2008 Acura RDX is a Show Stopper

By: F. Carlton Peeples

You’ve seen the SUV and Crossover commercials that boast handling, capability and overall performance? You know the ones with phrases like; “You’ll think you’re driving a sports car” or “Built in the spirit of a performance vehicle?” Well more often than not the descriptive is totally off the mark. Because the truth is, most have extra sway and are near impossible to maneuver in the true spirit of a performance coupe or even a full-sized sedan for that matter.

Intro the Acura RDX. The scaled crossover vehicle is somewhat misleading with its deceptively high beltline and lowered underpinnings. I was delightfully surprised at exactly how low I sat in the crossover. I mean I literally felt no difference between sitting in the RDX and hopping into a full-size sedan, a 2008 Mercury Sable to be exact, in terms of ground clearance. But once inside, the Acura RDX offered an incredible amount of consistency with its interior features and amenities, performance-handling and overall capability.

The first thing I noticed as I sped away from the warehouse that houses the press fleet, is how eager the RDX was to get me to where I was going. Right away the engine caught my attention with a snappy growl and a quick jump to 40mph when I clearly was going for the paced cruise-speed required when motoring down the extended warehouse drive that spills out onto busy Grand River Avenue. Whoa…okay, were the first two words to exit my lips, literally! To that affect, I jumped on the freeway where the sensitive pedal-work would slightly guised and I could freely roll with the busy traffic on I-96.

There I was able to do justice for the Technocharged 240-hp, 2.3-liter, I-VTEC® four-cylinder engine. The exclusive Super Handling All-Wheel Drive™ system left my jaw on the ground and my tongue wagging! It’s been a minute…I missed you old friend! RDX filled my need for performance. Though it came in the most unlikely of packages, it was here and it showed up and showed out!

Real quick I want to run through the performance features that truly separate this vehicle from anything you’ve driven out of this class of vehicles. Skillfully combining low weight and the economy of a four-cylinder with the power and authority of a high-performance V6, the intercooled engine features Acura’s innovative variable flow turbocharger. Specifically it’s designed to drastically reduce turbo lag. The pronounced engine delivers 260 lbs-ft of torque and gets 17/22mpg city and highway.

The racing-inspired Drive-by-Wire™ throttle system works to harness RDX’s power, linking the gas pedal and engine throttle electronically, allowing RDX to provide the ideal throttle sensitivity in varying driving conditions. Its steering-wheel-mounted pedal shifting is nearly unheard of on a Crossover Vehicle.

Two shift algorithms automatically step in during steep hills or when accelerating through curves. The Grade Logic and Shift Hold Control systems take of that as well as eliminate the type of “gear hunting” common to conventional automatics. When accelerating through a curve the SHC delays upshifting to avoid disrupting the chassis or power delivery until the curve is completed.

To reinforce the amount of sports-tuned precision the RDX wields, simply check out its cat-like stance, its accented wheels and performance-inspired wheelbase or aerodynamic outer-body.

But to see how that applies to you, simply get in. Ten-way power adjustable driver’s seat with lumbar support and memory settings for two drivers sets the bar. Both front seats are generously bolstered to keep you and your passenger well situated during spirited driving and each can be individually heated on cold days.

What’s the most eye-catching and unique with regard to RDX’s interior is 8-inch, full color center display screen providing a wealth of info. Everything from audio to climate control systems is displayed. It displays all the usual audio information as well as XM® Satellite Radio stations and CD/MP3 titles.Acura Navigations System, rearview camera and other vitals are all in full view with large icons and on-screen graphics that easily visible at a glance and adjusted by either the system controls or voice command.

RDX features the Acura/ELS Surround Premium Surround® Premium Sound System, a 410-watt system that has 10 speakers including a powered 8-inch sub. It’s the first production vehicle to used digital 96 kHz sampling for a smoother sound.

What I love most (besides the engine) is the Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink® system that enables the driver to communicate anytime without every removing his/her hand from the steering wheel.

Acura RDX is the type of vehicle that doesn’t have to grow on you. You’ll fall for it at first glance. Performance and style handling and precision are all wrapped up into this lively offering from Acura!

2008 Acura RDX at a glance:
Acura/ELS Surround Premium Sound System w/ XM Satellite Radio
Navigation w/ Real Time Traffic Updates
Bluetooth HandsFreeLink
Technocharged 2.3-liter, I-VTEC® engine
Starting at $33,195

2008 NISSAN ARMADA

BY: F. CARLTON PEEPLES

The Nissan Armada LE has an unprecedented amount of style and power making it one of the more attractive buys for the new-year.

Great comfort and convenience for your entire entourage, Armada is equipped with an awesome Bose® Audio AM/FM/6-disc In-Dash CD player with 11-speakers and a subwoofer that’s out of this world! Along with XM® Satellite Radio included in the convenience group its hard to not be lost in the purity of the SUV’s sound system.

Armada also offers several audio options including a USB connection and audio jack that allows you to plug and play. Time to plug in my Microsoft ZUNE®! My play list included albums of the same title, the soundtrack to the movie, American Gangster as well as Jay-Z ‘s cinematic-inspired version. Along with choice cuts from Kanye West, Common and Talib Kweli’s latest joints and they couldn’t have sounded better.

The vehicle’s inner holdings consist of wood trimmed paneling complimenting satin-brushed metallic accented gauges amid a beveled dashboard and ornamental badging on the steering wheel. Sumptuous leather-appointed seats define elegance and adding an extra touch of style. The inspired design is confident and strong without being overbearing. Whereas other vehicles in its class have a tendency to be haughty, Armada delivers luxury that doesn’t scream, “I overpaid for this truck!”

Key features include
8-way power adjustable driver’s seat with manual lumbar support and six-way power/ fold-down front-passenger’s seat. The memory system accommodates the driver by keeping tabs on favorite seat, mirror and pedal positions – making adjustments accordingly. You’ll find no greater comfort or convenience in terms of being amicably kept on the road.

Climate control for rear passengers is separate from the dual zone controls up front, though the driver can control all. The intelligent key system allows the safety of keyless entry as well as the convenience being able to keep the key fob tucked away in-pocket. The one gripe about the Nissan design is that the driver is still expected to turn the ignition, which is standardly located at the base of the steering column. Push button start would be in order here, its much more convenient and very sensible. Had I not been accustom to the feature I would surely, as a new-buyer, have to wonder – what’s the point.

Armada has been fitted with twenty-inch, six-spoke aluminums that stick like glue to the road. Cornering is better, handling is much more responsive and a confident center of gravity make the truck all the more responsive. You need that in the kind of conditions we have here in Detroit, slushy road conditions require sure-footing and the added security of having safety features, capable engineering and the like to keep us reassured on the road.


The thing that makes the 2008 Nissan Armada LE an attractive acquisition is the fact that it delivers luxury, power and road presence. Comparable to Ford Expedition in the luxury and performance department but with a slight disadvantage due to the Expo’s full on attention to detail but otherwise is by all means a just-as-attractive buy.

The front fascia is monstrous, foreboding and looks like “that ride” on approach. Appearing very confident with its muscular, wide-bodied profile, Armada takes on the average luxury truck and turns it into a station wagon by comparison.

Armada at a glance:

317-hp 5.6-L DOHC 32-valve V8 engine
3 rows of seating for up to 8 people
Independent rear suspension
Rear sonar system
Vehicle Dynamic Control
MSRP: $35,330 (Base) $41,830 (As tested)

2008 Land Rover LR2 Debut: Far From Freelander

By: F. Carlton Peeples

The first of the 2008's has hit the streets and I'm glad to say we got to them before the pickings got slim. The al-new Land Rover LR2 was a special treat and garnered every bit of attention as Land Rover's more popular models, the LR3 and flagship Range Rover.

Let me say if you're looking for an entry-level, not-so-bulky, SUV that's still very much luxed-out and amenity laden then you've come to the right place... provided you're ready and willing to shell out forty-grand for safety and security, comfort and convenience and some incredible performance. Oh yeah and the name LAND ROVER beaming from your hood doesn't hurt either!

LR2, for those who may not truly remember, comes on the heels of Land Rover trashing the not-so-well received Freelander, several years back. The problem with the Freelander? Well aesthetically there wasn't much difference between it and the Ford Escape, showing it obvious genetics. Several of its interior qualities had been seen and done, quite successfully I might add, on latter model Escapes including a reconfigured body, more rigid suspension and enough leather and amenities to jazz up the once unrespectable mini-SUV (yeah we're still talkin bout the Escape). So truly the only thing you'd shell out the money for is the use of a Land Rover name badge back then.

But now that it's back, ala LR2, witha much more exotic look. Something we've come to expect from the Land Rover family and believe me they did not disappoint. From the outside in, its clear to see the hood has been elongated allowing for a slightly more relaxed front windshield. To ease the transistion along its monocoque construction and double-sided and zinc-coated outer body panels are subtle design features that give it some serious ceredibility on the road. For instance beveled rear an front bi-xenon lamps are situated in a wrap-around position. Also, situated just shy of the fore-wheel wells are handsomely carved air scoops. Coupled with the glowing orange Tambora Flame body, ther was no shortage of turning heads and compliments.

Under-hood and under-belly, is a 3.2L aluminum alloy inline six-cylinder engine mated to a permanent intelligent all-wheel drive system, Haldex Coupling group with specific Land Rover tuning allowing front-to-rear torque continually vary torque split. The six-speed electronically controlled automatic with CommandShift normal, sport and manual shift modes is also very apt off-road as well as on.

Gorgeous Continental tires adorn 18-inch aluminum alloys on the ground but unfortunately LR2 is negligent in providing a full-size spare. However, a temporary resource is aptly hidden beneath the bed liner.

The LR2 comes with all the amenities on would expect from a family of luxury trucks. Including swaths of rich leather, dark eucalyptus wood trim, beveled dash and center panels highlighted with metallic accents. Also included are heavy-duty rubber floor mats with the world famous Land Rover emblem embossed on them.

Dual-climate control, tilt/telescopic steering wheel with audio and cruise controls makes everything feel alright. Especially with the heated/cooled front passenger seats and a 320-watt, 9-speaker Alpine audion system that's so clear and loud... I couldn't do anything but act like I was 21 again.

Specs at a glance:
Model: 2008 Land Rover LR2
Engine: 3.2-Liter Aluminum Alloy Inline 6-cylinder
Trans: 6-speed w/CommandShift normal, sport and manual modes
Color/Trim: Tambora Flame/ Black Leather interior
EPA: 16/23 mpg City/Highway
Annual Fuel Cost: $2,210.00 - Premium petrol
Price as tested: $39,950

2007 SAAB 9-3 SPORTCOMBI

By: F. Carlton Peeples

Staring down the steering column of a particular higher-end, five-door sports wagon at the road ahead, as I headed down the Southfield freeway. I couldn’t help but think about all the attention I received behind the wheel. Now, I’ve been behind the wheel of everything from a ninety-thousand-dollar Jag sports coupe to an amazingly fuel efficient hybrid that’s knocked my socks off. Each has gotten its respective head nods, triple takes, jaw-drops and bids of approval. However, nothing has garnered the type of looks as the Titan Gray metallic, cul-de-sac destined, suburbanite motoring Saab 9-3 sport wagon.

As a young professional, it’s largely agreed that certain cars serve as stat quo markers. And driving it prompted looks from older professionals that range from, “what does he know about driving a Saab” to “He must be in his parents’ car!” Or at least it felt that way.

By way of comfort and convenience the 9-3 offered several stand out features that really made a difference including a special illumination package that offers rear fog lights, a “Follow Me Home” headlight function and day time running headlamps with an automatic off feature.

Next, an exciting 2.0 Liter, four-cylinder engine performed well under pressure thanks to its turbo powered high output and five-speed Sentronic® transmission under its belt. Together they deliver roughly 20/30 mpg city/highway, which isn’t bad however considering the costs of mid-grade petrol and an annual estimated fuel cost of $17,783 (which most likely hasn’t factored in the more than 20% increase in fuel costs since this model was designed) the SAAB may fall a little flat.

Its leather appointed seating and steering positioning was comfortable and kept everything in plain sight for the driver. Letting us take full advantage of the multi-function Saab Car computer and “Profiler” information display. The leather steering wheel also featured rake and reach adjustability, audio controls which have become more than an optional convenience over the past several years.

There was so much more to the Saab 9-3 including everything from trunk space to its tires. This 60^th anniversary edition included several other exclusive details that you’d come to appreciate including “SAAB” embossed black sport seats with gray inserts and stitching, dark walnut interior trim with matching floor mats and Premium audio sound system that’s fully equipped with XM Satellite Radio, 6-CD in-dash system, and enough pure sound to wake up the neighbors down the block.


2007 SAAB 9-3 2.0T SPORTCOMBI
Engine: 2.0L-16V, 4-Cylinder
Electronic fuel injection
Turbo, 5-Speed Sentronic Trans
MSRP $33,860

I Like to Live On the Edge? 07 Ford Edge AWD

By: J. H. Bell

Now we’ve all seen the hype the Ford Edge has generated, from the catchy commercial jingle, to the all too familiar Edge billboard and high-rise window display at Ford’s home in Dearborn. Is the New Ford Edge everything it’s made out to be? Does it really make you want to live on the edge or does it just add that right amount of spice or let’s say adventure to your life that you’ve been in search of? Let’s take a closer look at this all American Crossover.

The physical attraction on the Edge was displayed in a Pewter Clearcoat Metallic hue, 17’’ painted aluminum wheels, dual chrome exhaust tips, power-heated mirrors with puddle lamps, fog lamps, and a body-colored rear spoiler. Under the hood she harbors a 3.5 Liter V6 engine, 4V Dual Overhead Cam (DOHC), fuel injection catalyst, and a 6-speed automatic transmission.

Internally the Edge flaunts AM/FM in-dash 6 discs CD player/ MP3 Player and a 4 speaker sound system for everyone who loves to just loose themselves in their favorite artists and or songs during horrid rush hour traffic. The Edge has accessory turn-off delay, auxiliary audio input jack, center console with gear shift, and dual electric auto temperature control. You can rest your fatigued bones in leather-trimmed front bucket seats, and the 6-way power, heated, memory front seats. The fold flat passenger seat is great for those Saturday morning shopping sprees with your best-sista-girlfriend. The leather trim 60/40 rear bench with easy-fold release is a must-have for on the go moms that chauffeur’s the kids and lugs their equipment to their never-ending sporting events. For comfortable driving, the Edge’s provides its owner with an audio/climate control steering wheel and a telescoping steering column for everyone who’s slightly vertically challenged like myself, than our taller counterparts.

Her functional capabilities consists of a 20 gallon fuel tank, convenience group or storage space, 4 power points (providing support for cell phone chargers, DVD players, and portable video games) and power steering which is comparable to it’s main competition, the Chrysler Pacifica.

When speaking of your safety features, she keeps you safe with advancetrac with stability control, anti-lock braking system, child seat tether anchor, occupant classification system, a personal safety system, a safety canopy, side airbags, side impact door beams, height adjustable front seatbelts and a securilock passenger anti theft system. With the warranty package you receive 3 yr/ 36,000 bumper to bumper, 5 yr/ 60,000 powertrain, and 5 yr/ 60,000 roadside assistance. Everything listed above is included as standard equipment and comes at no extra charge.

The test vehicle and optional equipment includes Sirius Satellite Radio, reverse sensing system, 18’’ wheels with chrome appearance, lower cargo management system, navigation system, DVD player, a panoramic roof, all weather rubber mats, and a class II trailer tow package.

With the constant inflation of gas prices, the Edge does an ok job at not breaking your pockets. She gets 18 city mpg and 25 highway mpg for the standard front wheel drive (FWD) and 17 city mpg and 24 hwy mpg for the standard all wheel drive (AWD).

The spontaneity of life is all well and good especially when you have the right automobile at that right time when adventure is knocking on your door. For me, the Edge did not make me “want to live on the edge” but it did give a feeling of having that something new, different and exciting that adds spice to

life.

2007 Ford Explorer Iron Man

By: F. Carlton Peeples

Growing up I can remember my favorite comic book super heroes being the Uncanny X-Men, Silver Surfer and Spiderman. Heck, come to think of it, if it was made by Marvel® I was buying it. Amongst the piles of comics lay one of the gulliest heroes of all time, Iron Man. I mean his alter ego; Tony Stark was a billionaire whose wealth and swag would put Donald Trump and Bruce Wayne (the fictional alter ego of Batman) to shame!!!

And wouldn’t you know it, the designers who thought up the ’07 Ford Explorer must’ve been thinking the same thing when they dreamt of the Iron Man edition Explorer. I mean this truck has it all. Including several trim levels that are a testament to the super hero’s indestructible body armor. There’s the black on black, red on black and orange on black exterior of our test vehicle complete with high powered bright steel wheel well rivets, dual clear coated pearl paint job accented by contrasting bumper paneling and inconspicuous placement of several official iron man logos.

I jumped inside the truck and was greeted by premium leather buckets for the driver and front passenger. New-fangled door interior door handles that were located at the beginning of each door mounted arm rest…so just as your fingertips got comfortable you realize, hey this is how I’m supposed to get outta here!

A Bose stereo system carried crisp sound that was both clear and base laden as to appease more than one type of driver. Power heated-front seats with recline and lumbar support as well as a comfortable napping spot on a really long trip. If you have children or rear passengers that like to back seat drive you can shut ‘em up with a convenient flip down screen DVD player and monitor.

So don’t be alarmed as to what you’ve seen in recent years along the lines of Ford’s longest running SUV, it can handle its own at a mere $40 grand. The Iron Man Explorer is also equipped with a best-in-class V8 engine that’s powerful to the hilt. It almost makes you forget about the Ford/ Firestone rollover fiasco. On the highway the vehicle is dynamic and surprisingly nimble for an SUV. I found myself challenge several smaller well-engined sedans for a green light take off. The Iron Man Explorer’s performance will definitely make you say screw the price of gas, I gotta go!