithfully served owners in the great melting pot of America’s sprawling suburbs. In dog years, the model’s now 67 years old. And the CUV market has suddenly become more crowded than a backwoods puppy mill. So has Nissan’s crossbreed aged well, or is this old dog ready for the vet’s needle? <p>The Murano’s funky design caused quite a stir at launch. Ghosn’s goons had decided to break out of the generic Japanese gestalt with some bold moves; there was no mistaking the Murano for, um, anything else. Although it was not the first car-based CUV, it was the first to show sheetmetal that openly flaunted its pavement-only intentions– and how.</p><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicDNvRZMnx2yVzsK_l5x8SNCFXYncCqT1ixjlvTYbjAbpha6WCys5ERJVkXmyolNStLn7v8xIvlkpdb2AWZZ1xmhRU33Fr7MDLUez2miLecmThzHJzSgzZ_6lm8YETZ2Ui_lked9m2SS16/s1600-h/06_murano_09.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5134512973119354674" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicDNvRZMnx2yVzsK_l5x8SNCFXYncCqT1ixjlvTYbjAbpha6WCys5ERJVkXmyolNStLn7v8xIvlkpdb2AWZZ1xmhRU33Fr7MDLUez2miLecmThzHJzSgzZ_6lm8YETZ2Ui_lked9m2SS16/s400/06_murano_09.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" /></a><br /><p>Aside from a minor facelift, the 2007 Murano’ strange sheetmetal remains largely unchanged. Its beak is still a long, severely swept proboscis with a toothy checkerboard grille. Its high waisted body carries the bulk of its bulk below the belt – not unlike Ralph Kramden of The Honeymooners’ fame –terminating in a wide, bulbous butt. The upswept rear D pillar continues to symbolize the design’s quirky aspirations; in direct contrast to the current CUV vogue for a downwards triangle.</p> <p>In short, looking like an oversize anime Terrapin, the Murano’s styling says off-roader like a Lara Flynn Boyle pictorial says all-you-can-eat buffet. </p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghGR3TY1jHGF35OYzmzuUFCC81ZxcrRSABp2oI383nwZ7iSH9XUmcUBnwShBbxAOS99mhlwuHhHMHtE7xqjJhyphenhyphenDieJ91YBP8T-1nzbQHds0vRWbNWLt4l3TcvkCRx-Nns6_0o5RkW9MJPC/s1600-h/06_murano_12.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5134512771255891746" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghGR3TY1jHGF35OYzmzuUFCC81ZxcrRSABp2oI383nwZ7iSH9XUmcUBnwShBbxAOS99mhlwuHhHMHtE7xqjJhyphenhyphenDieJ91YBP8T-1nzbQHds0vRWbNWLt4l3TcvkCRx-Nns6_0o5RkW9MJPC/s400/06_murano_12.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" /></a><br /><p>My Glacial Pearl (i.e. white) test car offered executive class accommodations: supportive seats and elegant doors slathered in café latte leather (i.e. beige), tastefully accented by brushed aluminum panels. Meanwhile, the Murano’s instrument cluster serves up a modern interpretation of a classic sports car binnacle, in front of a windshield so steeply raked Swiss pistonheads will be tempted to yodel towards the distant intersection of glass and metal. </p> <p>But wait, there’s more! The Murano also embodies an SUV’s yeoman work ethic. Its flat paneled center console is all right angles and plain Jane, glove-friendly switchgear. Unfortunately, it’s more work than it should be; learning how to navigate this maze of indistinct buttons and menus requires more practice than beginner’s chess.</p> <p>Nissan calls the Murano’s motorized mélange “modern design meets instant versatility.” I call it multiple Murano disorder. </p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT1XWS1poX5omuPsi-Rdk7zhXx0taPUALovAamKy2w944UzmwO36S3ZsIWjOwa6oNYH0azYrxo_dhpBAB249N6ecxwc5t8Z2sIzLKg8QOj3AXqx6_Rx4X9PrDaKZ2H73wcxyd94NI5iMft/s1600-h/murano-gt-c-20060710114410174.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5134512603752167186" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT1XWS1poX5omuPsi-Rdk7zhXx0taPUALovAamKy2w944UzmwO36S3ZsIWjOwa6oNYH0azYrxo_dhpBAB249N6ecxwc5t8Z2sIzLKg8QOj3AXqx6_Rx4X9PrDaKZ2H73wcxyd94NI5iMft/s400/murano-gt-c-20060710114410174.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" /></a><br /><p>A 3.5-liter V6 Maxima hand-me-down engine powers Nissan’s not-so-cute ute. Fire up the Murano’s 240hp mill and it quickly and quietly settles into a distant hum. With AWD stifling potential wheelspin and 244 ft. lbs. of torque thrust available at 4400rpm, you’re free to jump on the throttle. And… wait.</p> <p>As the Murano’s tachometer climbs to its peak, sporting drivers instinctively anticipate an upshift that never comes. Thanks to Nissan’s Xtronic CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission), the Murano’s motor simply drones on unwaveringly, like a speedboat. On the positive side, the tranny is silky and efficient (20/24mpg). Nevertheless, the CUV’s CVT is dreadfully, unavoidably, interminably D-U-L-L. Trying to wring speed from this Godot-like drivetrain is like trying to get a cell phone company to waive an early termination fee.</p> <p>Once you get the Murano up to speed, Nissan’s two-ton CUV is not so light on its feet. The Murano’s front strut and multilink rear suspenders keep the machine reasonably level through corners and during emergency stops. In SE trim, the Murano gets “sport-tuned” springs, and firmer struts and shock absorbers. Even in this guise, the Murano’s narcolepsy-inducing ride and handling have been tailored for the comfort-oriented driver.</p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVaJem4FQZRczNlfm4I1v1hjV-zt7aLijp9dBiOTzc3jJWERUbvWGXNhJ9bm3n8Uij27G1uc9goigeIoffaYdNq7Mw0_qyduRaM0n3jfrYqD0BWns6D5p6mhSpKw5QTFeejgKcHeq9Foy1/s1600-h/06_murano_02.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5134512440543409922" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVaJem4FQZRczNlfm4I1v1hjV-zt7aLijp9dBiOTzc3jJWERUbvWGXNhJ9bm3n8Uij27G1uc9goigeIoffaYdNq7Mw0_qyduRaM0n3jfrYqD0BWns6D5p6mhSpKw5QTFeejgKcHeq9Foy1/s400/06_murano_02.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" /></a><br /><p>Even worse, the Murano’s steering is squirrelly under full-throttle (both FWD and AWD models), squirrelly when tracking down the freeway, squirrelly over uneven surfaces and squirrelly through the twisties. When the tiller isn’t busy gently undulating in synch with the suspension’s motion, it’s as vague as a politician’s promise.</p>Of course, this complete lack of satisfying driving dynamics is endemic to all high-riding CUV’s with long suspension travel and thick sidewall tires. Except it isn’t. CUV’s from Acura, BMW and Honda steer with absolute squirrel-free precision, and not a small amount of tactile feedback.<br /><br />That’s not to say that the Murano is either unsafe at any speed or uncontrollable through the bends. (Note: Loving parents should take care not to hoon with kids; the slick leather bench could result in an untidy pileup of children.) However, its [lack of] on-road personality underscores the $37k Murano’s niche: lux-o-barge on stilts.<br /><br />The redesigned ’08 Murano is on its way– and just in time. Although Murano sales are still strong (up nearly 10% vs. last year) first-class CUV’s are everywhere; including the Honda Pilot, refreshed Toyota Highlander and Mazda CX7 (to name a few). What’s more, Nissan’s new Rogue threatens to steal sales from its slightly bigger brother. If the new Murano gets better driving dynamics and a proper slushbox, the model will continue to find plenty of willing homes.

Nissan Murano Review

Californians designed it. Italy’s glass blowing artisans lent it their name. A Franco-Japanese alliance headed by a Brazilian CEO builds it ...

Read more »

Spied: 2009 Nissan Murano

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxyQanm6EKyV3BVLDjlzjcQwdHDQFAZ_QwQbYXZFwC2IlyH8uW2AgOfcuyvJiYXjegYBJ12eHUCc7tC3A44FLaL-qwXuTG6CZSZ9pYBYU37WK6qUkMzqeWQaUMOlohIxDS5g5pYZcmDh-N/s1600-h/9071031.019.1M.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5134511268017338098" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxyQanm6EKyV3BVLDjlzjcQwdHDQFAZ_QwQbYXZFwC2IlyH8uW2AgOfcuyvJiYXjegYBJ12eHUCc7tC3A44FLaL-qwXuTG6CZSZ9pYBYU37WK6qUkMzqeWQaUMOlohIxDS5g5pYZcmDh-N/s400/9071031.019.1M.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_UiXPOeczwSAoNtvPm0RnL4WhhsG8Mi6RCn342mBGdniKjwX_wzsKbxlRG1wV0IyzoHVL8BdGcBE73E7Ue-9mlEG4AJLwyDokAdk-6uZ-Hck51XEmLgUsUnGDbf_7LrTuEc5_S6gohT9r/s1600-h/9071031.019.Mini1L.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5134511182117992162" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_UiXPOeczwSAoNtvPm0RnL4WhhsG8Mi6RCn342mBGdniKjwX_wzsKbxlRG1wV0IyzoHVL8BdGcBE73E7Ue-9mlEG4AJLwyDokAdk-6uZ-Hck51XEmLgUsUnGDbf_7LrTuEc5_S6gohT9r/s400/9071031.019.Mini1L.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" /></a><br /><p>Spy photographers have captured the first images of the next-generation Nissan Murano. While the crossover is schedule to debut at next month's Los Angeles Auto Show, Nissan has done a good job keeping the Murano under wraps and away from our spies' cameras as this is the first time it has ever been spotted.<br /><br />Technical data remains a mystery, but it is believed that the new Murano will hit showrooms in early 2008 as a 2009 model — which means Nissan will forgo the 2008 model year. </p> Check back for more details after the Murano's official unveiling later this month.

Spied: 2009 Nissan Murano

Spy photographers have captured the first images of the next-generation Nissan Murano. While the crossover is schedule to debut at next mont...

Read more »

Hyundai Accent Urban Assault Vehicle

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZJqI0RryjUXf2rSFS3abfZfb38uIOuAvvRsgNRe2wMttoDVsFhM8BFbBtx9Czcnbceglz8b9irzFG7HBgcaAJLBkfMubQsR87ISGBqPbQ5aFgFjmY-_g5eiv7ewu8rqlpgZi0QqXlpsqf/s1600-h/9071031.020.1M.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5134510696786687698" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZJqI0RryjUXf2rSFS3abfZfb38uIOuAvvRsgNRe2wMttoDVsFhM8BFbBtx9Czcnbceglz8b9irzFG7HBgcaAJLBkfMubQsR87ISGBqPbQ5aFgFjmY-_g5eiv7ewu8rqlpgZi0QqXlpsqf/s400/9071031.020.1M.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb6n__lneZRyfXkSc2C5ncaXNt2QM0noeoDQGaSNdxrMp9y4loAOJMYmEYLlqgXti2In4SysTlsi64BXSUbdXWlIBiH1SIpM6mR7pU9CtI9kKWY1wv1P1DLh-6-jWsu7dulTxhY3IiljoA/s1600-h/9071031.020.Mini2L.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5134510602297407170" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb6n__lneZRyfXkSc2C5ncaXNt2QM0noeoDQGaSNdxrMp9y4loAOJMYmEYLlqgXti2In4SysTlsi64BXSUbdXWlIBiH1SIpM6mR7pU9CtI9kKWY1wv1P1DLh-6-jWsu7dulTxhY3IiljoA/s400/9071031.020.Mini2L.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuqaUeunUv-uo_zi1sMcxp8ZhR_5y8Z_6CSZTDmLyVQ8Rfhgt6FUoJLSR0a44VxkDExHvfp7lIh2wJ4Z-RfPsMsWFeMRS1X3knWku96urqwO9sfoBzsiDAmDJYNW84WIEmTqM_fexM6V3w/s1600-h/9071031.020.Mini1L.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5134510516398061234" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuqaUeunUv-uo_zi1sMcxp8ZhR_5y8Z_6CSZTDmLyVQ8Rfhgt6FUoJLSR0a44VxkDExHvfp7lIh2wJ4Z-RfPsMsWFeMRS1X3knWku96urqwO9sfoBzsiDAmDJYNW84WIEmTqM_fexM6V3w/s400/9071031.020.Mini1L.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" /></a><br />The Hyundai Accent Urban Assault Vehicle is the work of Ernie Manansala and is a three-door Accent. The Accent is the ultimate in budget-friendly, low-weight tuner vehicles.<br /><br />The Hyundai Accent Urban Assault Vehicle’s custom high-end performance wide body kit is visually stunning with its red-on-black paint scheme. Add in Momo racing seats and you’ve got a potent mixture of energy and speed.

Hyundai Accent Urban Assault Vehicle

The Hyundai Accent Urban Assault Vehicle is the work of Ernie Manansala and is a three-door Accent. The Accent is the ultimate in budget-fri...

Read more »