Cars ’08: Summer Whip Appeal

A look at the hot and the new for early summer…

 

 

By Michael Andre Adams for Harlem World Magazine.

 2008 Infiniti G37 Journey

 

MSRP                        

$35,000

 

Nicely Loaded                       

$36,715

 

MPG                          

18 City / 24 Highway

 

Annual Fuel               

$3,120 (15,000 miles @ $4.16 / gallon)

 

With 37 more horses under the hood than its ’07 predecessor, an entirely new interior design and exterior enhancements to all panels and a new integrated rear spoiler, your head wont be the only head turning to catch a glimpse of the G37!

 

 

At first glance you are compelled to pause in observation of its striking beauty, the result of sleek lines that reek of strength, poise and finesse under $40,000, which in itself is an accomplishment!

 

“37” represents the new 3.7 liter VQ series, 330HP V6 engine delivering 270 pounds of torque, a noteworthy advantage particularly passing and / or accelerating out of turns, with Traction Control and Vehicle Dynamic Control to keep the car stable in the process.

 

Overall, the ride is pretty smooth, although the vehicle is not as heavy as some of the others in its class (Audi A5 @ $40K, BMW335i @ $41.2K, Mercedes CLK 350 $47K). However, it’s better on gas than all three, which is to be strongly considered in today’s economy.

 

The cockpit styled interior design combines the best of luxury and sport with a layout that’s easy on the eyes of both driver and passenger thanks to a brightly lit 7-inch color monitor. Eight-way leather appointed power seats on both sides and intelligent key with push button ignition and XM satellite radio via a powerful six-speaker / six-CD in dash stereo are also worthy of mention. Props should also be given for the fine aluminum trim reminiscent of Japanese Washi paper.

 

If you’re digin’ all of this but a drop top is more your style, stay tuned for the G37 convertible in 2009. Otherwise, you may pass by a dealership this weekend!

 

 

 

2009 Volkswagen Tiguan SE

 

MSRP                        

$28,875

 

Nicely Loaded                       

$32,815

 

MPG                          

18 City / 24 Highway

 

Annual Fuel               

$3,120 (15,000 miles @ $4.16 / gallon)

 

If you’ve been feelin’ the BMW X3, wait till you see the new Volkswagen Tiguan!

 

It arrived on a day I was expecting to receive the super sleek Audi S5. And so to I wasn’t too thrilled at all when a mini SUV appeared.

 

Sapphire blue with sandstone cloth interior was the color combination, which at a second glance made me stop and say…”well, damn!” A panoramic sunroof that opens longer than any roof I’ve experienced covered nearly the entire top of the vehicle. A crisp and clean body with muscular lines, deeply tinted side windows and star gazing rims which make a great chapeau for the 18-inch wheels dominates from the side view. High intensity headlights behind sleek, crystal clear encasings are separated by a sassy front grill and the cutest little booty on the opposite end!

 

 

By now I’m definitely digin’ it on the peripheral and ready to hit the road for a test. So, I get in. Brace yourself for the cloth interior, which in the sandstone I’m thinking may be a challenge to keep clean further down the road. Meanwhile, it looks good today.

 

Although the seats in the SE are not full power, there is a two-way power button to adjust the back of the seat with a note given to the 12-way power seats on the SEL trim level. Otherwise, the lineup of satellite radio, iPod connection, cool blue interior lighting by night, one-touch automatic up/down windows, optional navigation system and seating for five gave me the assurance of safety and comfort that I get from a luxury class SUV.

 

The ride, powered by a 200 horsepower, turbocharged four-cylinder engine never once suggested a power deficiency. And with the standard systems in place to keep the vehicle stable and avoid rollover, the Tiguan made me a fan!