www.bogotafreeplanet.com Bogota Free Planet Car Pages en Bogota Free Planet Copyright 2010 2010-09-06T20:29:00-05:00 http://www.bogotafreeplanet.com/index.php/articles-cars/7804 http://www.bogotafreeplanet.com/index.php/articles-cars/7804#When:12:10:00 TechnoFile.com If you’re looking for a small, economical car that’s also a real blast to drive, you can’t go far wrong with the Volkswagen Golf GTI. When the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada named the GTI as its 2010 Canadian Car of the year, I didn’t agree. I thought it should have gone to the Porsche Panamera, because it was a completely new car – as opposed to the GTI’s being merely another generation of a long-running vehicle – and it had represented a bigger risk for its company. Volkswagen 2010-08-14T16:58:00-05:00 http://www.bogotafreeplanet.com/index.php/articles-cars/7803 http://www.bogotafreeplanet.com/index.php/articles-cars/7803#When:12:10:32 TechnoFile.com Avid bicyclists, environmentalists, or weenies who don’t want to work hard may want to check out OHM bicycles, power-assisted units that certainly made the ordeal of bicycling easier for this sedentary writer/weenie. OHM bills itself as the premium brand of power-assisted bicycles and claims to offer the only power-assisted bikes equipped with the patented “BionX” torque sensor. It’s a technology they say responds automatically to the way the rider pedals, providing a smooth, natural sensation – even, supposedly compensating if one of your legs is pedaling more strongly than the other. Automotive News 2010-08-14T16:47:00-05:00 http://www.bogotafreeplanet.com/index.php/articles-cars/7158 http://www.bogotafreeplanet.com/index.php/articles-cars/7158#When:13:28:41 Ford’s Flex has a new heart this year, new motivation for both the vehicle and perhaps for those interested in buying it. It’s Ford’s Ecoboost technology, which includes the company’s new twin turbo 3.5 liter V6 that Ford says delivers V8 power with V6 fuel economy. It’s a peach of a system and it produces 355 horsepower, which Ford says is 35 percent more than that of the base Flex’s V6, and 350 ft.-lb. of torque, up 41 percent. Ford 2010-06-20T18:26:00-05:00 http://www.bogotafreeplanet.com/index.php/articles-cars/6639 http://www.bogotafreeplanet.com/index.php/articles-cars/6639#When:15:17:24 By Joe Wiesenfelder, Cars.com The debate over whether the Ford Mustang should be called a muscle car or a sports car is a long-standing — and pointless — one, but I think the 2011 model’s new drivetrains and chassis refinements give fodder to both sides of the argument. With a new 305-horsepower V-6 engine and new six-speed manual and automatic transmissions, the V-6 model rivals the 315-hp 2010 Mustang GT’s V-8. The 2011 GT, with its 412-hp V-8, moves into an entirely different class. Despite the increases, gas mileage is also up across the board, including an amazing EPA-estimated 31 mpg highway for the V-6 automatic. Ford 2010-04-11T20:10:00-05:00 http://www.bogotafreeplanet.com/index.php/articles-cars/6043 http://www.bogotafreeplanet.com/index.php/articles-cars/6043#When:22:31:28 Bill Reinert, the head of Toyota’s (NYSE ADR: TM) advanced powertrain research, stated that his company does not forsee the electric vehicle becoming the standard in the industry in the short-term future. Automotive News 2010-01-22T03:28:00-05:00 http://www.bogotafreeplanet.com/index.php/articles-cars/5864 http://www.bogotafreeplanet.com/index.php/articles-cars/5864#When:00:06:44 The Hyundai Santa Fe is a practical-size vehicle for prowling the suburban savanna.It’s the larger of Hyundai’s two compact SUV’s, large enough for three-row seating, which the smaller Tucson is not. Technically, both vehicles are crossovers, meaning they are built like cars, using unibody construction, instead of the body-on-frame technique of a traditional truck.That could prove to be a disadvantage in, say, the Paris-to-Dakar rally; or while outmaneuvering an unwanted military incursion. But in most ways it’s better for everyday driving.Compared to a truck-based SUV, a car-based crossover is generally lighter, smoother riding, and more responsive.Crossovers also tend to use less gas than truck-based SUVs.Still, with the right options, the Santa Fe can tow up to 3500 pounds. Automotive News 2010-01-07T04:56:00-05:00 http://www.bogotafreeplanet.com/index.php/articles-cars/5863 http://www.bogotafreeplanet.com/index.php/articles-cars/5863#When:23:54:02 Join our new host, Jessi Lang, as she reviews the 2010 Kia Forte. The 2010 Forte is one of many in the small economy sedan segment, but it seems to bring a lot more bang for your buck. The exterior is well-styled, without any lines or angles that feel out of place. On the interior, you get standards that are frequently extra cost with other manufacturers; Bluetooth, an AUX jack, voice activation, steering wheel controls for audio, and Siruis radio all come standard on the Forte. Automotive News 2010-01-07T04:44:00-05:00 http://www.bogotafreeplanet.com/index.php/articles-cars/5862 http://www.bogotafreeplanet.com/index.php/articles-cars/5862#When:23:39:52 Inside and out, Kia keeps it simple with the Optima’s design. The 2010 Optima has nice proportions as a whole, but up close it appear a bit derivative, with details picked up from past Camrys, Accords, and the like. A mid-cycle update last year offered a number of mild upgrades throughout, but it failed to change the Optima’s rather drab style. Several reviewers pointed out the Optima’s relative anonymity within the class of four-door sedans. Automotive News 2010-01-07T04:33:00-05:00 http://www.bogotafreeplanet.com/index.php/articles-cars/5861 http://www.bogotafreeplanet.com/index.php/articles-cars/5861#When:23:32:07 The General Motors has launched the news mini car in india. The Car is ‘Chevrolet Beat’ . The Beat has 1.2 litre petrol engine. The Beat is available in three variants and lowest variant is Rs 3.34 lakh and highest will cost Rs 3.94 lakh. The Chevrolet Beat has following features : * Variants include the mid tier LS, the top end LT and the low end PS. * ABS and Airbags in LT version * The Car is priced cheaper to its competing models * The 1.2 litre engine is the main highlight of beat * The car will be soon launched worldwide. Chevrolet 2010-01-07T04:26:00-05:00 http://www.bogotafreeplanet.com/index.php/articles-cars/5860 http://www.bogotafreeplanet.com/index.php/articles-cars/5860#When:23:26:29 When it comes to affordable large cars, not much out there is better than the 300 at making an impression. The big, retro-themed Chrysler sedan has been around for half a decade, but it still turns heads with its strong and imposing styling that harkens back to the days when Chrysler was king of the hill. With its debut for the 2005 model year, the Chrysler 300 forged a new direction, and since then its rather boxy but low look has aged well. It’s still a head-turner—something that can’t be said of most other big sedan competitors. New for 2010 are some minor styling upgrades, including chromed door handles and front and rear fascia accents for the 300 Touring model. Automotive News 2010-01-07T04:15:00-05:00 http://www.bogotafreeplanet.com/index.php/articles-cars/5859 http://www.bogotafreeplanet.com/index.php/articles-cars/5859#When:23:15:10 It’s official. The Examiner.Com 2010 Car of the Year is the Ford Fusion Hybrid. It’s a car I predicted will win the North American Car of the Year that is being announced next week at the Detroit Auto Show (also known as the North American International Auto Show). By the way, the Ford Fusion Hybrid is a finalist for Internet Car of the Year, which I founded. That award will be presented Feb. 10-11 at the Chicago Auto Show. Ford 2010-01-07T04:11:00-05:00 http://www.bogotafreeplanet.com/index.php/articles-cars/5858 http://www.bogotafreeplanet.com/index.php/articles-cars/5858#When:22:56:23 An all-new model, the 2010 Suzuki Kizashi (ke-ZAH-shee) is a midsize car the manufacturer characterizes as a sport sedan. Four years have passed since Suzuki discontinued its previous midsize sedan, the Verona, which simply didn’t compete in a class crowded with many models — some of which boast decades-long histories and excellent reputations, like the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry. With the resurgence of Chevrolet’s Malibu and Ford’s Fusion, the climate is now more cutthroat than ever, but the Kizashi stands a chance thanks to a low entry price, impressive interior quality and affordable, efficient all-wheel drive. Automotive News 2010-01-07T04:01:00-05:00 http://www.bogotafreeplanet.com/index.php/articles-cars/5803 http://www.bogotafreeplanet.com/index.php/articles-cars/5803#When:19:01:15 It’s getting hard to find a bad vehicle these days, an ear which is a legitimate golden age for the automotive industry, technologically if not financially. Automotive News 2009-12-19T23:51:00-05:00 http://www.bogotafreeplanet.com/index.php/articles-cars/5788 http://www.bogotafreeplanet.com/index.php/articles-cars/5788#When:14:19:39 Kia introduced its new Forte sedan in 2009, re-establishing the company as a player in the compact-car segment with an affordable alternative to the Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla. The Koup aims to do the same versus other two-doors, but unlike its four-door counterpart, there isn’t as much value in this new model. The Koup has a lot going for it, especially its attractive styling and gutsy engine in higher trim levels, but it doesn’t beat the competition on price. Will buyers still take a chance on Kia? Automotive News 2009-12-16T19:14:00-05:00 http://www.bogotafreeplanet.com/index.php/articles-cars/5787 http://www.bogotafreeplanet.com/index.php/articles-cars/5787#When:14:13:29 An all-new, four-seat Mercedes-Benz E Class convertible will be unveiled next month at the Detroit Auto Show and go on sale in the United States about mid-year. Essentially a soft-top version of the new E Class coupe, the rear-wheel-drive convertible will have two new features that will make it comfortable for top-down motoring throughout the year. Mercedes Benz 2009-12-16T19:04:00-05:00 http://www.bogotafreeplanet.com/index.php/articles-cars/5786 http://www.bogotafreeplanet.com/index.php/articles-cars/5786#When:14:02:08 On the strength of its bold styling, interior quality and athletic handling, the Cadillac CTS sedan has been a sales success, and now its model line is expanding. For 2010, the sedan is joined by a CTS Sport Wagon, which nearly doubles the sedan’s cargo space and adds $3,000 to its base price. Often cited as Exhibit A in the case for GM’s ability to build a world-class car, the CTS is indeed exceptional, but a few performance and quality shortcomings dampen our praise of the new wagon. Cadillac 2009-12-16T18:51:00-05:00 http://www.bogotafreeplanet.com/index.php/articles-cars/5774 http://www.bogotafreeplanet.com/index.php/articles-cars/5774#When:18:16:20 Front-wheel drive is a funny thing. When originally introduced during the Thirties in the Cord 810 (then later in the awesome supercharged 812) and the Citroën Traction Avant, FWD was hailed as a major breakthrough, a wondrous technological innovation that allowed for lower ride height and greatly increased passenger space.  Nissan 2009-12-15T22:57:01-05:00 http://www.bogotafreeplanet.com/index.php/articles-cars/5773 http://www.bogotafreeplanet.com/index.php/articles-cars/5773#When:17:57:26 A fresh take on one of the most iconic designs in motoring will play a central role in the UK-wide trial of electric cars. BMW has handed over 40 electric MINI E vehicles to test drivers at the start of two consecutive six-month field trial periods meant to evaluate the social, psychological and technical aspects of living with an electric car. The findings will be used to inform both BMW engineering teams and the wider world as decisions are made about the future of electric cars. Automotive News 2009-12-15T22:47:00-05:00 http://www.bogotafreeplanet.com/index.php/articles-cars/5754 http://www.bogotafreeplanet.com/index.php/articles-cars/5754#When:12:24:30 Back in November 2008 we posted some news about the 2010 Nissan Cube, which included U.S. specs and photos. This was followed with news about Nissan Cubes and Clarion’s MiND device in July 2009, so today we thought it’s about time we updated you. With the Nissan Cube release in the UK this January, the reviews have been flowing. The popular Parkers site – car reviews and news - has taken a first look at the Nissan Cube, although they quickly point out that different versions of the Cube have been on sale in Japan for over 10-years. Nissan 2009-12-14T17:19:00-05:00 http://www.bogotafreeplanet.com/index.php/articles-cars/5753 http://www.bogotafreeplanet.com/index.php/articles-cars/5753#When:12:18:15 Dinner conversation with friends who know what I do for a living, or with strangers who learn that I’m an automotive journalist, usually begin with “Why can’t American car companies build fuel efficient vehicles?” or “Why can’t they build quality vehicles, or innovative vehicles, or fun vehicles, or vehicles I’d want to own?” And almost invariably, these questions come from folks who haven’t owned an American car for at least 10 years, and haven’t even driven one in a decade or more. Ford 2009-12-14T17:13:00-05:00