Motoring August 2009

JUST LIKE STARTING OVER

By Kevin Ransom
           
Well, ever since General Motors and Chrysler emerged from bankruptcy proceedings – proceedings that were in fact quick and clean – and are now “starting over,” it’s good to be able to just write about cars again. That is, without the surrounding trauma of “what if?”

The companies still have some upset  dealerships to deal with as it attempts to trim its dealer network, and, obviously, the leaner version means more autoworkers are now looking for new jobs. But otherwise, the automakers now do appear to be leaner, more agile and more able to compete in the current, downscaled auto industry. The economy not being a complete mess would be even better, but for now, we’ll take what we can get here in Michigan.
           
So it is with great pleasure that I can go back to writing about the cars themselves, without having to update all of the gloom and doom swirling around Detroit ’s automakers. So, this month, fittingly, let’s start with a GM product.
 
Chevrolet HHR Panel LT

Ever since its introduction, this has been an odd vehicle to categorize. Was it a compact, was it a crossover, was it a mini SUV? Technically, it’s in the “compact” category, but it also shares many of the characteristics of a crossover or mini-ute. And, it really is one of the more distinctive-looking vehicles on the road. The body style IS very appealing to a lot of folks, given its singularity and more-than-subtle use of styling cues from the ‘30s and ‘40s. At the same time, it’s very roomy, as you might expect from a vehicle that in some ways is shaped like an SUV. One reason the HHR has proven to be a fun vehicle to tool around in is the punchy but fuel-efficient Ecotec engine. For the ’09 edition, Chevy engineers added variable valve timing  to the base 2.2L Ecotec engine, to increase engine efficiency and to boost horsepower from 149 to 155. it also improved the HHR’s gas mileage, extending its driving range of approximately 500 miles – which is definitely convenient for those who do long commutes and don’t like stopping to re-fuel more than once a week.

For ’09, Chevy also took the HHR’s 2.2L and 2.4L Ecotec engines and made them FlexFuel capable – which means they can run on E85 ethanol, plain old gasoline or some hybrid of the two.  While they were at it, Chevy decided to boost the “excitement factor” by borrowing from the company’s SS heritage to create a limited-edition HHR Panel SS. This edition infuses some of the performance capabilities into as the Panel’s “blank canvas” styling – which broadens the appeal of the HHR to those who want a more distinctive-looking ride, and a little more muscle under the hood. The SS package is also available on HHR models that have solid rear quarters.

I didn’t test-drive the SS – my tester was the mid-line LT (there is also the entry-level LS) – but the SS is worth discussing a bit more, because I just know many of you speed racers like to hear about more muscular performance. The SS offers a “no-lift shift” and various other performance modes – which can be selected by the driver – in order to boost the 0-60 sprit time to 6.3 seconds and its quarter-mile to time to 14.8 seconds at 98.5 mph, says GM. The HHR can be pushed to a top speed of 150 mph with the manual transmission – not that we’re endorsing that you drive at such whooshing speeds.

But even though my LT didn’t pack that kind of muscle, the 2.2L DOHC Ecotec gave me all of the punch I needed for a relatively small vehicle  -- whether I was trying to outpace that jerk on the freeway who would not let me merge, or zipping around the curvy roads out in the exurbs just for fun. When navigating some of those twists in the road, the HHR hugged the pavement with assurance.

Helping out on that front, of course, were the suspension and chassis configurations, so let’s give a nod to those: The HHR is essentially built small-car, “lower-dominant” architecture that emphasizes .  strength in the chassis’s lower sections, which lends an overall sense of rigidity and also  minimizing noise and vibration. High-strength steel was used to form the critical  structural components, like the rocker panels and cross-vehicle reinforcing beam. And laser-welded blanks were used in the doorframes, front doors and rear doors, giving the “safety cage” more protection. 

The LS and LT ride atop a MacPherson strut front suspension and a semi-independent, torsion beam rear suspension and five-lug wheels. More specifically, the FE1 suspension is standard on LS and 1LT, while the FE3 suspension is standard on the 2LT model. The FE1 is tuned for a softer ride and comes with 16-inch wheels, while the FE3 delivers a sportier ride and comes with 17-inch wheels and monotube shocks. And all models come with rack-and-pinion steering with electric power steering (EPS) – a speed-sensitive system that replies differently depending on “driver input.”

As previously mentioned, the HHR has some of the characteristics of a crossover – like more options when it comes to cargo-hauling. So, car shoppers might be interested to note the following:  

- The front passenger seat folds fully flat, which increases the maximum “load length” from the liftgate to the instrument panel to the extent that it can carry items that are up to eight feet long – like a ladder, for example – without leaving the liftgate open.
        
-The front center armrest is integrated into the seat back frame, so it’s not in the way  in situations when it needs to be pivoted into its stowed position.

-The rear seats employ a 60/40-split design, and can be folded to create a “continuous flat load surface” when used in conjunction with the folded front passenger seat. The 60 percent section is on the passenger side, so you can load wider objects diagonally – meaning they’re more secure, and not bouncing around in the cargo hold.

All in all, the HHR is a good, solid choice for those who want the fuel economy of a compact, the cargo-hauling options of a crossover – and want a vehicle that’s fun to drive. And, really, don’t we all?

Toyota Highlander Limited
           
When most folks think “Toyota” they think of high-volume compacts and sub-compacts like the Camry and Corolla, but Toyota also knows there is money to be made in the SUV market when gas prices are reasonable – like they were for much of the decade until the 2007-’08 price spike. And, like they appear to be now, although prices have risen again in the  U.S. since bottoming out at the $1.70-per-gallon range in the US in November.

Toyota rolled out the second-generation Highlander for 2008, and for the ’09 model year, added a new model with a four-cylinder engine. That second-gen Highlander is notably more spacious and boasts more engine muscle than the edition it replaced, but still yields good fuel economy for an SUV. The revamped model is also quieter, with improved ride quality.

The Highlander comes in three trim levels – the Base, Sport and Limited – and can be had as either a 2WD or full-time 4WD models. The new four-cylinder engine comes as standard equipment on the Base model with 2WD. Plus, it’s available as a Hybrid.

The Highlander also continues to be available as a Hybrid model, which is equipped with four-wheel-drive with intelligence and comes in the Base and Limited trim lines

Toyota likes to point out that the Highlander departs from “traditional SUV styling cues.” The company tapped Calty Design Research in Newport Beach , Calif. to craft uncluttered, clean, body lines, a wider stance and brawnier contours in order to convey contemporary and assertive look.

The Base comes with six-spoke 17-inch machined alloy wheels, color-keyed power remote outside mirrors, silver-painted front grille, silver-painted rear license plate garnish, a black rear lower bumper cover and black rear step bumper cover.
 
The midline Sport, meanwhile, boasts 19-inch five-spoke machined alloy wheels with a dark silver-painted insert finish, dark-silver painted roof rails, smoked chrome front grille surround and inserts, dark silver-painted rear license plate garnish, chrome exhaust tip, sport-styled rear spoiler, fog lamps, smoked head lamp and tail lamp lenses, color-keyed rear lower bumper cover and sport badging.
 
Finally, the more upmarket Limited – the one I road-tested – delivers the goods in the high-line department, with luxe-looking chrome grille and inserts, chrome door handles, puddle lamps, fog lamps, light silver-painted roof rails, chrome grille surround and light  silver-painted rear license plate garnish, and rear spoiler.
 
Inside the cabin, the Highlander is a deft mix of form and function. The interior is spacious – it can seat seven or be configured to carry up to 95.4 cubic feet of total cargo. The current generation’s interior is four inches longe than its predecessor, with extra room between each of the three rows of seats. New Optitron gauges stand out on the dash, and the the Base and Sport grades come with a center console, shift knob with silver-painted accents and front driver and passenger assist grips. On the Limited, those instead are accented with satin-mahogany wood grain-style trim.

As for cargo-hauling options, the second row provides 40/20/40 split seatbacks, and the seat can function as either a three-person bench or  by removing the Center Stow seat a pair of captain's chairs with a walk-through area between the seats for easier access to the third row of seats. And, as standard on Highlander Sport and Limited grades, one-touch levers inside the cargo area let you fold the second-row seats to forward and flat.

Now, about the engine options: The Highlander gives buyers a choice between three different levels of power. That new 2.7-liter 187-hp four-cylinder comes with a variable intake manifold and dual variable valve timing with intelligence (VVT-i).

Meanwhile, coming as standard on the Highlander Sport and Limited grades and optional on the Base grade is the 3.5-liter 270-hp V6 that is also equipped with dual VVT-i and a variable intake manifold. Each engine is hitched to a five-speed electronically controlled ransmission (ECT), which gives drivers a choice between fully automatic shifting and selectable “manumatic” sequential shifting, for those who like to
gun it a bit.

And the Highlander Hybrid is propelled by the upgraded Hybrid Synergy Drive , which increases both power and fuel economy. The system matches a a 3.3-liter V6 engine with a high-torque electric drive motor-generator -- and employs a second, rear-mounted motor to deliver on-demand four-wheel drive with intelligence traction. The total output of the Hybrid Synergy Drive powertrain is 270 net hp, and its U.S. EPA rating is 30 percent higher than the conventional V6 Highlander models. Meanwhile, the 4WD Highlander Hybrid uniquely generates rear-wheel power with a separate 45-kW electric motor (MGR) that provides up to 96 lb.-ft. of additional drive torque on demand.

My test model delivered plenty of engine power, a smooth ride for an SUV, responsive handling and a bevy of luxe-line accoutrements. What more could you ask for?

Cadillac Escalade

Okay, back to GM, since it was the company whose bankruptcy caused the most furor in Detroit , given that it’s a much larger company than Chrysler. (Next issue, I’ll focus on some Chrysler vehicles.)

For the ’09 model year, Escalade added a Hybrid model to its stable – a first for the large luxury SUV class – and also welcomed the new super-luxury Platinum Edition, which is equipped with even more new technologies. The Escalade Hybrid gives buyers a 50-percent fuel economy improvement in city driving, and the Escalade Platinum is a robust expression of the design, luxury and technology flourishes Escalade has become known for.  Indeed, GM is saying that the Escalade Platinum is one of the most technically advanced SUVs on the market now, with the additions of segment-first LED headlamps and suspension and Cadillac’s Magnetic Ride Control, which is touted as the quickest-responding suspension in the world.

This Magnetic Ride Control, which is standard on the Platinum Edition, is available as an option on other ’09 Escalade models.  The Escalade is available as the standard model, the extended “maximum passenger and cargo space” ESV, and the unique EXT model, which is notable for a cargo bed that is “reconfigurable” -- including the distinctive Midgate feature that enables the rear compartment to flex between passenger and cargo space.  Under the hood purrs a 6.2L all-aluminum 403-hp V-8 engine with variable valve timing technology – and which has been been revised to run using renewable E85 ethanol – making it a flex-fuel vehicle for the first time. 

Meanwhile, the Hybrid offering is “big doings” for the Escalade, given its size and typical fuel consumption. The Escalade’s two-mode hybrid system indeed delivers top-drawer fuel economy without sacrificing the capabilities that luxury buyers expect. In city driving, the advanced hybrid power system enables Escalade to launch and drive low speeds on electricity alone.

Then, as more power is needed, the system synergizes the output from the battery and gas engine.  More specifically, for you tech-heads, the patented two-mode hybrid system comprises an advanced electrically variable transmission (EVT) and 300-volt nickel-metal hydride Energy Storage System (ESS).

These systems work together with the standard 6.0L V-8 Gen IV gasoline engine that shuts off half of its cylinders when less power is needed, such as during highway cruising. So, the system allows the Escalade Hybrid to drive low speeds on electricity alone – but also enables the gas engine to operate in its more economical four-cylinder mode for longer periods.

The Escalade and Escalade ESV are both available as either an AWD or 2WD, and the EXT sport-utility truck features standard, full-time AWD. All are built on a sturdy frame and strong chassis – which, along with the burly engine, contribute to its power-packed
performance, crisp steering response and luxury-line ride quality.

The Escalade continues to be one of the most handsome SUVs on the road, with body lines that are elegant, sleek and aerodynamic – and it incorporates some styling cues from Cadillac’s famous Sixteen concept vehicle, including a detailed signature grille, front fender vent ports and generous helpings of chrome.  Other signature style touches are the wraparound fascias, integrated running boards and a windshield angle of 57 degrees, which creates the visual effect of  the windshield flowing seamlessly into the roofline.

Inside, the cabin boasts the premium look and touch one would expect from a Cadillac, with a stylish instrument panel; gauges with white needles, and blue light inlays with continuously lit, white-LED backlighting. And, of course, there are the leather-covered
seats; leather-covered door trim and center console; and optional heated steering wheel. A power-assisted rear liftgate that opens and closes with the touch of a button is standard. Since this column seems to be focusing on vehicles with easily-reconfigured interiors, let’s talk about the Escalade’s.

GM boasts that the power fold-and-tumble second-row seat feature – which eases access to the third-row seat – is an industry exclusive, and the power-assisted rear liftgate can be opened or closed by merely touching a button.  And what luxury-level SUV would be complete ,without a long list of high-tech / entertainment features?

On that front, Escalade offers an optional eight-inch touch-screen navigation system, plus a DVD system with a large, eight-inch flip-down screen. And the  segment-first Bose 5.1 Digital Surround Sound system is integrated into an impressive sound system that  includes DVD audio/video, CD audio/video, MP3s and XM Satellite Radio.

Some other extremely civilized touches I liked were the Side Blind Zone Alert system, which detects objects in the driver’s “blind spot”;  NavTraffic, which delivers real-time traffic conditions and advisements are conveyed through the satellite radio system and the LED headlamps that are exclusive to the Platinum edition, and  offer improved illumination power while also reducing energy usage.

Here’s hoping gas prices remain reasonable in the U.S. market, because the Escalade is an exceptional vehicle that deserves to be fully experienced by those who’ve worked hard to become successful and afford to pamper themselves with a fine luxury SUV like this one.