Autoblog

We really doubt many automakers take our suggestions seriously but we can't help but point out when changes we've advocated here actually take shape on a production vehicle. When the Porsche Cayenne came out I thought it was a beautifully crafted SUV. But it had this atrocious chrome bordering all the windows. It made a mean machine look gaudy. In Detroit I saw the new model year Cayennes on display and the base model (above) had no chrome, while the Turbo (click below) had replaced the chrome with a frosted silver plastic (also noticed that on some Audis). Both are vast improvements and I salute Porsche for making the change, even if it had nothing to do with us.

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Yesterday I explained how there were two kinds of concept cars. Ones that are almost ready for production like the Acura RDX and ones that are too whacky to every be built but offer a realistic technology/idea that isn't being used today. The Infiniti Kuraza concept was way out there alright, but it also had six doors total and the rear two swung out suicide style. The Mazda RX-8 and Saturn Ion proved you could make a car's chassis rigid and stable without the extra pillar between doors so this is possible. And if all the automakers are so concerned about hauling seven or eight people comfortably they might as well make it easy during the entry and exit. How often d you hear a friend grumble as they squeeze back to a rear seat in any SUV, minivan or even coupe. With this many doors all the griping would go away.

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Regular readers know I'm not a big fan of Lexus. Yes, they make nice, quality cars that offer a lot of luxury for the money. But to me there isn't much soul to them. Even Acura seems to have more of an edge than Lexus. But after seeing the new GS 430 at the Detroit Auto Show I found myself admiring the style of a Lexus for the first time since the brand debuted. It's hard to see here but the lines that run from the headlights on back are very sculpted and add a touch of flair. Even the grill seems a bit more aggressive. The tail is boring and Honda-like but could be worse. I do like the lip spoiler though. 

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Acura has actually widened the body on this A-Spec Concept, The RL is already a capable sedan and the A-Spec will add 20-inch wheels, a new grill (that does nothing for me), spoiler and high-flow exhaust. Again it looks like there won't be any engine upgrade if the concept makes it to reality. Also this morning Honda announced an all-new Civic in 2006. That includes a new body and four new powerplants and 2, 3, 4 and 5-door bodies. Don't get too excited, those body shapes will be offered globally. Expect the US to be saddled with the same boring layouts we have now. No mention of when or where we'll see the new Civic and Honda has no news on when that might be.

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There were some really cool concepts this year. My favorites were either ones that could easily make it to production in the near future, or offer one innovation that could help the industry as a whole, even if the concept itself sucks. The Acura RDX fits squarely in the first category and makes my wish list. Acura should be thinking of a smaller SUV and then they can beef up the popular MDX a bit (not too much though!) and compete with the BMW X3 and X5, Lexus RX330 and GX 470 etc.

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It seems like Mercedes is keeping up with the Joneses, or more likely BMW, and is now offering iPod accessories so you can play your favorite MP3s right through the stock stereo. Unlike the BMW version, the Merc will display your selections on the factory unit. The official Mercedes site says this will be offered on select 2005 and newer models. So run right out to your dealer.

Thanks to Wil for the tip

For those that are hating on the new Dodge Charger I thought you might like to know that it looks pretty good up close. The lines are much more elegant than I thought they'd be. However I'm kind of annoyed Dodge didn't take the opportunity to make the little changes to the interior that would make the Magnum better. Mainly nicer gauges and steering wheel. Can't have everything I guess. And if everyone hate's the name what would be a good replacement? I was thinking stick with a Dirty Harry theme, Magnum from Magnum Force, how about The Enforcer? Is that too macho?

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An anonymous tipster sent us this link and I couldn't believe the story as I read it. A 35-year old man grabbed onto the back of his 2003 Mustang as a thief drove off with it. He hung on for miles while talking to 911 on his cell phone. How did he manage that? Plus the owner was on workman's comp for a bad back (good luck getting that next check buddy). Luckily police, after quite some time, caught up with the speeding Mustang. The owner says he went through such desperate measures because the car had been stolen before and he didn't want to lose it again. It's called insurance man. No car is worth your life. Everyone should go read this story though. Well-written, pulse pounding excitement.

Out of all the carmakers on display at the Detroit Auto Show, Pontiac seemed to offer the most all-new models (I'm just guessing on that but it seemed that way). The G6 coupe and convertible are both very attractive. The hard-top drops pretty quickly and I'm surprised that there will be such an affordable retractable hard-top on the market. Another rebadge job brings the Pontiac Torrent. It looked like nothing special and if it handles like the Equinox I doubt I'll be excited to drive it. Then there's the GTO. I don't care if it does have hoodscoops it does nothing for me. But Pontiac is doing something right with their G6s and Solstice. Lets hope it transfers to the rest of the line soon. Click through for more pictures.

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This week should just be about good will and great new products at the Detroit Auto Show but that won't be the case for GM as they must recall 98,000 trucks and SUVs because of potential problems involving the power braking and steering systems. The recall effects the model year 2000 Chevrolet C/K and Silverado, Suburban and GMC Sierra, Savana and Tahoe. At least this doesn't count to last year's record tally of recalls.