Recent Comments:
Kerkorian not likely to be hands-off Ford investor {Autoblog}
May 13th 2008 11:43AM Kerkorian was absolutely right to oppose and even sue DCX over the Chrysler buyout. He correctly foresaw that this was not a merger of equals and he knew that Daimler was going to raid the huge pile of cash that Chrysler had amassed. His only real problem is that his personality really grates on people. He IS extremely intelligent but he acts as if he believes everyone else is stupid.
However York is kidding himself if he thinks he is going to be a real influence on Fords board of directors. I highly doubt he'll be able to put York on that board. The Ford family will bitch slap him at the earliest opportunity. But I do think his presence will light a badly needed fire under the Ford Family's ass.
Sprint dropped 1.09 million subscribers in Q1 {Engadget}
May 12th 2008 11:07AM There has been a new addition to the endangered species list; The now rarely seen Sprint Customer.
There have been many valiant efforts by Sprint Telemarketers to extend contracts and rescue the last remnants of the customer base. Unfortunately their efforts have been self defeating as Sprint continues to use telemarketers from India which constantly remind Sprint Customers just how horrid Sprint service is.
Recently, the Katana phone has been declared an endangered species refuge. However it appears to be too little too late. As many expect the 3G iPhone to create another huge migratory wave that will lead to the end of the Sprint Customer.
But there is hope.
Sprint is building new breeding grounds for customers with the XOhm service and has brought new partners on board. There is also the possibility of an acquisition that may stem the tide of lost revenue. However it appears that the greatest threat to the Sprint Customer is apathy. The Apathy that comes from Sprint itself as it constantly pollutes the Sprint Customer habitat with poor service.
GM may divorce trucks and full-size SUVs {Autoblog}
May 9th 2008 11:58AM I see plenty of people towing behind Escalades, Tahoes, and Suburbans. Plenty here in Texas.
Remember, there was a time when over HALF of Suburban sales were in Texas alone. We've got a lot of people here with huge horse trailers and such.
That said, I do agree with GMs move to unibodies. Most people do not tow and those that do can simply buy a crew cab Silverado/Sierra.
I'm still not so sure that GM will go with the FWD/AWD Lambda platform for the next generation large SUV. I think there is a realistic chance they will work on a RWD unibody that still uses a solid rear axle.
Sorry, your SUV is now worthless {Autoblog}
Apr 30th 2008 10:45AM I do believe Unibody pickups are coming. The GMC Denali XT concept is pointing to the future IMO. However it is probably at the larger end of pickups.
We'll still need body on frame trucks for real work trucks but there isn't a whole lot of reason for most non commercial truck owners to have it...
Kirk Kerkorian to up ownership in Ford to 5.6 percent {Autoblog}
Apr 28th 2008 12:01PM I actually love the fact that Kerkorian has done this.
It may be the swift kick in the ass that the Ford Family needs...
First round of CAFE targets to be announced on Earth Day {Autoblog}
Apr 22nd 2008 9:04AM I think we can kiss the V8 Camaro, Mustang, and Challenger goodbye.
Turbo Direct Injection V6 anyone?
First round of CAFE targets to be announced on Earth Day {Autoblog}
Apr 22nd 2008 8:55AM In that regard, you are correct...
However the Horsepower wars generally refer to competition between the Major Manufacturers.
Ferrari, Lambo, and the others will always be the way they are (unless the EU kills them) and I don't think the government will care because their volume is so low...
Porsche, however, could be affected. They produce cars in higher volume. In fact it has been speculated that this is one of the many reasons Porsche is slowly taking over VW. They can lump Porsche's CAFE numbers in with VWs.
More cars than ever require premium fuel {Autoblog}
Apr 17th 2008 4:25PM Pretty much any car that has OBDII can adjust the engine for lower octane fuel.
The only reason manufacturers put a Premium Fuel requirement on their cars is because the EPA requires them to do so. The EPA requires it because the manufacturer submitted the car for CAFE testing with Premium Fuel. The Manufacturer wanted the car tested with Premium Fuel because it gives the car a bit more power and a bit better fuel economy. When it comes to CAFE ratings, every MPG counts.
My Nissan Murano required Premium but I never put a drop in it. My wife's old 2001 turbo beetle required it but we never used it. My buddies C6 says it is recommended but he's never used it. Not one of these cars has had a problem. Just do a google search for Premium Gas a Myth and you'll find that pretty much any car on the road can run just fine on 87 octane. You'll just see a dip in power and mileage. In most cases you won't even notice. There are very few cars that actually NEED 93 Octane.
Damn that Flex is sexy! {Autoblog}
Apr 17th 2008 10:34AM Good or decent looking, yes.
Sexy, oh hell no. You guys need to put the cigaweed down...
I finally got a good look at the Flex at the Tarrant County AutoShow in Ft. Worth. I have to admit that I now like it enough to consider it for my future family hauler. Size wise this thing is gargantuan. The dimensions are about the same as the GMC Acadia but the styling makes it look larger than the Expedition.
VIDEO: Subaru ad reminds us why the STI rocks {Autoblog}
Apr 12th 2008 9:57PM The STi is four wheels of AWESOMENESS!
And I don't even own one.
