2008 Saturn Vue rivals Toyota RAV4. In terms of price

General Motors has finally announced pricing on the 2008 Saturn Vue car-based SUV. Still struggling to find its niche in the compact SUV segment, the new second generation Saturn Vue will be $3,295 more expensive than the outgoing model.



The new Saturn Vue will start at impressive (for the Saturn) $21,395, which makes it more expensive than the new Honda CR-V but exactly $200 cheaper than the latest Toyota RAV4.



Although, both Japanese SUVs are clearly superior to the American competitor, GM insists that an average buyer still gets value for money opting for the Saturn Vue. For example, GM's chief engineer for compact and crossover vehicles Robert Reuter said in his interview to Automotive News that for additional $3.3K a customer will get a more powerful 169 hp 2.4-liter inline four-banger and an automatic gearbox, which previously was available as an option.



The 2008 Saturn Vue will also be available with standard 16-inch wheels, ABS, collapsible pedals, side curtain airbags and stability control.



See also: 2007 Saturn Outlook is almost a steal

Technorati tags: Saturn, Saturn Vue, price, cars, SUV

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Edo Competition tunes VW Touareg. Makes it a Porsche

Edo Competition has unveiled its new tuning program for the recently updated VW Touareg SUV. As usual for the German super-tuner, the program is focused around pumping-out some additional horsepower out of the vehicle's standard engine, as well as getting the souped-up model more stable on the road.



Details are scars but the company claims increasing Touareg's engine's performance by up to 70hp and reaching not so bad 360 hp (although the new 32-valve V8 FSI produces around 350 hp) and raising its peak torque to enormous 850 Nm @ 2,200 rpm.


After these modifications, the Touareg accelerates from zero to 60 in just 6.9 seconds and reaches a top speed of 160 mph, God help us!



To get this power under control, Edo Competition's engineers have equipped the new Volkswagen Touareg with new 6-piston sport brake system with larger 380mm disks and new 22-inch wheels sizes 10,0x22 ET60 with 295/30R22 for the front axle and 10,0x22 ET48 with 295/30R22 for the rear axle.

The SUV's ground clearance may also be decreased with new electronic lowering module.



The VW Touareg tuned by Edo Competition also features new stainless-steel 4 x 89 mm round tailpipes, new chrome frame grille insert set, new muffler and fender widening set with side skirts and modified rear bumper.

See also: Edo Competition Porsche Cayenne Turbo

Technorati tags: Edo Competition, VW Touareg, tuning, cars, SUV

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2008 Nissan Armada will start at $35,250

Nissan has eventually announced prices for its facelifted Nissan Armada full-size SUV. The huge vehicle, which shares its body-on-frame platform with the Nissan Titan pickup truck (also recently updated), will be offered in eight models, featuring only one 5.6-liter, 317hp Endurance V8 engine mated with a five-speed automatic gearbox.



The cheapest 2008 Nissan Armada will be offered as the 4x2 SE model, which will start at comparatively low $35,250 price and the 4x4 SE that starts at $38,050. More upscale Nissan Armada 4x2 LE and 4x4 LE will set you back at $41,750 and $44,550 respectively.



For the additional money you'll get a Michelin tire package, power folding 60/40 3rd row seat, heated steering wheel, Intelligent Key with twist start, enhanced Bose sound system with 9.3-gigabyte Music Box hard drive and 3rd row speakers and amplifier, and this sort of stuff.



All Nissan Armadas may also be ordered with an E85 FFV (Flexible Fuel Vehicle) engine at no additional costs.

See also: Nissan Pathfinder scored well in EuroNCAP tests

Technorati tags: Nissan, Armada, price, cars, SUV

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