Lugnutzo

Gonzo Engineering - Big Block Cadillac

2011-01-13T23:21:00.000-05:00

For some bizarre reason, General Motors, throughout its history, has enjoyed building V-8 powered, front-wheel-drive cars. This is a compromised endeavor from the get go. A big, heavy V-8, hanging ahead of the front wheels of a car, makes for dreadful weight distribution, awful torque steer, and generally bad driving dynamics.

Yet the madness continues with the Deville / DTS sedan, which sports a 4.6 V-8 driving the front wheels. With an ancient 4-speed auto, the car is neither fast, efficient, or fun to drive. It has its charms, no doubt, but its more novelty than actual appeal.

Well, someone tired of such silliness and asked that their FWD '03 Deville be made into a RWD sport sedan powered by a 572 cubic inch crate motor (9.4L!). Tallant's Auto, of Kansis City, MO was happy to oblige, and the result is a work of absolute gonzo genius. Bravo gents.

[tallantsauto.net]

2012 VW Passat

2011-01-13T23:01:00.001-05:00

Sometimes, it makes sense to sell the exact same car all over the world. Look at Ford, for example. For the past several years they have been pushing to integrate their European and North American car models to be exactly the same. The Focus, Fiesta, and coming C-Max are also sold on the continent. The savings in development costs are obvious.

Sometimes, though, such a business model doesn't work out. The Volkswagen Passat has never sold that well in America. Although a nice midsizer, with a sweet turbo four cylinder engine, the car was simply too expensive and too cramped to compete against ubiquitous Camrys and Accords. In order to sell in significant volumes, you need to follow the midsize playbook: big size, good fuel economy, and base price of $20 grand, $7k less than the current Passat's starting price.

Building cars in Europe is an expensive proposition, and so Vee-Dub has built a $1 billion plant in Chattanooga, TN, to build this one-off North American Passat. This car is big and doesn't take too many risks style-wise, though it's certainly handsome and well proportioned. The back seat looks huge and materials seems to be on par for the segment. Base price? You guessed it, about $20,000. Engines include the long-serving 2.5L five cylinder and the carry over V-6, and a class unique diesel.

Problems? A new factory means unknown quality / reliability, and the base five cylinder might not have the best fuel economy, a sticking point in this segment. And if VW has sacrificed those unique, teutonic characteristics that are the trademark of VWs, what's the point in buying the new Passat?

Are Higher Gas Prices Really Bad for America?

2010-11-15T11:02:00.000-05:00

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

2010-11-09T12:05:00.000-05:00

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

2010-11-01T14:22:00.000-04:00

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

2010-10-21T10:47:00.000-04:00

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

2010-10-14T11:14:00.000-04:00

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

2010-10-12T11:17:00.000-04:00

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

2010-10-07T17:42:00.000-04:00

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

2010-10-05T21:54:00.000-04:00

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

2010-10-05T21:31:00.000-04:00

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

2010-09-29T20:53:00.000-04:00

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

2010-09-16T10:29:00.000-04:00

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

2010-09-14T11:38:00.001-04:00

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

2010-09-13T07:00:00.004-04:00

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

2010-09-12T16:48:00.000-04:00

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?

2010-09-09T14:22:00.001-04:00

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

2010-09-09T10:38:00.000-04:00

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

2010-09-06T20:12:00.000-04:00

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

2010-09-02T10:40:00.000-04:00

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?

2010-09-01T12:33:00.001-04:00

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?

2010-08-31T10:29:00.000-04:00

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

2010-08-27T12:15:00.000-04:00

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

2010-08-26T22:26:00.000-04:00

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

2010-08-23T10:41:00.000-04:00

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]