Every demographic and age group has their own favorite domestic vehicle deemed as the most buzz-worthy. A study conducted by the Kelley Blue Book and Harris Interactive identified the top-ranked buzz-worthy cars for each generation. Among the domestic vehicles cited, the Dodge Charger entered the top 5 in two categories and is the top-ranked buzz-worthy vehicle in one. Here’s the shortlist of the top buzz-worthy domestic vehicles per generation/demographic group:

Generation Y (1977-1986) – Chevy Cobalt
Generation X (1965-1976) – Hummer H3
Baby Boomers (1946-1964) – Dodge Charger
Pre-Boomers (1945-earlier) – Ford Five Hundred
Hispanic, African-American – Shelby Cobra GT 500
Asian – Lexus 400h

Luxury automaker Lexus took home AutoPacific’s 2006 Vehicle Satisfaction Rating for Top Brand on account of the solid performance of its LS 430 premium luxury car and excellent ratings of other models in its lineup. Meanwhile, Lincoln Navigator Luxury SUV owners were the most satisfied with their vehicle, while the Hyundai Azera was the highest rated car. The auto consulting firm’s Vehicle Satisfaction Awards aims to objectively gauge owner satisfaction with their new car or light truck. Six automakers were honored in eighteen Vehicle Satisfaction categories. The results were calculated according to owner satisfaction in different areas including vehicle operation, comfort, and safety. This year’s top performers are the following:

Top Brand: Lexus

Top Passenger Cars:

Premium Luxury Ca: Lexus LS
Entry Luxury Car: Cadillac CTS
Luxury/Large Car: Hyundai Azera
Premium Mid-Size Car: Volkswagen Passat
Mid-Size Car: Mercury Milan
Image Compact Car: MINI Cooper
Compact Car: Honda Civic
Sports Car: Chevrolet Corvette
Sporty Car: Acura RSX

Top Light Trucks:

Large Light-Duty Pickup: Nissan Titan
Large Heavy-Duty Pickup: Chevrolet Silverado HD
Sport Utility Truck: Honda Ridgeline
Compact Pickup: Mitsubishi Raider
Luxury Sport Utility: Lincoln Navigator
Large Sport Utility: Nissan Armada
Premium Mid-Size Sport Utility: Mitsubishi Endeavor
Mid-Size Sport Utility: Hyundai Santa Fe
Compact Sport Utility: Suzuki Grand Vitara
Minivan: Honda Odyssey

Set to go on sale later this year, the new 2007 Lexus LS 460 will be the most high-tech vehicle available in the North American auto market. The Telematics Research Group (TRG) reports that the new Lexus flagship sedan will have more technological features than any other vehicle. Among the LS 460’s features include an on-board, factory installed 30 gigabytes hard disk drive that is partitioned for navigation and music.

The LS 460 is also equipped with three cameras that senses if the driver drives out of the lanes and assists when parking the vehicle. The Lexus LS 460’s navigation system will feature voice-activation and a touch-screen monitor. Other high-tech features of the luxury sedan include Bluetooth phone control, live traffic reports, and monitored telematics. All that music stored in the 30 gig hard disk can be enjoyed through a state-of-the-art 19-speaker audio system.

The Lexus LS 460 tops TRG’s list of the vehicles with the most high-tech features. “Based on our criteria of 30 technology features in the areas of telematics, infotainment, and driver assist technologies, the LS-460 scores the highest of all vehicles”, says Phil Magney, president and principal analyst from TRG. Next to the LS460 is the 2006 BMW 7-Series and the 2007 Mercedes S-Class, also the only other vehicle with a factory-installed hard disk drive.

For many years, automakers have created the identity of their vehicles through comprehensible, even prestigious, names. Most of these names have become legendary such as Mustang, Corvette, Explorer, Civic, DeVille, Camry and many more. Now, the trend of giving cars real names is starting to fade and automakers now favor letter combinations. However, the letters of the alphabet it seems is a precious resource that is increasingly becoming inadequate to satisfy the needs of the auto world.

This has caused a number of legal spats between some automakers. For instance, Acura and Lincoln almost went to court due to possible name infringement – Acura’s MDX (see above photo) and Lincoln’s MKX (see below photo) was apparently too similar for comfort. Fortunately, the two automakers settled before any lawsuit was filed. BMW and Infiniti also had a tiff over the letter ‘M’ which figures prominently in both BMW’s M-Series and Infiniti’s M35 and M45.

Meanwhile, this problem is not only between automakers. Cadillac had to change the XLR’s original name CLR because it was already used as a name for a bathroom cleaner. Also, Toyota’s MR2 had to be renamed to Coupe MR in France since MR2 when pronounced, sounds like a common vulgar expression there. Amongst the letters, X is quite popular among automakers while Y, P, U, and O are not. The letters S and Z are also in great demand.

The use of alphanumeric names is not exactly an innovation, Ford called his first car the Model A. Mercedes-Benz and BMW are also well-known for giving alphanumeric names to its vehicles such as S-Class, M-Class and the like. In the ‘90s, many automakers began to follow suit. All Lexus vehicles also have alphanumeric names. The reason why automakers are picking vague letters and numbers as vehicle names is to build up the image of the whole brand, not just that particular model. For example, Lincoln has been changing their vehicle names as part of its turnaround plan last year. “We were in a situation where people were saying, ‘We drive a Town Car,’ and we want people to say, ‘We drive a Lincoln,’ ” explains Sara Tatchio, a Lincoln spokeswoman.

Luxury automaker Lexus is set to break new ground this year when it whisks the covers off the new Lexus GS450h, the first hybrid luxury sedan. The Lexus GS450h joins the RX400h SUV as the only luxury vehicles offering improved fuel economy and eco-friendliness. The hybrid sedan will be available in rear wheel drive and will be powered by electric motor mated to a 3.5L V-6 engine with an output of 339 hp and acceleration pegged at 0-60 miles in 5.2 seconds. As a hybrid vehicle, the GS450h offers stellar fuel economy up to 25mpg in the city and 28mpg on the highway.

Lexus aims to market the Lexus GS450h not only for its excellent fuel mileage and environment friendliness but more for its high performance characteristics. The current luxury vehicle market is now dominated by the Lexus brand. The luxury market is generally divided into two categories according to comfort and sportiness. The Lexus GS450h promises a potent combination of both comfort and high performance that Lexus owners seek. “[Lexus] Hybrid performance is ‘chocolate with no calories’” Says Bob Carter, group VP, general manager of Lexus.

The Lexus GS450h will be introduced at the upcoming New York International Auto Show. Afterwards, it will be available in dealerships across the country by May. Lexus plans on making only 2,000 GS450h models per year to test consumer interest. The Lexus GS450h will be available at an MSRP of $54,900.

For our previous report on the Lexus GS450h, click here

Come April 13 to 24, 2006, the automotive industry will once again converge at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in the Big Apple to witness the world’s automakers bring out and introduce their newest vehicle models and concepts at one of the biggest auto events this year – the 2006 New York International Automobile Show. The NY Auto Show promises a very exciting presentation this year with automakers expected to pull out all the stops to unveil their latest offerings. Nearly 1,000 cars, trucks, minivans, SUVs and crossover vehicles with prices ranging from $10,000 to $50,000 will go on display at the auto show.

John LaSorsa, the chairman of the NY Auto Show said that “There are more all-new cars and trucks coming to the 2006 Show than we’ve ever seen before, from the luxury new S-Class Mercedes and Jaguar XK Convertible to the nimble and fuel efficient Nissan Versa and Honda Fit, the Javits Center will be overflowing with completely new and re-styled 2006 and ‘07 model year vehicles.”

Expect to see a good mix of both import and domestic car makes and models from industry heavyweights Toyota, Ford, Honda, GM, DaimlerChrysler, Volkswagen, Volvo, Audi and many more. Among the most anticipated new models to be unveiled at the show include the 2007 Ford Edge, the Jaguar XK convertible, the crossovers Mazda CX-7 and CX-9, the Nissan Versa, Volkswagen Golf GTI, Ford GT, Ford Adrenaline, Saturn Sky, Toyota FJ Cruiser, Mercedes-Benz GL Class, Jeep Compass, the all-new 2007 Chrysler Aspen, a new SUV from Daimler Chrysler and the Audi Q7, a seven seater from the German automaker.

The automakers will also whisk the coves off more than a dozen concept vehicles at the show. These include the Chrysler Imperial, Aston Martine Rapide, Acura RDX, Hyundai HCD9, and the Toyota F3R. The auto show will also witness the debut of several new hybrid vehicles such as the GMC Sierra Hybrid, Ford Focus FCV, Lexus RX 300H Hybrid, Honda Accord Hybrid and Saturn Vue Hybrid.

All roads will definitely lead to the Javits Center between 34th and 39th streets on April 14. A special public sneak preview will be held on the 14th while the official opening day will be on the 15th. In case you will not be able to go, just stay tuned to The Auto Blog. We will provide you with the latest news, important events and reviews from New York.

Automakers are putting more and more advanced technology features in every automobile that rolls off their assembly lines. Almost every aspect of these new vehicles is becoming a showcase of high-tech innovations and gadgets: from advanced safety features to interior comfort and entertainment amenities. It’s actually quite exciting to see what the car of the future has in store. Already, we are seeing some of the latest and most advanced technologies in today’s new models.

For instance, the new 2007 Mercedes Benz S550 is chock-full of new technologies and features such as an infrared technology-based night vision system, a “Pre Safe” system that prepares you whenever the car detects an impending crash. Other automakers are also introducing various technological innovations in their respective new models. The LS 460, a new luxury sedan from Lexus has a feature that allows it to park by itself. The new Acura RL prepares the car and its passengers from impact as soon as the car senses that a crash is inevitable.

One of the biggest advancements in automotive technology is the imminent introduction of a production vehicle from Honda powered by fuel cells. The Honda FCX is expected to be produced, albeit in limited numbers, by 2010. This fuel cell powered four door sedan has a driving range of 350 miles per one charge. Fuel Cells is one of the most exciting and anticipated developments in the industry. Basically, a fuel cell powertrain uses only hydrogen and oxygen to create electricity that will power the car’s engine with only water vapor as exhaust by product.

Mercedes’ “Pre Safe” system is probably one of the greatest advances in car safety systems. When the car detects and imminent collision, panic stop or skid it immediately goes into operation, closes the sunroof, adjusts the seat’s backrests and cushions, raises the head restraints, closes the side windows and tightens the seatbelts. Although these pre-collision systems are only currently available in luxury models, we can expect that lower priced vehicles might begin offering the technology as it becomes more common.

Nevertheless, not all these technological innovations are absolutely necessary or even useful at least. For example, the same high-tech night vision system mentioned above raises some valid questions: On a dark road, are we better off looking at the dashboard display rather than paying attention to the road ahead? Also, BMW got a lot of flak when buyers complained about the complicated iDrive System, which controls climate, navigational, audio and other functions.

With all these technologies that really does enhance the functionality and versatility of automobiles but are admittedly making the driving experience far more complicated than it should be, there could come a time when car buyers will get a “technology overload” and shun away from such flashy and complicated gizmos and gadgets. Whatever it is that lies ahead, one thing is certain, the cars of the future are now here.

What is Electronic Stability Control? Among the numerous technological innovations introduced in the automotive industry for the last few years, ESC is probably one of the most important as a lifesaver. Picture this: you’re cruising along in your SUV at normal speed then you suddenly enter a curve that is too extreme for the speed you are traveling, the rear of your vehicle begins to slide and spin out, you panic and try to grapple with the steering wheel to avert a potentially serious accident.

Without ESC, you would probably end up off the road, rolling over or even worse. But with ESC, the system automatically detects that your direction is changing more quickly than appropriate for your intended direction. It then briefly applies the right front brakes to alter the direction of the vehicle back to the right path.

How does ESC work? Electronic Stability Control is an evolution from antilock braking technology which uses speed sensors and independent braking for each wheel. An ESC system uses automatic braking of each wheel to prevent the heading from either changing to quickly (spinning out) or not quickly enough (plowing out). ESC helps keep the driver in control of the vehicle while under extreme maneuvers although it does not increase traction. It also uses the driver’s natural reaction of steering into the right direction.

A study conducted by the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) revealed that having ESC significantly reduced single-vehicle crash risk in cars by 35% and 67% for SUVs. Results corroborated with another study by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety and indicated that widespread application of ESC can save more than 7,000 lives per year. Furthermore, the study says that if all US vehicles have ESC, this can prevent as many as 800,000 of the 2 million+ single vehicle crashes that happen every year.

Electronic Stability Control is currently being offered as either standard or optional in pricey cars and SUVs from the likes of Acura, Audi, BMW, Cadillac, Infiniti, Jaguar, Lexus, Mercedes and Saab. It is offered in different names such as Stabilitrak in GM cars and Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management (VDIM) in Toyota and Lexus. (For a list of 2006 ESC equipped vehicles, visit this site.)

However, it is quite ironic that only 6 percent of car buyers opt for ESC. It is partly because ESC as an option is still quite expensive. It may also be the lack of knowledge or plain indifference why most car buyers usually ignore this potentially lifesaving technology. This is why most automakers still don’t offer ESC as standard equipment especially in mid to low priced vehicles.

In any case, if people can afford less-important luxuries such as a high tech audio system, they should have the foresight to spend more on a proven, life-saving technology such as ESC.

Last Thursday (Tokyo time), Toyota Motors Corporation launched their highest priced hybrid vehicle yet—the Lexus GS 450h. With a manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) of $54,900, the new Lexus hybrid also stands as the most expensive hybrid vehicle in the market today. Now, that high price deserves more than just simple explanations. But Toyota need not explain anything, because all the reasons that their customers may be looking for can already be found on the car.

The new Lexus GS 450h features the first ever mass-produced hybrid system specifically designed for a rear-wheel drive vehicle. The vehicle also discredits the common perception that hybrid vehicles can never be sporty or zippy. Equipped with a 3.5-liter V6 engine, the vehicle outputs 399 horsepower—a power production capability that is often exclusive to the realm of the 4.5-liter V8 machines. Despite this impressive power production, the vehicle still registers an equally impressive fuel mileage of 34 mpg (based on company’s claim), a figure that is normally registered only by vehicles equipped with 2.0-liter petrol engines.

Aside from its impressive power production and fuel mileage, the Lexus GS 450h also boasts of a quieter engine that emits less harmful exhaust. Compared to the average new car, the vehicle emits 80 percent less smog-forming emissions. Noise and vibration levels for the new vehicle also equals about half of what conventional gasoline-powered engines produce. And to further raise the value of the vehicle, Toyota also equipped the Lexus GS 450h with standard features that were ordinarily offered as options for the previous Lexus GS 430.

After its domestic launch last Thursday, the Lexus GS 450h is expected to roll-out in the U.S. next month and in Europe in the succeeding months. According to reports, Toyota plans to sell about 5,700 units of the vehicle this year—1,800 units in Japan, 2,000 units in North America, 2,000 more units in Europe, and 200 units for other markets.

Ever since Lexus burst into the automotive scene back in 1989, it has become one of the most respected brands in the industry. Toyota’s luxury arm has consistently produced diverse, high quality cars and sport utility vehicles that offer a combination of top-notch styling and smooth performance. Lexus’ commitment

to excellence is evident in their tag line: Passionate Pursuit of Perfection. Among the products of Lexus’ pursuit for perfection is the refined and opulent Lexus ES 330. This is Lexus’s “entry luxury” sedan, a fitting introduction into the brand’s lineup of top-notch vehicles.

The 2006 Lexus ES 330 is the newest version of the highly-successful ES sedan. Like its predecessors, the ES 330 is simply a class act. The exterior of the ES 330 has been praised for its refined and understated styling. The car bears a resemblance to the Toyota Camry but is distinguished by sharply shaped hood and backswept headlight bezels.

Inside, the refinement continues with an elegantly designed cabin with first-class materials. Warm and inviting, the cabin boasts of rich wood trim, leather trimmed upholstery, and clean-looking instrument panel. There is ample leg room and the overall space is even larger than that of a Mercedes Benz C Class.

Lexus cars are renowned for their excellent and refined performance, and the 2006 ES 330 is no exception. As with all Lexus vehicles, the ES 330 boasts of a smooth and quiet operation. Under the hood is a 3.3L, 24 valve, quad-cam, V-6 with VVT-I, producing 218 horsepower and 236 lb-ft torque. The ES 330 is also a front engine, front-wheel drive with 4 wheel independent suspension and power rack-and-pinion steering. All this adds up to truly smooth and silky performance on the road.

Other standard features of this “entry luxury” car include leather power seats, moon roof, 16-inch aluminum wheels, dual zone climate controls, tilt steering wheel with audio and cruise controls, V-rated all-season tires, mist control wipers. Meanwhile, at a higher sticker price you can opt for 17-inch alloy wheels, heated and cooled seats, discharge headlamps, voice activated navigation system, 6 CD player, XM radio kit and many more superb features.

As an “entry luxury” car, the Lexus ES 330 is a very fitting and satisfying introduction into the world of luxury cars. Truly, the Lexus ES 330 is jut one of the many ‘realizations’ of the Lexus motto, Passionate Pursuit of Perfection. Already, Lexus is improving the ES 330 and is set to launch a better version – called the ES 350 – with a more powerful 272 hp engine, a 6 speed transmission, quieter suspension and improved styling.