Intersections

Beefing up Ford's Escape, Mercury's Mariner

For 2009, Ford will beef up the powertrains of the Mercury Mariner and Ford Escape SUVs, Car and Driver reports. A new 170-horsepower, 2.5-liter four cylinder replaces a smaller engine. Both engines will be partnered with a six-speed automatic transmission, which replaces a four-speed unit.

Visit MotorMouth blog

Are you a fan of collectible or classic cars? en check out the MotorMouth blog at Startribune.com. MotorMouth Kris Palmer is a freelance auto writer and editor, author of the book "Dream Garages" and puts together this section's Weekend Garage column every Saturday. He blogs about vintage cars, the collectible auto scene and just about anything else that goes vroom. And, as with any good blog, you can participate. You can post comments and converse with others about a wide range of classic car topics.

Look for a bigger VW Passat

Several sources, including Motor Trend and Car and Driver, report that the newest version of Volkswagen's Passat will be longer, lower, wider - and more upscale. e new version is meant to bridge the gap between the Passat and the Europe-only Phaeton sedan, taking on the Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class. Standard engine will be the GTI's 197-horse, 2.0-liter TSI turbo four-cylinder, with front drive and six-speed manual or automatic. Buyers can opt for a bigger, V-6 engine. No yet word on price.

Change transmission fluid

Twin Cities-based Galaxy Auto Centers advises motorists that their vehicles' automatic transmission fluid should be changed every 25,000 miles of normal driving. In most vehicles, transmission fluid gets contaminated much like your vehicle's motor oil. Galaxy advises drivers to check their vehicles' owners or maintenance manuals for specifics.