SMS to tune Challenger, SMS 570TM and 570XTM on the way

SMS, Steve Saleen's new tuning company, will be producing its own Signature Series versions of the Dodge Challenger. The release from SMS (after the jump) doesn't divulge much, but two versions will be available, the SMS 570TM and SMS 570XTM, based on the Challenger R/T. Both models will benefit from blowers heaving compressed air into the 5.7-liter HEMI V8, with the 570TM producing 500 hp and the 570XTM cracking the 700 hp barrier. Along with the supercharged bent-eight, the SMS-massaged Challengers will get upgraded drivetrain and suspension components, aerodynamic body parts, wheels, tires and interior bits. Mr. Saleen will sign the limited run of Challengers and naturally, interested parties are advised to act fast since SMS will be taking orders on a first-come, first-served basis.

By autoblog

VW Rabbit gets a carrot from Consumer Reports

If Consumer Reports is right, Volkswagen is well on its way to attaining its dream of outselling Toyota by 2015. In the magazine's June 2008 issue, CR threw a handful of hatchbacks into the ring and the VW Rabbit hopped out the winner. The magazine cited the Rabbit's "very well finished" interior for its class, agility, braking and transmission as reasons to choose it over a growing field of small hatchbacks. CR also expects the Rabbit to have an "above average" reliability record.

The biggest negative the staff found in the VW was "mediocre" fuel economy for a car its size, though many SUV drivers looking to downsize will love seeing its 24 mpg figure. Staffers also complained about the large C-pillars blocking their view and engine lag after stops.

Consumer Reports has routinely praised the Mazda3 as one of its favorite hatches, but in overall scoring, the car now comes in third, slightly behind the Toyota Prius Touring. Rounding out the top five are the Subaru Impreza Outback Sport and the newly redesigned Toyota Matrix/Pontiac Vibe twins. At the bottom of the list are the Dodge Caliber and the Chevrolet HHR.

By autoblog