Are Higher Gas Prices Really Bad for America?

In 1999, I remember seeing regular gas on sale in New Jersey for 89 cents.  89 cents!  For a gallon of liquid that had to be pumped out of the ground, piped or shipped to land, refined, loaded into a truck, and driven to a gas station.  I can't believe big oil made any money (they did). 

Those days are long over.  Due to a number of factors, including natural disasters, exploding demand,  and economic calamity, the average price for gas in today's America is around $2.85 (Jersey is a bit cheaper).  Still, that's better than the peak in 2008.

Paying more for gas always stinks, but I have the feeling that some good came out of it.  Back in the roaring nineties, cheap gas and a booming economy meant everyone, everyone, was driving around in a gigantic SUV that got 10 MPG.  Soccer moms eschewed pedantic minivans for chic Navigators and Escalades.  I recall seeing such a mom load her two young kids into a Ford Excursion, with a V-10 engine, 8 MPG, and a curb weight of 7,000 lbs.  The low point came with the introduction of the Hummer H2, the automotive mascot of waste, avarice, and poor taste.

The driving public has sobered up a bit since then.  Hummer is dead (yay!), Escalades and Navigators sell in vastly fewer numbers, and more and more compact cars are being sold.  Fuel economy has become the new buzzword on the showroom floor, instead of horsepower and off road capability.

I'm sure there are plenty of people out there lamenting the end of cheap gas, especially in dour economic times such as this.  But considering most Europeans easily pay double for gas than in the states, we should manage.

[Flickr]

Wrangler to get New Motor in 2012

The V-6 in the Jeep Wrangler is pretty awful.  In fact, its likely one of the worst motors you can buy in any new car.  At 3.8 liters and 202 horses, it's not only weak, but inefficient as well, considering it has to push the boxy Wrangler around.

Some were hoping for a respite in 2011, when the Jeep received a nice new interior and trim changes.  Unfortunately, folks will have to wait until 2012 to get the new, excellent Pentastar V-6, good for nearly 300 horses.  Improvements in fuel efficiency are also likely.

Considering the Wrangler continues to sell in respectable numbers, I guess Chrysler figured they could hold off on the update a little while longer.

Charger / 300 Will Not Get 8 Speed Auto - Yet

Car and Driver took out the new 2011 Charger for a spin, and the word is that the car will not receive the enticing new ZF 8-speed automatic at the outset.  Rumors about this transmission have been around for quite some time, including spy shots of a new Charger with a unique shifter and ZF testing equipment. 

That's all too bad, since such a transmission would be a boon to performance and fuel economy.  It's especially needed by the Grand Cherokee, which unfortunately is quite slow, despite have an excellent new V-6.

[Caranddriver.com]

Saab 9-4X Crossover

Although we've known about the 9-4x for quite some time, it's still a big deal for the newly reinvigorated Saab.  Even though Saab has never been big on SUVs,  they're an absolute necessity to have a complete product portfolio, and this 9-4 should go a long way to boosting the brand's sales.

It doesn't hurt to make your cars attractive, and this vehicle, along with the new 9-5, are the best looking Saabs in years.  It shares it's platform with the Cadillac SRX, though I'd say the Saab's exterior is the more successful of the two.  I especially enjoy the blacked out A-pillars, a design touch which seems to be popping up on a lot of cars lately.

Problems?  Well, considering it based off the Cadillac, expect it to be heavy, slow, and not so good at the pump.  Also, considering the asking price of the new 9-5 sedan, the 9-4X will not be cheap.

Cars You Can't Have - New Ford Ranger

Although pickup trucks are often thought of as a purely American concept, they're surprisingly popular thoughout the world, especially in developing nations.  They've found fans in all corners of the globe, from Central American coffee farmers to the Taliban.  Non-US pickups all follow the same formula: medium size, four doors, small bed, rugged construction, and a diesel motor. 

The new Ford Ranger is no exception, sticking to the tried-and-true formula.  It's pretty sharp looking, and should be as rugged as any vehicle can be.  Alas, we won't be getting it here, as Americans are simply too willing to step up to full size, gas powered F-150s and the like.

More Pics of Chrysler 200

If you check out rankings in Consumer Reports, the Dodge Avenger / Chrysler Sebring twins are near the bottom.  They're just not up to snuff in the ever more competitive midsize segment.

Chrysler's been unleashing new and updated products and now its the Sebring's turn.  Or should I say the 200.  It seems that Chrysler re-named the car to get rid of the Sebring's less than stellar reputation.

Although the front and rear clips looks vastly improved, the 200 still retains the Sebring's somewhat bizarre proportions and greenhouse.   No photos of the interior, which hopefully has been updated as well.  Expect new powertrains including the new, powerful Pentastar V-6. 

Chrysler's definitely on the right track, and this update should hold the car over until Chrysler can dedicate resources to an all new midsizer.

Hyundai Sonata Turbo For Less Than $25k

The new Hyundai Sonata is burning up the sales charts as well as winning accolades from all corners (I'm betting it'll be Motor Trend's Car of the Year).  The factory can't keep up as the car flies off the lots.  And this is before the Turbo model has even hit the market.

The Turbo SE model, with sporty wheels and trim, will be available for less than $25k.  Considering if offers just the right features for a low price, I'd say you're looking at the best overall midsize package you can buy.

It's by no means a enthusiast's dream car, but at least it won't embarass itself on the road.  And you'll look a damn sight better than the other commuters in their boring Camry/Accord/Altima appliance.

2011 Dodge Charger Official Photos

Chrysler's product onslaught continues with the first official photos of the 2011 Charger.  Although it retains plenty of the styling cues of the old Charger, the new car looks sleeker and meaner, both good things.  Out back is a new light bar that's achieves new level of retro.  

The Hemi will likely come with the new ZF eight speed which should be a boon to economy and performance.  The volume powerplant is the new Pentastar V-6, but expect a five or six speed tranny with that engine.

The Charger / 300 twins are two of the best American cars to come out of Detroit in the 2000s.  They found a sweet spot of American cardom that had seemingly been forgotten: big, V-8 powered, rear wheel drive sports sedans with style and swagger.  We would never have had the Pontiac G8 in this country without these cars.

I've always preferred the 300, but the new Charger looks very appealing in its own right. 

Ford Focus - It Ain't Cheap

Although I've lauded the 2012 Ford Focus several times now, it seems all that goodness doesn't come free.  Ford has priced the car for the first time, and it ain't cheap.  The hatchback starts at $18,065, about $400 higher than the already pricey Golf, and about $1,300 higher that a Toyota Matrix.  The stripped sedan starts at $16,270, a few hundred bones more than the popular Corolla and Civic.

Dynamically the Focus should stand up very well against the competition, and can be served up with near luxury levels of equipment  But the starting prices may give buyers pause, regardless of how many goodies the car comes with.

So a value proposition the Focus is not.  I'm sure it will be marvelous, especially in hatchback guise, but the mid-level SEL trim starts at $21k!  By that point you can get into a decently equipped midsizer.

We'll see next year if Ford can charge higher prices for their excellent compact car, when the Focus goes on sale.

Paris Motor Show - Ford Focus Details

The 2012 Ford Focus is, hands down, the best compact car ever offered by a domestic brand.  Nothing comes close.  Sure, Chevy is rolling out the Cruze as you read this, but, really, that car lacks the pedigree of this Euro-developed gem.

With the coming of the Paris Motor Show, Ford has let loose with some stats to go with it's new C-segment car.  Power comes from a 2.0 liter, direct-injected four pot, good for nearly 160 horses (yay!).  That easily bests the motors in the Corolla and Civic.  Transmission choices include a five-speed manual (of which they'll sell maybe seven) and a dual clutch six-speed.  Highway EPA could touch 40 MPG.

Miserably, the wagon version, perhaps the best looking wagon ever sold, won't be available here.  Instead, you'll be able to buy the sedan and hatchback, pictured above.  Although extremely sharp looking, the sloping roofline of the hatch looks like it might limit versatility.  Maybe we can special order a wagon?

On YouTube you can see several videos of test mules running around tracks, so lets hope Ford keeps the Euro-tuning for the US market.  And if the base engine doesn't suffice, the Focus ST will be offered with a turbo'd, Direct Injected turbo with 247 horses.

Ken Block Does It Again - Gymkhana 3

Ken Block is at again with some jaw dropping driving skills.  An incredible combination of rally, drift, and stunt work.

US Version of Fiat 500 Unveiled

Today's a very busy day for Chrysler.  They're showing off much of their refreshed 2011 lineup, which include the minivans, the Jeep Patriot, and the Sebring (to be renamed the 200).  They also unveiled the US version of the Fiat 500, which is one of the bright spots in Chrysler's new alliance with the Italian car maker.

Considering the popularity of the Mini, expect to see quite a lot of these little buggers driving around next year.  The Fiat 500 is a tad smaller than the Mini, but more importantly, should be quite a bit cheaper.  That'll mean more of it's target audience, urban hipsters, should be able to afford it.

And thanks to it's hatchback architecture, it retains at least a modicum of practicality.  I think America's young folks are craving just this type of car, and should be quite a success for the reinvigorated Chrysler.

[Chrysler]

Fads and Trends - Saddle Brown Interiors

Like popular culture, the auto world has its share of fads and trends.  The most memorable is probably fins from the fifties, which graced seemingly every American car made in that decade.

Today, we've got things like fender vents, which are on everything from Buicks to BMW M3s, Jaguars, and Porsches.  More recently, integrated exhaust outlets, directly attached to the rear bumper, are on Benzes, BMWs, Lexuses, even Ferraris.  Personally I think it sucks.

One fad I do like, which has been with us for a while now, is saddle brown interior leather.  This is popping up on countless luxury cars and sports cars, and even SUVs.  You can get it on just about every BMW, Ferrari, and Audi, and more and more mid-market rides like the Mustang and Grand Cherokee.  Even the Hyundai Genesis coupe and sedan can be had in attractive brown leather.

Its a great look, much more interesting than black leather, which I loathe.  I never feel like riding around in a cave.  I've always enjoyed taupe and cream leathers, but they'll look dirty before you get your new car home from the dealer.

Anyway, you're likely to see this shade of hide available and more and more cars.  Maybe they should start selling saddle soap at the dealership.

Video - New Lancia Stratos

The new Lancia Stratos, love child of rally obsessee Michael Stoschek, is spectacular looking.  Here you can see and hear it go about its business on a race track.

Based on the bones of a Ferrari 430, it sounds quite nice and will undoubtedly be quite fast.  It may not keep up with a new 458, but it doesn't matter.  It just too damned pretty.

Enjoy.

[Youtube via Autoblog]

FIA GT Championship Televised....On Bloomberg?

I doubt you find yourself watching Bloomberg financial news channel early on Saturday morning.  There's a good reason to do so, however: FIA GT racing.  Why it is on Bloomberg I have no idea, but thank you very much to Mayor Bloomy for letting America get a glimpse of some great racing.

I've officially become a GT hype man.  Forget NASCAR, forget Indy Car, and even Formula 1, for that matter.  GT is vastly more interesting and exciting.

NASCAR is stuck in the past, with cars that use pushrod motors and are seemingly shaped to maximize advertising space.  Formula 1 is stuck in the future, with high strung, delicate cars that shatter into millions of expensive pieces if the driver happens to drive aggressively. 

But GT finds the balance.  They race on great circuits (not ovals), and use actual road cars.  Nowhere else will you see a more varied group of supercars racing at the same time.  Everything's there:  Nissan GT-Rs, Porches, Ford GTs, Corvettes, Aston Martins, Maseratis, and even Lamborghinis.  And they don't have to use the same, homogenized motors like every other racing league.  You'll hear bellowing V-8s, wailing V-10s, and shrieking V-12s. 

And don't think these chaps drive like your grandparents.  They're tapping, rubbing, and smashing their way to the finish.  Cars run off and get covered in mud, bumpers get crushed and dented, and overtaking happens on seemingly every turn.

This is racing.  So dammit, start watching!

[Photo: Flickr]

New Bentley Continental GT for 2011

The Bentley Continental GT has been with us since 2003.  It was the first Bentley to be released under ownership by Volkswagen group.  Consequently, it shares it's platform, and engine, with the VW uber-sedan, the Phaeton.  This doesn't seem to bother rich people, as the GT is the best-selling Bentley in history.

It seems Bentley doesn't want to mess with success, as the thoroughly redesigned 2011 model looks unchanged at first glance.  However, upon closer inspection, all the sheetmetal is new, and makes for a sleeker, more cohesive look.  It's certainly not as sleek as an Aston Martin, but sleek is not Bentley's raison d'être.  Like a good Bentley, it looks bulky and imposing, but graceful and expensive at the same time.

Expect an updated W-12 engine with mountains of power, and a new, 4.0 liter V-8, of unknown output, to be the new base engine.

Cars You Can't Have - Citroen C6

Full the longest time, the full size sedan was a segment for retirees.  They offered a pillowy ride, tons of space, and some luxurious touches.  As for style, let's just say it was low on the priorities list. 

That's changed in the past few years with some rather nice offerings.  The Toyota Avalon is very nice, but dull.  The Ford Taurus, recently redesigned, is handsome and luxurious.  There's the respectable Hyundai Genesis and the highly successful Chrysler 300 / Dodge Charger pair. 

But there's one full-size sedan on the other side of the pond, that, unfortunately, can't be had over here.  The Citroen C6 is the flagship of the brand, and follows a lineage of very big, FWD sedans by the marque.  It won't appeal to street racers, but unlike most of the full size sedans of the world, the C6 is dripping with style all its own.

The unique greenhouse ends at the taillights and the doors house frameless windows.  The backlight is concave.  Concave!  I have never seen that on another car. 

Concave rear window

The interior, especially in cream leather, is positively Parisian.  The back seat is immense, especially for a European car.  There isn't much power (it's French), but the ride, thanks to the air suspension, is feathery.

The C6 is very nearly the perfect full size sedan.  If offers all the comfort, space, and luxury of other big sedans, but has styling totally unique and different than anything else.  It's the closest thing you'll get to a modern DS.

Vive Le France!

[Photos: Flickr]

2011 Dodge Durango Comes Out

We've seen plenty of spy photos of the 2011 Dodge Durango, so there isn't much new info to report.  As expected, the new three-row SUV shares its chassis with the Jeep Grand Cherokee (sourced from the Mercedes ML), although with a lengthened wheelbase for more interior room.  Although it's technically not a crossover, which are car-based, the new Durango is now has a car-like unibody, but retains the classic rear-wheel-drive architecture of its predecessor.

Dodge's press release regarding the Durango specifies all-wheel-drive, not 4wd, meaning it's not going to be a rock crawler.  This will allow Dodge to save some weight by excluding heavy duty transfer cases.  That'll help fuel economy somewhat, but it most likely won't match the Durango's closest competition, the new Ford Explorer. 

Regardless, the new Durango looks be a handsome and capable SUV that will at least stay relevant in today's cutthroat SUV segment. 

[Dodge]

What Do People Have Against Hatchbacks?

Europeans love wagons and hatchbacks.  Americans, for some reason or another, despise them.  Why?

Auto journalists blabber endlessly that wagons are cool, we need more wagons, car companies need to sell more wagons.  It never ends.  But I can understand why Yanks don't care for station wagons.  They are perceived as a bit frumpier and more family oriented then sedans.  A BMW 5 series sedan carries more cache than a 5 series wagon.  Is that fair?  Not at all.  But I can understand that.  Besides, American would much rather drive about it the station wagon's replacement, the crossover SUV.

I'm a little more confused when it comes to hatchbacks.  Hatches are usually a derivative of a compact / entry level sedan, the type of car many young folks drive because, well, that's what they can afford.  In such cases, I'd think they'd want to buy a car that maximizes utility and practicality.  But vastly more sedans are purchased than hatches.

For example: go to Autotrader and do a search on the Toyota Corolla or VW Jetta.  Then look up their hatchback counterparts, the Toyota Matrix and VW Golf (Rabbit).  You will no doubt find hundreds more sedans than hatches.  This is despite the fact that hatches can carry bulky cargo, are often times shorter in length (thus easier to park), and, IMO, are cooler and more exclusive.

[Photo: Flickr]

Nissan Xterra to Be Killed Off?

The Nissan Xterra is, overall, an excellent vehicle.  It doesn't pretend to be anything other than a rugged, tough, body-on-frame SUV that can actually survive a venture off road.  For the longest time, these virtues made it very popular.  Motor Trend twice awarded SUV of the Year.  But consumer tastes have made an about face, and what were once considered virtues are now drawbacks.

According to a Wards Auto, Nissan is seriously considering dropping the Xterra in the US market.  The numbers speak for themselves: nearly 90,000 Xterras found owners in 2000.  But through July 2010, only about 12,000 have been sold.

What's the problem?  The recession, combined with a spike in fuel prices, scared off Americans from burly gas hogs like the Xterra.  People are opting more and more for crossovers, which still provide the space, all-wheel-drive, and cool factor of a conventional SUV, but with better on-road manners and mileage. 

Nissan also has to consider upcoming federal fuel economy regulations.  The Xterra, which gets only 15 MPG around town, makes meeting these regs all the more difficult.

[WardsAuto]

Inside Line Tests the Mercury Grand Marquis

In a rather humorous bit of automotive journalism, Inside Line took a Grand Marquis for a full road test to say goodbye for the soon-to-die Mercury brand.

As expected, the Grand Marquis, as a car, is quite terrible.  It's basically a twenty year old car that was just assembled.  It's laughably crude, slow, inefficient, and backwards.  And only $31,000!

Considering livery services and Floridians love these things, it's no wonder that Ford never bothered to update it.  The wheezy V-8 makes 224 horses, gets the car to 60 in a snoozy 9.3 seconds, yet only gets 16 MPG in town.  Oy.

It's a bit sad that these things are going away.  They've always been there, and their awfulness is kinda funny.  But kitsch factor alone can't save this dinosaur. 

[Inside Line] [Photo: Flickr]

Cars you Can't Have - Suzuki Jimny

There are interesting cars throughout the world that, for some reason or another, you can't buy in the US.  Some just wouldn't sell (station wagons), and others don't pass safety regulations.  But that doesn't at all mean that they're inferior.

Journey to Central America, Southeast Asia, or anywhere else with unpaved roads, and there's a good chance you'll be renting one of these quirky little SUVs.  The Suzuki Jimny, in production since 1968, was actually available in the US, briefly, as the Samurai.  It's very much the Japanese version of the Jeep Wrangler: simple and rugged as hell, but smaller and lighter. 

The interior is about what you'd expect: A wheel, seats, and some pedals.  Power?  A robust 80 horses from a tiny four cylinder.  But make no mistake, the Jimny performs as advertised.  It can handle some seriously rough terrain, all the while blasting frosty cold from the A/C.  It'd be terrifying to drive down the Jersey Turnpike, but when you never get a chance to get above 40 MPH,  it suits the bill just fine.

To drive such a car is a breath of fresh air.  It's a reminder of just how basic cars used to be, and that wheels, seats, and some pedals is all you really need.

Ford Offers Supercharger for Mustang 5.0

The new 5.0 V-8 in the 2011 Mustang is one hell of a motor.  With 412 horses, it's thoroughly modern and makes more power than some similar motors from high-end makers like Jaguar and Mercedes.  It also seems to be able to accept a modification with ease:  The recently unveiled Boss 302 Mustang makes 440 horses.  Yeesh.

And for you gluttons out there, Ford has just announced a warranty-backed supercharger kit for the 5.0.  Well, sort of.  If you accept the lower level of tune, good for 525 horses and 470 ft. lbs. of torque, you get a one year warranty.  But, if you turn it up to eleven and opt for the higher tune, good for 624 horses, Ford will not back it with a warranty.  Decisions, decisions.

Regardless, these kits cost about $7k - $8k, which really isn't that bad considering.  And if you've just purchased a rather impractical V-8-powered coupe for $35,000, another few thousand clams seems reasonable.  If it were me, I'd have some sleepless nights deciding whether or not to pony up the dough.

Good to see Ford Racing is offering plenty of options for loyal Mustang fans.

[Ford Racing via Autoblog]

New Lancia Stratos!

Lancia is a great car maker.  Or, well, it used to be.  They made some fantastic cars.  The Delta Integrale, never sold in the States, might be the coolest hot hatch ever.  And the greatest Lancia of all, the Stratos, was king of the rally course.

It's good to have rich fans.  Michael Stoschek, a German businessman who loves rallying, commissioned Pininfarina to create a one-off re-imagining of the Stratos.  Built on the bones of a Ferrari F430, it most certainly stays true to the original: the iconic short wheelbase, wedge shape, and curved windshield are all there.  It looks amazing.

Rumors abound that 25 might be produced.  Hurry up and buy!

Click here for the dedicated website.

Wrangler Updated for 2011

The venerable Jeep Wrangler, with us since dubya-dubya-two, is getting some updates for 2011.  On the exterior, the removable hard-top is now body color, and several new paint colors are available.  The biggest changes are on the inside, with a new dash, steering wheel, center console, and door panels.  It's still a woefully crude thing, but that's part of the charm.  It can also go just about anywhere on God's green earth.

Like the 911, this car can never really change.  Otherwise it would stop being a Wrangler.  It's certainly come a long way in terms of refinement, but you can still rip off the roof, the doors, and drop the windshield.

Unfortunately, that which requires the most updating, the powertrain, remains unchanged.  I was hoping Chrysler would be dropping in the new Pentastar V-6, good for 290 horses.  But no, Jeep is sticking with the dreaded 3.8 liter pushrod six which has been around for twenty years.  With only 205 horses, it's almost a wonder why they didn't just keep the old 4.0 liter inline six, beloved by all Jeep fans.

[Jeep]

Do You Care About Dead Brands?

Over the past year or so we've witnessed the demise of a number of American car brands.  Over at GM, they eliminated Pontiac and Saturn.  Just recently, Ford announced they were axing the long-suffering Mercury brand.  Although it's a little sad to see labels with some great history fade away, I have to ask: does it really matter at all?

It's a different story when an entire company goes under.  The last great American car maker to be broken up was AMC in the eighties.  No more Gremlins, AMXs, Matadors, or Eagles.  They're gone forever.  And for the AMC fans out there that's sad.

But what's been happening recently is the termination of badges and nothing more.  While I'm greatly saddened that I can't buy a Pontiac G8 anymore, the truth is that the rest of the Pontiac lineup was little more than rebadged Chevys.  Same goes for the dead Oldsmobile, the still living GMC, and the soon to be dead Mercury. 

So does it matter these badges are dying?  Not really.  If anything it's a good move to cut the dead weight.  Without having to prop up all these other makes, GM and Ford can focus on making their core products better while not having spend millions to advertise their doppelgangers.  The result is a leaner and stronger company.

[Photo: Flickr]

Cool Car File - '76 Cadillac Eldorado Convertible

With the arrival of the Cadillac CTS Coupe and rumors of a Cadillac flagship on the horizon, I've been thinking about the history of the brand quite a bit.  There were some interesting cars (Allante), some very bad cars (Cimarron), and perhaps the single greatest car every to ply America's roads.  That car is the '71-'78 Cadillac Eldorado.

When you take this car in, it doesn't take long until you're wondering what the hell people were thinking in the seventies.  This is a two door coupe, and, at 224 inches, is LONGER than a modern Chevy Suburban.  It's weight crested 5,000 lbs. at times. 

It was powered by an optional 500 cube V-8 (8.2 liters!) which, thanks to smog regulations, made a staggering 190 horses.  The engine was attached to a 3 speed automatic, which, for some ungodly reason, powered the front wheels. 

So what makes this car great?  The absolute sheer ridiculousness of it all.  It's a gigantic clown car which puts a huge smile on my face every time I see one.  It's totally ludicrous, wasteful, and very badly made, and that's what makes it great.

Only in America.

[Photo: Flickr]

GM - Bit Of A Weight Problem

It took decades and a goverment bailout, but General Motors finally, finally, is offering products that are truly competitive in the marketplace.  Materials, build quality, and sophistication are much improved, and some of these new vehicles trounce the competition in style and refinement.  However, there is still one area that the General is trailing:  weight.  Like many Americans, the General's post-bankrupcty cars are a bit flabby.

Let's examine four new GM offerings and compare them to the competition.

Chevy Equinox 4-cyl AWD: 3,935 lbs.
Toyota Rav4 4-cly AWD:    3,494  lbs.
                                                441  lbs.

Chevy Camaro SS: 3,860 lbs.
Ford Mustang GT:  3,603 lbs.
                                  257 lbs.

Buick Lacrosse: 4,085 lbs.
Lexus ES 350:    3,605 lbs.
                              480 lbs.

Buick Regal: 3,681 lbs.
Acura TSX:  3,380 lbs.
                        301 lbs.

Needless to say, weight is the enemy of efficiency and performance.  There's no apparent culprit as to why this is happeneing.  It's possible GM is adding refinement and content, at the cost of added mass, to make their vehicles stand out. 

It seems to be working.  Despite the added pork, all these cars are selling well and/or have been well received by the public.

[Car & Driver, Edmunds.com]

Cadillac Flagship Authorized by CEO Whitacre?

If you like cars, and you're American, at some point in your life, you must own a Cadillac.  It's the definition of American luxury.  The Escalade really has become America's luxury car;  they're all over the place.  And the CTS is a truly respectable sport sedan with styling all its own. 

But as a luxury mark, Cadillac has long ignored an important segment:  the flagship sedan.  Such a Cadillac was in the works for quite some time, based on the excellent Zeta platformed Holden Caprice.  Codenamed DT7, it would have been a fantastic flagship for the brand; alas, it was killed due to the tanking economy and GM bankruptcy.

The recently unveiled XTS, thought to replace the cancelled DT7, is in no way a flagship.  It will replace the ancient, front drive DTS / Deville, a classic American land barge that retirees still buy in the thousands.

Cadillac XTS - front drive land barge, but not a flagship

Now, though, CEO Ed Whitacre has apparently green lighted the flagship Cadillac has long needed.  Designed to compete with the German uber sedans (S-Class, 7 Series, A8), expect rear wheel drive, V-6, V-8, and/or hybrid power, and all the luxury doo-dads you can think of.  It's the Cadillac I've always wanted.

They won't get $100k for it, but it'll be one helluva car.

[Automotive News via Autoblog]

One Car to Rule Them All....

If you're a car geek, you've probably asked yourself "If I can only have one car the rest of my life, what would it be?"  That's a very difficult question, one that I couldn't answer for a long time.  But now, after seeing this car, I have a definite answer.

Although Ferrari's are the better driver's car, Lamborghini is the essence of the Italian supercar:  fast, loud, beautiful, and a bit lewd.  Lately though, with the takeover by Audi, Lambos have gotten a bit more....German.  What's left are cars that retain their Italian flair, combined with German sensibility and engineering.

So how can you improve on such an excellent combination?  With good old-fashioned American excess, that's how.  Heffner Performance of Sarasota, FL has done just that, bolting on two turbochargers to the Gallardo's V-10.  Output goes from an already outstanding 552 horses to a maniacal 850.

The video above displays the sound and sheer lunacy of this car.  And if you look closely at the dashboard, you'll see that through all this hard charging it's 100 degrees outside.

Check out this Car and Driver article, in which the reviewers are equally stupefied.

Rally Driver Rights Flipped Car, Wins Race

I find it difficult to watch or even simply keep up with the racing world.  I just don't have the time.  And watching any race, whether it's F1 or NASCAR can get a bit boring for me. 

Rally might be the exception.  Its seems that no other motorsport has as many exciting, bizarre, and shocking moments.  In the video below, rally driver Patrick Richard flips his Subaru at Canada's 2010 Rallye Baie Chaleurs.  With the help of some spectators, he rights the car (with the co-pilot still strapped in), gets back in, and drives to victory. 

Now that's some damned fine racing.



[youtube via Jalopnik]

The Corvette: Past, Present, Future

I'd say the Corvette is equally liked and disliked by American car enthusiasts.  There are those that trash the car as out dated and out of touch, while others scream that it's the iconic American sports car that's true to its roots.  Whichever camp you're in, the feelings run deep.  Probably because, like it or not, the Corvette is the iconic American sports car, and its out there representing the stars and stripes every day.

My feelings are thus:  I don't like the current Corvette, but I like the idea of the Corvette.  And I think a lot of nasayers feel the same way.  They want the Corvette to succeed and be as well respected as an M3 or 911.  Is it?  Well....no.  Sure, it has performance figures second to none,  but there's more to a great car than 0-60 times and lateral grip.  How about style?  Panache? Taste?  Let's just say today's Corvette is a tad lacking in these areas. 

This was not always the case.  I am nuts for old C2 Corvettes.  Small, fast, and great looking, there's definitely space for a split window in my dream garage.

C2 Corvette [Flickr]

Things started to go down hill with the C4 Corvette in the eighties.  Its had boxy, bland styling, and the C5 and C6 don't look all that much different.  And, with all this heritage, the Corvette of today is somewhat stuck in the past.  It still has a bizarre, leaf spring suspension and plastic body panels.  Some folks were even upset that it was losing its pop-up headlights.  C'mon guys, get with the times.  And don't even get me started with those seats.  You can find vastly superior thrones on a GTI.

C4: Yuck [Flickr]

As for the future?  We could see another conservative update, retaining the plastic body, suspension and layout.  But in a bizarre twist, a Saab engineer has been quoted discussing a transmission developed for a mid-engine Corvette. 

A mid-engine Corvette?  It would be a seriously radical departure, one that is sure to upset Corvette purists.  But this is just the sort of shake-up that Corvette, as a brand, needs right now.  It may alienate the die-hards, but it could open the door for a larger, younger generation of fans.

As for me?  I'm skeptical that GM would take such a drastic step, but an affordable, American, mid-engined sports car is a Corvette I can get on board with.

Hyundai Sonata Turbo - An Enthusiast Compromise

As a class of car, mid-size family sedans don't exactly stir the soul.  Their purpose is to provide affordable, safe, and reliable transportation to work or soccer practice.  Consequently, car fanatics usually dismiss them as passionless appliances for those disinterested in driving.

This wouldn't be a problem if everyone had sixty grand sitting around to buy an M3. But I'd bet a lot a car geeks are forced to drive around in Accords, Camrys, and Altimas out of sheer necessity.  Think about it.  There aren't  many affordable sport sedans out there for less that $30k.  You could perhaps try a hot hatch, like a GTI or Mazdaspeed3, but for that money, you could step into a efficient, spacious family car with lots of equipment.

Hyundai may have a bit of a compromise.  The new Sonata has all the left-side-of-the-brain stuff you'd want: low price, efficiency, space, and safety.  But it's also quite nice looking.  And now, borrowing a page from the hot hatch playbook, they've installed a powerful 2.0 liter turbo making 274 horses.  That's 74 more than a GTI and 11 more than the Mazda.  All this for about $25k. 

That's also more horsepower and torque that any V-6 competitor.  Hyundai's taken a bit of gamble not offering a six, but take rates for sixes is very low, and leaving it off the menu means Hyundai could engineer the Sonata to be lighter.  Another plus for the enthusiasts.

Make no mistake, you'll never have as much fun in a Sonata Turbo as you will in a hot hatch.  I also doubt you'll see many Sonata fan clubs popping up.  But for the first time in recent memory, a mid-size family sedan may offer some enthusiast fun along with all that boring stuff.

Charger / 300 To Debut With ZF Eight-Speed?

A recent spy photo of the 2011 Charger's interior, available at Inside Line, hints that the new car may debut with ZF's new eight speed auto tranny.

In the photo, we see the gearshift is not the standard PRND affair, but more in the vein of snazzy auto shifters from BMW and Mercedes.  Meanwhile, the new Grand Cherokee and upcoming Durango / Magnum retain the old style shifter, as they have the old five speed that Chrysler's been using for some time.

This should be quite a coup for wobbly Chrysler, as this will allow them to leapfrog GM and Ford transmission tech, at least with their RWD / truck / SUV offerings.  And this is no plebian transmission - it can be found in BMWs, Audis, as well as the New Rolls Royce Ghost and the new Bentley Mulsanne.

Having eight gears should also maximize performance and fuel economy. Just look at Car and Driver's recent review of the new Audi A8.  With the help of the same ZF eight speed, the big Audi hustled to 60 in only 5.1 seconds.  Keep in mind that this is a 4,400 lb. car with a smallish V-8.

Manual Transmissions - Nearly Extinct

In America people love to have their gears changed for them.  It has been that why for a long, long time.  Many cars are still offered with manuals on base models, but the take rate, in nearly every instance, is miniscule.  This is not the case in other parts of the world, such as Europe, where manuals have endured due to their lightness, added efficiency, and low cost.

Culture also plays a role.  Americans are too busy talking, reading, eating, texting, applying makeup, and crashing too be bothered with a clutch pedal and gearshift.  On the other hand, when blasting down the autobahn at a buck-thirty, you want to feel fully invested in the driving experience.  Hence, on the continent, the manual endures.

There are some enthusiasts who rage that if you don't row your own, you're not a proper gearhead.  That's true to some extent.  Hearing someone has an automatic in their 911, Mustang, or Corvette just sounds odd.  What for?  Such cars are all about the enjoyment of the drive, and having full control over the powertrain is a key part of it.  Leaving that to a lowly slushbox is self-defeating. 

Alas, with time's inexorable march forward, things change.  In the past decade there's been a revolution in transmission tech.  Slushboxes were usually inferior to manuals in terms of acceleration and fuel economy.  But now we're seeing autos with six, seven, and eight gears, maximizing economy and keeping the motor in the power band.  Automated manuals and dual clutches now offer near instantaneous shifts which no human could match.  They also have the advantage of letting the driver do the shifting when desired, or leaving it to the computer when feeling lazy.

It's getting to the point where most Ferraris don't even offer a manual tranny anymore.  Over at Porsche, the PDK seven speed is sure to become the favored transmission in time.  So when performance and convenience are better with these newfangled devices, are gearheads still going to demand a clutch pedal?

Still, changing gears for yourself is a great way to add to driver involvement.  If you're able, just once, get a car with a manual.  Yes, it'll be more work, but it'll change the way you feel about driving.

Cars You Can't Have - Holden / Chevy Caprice

I love the Pontiac G8.  Its is perhaps my favorite car of the past decade.  For me, there's nothing better than a big, rear-wheel-drive, V-8 sedan, with lots of power, lots of comfort, and and lots of speed.  I don't even mind if they're a bit understated - a sleeper or Q-ship if you will.  The cops can go after Camaros and Mustangs while I waft along at extra-legal speeds.

So how can you improve on the G8?  Why give it a huge back seat of course.  As luck would have it, just such a car exists down under:  the Holden Caprice.  Its basically a stretched G8 / Commodore with some more upscale touches.  It's not a S-Class, but it has the same excellent, RWD proportions as its shorter brethren. 

Stretch out in the huge back seat.

There's no doubt that the added wheelbase and mass will dilute the car's sporting character somewhat.  But that's an acceptable tradeoff in my book.  It still has the same excellent small block V-8, willing chassis, and near perfect 50/50 weight distribution (the battery is even in the trunk; how many other affordable cars do that?).

Sadly, as with the G8, this wonderful car isn't available in America.  In a bittersweet twist, it will be going on sale in the states as a police car, only available to law enforcement. 

Caprice cop car - you can't have it

I'm heartbroken that I can't get either of these great vehicles, but GM, recovering from a crippling bankruptcy, doesn't have the resources for niche market cars.  So, in the end, instead of avoiding the highway patrol in your Q-Ship Caprice, you're more likely to get pulled over by one.

What Happened to Honda?

Remember the NSX?  One of the greatest cars to ever come out of Japan.  Developed with the help of the late Ayrton Senna.  Light, refined, mid-engined.  Timeless.

Or how about the Prelude?  A great looking, affordable, sprightly front driver.  No?  How about the CR-X?  A wonderfully fun hatch.  Still no?  The Acura Integra.  Or its successor, the RSX.  They hit the sweet spot of sport and functionality.

Or the fantastic S2000.  240 horses from a 2.0 liter engine.  Sublime chassis.  Great looks.

All these cars have two things in common.  They are all Hondas (Acuras).  And they are all out of production.

For the longest time Honda was the brand that defined Japanese cars.  Hondas were all superbly engineered.  They were all fantastically reliable.  And they were all great fun.

Sadly it seems that, in the quest for more profit, Honda has lost some of its soul.  Certainly their cars are still some of the most refined in the world.  They still offer reliability, economy, and some of the best chassis in their segments.

But what about the fun?  Today it's mostly sedans, crossovers, and minivans.  There is the Accord coupe, which is not a Prelude.  Only the Civic Si remains, which, unchanged for a number of years, is no longer competitive.  Even worse, their recent additions to the lineup have been received with little fanfare and near disappointment.  There's the new Insight, which appears to be a carbon copy of the Toyota Prius, only cheaper, smaller, and worse on gas.  Then they unveiled the CR-Z, a rather strange, supposed hybrid successor to the CR-X. 

Honda CR-Z - What?

The styling department seems to have gone a bit awry as well.  The new Crosstour, a sort-of Accord station wagon, sacrifices cargo space for a sleeker appearance, but the end result is a car with peculiar shapes and styling cues.  Meanwhile, over at Acura, the once handsome and respectable TL is now down right bizarre looking, with pointed front and rear bumpers, and an odd, squid-like beak. 

There's one Honda left, however, that retains all those great Honda traits:  the Fit.  Affordable, sporty, and practical, it shows that Honda still knows what it's doing.  So why can't they replicate that formula in its other offerings?

This all makes me quite sad since I've long been a Honda fanboy.  They've been in my family for decades:  an Acura Legend, two Accord coupes, an Integra, and, more recently, an Accord sedan.  But with very few cars left that deliver on the fun factor, what's a fanboy to do?

2011 Explorer Revealed

Well, here you go, the 2011 Explorer.  As expected, it moved from a body-on-frame architecture to a car-based crossover.  Ford won't be calling it a crossover, 'cause SUV sounds cooler. 

I've already spoken at length about the Explorer, the Grand Cherokee, and the upcoming Durango.  The contrast between these vehicles is the watering down of the SUV concept: no one really goes off road, so why bother making these vehicles so capable?  Ford's gone that route with the Explorer, while Chrysler continues to design overbuilt, serious SUVs that can go anywhere.  The GC is indeed built on a unibody, but it retains a more traditional RWD setup.  The disadvantage?  More weight, and poorer fuel economy.

However, it seems that crossing over isn't the weight saving endeavour it once was.  Estimates are floating around that a kitted out, AWD Explorer will be approaching 5,000 lbs.  I previously lamented the new Grand Cherokee for weighing that much, but it seems that crossovers, stuffed with airbags, third row seats, and super-strong roof pillars are catching up fast.

Another interesting factoid is that the complicated, EcoBoost four-pot motor will be more expensive than the more powerful V-6.  It's a definite departure from the norm, one that may be a tough sell, especially if the mileage improvement is only marginal.  Time will tell.

I'll hold final judgement on the Explorer until I see performance figures, but the bottom line is that this new crossover will be a very competitive and competent addition to the marketplace.  If only it had my beloved sliding second row (which it doesn't), it may be my faux-SUV of choice.

Must Have Features - Sliding Rear Seats

For me and cars, the thrill of the drive isn't everything, and I suspect that's the case with most others.  Although hitting a windy bit of road is always great fun, I'm impressed when a car comes along with a feature or solution so ingenious and elegant you think "Why haven't cars always done this?"

So welcome to my continuing feature on must have gadgets.  First up: sliding second row seats.

A sliding second row is one of the best and easiest ways to increase the versatility of a car.  Add a few tracks and rails and the rear seat of said vehicle goes from torture chamber to Barcalounger.  Back in the day, you'd fume if someone yelled out "Shotgun!" before you did (I always lost out on that).  No longer.  People will enjoy the back seat as much as they do the front.  Not only can tall folks stretch out on a long drive, but kids latched into their car seats can be moved forward to be nearer mom and dad.

So when searching out a utility vehicle that's good on passenger comfort, make sure its got this very handy feature.

Ford makes $2.6 Billion on Q2

Ford has some serious momentum going right now, and this can been seen in many different areas.  Transaction prices for their cars are up, as well as sales totals.  The Fusion is definitely the most popular domestic car in its segment, and the stalwart F-150 continues to sell in big numbers. 

Look for Ford to continue this momentum with the launch of the Explorer next week and the upcoming compact Focus.  Both look to be very competitive offerings that will fetch higher average prices than their predecessors.

Still, the Blue Oval has a number of holes in its armor.  It has just announced the dissolution of the Mercury brand, a wise move considering every single car is a clone of a more popular Ford.  This will most certainly lead to conflict with dealers, though not to the extent of GM's woes when they cut Pontiac, Saturn, Hummer, and Saab.

The Lincoln brand is also a bit of a mess.  They've been unable to stay relevant next to Cadillac, to say nothing of competing with the German marks.  And like Mercury, their vehicles are all based on Fords which can be had for less money.

Then there is the issue of Ford's massive debt load it took on before the liquidity crisis.  This did allow them to avoid bankruptcy, but they must now deal with huge interest payments that Chrysler and GM don't.

Here' to hoping Ford can continue to make money in an ever more competitive auto industry.

[Businessweek]

2012 Durango / Magnum

This most recent spy photo of the upcoming Durango (or Magnum) doesn't really show any surprises.  It will share its platform and powertrain with the recently launched Grand Cherokee (Pentastar V-6, Hemi V-8).  There will be a third row of seats and less emphasis on off road ability.  In that regard they will likely leave off any low speed transfer case to save some weight.

And considering how much the Grand Cherokee weighs, the Durango will not be a featherweight.  Nor will the V-6 move it with any authority.  Although this will be a huge step forward from the last Durango, the boys in Dearborn will be rolling out their new crossover Explorer next week.  The Ford should be about the same size as this Durango, and they even look alike at first glance.  But the Ford has gone full crossover, meaning it will be lighter, faster, and better on gas.  We'll see if the Durango / Grand Cherokee duo have what it takes its keep up with their car based competition.

[Twitter via Autoblog]

Small Car Renaissance - I Want a Focus

I have never liked small cars.  I'm Amercan after all.  Small cars were always best left to Europe, with their more compact cities, more compact roads, and more compact people (try fitting 5 linebackers in a Golf and you'll see where I'm going).

Now, however, with an economy in the toilet and gas prices hovering at about $2.80 a gallon, interest in small cars is higher than ever.  Sure, the Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla have always been there, but those cars don't exactly ignite the soul. 

Even GM has finally realized that an effort must be made.  The new Chevy Cruze looks like a relatively refined, efficient car.  It's not a fashion statement, but it will be a lot of car for a competitive price.

But it was Ford's new Focus that really blew me away.  Overnight, the Cruze, which hasn't even gone on sale, looked like an also-ran.  The Ford will lose out in interior room and practicality to the Chevy, but in terms of presence and fun-to-drive factor, the Focus will win in spades, mark my words.

I have never aspired to own a compact car.  It always came with the caveat "Well, I need some wheels."  But, for the first time ever, I actually want to own a compact car.  I'll take a hatchback, please.

Jaguar XJ - Very, Very Fast

If you don't like Jaguars, there's something wrong with you.  Sure, there have been a few hiccups (X-Type, stuck-in-the-past XJ) but now, for the first time in a long time, they've got a whole lineup that people are gushing about.  It's only 3 cars, but they're all pretty fantastic.

The newest addition, as well as my favorite, is the new XJ.  After years and years of basically the same looking car, Jaguar has brought out an edgy, daring Q ship that has loads more style and panache than any of its German competition.  It may be lacking in tech and gizmos next to an A8, but I'd gladly trade self-closing doors for some design flair.

You won't need to worry about losing any drag races either.  Inside Line put one through its paces and came up with a 0-60 time of 4.5 seconds.  That's with the upgraded supercharged engine, but even the base naturally aspirated 5.0 liter is competitive.

The best part of all?  The XJ undercuts a comparable S Class or 7 Series by thousands of dollars.  Step up to the supercharged model and you may still end up paying less.  Lovely.

This car does an excellent job of combining a sporty character, sleek design, a cosetting interior, and exclusivity, perhaps better than the newfangled four door supercars from Aston and Porsche.  And it does so for a lost less money.

Bravo.

2011 Ford Explorer: Coming Full Circle

Next week we will finally get to see the 2011 Ford Explorer.  Ford's been on a roll for the last year or so, and my gut tells me this will be no different.  Its going to have all the gizmos, safety, and fuel efficiency that the buying public demands from crossovers these days.

Except, of course, for off-road ability.  Let's face it: Americans love SUVs, but ground clearance, fording depths, and breakover angles aren't exactly the stats they compare when car shopping. Which is why automakers came up with the crossover: keep the height, roof racks and big tires, but throw away the transfer cases, box frames and towing ability. 

It is for this reason that I find the teaser photos for the new Explorer rather amusing.  You'd think that the Explorer is most at home in the wilds of Alaska, boating, kayaking, hiking, etc.  Anything but making a run to Walmart.

Ford's really pushing the off-road thing, despite the fact that the new crossover architecture has wiped out what little off-road ability the vehicle had to begin with.  They're even offering a Land Rover-esque off road system, but, really, is anyone going to use it?

Advertising campaigns tend to stretch reality from time to time.  Just look at the TV spots for the new Grand Cherokee: Designed in AMERICA. Built in AMERICA. For AMERICANS.  They seem to be leaving out the little tidbit that the chassis is sourced from a Mercedes.

The bottom line is that the Explorer has never been about off-roading, so why start painting that picture now?  In a way, the Explorer was the first crossover: a truck not meant be used as a truck, but a stylish, capable alternative to station wagons and minivans.  And with a lighter, more car-like chassis, the 2011 Explorer is going to fulfill the original idea of Explorer better than ever, even if that's the last thing Ford wants you to think.

The New Grand Cherokee - It's slow

I really like the new Grand Cherokee.  Damned sharp looking.  Nicely beveled, excellent proportions, a timeless design that the buying public will like.  And it will undoubtedly be one of the most capable SUVs you can buy.

But all that capability equals one heavy vehicle.  Inside Line put one on the track and the results were, let's say, lackluster. 0-60 of 9.0 seconds, thanks to a curb weight over 2.5 tons and an outdated transmission.  There's word that Chrysler will be bringing in ZF's jolly new eight-speed, but that's a few years away.

This is also the premiere of the new Pentastar V-6.  Its definitely competitive, with 290 horses, but its got a lot of metal to move around.  You can always bump up to the timeless Hemi, but that costs at the dealer and at the pump.

And, btw, this sucker is pricey. Well over 30 g's just to get in the door.  I'm a little worried that the new Ford Explorer, to be unveiled in a week's time, will steal some of the GC's thunder.

Hi

If you are reading this, then you are an intelligent, classy, attractive, wonderful person.  Welcome to my blog, where the topic is cars.  I can yak about cars for days on end, so I figured I'd burden the internets with my ramblings. 

To give everyone an idea of what I like in a car, I've posted a photo of the late Pontiac G8.  For me, it's just about the perfect car: its big, its fast, its fun, and its affordable. Well, it was affordable.

I'm always looking for input and new topics, so drop me a line if you have any thoughts.

More to come - stay tuned.