The Borrego was Introduced in late 2008 as a 2009 model

2009 Kia Borrego – Click above for high-res image gallery

There really isn't anything wrong with the Kia Borrego. When compared directly to its intended competition, the big, boxy, body-on-frame SUV is both attractive and fully class competitive, as we learned the first time we got any significant time in its driver seat. That said, there's no doubt that the Borrego's model launch was an object lesson in horrible timing.

The Borrego was Introduced in late 2008 as a 2009 model, right when the financial meltdown was starting to make some waves and the previous summer's record-high fuel prices were still emblazoned in our collective memory banks. This being the case, it's no surprise to learn from The Car Connection that Kia moved fewer than half (at 9,510 through November) of its hoped-for Borrego sales in 2009.

That said, we still didn't expect the Korean automaker to drop the Borrego entirely for the 2010 model year, which is exactly what's being reported by the boys over at The Car Connection. Apparently, no decision has yet been made as to whether the Borrego will make a return appearance after 2010 or if the square-jawed SUV will be a one-and-done proposition.

Either way, for the keen bargain hunter, there's a boatload of cash on the hood of the 2009 model year. Kia is presently offering $3,000 in cash back on all trim levels, plus the availability of numerous other incentives. The rundown: $1,500 for trading in a competitor's vehicle (everything from the Buick Enclave to the Pontiac Aztek and Jeep Wrangler Unlimited qualifies); $1,500 for owner loyalty, $400 for recent college grads, $500 for military service, and $300 for Great Dane rescue shelter workers. We made that last one up.

Kia Borrego First Drive

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Chrysler CEO Sergio Marchionne presents 5-year business plan

Chrysler LLC has concluded its 7-hour-long marathon presentation of the business plan (read our Live Blog of the event here) that will see it through the next five years, and what we're left with is a little confusing. It's almost as if the automaker's new executives, amidst apologizing for the company's past and promising to do better in the future, were hoping we'd all fall asleep or get lost in the details. Well, we didn't fall asleep or get lost, and below you'll find a breakdown of what we learned while spending the day hip deep in Chrysler's future product. You can also check out the slides from Chrysler's presentation relating to product in the gallery below.


Models On Their Way Out

• Jeep Patriot (end of 2012)
• Jeep Compass (end of 2012)
• Jeep Commander (end of 2010, may continue being sold internationally)
• Chrysler PT Cruiser (end of 2010)
• Dodge Dakota (mid 2011)
• Dodge Caliber (mid 2012)
• Dodge Viper (mid 2011, may return in 2012)

New Models That Are Coming

• Jeep compact SUV (2013, supplied by Fiat, may be Panda)
• Jeep small CUV (2013, supplied by Fiat, replaces Patriot and Compass)
• Jeep Liberty (2013, replaced by Fiat product but retains name)
• Chrysler small car (2013, supplied by Fiat)
• Chrysler compact sedan (2012, supplied by Fiat, replaces PT Cruiser)
• Chrysler Sebring (2013, replaced by Fiat product but retains name)
• Chrysler midsize CUV (2013, supplied by Fiat)
• Ram midsize unibody pickup (under consideration for 2011)
• Ram large and small commercial van (2012, supplied by Fiat)
• Dodge small car (2013, supplied by Fiat)
• Dodge compact sedan (2012, supplied by Fiat)
• Dodge Avenger (major update 2010, replaced by Fiat product 2013)
• Dodge full-size CUV (2010)
• Fiat 500 (late 2010, convertible 2011, Abarth 2012)

Models Staying, Receiving Attention

• Jeep Wrangler Diesel (2010/2011, not confirmed for U.S. market... yet)
• Jeep Grand Cherokee (all-new 2010)
• Chrysler 300C (all-new 2010)
• Chrysler Town & Country (major update 2010, next-gen 2014)
• Ram 1500/2500/3500 (major update 2012)
• Dodge Journey (major update 2010)
• Dodge Nitro (major update 2011 under consideration)
• Dodge Challenger (refresh 2011)
• Dodge Charger (all-new 2010)
• Dodge Grand Caravan (major update 2010, next-gen 2014)

UPDATE: You can dive whole hog into the plan yourself at Chrysler's website.

supercharger for the 2005-2010 Ford Mustang

SMS Superparts - Click above for a high-res image gallery

With SMS Supercars recently launching the 570 Challenger and with a Mustang and Camaro, it was inevitable it would soon offer many of the parts individually. On the first day of SEMA Steve Saleen and his new company announced Superparts, the aftermarket sales and distribution arm of SMS Supercars. Many of the parts on the 570 Challenger are now available individually, including the SMS 296 supercharger, aerodynamic parts, and suspension, wheel and tire packages.

Also making its debut at the show is the new SMS 296 supercharger for the 2005-2010 Ford Mustang. The system uses many of the same core components from the Challenger kit, but has a few new features specific for the 4.6-liter V8. The most notable feature is the "Duo-Path" induction system that splits the incoming air starting at the throttle body, going around the supercharger housing to the back of the engine where it enters the rear intake of the compressor. Expected power will be in the 475-650 range depending on the package.

Read more on the SMS Superparts announcement after the jump, or opt for the visuals with the '90s-style 2010 Mustang and a 570X Challenger painted in Sour Grape Green in the high-res gallery below.

Honda FF engine demonstrator - click above for high-res image

For 2010, Formula F is getting some fresh blood. The Sports Car Club of America's board of directors has given the thumbs up to Honda's proposal for a new engine in the class. Next year, competitors will be able to swap out their ancient Ford Kent engines for a new 1.5-liter four based on the Fit.

Honda Performance Development created the engine so that it was specifically able to bolt up to many contemporary Formula Ford chassis designs with minimal modification, all while providing comparable performance. The air restrictor and ECU calibrations can be adjusted by HPD to ensure performance parity with the series' existing engines.

The engine's electronically fuel injected engine promises significantly reduced service requirements compared to the Kent, along with better efficiency. The engines will be supplied complete with intake, exhaust and conversion kits. The kit for the Swift DB-1 including the engine and all necessary parts runs $11,750 with deliveries starting February.

Honda Fit FF engine

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Win one of five Sony PSP/Gran Turismo bundles - Day 4

It's Day 4 of our SEMA Sweeps! After giving away three of five limited-edition PSP/Gran Turismo bundles, we're ready to give away our fourth. Yesterday's winner has been randomly selected and contacted, so here's how you can win today.

We're doing this in honor of the SEMA Show in Las Vegas, and with it, the Seventh Annual GT Awards, so take advantage of our generosity and follow the directions below for your chance to win.

Today we're asking whether you prefer the PSP-3000 or new PSP Go. Your answer won't have any effect on your chances of winning since the sweepstakes winner is drawn at random, so pick your favorite portable Sony system, leave a comment and keep your fingers crossed!

Entering is easy. All you have to do is:

• Leave a comment in this post telling us whether you prefer the PSP-3000 or PSP Go.
• You must be 18 years or older and a resident of the U.S. or Canada (excluding Quebec, désolé!)
• Limit 1 entry per person per day
• This entry period ends at 3:00PM EST on Friday, November 6
  
• At that time, we'll randomly select one winner to receive one PSP/GT bundle (ARV $199.99) that includes a Mystic Silver PSP-3000 system, Gran Turismo PSP game on UMD, a PlayStation Network downloadable voucher for a white Chevrolet Corvette ZR1, 2GB Memory Stick PRO Duo, PlayStation Network downloadable movie voucher (title TBD) and Sony MusicPass voucher good for 10 downloadable songs.
• For a list of complete rules, click here

Word has it he's already mastered Barcelona

Ferrari just announced that injured driver Felipe Massa could be back in the saddle as early as Monday. Massa hasn't been in an F1 car since July's Hungarian Grand Prix, when a spring from another car flew up and hit him above his eye, fracturing his skull.

The first time he has even been back on track was last week when he took the wheel of a kart. Because of testing bans in place this season in F1, Massa can't drive the current car he was running until Hungary. As he gets back up to speed, the FIA has granted him permission to drive a 2007-spec car fitted with GP2 tires.

Massa has also spent time on Ferrari's racing simulator. Word has it he's already mastered Barcelona and is working hard at beating the Interlagos circuit now. Before taking the wheel of the 2007 car, he still needs to pass an examination, but once he's cleared, he could be on track in Italy by Monday. This will be testing only as the driver isn't expected to compete for Ferrari any more this season.

Cars and Coffee roadshow headed for New England

Cars and Coffee, the informal and inclusive wheeled hootenanny originated in Irvine, California has been spreading across the country faster than swine flu. There's no stage with bad cover bands, not a trophy in sight, but you're always likely to see some astounding vehicles.

Herb Chambers, New England dealership juggernaut, has thrown his support behind a New England gathering. "Herb himself is a super car enthusiast," says John Covell, Director of Marketing for the Herb Chambers Companies, "He thought that others would enjoy it." A new BMW dealership in Sudbury, MA, where the event is being held this Saturday, October 10th, is a supporting cast member.

Cynics may dismiss this as another ploy akin to inflatable dinosaurs, but when was the last time you were invited out by a car dealership to drink free coffee and ogle a McLaren F1 on a Saturday morning? Running from 7-10 AM, the inaugural event will be over before many people's days get under way. "Herb is passionate about cars and he's passionate about this business. If our customers understand that we share their passion, that's a good thing," sums up Covell. Hey, if he doesn't mind us drooling all over his McLaren, we'll agree.