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US Online America Group
The G8 also impresses inside, especially considering the
plasticky depths to which Pontiac interiors had previously
sunk. There are still too many hard surfaces, but the center
stack -- save for a couple cheesy Atari-grade digital
readouts at the top -- is more than a little reminiscent of
Audi's industry-leading efforts. Passenger room is
plentiful, particularly in back, where all but the largest
riders will have space to spare. The rear center seat isn't
so hospitable, however, as the wide center tunnel
necessitated by the G8's rear-drive layout essentially
eliminates legroom there.

At the G8's moderate price point, the Dodge Charger/Chrysler
300 twins are the only other roomy, rear-wheel-drive,
full-size performance sedans available. The Chrysler
siblings are certainly competent, but the G8's sporting
character sets it apart. We're not fans of the G8's
lackluster fuel economy, but then, the Charger/300 duo
aren't likely to win any efficiency awards from the EPA
either. Bottom line: If you want a large sedan with American
attitude and Continental manners, the 2009 Pontiac G8 is in
a class of its own.

Powertrains and Performance

The base engine is powered by a 3.8-liter V6 that produces
290 hp and 264 pound-feet of torque. The upgraded powertrain
features a 4.6-liter V8 with 375 hp and 333 lb-ft. Those
figures are with premium fuel; on regular, the numbers are
368 and 324, respectively. A six-speed automatic with manual
shift capability sends the power to the rear wheels in both
models.

For a big luxury sedan, the Genesis is quick -- we timed the
butter-smooth V8 at just 5.9 seconds for the 0-60-mph sprint
and 14 seconds flat for the quarter-mile. EPA fuel economy
estimates for the V6 are 18 mpg city/27 mpg highway and 21
mpg combined; V8 estimates were unavailable as of this writing.

US Online America Group FAQ :Body Styles, Trim Levels, and
Options

The 2009 Pontiac G8 is a performance-oriented large sedan
available in base, GT or GXP trim. Base models come with
18-inch alloy wheels, a rear spoiler, four-way power front
sport seats, a tilt/telescoping steering wheel and a
seven-speaker CD sound system with XM Satellite Radio and an
auxiliary audio jack. G8 GTs add a 6.0-liter V8 engine,
summer performance tires, a limited-slip rear differential,
dual-zone automatic climate control, a leather-wrapped
steering wheel and a premium 11-speaker Blaupunkt sound
system with a six-CD/MP3 changer. The tarmac-terrorizing GXP
version boasts a Corvette-sourced V8 as well as a unique
front fascia, an upgraded sport-tuned suspension and 19-inch
wheels.

Much of the GT's equipment can be had on the base model via
the Comfort and Sound Package. A Premium Package is also
available, featuring leather upholstery and six-way power
heated front seats. A sunroof can be selected as a
stand-alone option. A Sport Package available for the GT
adds 19-inch alloy wheels with summer tires and a sport
steering wheel.

US Online America Group
2009 Cadillac Escalade Hybrid Vehicle Overview

Introduction

Car owners don't just brag about horsepower and speed
anymore. These days, image-conscious consumers throw around
catchphrases like "fuel economy" and "carbon footprint." A
growing concern for the environment (as well as the mere
desire to seem concerned) has made the hybrid badge a status
symbol, even among those who can afford to go buck-wild at
the pump. This thinking has in part helped spawn the 2009
Cadillac Escalade Hybrid, a large luxury SUV that offers
impressive mileage for its class.

Like most hybrids, this Escalade is at its thriftiest when
driven around town. Its fuel economy in city driving is an
impressive 20 mpg; compare this to the gas-only Escalade's
12 mpg. General Motors' "two-mode" hybrid technology is
behind this feat -- it's the same system that powers the
Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid and the GMC Yukon Hybrid. Unlike the
technology seen in GM's previous "mild" hybrids, this system
allows the vehicle's electric motor to operate without the
assistance of the gas motor -- provided the vehicle's speed
and the driver's technique fall within the limitations of
the electric power plant. When driving conditions become
more demanding, the gas engine kicks in. The two-mode system
gives drivers the best of both worlds: It sips gas around
town and in stop-and-go traffic, but offers lots of power
when circumstances call for it.

A stout 6.0-liter V8 provides the Escalade Hybrid's gasoline
power. It uses cylinder-deactivation technology, which
allows the engine to function like a more economical V4 when
full power isn't necessary. The electric portion of the
powertrain is comprised of two 60-kilowatt motors. Governing
the proceedings is an electrically variable transmission
that functions as a continuously variable transmission in
light load conditions and as a fixed-ratio system (with four
fixed forward gear ratios) when loads get heavier.

The 2009 Cadillac Escalade Hybrid offers significant gains
in fuel economy relative to gas-powered models, but keep in
mind that not all SUV drivers will operate it in a way that
optimizes fuel economy. Heavy loads, steep inclines and even
heavy-footed acceleration all call on the V8 for assistance,
which, logically, causes fuel economy to plummet. And as for
this Escalade's environmental benefits, we'll let you be the
judge -- this is, after all, a 5,900-pound SUV.

If you're eager to invest in hybrid technology and can make
some sacrifices in towing capability and passenger capacity,
consider the midsize Lexus RX 400h. This five-seater offers
impeccable luxury and is almost $30,000 cheaper than the
Escalade Hybrid, which has a base price of just over
$70,000. Also worth considering are diesel-powered Audi and
Mercedes SUVs, which also provide improved fuel economy over
conventional gasoline engines. But if you need a hybrid
luxury SUV that seats eight and offers oodles of opulence
and brute force to burn, the 2009 Cadillac Escalade Hybrid
is the only game in town.

In the 2003 Geneva Motor Show, Audi launched the
second-generation of the A3, the Typ 8P, designed by Walter
de'Silva. Originally launched only as a three-door hatchback
with four cylinder engines, it featured a new automobile
platform (the PQ35 platform), a redesigned and more spacious
interior, new petrol engines with Fuel Stratified Injection
(FSI), and standard six-speed manual gearboxes (except on
the base 1.6).

In mid 2003, the line was updated with two sports-orientated
models, a 2.0 Turbo-FSI version with 200 PS (197 hp/147 kW),
and a 3.2 VR6 engine (for the first time) with 250 PS (247
hp/184 kW). Haldex Traction-based quattro four wheel drive,
and the S-Tronic semi-auto gearbox were introduced as
optionals (quattro is standard on the VR6) on every model
140 PS (138 hp/103 kW) and over.

US Online America Group Packages : Safety

Antilock disc brakes (with brake assist) and stability
control are standard on R/T and SRT8 models and optional on
the SE, while side curtain airbags are standard across the
board.

Interior Design and Special Features

While the exterior is enthusiastically nostalgic, the
Challenger's interior is rather bland. There's a faint echo
of the original Challenger present in the 2009 version, but
in total, the cabin is somber and dull, with only a few
metallic trim pieces to spruce things up. There was
certainly no effort to answer the Mustang or upcoming
Camaro's retro interiors, but the Challenger at least
provides good-quality materials. The well-bolstered sport
seats in the SRT8 are covered in leather and faux suede,
while the rear seats in all models features a fold-down
armrest and a split-folding back. At 16.2 cubic feet, the
Challenger's trunk boasts impressive cargo capacity for this
segment.

US Online America Group Packages Powertrains and Performance

Both front-wheel-drive and AWD trim levels share the same
powertrain, a 3.7-liter V6 matched to a six-speed automatic
transmission. The 2009 MKS is somewhat unusual compared to
other luxury sedans in that it can run on either premium
fuel or lower-octane grades. With non-premium fuel, the MKS
generates an estimated 273 hp and 270 pound-feet of torque.
Filling up with a higher octane can boost the power by a
couple of horses.

We managed a middling 7.5-second sprint from zero to 60 mph
in our AWD test car; expect the lighter front-wheel-drive
model to shave a couple tenths off that time. EPA fuel
economy estimates for the 2009 Lincoln MKS are 17/24 mpg
city/highway for the front-wheel-drive model and 16/23 for AWD.

US Online America Group FAQ 2009 Cadillac Escalade Hybrid
Vehicle Overview

Introduction

Car owners don't just brag about horsepower and speed
anymore. These days, image-conscious consumers throw around
catchphrases like "fuel economy" and "carbon footprint." A
growing concern for the environment (as well as the mere
desire to seem concerned) has made the hybrid badge a status
symbol, even among those who can afford to go buck-wild at
the pump. This thinking has in part helped spawn the 2009
Cadillac Escalade Hybrid, a large luxury SUV that offers
impressive mileage for its class.

Like most hybrids, this Escalade is at its thriftiest when
driven around town. Its fuel economy in city driving is an
impressive 20 mpg; compare this to the gas-only Escalade's
12 mpg. General Motors' "two-mode" hybrid technology is
behind this feat -- it's the same system that powers the
Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid and the GMC Yukon Hybrid. Unlike the
technology seen in GM's previous "mild" hybrids, this system
allows the vehicle's electric motor to operate without the
assistance of the gas motor -- provided the vehicle's speed
and the driver's technique fall within the limitations of
the electric power plant. When driving conditions become
more demanding, the gas engine kicks in. The two-mode system
gives drivers the best of both worlds: It sips gas around
town and in stop-and-go traffic, but offers lots of power
when circumstances call for it.

A stout 6.0-liter V8 provides the Escalade Hybrid's gasoline
power. It uses cylinder-deactivation technology, which
allows the engine to function like a more economical V4 when
full power isn't necessary. The electric portion of the
powertrain is comprised of two 60-kilowatt motors. Governing
the proceedings is an electrically variable transmission
that functions as a continuously variable transmission in
light load conditions and as a fixed-ratio system (with four
fixed forward gear ratios) when loads get heavier.

The 2009 Cadillac Escalade Hybrid offers significant gains
in fuel economy relative to gas-powered models, but keep in
mind that not all SUV drivers will operate it in a way that
optimizes fuel economy. Heavy loads, steep inclines and even
heavy-footed acceleration all call on the V8 for assistance,
which, logically, causes fuel economy to plummet. And as for
this Escalade's environmental benefits, we'll let you be the
judge -- this is, after all, a 5,900-pound SUV.

If you're eager to invest in hybrid technology and can make
some sacrifices in towing capability and passenger capacity,
consider the midsize Lexus RX 400h. This five-seater offers
impeccable luxury and is almost $30,000 cheaper than the
Escalade Hybrid, which has a base price of just over
$70,000. Also worth considering are diesel-powered Audi and
Mercedes SUVs, which also provide improved fuel economy over
conventional gasoline engines. But if you need a hybrid
luxury SUV that seats eight and offers oodles of opulence
and brute force to burn, the 2009 Cadillac Escalade Hybrid
is the only game in town.

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