Volvo S60R and Mercedes-Benz R500

With the WheelsTV staff working full tilt, we have two new Top 200 reviews in the works.

Volvo is a company based on a reputation for safe and well-built vehicles whether it be trucks or passenger vehicles. Until 2004 when the Volvo S60R was introduced, anybody looking for a real sports sedan would have gravitated towards BMW or Audi or Acura. But no longer. Sport and Volvo are two words that now are easily used together especially since Volvo started racing its S60R's. The R-line is offered in either sedan (S60R) or station wagon (V70R)
Volvo S60R5
body styles and each packs a 2.5L 300hp I-5 which hustles the car to 60 mph in 5.4 seconds, matching or beating the Acura TL, BMW 330i, and Audi A4 3.2 and returns and impressive 25 mpg on the highway.
The S60R shows it's sporting intentions with a subtle body kit and rear deck spoiler, which makes the car look like it's hugging the road. The sporty look is complemented with new 17" (18" optional) alloy wheels. What you can't see though may be even more important. Larger brakes as well a revised suspension including 3 different modes (Comfort, Sport,
Volvo S60R5
Advanced) allows those with racing intentions to drive it to and from the track as well as at the track without punishing you with a painfully stiff ride. Plus its standard all-wheel-drive allows this sport to continue through every season. The interior doesn't disappoint either. Standard is full leather upholstery and 6-speed manual transmission.
Options include 6-speed automatic with manual mode, a premium audio, and navigation system. Volvo is such a diverse company that it only makes sense the heads

Volvo S60R Speed World Challenge Racer5

at Volvo would have produced a sport sedan/wagon capable of competing against the greats from BMW and Acura. At WheelsTV we're always looking with special interest at the sporty vehicles and we are proud to say Volvo can finally be included.

Also currently under production is a WheelsTV Top 200 of the new Mercedes-Benz R500. The R-class itself is a brand new line of Mercedes vehicles meant to combine the advantages of a sports sedan, a minivan, and an SUV.
The R-class is offered in 2 versions, the R350 with a 3.5L V6 putting out 268hp, or the R500

Mercedes-Benz R5005

that we tested with a 5.0L V8 putting out 302hp, which hustles this 4,929lb "sports tourer" to 60 mph in 6.7 seconds through a standard AWD system. Both cars engines channel their power through a 7-speed automatic. While the exterior styling may not push any passion buttons, the interior will pull you in on its own. The R500 features standard leather seating that coddles you along with the supple suspension as you cruise down the autobahn while listening to your favorite music on the standard 6-disc CD stereo system. Also, you can view the sky as you drive with a very large panoramic sunroof.

Mercedes-Benz R5005

Offered as an option is an entertainment system, a power lift gate, and an Airmatic rear air suspension. On the SUV side of things, the R-class can carry 6 people and with both the second and third rows folded flat, there is 85 cubic feet of storage to fill.
The R-class seems to fulfill all three categories, but doesn't the Chrysler Pacifica (it started this kind of cross) as well? Mercedes denies that the Pacifica and R-class are very much alike but one can't help seeing the similarities. Still, in and of itself, this is one classy, luxurious automobile.

Keep leaving us your opinions and thoughts; it helps us form our company around what our enthusiasts are looking for. And don't forget to log onto www.wheelstv.net and check out everything currently on the website.

Thank you,

Ben

Volkswagen Passat and Mazda MX-5 Miata

The guys here at WheelsTV have been working very hard to get you our next round of TOP 200 material. And trust me, you've got some great programming coming your way from our two producers, Greg Fulcher and Mike Brigida.

WheelsTV's most recent new vehicle profile is that of the brand new 2006 Volkswagen Volkswagen Passat 5

Passat. The Passat is a German-engineered sedan that has been around for many years in some form. In this new iteration, the Passat

comes standard with a 200hp 2.0L I-4 with direct fuel injection (i.e. the gas is injected directly into the cylinder) and has an available 3.6L narrow angle V-6 with 280 hp, making a direct competitor with other performance sedans like the Acura TL and the BMW 3-Series. To enhance this feel of sportiness, two different sport packages are offered though they are not cheap. For those of us who prefer a soft, coddling ride to slicing apexes, two luxury packages are also offered. Inside, a coddling interior invites you to sit down and drive into the horizon. Either cloth or soft leather seats are available depending on which model you choose. You can take the Value Edition, with an in-dash CD player and trip computer. Or you can step up to the 2.0 model with the same 4-cylinder engine and a few more features. Finally, at the top of the line there is the 3.6 (pictured here) and 3.6 with 4motion all wheel drive. VW truly has a winner on it's hands. Now they just have to make people get over the reliability woes of previous models.

We're also now working on a WheelsTV TOP 200 profile of the brand new from the ground up Mazda MX-5 Miata. Since 1990, the Miata has forged a path being the only inexpensive and fun roadster since the small British roadsters of the 70's. Mazda decided to test the waters with the original Miata and it was immediately a smash success. But as the years have passed the Miata started fall behind as new entries joined the segment. So for 2006, the Miata is all-new. It starts with a new frame taking cues from the RX-8 and a new, more powerful engine with 177hp. With new competitors like the Ponitac Solstice, more 5Mazda MX-5 Miata

was needed. Because of the new stiffer frame and revised suspension system, this Miata will be even more fun when you happen across a few curvy mountain roads.

Also, the Miata has one of the very few tops that can be raised and lowered from the seat. Mazda has kept the feeling of the original 1990 Miata but in an overall package with more amenities and power to please those looking for sport and comfort. This car has been a perennial favorite of many magazines and it does not look to disappoint.

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In response to comments we've received, our material is not available on any other website except for the videos which are on www.vehix.com. WheelsTV has also now decided to put our responses to you comment in the comment page. Our entries will have WheelsTV at the beginning so you can identify them. And don't forget to drop us your thoughts as well as advice and information about your lifestyle involving cars and the automotive

world.

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Thank you,

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Ben

Vehix Material and Honda Civic Lineup

The work never stops here at WheelsTV.

Jeff Bright is another member of WheelsTV. He has really brought our company and our ideas into the public eye. Jeff created www.WheelsTV.net and has been our web guru for about three years now. Through his work, he has pushed us to produce more material to please our enthusiasts now that we are available online.

We have good news for those of you looking to purchase a new car. Now on Vehix.com, there are full vehicle profiles on the 2006 Audi A4, and 2005 Subaru Outback. For the more discerning, well-heeled buyer, we have videos of the new 2006 Mercedes-Benz S500, 2006 SLK55 AMG, and the 2005 Bentley Arnage. Finally, for those of us who like to show the presence of environmental awareness, we have both the Honda Accord and Ford Escape Hybrids, both with key advances to becoming less dependent on foreign oil.

Subaru Outback5

Mercedes-Benz SLK55 AMG4

WheelsTV is currently working on a brand new review of the completely redesigned 2006 Honda Civic lineup. The Civic has been around for what seems like an eternity forming the basis of personal transportation for many families. While it does have quite a few direct competitors such as the Toyota Corolla, the Chevrolet Cobalt (brand new last year) and the Mazda 3, it looks to be on its way to holding its own against these new-comers.

3--- Back: Civic Coupe, Sedan

3---Front: Civic Si, Hybrid

The Civic is now a more involved machine to drive. With 140hp from a 1.8L I-4, it has a lot more pep than the previous generation. Honda has also taken the Civic upscale in preparation for the new variant of the Honda Jazz (currently on sale in Japan and other markets). Now available is a navigation system along with a high-output stereo system with MP3-capability. Standard is a new two-tiered gauge set-up with the tachometer front and center and the digital speedometer and auxiliary gauges on an upper layer. The syling of this new Civic evokes thoughts of speed much more readily than the last generation did and for good reason. The suspension has been revised especially under the Civic Si which finally revives the spirit of the Si that the last model lacked. Plus, having an extra 60hp on the base Civic does help you move through traffic a bit faster. This new Civic is a great leap for Honda and will most likely assume its position at the top of the small car segment.

Readers, we would like to remind you that we would love to hear from you. What do you drive? What kind of driving do you usually do? What kind of programming would you like us to be creating here at WheelsTV?

Also, starting this week, we will have a special section in which we will try to answer the responses we've received: Thank you Giacomo for being our first responder!! Top 200 is not available on your cell phone unless you have internet access on the phone. When we are finished with Top 200, there will be a total of 200 reviews but we are not there yet. Also, you can get Top 200 shows as well as other programming on Comcast On-Demand.

Mike and Greg, WheelsTV's master producers, are feverishly at work to bring you the programming you want so stay tuned. There's a lot more coming your way.

Thank you,

Ben

Bentley Arnage, Pontiac Solstice, and Al Viator

The last few days, there has been a lot going on here at WheelsTV.

We’ve started shooting and producing a few new shows with the help of our director of photography, Albert Viator. Al is one of those guys who have always been hooked on cars, much like myself. He’s worked with Global Television Network for almost 15 years now and is very experienced in the world of cars and other worlds, literally. Not only has he shot for WheelsTV, Motor Trend TV, and Speedvision, he’s also been around the world doing PBS specials. He has also taped concerts and David Letterman. Here at WheelsTV, we make sure we have the most experienced staff so that our programming is up to the highest standards.

Recently, WheelsTV has been shooting multiple Top 200 Test Drives covering the 2006 models just hitting the showroom floor. These programs will be available soon at Vehix.com. Our crews shoot just about every angle of the car, beauty shots, speed shots, interiors, point of view shots, under the hood, even peeling and quick stops. In this way, you can get the most detailed information when you are considering the purchase of a new car or just curious about the latest iron coming off the assembly lines. Each Top 200 gives a detailed analysis of the car including features and pricing.

We’ve started work on a new review of the Pontiac Solstice. With it's 177 hp and european infulenced handling, it should prove to be a handful for the new Mazda MX-5 Miata to stay on top of the small roadster catagory.


Pontiac Solstice5

Also, we’re proud to say we have a full video/review of the Bentley Arnage. The Arnage is an ultra-luxury sedan that with it's maximum 450hp and full leather lined interior, it has the right combination of old England charm and raw power to get your blood flowing.

5Bentley Arnage

WheelsTV also wants to remind our viewers to send in comments from. Tell us about your obsession with cars. What do you drive? Do you drive because you love to or are you just a daily driver? We would love to hear feedback about what Wheels TV enthusiasts want to see and hear about. You can also visit us at www.WheelsTV.net

Thank you,

Ben