coupe

Car Tech Live Podcast 137: The end of driving while distracted

Everyone is saying ENOUGH to driving while distracted; Volvo announces a plug in hybrid, while Mini wonders how to charge them; Chrysler gets rid of the book we never read, but always wanted; and we go for a ride in a really affordable performance car you wouldn't have taken seriously a few years ago.

Subscribe with iTunes (audio) Subscribe with iTunes (video) Subscribe with RSS (audio) Subscribe with RSS (video) EPISODE 137 SHOW NOTES

U.S. to hold a summit on driving while distracted--soon a stigma equal to drunk driving?

Volvo promises its first plug-in hybrid, in showrooms by 2012Read more

135: Ford wants federal ban on driving while texting--you know why

Ford is backing a federal ban on texting while driving--well, of course they are! Do you need a nanny to hang up the phone for you? GM thinks its cars and technology are good enough for a money back guarantee. And we roll in the Mercedes that looks more expensive than it is.

Subscribe now: iTunes (audio) | RSS (audio) SHOW NOTES

Ford backs ban on driving while texting

Mercedes S500 Plug-in Hybrid

Frankfurt hottie: Audi R8 Spyder

Mercedes E550 Coupe review and video

New iPod Nano gets FM radio

Mercedes-Benz E550 Coupe is brawny, brainy

The 2010 Mercedes-Benz E550 Coupe makes a good first impression with its athletic good looks and eager, sporty V-8 engine. Even its seven-speed automatic transmission doesn't disappoint. The coupe possess a dual nature, made possible by a sport button that sharpens up its performance when necessary.

While a sculpted body is great, the E550 Coupe follows up with brains to go with its brawn in the form of a smart COMAND-based tech package featuring Bluetooth hands free with a smart voice command system, a hard-drive-based navigation system that actually utilizes its traffic data, and an audiophile-quality premium Harmon Kardon … Read more

Mini Coupe concept headed to production

Remember that cute little Mini Coupe concept that was announced a few days ago? Neither do I, but perhaps you should take a second look because according to Chairman of the Board of Management, BMW AG, Dr. Norbert Reithofer, will be putting the Cooper Coupe into production at the Mini Plant in Oxford, alongside one other new model.

Specifically, the two new models will be based on the Mini Coupe concept and a concept that will be unveiled at the Frankfurt auto show.Details of the second model have not yet been announced.

Place your bets on whether the second … Read more

Mini unveils coupe concept before Frankfurt

Mini has unveiled details and photos of a Mini Coupe Concept, set to debut at the 2009 Frankfurt Auto Show. The Coupe builds on the Cooper platform (confusing, isn't it?), but ditches the useless rear seats in favor of a sloping roofline and a coupe's profile.

The Coupe is identical to the Cooper S from the B-pillars forward and under the hood is the 1.6-liter turbocharged heart that we've come to love in the high performance John Cooper Works Mini. Out back the Coupe's new look includes a spoiler edge on the classic floating white … Read more

2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe first look

The 2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe is finally available on North American roads. However, this is not just any old stretch of asphalt down which we find ourselves piloting the bright red Genesis Coupe 2.0T. This is legendary Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca and on this road, there are no speed limits.

We were given access to both the 2.0T Track and the more powerful 3.8 Track model. Both vehicles featured a good list of standard cabin tech such as Bluetooth hands-free, a 10-speaker Infinity audio system, and keyless entry with push-button start. USB and auxiliary ports are also … Read more

Rolling out in the Rolls-Royce Phantom

Settling into the plush leather seats of the Rolls-Royce Phantom Coupe, it dawns on me that even the smallest vehicle in the Phantom line is still as large as a small truck.

Rolls had invited us to test drive its entire vehicle lineup at an event in Los Gatos, Calif., including the Phantom Sedan, the Phantom Extended Wheelbase, the Phantom Coupe, and the Phantom Drophead Coupe.

Inserting the smartkey into its receptacle and pressing the Start button, I expect to hear the 6.75-liter V-12 roar to life. Instead, I hear almost nothing. And it's not just because the … Read more

2009 Infiniti G37x Coupe (review)

Cruising the freeway in the 2009 Infiniti G37x Coupe, we were impressed by the level of luxury and refinement. Over the highway's sweeping turns and long straights, the G Coupe was proving to be quite the Grand Tourer, smoothing out the bumps and damping out much of the road and wind noise.

From our heated leather-trimmed seats, we were guided to our destination by Nissan/Infiniti's excellent hard drive-based navigation system, which also served up tunes from its 9.3GB MusicBox or our connected iPod.

Veering from the major traffic artery, the G37 revealed its sports car roots … Read more

Hyundai gets detailed with the Genesis Coupe

Hyundai released details of its upcoming Genesis Coupe this morning (via Webcast). Not exactly the best kept secret in automotive news, the Genesis Coupe is related to the Genesis Sedan in the loosest way possible, sharing very few components such as the 3.8-liter V-6 engine and six-speed automatic transmission.

Hyundai used the Infiniti G37s Coupe, the Mazda RX-8, and the BMW 335i coupe as benchmarks for the Genesis Coupe's performance.

Two engine choices

The Genesis Coupe will be available with a choice of two engines: a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder that builds 210 horsepower at 6,000rpm with … Read more