Car Truth - The Real Deal on the Auto World

The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering 2011 Is Stunning!

2012-02-07T23:03:00.000-08:00

I don’t know if the 9th annual The Quail was the best so far, but it was the best show I’ve ever attended. What a $400, limited ticket sale admission buys is exclusivity and a perfect sized venue with excellent parking for the aficionado of cars and food. Make that fine automobiles and cuisines. Friday, August 19th was an unforgettable day. Be sure to see the slideshow pictures.

When 9 Bugatti Veyrons are on site in their own section, including two Super Sports, you know you’re in the right place. And then there was a $2,350,000 Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport “L’Or Blanc” which features fine porcelain on its body and in its cabin. There was a Pagani Zonda R totally overshadowing a Carrera GT and a Mercedes McLaren SLR 722 despite the bland colored carbon fiber bodywork.

Mr. Horacio Pagani was there presenting the stunning new Pagani Huayra. Intended for the US market but 15 or so are currently declined by the Feds due to airbag technology compliance, it’s an amazing piece of automotive design and engineering.

Not far from the Pagani was an Aston Martin One-77. The fabulous, million-dollar supercar definitely has Aston styling with cues that make it stand apart from the blurring of their other models.

Other outstanding manufacturer themed displays included: Lamborghini presenting the new Aventador, the 50thAnniversary of Jaguar E-Types, Ferrari America and Superamerica Models, new Jaguars, also Mercedes Gullwings and SLSs. Ferrari had a display of the California, the 458 Italia and the brand new, controversial, all-wheel drive FF. Cadillac had a display of V’s, including their CTS-V Coupe race car. Land Rover, Maserati, Audi & Rolls Royce also had outstanding displays.

Fine jewelry vendors were present. A helicopter near the show, assumed some V.I.P.s personal ride, was actually shuttle service to Mazda Raceway at Laguna Seca even though Laurels Grade Road is a fun ride too.

Walk around enough and the hunger for exotic cars translates to a craving for food. The menu has cuisines specific to Carmel Valley, Italy, Spain, France and the Mediterranean region.

Other highlights included:

Bonhams & Butterfields two-day auction featuring the famed 1979 BMW M1 “Art Car”
50thAnniversary of Phil Hill’s Formula One World Drivers’ Championship

Riverside International Raceway cars that competed at that location

Sports and Racing Motorcycles

It was a very sad moment of longing when it was time to leave this spectacular display. However, thanks to a parking lot of attendees vehicles equivalent to the Concorso Italiano – Ferraris, Lamborghinis and even a red Porsche Carrera GT, it was a happy goodbye.

The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering is the most expensive “show” during the weekend and quite possibly the best in variety, size and execution. I can't wait for next year.

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Brake Caliper Placement - Ask Rob About Cars

2012-02-06T00:12:00.000-08:00

Why is it that the rear calipers are in front of the axle and the front calipers to the rear of the axle?

-Augie Ruberto, Campbell, CA.

Great question Augie! There are multiple reasons for this. For most cars, it’s a non-issue. But if you look at sports cars, it’s almost always the rule with two notable exceptions I know of. Regarding the fronts, one reason is the steering knuckle is many times designed in front of the axle and so the caliper behind the axle offsets the weight and effect of the forces acting on the steering.

Another reason is for brake cooling. Ducts are used to direct cooling air to the brakes and a large caliper will block airflow to the disc which is vented. Cooling isn’t as critical for the rear brakes and it makes sense for weight distribution between the axles.

The two exceptions that come to mind are the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution and the Nissan 370Z. I haven’t heard of any issues with the Mitsubishi, but the Nissan 370Z had a notorious brake failure when Car & Driver magazine was conducting one of their “Lightning Lap” tests. Further investigating with upgraded pads and then brake fluid to reduce temperatures, their suspicion was compromised aerodynamics. If you notice in the accompanying pictures, the front caliper is in front of the axle.

http://www.caranddriver.com/features/z-meets-wall-we-investigate-why-the-nismo-zs-brakes-failed-at-lightning-lap

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Have a question about cars you would like answered? Questions about performance, racing, modifying, shopping, makes, models, events, etc? Ask me here: AskRobAboutCars@gmail.com and I'll do my best to answer your question and publish it here on Examiner.com!

Letter to Motor Trend Magazine Regarding Performance Figures

2012-01-26T22:31:00.000-08:00

Motor Trend magazine had the Car of the Year issue for January, 2012. There were a few discrepancies and their figure eight comparison needs more comparison relevance. Below is my letter to them.

On 44, the Hyundai Accent is presented with specs for the GLS and SE. Both are listed with the same horsepower. However the SE accelerated to 60mph 1.3 seconds quicker and the quarter mile .6 seconds sooner. There is either an error or horrible driving. If you’re going to list the two different sub-models, I suggested giving some space on the differences.

When Motor Trend publishes lap times from here, it really means something!

On page 61, the BMW 650i Coupe is 298lbs lighter than the 650i Convertible yet tested to be slower. I think a closer examination of the gear ratios and a comparison of the two transmissions in the same sub-model is warranted. One could extrapolate the 8-speed automatic makes up a 400lb weight deficit or, perhaps effectively 40hp?

Finally regarding the figure-8, this is a essentially a 3-metric measurement (acceleration, braking and lateral g-force combined with handling). Due to the relative extremely close grouping of virtually all your cars, it makes a comparison or perceived value virtually impossible. Spread it out a little like your excellent Laguna Seca lap database, and you have something very useful. I suggest providing a comparison chart for the vehicle in question with other vehicles in its class. And finally, a vehicle ranking chart along with other test result summaries so the rankings can be understood.

Cadillac Ciel wows the crowd in Carmel, California

2012-01-17T22:42:00.000-08:00

The Cadillac Ciel made a major impression on all in attendance at the unveiling on Thursday, August 18th. After showing the ELR Hybrid concept, basically a slightly redone Converj, at the Tehama Golf Club in Carmel, CA, jaws dropped as the Ciel was driven to the main display area. Cadillac hosted a delicious dinner to match the introduction

The Ciel, which is French for “sky” or as Pretty Navigator said as in, “Sky is the limit”, is a lateral step taking modern technology and features to a classic motoring level going back to the early 60s or even the 1930s. It’s a modern throwback to the elegant days of motoring in a large car, enjoying the cruise. It’s all about the style, it doesn’t matter how fast it is. It’s a timeless classic. Expected to be on display in front of The Lodge tomorrow at the Concours D’elegance, it’s a must-see.

The Ciel is a 4-door convertible with rear suicide doors and a superb technology interface for the passengers. Its wheelbase is 125”, 5” longer than a Chrysler 300C/Dodge Charger and with a length of 203”, only 3” longer than the Charger which makes it very large. It’s powered by a twin-turbo V-6 making 425 horsepower. That horsepower is very nice, but nothing crazy for a big car, just right, actually. The lines are show stopping, an instant classic. This is the kind of car that will be in the field at a D’elegance in 50 or 100 years. The BMW Z-8 also comes to mind as sportier instant classic that also will eventually sit on the lawn as well.

Numerous features include ultra-modern digital display, sloping bolsters on the seats for easier ingress, power assisted transmission shifter, LED ambient lighting, zippers in the doors, even pull-out blankets for the three passengers.

Definitely not an extension of the “Transformer” styling of the CTS Coupe, a big congratulations must go to General Motors Vice President Global Design Ed Welburn and Cadillac Global Design Director Clay Dean. As interesting as what they talked about, they really didn’t have to say a word. The Ciel speaks volumes.
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Have a question about cars you would like answered? Questions about performance, racing, modifying, shopping, makes, models, events, etc? Ask me here: AskRobAboutCars@gmail.com and I'll do my best to answer your question and publish it here on Examiner.com!

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Infiniti JX Concept World Premiere

2012-01-15T22:42:00.000-08:00

Infiniti held a different kind of premiere at Pebble Beach on Thursday, August 18th, 2012. The Infiniti JX Concept is a 3-row SUV with styling that distinguishes itself from the perceived box on wheels. Infiniti Americas Vice President Ben Poore and Senior Vice President and Chief Creative Officer Shiro Nakamura both spoke about the market segment and the impact the JX is expected to make.

Interestingly the 3-row luxury crossover (SUV, same thing) is one of the fastest growing segments. The JX is to exceed in interior utilization, safety and driver interaction. It's supposed to offer extremely easy access to the 3rdrow, back-up collision intervention and advanced telematics. The telematics features an automatic sync to the owner’s smartphone with navigation provided. Also personal concierge service with 24-hour access.

One area that I’m surprised to learn is it will be the first Infiniti with a continuously variable transmission. To my knowledge this is the first large vehicle with a decently powered V-6 offered with such a transmission as well. While a “step mode” will provide perceived shifts while in sport mode, how the driving experience is day-to-day will be interesting.

A smaller and more intimate gathering with product specialists on site, the outdoor section has a selection, seemingly their entire model line-up. It’s the equivalent of a complete factory show room that you normally wouldn’t see at the dealership.

Another bonus is one of the actual Red Bull Formula 1 cars on display for up-close viewing. That doesn’t happen at the races (so I’ve heard) and typically seen up close only years after the car is retired. It’s an impressive piece of engineering, full of carbon fiber and aerodynamic management pieces.

What you can expect from Infiniti is a great driving experience, excellent comfort, clever touches and excellent dealer service. Add the clever utility with the styling touches of the JX, and Infiniti has a winner for a crossover (SUV).

Lexus GS World Premiere at Pebble Beach

2012-01-15T22:03:00.000-08:00

Lexus presented the new 2013 GS sedan to the world in Pebble Beach, California during the Monterey Automotive Event weekend, what I call M.A.W. On Thursday, August 18th, Lexus presented a GS that had previously needed edgier styling and better driving dynamics. Lexus delivered. This sedan could finally bring Lexus back into the forefront for enthusiasts in the mid-size luxury segment as well as those seeking the latest in high-tech.

Lexus put on a world-class event for those attending with both Toyota Motor Corporation President Akio Toyoda and Mark Templin, Lexus group vice president and general manager talking about the brand and the car itself. Lexus wants passion and emotion in their products. The GS 350 is a positive step in that direction.

The GS series has sold over 300,000 units and has always been a standard for reliability. What it lacked was driving dynamics along with styling to match. Now it has and all-new platform with crisp, sharp lines, great style and a highly advanced driver interactive interior.

Matching the first-rate atmosphere and presentation, the new GS 350 is quite a stunner for a 4-door sedan. It has styling cues from the LS460 and the LS-A supercar. Body lines are tight and crisp with very small gaps. As mentioned in the presentation, it was built without compromise.

Promising improved driving dynamics with the driver selectable ride and dynamic control, a knob/dial has a Sport and Sport Plus modes in addition to Eco and Normal modes. Although the gasoline engine is rated at “only” 306 horsepower provided premium gas is used, this is the most powerful base engine among the competition. Hybrid and F-Sport editions will follow. Surprisingly, there was no mention of the 8-speed automatic transmission. Assuming the V-8 and 8-speed automatic transmission from the IS-F is used in the F sport edition; this roomier, more advanced sedan will be a serious sport sedan contender.

The technology and features are impressive. The industry’s largest interactive display screen (it goes way beyond navigation) measures 12.3 inches. Sitting under a shaded hood, it features a high definition screen display with split-screen capability. It features online application access, highly advanced voice recognition and the best search function in an automobile.

Also included are 18-way power seats, each one having a 3-position memory settings and temperature sensors in the seats for more efficient airflow contributing to a 3% improvement in fuel economy.

For the eyes, a heads up display, a night vision display that detects movement beyond the range of the low beams, and an active eye monitoring system. The eye monitoring detects eye position in case the driver starts to fall asleep and beeps to regain the driver’s attention. The Lane Keep Assist will gently tug the steering wheel to correct the lane position. For the ears, a Mark Levinson (part of Harman International Industries) 835 watt surround sound system is offered with 17 speakers.

The key to introducing new and innovative technology is to make sure it enhances rather than distracts. Will distractions be the driving force towards autonomous cars? Will these high-tech features mean drivers will drive more often while overly tired or sick, depending upon technology to help them? As long as the systems are able to be turned off, or turned down, those that like driving will continue to enjoy interacting with their car, versus the car interacting with them.

The Lexus GS 350 and upcoming GS models promise to deliver a driving interaction, features and amenites unseen in Lexus before.
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Have a question about cars you would like answered? Questions about performance, racing, modifying, shopping, makes, models, events, etc? Ask me here: AskRobAboutCars@gmail.com and I'll do my best to answer your question and publish it here on Examiner.com

Racing in Sonoma is No Drag! NHRA FRAM Autolite Nationals

2012-01-15T21:43:00.000-08:00

This weekend brings the NHRA FRAM/Autolite Nationals to Infineon Raceway in Sonoma, California. Loud, obnoixious cars invaded a 1/4 mile strip in wine country. The sheer audacity of the visual and audio experience is why drag racing is so popular. Who would think on a Friday afternoon the grandstands at Infineon Raceway at Sears Point would be packed?

The whole experience is awesome, even for the non –car lover. Pretty Navigator can attest to that. In fact, she enjoyed it so much, she screamed every time the cars went by. But at these races, no one can hear you scream…

Why would a self-professed non-car person get some much enjoyment from such an intense experience? The reason why the drag races are so popular versus the purer road circuit or high-speed oval races is that it’s not hours of potentially monotonous droning. What NHRA drag racing offers is an intense experience lasting 4 to 6 seconds with a clear winner at the end and just a enough data, elapsed time and trap speed, to give a reference point. It’s repeated instant gratification which makes for a really fun experience. Add in some flames, like at dusk or at night, it's just way cool. Check out the video.

Even parking about 1/2 mile from the track is very organized. The shuttle service ran quickly and efficiently for arrivals and departures. Plenty of food and drink with vendor displays of types besides the action in the pits.

In the pits, it may seem boring to watch an engine get rebuilt, but upon start-up and a few revs, it’s like massive explosions happening all at once. Nitro methane exhaust will burns your eyes and throat to the point that the crew has gas masks on when the start-up occurs. A friend watching himself on video being subjected to the exhaust even had a second reaction!

Walking around there are all sorts of vendors selling the standard merchandise of hats and t-shirts, Harley Davidson was present with their 2012 bikes and a drag race simulator, the U.S. Army with a technology display including a night vision demonstration and flight simulator. If you could do a number of overhand grip pull-ups, all the way down and chin over the bar (well into the teens if not higher) you win a free t-shirt.

This is an experience everyone should have and I guarantee you’ll really enjoy it. Just bring earplugs and something warm to wear at night for Friday night qualifying. Then sit, relax and cheer, or scream!

Check out the results here:
http://www.nhra.com/events/2011race13.aspx
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Indy Cars vs. Formula One - Which is faster? Ask Rob About Cars

2012-01-12T18:46:00.000-08:00

Which is faster, an Formula 1 car or an Indy car? Joe G., San Jose, CA

As a general rule, Indy cars are faster in a straight line by design for races on oval circuits. Formula One cars are quicker around a road circuit, hands down. There are no super speedway oval tracks in that series. The series rules are what limit the power-to-weight ratios and aerodynamic aids allowed.

Indy cars are powered by an ultra-reliable “spec” race engine supplied by Honda with only one failure in years. The 3.5 liter V-8 engine produces roughly 630 horsepower and revs up to 10,500 rpm. The car minimum weight is 1,525 lbs and uses a 6-speed sequential shift semi-automatic transmission.

Formula One cars have multiple manufacturers involved competing against each other and currently have a minimum weight of 1372lbs. The engines produce roughly 730 horsepower from the 2.7 liter V-8 engines and can rev around 18,000rpm. Impressive considering the engines are restricted from using “exotic” materials. A sequential-shift semi-automatic 7-speed transmission is used.

Aerodynamics make it possible for the cars to corner as fast as they do. It was recently reported that the “Drag Reduction System” or DRS in a Formula One car can enable an extra 10-12 mph on a straightaway. That is enormous!

When the two series last raced on the same track, the Formula One cars were roughly 5 to 7 seconds quicker than the Indy cars. If you want to see the Indy cars race locally, be sure to check out the Indy Grand Prix of Sonoma, August 26-28th at Infineon Raceway.
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Have a question about cars you would like answered? Questions about performance, racing, modifying, shopping, makes, models, events, etc? Ask me here: AskRobAboutCars@gmail.com and I'll do my best to answer your question and publish it here on Examiner.com!

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Cadillac CTS-V Coupe on the Race Track and Street

2012-01-12T14:47:00.000-08:00

The CTS-V Coupe is not a favorite of mine. Driving it however definitely changed how I feel about it, but still not my conclusion. I’ve already stated a while back that GM shouldn’t have bothered making this car. I didn’t think the Coupe would sell very well with its Transformer robot styling, oversized doors, over-angled near-useless rear window, overweight, etc. On the other hand it definitely has serious performance capability.

The V-sedan on the other hand has none of the shortcomings. It’s a great car offering all the advantages of four doors with world class performance and world class pricing, what’s not to like?

The coupe offers the same 556 horsepower supercharged 6.0 liter V-8 as the sedan. Called the LS-A, it is a somewhat “detuned” version of the 638hp unit in the Corvette ZR1. My notes from both the public roads and Mazda Raceway at Laguna Seca repeat the word, “smooth” more than once. Some say the pushrod V-8 doesn’t have the refinement of the overhead cam engines from Europe and Asia. It wasn’t apparent when driving it. I found it very easy to hit the rev limiter since there doesn’t seem to be a rising crescendo of noise nor vibration and it revs quickly. The 6-speed manual had good feel and action, no complaints.

It is so fast, it’s a hooligan car. Capable of low 12-second quarter mile ETs in the high teens with optimal conditions, other cars are thought of as a, “Why do you bother?” And, “Get off the road, this is where the big boys play.” On the track though, being a big boy is a definite disadvantage.

While on a winding and sometimes bumpy road, the active suspension with the magnetic ride control (shocks) and brakes were excellent, inspiring confidence and never a jittery misstep. The brake pedal travel is short is quickly gotten used to. All that speed and a listed curb weight of 4209lbs, only 13lbs less than the sedan and the same wheelbase but slightly wider track, meant repeated use on the track brought out wisps of smoke.

Steering effort is light but the wheel seems to sit at an angle with a shape that may be great for some hands yet not others. Definitely not a universal fit. The climate control is truly a dual unit in usage with separate controls angled towards the occupants on the center console as well as a central panel. Initial impression of the seats is that they are firm yet supportive. The door handle is an electric door release versus direct mechanical linkage. And yes, the door is long, very long. There is also an odd cut-out piece in the body work on the exterior next to the door.

Sometimes when you leave the driver’s window cracked open, the wind noise is readily apparent, not so with the coupe which was a pleasant change. As mentioned before, it has poor rear visibility. But not too poor where I couldn’t identify the Mercedes SLS closing the gap after the corkscrew at Laguna Seca. I tried to show it what American iron could do, but coming out of turn 11, I was freight trained. Considering that Motor Trend has had champion race car driver Bernd Schneider lap Laguna Seca over 3 seconds faster in the SLS than champion Randy Pobst’s time years earlier in the CTS-V, I didn’t feel bad at all. After all, a 3 second deficit comparing flying laps basically means getting pulled hard from the exit of turn 11 on to the front straight to the finish line. Think of it as something like a 30mph to 120mph drag race.

There is no denying it’s a good car, maybe even a great car that offers a lot of content and performance for the dollar. However the sedan offers all the advantages and none of the disadvantages of the coupe. Since the coupe is uniquely styled and definitely stands out, it can back up it's looks unlike past uniquely styled failures such as the Pontiac Aztek and Chevrolet SSR. So with over 500hp, as they say, there really is a butt for every seat.

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Infiniti M35h - the Fun Hybrid

2012-01-12T14:40:00.000-08:00

The Infiniti M35h Hybrid offers luxury, size and power with rather outstanding mileage, 27mpg city and 32mpg highway. Very impressive from a powertrain rated at 360hp and 457ft.lbs of torque in a 4129lb car. Wrap your head around that for a minute. A gas-only sedan of similar size and power would have a hard time getting 25mpg highway. A note about the horsepower and torque figures: The combined horsepower (302 gas, 67 electric) adds up to 369 but only has a net rating of 360. A fair estimate on the total torque may be around 460ft.lbs.

The dash layout, with nice curving shapes was rather confusing and busy. Even after spending a lot of time in a G37 Coupe, the related controls in the M35h are not as intuitive. After that, it’s like driving any other large, luxurious sedan. The corporate V-6, closely related to the previous generation 3.5 liter vs. the current 3.7s in the Nissan/Infiniti line-up seems smooth and quiet. With all the refinement and automatic transmission, the notorious NHV (noise, vibration, harshness) is completely hidden.

The powertrain is quite innovative. It has a dry clutch between the engine and the 67lb electric motor and a wet clutch between the electric motor and 7-speed automatic transmission. This means the torque converter is eliminated. There is no slop felt when driving this car. There are many more features to cover but these were the immediate impressions and highlights. What was really fun was punching the throttle while rolling and getting rubber, rather surprising tire spin in such a heavy and refined car. You can actually have fun in this "green machine." Now how many hybrid cars can you say that about in this current day and age?

Revs Program at Stanford - preserving the meaning of the Automobile

2012-01-11T19:01:00.001-08:00

Recently Stanford University hosted a gathering of experts, collectors, racers, historians, philanthropists and others to discuss the importance of the automobile. Not just the past, present or future, but what it means to society from a cultural and technological standpoint as well as technology in itself.

This was not a gathering of actual cars although there was a special Bentley on display, a 1933 “Eddie Hall” boat-tail of which an innovative “auto” biography was created. For the modern fans of speed, a Lamborghini SV670 happened to be nearby too. It was not an art display although past literature and advertisements are sometimes art-worthy. What it was is a series of presentations about the impact of the automobile and preserving and celebrating its history and future.

The intent of Revs is to continue research and teaching of automotive topics across various schools such as humanities, fine arts, social sciences, design, science and engineering. Also, it is to encourage the crossover and interaction to professions, enthusiasts, collectors, scholars, scientists and students. The automobile is an understudied icon of our culture. We live and die with, from and because of The Car.

The Revs Program at Stanford and The Revs Institute of Automotive Research in Naples, Florida were founded by Miles Collier. Among other accomplishments and talents, Mr. Collier is an investor, philanthropist, and a noted authority on vintage automobiles. He is obviously a visionary as well.

The Executive Director of Revs is Sven Beiker who also holds the title of Executive Director Center for Automotive Research at Stanford. He also holds teaching positions in Stanford's School of Engineering and the Graduate School of Business and previously, Dr. Beiker was with the BMW Group for over 13 years.

Besides other notable contributors and scholars, two other affliates that are more likely known to automotive enthusiasts are Duncan Dayton, professional race car driver and American LeMans Team owner. The other is noted racing journalist, author, consultant and film producer Doug Nye.

A multi-faceted, multi-media library is the resource that will be utilized to preserve and share the knowledge of the automobile. Take a closer look at http://www.stanford.edu/group/revs/.

Volksawagen Touareg Hybrid brief Test Drive and Review

2012-01-11T18:51:00.000-08:00

Recently I had a an opportunity to take the new Volkswagen Touareg Hybrid for a drive around and 17 Mile Drive and Carmel. This luxurious SUV offers a lot of features at a price starting at $60,565. It’s the first hybrid from Volkswagen and is their flagship vehicle. Having experienced a previous generation Porsche Cayenne, I’m not surprised at how much I liked it. And this generation weighs 400lbs less than the previous. That is a massive weight savings.

The gasoline engine is the excellent supercharged V-6 from the Audi line-up also rated at 333hp. Can’t tell if it’s also seemingly underrated here but it is in parallel to an electric motor rated at 46hp. Not sure how VW comes up with 380hp but close enough. The combination offers 425lbs/torque and connected to an 8-speed automatic transmission. One would think the Audi S4 would have a higher horsepower rating or the Touareg a lower one when sharing a motor.

The electric motor is only 3.3” thick and sits between the engine and transmission. A computer controlled clutch allows for IC (internal combustion) engine shutdown while the electric motor is in operation. The battery pack weighs 174lbs and sits under the cargo floor.

It drives beautifully, smooth and quiet. What I did notice was how it rocks on its springs when accelerating and braking. Maybe that is where the 5,135lbs shows itself. The acceleration is however nice and brisk. Interestingly, 6thgear is the 1:1 ratio gear which means 7thand 8thare strictly for mileage. As a reference, typically 4this a 1:1 ratio but there is no rule to follow these days, especially with imports. More gear ratios in an automatic or dual clutch transmission means quicker acceleration provided the lower gear ratios are fairly aggressive. That is Porsches “secret” with their twin turbo Panamera (see past article).

The gas gauge seems huge, taking up 5/6ths of an entire dial. Silly, being a hybrid is already fully realized on the display. Also the interior styling is very rectangular with the dash displays and rear view mirror. No curving organic themes here. The push and turn key function to start it actually confounded one of the drivers. Offsetting the dark yet classy interior, the sunroof is quite large and quite nice. One complaint I had while driving behind it the taillights are not very noticeable when the brake lights are on. I was a little taken aback by that.

It’s an expensive SUV and the thought of being a hybrid is rather laughable considering the extra weight and cost it adds. If it makes you feel better, and you can afford it, cost isn’t really an issue. Sometimes it’s just about convenience. A city rating of 20mpg and highway at 26mpg with a 26.4 gallon fuel tank can cover a lot of ground in a luxurious atmosphere and having to make less stops for fuel. However, the less-quick turbo-diesel model (and less aggressively geared) has a 19mpg city and 28mpg rating highway for about $3,000 less.

Check out all the specs here: http://www.vw.com/en/models/touareg/trims-specs.s9_trimlevel_detail.suffix.html/2011_touareg~2Ftsi.html#/tab=2d3de9429513b722f58a1d0a7430d067

Car & Driver’s instrumented comparison test vs. the Diesel model. The hybrid ran a 5.9 second 0-60mph and 14.5 @ 95mph quarter mile: http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/comparisons/11q1/2011_volkswagen_touareg_v6_tdi_vs._2011_touareg_hybrid-comparison_tests
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Have a question about cars you would like answered? Questions about performance, racing, modifying, shopping, makes, models, events, etc? Ask me here: AskRobAboutCars@gmail.com and I'll do my best to answer your question and publish it here on Examiner.com!

Transfer a LoJack? Ask Rob about Cars

2012-01-11T07:37:00.000-08:00

Q: Hey is LoJack transferable when you sell a car? - anonymous

A: No, a LoJack cannot be transferred when you sell or buy a car. The LoJack unit is registered specifically to the vehicle identification number (VIN) and it cannot be changed. When the vehicle is reported stolen, the VIN in the stolen vehicle report is what activates the LoJack via radio signal activation, much like a pager.

The advantages to LoJack are obvious, vehicle recovery, less damage, possible insurance discount. The disadvantages are limited hiding places in modern cars and limited coverage areas. Satellite tracking systems also have their benefits and aspects that are foolproof as well.

LoJack offers an early notification option as well as extra recovery guarantees. It is still the only recovery system directly used by the police.

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Have more questions about LoJack or automobiles? Want to know about performance, racing, modifying, shopping, makes, models, events, etc? Reach me here: AskRobAboutCars@gmail.com and I'll do my best to answer your question and publish it here on Examiner.com!

Ultima GTR - Now Built and Wildly Fast

2011-04-07T20:43:00.000-07:00

Building and assembling your own vehicle is immensely satisfying, hard work. Adding personalized and custom touches makes it all yours, unlike anyone else’s. It also requires great patience with trial and error, potential mistakes, backtracking and repeating steps. Four years of painstaking, creative and very rewarding work. Nearly a year ago I profiled this “Street Legal Race Car”. Well now, it’s built!

Chris Julian finally has completed his Ultima GTR, registered and street legal for maximum fun. Imagine legally driving a car – at least legally from a technical standpoint, if not technique, that would be at home running against true race cars. Running with meaning; just as low, just as quick and almost as light. The Ultima GTR looks similar to the Daytona Prototypes, and it weighs roughly the same, 2300lbs but in this case with a significantly larger motor making more horsepower.

Climbing over the wide sill into the tight, cramped passenger seat takes technique. The fire suppression system interferes with legroom. Don’t disable it accidentally! The 4 point racing harness feels comforting considering how low you sit. The view forward is spectacular, the road looks like it's just in front and right under you with wide bulging front fenders on either side.

Starting up the Corvette Z-06 sourced 427 cubic inch V-8 (LS7) with the headers right behind the passenger compartment announces the fun is going to begin. Even owners of exotics who haven’t assembled anything on their cars all look to see this impossibility roll by. It’s loud, visceral, a little smelly and it’s begging to be run fast. Surprisingly, sitting just 2.75” off the ground at the lowest point still makes for a decent ride on decent roads. The acceleration is fierce, making one laugh out loud and start thinking about only a handful of cars that could accelerate harder on the street. Cornering is flat, period. The limits are far, far too high to explore on the street.

Think about the legendary Cobra. Now lower it, enclose it, add air conditioning, modern brakes, mid-engine layout, fuel injection, modern suspension, minimal weight gain. This is the ultimate modern kit car. It isn’t perfect. It has a minor rattle here, a slight rubbing/clearance problem and a minor tune to optimize the intake and exhaust work the engine has. It was a warm day and despite sitting in traffic and the small cockpit, stayed comfortable inside. It’s well sorted and fantastically fun for home assembly.

Getting it to street legal status takes a few steps. First an application to the DMV, a brake and light inspection by CHP as well as a VIN number assigned and smog for paperwork only. There is no actual smog test nor sound test required. Awesome! The California SPCN/SB100 Street Legal process, although limited to 500 vehicles a year is a process that allows your dream to be licensed for everyday use.

A thorough appraisal was recently done on the car and thanks to the Chris’s talent and innovation; the appraisal by the established Pacific Automobile Appraisers compared the end result to world class one-off concepts from automotive manufacturers and national show winners. I have to concur; it’s nearly a masterpiece thanks to his resources and ability to create special parts.

Many enthusiasts like to assemble and install their own performance parts. Imagine the pride and joy assembling your own car, then improving it like none other of the same model. And then once complete, instead of computer control or interference with the engine power, transmission, suspension, brakes, steering and rear differential, this is a driver’s car, not a car with driver’s “enhancements “ also known as handicaps.

Link to previous article: http://www.examiner.com/autos-in-san-jose/ultima-gtr-building-the-street-legal-race-car
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Have a question about cars you would like answered? Want to know about performance, racing, modifying, shopping, makes, models, events, etc? Ask me here: AskRobAboutCars@gmail.com and I'll do my best to answer your question and publish it here on Examiner.com!

Audi S4 the Bank Vault on Wheels

2011-03-19T13:30:00.000-07:00

When first hearing about how the supercharged Audi S4 performed so well, I was immediately skeptical of the 333hp rating and stated as much on April 29th, 2010. When owner Greg Helstrup of Collateral Resources contacted me asking if I wanted to check out his 2011 S4, I immediately made arrangements to get behind the wheel.

Greg’s impressions of the car are smooth, comfortable, solid, quiet and “go-kart”. It isn’t a “go-kart” like a Lotus, but compared to floaty and boaty sedan or an SUV, it feels like it.

This current generation referred to the B8, is significantly larger than the B7 visually and for the driver, most apparent in the driver legs area where more room was desperately needed. This is truly a proper sized sedan and the impression is that this is a do-anything automobile. It’s fast, practical, all-wheel drive and full of luxury and technology. With a long list of options and technical features that are covered in a 66 page brochure, a lot of time is really needed to fully review and appreciate what the Audi offers.

The 7 speed dual-clutch transmission shifts (not an “automatic”!) with a brief, audible “zzz” from the revving engine. I’ve stated before the car is undoubtedly underrated at 333hp despite the dual clutch transmission. The 3.0 liter supercharged engine is very responsive but a sudden start off the line has a momentary hesitation while the clutch engages automatically It’s not quite as fast as the BMW M3 but the interior is more inviting with its layout and features. Yet again the Audi MMI (Multi Media Interface) makes for a an enjoyable experience with the logical controls, layout and features. It’s another capable car that can sell itself once you sit in it, instrumented test results quickly pushed aside.

The suspension is firm and even selecting various modes of the Audi Drive Select, the difference in ride was difficult to detect. The Audi Drive Select controls the vehicle’s adaptive suspension, dynamic steering, transmission shift characteristics and engine response. What was felt was the change in the throttle response. It felt very reactive to the right foot, maybe perfect. No complaint of the throttle-by-wire here. Steering effort is light but there isn’t a lot of feedback.

It’s claimed the 6-speed manual is quicker but unless the gear ratios are whack, I highly doubt it and the faster dragstrip results seem to be from the S-tronic (dual clutch transmission) cars. A performance oriented software tune, intake and exhaust for this car reportedly takes the horsepower up to about 430hp or so. With 114-116mph trap speeds, I’m guessing it’s a little higher than that, 450-460hp with 100 octane gas?

It has BMW M3 and 335i owners making various claims and proclamations but the Audi All Wheel Drive makes it a far more consistently performing car whether it is in the rain or off the line in the shine. The BMW 335i has AWD available but only as an automatic and isn’t as sport oriented.

As a solid and quiet bank vault, it isn’t wind noise that is noticed, it’s the tire noise with the 255/35/19 performance tires. That solid perception also applies to the doors, you have to close them with more authority than normal because the air seal is so tight. The seats are tall yet supportive but not quite as body hugging like the BMW M3. The headliner in black combined with the black leather interior makes for an intimate cockpit. It’s surprising how often dark interiors have light colored headliners. The backup camera is a little slow to show the rear view, but it stays on for a few moments while rolling forward. I would trade that funny quirk for an instant-on camera once reverse is selected.

The car isn’t visceral, it just wants to be and that makes for a nice compromise. Audi continues in its winning ways. The S4 is for those who are more about driving their fast, fun car everyday than going to the track. Adding in the benefits of all wheel drive and the spectacular interior layout and features, this is may be the best choice for a performance oriented daily driver in the price segment.

Audi S4 Undisclosed Horsepower article: http://www.examiner.com/autos-in-san-jose/2010-audi-s4-undisclosed-extra-horsepower

Audi MMI information page: http://www.audiusa.com/us/brand/en/exp/innovation/mmi.html

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Have a question about cars you would like answered? Want to know about performance, racing, modifying, shopping, makes, models, events, etc. Reach me here: AskRobAboutCars@gmail.com and I'll do my best to answer your question and publish it here on Examiner.com!

305 horsepower Ford Mustang V-6 Review and Test Drive

2011-03-02T13:22:00.000-08:00

In light of the recent controversy of the guest authored Mustang GT 5.0 review, the timing of evaluating this 305 horsepower V-6 model couldn’t be better. After a long weekend and over 200 miles, there is plenty to share. It’s smooth around town, quick and gets very impressive mileage yet still very “domestic”.

The car has nice styling, the polished dual exhaust mufflers a nice touch on the base V-6 model. The taillights are distinctively Mustang with cool sequential lighting pattern when a turn signal is activated.
One thing that has bothered me is the dark, rectangular body strip on the side of Mustang that has been prevalent for years. It seems like a styling shortcut, like a big mudflap.

Of course loading luggage was the first part and although having a high sill, the trunk space is pretty good, far better than the larger and heavier Camaro. The rear badge is enormous which as we learned later, is a recurring theme. A large center console has great storage yet oddly the large doors offer very little. Even though the rear seat cushions are high, the front seat recliner switch on the back of the front seat will hit or scratch you if you’re not careful.

After getting comfortable with seat adjustments, it’s immediately apparent the high hood line gives the car a “big car” feel and yet the windshield is very close to the driver. The hood immediately reminded me of the Hertz Shelby GT I had some seat time in back in 2007. The gauges are large and so are the needles for the speedometer and tachometer. In fact, the needle is so thick it’s about a 4mph guess on the speedo.

Driving the 305hp Pony Car revealed some interesting aspects. It’s very smooth around town, effortless for city driving although the transmission shifts with that seemingly old school audible “whew!”. But if the roads get rough at speed, it gets particularly choppy. The suspension conveys what feels like an extra or exaggerated movement when absorbing bumps, almost as if it shivers. Not sure if this is a function of the also old-school solid rear axle but it does bring to mind a past description used for recent Mustangs, “truck-like”. You would think any coupe making this kind of power is a “highway car.” This one is not. Now I know what my non-car brother was talking about, go figure.

So what is 305hp from the V-6 like? It’s definitely quick, a little hesitant from idle and seemingly long pedal travel. It roars, but sounds coarse and not unlike a vacuum cleaner. Downshifts are delayed but the transmission shifts smoothly, far too smoothly at wide open throttle though. The best description is extremely lazy. A factory adjustment is desperately needed.

More interior observations occur over time. The glove box is rather small underneath a massive front panel. Speaking of massive, the shifter, speaker grills, badges, etc. are very large. They look heavy and as Pretty Navigator observed as if Ford is trying to get guys to buy the V6 by making the base model seem more masculine. The legroom for front passengers is excellent but the driver’s headrest is an abomination. It can’t be tilted back so the driver gets “biffed” often.

The custom color scheme of the lighted door sills (a superb touch), foot wells and dashboard lights is a great feature to personalize the car. Oddly contrasting is the 1980’s style dot-matrix display of the radio and the narrow font of the characters. It does display a lot of information however. It can be controlled with the numerous steering wheel buttons; one was counter-intuitive having one function but only one side worked vs. the others with rocker functions.

Ford has done a nice job updating the Mustang with impressive power and outstanding mileage. At an MSRP of $27,690, it may not be the most refined or well-optioned but it does offer a patriotic and powerful rear-drive alternative to the cookie-cutter masses. The few updates and changes needed are not extensive either. If you think 305hp and 30mpg in a coupe sounds attractive, it is definitely worth a look, and in my opinion more so than the Camaro.

Camry Hybrid MPG Question - Ask Rob About Cars

2011-02-28T22:38:00.000-08:00

I was checking out the Camry Hybrid online. Gas prices here are spiking up a bit. It says mpg is 31/35, but someone said that in winter, when running the heater, the mpg goes down. Is this true?

Thanks,

Jeff
Chicago, IL
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Hello Jeff, yes that is true. In cold weather, batteries lose efficiency which means the gasoline engine will turn on sooner and for a longer period of time, increasing fuel consumption. A recent trend is to have heated seats work in conjunction with the heater to reduce the demand on battery power from blowing heated air.

In hot weather, the same may occur with the air conditioning being constantly on even though it's equipped with an electric compressor vs. the standard accessory belt driven unit to eliminate parasitic losses.

A word of advice regarding any car with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). Make sure you drive it as you drive your current car and make sure you don’t find the constant revving objectionable when accelerating.

If most of your driving is highway and you'd like some power too, the Hyundai Sonata Turbo is rated at 32mpg highway and produces 274 horsepower on regular octane gas. Very impressive numbers.

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Have a question about cars you would like answered? Want to know about performance, racing, modifying, shopping, makes, models, events, etc. Reach me here: AskRobAboutCars@gmail.com and I'll do my best to answer your question and publish it here on Examiner.com!

California Leaders Pollute California

2011-02-28T22:19:00.000-08:00

Mr. Gary Richards AKA Mr. Roadshow of the San Jose Mercury News recently reported that the new southbound 680 express lanes have added on average a minute to the commute time. The study cited was done by the Alameda County Transportation Agency.

What that means is the results of the new lanes are an absolute and total failure contributing MORE pollution from idling vehicles than before. I would also like to know just how bad the spikes are and how badly the statistics show the real story every day.

ALSO, on southbound 680 AFTER the express lanes end during the evening rush hour, traffic slows down while there is a very large median area next to the center divider that could easily accommodate another lane. Why it hasn’t been made into a useful lane is beyond me.

Finally northbound 680 during the late afternoon and evening looks horrible as well, observed during late afternoon drives southbound.

Why California continues to mandate harmful and/or useless fuel additives, lower octane rating for premium gas, draconian restrictions for vehicle modification despite extra clean burning engines while cramming as much traffic as possible into as few lanes as possible is absolutely stupid beyond all measure and environmentally criminal. Surely there are representatives trying to stop this?

I strongly urge you to contact your government representatives and demand cleaner air and less fuel consumption by banning carpool and express lanes with use requirements.

Mr. Roadshow article: http://www.mercurynews.com/mr-roadshow/ci_17438165?nclick_check=1

Find and contact your state representative: http://www.assembly.ca.gov/defaulttext.asp

Previous article urging a ban on carpool lanes from 3/2009: http://www.examiner.com/autos-in-san-jose/ban-carpool-lanes

Silicon Valley Auto Show 2011 Part 3 and Slideshow

2011-01-10T21:00:00.000-08:00

Part 3 of the coverage of the Silicon Valley Auto Show with slideshow featuring manufacturers "M" through "V"

The Silicon Valley Auto Show offered a great value for those wanting to really take a close look at new cars. Although highly desirable marquees like Porsche and Audi were absent, considering the $9 admission price which includes a 1-year subscription to Motor Trend, or $7 with an online coupon, it’s more affordable than virtually any other auto show.

While debating the merits of a comparatively small show vs. the International level events, keep in mind versus something like a Goodguys custom car show in Pleasanton, not only is it less expensive, including parking, but here you can sit, touch and feel all these cars and trucks and many of them have much nicer interiors, if not as colorful. But as I wrote before, either one is a nice alternative to the zoo.

Check out the slideshow for the remaining cars from the manufacturers.

Silicon Valley Auto Show 2011 Part 2 and Slideshow

2011-01-09T20:45:00.000-08:00

Part 2 of the highlights of the 2011 Silicon Valley Auto Show.

In San Jose, the 2011 Silicon Valley Auto Show presented by Motor Trend held Thursday 1/6 – Sunday 1/9 is much improved over last year. Additional highlights of the show are listed below. Be sure to check out all the observations in the slideshow as well.

A free subscription to Motor Trend magazine with each ticket purchase.

Ford Mustang Dream Giveaway benfitting the Healing Heroes Network. It's actually for two Mustangs, a '69 Calypso Coral High Performance Boss 30 and a matching 2012 Boss 302. The 2012 model is the only one offered in Calypso Coral as well and the Boss package means 440hp. Be sure to see the Laguna Seca edition in the slideshow too.

Ride and Drives from GM (Chevrolet, Buick & GMC), Ford and Toyota.

Specialty Vehicles from Chevrolet include the Corvette Stingray concept, the "American Pride" Camaro and the SLP ZL585 Camaro. See the slideshow from Part 1. Also a magic show as well.

Exotic Vehicles courtesy of Los Gatos Luxury Cars. Makes like Aston Martin, Bentley, Lamborghini, Lotus and Rolls Royce.

Ferrari Club Display courtesy of the Pacific Region of the Ferrari Club of America. See the slideshow below.

SHIFTR Automotive and Lifestyle Expo. Lowriders, race cars, tuner cars, girls, DJs, dance crews, etc. Pretty Navigator asked me to show her something interesting, after looking at the Hershey bar truck (a brown extended cab and bed Dodge with a 160" wheelbase), this was the destination. Highlights include supercharged G35s, a GT-R, a 1000+ horsepower Corvette, an 8-second quarter-mile 1,000+ horsepower Ford Lightning and much more.

Check out the slideshow for additional details and coverage.

Silicon Valley Auto Show 2011

2011-01-08T15:10:00.000-08:00

In San Jose, the 2011 Silicon Valley Auto Show presented by Motor Trend held Thursday 1/6 – Sunday 1/9 is much improved over last year. Although not as large as the “other” major city shows like Chicago, Detroit, LA and New York that feature new model and concept introductions, there are distinct advantages and some very interesting observations.

Access is particularly easy and parking is affordable. Since it’s not too big, and on Thursday night not too crowded, you can really crawl around the cars and take in all the details. And of course, some under-supervised little kids walk all over the cars leaving details too. Hint to parents – pretend these cars belong to your boss, okay? Perhaps the lack of the crowd meant everyone seemed to be friendly, courteous, in good humor and polite. This folks was not like a trip Costco.

Sadly, Porsche, Nissan and Audi among others were missed and these smaller-show cars tend to be in drab black and grey colors. And Mercedes, in a dimly lit hallway location, didn’t have any of their high performance models with those boring colors. Jaguar, planned or not, was also in the hallway but their color choices were actually striking in that lighting, as well as their performance models.

In the upcoming slideshows, you may notice the drab colors so the eye was drawn to more meaningful designs and observations. Some details were very clever, some archaic, you decide for yourself. There was no sorry attempt to fill space this year either, apologies to classic Camaro owners from last year. Another benefit with a smaller crowd is the representatives from the factory and dealers have time to talk in detail.

The vendor displays again were very good and Club Sportiva had the first red Ferrari 458 I can recall seeing in person. By this time the thirst generated meant paying $4.00 for bottled water. That is not a typo but it sure was cold.

Stay tuned for further coverage and pictures from the show.

Infiniti G37 Coupe Review and Test Drive

2010-12-01T23:05:00.000-08:00

In the $40,000+ price range, it’s hard to make a bad choice when buying a new vehicle. If you’re looking for a sporty and luxurious coupe with usable rear seats you really can’t go wrong. Even if you pick on styling alone, you won’t make a bad decision. The G37 Coupe from Infiniti has great curves that make a convincing case.

Exterior

Spending time with this car in black and studying the styling, I came across a realization. Make some minor changes such as eliminating the chrome, round the tail lights and add some yellow prancing horse badges and it could easily pass for a grand tourer from Ferrari. That is how well the lines on this car look in person. The same could be said in the 4th (and last) generation Toyota Supra from 1993 to 1998.

Details like the headlights, hood line and front fenders are exquisite. Fit and finish are exemplary with excellent fitment of the body panels. Even the standard 18” rims look proportionate in this day of 19s and 20s on many models.

Interior

The keyless entry and push button start combined with exterior push button locking is very convenient. It takes a while to remember to stop reaching for the key to start it. Its proximity technology is so accurate it can detect what side of the car the key holder is standing by only allowing that door to unlock. The exterior push button trunk feature is nice as well.

The other favorite part is the rear back-up camera. A proximity sensor usually makes for a messy back bumper. The camera makes life so easy, not just due to the rear visibility but also keeping a lookout for shorter obstacles like curbs, rocks, shrubs, etc. Using graphics to trace the path of the vehicle makes for great visualization of the intended path. As mentioned in the Audi A5 review, the fisheye lens means a broad view in case of cross traffic in a parking lot.

The memory driver’s seat is very comfortable and the ergonomics are excellent. It’s a little bit of a reach for the seatbelt but that is common in coupes. The dashboard display is beautiful at night with great colors. It does take some time to learn the intricacies of the integrated navigation and audio systems but that is expected. The selector dial on the dash is a little bit of a reach instead of where the arm falls naturally in the center console area like Audis and BMWs. If the passenger reaches for it, an accidental press of the hazard button has happened several times.

The wood dash option looks great but is dark. The brushed aluminum has a sporty element with a nice contrast. For 2010, the aluminum has a slightly different finish and there iPod hook-up is more integrated instead of an adaptor cable needed. Also the heated seats have switches instead of dials. The owner reports moving things to the passenger seat (like a purse…) may turn a dial accidentally, hence the change to switches.

Despite telescoping and tilt steering (which moves the driver’s dashboard display), it could offer slightly more downward adjustment.

Thinking about the MSRP of the mid-40s and what could be changed in terms of upgrades are few. More power via a V-8 is one way provided the weight gain and front-to-rear balance isn’t altered too much. If the seatbelts were structurally integrated into the seats, that would solve the need to reach or twist to grab the seat belt. How much of a weight gain it would take would be interesting to know, along with crash testing, etc.

Driving Experience

Driving the car is so effortless. The 7-speed automatic means the car always seems to be in the right gear with no dead spots or lag. It’s very smooth with no hint of the commonly reported vibration or harshness of the 370Z especially with the manual transmission. This particular model is not the “Sport” model. The Sport model brings paddle shifters, a limited slip differential, larger brakes and a stiffer suspension. For daily driving this isn’t necessary because the ride is so good.

The brakes take a light touch, almost too light. It takes some getting used to. The engine response is a little jumpy or touchy as if the tune for the fuel delivery is a little sudden. Revised engine mapping or throttle programming with the drive-by-wire system would easily solve this. I can’t imagine it’s simply a function of the 3.7 liter engine being tuned to 330hp.

Acceleration is more than adequate but barely qualifies for a helmet at the drag strip. Enough for traffic and decent mileage but it’s not a racer. It’s so nice that you don’t care whether or not you get beat by the kid next to you in a Mustang or Camaro. Because it just doesn’t matter when you’re rolling in a sweet combination of art and jewelry.

All Wheel Drive Toyota Supra? Ask Rob About Cars

2010-11-29T22:55:00.000-08:00

Hey Car Guy,

Can you tell me if the Supra came in an all wheel drive configuration?

Thanks,

JH, Seattle, WA

Thank you for writing, JH. The Toyota Supra was never offered by Toyota in an AWD configuration although a search online reveals some aftermarket attempts. The Supra was sold in the United States from 1979 to 1998 with the 4th generation (MKIV) from '93 to '98 having the most notoriety. However there was an AWD Toyota Celica sold in 1988 to 1993 which spanned two different generations. It featured a 190hp turbocharged 4-cylinder engine and saw success in World Rally Championship racing before Mitsubishi and Subaru were competitors.

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Have a question about cars you would like answered? Want to know about performance, racing, modifying, shopping, makes, models, events, etc. Reach me here: AskRobAboutCars@gmail.com and I'll do my best to answer your question and publish it!

Continue reading on Examiner.com: All Wheel Drive Toyota Supra? Ask Rob About Cars - San Jose Autos | Examiner.com http://www.examiner.com/autos-in-san-jose/all-wheel-drive-toyota-supra-ask-rob-about-cars#ixzz1CTG1tbPd

End of Summer Musings in the Auto Industry

2010-10-19T22:25:00.000-07:00

Now that fall is here after a busy summer, there are some thoughts that have come to mind that are worth sharing.

Incorrect transmission references still abound. Industry members and journalists still refer to automated manual transmissions as an automatic transmission. An “automatic transmission” definition should not change. It’s a transmission that uses fluid to transmit power until a physical lock-up occurs. An automated manual, single or dual clutch uses actual clutches for a physical connection for power transfer at all speeds. They are distinctly different but neither one has a clutch pedal and both can be driven without manually selecting gears.

A Saleen S7R won its class at LeMans for the first time and it was the last running of the GT-1 class. This is quite a momentous event after 10 years of gallant attempts. This time the usually dominant Corvette C6-Rs lost and note they are no longer factory backed. The non-factory backed Aston Martins lost as well. AutoWeek magazine, now published every 2 weeks and called AW, referred to the S7 as a muscle car. It is not a muscle car, nor has it ever been. It is a pure sports car, exotic, light and mid-engine but from the United States. The Wiki page for the S7 has some fascinating statistics: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saleen_S7

BMW may have a low horsepower rating versus the real number. Road & Track recently tested the 400hp twin-turbo BMW 750i in a comparison test vs. the Lexus LS 460. The 6-speed automatic, 4600lb BMW ran a quarter-mile in 13.3 seconds at 108mph. Just like the 335i, this car seems to be underrated. I would guess it’s closer to 460hp, perhaps more. If it was really 400hp, it would need to weigh around 4,000lbs to post numbers like that. Think Pontiac G8 GXP as a great benchmark. http://www.roadandtrack.com/tests/comparison/2010-bmw-750i-vs.-2010-lexus-ls-460-sport

The 60-130mph test is gaining in popularity. The Battle Of The Supercars, a fun show on Speed TV, tested modified muscle cars in a 60-130mph test. The 800hp+ Ford GT500 and Camaro both ran times significantly slower than they should have. Reason being is they started timing from a standing 60mph start. Better to start below 50mph my source tells me. Also Road & Track just did a similar test but from 80-130mph for production sports cars and their racing counterparts. Don’t know why that starting speed was chosen but I would say a precedent has already been set for the 60mph starting speed. http://www.examiner.com/autos-in-san-jose/new-performance-standard-of-60mph-to-130mph-replacing-the-quarter-mile-drag-race

Volvo S60 Wins Speed GT Championship and Crow still tastes okay

2010-10-17T21:51:00.000-07:00

In April 2009, I predicted the Volvo S60 in the Speed GT series was essentially a waste of time. For the 2009 season they did okay, but Brandon Davis won the driver’s championship with his heavily modified (even for racing) Ford Mustang FR500C. Porsche took home the manufacturer’s championship. Now for the 2010 season the Volvo won the drivers’ (Randy Pobst) and manufacturers’ championships.

I must give credit and congratulations to the Volvo S60, Randy Pobst, Andy Pilgrim, K-Pax Racing, 3R Racing/Auto for chassis development, Mahle for the engines and Weismann for the transmissions. A team effort that resulted in wins over the proven masters of road racing. Top drivers Randy and Andy could not have done it without excellent equipment and vice versa.

These all-wheel drive cars really did a great job this past season. I wonder if AWD will be banned for the GT class after this success or will the S60 be back? A ruling like that is not unheard of although I think Porsche’s 911 GT3 Hybrid race car may have earned an exemption at some point. So what now for Geely owned Volvo? Have you noticed the new commercials for the 300hp S60? It’s “naughty” with 300hp and 325ft lbs torque. http://www.volvocars.com/us/all-cars/volvo-s60/Pages/default.aspx It’s the same performance envelope from 7 years ago when Car & Driver tested a past generation: http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/car/03q3/volvo_s60r_awd-road_test

Volvo should get more aggressive and use the Speed GT title in their ads. I also think Volvo should offer an “R” version making 350hp or even 400hp to capitalize on the win. Currently 300hp, AWD and 3800lbs is great for a daily driver, and “naughty “ is probably appropriate, but it’s time to spice it up. How about “Bad Boy” or “Champion Edition” or Porsche eater? Viper killer? Corvette slayer? Pretty comical, I know. Kudos to Volvo and the rest that were directly involved, now capitalize on it. BBQ’d crow on the grill isn’t so bad.

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Readers: Be sure to check out the Tuner Grand Prix at Laguna Seca on October 22nd-24th. The K-Pax 3R Volvo S-60R is in the unlimited class. My prediction is with no weight or boost restrictions, it just may take the overall win in this event too. http://www.globaltunergp.com/index.php

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Have a question about cars you would like answered? Performance, racing, modifying, shopping, makes, models, events, etc? Ask me here: AskRobAboutCars@gmail.com and I'll do my best to answer your question and publish it here on Examiner.com!