Quick Cash Auto Blog

If a new car and an Apple iPad are on your after Christmas shopping list, lady luck may be on your side. In fact, the first 500 consumers that registers to purchase a 2011 Saab 9-4X have the option of getting a free Apple iPad.

For those who choose to pre-order the new Saab SUV there will be an extra $500 deposit required to cover the iPad, but this is completely refundable via a $500 credit towards their new vehicle once it arrives. The iPad can be expected to be shipped in two to four weeks after the consumers’ pre-order registration and subsequent deposit is received. While it is a sweet deal to have the opportunity to score a brand new Apple iPad, this hot technology is only one of the great perks that the new Saab 9-4X comes with.

The Saab 9-4X is the newest mid-size crossover sport utility from the Swedish automaker, and it comes with high expectations. The 9-4X is expected to compete with similar crossovers such as the Buick Enclave, Volkswagen Tiguan, and the Chevrolet Equinox. The newest Saab crossover model will boast an impressive 265 horsepower thanks to a respectable 3.0 Liter V-6 engine and comes with an optional Haldex All-Wheel-Drive option.

Rumors are abound regarding the luxury options that will be available on this crossover but luxury features such as leather interior, heated seats, moon roof, navigation technology, and premium sound are all safe bets. The Saab 9-4X may remind consumers of Cadillac’s SRX crossover SUV and for good reason; the SRX was the initial inspiration for the 9-4X.

It is still somewhat unclear what editions will be offered beyond the basic 9-4X. There is a chance that Saab will have a bio edition or hybrid model as well as a limited edition that will come with a heftier price but other details will be confirmed soon.

While the expectations are high for this crossover sport utility and some of the details are still vague, early bird consumers that pre-order a new Saab 9-4X can expect one thing to come with a great amount certainty: a new Apple iPad!

“So close, but yet so far away”. This is a common expression used in the United States when something that a person wants is just out of reach. The expression is very fitting for when describing the way automaker Volkswagen teased consumers by debuting the 2012 Beetle on talk show host Oprah Winfrey’s show on November 22nd. The wealthy talk show host gave away a 2012 Volkswagen Beetle to every person in the studio audience in her final “Oprah’s Favorite Things” episode.

While audience members became borderline hysterical when Oprah gave out the keys to their new compact car there is a catch involved. The audience members will not get their new car until late 2011 because the VW Beetle is not being officially debuted until then. Beyond Volkswagen employees, Oprah is reportedly the only person to have already seen the 2012 Beetle. The 2012 model was on display at the taping of the episode but all that was visible was a silhouette of the car because it was wrapped up and the lighting in the studio cast too many shadows to be able to distinguish any details regarding the car.

There have been many reports that the redesigned model will have much sleeker styling which includes a more streamlined, elongated roof, as well as modifications to the existing hood design. Volkswagen has yet to confirm exactly what models will be offered in the sporty car but there will most likely be gasoline and diesel engines offered as well as a fuel efficient hybrid model. Experts expect all of these models to also be offered in a sleek convertible edition as well.

In addition to having slightly more headroom than previous models, the 2012 Volkswagen Beetle will reportedly also offer other great features such as a premium sound system, comfortable sport seats, optional navigation system, and sporty 19-inch wheels.

While Volkswagen is being very secretive about their latest edition of the popular Beetle model, it is no secret that there are high expectations for this cool car because of the high sales figures for similar competing models such as the Mini Cooper. In addition, while being featured on “The Oprah Winfrey Show” is great for publicity, it is also added pressure to be successful with their newest model. The 2012 Volkswagen Beetle may fall into the category of “so close, but yet so far away” but this sporty, unique, and fuel efficient car may just be worth the wait.

When you think of luxury, what comes to mind? Some people may argue that a day at the spa is luxurious. Others may believe that spending the weekend in an expensive bed and breakfast in Vermont is luxurious and as far as luxury cars go, many people may think of Lexus or Mercedes first. Soon, however, many people may have a new view of what should be considered a luxury car.

When people think of Hyundai, “luxury” may not be the first word that comes to mind. The word “reliable” may come to mind quickly, or maybe the phrase “fuel efficient” and possibly even “cool” but definitely not “luxurious”. This may be changing because of Hyundai’s luxury Genesis models, cars that rival even Mercedes and Lexus.

The Hyundai Genesis was built to compete with luxury cars like Mercedes, Infiniti, Lexus, Chrysler, and BMW coupes and sedans. The Genesis is available in a 3.8 Liter V6 that has more than 290 horsepower and 264 pound–feet of torque. The V8 model is a 4.6 liter and has a very respectable 385 horsepower when high octane fuel is used.

The luxury features are what really generates stiff competition for the likes of Lexus and Infiniti. Some of the features included in both the coupe and sedan models of the Genesis are things like an ultrasonic sensor parking assist system, power rear sunshade, push-to-start button, and radar based cruise control.

Other facets of the Genesis that rival the likes of Mercedes E-Class and Lexus IS series include XM NavTraffic, heated seats, Lexicon audio system, and even a leather-wrapped steering wheel that remains cool to the touch even when the car is left in the sun all day long.

While the features that the Hyundai Genesis boasts are competitive with the hottest luxury models on the market today, Hyundai’s powertrain warranty blows the comparable competition away. While most luxury brands offer around 60,000 mile coverage, Hyundai buyers receive a 100,000 mile, ten year warranty that covers major components such as the engine and transmission.

The price of the Hyundai Genesis is one of the most surprising things about the luxury car model with a starting point at just under $33,000. Many of Genesis competitors start at or above the $60,000 range and that price rises quickly with each option that is added.

With Hyundai Genesis in the picture, it may be time to rethink what luxury is. If you do buy a Genesis, you may have some extra cash to experience a luxurious day at the spa, or that fancy bed and breakfast in Vermont–money you may not have if you buy another brand.

Franchise opportunities are abound in the United States, where the American dream is often obtained by franchising an already successful business or product. For many automobile dealers across the United States, an opportunity to continue living the American dream was handed out this week in the form of a Fiat franchise.

Fiat is an Italian automobile company founded in 1899. The name Fiat is actually an acronym that when translated from Italian means Italian Automobile Factory of Turin. Fiat is a successful company throughout the world, with many assembly factories in countries such as Brazil, India, and Poland. Fiats have not been actively sold and marketed by United States dealerships in more than two decades, so the opportunity to have a Fiat franchise is full of promise.

Many existing dealerships submitted proposals to Chrysler asking for permission to sell Fiats several months ago and the Fiat 500, a compact car, will begin hitting showroom floors in early March 2011. Chrysler received thousands of applications from dealership owners hoping to become Fiat distributors, many who are not currently associated with Chrysler or its subsidiaries. Of the more than 2,000 Chrysler dealerships across the United States, only a little more than 600 received formal invitations from Chrysler Corporation to submit franchise proposals.

For the time being, the Fiat 500 will be the only car model produced for sale in the states from the Italian based car company. Early reports state that there will be up to four different cuts or versions of the 500. A convertible, a sport edition, a petite four door, as well as a “High Roof” style. All of the cars will have a luxurious and unique Italian style that Fiat has been known for for many decades.

There are more than 115 markets that Chrysler has chosen to give franchises in. These areas have been thoroughly researched and show great potential to be big sellers in the area of compact cars. Fiat is often compared to the Mini-Cooper, but the 500 will actually be shorter, slimmer, and more streamlined than the Mini.

Anyone looking for smooth driving, gas saving compact car will have another choice on their car buying plate just in time for spring.