Motorweek; 2711

Jeep straight already rostered gets a boost. The second generation. We'll see if Brady still rings true for the liberty. Hi I'm Pat Goss. Better breathing for your car. This time I'm gonna be a lot of us and this week we're at the Automotive Hall of Fame in Dearborn Michigan for a look at some of the contributions made by the world's leading auto giants and we'll grab the whaleboat LIKE IT'S HOT NEW are 32. So come drive with us next week. TV's original automotive magazine brought to you by cars. Let's say you're looking for a car can help research. OK even contact a dealer find the right car for you. My idea of a symphony a Pistons playing the tune my right for you

to listen to. Valid going 100 percent with and by Dunlop tires. The search for true performance is part of our heritage. Dunlop is proud to present the Dunlop drivers Cup for amateurs from around the world to compete head to head and on and off road competitions. Information at Dunlop tires dot com. Your host for Motor Week John Davis. Well hello and welcome again to motor wing. We're glad to have you with us. Six years ago Jeep replaced its venerable and ever so boxy Cherokee SUV with a decidedly more stylish liberty. But even with modern looks the Liberty continues the Cherokees heritage as both a comfy on road companion and rugged off road adventurer. But times have changed. Today trail ratings take a back seat to economy ratings. So is this new second generation Jeep Liberty still on the right course.

After the recent introductions of the car light Jeep Compass and patriot. It was time for jeep to get back to the basics of off road truck toughness. The all new second generation 2008 liberty is designed to push jeeps trail rated stature ever higher. But in keeping with the times there's more to this Jeep than just tackling rough terrain. The grown up liberty now strives to achieve higher livability for those who never intend to leave the pavement. The liberties updated mechanicals actually arrive first on the new Dodge Nitrox the rework ups overall capabilities thanks to a new integrated body and frame chassis will bases up almost 2 inches to one hundred six point one for more interior room and a smoother ride at one hundred seventy six point nine inches overall length has increased slightly more along with better on road ride highway handling is refined by a redesigned independent front

and multi link solid axle rear suspension helped along by standard electronic stability control. The feel is more nimble and ultimately up better fit for running errands in town or carting the family around. But 4 by 4 fiend's need not fret. The Liberty fully lives up to its trail rated badge with ample ground clearance available skid plates and a pair of optional two speed for will drive systems for digging down deep into the mud sanding gravel and to the mix electronic roll mitigation and traction control plus Hill Descent control and hill start assist and the off road enthusiasm is ready for some pretty severe ups and downs stopping is secure too thanks to standard four wheel ABS equipped dispraise our liberty is a familiar 3.7 leader single cam V-6 rated at 210 horsepower and 235 pound feet of torque at 4000 rpm transmission's are a six speed manual or four speed automatic.

The latter is capable of towing 5000 pounds but being a real rugged SUV has its downside. Government fuel economy ratings for our automatic pull will drive our marginal 16 city 22 highway the energy impacts scores a fairly thirsty 9000 barrels of oil consumed per year. Statically the new Jeep Liberty certainly looks the rugged part it wears a more right angled classically shaped high bell blind skin looking a lot like a downsized Jeep Commander. Traditional Jeep cues the simple round headlights seven slot grill and beefy Travice oil will flares are all there. They also familiar upright rear ends a lift gate with a first time separate opening glass window. But go up top for the most unique new addition the optional sky slider pulling open canvas roof clearly signals up on an outdoor lifestyle associated with the Jeep brand. Inside the Liberty blends classic Jeep utilitarianism with plenty of comfort

and further refinement the new two tone dash is uncluttered defined by gauges and controls that are simple and geometric limited trim include steering wheel controls for the eight speaker infinity CD stereo with auxiliary input cutting edges the available my gig multimedia system with DVD player plus navigation with real time traffic even with the added wheel base the three person rear seat remains adult type cup holders are standard as is a 60:40 phone feature with the seats down. There's a reasonable sixty four point six cubic feet of cargo room plus the available fold flat front passenger seat to haul skis in long two by fours. There's even a reversible load floor over a hidden waterproof storage bin for small gear and muddy boots. The Liberty is priced affordably starting at twenty thousand nine hundred ninety dollars for the two wheel drive sport model. The well equipped too will drive a limited edition begins at twenty five thousand one hundred seventy

five dollars and sixteen hundred ten dollars to either to jump to four wheel draw Jeep has smartly elevated the all new 2008 liberty on two levels. It's not only a better off road vehicle. It's now just as much at home on the pavement inside and out this capable midsize SUV has clearly been made more appealing to adventurers and townies alike. It's not the most economical SUV to drive but it is among the most capable trade off that Jeep fans will always find most liberating coming out whole. If you're serious about boosting your car's performance visit to Goss's garage will help you breathe a little easier. John in the quest for better performance many enthuses start with the exhaust system first and if they're really serious about it they come all the way up to the engine

with that performance exhaust system. Well just think about it look at the stock exhaust manifold here compared to this nice swooping header over here and mazing difference but exhaust systems are only a small portion of the equation. You next have to go under the hood of the vehicle and that means that you need something like this and an induction system is going to allow more air to move into the engine and it's going to smooth out the flow of air into the engine. All right so now we've got lots of air coming into the engine we've got the ability to get lots of air out of the engine but we may not get all of the performance that we really and truly want. So what's the problem. Well the problem is this giant choke point in the middle of the engine. You see the stock components the intake manifold the air plenum the throttle body and so on. They may not be up to the task

so you might want to change the entire intake system. But even after you have done then you may still not be there. Because right here in the cylinder head our intake ports and our exhaust ports they're all matched to the stock configuration the stock amount of air that can flow through this engine. So to get the ultimate in performance you want to go to a better breathing cylinder head as well. So exhaust first. Make your plan there then intake as far as the air filtering components in the air delivery. Then into the air plenum and intake manifold and the cylinder head at the same time. By doing this you'll get the best performance out of your automobile and you'll really be able to take advantage of your modifications. If you have a question or comment write to me the address is

Motor Week Owings Mills Maryland. 1 1 7. A lot of tires are rolled under the bridge during the 100 plus years of the automobile. And while we're always fascinated with the latest advances it's also helpful to remember the pioneers. But while there are hundreds of museums dedicated to classic cars there's only one that enshrines the men and women behind them and I am y our reporter Yolanda Vaska is ready to take us there. If you've ever wondered how many of the world's greatest auto giants like Henry Ford David Buick and got Lee dimer got their start. Then you're welcome a trip to the Automotive Hall of Fame in Dearborn Michigan. The Automotive Hall of Fame is really what I would say the Cooperstown of the auto industry President Jeffrey Lisa says the museum honors the outstanding achievements of individuals from various disciplines of the auto industry. We're not celebrating the automobile per se but we're celebrating the people that

made those automobiles and that great industry possible. There are dozens of decorative displays three dimensional diorama interactive exhibits for visitors to explore. Heck I even had a little fun cranking up a fake engine on a Model T Ford. We're going to meet you. People were a trip back in time sets the stage for automotive engineer Karl Benz in 1960 created the first internal combustion car. It had three wheels and looked like a tri sickle. The ingenious designs of industry pioneers are displayed throughout the museum including this original 1897 Peugeot engine motion sensors trigger the sound of the engine firing up so people can really get a sense of what this engine sounded like back in the day. While the biographies of famous faces draw people in the HFA also includes the accomplishments of lesser known names like Ralph R. Teeter. He invented cruise control and he did it without the aid of

sight. Peter was blind from the age of 5 years old and he still went on to have this great career. And it's really one of our greatest stories because it's not. Just an automotive achievement story it's a human achievement story. Warren Avis revolutionized the way we travel by establishing the first car rental company at an airport back in the mid-1940s. And by doing so he really melded two forms of transportation Lannan air. Jim Moran was another entrepreneur who pushed the envelope. He was the first auto dealer in the country to use television as a venue to sell cars which are by the 50s here. Our time in early 50s 1955 and we want to use a TV as an avatar. Well it really was because not too many people had TVs to begin with. More than 20000 people visit the Automotive Hall of Fame each year lease Ma says he hopes attendees appreciate the struggle these visionaries had to endure to succeed. Of all the people we've honored here the Armada Hall of Fame none of them were born great.

They all achieved greatness through inspiration through vision and hard work and nowhere is that more evident than at the prestigious hall of honor each year. Index four to eight individuals who have significantly impacted the development of the automobile or the industry itself. The Hall of Fame has been giving out this crystal pylon award for the past 30 years to date there are over 200 20 names listed on the registry. While these signatures will forever be etched in history the museum is already preparing for the future by setting aside these vacant marble slabs for the next generation of pioneers to help identify the great automotive mines of tomorrow that has created the young leadership and Excellence Award it's given to those who are 35 years of age or younger. These men and women are our vice presidents and plant managers and chief designers and it's it's really incredible the amount of success that they've had it at such an early age. The award also represents a diverse collection of honorees by paying tribute to both women and minorities. It's more of a

reflection of what the industry looks like today as that picture of diversity grows the Automotive Hall of Fame will chronicle the accomplishments of those inimitable icons who continue to drive the automotive industry into an ever more challenging future. As I always tell people and none of us are going to be riding horses for anytime soon. The automobile industry is here to stay it will be here for a long time to come. New cars and trucks are being introduced at a breakneck pace. So much brake if you end by twisting the latest car keys to come our way. Few cars live up to their promotional hype but want that's on course to do just that. It's the 2009 Nissan GTA are as Nissan's first super car. That's their PR machine talking the G TR promises to take on the world's best sports cars in both visual drama and Full Tilt driving performance as the star of the 2007 Tokyo Motor Show.

The G TR certainly has all the right stuff to live up to its billing. A striking super aggressive body that hints of the same family genes as a 350 Z and infinity t 37. It's mid engine chassis. PM includes a light and strong carbon injected structure at the front and composite aero panels on the underside. It jets along with a three point eight leader twin turbo V-6 rated at four hundred eighty horsepower at 60 400 rpm. Those revs hit the ground through a rear mounted twin clutch paddle shift automatic and full time all wheel drive. A super lightweight double wishbone front hand rear multi link suspension with adjustable Bilstein damn tronics shocks and monstrous pitted crimbo dispraise complete the hardware. Put to work The JTR is capable of a zero to 60 time of three point five seconds. The top speed of 193 mph and lap times at the famed nerver agreeing that rival Germany's best and the inside a

tight businesslike cockpit tailor made for the driving enthusiasm who also wants to enjoy all the comforts of a top drawer sports car. And frankly if the rumors of the GTA Ares price in the low 70s proves right it will be a super car park and unfortunately we won't know for sure until next year as the first Nissan TTR won't arrive at highly selected dealers until next June. While the G TR may make some green with envy green motoring gets a boost from the redesigned and still very versatile 2008 Mercury Mariner hybrid utility along with its very close kin the Ford Escape Hybrid the Mariner hybrid close class leading government fuel economy ratings of 34 city 30 highway with front wheel drive. That's a 14 percent improvement in the city cycle from last year and 29 City 27 highway with all wheel drive. That efficiency comes from an Atkins cycle two point three leader four cylinder engine

putting 133 horsepower. Add to that the electric motor and this fuel hybrid system takes command of a net one hundred fifty five horses and software improvements by Toyota have made the transition between all electric and gas power virtually imperceptible Mariner's skin is all new for 2008. With more detail in a boulder Mercury waterfall grill inside the modern cabin features a new easier to comprehend control layout. Side impact and head curtain airbags now come standard Mariners also improve road manners are rated by standard electric power steering ABS brakes and electronic stability control. The 2008 Mercury Mariner hybrid starts at around twenty seven thousand five hundred dollars and that's before any federal tax credit. Bill To me the SUV needs of larger families the full size Toyota Sequoia undergoes a round up redesign for 2008. Its new

perimeter frame chassis expands in every direction with a longer wheel base and a wider track first time rear independent suspension significantly improve its ride and handling. I drive through Central North Carolina was proof positive of this. The smooth response can be even further enhanced by an available air suspension package. Rear wheel drive and high low four wheel drive sequoias gain an upshot of power along with the carry over 4.7 leader vs the tundras 5.7 leader three hundred eighty one horsepower V-8 is available to a new six speed automatic with tow home of maximum towing capacity grows to 10000 pounds. Styling is far bolder. The tall grill and flared head lamps also show the close kinship with the big Tundra pickup optional headlight washers are new at the rear. A full width tailgate which can add power assist opens to flat folding third in second row seats and almost one hundred twenty one cubic feet of cargo space.

Interior styling also follows the tundra example. The area a passenger cabin is now truly full size first and third rows gain needed leg room while the drivers comfort benefits from a new tell telescoping steering wheel. The 2008 Toyota Sequoia will arrive at dealers in December with a base price of around thirty four thousand dollars. Joyner says we twist more new sets of car keys in just a few weeks. Next up on corner cross me with the latest gear. Were you seeing cop cameras in action on reality TV or in real life when you've been pulled over. There's no denying that car cameras provide video evidence that it's hard to refute. Now you can be armed with the same video tool or vehicle safeguard camera from gadget universe may give you some sense of protection if you are the victim of a carjacking or involved in a car accident.

The camera keeps rolling and could provide objective information from the scene that insurance companies or law enforcement may need to install in minutes. Video is recorded in a VII format which is compatible with any PC. It costs $80. So there you have it video gear that gives drivers an existence of protection just in case one car company that always remembers its roots is Volkswagen. They invented the concept of a hot hatchback and they still have what it takes to store up the compact competition. Now we enjoyed a stint with VW as primo effort they are 32 back in 2004 and now it's back for another limited run. So does the new 2008 are 30 to continue to perform a hatchback magic. Volkswagen has been throwing us the keys to hot hatchbacks like the 2008 are thirty two for a full quarter of a century and each time they do these

micro missiles prove more powerful more sophisticated and more fun. The 0 8 r 32 is based on the latest golf 5 chassis sold as the rabbit in the US which has already earned quite a few accolades from our staff of driving enthusiastic. And it may take an enthusiastic pick the our 32 out of a crowd. The look is similar to a GTI II but the brushed trim aggressive tri sport lower facia specific 89 Chalo Oisin twin center exhaust are all tip offs. When we last tested in our 32 in 2004 it ran on the smaller lighter golf or chassis. The new golf 5 version is bigger with a nearly 3 inch longer one hundred one point five inch wheel base. It also packs more punch. Power is still a three point two leader version of the proven vr 6 engine but horsepower has jumped up 10 to 250 while torque remains a solid 236 pound feet or the same as the Audi A3. It's routed to VW as lay this for motion all wheel drive system with an electronic

differential lock and threw a 6 speed DSG sequential electronic gear box which functions in both automatic and manual panel shift modes. We are 32 years driver also gets electronic assistance from standard stability control and if he slipped regulation this slightly stronger and more sophisticated drive train must shift an extra 138 pounds of 430 to which it does to 60 and six point two seconds and through the Quarter Mile End fourteen point seven seconds at ninety eight miles per hour. That's about the same as our previous are 32 and still nicely quick. Granted it won't scare an SGI or EVO but the dash is more rocket sled than catapult. The VR six has always been a free revving power plant and this latest version is even snappier and at full throttle you get a wonderfully throaty careful the DSG gearbox shift sharply making good use of the engine serious mid range punch.

But while acceleration is swift handling has always been where they are 30 to really shines. Even with the added will base the new are 32 clicks into corners with enthusiasm. There's a little more front push at mid corner but the prodigious all wheel drive grip and sharp steering mean that there's no loss of velocity. Indeed the faster you go the better it feels. But when it comes time to slow for sharper bends the are 30 to use big disc and abs. Bring it down from 60 in an average of 131 feet. That's 18 feet longer than its predecessor though the chassis stays rock solid and straight. The newer 32 displays the same level of high performance and every day driving. But unlike the rough edged factory hot rods like the SDI and evolution the experience is a refined ride with excellent noise and vibration control. Like the earlier are 30 to today's model gets a deluxe interior treatment that leaves no doubt you are driving a sophisticated performance car.

The deep leather clad embossed sport seats are thirty two specific shift knob and metallic interior trim are racy without being boy racer. While the straight forward instrument cluster an optional DVD navigation system deliver all the driving info you need and comfort thanks to automatic climate control and the price to own one of only five thousand or thirty twos available stands at thirty three thousand six hundred thirty dollars with our taskbar going for thirty five thousand four hundred thirty dollars. That may sound pricey but it is in line with coarser rivals. And that's one term that you'll never use with the AR 32. The 2008 Volkswagen are thirty two is the most refined high performance car for the dollar that we know of and a fitting addition to his long line of hot hatchbacks. It's clearly our favorite fast boats wagon at least until the next one. But I hope you'll join us next week for more voter we will test the latest member of the

Bobo family to come back see 30 and set up ferocious pace in a four hour inspired 99 TTP. You're wrong no. I'm John Davis. Well see that. To learn more about Motor Week television's original automotive magazine visit PBS dot org. To order a DVD or VHS copy of this program call 1 800 873 6 1 5 4 Motorway has been brought to you by cars dot com. Let's say you're looking for a car. Cars dot com can help research locate even contact a dealer. Cars dot com find the right car for you. Maybe oil and water don't mix but oil and blood do novels 100 percent.

And by Dunlop tires the search for true performance is part of our heritage. Dunlop is proud to present the Dunlop drivers Cup where amateurs from around the world compete head to head in the on and off road competitions. Information at Dunlop tires dot com. This program was produced by American Public Television which is soley responsible for its content on PBS.