Motorweek; 2806

BMW breaks with splendor and speed to cross over utility's with the xxix sports activity. So strap in for a packed six overload. Next on Boatner week. I'm Pat Goss. Is your engine doing enough zinc. Next on Goss's garage. I'm Stephen Smith And this week it's a birthday celebration. For the Model-T. And dodge brings common sense to retro with a challenger. B-6 took a drive with us. Motor Week TV's original automotive magazine. Brought to you by cars dotcom. Let's say you are looking for a car. Cars dotcom can help research locate even contact dealer in cars dodge. My idea of a symphony. Pistons playing that tune. My wife tells to. Valvoline.

100. On. Me like this. I love seeing all the places people have to go. I love being part of the company that helps those people get. Innovative thinking of here so you can get there. Go get. Your host for Motor Week. John Davis while on walk again to motor week we're glad to have you with us. A recent trend in Euro luxury car styling has been the advent of the low slung four door executive. Q What began with the Mercedes Benz C class has now spread to Volkswagen and even Porsche. But it took BMW to take this theme to the next level. The new x 6 is a five door crossover utility with the Drobo cool. But being a BMW there has to be a lot more to the new X-Tex that just its luck shape. BMW sees the 2009 x 6 as a new vehicle type one

that combines the amenities of a luxury SUV with sexier attributes of their sleekest handlers. It is the world's first sports activity. And the x 6 comes with credentials to back up the new name. It's one fifteen point five inch wheelbase chassis comes from the ex-wifes sports activity vehicle do that designers have a low roof five door body shell drawn from the vaulted six Cyrix. Venomous Xenon adaptive headlights with auto leveling plank and upright BMW twin kidney grill. The honkers styling exudes power with its sculpted surfaces sharp and character LIJ and lightweight 19 and 20 inch alloy wheels finishing with a fastback glass lip spoiler and integrated dual exhaust under its chiselled hood lids one of two twin turbo or trains Martez tax drive 35 I sported three leader in six yielding three horsepower and three

hundred pound feet up toward the X-Rite fifty fifty four point four liter V8 thrusting out four hundred horses and four hundred fifty pound feet of torque. Power feeds a six speed paddle shift automatic at x drive all wheel drive. Next drive has been upgraded with new dynamic performance control. The PC includes a smart rear differential with two clutch packs to direct torque from side to side and courters it puts extra torque to the outside wheel to quicken turn in response. It even works when you're not on the throttle. The firm right suspension can be augmented with sport packages electronic damping and active role BARCS the resulting balance and fled cornering goes far beyond other utilities including the X while lacking Fieldy optional active steering provided the white ratio through varying driving speed with tons of grip even on wet surfaces.

The x 6 is indeed on par with a well planted Sports Group. In terms of outright speed. Our drive 35 testor load rapidly from 0 to 60 and 6.2 seconds and capped off the quarter mile and fourteen point seven seconds at ninety five miles per hour to rein in the X six are oversized four wheel bitted disc brakes fade three stops amperage to find 127 feet from 60 to zero and exhibiting corer like stability with minimal nose done with the low slung Nc6 offers an upscale four passenger cabin blending luxury with BMW perform its DNA the dash gauges to controls again mimics the x 5 seats are supported with standard power and available heat smart seat extension feature offers additional fire support our Tester's premium sound package brought an upgraded audio system with a 6 disk DVD changer. While the technology package includes navigation and a backup camera that is truly needed like

most Coop's rear headroom is limited but it handles adults far better than the Mercedes C-class the split rear seat cabin also has for zone climate control a window shade CD and DVD entertainment system for cargo. The x 6 also proved more capable than expected. With twenty five point six cubic feet behind the second row that swells to nearly 60 cubic feet with the rear seats folded government fuel economy ratings 4 x 6 x drive 35 are feared to performance image at 15 city 20 highway on pre-meal. We manage eighteen point three miles per gallon in mixed driving. The energy impact scores a thirsty twenty point one barrels of oil consume per year while the carbon footprint measures in at ten point eight annual tonnes of CO2 emitted. Pricing for the x 6 x drive extra 5:35 I begin to Lufti fifty three thousand three hundred twenty five dollars. That's a 60 $600 premium

over the ex-spy the extra 50 I started sixty three thousand eight hundred twenty five dollars. And from there the sky is almost the limit. BMW shook up the luxury utility segment with the original X5 sports activity vehicle the blended SUV with sports it and like never before. Now with the 2009 BMW x 6 they've infused a utility with the styling of a true kook. It is a niche vehicle type for sure but also one with a kind of imagination that continues to set BMW apart from the rest. Next up it's Goss's garage and this week pad has the facts about modern motor oil. John modern oils are a complex cocktail of both stocks and additives

and there's one additive that while it's quite controversial these days. And here to give us some tips on it as our old friend Tom Smith. Tom is a lubricants engineer or chemist. And welcome back to Goss's garage. It's good to be back pat. All right now the product that we're talking about here is commonly referred to as zinc. Yes. And this is it right here and it's actually a family of additives. Zinc Dayal killed all phosphate. Well let's stick with zinc or phosphorus. When we refer to it. OK. Now this has quite a long history in oil. Yes it was first used back in the 1940s as a corrosion inhibitor to fight to lead copper corrosion. But they found that it also was effective as an anti Ware agent. So back in the late 50s they started increasing the level of it. So they were about 300 parts per million of phosphorus back in the late 50s to help protect against wear and those engines got more

powerful with a smaller displacement more stress in the engine. The levels went up so that by the time we got to the 80s we were looking at 1200 4300 parts per million. OK. But then there came a point where you started to cut back on it primarily because of catalytic converters. Yes. The phosphorus and the zinc phosphate unfortunately forms a phosphate Coast coating in the in the catalytic converter and this reduces the efficiency of the catalyst. So we've had to cut back on the level that we use but how much. Well back when we first started in 92 where we went down to 1200 parts per million and we gradually cut down even from there so that now we're at 800 parts per million maximum. OK. Is that really an issue. It really isn't for the vast majority of vehicles. We've done a lot of work to show that at these levels you're still getting good solid anti wear protection. The one area where

people do have concern are with flat tappet engines. OK. So if somebody has an older engine is it a problem or can they buy a special oil that has more zinc in it. Well it's not a problem once the engine is broken and the big issue is when they break the engine and so if they're rebuilding an older engine they really need to use something like a racing oil where there's a higher level of phosphorous Senate and racing oils that they can still be up to the 1200 parts per million and get a good break in on the oil on the engine. After that they're fine at running at the end. So it's a problem but it isn't a problem and if they're really concerned by a race and everything's covered. That's right. Thank you Tom. And if you have a question or comment write to me or send me a DVD video of your question and you might see yourself on TV. The address is Motor Week Owings Mills Maryland 2 1 1 1 7. It was a proud day back in 1998 when Henry Ford began selling the

model T the first mass produced car. And when production ended in 1927 nearly $50 million 10 Lizzy's or flivvers had been built well this year on its one hundredth birthday. The Model-T is considered the most influential car of the twentieth century since it put America and the world on wheels. So what do you do for such an occasion. Why throw one heck of a party. We're our own Stephen Chapnick just couldn't resist going over the edge. Can you believe the model T is 100 years old. It's amazing because she doesn't look a day over 99. It was October 1st 1908 the world was introduced to the model T. Thanks to Henry Ford the Tin Lizzie changed the way people saw the automobile. Though many people believe the Model T was the first car to hit the road. That distinction belongs to Carl Benz's Motorola. However the t was the first mass produced vehicle sold around the globe. With 15 million total.

Coming off the assembly line up until the point of the Model-T most people never ventured more than about 15 20 miles from their home. But the model T allowed them to have. A horseless carriage so that they could venture further and have their own independent mobility. Fast forward to Richmond Indiana. The spot to be for Model-T owners drivers and all around superfans for the 2008 Centennial Park. Why Richmond and not Detroit. Well that's where the Model T club of Meric museums and the Ford Motor Company thought it was the perfect location for the celebration. Nearly every Making year made it to the park. And people from around the country. And the world came to join in the festivities. Peter Williams brought his 1927 coupe across the Pacific from New Zealand. It's a dream come true. And the fact that we can justify being involved as it makes it that there's no guilt anymore. I think secretly we all wish we'd had one when we were a Dane. Henry Ford preferred his tin Lizzies black. But they made him in all shades. Red.

Yellow. Blue. White. And lime green. Seventeen year old Sarah Zimmer is one of the youngest Tiang. She's been a fan since she can remember so when she was old enough there was only one ride she wanted a 1926 speedster. I've always wanted one I've always wanted a model and I always knew that I was going to have and I knew I was going to have a speed. And of course it's crazy cause I can't not have my favorite color. And like Hi Sarah might be young but she's certainly not the only female owner of a model T. Debra Thompson has been a huge enthusiast for years. Her 19:25 touring car takes the cake during the Kentucky Derby parade. I'm sure that there are many other women that are owners and it is indeed a pleasure. I mean it's just a hobby that we've gotten into recently that we really enjoy since the cars we're in the period spirit. Fans took that occasion to get dressed up and travel back in time. You could say it was the 1920s all over again throughout the Wayne County Fairgrounds.

The best thing we ever had going. It's so well organized. You couldn't ask for a better time here. You have no one. And speaking of once mine was to master the art of piloting one of these originals in 1990. Three pedals. The clutch the brake and reverse back in 1998. The guest order was attached to the steering wheel. It was much harder than without today's advancements in ABS brakes stability control independent suspension you name but that never stopped those off roading ramps. Model-T people. Enjoyed a drive. They may go across a covered bridge turn around and come back through the water just to say that they have forwarded it to show that the Model-T can go through the water. And when the engine starts to die it. It's a little chug put it in neutral and you'll stop. Thinking and. I think. All right. And thanks to a quick lesson from Derek more of the Henry Ford Museum. I was off and running. Give us gas. When you get the hang of the gears. It's actually pretty easy.

I know why they call us the good old days. It sure beats a horse. You know we're always borrowing new sets of car keys and some are really hard to return. So let's see if we've got any capers on our. Just when you thought that Mercedes Benz has every luxury SUV angle covered. Up pops another one. The 2010 GM OK 350 formatting sliding in under the M-class the Compaq deal K class is 10 inches shorter with six inches less wheelbase. It also supports younger more angular styling that's closer to the classic G class than the current aerodynamic Emma and G.L. designed to be the most agile and economical member of the Mercedes Benz gas SUV lineup. The geo 350 is amply powered by the same 268 horsepower 3.5 liter V-6 that powers the M-L 350 and sifts through

a seven speed automatic transmission but with almost 700 pounds less both the Geo can delivers better government fuel economy ratings of 16 city 22 highway Geo K drives all four wheels through a proven formatted all wheel drive system a rear drive version is also in the cards. The Ok shares much of its mechanicals with the C-Class including a lightweight Strutt front and rear multi link suspension. New is the agility control damping system which stifles road noise and tire vibration while allowing for a stiffer shock. The DL K handles great in fast corners tight and sharp and in parking lots it's light and easy it's a great blend. It's really hard to remember that you drive an SUV. Inside the G-O K offers the same angular look as the outside with impressive room for both 5 passengers and their cargo. As expected the OK cabin is very well equipped with everything from Dools own climate controls to

blue to a panoramic sunroof and around $38000. The 2010 Mercedes Benz. OK 350 should sell well when it arrives in showrooms in early 2009. Now let's turn from a luxury utility to a luxury sedan and Acura is fresh in the flagship the 2009 R-Ill.. With a blunt new face hosting Acura a shield Grille the 2009 R-Ill. also packs more performance under its edgy skin power comes from a 3.7 liter V-6 shared with the MDX rated at 300 horsepower channel through a new secret dual sport five speed automatic with manual steering wheel paddle shifters. Acura has also refined the RL super handling all wheel drive system for quicker power transfer between the rear wheels and even more responsive cornering. You know a braking system is an option if you close too rapidly on a vehicle ahead. After warnings the system hits the brakes and tightens the seatbelts.

The ever more luxurious cabin HBO's new premium would trim redesign unheated cooled front seat traffic rerouting feature in the navigation system and re contoured rear seats plus a more sophisticated active sound control to reduce high frequency cabin noise. It all adds a new level of refinement for the 2009 Acura RL And starting at $47000. It's available now. When Subaru redesigned the Impreza w r x. Oh wait they made a big deal about its increased comfort and refinement. Not usually words we like hearing when it comes to this hot compact. Well apparently others thought so too. So for 2009 Subaru has retuned the suspension and pumped in more power to bring the spirit of the old R X back. Under the Hood is the same 2.5 liter Boxer for but now horsepower is up forty one that's almost 20 percent to 265 thanks to the

addition of the sci's larger turbocharger and appropriately the only transmission is a manual suspension. Updates aren't as noticeable in everyday use but the card definitely stays a little flatter when you start ratcheting up the speeds. The axes is always been a favorite here around the office and is still one of the best performance bargains out there. To make the transformation complete and more noticeable the previously available SDI aero package is now standard and consists mainly of a body kit. Different grill exhaust tips and a rear spoiler. The 2009 Subaru Impreza W X is ready now starting in about twenty five thousand dollars and that's it. Until we turn more new car keys and just a few weeks. Right from there start in the 1960s pony cars like a Ford Mustang Chevrolet Camaro and Dodge Challenger have ignited many an argument among fans and auto riders alike over horse horsepower and big V8. But truth be told most

of the sporty coops go out with smaller or more insurable more economical power trains. Case in point the new Dodge Challenger SC. While I may trade a Hemi V8 for a more responsible V-6 dodge promises most of the flair of a Hemi. So let's say this challengers sparks will fly or fall shy. There's no doubt that the motor week staff was impressed with the Hemi V-8 Dodge Challenger SRT 8 calling it an all new chapter in the American muscle car story. But like most horse power junkies our resident left footers were less than excited when presented with the 2009 Dodge Challenger SC. It's not because the SC doesn't look the muscle car part. It does

wearing the same broad shouldered retro type lines as it's Kemy simply from the wide mouth grille with brown vintage look headlights to the long hood short rear deck only car profile. The challenger SC is nearly identical to its big brother only a discerning. I will note the smaller 17 inch wheels which can be upgraded to 80. Of course the engine that turns those wheels is what matters most here and in the SC That's Chryslers human 3.5 liter single overhead cam B-6 which is shared with more mundane models like the Avengers sedan and journey crossover and the challenger the 3.5 V-6 makes 250 horsepower and 250 pound feet of torque. Wow more than the Mustangs V-6. It's still 122 horsepower less than the mid-level arty models 5.7 liter being a huge 175 ponys short of the 6.1 leader in the SRT 8. I don't think about maximizing

your go with a manual gearbox. The only tranny available is up for speed automatic. That may not yield blazing fast quarter mile runs but it does earn government fuel economy ratings up 17 city 25 highway on regular grade gaps are test run return to find 24 miles per gallon. The energy impact score is an acceptable seventeen point one. Barrels of oil per year with a carbon footprint up 9.2. And that's not to say that the SC can't get out of its own way. A zero to 60 times 7.8 seconds shows. Yes he also gets through the quarter mile just dandy with a time of 16 seconds. Ninety one miles per hour. But don't expect a vigorous launch. Thirty eight hundred SC is a lot of car for 250 ponies to move once up to speed. Of course the box shifts slowly but smoothly. On the handling course the SE shows itself to be competent while lacking a tight feel and sharp response of the SRT

Yate with its touring oriented suspension and the optional electronic stability control. Our SC has a more big sedan feel with prominent front push stopping distances average the longest 135 feet from 60 but the big chassis was always rock solid. So while the SC may not be quite as track ready as the SRT aid it does provide a much more comfortable ride and daily driving. And you still get to ride in the same retro yet modern cockpit as the more powerful challengers one with a classic for dial gauge cluster of full size steering wheel and wide comfortable seats. Crash protection comes from multistage front end to road side curtain airbags. The tight rear seat splits and fold increase the already substantial sixteen point two cubic feet of trunk space. So while the challenger may be big the Essie's space price is a compact twenty one thousand nine hundred ninety five dollars.

That's eight grand less than the challenger arti and a huge eighteen thousand dollars less than the SRT 8. So the classic style of a 2009 Dodge Challenger SC still makes sparks fly. And with V-6 pricing fuel economy and insurability you can actually light up the road more often. Well I hope you'll join us here next week for more motor weight and our clean power drive special report. Test the obvious 50 state legal diesel the jet TBI. It's a tale of two hybrid families. Plus fuel saving advice you can use right now. I'm John Havens. We'll see you then. To learn more about motorways TV's original automotive magazine visit. PBS dot org. To order a DVD or VHS copy of this program call 1 800 8 7 3 6 1 5 4. Motorway has been brought to you by cars dot com. Let's say you are looking

for a car. Cars dotcom can help research locate even contact a dealer cars dodge. Some guys like to relax in a leather recliner but do others. There's nothing better than cardboard on concrete Valvoline 100 years under. The. You like best. I love seeing all the places people have to go. I love being part of the company that helps those people get. Innovative thinking up here so you can get there. Good Year. This program was produced by American Public Television which is solely responsible for its

content. We are PBS