consumer issues
Super bargains unlikely this holiday season
The Grinch who stole the holiday season last year is still lurking around the cash register this season. The difference: This time retailers are wide awake and waiting for him.
Last year, they were blindsided by a 3.4-percent drop in sales. Today, they are heading into the holiday season with much leaner levels of inventory, so they don't get stuck with piles of unsold product.
As top holiday present, gift cards getting more consumer-friendly
Shoppers are expected to shell out some $25 billion for gift cards this holiday season, making the little pieces of plastic cash the No. 1 present for the sixth year in a row.
DriveWays: 370Z Roadster offers high performance
With the introduction of its new 370Z Roadster and race-track tuned Nismo, Nissan has a triple play going in the sports car game.
DriveWays Specs: Specifications for the 2010 Nissan 370Z
Specifications for the 2010 Nissan 370Z Touring Roadster.
Engine: 3.7-liter V6, 332 horsepower.
Transmission: Seven-speed automatic with manual-shift mode.
Overall length: 13 feet 11 inches.
EPA passenger/cargo volume: 52/4 cubic feet.
Weight: 3,489 pounds.
EPA city/highway fuel consumption: 18/25 miles per gallon. Premium fuel required.
Autosside: 2010 Range Rover SUV
2010 RANGE ROVER SUPERCHARGED
TYPE: Five-passenger, four-wheel-drive luxury sport utility vehicle.
PRICE: $95,125 base with destination; $111,425 as tested.
WHERE BUILT: Solihull, England.
KEY RIVALS: Mercedes-Benz M-Class; Porsche Cayenne; BMW X5; Infiniti QX 56.
Autos: Range Rover gives the world a comfort zone
History is wasted on those who lack a sense of irony.
That one of the symbols of British privilege should end up in the hands of an Indian company is rich, indeed. But there it is: Tata Motors, based in the former colony, now owns and seeks to save Land Rover and its companion marquee Jaguar, keeping Brits employed in Solihull and Coventry.
Game On: 'Dragon Age: Origins' exhales smokin'-hot game play
"Dragon Age: Origins"
Platforms: Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, PC
Genre: Role-playing
Publisher: EA Games/BioWare
ESRB Rating: M, for Mature
Grade: 4.5 stars (out of 5)
DriveWays: New and improved Cadillac SRX4
With its 2010 SRX, Cadillac is backing up for a fresh run at the burgeoning luxury crossover utility market.
It is giving up space and utility for a more competitive posture. The original SRX, sold from 2004 to 2009, was a crossover as well, although bigger and available with three rows of seats and V8 power.
DriveWays Specs: Specifications for 2010 Cadillac SRX4
Specifications for the 2010 Cadillac SRX4 Premium four-door crossover utility vehicle.
Engine: 3-liter V6, 265 horsepower.
Transmission: Six-speed automatic with manual-shift mode and all-wheel drive.
Overall length: 15 feet 10 inches.
EPA passenger/cargo volume: 101/29 cubic feet.
Weight: 4,500 pounds.
Towing capability: 2,500-3,500 pounds.
Autosside: 2010 Lincoln MKS
2010 LINCOLN MKS
TYPE: All-wheel-drive, five-passenger, full-size sedan.
WHERE BUILT: Chicago.
PRICE: $47,760, $825 destination charge.
KEY RIVALS: Cadillac CTS, Lexus LS 460, Infiniti M, Acura RL, Mercedes-Benz E-Class, BMW 5-Series, Audi A6.
POWER: 3.5-liter, 355 horsepower, EcoBoost V6; six-speed SelectShift automatic transmission.
