Ford rank number one on J.D. Power and Associate's 2009 navigation system survey

Not only does Ford rank number one on J.D. Power and Associate's 2009 navigation system survey, it ranks number two as well. The top ranking system, according to Power's study, is the one found in the Lincoln MKS, followed by a nearly identical system (if not 100% identical) in the Ford Flex. And get this, Ford took down five of the top ten spots with the F-150 coming in fourth and the Escape and Edge taking seventh and eighth place, respectively.

To anyone that's driven a modern Sync-equipped Ford with navigation, these survey results probably won't come as any sort of shock, as FoMoCo has been making some of the best systems in the business ever since they released Sync with Sirius Travel Link. Here's what Ford user interface design engineer Jason Johnson had to tell us about why Ford got ranked tops:

"I think what really makes our system stand out is the fact it's designed with the user in mind. Yes, it has all the features you'd expect from a high-level navigation system -- the 3-D maps, the digital jukebox, the customizable home screens, and of course we pride ourselves on SYNC and SIRIUS Travel Link -- but it's more than that. This system is easy to use. It's intuitive. The buttons are where you'd expect them to be, the grouping is logical and the graphics are bright and easy to read. Everything is integrated, so it all works together, simply and easily."

Non-Ford top ten nav-system finishers include the Acura TL (third), Porsche 911 (fifth), Cadillac CTS (sixth), Hyundai Genesis (ninth) and Infiniti FX-series (tenth). Interestingly, Ford is the only non-luxury/premium brand to make it into the top ten. If you were wondering, seven of the bottom ten nav-systems were made by Toyota, with the Avalon finishing dead last. Complete results list and official press release available after the jump.

Danica Patrick NASCAR Nationwide Series team in 2010

More Danica Patrick news and this time, it's actually racing related. Last week came a report that Ms. Patrick had inked a multi-year deal with the recently restructured Andretti Autosport, putting to rest the rumors that the sometime-swimsuit model was headed to NASCAR. Well, Sporting News is now reporting that the gun might have been jumped on that conclusion. It seems that the GoDaddy pitchwoman is about to announce a deal to drive for Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s NASCAR Nationwide Series team in 2010.

SN is reporting that Danica will run the full IndyCar calendar and a limited Nationwide schedule, with GoDaddy sponsoring her stock car. According to the GoDaddy website, the formal announcement will come at 1 PM ET Tuesday, December 8. We'll be sure to watch for that announcement and update as needed.

Mugen-fettled Accord, Fit aren't the big Honda story from SEMA

Mugen Honda Fit and Accord - Click above for high-res image gallery

In addition to announcing its plans to reinvigorate its participation in grassroots racing, Honda revealed two Mugen-accessorized models -- a 2010 Accord Sedan and Fit -- each outfitted with a range of parts available at dealers, but not a standalone model, ala Mugen Civic. While the 18-inch chrome wheels, front grille, spoilers, floor mats and machined aluminum oil filler cap are attractive additions to Honda's growing HFP line, needless to say, they leave us a bit cold when it comes the automaker's commitment to the aftermarket and, more to the point, performance.

Uninspiring SEMA efforts aside, the real news came last night during a meeting with Honda execs, where we were able to glean a few more details about Honda's future performance plans, how the CR-Z -- and more to the point, hybrids -- fit in and something to look out for next year.

Honda PR man Chuck Schifsky, told us that the Big H plans to use hybrids as a performance booster in the future, saying, "The CR-Z isn't the last step. It's the beginning." Although the real start of Honda's performance-marketed hybrids began with the last generation Accord Hybrid, Schifsky admits that its introduction was "ahead of its time," one of many reasons the electric-assisted sedan never quite caught on with consumers.

More interestingly, several Honda heads told us to expect something big in the world of motorsports next year -- likely in Japan. What that means is open to interpretation, but with Honda pulling its NSX out of SuperGT for 2010 (due to the front-engine, rear-drive chassis requirements), something interesting could be on the way. NSX revival? Lexus LFA fighter? Consider our interest extremely piqued...

Mugen Accessorized Honda Accord and Fit

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While we just said that the Delta Tech Engineering might be our favorite Kizashi

Delta Tech Engineering Suzuki Kizashi - Click above image for high-res gallery

We totally dig the new 2010 Suzuki Kizashi. It's a bold step forward for Suzuki and (hopefully) a harbinger of great things to come, which also happens to be what "Kizashi" means. However, the looks are a little, well... not outstanding. Not that it's particularly bad-looking (it ain't), but what if it were a little more... special? SEMA to the rescue!

We've got a trio of modded Kizashis for you to peruse down in the gallery, but how about some background info up front? First up is Delta Tech Engineering's car which might be our favorite. Delta Tech specializes in lighting and every light on the car is either LED or HID. Even though big mouth-look grilles are on the way out fashion-wise, we like the snout on this guy. We also like the fact that it has a cold air intake, custom exhaust and Koni coilovers.

While we just said that the Delta Tech Engineering might be our favorite Kizashi, the Road Race Motorsports Platinum Edition Kizashi pushes all the right buttons with an even more aggressive body kit. It also features a custom air intake, engine management system and data logger. You also get 13-inch slotted rotors up front (though "only" 10-inches out back). Custom springs, sway bars and chassis stiffeners round the package out.

[UPDATE: We wrongly identified Westside's Kizashi as Import Tuner's car. A total mistake on our (my) part. Sorry 'bout that.]

Lastly, we've got Westside's custom Kizashi – a car we just can't wrap our heads around. From the Frankenstein's Monster neck-bolts as exhaust tips to the bizarre two-tone paint job to the Jianghuai GIGANTIC grill, we're totally, 100% not in love. And that's that.

Suzuki Kizashi Customs

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Meet the world's most desirable Lexus RX450h by Branew

Branew Lexus RX450h - click above image to view hi-res gallery

Let me be blunt: I don't like luxury crossovers. At all. It's a niche with no appeal to me whatsoever. Not a car, not a truck – just a fat sedan jacked up on stilts to woo trophy wives with fancy badges and reassure soccer mammas that their children are "safe." And the Lexus RX gets the sharp point of my spear of anger because it's basically responsible for the high-end CUV craze. Not a fan of hybrids, either. That said, I'm absolutely smitten with Branew's Lexus RX450h.

I think it's the stance, has to be. But there is just something very desirable – from an aesthetic standpoint. The big 24-inch wheels help tremendously, perching Branew's at just the right height. And the lower fascia helps the quite handsome – if not distinctive – OEM grill pop. And I know it's going to be a controversial opinion, but the koi fish on the hood totally work. In fact, I know a certain Subaru WRX that could use a koi or two. Anyhow, while I'd rather gargle nails than rock a luxo-CUV, if forced at gunpoint, Branew's RX450h would be my first (and only) choice.

Hummer quartet is a pretty sweet swansong

2010 Hummer Robby Gordon Off-Road - Click above for high-res image gallery

We almost skipped the Hummer section of the General Motors booth this year at SEMA, concentrating instead on the plethora of Chevrolet Camaro concepts all around them. When we went back for a second look at the day's new design for the Graphics Camaro, we saw the truck above and figured we should probably reconsider avoiding HUMMER after all. We took some pics and scrounged up the press release which you'll find after the jump.

There were four different Hummers on display. The one shown above is a Robby Gordon Off-Road race truck that is absolutely ridiculous -- in a good way. This H3 was built to campaign in the 2010 Dakar Rally and is a full-blown, tube-chassis race truck, just like the Trophy Trucks you'll see running in the Baja 1000.

Next up was the Rod Hall Racing H3 Alpha. This is a stock-class desert runner that ran the 2009 SCORE International Baja 1000., meaning that it features a stock frame, stock suspension design and production-based engine.

The other two trucks were Hummer concepts. First up was the H3 Moab. Said to be inspired by trails like Steel Bender, Moab Rim, and Poison Spyder, it's a 300-horsepower, V8-powered H3 Alpha with dual locking differentials, a Rancho four-inch front suspension lift, custom rear spring-over conversion, and 35-inch BF Goodrich Mud-Terrain KM2 tires mounted on custom 17-inch two-piece Monster Black Competition Beadlock Raceline Wheels by Allied.

Last but not least is the H3T Sportsman. It's been customized with a combination of powertrain modifications, suspension enhancements and an assortment of genuine factory accessories and aftermarket components. The standard Alpha 5.3-liter V8 has been boosted by a healthy 70 horsepower. Suspension upgrades include Light Racing JounceShocks and two-inch-diameter Rod Hall Racing piggyback reservoir-type performance shocks.

Altogether a pretty nifty quartet of Hummers that we'll probably never own. Check out the gallery and all the details after the jump.

A recent report says the sale will net GM around $150 million

General Motors has reached an agreement to offload Hummer onto China's Sichuan Tengzhong Heavy Industrial Machinery, with Tengzhong taking an 80 percent stake and a private investor consuming the rest.

Details on the deal (available in the press release after the jump) include Hummer contacting vehicle manufacturing from GM, with the General's Shrevport and Mishawaka plants continuing to produce vehicles through June of 2011, with a possible extension until 2012. A recent report says the sale will net GM around $150 million, although the transaction still has to be approved by both U.S. and Chinese regulatory agencies, which could come later this year or in early 2010.

Tengzhong, which only produces commercial trucks and industrial equipment, has never entered into consumer vehicles before, but according to Yang Yi, chief executive officer of Tengzhong. "We are excited about some of the initiatives already underway at HUMMER that we believe our investment will be able to accelerate, particularly related to the creation of the next generation of more fuel-efficient vehicles to meet not only future regulations but also customer expectations."

2009 BMW Z4 new rendering

After yesterday’s almost uncovered spy shot of the future Z4, here as an exclusive TopSpeed rendering of the future sports car. The Z4 will make its world debut in November at the Los Angeles Auto Show.

From reports, the next generation Z4 will feature a more aggressive and sportier design. The shoulder line has been smoothed out considerably and will be offered with retractable hard top.

Under the hood of the next Z4 there will be both twin-turbo and naturally-aspirated straight six engines; while the flagship M Roadster is likely to get a brand new high-performance turbo six with around 350hp.

Hamann gives the BMW Z4 new wheels

Shortly after AC Schnitzer revealed some of their future upgrades on the 2009 BMW Z4, the other famous German tuner Hamann follows with their own version of Z4 wheels. While we expect to see a full package for the new Z4 in the near future, for now, Hamann released a set of wheels in two different colors and styles.

Hamann wheels have always been controversial and BMW fans can never fully agree on them, but in our opinion, it all comes down to personal preference and how much you like to “pimp out” your car.

So, what do you think?

BMW Z4 NEW

Year: 2009
Make: BMW
Model: Z4
Mileage: 0

Address: 2199 David McLeod Blvd, Florence, SC, 29501-4031 View map



vin: WBALM53529E161632

condition: New

color: Black
caid:170331932104

Images
Kijiji: 2009 BMW Z4 NEW

BMW Z4 new

Considering all the particulars that manage to show themselves from the camouflouge of the new Z4, the final look of the new BMW spider shouldn’t be too different from these two renders published by Left-lane. As we’ve already seen, the style will have some similarities to the series 6, especially in the rear; while the grill will undergo some changes to bring it in line with the new racing style inaugurated on the splendid Concept CS. New front lights should display some eyelash fluttering and are an evolution on what we saw with the series 3.

The element that will probably remain pretty much the same is the sides, maintaining their current sensual lines and curves. The interior should keep the same current minimalist style but with new instrumentation and air flow design. And it’s now almost certain that lucky owners of the new Z4 will be able to choose from two types of roof - the classic fabric roof, or a more rigid folding version.

BMW Z4: New Photo Gallery

It has been exactly four months since the new, redesigned 2009 BMW Z4 has been unveiled. Designed by two females, Juliane Blasi and Nadya Arnaout, the Z4 Roadster shines with its evolutionary design. Comparing the new Z4 with the previous generation E85, we can say that the classic roadster is back, more powerful and more stylish than ever.

The Z4 offers a combination of elegance, dynamics and driving pleasure, typical for a BMW car. Even though the official photos successfully managed to relate the message behind this new roadster, “An Expression of Joy”, seeing the car in person makes your appreciate it even more.

BMW Z4 2009

Time to buy a new 2009 BMW Z4 Convertible? It is important to do your research and know facts like the internet pricing which is $42,090.00, cash rebates and MSRP price of $45,750.00 before going to the dealership in order to get a the best deal possible. Details like a basic warranty of 4 yr. / 50k mi, and a fuel economy rating will help you compare the '09 BMW Z 4 to other car models.

2009 BMW Z 4

SELECTED TRIM SELECT A TRIM 30i Roadster 35i Roadster MSRP: $45,750 |Get Real Dealer Pricing Value: N/A Recalls: 0 Recalls E-mail Print Share del.cio.us Digg Furl Netscape Yahoo! My Web StumbleUpon Google Bookmarks Technorati BlinkList Newsvine ma.gnolia reddit Windows Live TailRank Close Window RSS

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	Select a 2009 Z4 Trim	MSRP Range	Internet Price
Convertibles	Z4 30i Roadster	$45,750	New Price Quote
	Z4 35i Roadster	$51,650	New Price Quote

2009 BMW Z 4 Specs

- 2,996 cc 3.0 liters in-line 6 front engine with 85.0 mm bore, 88.0 mm stroke, 10.7 compression ratio, double overhead cam, variable valve timing/camshaft and four valves per cylinder - Premium unleaded fuel 91 - Multi-point injection fuel system - 14.5 gallon main premium unleaded fuel tank 12.1 - Power: 190 kW , 255 HP SAE @ 6,600 rpm; 220 ft lb , 298 Nm @ 2,600 rpm

2009 BMW Z4 Price Preview

	Trim	MSRP	Internet Prices
	2009 BMW Z4 30i Roadster	$45,750	GET DEALER PRICING
	2009 BMW Z4 35i Roadster	$51,650	GET DEALER PRICING