Look for sportier Kia Optima
Kia is "freshening up" its Optima. For 2009, the Optima gains Honda Accord-like styling in the front, with narrowed headlamps, a trapezoidal grille and larger fog lamps, reports Car and Driver. The side sills and the rear fascias have also been revised to provide, Kia says, a sportier look for its four-door family hauler. The interior has been similarly reworked, with new trims, a new instrument cluster, an MP3- and USB-enabled standard stereo and a newly available navigation system.
Time to check your vehicle's alignment
Spring is pothole season, which can often mean taking your vehicle in to the shop for alignment work. Indeed, the alignment of your vehicle should be checked every year, according to Twin Cities-based Galaxy Auto Centers. Not only can the alignment be knocked out of whack by potholes, but the springs and suspension of a vehicle can sag from the overall weight of the car or truck, which changes the alignment angles. This can cause tire wear and handling problems. For more information, visit Galaxyautocenters.com.
Maxima gets makeover
Nissan has upgraded its front-wheel drive Maxima for 2009 in styling, power and handling, Car and Driver reports. All Maximas will still be powered by a 24-valve, 3.5-liter VQ-series V-6 engine, but output has been bumped to the tune of 290 horsepower, up from 255 and 252 on last year's model. Nissan has also confirmed that the gas-burning engine will be joined by a 3.0-liter diesel V-6, with luck, by 2010. The Maxima also gains all new looks, though, as the magazine states, the appearance is still fairly conservative. "We think it looks great, though, and details such as the sheetmetal jutting into the headlamps, the curvaceous rear haunches and the muscular hood will go a long way to helping the Maxima get noticed in a crowd of competitors." Price is likely to be slightly less than $30,000. It goes on sale in June.
