Recent Comments:
Porsche 911: Ultimate car from the '80s? {Autoblog}
Mar 28th 2008 12:06AM Isuzu Impulse (the version that was supposed to be the VW Scirocco)
Hyundai Motor America responds to cranky South Korean journalist {Autoblog}
Mar 27th 2008 4:23PM Not sure why they're naming all their new cars Genesis...will cause confusion like with Infiniti's G35 coupe and sedan.
New York '08 Preview: 2009 Nissan Maxima leaked on forum {Autoblog}
Mar 18th 2008 9:41AM Looks like a jumble of different designs. Squared off, bi-level grills from an Audi, hood from a G35, bangle butt and a generic flowing side profile with the 5-series c-pillar. Better than the current model, glad they gave up using the Z tailights on all cars. Interiors much better. I think it accomplished it's task and is the right design for it's target market. Mainstream enough to appeal to 45+ Avalon (remember backpedaling from the edgy Quest) and distinctive enough to appeal to Infiniti wannabes. Not quite a FX or a Murano.
Spy Shots: 2009 Mazda6 caught naked with new curves {Autoblog}
Feb 28th 2008 9:39AM OK, I over reacted. Compared to the new melted camry, the Hyundai Accord or the Rental Sonata refresh, the new US 6 I'd buy in a heart beat. Ford/Mazda will redeem themselves if the put the new Duratec 3.5L in the S model and have it have the same initial quality ratings as the Fusion/Milan/MKZ.
...I can't help but think though the same designers might want to propagate this "family" look to the 3 redesign...Arrgh. Let's hope it doesn't look as goofy as the TSX/RL chrome incisor.
Spy Shots: 2009 Mazda6 caught naked with new curves {Autoblog}
Feb 28th 2008 12:58AM It looks crappier. Like the European Focus is nothing like the US crappy focus, somehow everyone has decided that the US market likes to buy crap. The European 6 was the car of my dreams, the US is ho hum. It's larger proportions make it look silly and the detailing, especially in the front makes it look cheap.
Detroit 2008: Next-gen Honda Pilot Prototype appears {Autoblog}
Jan 14th 2008 12:38AM MDX redesign is over the top and the Pilot is bland. Something in the middle would have been nice. That would be the new Highlander.
Joint GM/Toyota NUMMI plant accused of passing defects {Autoblog}
Nov 21st 2007 10:55AM I have a 2004 Nummi built Corolla and it has some uncharacterstically unToyota-like qualities. The water pump and pulley tensioner were replaced under warranty and in general it has a ton of creaks/sqeaks (brakes in reverse/TSB on it) and things going out of alignment (power windows). I always wonder if I got a Japan version, whether it would be in better shape.
Overall though, it has been very reliable and most of these were annoyances more than anything. Can't fault the genes...
LA Auto Show video: Bob Lutz makes apparent slam at Hillary Clinton's energy plan {Autoblog Green}
Nov 21st 2007 1:08AM Diesel hybrids are getting over 80mpg in Europe now. Fairly certain Opel and Vauxhall need those types of cars to survive against Citroen, Peugeot, etc. Just import them as Saturns.
Can't imagine what $4/gallon gas is going to do to bubba trucks.
VW Jetta TDI delayed until late summer 2008 {Autoblog}
Nov 8th 2007 4:44PM The thing I don't understand is if CA has the strictest standards, why is black smoke spewing from all the diesel big rigs on our clogged highways. Pennywise and pound foolish to me.
Can't wait for the Honda Accord diesel. With diesels getting up to 90mpg in Europe and Billary wanting 50mpg standards, intro'ng diesels in the US can't come soon enough. Hope nissan decides to rebadge some Citroen diesel C's in the US...before gas hits $4/gallon in 2008.
LA 2007 Preview: It's a green Mustang! The Bullitt is back! {Autoblog}
Nov 6th 2007 6:42PM Great execution. Kind of an anti-G6 GXP. Wish it wasn't as expensive, nor as limited. Maybe they'll have a Bullitt kit to retrofit current Mustangs - de-cheese, up the performance. Also wish they would delete the spoiler from the standard packages or put a cleaner lip spoiler like on Saleens.
