Friday, December 19, 2014

2016 Lincoln Continental? While introducing his new line of audio gear, legendary rocker, Neil Young, stated his new product line would be offered in the new 2016 Lincoln Continental. Although no announcement has come from anyone at Ford, this could be the shot -in-the-arm that Lincoln needs!

Monday, December 15, 2014

VW GTI Roadster Concept - The great part about concept cars is that the designers are set free without the worry of "Product Feasibility", price, safety, you know, all those adult things that take the fun out life! In the case of the GTI Roaster, it's a point where play comes to life, as it is actually a life-sized version of the Sony Playstation's computer-generated"Gran Turismo 6" video game racer. This car is actually functional with a 3.0-liter V6 engine that produces 503 horsepower and 413 pounds-feet of torque that is matched to a dual-clutch seven-speed automation transmission and an all-wheel-drive system. VDub execs claim 0-60 in 3.5 seconds with a top speed of 192 miles-per-hour. Do run to your dealer to plop down a deposit, as this is only for fun. But maybe, just maybe, we could get a street version that looks really close in the near future?

Thursday, December 11, 2014

Singer Porsche - At first glance, the Singer Porsche looks like an incredible restoration of a first generation 911. Don't let the good looks fool you! The master-mind behind the Singer Porsche, Rob Dickinson, is actually an English rock star for the band Catherine Wheel, turned Porsche customizer. Hence, this is not a restoration, but a recreation -- reaching deep into the wells of the What-If Barrel. Singer Vehicle Designs was founded in 2009 after Dickinson built a one-off car that would wow the crowd with his handcrafted, carbon fiber bodied meticulously detailed 911! How much you ask? Staring price if $350,000.00 -- and before you gasp and think who would pay that for a really cool 911? It appears buyers can't get their checkbooks out fast enough, with demand exceeding supply. To learn more, go to: www.singervehicledesign.com

Monday, December 8, 2014

Maserati Alfieri Concept  - To look at a concept of a Maserati is to long into the past. Flowing lines that demonstrate bold rear quarter panels and a pointed from facia that displays the large-mouth grill proudly displaying the bold Maserati emblem along with air ducts balancing each corner.

Saturday, December 6, 2014

Infiniti Q80 Inspiration Concept - Infiniti has never been shy when it come to letting the designers pen flow freely, and the Q80 is no exception. Introduced at the 2014 LA Auto Show, it offers sleek staying that includes rear-hinged doors (suicide doors), something we often find on concepts, but they seldom make it to the production models? A futuristic hybrid drivetrain that produces 550 horsepower is claimed to be under the hood. But what makes this most unique is the use of 15 different materials in the interior. Distressed leather and Bull Hyde's that still have the fur on them to name a few. I think it's called fur? If this concept catches enough eyeballs, watch for the flowing line to make there way to future Infiniti's.

Friday, December 5, 2014

Lexus LF-C2 Concept - When Lexus unveiled the LF-C2 concept at the LA Auto Show, it was an instant Wow factor, perhaps because of the stunning bright gold finish with white leather interior? Once you peal the layers back, the LF-C2 is a look into future design cues for future Lexus models. Lexus has struggled in the past to sell a euro top down car with offerings such as the SC430, which was a interesting car, just not a BMW, Audi or Mercedes Benz fighter. `we will watch closely to see where Lexus goes with the LF-C2. Stay tuned!

Thursday, December 4, 2014


Mercedes Benz-AMG GTS - As a company to never rest on the past, Mercedes Benz unveiled at the LA Auto Show the striking AMG GTS - In my mind a strong candidate for "Best in Show"! In addition to stunning good looks, under the hood the AMG-GTS pack a new 4.0-liter V8 that cranks out 503 horsepower with 479 pound feet of torque. With its rear-wheel-drive configuration and power distributed via a seven-speed dual clutch automatic gearbox, propels this beauty from 0-60 MPH in 3.7 seconds.

Wednesday, December 3, 2014

Toyota FT-1 Concept Car - The Toyota Supra entered into the market in the late 70's, when Toyota stuffed a six-cylinder engine in the Mustang-Fighter Celica. The result? The Supra went on to grow into a race ready turbo charged sports car that was even offered with a Super Bee looking rear wing in the mid 90's, only to disappear as the market shifted. One could argue that much of Toyota's success has been derived building everyday cars that delivered appliance-like dependability -- an exquisite taste of vanilla if you will. As history proves once-again, auto builders need to push the level of excitement to drive buyers into the showroom. So when Toyota boss, Akio Toyoda challenged his Calty Design Research Team to build a concept that would take Toyota's design into the future, the FT-1 was created in Frankenstein fashion.

Tuesday, December 2, 2014


Audi Prologue Concept - LA Auto Show - Referred to internally as the A9, the  Prologue, is the first Audi penned by new design chief Marc Lichte. Easily recognized as an Audi, only   with a wider and lower front grill and a sharper point to the already sexy Audi headlights. Under the hood is a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 producing 605 horsepower and 516 pour-feet of torque linked to an eight-speed automatic transmission and Quattro all-wheel-drive. Audi claims the Prologue will propel its 4,365-pounds from 0-60 in just about 3.5 seconds. Look for rear doors in the production model, and these styling cues on all Audi's in the years to come.

Saturday, November 22, 2014


Galpin - Fisker Rocket - The LA Auto Show was the logical place for Galpin's COO Beau Boeckman and auto designer and builder of the now defunct car builder that carried his name, Henrick Fisker. As President of Galpin Aston Martin, Boeckman and Fisker became friend when Fisker was penning for Aston Martin. A chance meeting at the Pebble Beach Concours led to Fisker approaching Boeckman with a new design for the 2015 Mustang. Beau fell in love with the project, and by the beginning of 2015, The Galpin-Fisker Rocket will be offered for around $100,000 to a select few. Sporting 725 horsepower along with carbon-fiber body panels, make for an instant classic!

Tuesday, November 18, 2014

Monday, November 17, 2014

2015 Ford Shelby GT350 - a Back in 1965, Ford commissioned Carroll Shelby to build  an everyday car like the Mustang and turn it into a Corvette fighter. And so goes the story of the legendary Mustang GT350. By 1969, the GT350 was merely a showroom queen. only to disappear until Shelby American recreated the legend a few years back. As history often repeats itself, let me introduce the 2015 Ford Shelby GT350 -- It is so delicious!

Friday, November 14, 2014

2015 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray - Since 1953, Chevrolet has been producing the Corvette for all but one year (they skipped 1983), so when they announced the newly redesigned model for 2014, the automotive world took notice like a stock quote from E.F. Hutton. With its 6.2liter LT1 V8 that cranks out 460 horsepower with the Z51 Package, the Corvette still manages to get a respectable EPA - MPG rating of 29 highway. What I find most fascinating about the new model, is how Chevrolet designer, Ed Burns and team, were able to keep the "Corvette Feel" when driving the car. For those who know what I mean, it has it. For those who don't check it out. Little has changed for 2015, except the addition of the Z06 in all its super car form sporting a near 650 ponies under the hood!

Thursday, November 13, 2014


2015 Dodge Challenger "Skat Pack" - In 1971, Dodge offered the Challenger with the Skat Package -- an entry-level high performance model if you will. For 2015, history repeats itself only this time around Dodge is offering a venerable 6.4 liter V8 engine that produces a whopping 485 horsepower with 475 pound-feet of torque with either a six-speed manual of eight-speed automatic transmission. The results? List price in the mid $40,000, 0-60 miles-per-hour in the mid 4 seconds. For my money -- Sublime Green with the manual transmission will be fetching big dollars at the 2054 Barrett-Jackson Auction!

Wednesday, November 12, 2014

2015 Alfa Romeo 4C - Alfa Romeo makes its long anticipated  return to the United States with the sporty 4C. The carbon fiber tub makes for a light weight (1,973 lbs) package that is mated with a 1.7 liter turbo charged four-cyliner engine that produces 237 horsepower. The result? FANTASTICO! Early production is limited to 3,500 units and unfortunately all appear to be spoken for. But as is always the case, money talks with new models!

Tuesday, November 11, 2014

2015 Ford F150 Begins Production Today! - For the first time in Ford history, the ever-important F150 will begin production with a new all-steele body. Some say it is a gamble for Ford, while others might think it is a great leap into the future as the current CAFE standards continue to rise. Lighter weight aluminum will definitely lighten the load, and has proved to be just a solid. What's unique about this truck, is that it was designed to be easier to repair -- if you've ever spent hours changing a headlight, you'll know where I'm coming from.

Saturday, November 8, 2014

SEMA Update - Ford Motor Company offered a design challenge for the 2014 SEMA Show in Las Vegas Nevada, to showcase the new 2015 Mustang. The winer is? Chip Foose Designs! Chip has a way of recreating a car so that at first glance you only notice subtle changes. But the more you stare, the more you see. As Chip explains "It's like watching a movie again, you see things you never noticed the first time around".

Sunday, November 2, 2014

26016 Ford Bronco - Back in the 1960's, Ford produced the Bronco to compete with the Jeep Wrangler, but as is the case with auto builders, the Bronco got bigger-and-bigger to where one day it was merely an image of its original self. So in 1996, with the boom of the SUV, the Bronco was no longer rolling across the assembly line -- replaced by names like "Explorer" and "Expedition". Well for 2016, Ford is reintroducing the Bronco with this modern-day rendition. More to come…..

Saturday, November 1, 2014

Porsche Turismo Sport Concept - Rumor has it that Porsche plans to produce an all-electric model to compete with the ever popular Tesla S. We'll keep our eyes pealed.

Friday, October 31, 2014

2016 Mazda MX5 - Since 1989 when Mazda first introduced the beloved Miata, what could have become a fad is now entering its fourth generation in about a year as a 2016 model. This example is a right-hand-drive and specs are sketchy, but that said, Mazda has done a nice job keeping within the spirit of the original, while pushing the next gen into the future. I see Jaguar F-Type taillights!

Wednesday, October 29, 2014

2015 Ford Edge - For 2015, Ford has completely redesigned its segment leading Edge to fit perfectly into the Millennials lifestyle. Although only a few inches longer than its predecessor, the 2015 Edge is now much larger inside, due to a newly redesigned interior that offers a more efficient use of space. Ford currently out paces Nissan and Toyota in the segment 3 to 1 in sales with 120,000 units annually, and Honda 7 to 1!

Wednesday, October 22, 2014

Tesla D - On October 09, 2014, Elon Musk unveiled his latest automobile, the Tesla D. After the anticipation had faded, what was under the sheets is an all-wheel-drive dual-motor Tesla Model S, with super car acceleration of 0-60mph in 3.6 seconds. We will keep a careful eye on Tesla as they attempt to guide the future of electric cars! How much for a D? $120,000….

Tuesday, October 21, 2014

2015 Mercedes Benz S550 - The future of automobiles has just arrived, which is usually the case the the Mercedes Benz S550. Soon most cars will offer Collision Prevention Assist Plus, Attention Assist, Seats that move with your body for support in the turns, but for now, these are all part of the S550s design with a rich handcrafted interior. LED lights on both the inside and outside of the car, along with a dual 12.3 inch high-resolution screens with a command system and touchpad controller. I quote Ferris Bueller, "If you have the means, you must get one, they are so choice"!

Saturday, September 27, 2014

2014 Dodge Journey Crossroads - At the end of its lifecycle, the Dodge Journey is beginning to feel its age. Although tight in the third row, you can actually fit 7 adult passengers in an SUV that is not that large. The V6 engine with six-speed automatic transmission is sufficient, but again,  vehicle advancements make it feel stale. On a bright note, it wet weather, the all-wheel-drive system turns an average vehicle into a rather pleasant and predictable feel. Our test caR HAD AN MSRP OF $31,000, which, after rebates and your best poker face at the dealership, may turn out to be a good buy!

Wednesday, September 17, 2014


Volkswagen Microbus 2015 is ready to show its new model of microbus until the last 10 years ago VW shows off microbus segment. This car will be built in Europe and would become the competitor of Honda Adyddey, Nissan Quest, and also Toyota Sienna. The final motivation for this New VW Microbus is to maximize the investment in the group MQB “matrix” platform. Volkswagen Microbus 2015 price will start from $25,000, but we expect it to be closer to $35,000.Release Date is held in the fall of 2014 with sales beginning in 2015. When will we see one in the US? 

Wednesday, September 3, 2014

Mazda unveils the 2016 Miata -- aka MX5! 
Mazda today celebrated the unveiling of the fourth generation Mazda MX-5 together with fans at events held simultaneously in Japan, USA and Spain. The all-new MX-5, which adopts both SKYACTIV TECHNOLOGY and Mazda's KODO-Soul of Motion design language, will be rolled out to global markets starting in 2015.

Friday, August 29, 2014

The covers come off Aston's super-exclusive Middle East-only sedan

The Aston Martin Lagonda super saloon has landed, literally, in Oman -- and photos from Oman Air, the Middle Eastern Sultanate's national airline, have given us the first clear look at the peculiar four-door in the flesh. 
According to a press release from the airline, which hauled the Lagonda to the arid nation (a few more back-and-forths and the car will qualify for the duty-free shopping discount benefits of  Sindbad Blue Status , "Oman’s awe-inspiring mountains, deserts and state of the art road network are providing the perfect backdrop for essential summer heat testing." And probably a few dramatic photo opportunities, too. 
The pair of pics we have aren't exactly the most glamorous; in one, the Lagonda is fresh from an airplane cargo hold and still strapped to a pallet. But it does give us a bit more to go on, especially when it comes to the car's previously unseen rear end. It looks familiar -- perhaps even a bit like the Lincoln MKZ, with a chrome strip running horizontally across the decklid and elongated, flush-mounted exhaust tips at the the bottom edges of the rear fascia. 
There's no offical word on powertrain, but we do know the car sits on Aston's VH platform and the 6.0-liter, 550-hp V12 seems like a likely motor -- it's what's under the hood of the Rapide, after all.  


Friday, August 22, 2014

2015 Corvette Z06 Priced at $78,995

American supercar delivers unprecedented performance, technology


DETROIT – The 2015 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 – the most powerful and technologically advanced model in the iconic car's 62-year history – will be offered at a suggested retail price of $78,995 while the convertible model will start at $83,995, Chevrolet announced today.

"The 2015 Corvette Z06's performance and technical capabilities place it in the elite fraternity of supercars," said Harlan Charles, Corvette product and marketing manager. "Very fewcars in the world deliver 650 horsepower, true aerodynamic downforce, carbon fiber and performance technologies such as Magnetic Ride Control, Performance Traction Management and an electronic limited slip differential – and none gives the driver a transmission choice or the choice of a coupe with a removable roof panel or a full-power-top convertible."

Leveraging learnings from the Corvette Racing program, the $2,995 Carbon Fiber Ground Effects enables the Corvette Z06 to produce true aerodynamic downforce for increased stability at high speeds. The package adds a functional carbon fiber front splitter, carbon fiber rocker panels, and a larger rear spoiler.

For the ultimate performance, the Z07 Performance Package is available for $7,995, adding Brembo carbon ceramic-matrix brake rotors that improve braking performance and contribute to better handling through reduced unsprung weight. The Z07 package adds adjustable front and rear aerodynamic components to the Carbon Fiber Ground Effects package for unprecedented aerodynamic downforce and Michelin Pilot Super Sport Cup tires for enhanced grip.

"The Z07 performance package enhances overall performance to make the Corvette Z06 one of the most track-capable cars you can buy off the dealership floor and still drive it to work every day," said Charles.

Z06 models are offered in 1LZ, 2LZ and 3LZ trims. A range of available features enables customers to tailor the look and feel of their Z06, including:
- Premium Package with leather-wrapped interior
- Aero-enhancing carbon fiber ground effects package
- Performance Data Recorder and navigation
- Competition sport seats offered in leather or sueded microfiber
- Carbon fiber interior trim and carbon fiber convertible tonneau cover inserts
- Visible carbon fiber roof panel (Coupe)
- Tintcoat exterior colors, several available wheel finishes and several available brake caliper colors.

Most powerful, technologically advanced Corvette ever
The Z06 rejoins the Corvette lineup for 2015 with a stronger aluminum frame than previous models, an aero package designed to produce performance-enhancing downforce and an all-new, supercharged 6.2L V-8 engine rated at an SAE-certified at 650 horsepower (485 kW) and 650 lb-ft of torque (881 Nm). That makes it the most powerful production car ever from General Motors and one of the most powerful production cars available in the United States.

To balance performance and efficiency, the LT4 leverages the same trio of advanced technologies introduced on the Corvette Stingray – direct injection, Active Fuel Management (cylinder deactivation) and continuously variable valve timing – and leverages them with a new, more efficient supercharger. Combined with the fuel-efficient multi-speed transmissions, aerodynamic design and lightweight construction, they help make the new Z06 surprisingly efficient.

The Corvette Z06 also leverages other technologies introduced on the Corvette Stingray, including the strategic use of lightweight materials and advanced driver technologies, with calibrations tailored for its capabilities. The aluminum frame structure, for example, is 20 percent stiffer than the previous, fixed-roof Z06.

Additional technologies support the car's tremendous performance capabilities and enhance the driving experience, including:
- Third-generation Magnetic Selective Ride Control dampers are standard and can be adjusted for touring comfort or maximum track performance via the standard Driver Mode Selector
- Performance Traction Management is available in the Track mode of the Drive Mode Selector and offers five settings of torque reduction and brake intervention for track driving
- Launch control is available in Track mode for manual and automatic transmissions, providing maximum off-the-line acceleration
- An electronic limited-slip differential, also standard equipment on Z06, adjusts the rate at which the limited slip engages, to balance between steering response and stability in different driving conditions with more aggressive performance in Sport and Track modes.

The Z06 offers three increasing levels of aerodynamic downforce:
- The standard Z06 features a front splitter, spats around the front wheel openings, a unique carbon-fiber hood with a larger vent, and an aggressive rear spoiler.
- The available carbon-fiber aero package – in either carbon flash paint or a visible carbon-fiber finish – adds a carbon-fiber front splitter with aviation-style winglets, carbon fiber rocker panels, and a larger rear spoiler with a fixed wickerbill, which combine to create true aerodynamic downforce
- The available Z07 package adds larger winglets to the front splitter, along with an adjustable, see-through center section on the rear spoiler for track use. With this package, the Corvette Z06 delivers the most aerodynamic downforce of any production car GM has tested.

Drivers can monitor the Z06's performance without taking their eyes off the road via a color head-up display (standard on 2LZ and 3LZ trims) that, among the range of performance readouts, displays a g-meter in Track mode.

The Z06 also offers the award-winning, industry-first Performance Data Recorder – or PDR – which enables users to record high-definition video, with telemetry overlays, of their driving experiences on and off the track. The racing-derived system is included with the available navigation system.

Editors: Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price includes destination charges but excludes tax, title, license, optional equipment and dealer fees.

Thursday, August 21, 2014

2015 Chrysler 200 - Not so long ago, Chrysler was was building the Sebring in sedan a convertible variant, and it would be fair to say that the majority of buyers were bargain hunters chasing rebates and incentives along with rental agencies. Some journalist even went so far as to call it the worst car built! But today, Chrysler is now owned by Fiat, and as you would expect, Italian's have always had a flare for styling, and the 200 will not disappoint. As is the case with most passenger cars today, they all look alike, but when inside the cabin is where the 200 shines. There's a term, ergonomically correct, and that sums up this car. Our test car featured the 2.4liter four-cylinder matched to the new nine-speed automatic transmission, which is a bit numb at times, but offers an EPA rating of 28 City / 36 Highway MPG. We received a very impressive 32.8 MPG overall. Coming from a person who always claimed "All cars get 15 MPG", this economy is in my mind double what the long forgotten Sebring could ever imagine.

Tuesday, August 12, 2014



2015 Fiat 500e - Electric cars have grabbed headlines in recent years with the industry leader Nissan Leaf and the luxurious Tesla. Let's not forget the plug-in just-in-case hybrids from Toyota, Chevrolet and Ford to somewhat dismal sales. Enter the Fiat 500e in the all-electric segment. With a range of roughly 90 miles, driven softly with the AC on, one could make an argument that if you needed an car and only drove less than 40 miles each way without a stop, you would never need gas! Actually, in Italy, gas is a soda, so, you would be petrol-free. Either way, this is a fun-to-drive car that even driven in the LA freeway system can help you avoid the pump, save-the-earth, prevent wars, all those things that a gallon of gas causes. Then, your only worry will be, can Tony do electric repairs?

Saturday, August 9, 2014

2015 Audi A3 - In the under $30,000 entry-level luxury sport sedan category, the Audi A3 is a standout in the crowd. OK, our fully loaded test car had an MSRP of slightly over $37,000! Power comes from the tried-and-true 2.0 liter turbo-charged four-cylinder engine linked to the "quattro all-wheel-drive system. Quick, agile, predictable are all words used to describe the drive and handling, but most notable, NO CD Player! What? Yes, Audi has now gone fully digital in where you sync you phone to the audio system and upload you favorite tunes into the personal jukebox. Or, connect to your iTunes account, and upload while cruising down the road.

Monday, August 4, 2014

2014 Audi A7 TDI - Chalk this one up as one of my favorite cars on the market today. My goal for this week was to achieve 40 MPG on an 800 miles week. Although I feel short of my goal, 35.6 is very respectable for a luxury car of this dimension that is as roomy as Snoopy's playhouse! Although the price tag of slightly over $80,000 is a little steep for many, mark this one a bargain in the class. The triple-threat of great looks, incredible drive all with compact-like fuel economy. Just as in Ron Burgundy's apartment, the A7 has leather-bound seats and smells of rich mahogany.

Monday, June 30, 2014

Audi's New A8 Tesla-Fighter has a 868-Mile-Range
Are you in the market for a $100,000 limo that can go 868 miles without stopping, and that can be refueled 100% in five minutes?  Audi has good news for you. It is Audi's new flagship sedan, and it has an amazing range and ability to refuel from any of almost 100,000 U.S. stations in just a few minutes. What's even more amazing, if initial test results were to hold up, is that it could cost as little as $1,200 per year to operate, in terms of fuel cost only. So what is the secret behind this automotive wonder?Unlike in the Tesla, the Audi A8 lets you depart and drive in any direction you want, without having to plan carefully for those few locations where you can charge electrically relatively quickly (212 miles of range in 30 minutes).  In addition, you're not worried about whether there will be a line ahead of you with other drivers waiting to take their 30-minute turn at charging their cars before you do. You can also turn up the heat to the max, without having to see the remaining range deplete at an alarming rate.  That alone might be the deciding purchase factor.

Monday, June 23, 2014

Lamborghini Egoista - Built as a concept unveiled by Lamborghini for the company's 50th anniversary. The fully functioning model is based on the Gallardo chassis
 It features a 5.2 L (317 cu in) V10 engine producing 600 horsepower and offers only seating for the driver. No need to run to your local Lambo dealer to place a deposit, as in a selfish move, there will only be one example built and it will not be offered for sale.


Lincoln Continental Concept - As Lincoln continues to display its concept Lincoln Continental in hopes of restoring the glory days when Lincoln was the car of dreams. Do you feel this is the direction that will work? Would you buy one? Is the company focused enough on today's market?

Sunday, June 22, 2014

Cadillac's Future:It seems that General Motors is plagued with a crisis every handful of years that nearly brings the automotive giant to its knees. This ignition 
recall has really grinded the little progress the company made to a halt. 

Cadillac was one of the shiny little pieces in the GM toy chest. While other 

brands were shuttered or significantly diminished, GM always made sure 
that Cadillac stood the test of time. But it seems that in recent months 
things have become a bit unstable at the luxury brand. This week its head of U.S. sales stepped down as Cadillac's Global Chief, Bob Ferguson, has been ordered by CEO, Mary Barra, to report to D.C. to Looking at the most recent sales data, is clear that there is a bit of a sales problem. The ATS, which was supposed to be the brand's savior is 
down more than 23 percent year-over-year and over the five-month
calendar year, ATS sales are down more than 20 percent. The XTS isn't 
doing any better. 

The two bright spots in the product portfolio are the CTS and SRX, which 

are both in the green for 2014. The Escalade we'll have to wait and see, 
and the ELR is a complete failure. Given everything that's going on GM, this got us thinking: What REALLY is the BIG problem at Cadillac?

It's there and now it's starting to come apart slowly. Is it experiencing a 

PRODUCT problem? A SALES problem? Or, something else?

Weigh in below!

Leadership of Cadillac is in flux with the luxury brand’s top executive dispatched to Washington and the search beginning for a replacement for Bill Peffer, Cadillac’s head of U.S. sales, who left this week after less than a year on the job.
Soon after GM’s ignition-switch problems surfaced in February, CEO Mary Barra dispatched Cadillac global chief Bob Ferguson to Washington to help address the political fallout of the deadly defect.Ferguson was GM’s top lobbyist from 2010-12, and there’s speculation that he might not return to the full-time Cadillac job...

Friday, May 30, 2014


Ford CMax Solar Concept - As an auto manufacturer you have no choice but to look forward into the future, and the Ford CMax Energi Solar Concept is Ford Motor Companies suggestion that they feel is a closer step to reducing both the use of fossil fuels all while eliminating greenhouse gases. Through the use of solar panels mounted on the roof, the suns rays will assist in charging the lithium ion batteries for extended driving range. As car builders race to meet the 2025 CAFE standards of 54.5 MPG, Ford believes that as both solar panels and batteries continue to improve, capturing the sun may be the answer. 

Monday, April 21, 2014

2014 GMC Sierra 1500 4X4 - It's been argued by some that a GMC Truck is the same as a Chevrolet and built on the same assembly line. That of course is the argument from Chevrolet owners and not the opinion of GMC. For 2014, GMC offers a completely redesigned Sierra 1500 that goes toe-to-toe with some very stiff competition from Ford and Dodge. To sum up our GMC test -- "Filled with luxury features, utility and over 20 miles-per-gallon." 

Tuesday, April 8, 2014

2014 Cadillac XTS  - As a late baby-boomer it's difficult to forget the distinction of Cadillac in the past 30 years. So, I went into the XTS test with a somewhat jaded attitude -- a don't let the good looks fool ya way of thinking. But to my surprise, the XTS is smooth, quick, handles responsively and is extremely fuel efficient for a car of its size. In the late 80's when the Japanese too the bells-and-whistles that Cadillac buyers grew so fond of and matched them with a car that was not a performance-minded as Mercedes Benz and BMW, it offered creature comforts the German engineers found despicable. The Cadillac XTS fits in the same category.
2014 Ford C-Max Energy - Ford's entry into the plug-in hybrid segment the C Max is a solid contender. In many respects, it performs relatively the same as the Chevrolet Volt or the Toyota Prius, so it becomes similar to the Mailbu, Fusion or Camry in many respects. What do you prefer? As a late bloomer in the segment, the C Max offers a well designed interior with plenty cargo space. Decent ride, drive and handling make it a solid choice for the local commuter who is looking to say good bye to the pump. 
2015 Dodge Ram - New styling and a fresh interior make the Dodge Ram a leader in the full-sized pick up truck world. As the new Chrysler ownership (Fiat/Chrysler) begin to put the thumbprint on the new models, it's great to see that the is finally moving forward as the recent financial wows placed new models and redesigns on hold for the past ten years. At Take Two TV, we would have a difficult time not making this our personal favorite truck.
2014 Chevrolet Volt - Now in its third year of production, the Chevrolet Volt has proven to be a solid entry in the plug-in hybrid segment. A segment which have almost doubled in sales in recent years. As that number sounds like exciting news, it's still only 3.5% of all sales in the United States. Our take is, if you plan properly and plug in you can realistically use little if any gasoline while driving less that 50 miles per day. With all the comfort features you could ever want, the Volt is a great way to avoid the pump. On the flip side, in long-term testing, we found our Volt struggled to reach slightly over 30MPG. Which, is less than cars we have tested for far less than the $40,000 plus price tag. It's always best to know your personal driving habits prior to buying any vehicle, and know why your buying it! In the case of the Volt, your choices are -- Good for the environment or save money on fuel? The latter may not always be the case.