Good Car Bad Car

THE GOOD 12 SUPERSIZE v2.0 - PART VI

goodcarbadcar@gmail.com (The Good Car Guy) — Fri, 25 Dec 2009 12:22:00 +0000

INFINITI FX

Back when Infiniti was in elementary school, figuratively speaking, it became clear very quickly that he/she/it wasn't like the other kids. Like a good-looking left-handed child with funky eyewear and a knack for upstaging the popular kids on rare occasions, Infiniti rose to prominence by sticking to his/her/its principles and honing his/her/its talents. To be fair, Infiniti didn't really grow into his/her/its skin until realizing that a bit of normality wouldn't hurt.

Indeed, it wasn't until Infiniti's single mother, Nissan, married a Frenchmen late in life that the Infiniti FX35 and FX45 were born. After a makeover, Infiniti alterred the FX's birth certificates to say FX35 and FX50. To many eyes, the Infiniti FX lost some of its visual appeal during the makeover. Naturally, others disagree. Any child... er, vehicle this polarizing will be loved by some and, unfortunately, hated by others.

Lovers and haters alike can't deny the Infiniti's remarkable sprinting ability. Oft-times it's been said Infiniti ought to force the FX35 and FX50 into a little weight training, something that would bulk up the FX's load-lugging competency. FX driverss care not at all - this Infiniti is all about being different, standing out from the pack. Compromises come more easily to those who appreciate unique flavours.

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Engines: 303/390 horsepower; 262/369 lb-ft of torque froma 3.5L V6 and a 5.0L V8

Base USD Price: $42,400

Cargo Capacity: 62 cubic feet behind front row

Maximum Towing Capability: 3,500 pounds

City Mileage: 14-16 mpg

Mojave Copper: Not everybody likes the look of the cartoonish Infiniti FX. Every nook and cranny; every swoop and every line is exaggerated. For an even more polarizing effect, Infiniti gives FX buyers the option of Mojave Copper paint, a yellowish-beige meant to make a few particular clients very happy. While at the same time forcing a few onlookers to vomit.

CLICK HERE FOR THE GOOD 12 SUPERSIZE v2.0 PART V

THE GOOD 12 SUPERSIZE v2.0 - PART V

goodcarbadcar@gmail.com (The Good Car Guy) — Thu, 24 Dec 2009 12:15:00 +0000

FORD FLEX ECOBOOST

A decade ago, the crazy fast Chevrolet Corvette used a 5.7L V8 to generate 350 lb-ft of torque. The public, including automotive press and Corvette owners, found 350 lb-ft to be hugely effective. Ford's EcoBoost-powered Flex arrives at the 350 lb-ft figure using different methods, in a much larger vehicle; a vehicle with an entirely different purpose. Yet 350 lb-ft of torque, 102 lb-ft more than can be found in the regular Ford Flex, is still a difference maker.

In the first Good 12 Supersize,The Good Car Guy passed over the gorgeous Flex because it had just the one differentiating character trait: style. This Ford's competition, both internal and external, looks nothing at all like the Flex. GoodCarBadCar.net had no trouble honouring the Buick Enclave, another stylish crossover, as that American brute didn't suffer from the feeling of power deficiency and, more importantly, possessed a nature so serene that it could not be ignored.

Fortunately for Ford, seasons change. The Flex is now available with the twin-turbocharged V6 from the Taurus SHO (among others) while its defining character trait remains strong. Space for a large family, the ride height of an SUV, and style befitting of a hip urbanite team up with the thumping V6 to make the Ford Flex EcoBoost a box worth acquiring.

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Engines: 355 horsepower; 350 lb-ft of torque from a twin-turbocharged 3.5L V6

Base USD Price: $40,090

Cargo Capacity: 83.2 cubic feet behind front row

Maximum Towing Capability: 4,500 pounds

City Mileage: 16 mpg

White Roof Only: The Ford Fairlane Concept of '05 was a two-tone tall wagon with plenty of side strakes and rear suicide doors. It was lovely. In production, Ford has given buyers the option of a monotone finish. No designer worth his weight in pastel crayons would advise anyone to select their Flex without the white roof. Some buyers do so anyway. This is a very specific GCBC Awards selection - the Ford Flex EcoBoost with a white roof only. Trimmed as such, the Flex looks incredible. Without the contrasting roof, the Flex looks like a delivery van with blingy wheels.

CLICK HERE FOR THE GOOD 12 SUPERSIZE v2.0 PART IV

CLICK HERE FOR THE GOOD 12 SUPERSIZE v2.0 PART VI

THE GOOD 12 SUPERSIZE v2.0 - PART IV

goodcarbadcar@gmail.com (The Good Car Guy) — Wed, 23 Dec 2009 11:48:00 +0000

FORD F-150 SVT RAPTOR

Imagine yourself as a bank robber. Imagine, I said - don't actually.... ya know, rob a bank. We've all attempted to figure out the absolute best getaway vehicle for the post-robbery run to the cabin in the woods. Pre-teens assume Ferrari's 458 Italia and its ability to get up and go is most advantageous. Years bring with them intelligence. Red supercars are conspicuous. Disappearing into the scenery is rather useful, too. Rather than the 458 Italia, a black Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG could be useful.

Then again, to truly get away, you may need to travel to forsaken territories. How 'bout marrying that speed with pure go-anywhere dexterity? That'd be quite a combo. And a truck bed for the bounty wouldn't be the worst thing now, would it?

We're left with one truck, the Ford F-150 SVT Raptor. The Ford's front suspension has 11.2 inches of travel; the rear stretches about one inch further. Tow your trailer. Carry your dirt. Tow your trailer and carry your dirt up and over Mount Katahdin. Do so in style. SVT Raptors are seven inches wider than regular F-Series pickmeups, a dimension emphasized by side marker lights strung out on the Ford's temples. No other truck looks half as good as the SVT Raptor. No other truck can go half as many places as the Raptor. Ostensibly, that makes the Ford F-150 SVT Raptor about twice as good as any other truck.

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Engines: 310/400; 365/400 from a 5.4L V8 and a 6.2L V8

Base USD Price: $38,995

Cargo Capacity: 55.5 cubic feet of exterior cargo volume

Maximum Towing Capability: 6,000 pounds

City Mileage: 14 mpg

Special Parts: BFGoodrich All-Terrain 315/70-17 tires, internal bypass shocks from Fox Racing Shox, functional hood extractors, Hill Descent Control, Off-Road Mode, 4.10:1 differential, and 13.8" front brake discs are only some of the unique-to-the-Raptor components found on every Ford F-150 SVT Raptor before options have been added.

CLICK HERE FOR THE GOOD 12 SUPERSIZE v2.0 PART III

CLICK HERE FOR THE GOOD 12 SUPERSIZE v2.0 PART V

THE GOOD 12 SUPERSIZE v2.0 - PART III

goodcarbadcar@gmail.com (The Good Car Guy) — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 13:52:00 +0000

CHEVROLET AVALANCHE

Don't worry. You're not alone. There are other people buying vehicles with V8 engines. Moreover, people are still buying jumbo SUVs and full-size trucks. In terms of your unfounded guilt for considering the Chevrolet Avalanche, keep this fact in mind: plenty of others can't decide between a jumbo SUV and a full-size truck, either. They, too, settle on the Chevavalanche.

With political leaders meeting at the Copenhagen climate summit, it's not hard to see why you'd struggle with the thought of a multi-ton truck with SUVesque people carrying capaciousness. One five-passenger car plus a regular pickup truck would be a whole lot more inefficient. Besides, there's joy to be had with a Chevrolet Avalanche; the kind of joy that stems from dropping a midgate and shoving lumber into the cabin or raising the midgate and shutting the outside world.... out.

Chevrolet Avalanches are the pickup trucks for regular folk, the kind of guy (or gal) who almost needs a truck and surely can't survive with just a car. An Avalanche is a truck for the multitasker, a pickup for the family man, the SUV for the go-to girl.

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Engines: 320 horsepower; 335 lb-ft of torque from a 5.3L V8

Base USD Price: $35,725

Cargo Capacity: 45.5 cubic feet of exterior cargo volume

Maximum Towing Capability: 5,100-5,400 pounds

City Mileage: 15 mpg

Tier Two: You may've heard of another couple trucks manufactured by General Motors: the Silverado and Sierra? It's safe to say an Avalanche is sold once for every thirty Silverado/Sierra pickups. If this makes you think the Avalanche isn't good enough for anybody else so therefore won't be good enough for you, fuhgeddaboudit. Avalanche customers are opting into something very specific. Silverados and Sierras go out to all kinds of different folk looking for all kinds of different truck.

CLICK HERE FOR THE GOOD 12 SUPERSIZE v2.0 PART II

CLICK HERE FOR THE GOOD 12 SUPERSIZE v2.0 PART IV

THE GOOD 12 SUPERSIZE v2.0 - PART II

goodcarbadcar@gmail.com (The Good Car Guy) — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 13:50:00 +0000

BUICK ENCLAVE

In the inaugural Good 12 Supersize, the Buick Enclave grabbed hold of a position with many thanks to its designers. The Buick Enclave's design hasn't changed during the interim and no large crossover has appeared with a more resolved visage. Thus, the Enclave is found firmly entrenched in The Good 12 Supersize v2.0.

There's more to the big bruiser of a Buick than strong exterior styling. The inside's pretty fine, too. Opulent in every way - especially when it comes to an absurdly low decibel reading - the belly of this Buick is a place to whittle away hours upon hours; miles upon miles of interstate. Chuck a few friends in the back. Chuck the stuff of your friends behind your friends. Be content.

"But it's still a Buick," you say. Yeah, I say that, too. And then I say, "Would I want the best and most beautiful or the second-best, less beautiful but better-badeged option?" The answer's obvious. That's why the Buick Enclave is here in The Good 12 Supersize v2.0 and the Lexus RX is not.

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Engines: 280 horsepower; 270 lb-ft of torque from a 3.6L V6

Base USD Price: $35,215

Cargo Capacity: 115 cubic feet behind front row

Maximum Towing Capability: 2,000 pounds

City Mileage: 16-17 mpg

Activator: Buick is huge in China. In its home market of America, however, this sub-Cadillac brand has struggled for the last.... well, since I can remember. Nonetheless, the Enclave represents the start of a new era for Buick. The gorgeous second-gen LaCrosse is now on stream and the even better-looking Regal will be here soon. For a lesson in how to sell cars, hear ye this: build good product. Buick decided to heed the advice.

CLICK HERE FOR THE GOOD 12 SUPERSIZE v2.0 PART I

CLICK HERE FOR THE GOOD 12 SUPERSIZE v2.0 PART III

THE GOOD 12 SUPERSIZE v2.0 - PART I

goodcarbadcar@gmail.com (The Good Car Guy) — Sun, 20 Dec 2009 12:44:00 +0000

AUDI Q5

The four-ringed badge of Audi has always played a special role in the life of The Good Car Guy. It's hard to escape the effect a brand can have when, from birth, the smell and feel and atmosphere of a car company is embossed on one's consciousness. The Q5 is the quintessential modern Audi: a handsome and successful response to a growing segment. A handful of competitors were greeting the Audi Q5 when it first landed in dealers about a year ago. Audi managed to ascertain the potential customer's wishlist and then blended its own core values into a new segment with as little compromise as possible.

Spacious, stylish, and speedy, the Audi Q5 is to the small luxury SUV category what the Audi R8 is to the supercar establishment. Coming just a little out of right field, the Q5 - and the R8, too - aren't the most obvious choice but, upon closer inspection, reveal themselves to be the exceeders of expectations. Can I really have this much cool for this much money?

Apparently I can. We expect good interiors from Audi. Audi's Q5 innards are great. We expect a sporting nature from a new Audi. Q5s top the class in that department. Design is the factor which took Audi from also-ran status to the belief that, later on next decade, it could be the largest luxury brand in the world. The Q5? Mmm-hmm, one of the company's most cohesively styled current products.

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Engines: 270 horsepower; 243 lb-ft of torque from a 3.2L V6

Base USD Price: $37,350

Cargo Capacity: 57.3 cubic feet behind front row

Maximum Towing Capability: 4,400 pounds

City Mileage: 18 mpg

Stiff Competition: The Good Car Guy's visceral response to the Mercedes-Benz GLK landed that vehicle on GoodCarBadCar.net's 100 Favourite Cars list. On the other hand, the BMW X3 was in The Bad 8 Supersize last year. (Will it be again in v2.0?) Other opponents include the fun-to-drive Acura RDX, Infiniti's wagon-like EX35, the stylish new Volvo XC60, and Land Rover's butch LR2, all of which the Audi routinely out-sells. All but the Benz, that is.

CLICK HERE FOR THE GCBC AWARDS INTRODUCTION

CLICK HERE FOR THE GOOD 12 v3.0 PART XII

CLICK HERE FOR THE GOOD 12 SUPERSIZE v2.0 PART II

THE GOOD 12 v3.0 - PART XII

goodcarbadcar@gmail.com (The Good Car Guy) — Sat, 19 Dec 2009 13:35:00 +0000

VOLKSWAGEN JETTA SPORTWAGEN TDI

VOLKSWAGEN GOLF WAGON 2.0 TDI CLEAN DIESEL

Just before The Good 12 Supersize v2.0 begins, another wagon creeps into The Good 12 v3.0. Along with the BMW 3-Series Touring, Cadillac CTS Sport Wagon, and Toyota Venza is this, the Volkswagen Jetta SportWagen TDI. On the heels of vastly improved front fascia styling and small but meaningful changes underneath its skin, the new Jetta SportWagen TDI is definitely worth consideration as a new car purchase in 2010.

Don't fool yourself into believing that, as a turbodiesel, this Jetta SportWagen TDI is going to save you bucketloads of money. On the surface, Volkswagen doesn't really sell value anymore. First, you pay a healthy sum for the vehicle. Then you pay a little extra for wagonized utility. Okay, now fork over some more hard-earned cash for the diesel option. We're not in Honda Civic territory now, are we?

In fact, we're not even close. This ignores one of the biggest reasons-for-buying people discover on a Volkswagen test drive: feel. While it's true that Volkswagen wants an awful lot for this car, you'll feel like you're driving something worth an awful lot. Knobs, switches, buttons, and materials all feel as though they came from a much more expensive vehicle. The lack of vibration through the pedals are more reminiscent of the class above than the class below. Besides, people in those little cars with their alleged 30 mpg ratings have to stop for gas sometimes. In the Jetta SportWagen TDI, pulling over for a fill-up occurs little more than every 400 miles or so.... in city driving.

There's much more to the Volkswagen Jetta SportWagen TDI than the TDI engine. Every review of this VeeDub doesn't need to be limited to two topics of discussion: efficiency and emissions. Diesel-burning Jettas are fun to drive; 236 lb-ft of torque makes sure of that. Jetta SportWagens provide the atmosphere of a luxury car without the luxury car price and without a handful of luxury car accouterments. On the plus side, Volkswagen's Jetta SportWagen TDI happens to burn only a little fuel and does so with the planet's hygiene in mind.

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Engines: 140 horsepower; 236 lb-ft of torque from a turbodiesel 2.0L inline-four

Base USD Price: $25,060

City Mileage: 30 mpg

49th Parallel: What's with the naming conundrum? The 2010 wagonized version of Volkswagen's small car rides on the sixth-generation platform of the Volkswagen Golf. Plans are afoot for the Jetta, still a Golf MkV car, to fill a lower-priced role as a smaller car in the near future. It appears as though Volkswagen Canada decided to market the new wagon as the newer, better car that it is, seeing as how it rides on improved fifth-gen Golf architecture. No longer a Jetta in Canada, the wagon is now the Golf it's kinda-sorta always been. Volkswagen of America stayed the course.

CLICK HERE FOR THE GOOD 12 v3.0 PART XI

CLICK HERE FOR THE GOOD 12 SUPERSIZE v2.0 PART I

THE GOOD 12 v3.0 - PART XI

goodcarbadcar@gmail.com (The Good Car Guy) — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 13:40:00 +0000

TOYOTA VENZA

Beautiful cars of yesteryear weren't full of overwrought styling idiosyncrasies or oversized wheels and grille badges. Clearly then, the Toyota Venza is not a beautiful car. Nevertheless, the Venza is a bold approach from a conservative automaker. Tall wagons are all the rage, yet a Toyota foray into this segment assembles an aura of general acceptance because of its underpinnings and the brand's reputation.

The foundation of the Toyota Venza is as solid a platform as can be found in the North American marketplace. Venzas can be equipped for budget-minded family car buyers or elite performance crossover costumers looking for fun, luxury, and the obvious dose of practicality. MIndful of its competition, you may believe the Venza to be too small inside, too big outside, or more car-like (or truck-like) than necessary.

To be precise, the Toyota Venza is the everyman's car. The capacity to haul whatever it is that consumes your busy life is present and accounted for. Your concerns may revolve around fuel economy or dynamics - the Venza ought to alleviate such paranoia. Venza buyers are the smart ones. They're the ones buying a traditional vehicle wrapped in a modern skin. Like the Matrix beneath and the 4Runner above, the Venza suits your supposed "active lifestyle" to a T. Granted, Toyota's Venza does so with a design that'll force forgetfulness of your grandparents' station wagon.

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Engines: 182/268; 182/246 lb-ft of torque from a 2.7L inline-four or a 3.5L V6

Base USD Price: $25,975

City Mileage: 19-21 mpg

The Camry: It's easy for Toyota to make a whole lot of money off the Camry. First, they sell a whole lot of Camrys; over 400,000 a year in the USA alone. Then they use the Camry's platform and/or engines in numerous other vehicles, including this Venza. Imagine a Camry that looks good, isn't identical to your neighbours car, with the utility of a tall wagon, for not much more money than the Camry itself? That'd be the Toyota Venza.

CLICK HERE FOR THE GOOD 12 v3.0 PART X

CLICK HERE FOR THE GOOD 12 v3.0 PART XII

ENTRY-LUXURY CAR SALES IN CANADA (NOVEMBER 2009)

goodcarbadcar@gmail.com (The Good Car Guy) — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 16:39:00 +0000

Merge the Mercedes-Benz C-Class with the Audi A4. Quite a car, eh? One would also assume that the combined Sales Stats would be wicked sweet. Except, judging by November's Canada Auto Sales figures, the BMW 3-Series would still sell more than a Mercedes-Audi C4. As for the low-lifes from Lexus, Infiniti, Cadillac, and a few other prominent luxury automakers, their sales are but a trickle compared with the insurmountable 3-Series Bimmer.

Get the October story here or check the equivalent U.S. Graph here.

BEST-SELLING SMALL LUXURY SUV IN CANADA (NOVEMBER 2009)

goodcarbadcar@gmail.com (The Good Car Guy) — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 16:31:00 +0000

Every one of the vehicles listed below were their respective brand's best-selling SUVs in November. Except one. The oft-rejected BMW X3, a Bad 8 Supersize loser, didn't sell as well as the larger, more expensive BMW X5. Each and every model in this Graph are the most inexpensive route to the luxury SUV lifestyle in their particular dealerships. Translated: this is where the volume ought to come from. At BMW, that simply isn't the case. Help is on the way with the equally ugly BMW X1, by which time the X3 will hopefully have undergone a makeover.

For all the Numbers from October's small luxury SUVs, click here. Through this link you'll find the Sales Stats on these very same SUVs in America.

TOP 5 BEST-SELLING SUVs IN CANADA (NOVEMBER 2009)

goodcarbadcar@gmail.com (The Good Car Guy) — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 16:20:00 +0000

Perhaps unfairly, The Good Car Guy links the basically identical Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra but doesn't do the same for the Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain. GMC sold 711 Terrains in Canada in November, but as General Motors makes more of an effort to differentiate their products it becomes more challenging for GoodCarBadCar.net Sales Stats Graphs to combine their figures.

For your information, were the two GM crossoverish SUVs linked for the purpose of calculating the Top 5 Best-Selling SUVs in Canada, they'd forge a path to the number four spot. The Equinox, by itself, is in fifth behind a handful of steadily successful small SUVs. For October's report, click here, or check November's best-selling SUVs from south of the border here.

TOP 5 BEST-SELLING TRUCKS IN CANADA (NOVEMBER 2009)

goodcarbadcar@gmail.com (The Good Car Guy) — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 16:10:00 +0000

Even combining the sales of Chevy's Silverado and the GMC Sierra - which, as you see, they are in the Graph below - isn't enough to tackle Ford's indomitable F-Series pickup trucks.

The F-150 and family is the Cosa Nostra of trucks in North America. No matter how capable the competition, the big Ford comes out victorious. Of course, the Ford is helped by being, quite possible, the best pickup truck available. But one gets the impression that even if Chevrolet/GMC, Dodge, Toyota, and Nissan produced slightly better trucks, the Ford would still take the Sales Stats crown. For October's Top 5 Best-Selling Trucks Graph, click here. Or check out the equivalent U.S. post here.

TOP 10 BEST-SELLING CARS IN CANADA : NOVEMBER 2009

goodcarbadcar@gmail.com (The Good Car Guy) — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 15:58:00 +0000

Honda continued its reign of Canadian auto-selling dominance with a strong performance in November. Civic sales were nearly 700 higher than in November of 2008. To American observers, the most surprising character in this Top 10 has got to be the Toyota Venza, a vehicle not yet so accepted south of the border. The Venza out-sells the Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, Ford Fusion, and Nissan Altima in Canada.

For addicts of the GCBC Awards, forgive this interruption. There's a few Canada Auto Sales/Sales Stats/Graph posts yet to come over the next few hours before regular programming resumes with Part XI of The Good 12 v3.0 tomorrow morning. Check out October's equivalent Graph here. Or grab the info on America's best-selling cars here.

THE GOOD 12 v3.0 - PART X

goodcarbadcar@gmail.com (The Good Car Guy) — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 13:29:00 +0000

SMART FORTWO

Parallel parking a smart fortwo, the Mercedes-Benz-developed city car, comes as easily as selecting new music on an iPod click wheel. Natural simplification of the automotive breed is the smart's calling card. Dial 7-627-836-7896. "You've reached smart fortwo, all the car a duo'll ever need," the operator says.

Fuel economy in GoodCarBadCar's long-termer has been better than the EPA estimates. Driving the smart is.... a blast. The smart's steering is active, grip is always surprisingly abundant, and the shifter becomes your friend once you become a learned fortwo driver. This adds up to an itty-bitty microcar that's truly fun to chuck across a twisty backroad.

However, 10/10ths driving pleasure isn't appropriate grounds for buying a smart fortwo, whether it's in pure, passion, or Brabus trim. smart cars are money savers. Budget helpers. Wallet thickeners. Fund protectors. Running costs are ridiculously low once the resale value, fuel costs, maintenance, and insurance are taken into account along with the low MSRP. Have fun. Save your money.

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Engines: 70 horsepower; 68 lb-ft of torque from a 1.0L inline-three

Base USD Price: $11,990

City Mileage: 33 mpg

Across The Pond: In other parts of the world, Mercedes-Benz fits generation 451 of the smart fortwo with a highly efficient 0.8L diesel and, in some cases, a turbocharged 1.0L triple generating around 100 horsepower. While smart sales are inconsitent in the United States, it seems likely that the availability of unique powerplants (or even a 5-speed manual tranny) could spur smart sales to a loftier plateau.

CLICK HERE FOR THE GOOD 12 v3.0 PART IX

CLICK HERE FOR THE GOOD 12 v3.0 PART XI

THE GOOD 12 v3.0 - PART IX

goodcarbadcar@gmail.com (The Good Car Guy) — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 13:27:00 +0000

PORSCHE BOXSTER SPYDER

Delete the air-conditioning, cupholders, and stereo system from a regular Porsche Boxster S, an already high-performing roadster. Enforce a scrupulous inventory of the weight of a few other key Boxster items, even the soft top. Curb weight drops by nearly 200 pounds. Now bump up the power of the 3.4L horizontally-opposed six cylinder.

Easily, the Porsche Boxster Spyder becomes one of, if not the most accomplished mid-engine sports car in the world. Ah, but there's more, so much more. Finally the Boxster becomes the good-looking roadster it always should have been. The rear deck features a curvaceous double-bubble design. This small change, which includes a well-hung CHMSL, works wonders on the fairly plain design of the regular Boxster. Even the Boxster Spyder's decals add to the presentation.

The debut of the Porsche Boxster Spyder eliminates the regular Boxster and Boxster S from The Good 12 party after obvious inductions in the two years prior to v3.0. Although priced above the Boxster S, the Boxster Spyder proves the merit of the "less is more" philosophy which is at the core of Porsche's existence.

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Engines: 320 horsepower; 273 lb-ft of torque from a 3.4L boxer-six

Base USD Price: $61,200

City Mileage: 19 mpg (est.)

AMG, M & RS: In the Boxster S, Porsche already produced a formidable competitor for the high-strung roadsters from BMW's M division, the AMG outpost of Mercedes-Benz, and the new Audi TT RS. It's now highly unlikely that any of the Porsche Boxster's rivals could handle the Spyder on track. And aesthetically, the Boxster Spyder's alterations make the Porsche fit for visual perusal when parked beside the Audi TT and BMW Z4.

CLICK HERE FOR THE GOOD 12 v3.0 PART VIII

CLICK HERE FOR THE GOOD 12 v3.0 PART X

THE GOOD 12 v3.0 - PART VIII

goodcarbadcar@gmail.com (The Good Car Guy) — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 13:56:00 +0000

NISSAN 370Z

With a history dating back forty years, the Nissan Z is a known quantity. Also well known are the Z's positive characteristics: powerful engines, spirited dynamics, provocative styling, and value-driven prices. Okay, the Nissan 370Z isn't an inexpensive car. When measured alongside similarly capable vehicles, however, it's the Z that offers the most for the least.

Unlike the 350Z, the Nissan 370Z comes across as a much more refined sports car. Noise, vibration, and harshness have all been reduced. The clippity-clompity once heard (and felt) by 350Z owners on rough roads is nearly absent from the proceedings. Fortunately, the Z isn't growing soft in its old age. This is a high-performance car; capable of tackling a track at a moments notice and setting a better time than the otherwise excellent Hyundai Genesis Coupe or the sublime Mercedes-Benz SLK350.

All this happens to sit well with the 370Z's improved design. Nipped here, tucked there - the Z is a tauter version of its old self. Nissan has given the Z such a strong rear-wheel drive stance; it looks about as fast as it actually is. The place where you'll while away the hours has been improved, too. What's not to like? Perhaps only the fact that Nissan's ability to steadily improve the Z means something even better this way comes.

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Engines: 332 horsepower; 270 lb-ft of torque from a 3.7L V6

Base USD Price: $29,990

City Mileage: 18-19 mpg

Shrinking: Weighing in 107 pounds lighter, measuring 2.6 inches shorter from nose-to-tail and a hair shorter at the roofline; the 370Z is in better fighting shape than the old 350Z. The acceleration benefits of an increase in power and a decrease in weight are obvious. Slight improvements in fuel economy aren't so bad either. Besides, with a bit extra in the hips, the 370Z looks better: ya know that whole longer/lower/wider thing? It works.

CLICK HERE FOR THE GOOD 12 v3.0 PART VII

CLICK HERE FOR THE GOOD 12 v3.0 PART IX

THE GOOD 12 v3.0 - PART VII

goodcarbadcar@gmail.com (The Good Car Guy) — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 12:43:00 +0000

MINI COOPER

Owning a Mini Cooper is all about the possession of cake and the consuming thereof. Although priced for Dairy Queen's freezer, this cake takes ingredients from one of the best cake-makers in the world. The pastry chefs hail from the land of the Ultimate Driving Machine. The basic Mini - like the original - is meant to be eaten, I mean.... driven - with gusto.

Moderate levels of horsepower and torque work well when weight is kept in check. A turbocharged Cooper S, though plenty entertaining when driven aggressively, isn't necessary in order to have fun in daily circumstances. Meanwhile the Clubman is a mite fugly and the Convertible a touch bloated. In other words, don't be put off by the Mini Cooper's diminutive stature or its less stimulating straight-line pull. This is a car built for corners.

Don't bother passing judgment on the price per square foot ratio, either. Standard features and dynamics make up for a lack of rear seat space and the nearly absent aperture astern. Besides, the Mini wouldn't be a Mini if it weren't mini. Even a hint of obesity would have ruinous effects on the Mini Cooper's steering and its ability to soak up bumps. So a small cake it is, but a very pretty and tasty cake indeed. Bon appetit.

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Engines: 118 horsepower; 114 lb-ft of torque from a 1.6L inline-four

Base USD Price: $18,800

City Mileage: 25-28 mpg

Sales Stats: After the first eleven months of '09 had passed by, BMW announced that Mini had sold 198,163 variations of the One, D, Cooper, and S worldwide. Compared with global leaders like the Ford F-Series, Toyota Corolla, Volkswagen Golf, and Ford Focus.... that's nothing. But for a profit haven like Mini, even a decrease in November still means Mini sales in America topped 2,500.

CLICK HERE FOR THE GOOD 12 v3.0 PART VI

CLICK HERE FOR THE GOOD 12 v3.0 PART VIII

THE GOOD 12 v3.0 - PART VI

goodcarbadcar@gmail.com (The Good Car Guy) — Sun, 13 Dec 2009 13:14:00 +0000

MAZDA 6

Family needs may compel you to acquire a traditional family sedan. But that doesn't mean you need to choose the traditional family sedan your neighbours selected. Far be it from GoodCarBadCar.net to pronounce the Toyota Camry as bad. And you're not about to discover a newfound hatred for the Honda Accord, a former Good 12 winner. Still, does any street in North America need more of the same?

First and foremost among the Mazda 6's appealing characteristics is its design. Sleek, modern, even a smidge bold in light of alternatives from... well, everybody else. The front-end would fit in fine on a sporty four-door. The profile view is oh-so-pseudo Aston Martin. More importantly, in a vehicle class where cars are typically designed by thirty employees in four countries, the Mazda is cohesive - front to back, side to side.

Opting for the V6 nets you an absolute beast. Large horsepower numbers have corrupted our IQ accelerometers. 269 lb-ft? That makes for pleasing motive force. Interior space is fit for a family. Unlike gargantuan three-row SUVs, the Mazda 6 accomodates the kids side-by-side in the rear seat. Yes, very traditional. Bickering, brawling, and bawling. There's no need to be perfunctory. Skip ye the prosaic - you can have what you want in something more pulchritudinous.

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Engines: 170/272 horsepower; 167/269 lb-ft of torque from a 2.5L inline-four and a 3.7L V6

Base USD Price: $19,200

City Mileage: 17-21 mpg

Large Class Sizes: Like many cars currently considered to be participants in the "mid-size" class, the Mazda 6 ain't the size it used to be. Compared to the final 626, the 2010 6 sits on a wheelbase 4.7 inches longer. Its overall length adds more than half a foot. The newer car is also 3 inches wider. On the plus side, humans enjoy nearly five cubic feet of extra space and can tote along an extra 2.5 cubic-feet worth of junk. To its detriment, the Honda Accord is taller, wider, and longer.

CLICK HERE FOR THE GOOD 12 v3.0 PART V

CLICK HERE FOR THE GOOD 12 v3.0 PART VII

THE GOOD 12 v3.0 - PART V

goodcarbadcar@gmail.com (The Good Car Guy) — Sat, 12 Dec 2009 12:55:00 +0000

KIA SOUL

Big league automotive designers will invariably tell you that designing small vehicles is more challenging than adding huge style quotients to large vehicles. Lines can't be as long. Specific attributes won't extend. The canvas is just too tiny. Designers of the Kia Soul, however, managed to utilize large car proportions with small car dimensions to create one of the most handsome econocars in a long time.

Priced in a basement labelled, "Bargain", the Kia Soul offers the sort of trim and equipment small car buyers expect. Under the hood, power is far from prodigious but plenty for a vehicle of the Soul's size. Handling is set up to be significantly more sporty than that of the Nissan Cube, the Kia Soul's most direct competition. The Soul's interior fit and finish bears the trademark of an improving brand - not Audiesque but bunches better than it once was in Korean cars.

People generally flock to the newest or flashiest product, whether it's phones or clothes or interior decor or.... cars. And as we all know, people generally don't care if that newer, flashier product is a little more expensive. Imagine the newer, flashier model being the inexpensive model; a solid all-around model with everything you need and want. To be precise, you don't need to imagine any longer - the Kia Soul is the newer, flashier, less expensive model.

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Engines: 122/142 horsepower; 115/137 lb-ft of torque from a 1.6L inline-four and a 2.0L inline-four

Base USD Price: $13,300

City Mileage: 24-26 mpg

Square Route: The Soul's battle with the Nissan Cube has been thoroughly chronicled here at GoodCarBadCar.net. Beyond that, the Scion xB and Honda Element have played the boxy field, too. Through a healthy chunk of 2009, it seems as though Kia's the one brand to have successfully decoded the formula in both the USA and Canada. The route to square is through Guangju.

CLICK HERE FOR THE GOOD 12 v3.0 PART IV

CLICK HERE FOR THE GOOD 12 v3.0 PART VI

THE GOOD 12 v3.0 - PART IV

goodcarbadcar@gmail.com (The Good Car Guy) — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 11:55:00 +0000

HYUNDAI GENESIS 4.6

Hyundai's new beginning didn't start with the Genesis. Quality came first, attached to the value card Hyundai's been waving around for a couple decades. The Genesis V8 combines quality.... with value .... with an outreach into waters generally protected by famed German brands. Last year, the Hyundai Genesis' value was downplayed in The Good 12 v2.0 because, in all truth, "merit it hath". In 2010, with sole emphasis on the 4.6L V8, the Genesis still stands fast as a steal of a deal; only Hyundai's all-around success has added to the Genesis 4.6's desirability. The Genesis sells better now than it did when new.

Yes, Hyundai is now so arrestingly influential in such a huge percentage of new car buyers' minds, those in the know don't doubt the discernment of anybody considering the biggest Hyundai. With any other logo on the grille, the Hyundai Genesis 4.6 would appear to be a worthy alternative to the Mercedes-Benz E-Class and Lexus GS even if Hyundai priced the V8 closer to $50K than $40K.

Space, pace, and grace were traits that once made Jaguar the envy of many. Abundant cabin room, gigantic levels of horsepower, and agreeable body lines are Hyundai's answer to Sir William Lyons' triptych. Space, pace, and grace now come from a different place: Ulsan, South Korea.

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Engines: 385 horsepower; 333 lb-ft of torque from a 4.6L V8

Base USD Price: $39,500

City Mileage: 17 mpg

The V6: You might recall last year's victorious Genesis featured a V6, as well. Hyundai will still sell you a V6 Genesis for $33,000. That car's still a good value. More and more, however, the V8 Genesis appears like a shining light, a large car with large power and luxury fittings for a smaller car/smaller power price. The V6 Genesis offers plenty, but other more dynamic cars seduce the discerning buyer at that price point.

CLICK HERE FOR THE GOOD 12 v3.0 PART III

CLICK HERE FOR THE GOOD 12 v3.0 PART V

THE GOOD 12 v3.0 - PART III

goodcarbadcar@gmail.com (The Good Car Guy) — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 13:09:00 +0000

FORD FUSION HYBRID

Specifying one specific Fusion model when the whole range of Ford's mid-size sedan has been improved may seem surprising at first glance. Consider the Fusion Hybrid's conventional way of going about its business, however, in addition to its jaw-dropping fuel efficiency, and surprise becomes clarity.

As opposed to the numerous gas-electric hybrid drivetrains which paved the way, the Ford Fusion Hybrid powers up hills; steers into a parking spot; and handles a twisty road like a normal car. No, it's not the sportiest version of the Fusion, nor is it the fastest mid-size sedan available in North America or even the best-handling. What the Fusion Hybrid does offer is actual value. This car is priced like a regular top-line Fusion. You don't have to pay thousands more and wonder how you'll ever earn back the initial outlay. There's been the odd hybrid that could say the same thing, but it wouldn't drive like the Fusion. Equipped as nicely as the 4-cylinder Fusion SEL, the Fusion Hybrid actually generates more power under the hood. Yes, you pay more but yes, you'll get more.

Begin contemplating the Ford Fusion Hybrid's ability to travel nearly twice as far on a gallon of gasoline when driving in the city, and the rest of the Fusion range seems nearly forgettable.

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Engines: 156 horsepower; 136 lb-ft from a 2.5L inline-four plus 106 horsepower; 166 lb-ft of torque from synchronous electric motor equals 191 net horsepower

Base USD Price: $27,625

City Mileage: 41 mpg

Range: With a tank capable of holding 17.5 gallons of gasoline, the Fusion Hybrid could potentially travel 717.5 miles in the city without stopping for gas. On the highway, the Fusion Hybrid would be limited to 630 miles. Car & Driver saw 34 mpg in the real world, meaning the Fusion Hybrid's range would still be an amazing 595 miles (957.6 kilometres).

CLICK HERE FOR THE GOOD 12 v3.0 PART II

CLICK HERE FOR THE GOOD 12 v3.0 PART IV

THE GOOD 12 v3.0 - PART II

goodcarbadcar@gmail.com (The Good Car Guy) — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 13:11:00 +0000

CADILLAC CTS SPORT WAGON

Though the word "station wagon" is losing its grandfatherly connotation, automakers are still reluctant to use the term freely. Phrases like SW, Touring, and Variant are predominant. Cadillac appreciates the sound of Sport Wagon, bloodcurdling if applied to the old Fleetwood but distinctly apropos now that the CTS is hot stuff.

Last year GoodCarBadCar.net honoured the Cadillac CTS-V because it was deemed to be "a worthy car without the value equation" its low price helping "to make the case". This year, the CTS Sport Wagon has been appraised as all the Cadillac you'll ever need. Significantly more handsome than the regular CTS sedan, it's just as pleasant to drive and twice as intelligent a purchase. In light of its competition, the CTS Sport Wagon is more of a genuine hauler than the vehicles with which its affiliated in price yet a shocking value when contrasted with similarly-sized cars.

Cadillac has configured a peachy potpourri by stretching the CTS's roofline. Even at a slightly higher price, this car's superior dynamic talent and eye-catching appearance would likely earn it a place in The Good 12 v3.0. As it stands now, the CTS Sport Wagon will be known for knocking the superb Audi A4 Avant out of the mix.

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Engines: 270/304 horsepower; 223/273 lb-ft of torque from 3.0L V6 and a 3.6L V6

Base USD Price: $39,830

City Mileage: 18 mpg

Portmonteau: Upgrading your cargo-carrying capacity from the CTS sedan's 13.6 cubic feet to the wagon's 58 cubic feet would (theoretically) enable you to carry enough gasoline to see your CTS Sport Wagon travel from Boston to Los Angeles and back two times without stopping. If only you could store all that fuel safely and achieve a constant 26 miles per gallon.

CLICK HERE FOR THE GOOD 12 v3.0 PART I

CLICK HERE FOR THE GOOD 12 v3.0 PART III

THE GOOD 12 v3.0 - PART I

goodcarbadcar@gmail.com (The Good Car Guy) — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 13:38:00 +0000

BMW 3-SERIES

Sometime last century an executive in Munich decided the best way to satisfy hundreds of thousands of car buyers was to offer those buyers the exact same thing in countless flavours. Thus, the idea for continually multiplying the variants of BMW's 3-Series was born. Its competition has been - and likely forever will be - stymied.

Imagine a street fight where you enter the alley with nothing but your fists. Sure, you're strong. And you've been trained by some of the best. That being said, your opponent has a knife in one hand, a bicycle chain hanging out of his back pocket, and a bulge on his left ankle which ominously represents your inevitable defeat.

Likewise, an army of adversaries has sprung up to struggle against the BMW 3-Series. Some even enter the fray with numerous adaptations of their own. Not a single automaker can put up a genuine Sales Stats fight with the small BMW, however. More certainly, not a single 3-Series enemy equips itself with a chassis as fit for an engagement; engines as amped for a streetlight altercation; or an image as intimidating before a quarrel.

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Engines: 230/300/265/414 horsepower; 200/300/425/295 lb-ft of torque from a 3.0L inline-six, a twin-turbocharged 3.0L inline-six, a twin-turbocharged 3.0L inline-six diesel, and a 4.0L V8

Base USD Price: $32,850

City Mileage: 14-23 mpg

Configurations: Six different sedans with four different engines and the option of all-wheel drive. Five different coupes with three engines and the option of all-wheel drive. Three convertibles, each with their own engine. And a wagon with just the one engine but still available with all-wheel drive. Plus, in Canada, the availability of a 2.5L inline-six with 200 horsepower which brings the base 3-Series price down by $6,500.

CLICK HERE FOR THE GCBC AWARDS INTRODUCTION

CLICK HERE FOR THE GOOD 12 v3.0 PART II

2010 GOODCARBADCAR.NET AWARDS - INTRODUCTION

goodcarbadcar@gmail.com (The Good Car Guy) — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 12:56:00 +0000

From now until January 8th, GoodCarBadCar.net profiles the best and worst of what's available in the North American automotive Marketplace. Over the course of the next twelve days, cars will be released one-by-one in alphabetical order. Twelve cars. Grouped together as The Good 12 v3.0. The cars you should seriously consider before putting your hard-earned coin down for anything else over the next twelve months.

To qualify for entrance into such a hallowed group cars must be winners from The Good 12 v2.0. Of course, that knocks out hundreds of models. So another ticket can be written up for all-new or significantly revised cars that are either on sale or about to be. (Scroll down for a complete list of nominees, * marking returnees.) After all, if a car had been considered for The Good 12 before and did not make it, what's the point in trying again against improved cars and the cars by which it was previously beaten?

Finally, cars must be priced under $71,230 in the United States. U.S. prices are used because, well, a line has to be drawn somewhere. $71,230 is the line over which the truly, very expensive cars abide. $71,230 is the average price paid for new cars in America over the first three-quarters of 2009, multiplied by 2.5. If you're paying more than $71,230, we'll assume your car is great. If your car isn't great at that price level, then it's especially sucky and you can consider yourself shunned for buying it.

When it comes to The Good 12 Supersize v2.0, the rules are identical. In this section, however, cars are disqualified and trucks, vans, and SUVs provide filler. The Good Car Guy isn't in agreement with all other publications as to which vehicles qualify for status. For instance, regardless of its roof height, GoodCarBadCar.net officially labels the Subaru Outback as a car, not an SUV. That goes for the Toyota Venza, as well. Meanwhile, the Mazda 5 was a winner in the initial Good 12 Supersize because it is, in essence, a people mover. People movers, cargo haulers, and off-road capable vehicles are fit for The Good 12 Supersize v2.0..... unless they happen to be cars.

As for The Bad 8 v3.0 and The Bad 8 Supersize v2.0, the rules remain uncorrupted but the objective is reversed. The price ceiling is intact and qualifying rules are identical. Rather than identify the automobiles you must consider in 2010, these are the vehicles you must avoid. At almost any cost.

The Good Car Guy remains a firm believer in the excellence of this current age of automobiles. Bad vehicles aren't awful because they're prone to falling apart at the seams or suffer misplaced pistons at predictable intervals. No, bad cars are to be avoided these days simply because greatness is available. The bad cars, trucks, SUVs, and vans are bad in the sense that boredom sets in rapidly or because good designers weren't consulted or because the accountants had something to say about the price - and wanted it too high. That which is bad at $30,000 may have been excellent if the MSRP was cut in half. We think a Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano is spectacular at $300K. Imagine how we'd feel if it were priced like a Corvette. Get the picture?

Before granting permission to enter the hallowed halls of The Good 12 v3.0 or The Good 12 Supersize v2.0, vehicles are first expected to excite, to ignite some form of passion. Don't be ugly; don't be priced beyond your market; and don't cause me to suffer boredom. Please do consider performance, even if tiny levels of horsepower are necessary. Be unique; unanticipated and unexpected. Take the traditional - use it - and turn it on its head. Show me something I've never seen before. Show me what I've seen before and make it better. Make appropriate use of your history and cause me to feel nostalgic, not nauseous. And look good doing it.

The Good 12 v3.0 begins today. The Good 12 Supersize v2.0 kicks in on the 20th. New Years Day is the beginning of The Bad 8 v3.0 at two releases per day. On the 5th of January, The Bad 8 Supersize v2.0 begins.

THE GOOD 12 v3.0 NOMINEES

Acura TSX V6 ~ *Audi A4 Avant ~ *Audi TT & TTS ~ Audi A5 2.0T ~ Audi S5 Cabriolet ~ Audi A6 3.0T ~ Audi S4 ~ *BMW 3-Series ~ BMW 5-Series GT ~ BMW Z4 ~ Buick LaCrosse ~ *Cadillac CTS-V & Sport Wagon ~ *Chevrolet Corvette ~ Ford Fusion ~ Ford Mustang ~ Honda Accord Crosstour ~ *Honda Fit ~ Honda Insight ~ *Hyundai Genesis & Coupe ~ Jaguar XF ~ Kia Forte & Koup ~ Kia Soul ~ Lexus HS250h ~ Lexus IS Convertible ~ Lincoln MKS EcoBoost ~ Mazda 3 ~ *Mazda 6 ~ Mercedes-Benz E-Class ~ *Mini Cooper ~ Nissan 370Z ~ *Porsche Boxster & Boxster Spyder ~ *smart fortwo ~ Subaru Legacy & Outback ~ Suzuki Kizashi ~ Toyota Prius ~ Toyota Venza ~ Volkswagen Golf & *GTI ~ Volkswagen Jetta SportWagen TDI

THE GOOD 12 SUPERSIZE v2.0 NOMINEES

Acura ZDX ~ *Audi Q5 ~ *Buick Enclave ~ Cadillac SRX ~ *Chevrolet Avalanche ~ Chevrolet Equinox ~ Ford F150 SVT Raptor ~ Ford Flex EcoBoost ~ GMC Terrain ~ *Honda Odyssey ~ *Infiniti FX ~ *Jeep Wrangler ~ Land Rover LR4 ~ Lincoln MKT ~ *Mazda CX-9 ~ *Mazda 5 ~ *Mercedes-Benz GL350 Bluetec & GL450 ~ Mercedes-Benz GLK ~ *Nissan Xterra ~ *Subaru Forester ~ Toyota 4Runner ~ *Toyota Highlander ~ Volvo XC60

THE BAD 8 v3.0 NOMINEES

Acura TSX V6 ~ Audi TTS ~ Audi A5 2.0T ~ Audi S5 Cabriolet ~ Audi A6 3.0T ~ Audi S4 ~ BMW 5-Series GT ~ BMW Z4 ~ Buick LaCrosse ~ Cadillac CTS Sport Wagon ~ *Chrysler Sebring Convertible ~ *Dodge Challenger SE ~ Ford Fusion ~ Ford Mustang ~ Honda Insight ~ Hyundai Genesis Coupe ~ Jaguar XF ~ Kia Forte & Koup ~ Kia Soul ~ Lexus HS250h ~ Lexus IS Convertible ~ Lincoln MKS EcoBoost ~ *Lincoln Town Car ~ Mazda 3 ~ Mercedes-Benz E-Class ~ Nissan 370Z ~ *Nissan Versa Sedan ~ Porsche Boxster Spyder ~ *Saab 9-5 ~ Subaru Legacy & Outback ~ Suzuki Kizashi ~ Toyota Prius ~ Toyota Venza ~ Volkswagen Golf ~ Volkswagen Jetta SportWagen TDI

(Successfully extinguished: Cadillac STS V8 ~ Kia Amanti ~ Pontiac G6 GXP)

THE BAD 8 SUPERSIZE v2.0 NOMINEES

Acura ZDX ~ *BMW X3 ~ *BMW X6 ~ Cadillac SRX ~ Chevrolet Equinox ~ Ford F150 SVT Raptor ~ *Ford Explorer Sport Trac ~ Ford Flex EcoBoost ~ *Ford Ranger ~ GMC Terrain ~ *GMC Yukon Denali ~ *Hummer H2 SUT ~ *Jeep Patriot F2C ~ Land Rover LR4 ~ Lincoln MKT ~ Mercedes-Benz GLK ~ *Mercedes-Benz R-Class ~ Toyota 4Runner ~ Volvo XC60

CLICK HERE FOR THE GOOD 12 v3.0 PART I

PORSCHE PANAMERA COMMERCIAL

goodcarbadcar@gmail.com (The Good Car Guy) — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 13:34:00 +0000

An ugly car doesn't look so bad when placed beside a very ugly car. Indeed, a very ugly car isn't so terrible when positioned next to the ugliest car. On the other hand, settling an ugly car down in the midst of a bunch of iconic and sometimes beautiful cars makes the ugly car look even uglier than it truly is.

Such is the case with this Porsche Panamera commercial. Only a brainwashed Porsche sales consultant would call the Panamera anything better than decent. Displaying the Panamera with the Pontiac Aztek, SsangYong Rodius, BMW X6, and Jeep Compass would flatter the big Porsche 5-door hatchbackish sedan. Instead, Porsche played the "family tree" card (which works out well at 0:56 in the commercial below) and introduced the Panamera to TV watchers in the light of a bijillion other Porsches, most of which look good; almost all of which appear appropriate.

As a result of showing the Panamera with ancient 911s, the stunning Carrera GT, and even official Porsche racing cars, the newest member of the fleet looks like what it is: huge, ungainly, and an unfortunate alloy of disproportionate ideas for the affluent. In this Porsche commercial, the Panamera emerges from the fleet as a too-tall; too-wide; too-bulbous mixture of Porsche design cues which should have been built; but should have been styled very differently.