I find the acceleration and lack of acceleration when going around another car a slow to moderate speed can be dangerous. Its either the engine or the transmission which is not responding when you punch the gas pedal. Not a all a smooth acceleration. Hope the correct the problem and will cover under warranty. I have had mine in twice now and they say they make adustments as approved by GM. Not sure what the adjustments are to.??
Stan Phillips, Palm Harbor, Florida.

Still tring to find out price info. Called dealerships, and suzuki's main hub to no avail. :( 6 calls i got 6 different avaliblity dates for the truck ranging from 9-8-08 thru 11-28-08. I think suzuki needs to train and inform there workers better.
Guess ill buy a Tucoma now, tired of waiting and without knowing equator price it might be a wait in vien anyway. GOod job suzuki....

I knew this would happen. I am only surprised that they didn't put on Vogue whitewalls and wire wheelcovers.

The smart car is ugly as a pimple on a behind. Do cars have to be ugly to get good gas mileage? The prius is ugly too.

I'd buy one in a heartbeat if they ever released them in America. I saw one in Germany a few years ago and it was cool on wheels.

OK. Sue posted her inquiry sometime in late 2006 ... it is now 2008 .... I am still waiting. I really like this car. What's the latest? When is it coming out? What's the HP? And what is the price tag?

What you may not have considered is that electric vehicles can be part of the solution where an unstable grid is concerned. Once you have enough of these portable battery-carrying vehicles they become a way for the grid to store energy that can be tapped in an emergency. Plus, they provide another incentive to move toward more power production from renewable sources, both by power utilities and by individuals.

If you were producing all the power you need for your car from solar power and could draw from the reserve power to keep your fridge running during an outage you'd find the idea more appealing, wouldn't you?

I have a 2002 Dodge Dakota that never made anywhere near the epa estimated mpg on the sales sticker. The Dodge has also had suspension problems and the rear diffferential replaced. The Prius I bought my wife in 2005 gets an mpg pretty close to what they advertised, has a comfortable ride and is extremely reliable. I'll be first in line for a company that puts out a superior product like Toyota. My only problem will be choosing between the A-BAT and the 100mpg Prius that's supposed to come out in 2010.

Nice car, this Hyundai Veracruz :), check these pics I found this morning: http://www.carchannel.be/nl/artikel/hyundai/avant-premiere-een-europese-variant-van-de-hyundai-veracruz , really nice :D

I've been a Lincoln fan since childhood; my favorite is the 1955/56 Mark II, a classic American car that can stand head to toe with anything from Europe and certainly Asia.
The devolvement (if there is such a word)of the town car into a taxi is one of the saddest events in motor history. Lincoln has a long way to go before it can look other luxury cars in the grill. I hope they wake up at Ford before we lose another American icon.

Can't wait for the Mitsubishi “i”. The USA needs functional, innovative, efficient wheels.

Hah , they revealed some really nice specs of this car the other week, infact, they released all the specs and details!! , and a couple of new photos too http://www.carchannel.be/nl/artikel/opel/nieuw-de-opel-insignia-tot-de-kleinste-details , really nice :D !

even with hybrid technology in suvs that we used to love and everyone wanted, doesn't mean they'll sell any better. Suvs will always get bad gas mileage compared to cars or even crossovers. However for those who needs SUV's there is good news around the corner!

Have you seen the RS5 impression? It looks absolutely amazing: http://www.audifocus.com/2008/07/24/audi-rs5-impression/

i love to have that 2005 gto
man that is a fu**in fast car

We attended the Driver's Edge Teen Driving School on July 12th in the Chicago suburbs. Our two hundred mile trek was well worth the drive. Our eighteen year old son thought the training was "awesome". Jeff Payne and the drivers were professional and informative yet "cool" and very approachable.
My son Alex and I are convinced that the driving experience he aquired during the Driver's Edge training is invaluable. Their motto, "Know Yourself. Know your limits" was clearly demonstrated as the young driver's knowledge, skill and confidence levels increased rapidly.
Special thanks to all of the sponsors. There is no doubt that their driving school support will save young lives.
I will definately look to Bridgestone the next time I need a set of tires or golf balls!
Again, thank you for a job well done and for caring so much for our nations young drivers. Outstanding.

Is this a personal blog or something that is supposed to represent a professional organization? It really reads like you have college kids writing class essay or opinion pieces. I don't get any feeling of expertise or knowledge, just emotional, female-oriented thoughts that have little to do with the state of the industry, the solutions that experts are discussing, and so on and so forth. I live in California and have read your blog for a long time. It used to rock the house. No more. I would say your blog is right in line with American auto companies: out of touch, out of sync, and out of time.

please give me description about differences between tiguan track and tiguan tren

I hate to see the Town Car disappear but if so,--I'll just buy a Cadillac.

Great Car. I own a 2008 Scion Tc and I am completely satisfied with it, and am very Happy that I purchased it as I did. Performance is A+

That's a cool looking 2009 Aveo 5! Personally I have a 2005 red Aveo 5 with Koing wheels. Love it. Be nice to take a few features off the 2009 Aveo 5 and onto my own car!

i can't wait to see H4

While the H3 is not known as a gas sipper, we have a 06 Adventure model with the I5 engine and auto trans, and have been pleasantly surprised with a mixed use average of 18mpg. Drive it like its a heavy truck and not a sports car and it'll reward you with decent enough fuel economy and brake wear usage.

toyota tundra are the best car ever

I have to agree and at the same time disagree (an axymoron, I know). I've had my XR2 5 speed for about a month (Black Saphire), and in reality it only took a day or 2 to get the radio/cd and computer down. The On-Star is an added benefit with a year's use included. I also use a Zune which the "system" recognizes as well. I have to agree it sure would be nice to have an imput for it - my dealership is looking into options.

Yes, it has euro-quirks that tend to actually grow on you.
But, what's cool is I've been getting lots of positive comments on it and people find it's hard to believe it's a Saturn.

Enjoy the quick-direct handling - its sporty side of the vehicle. The power-band could be more, but as mentioned the milage is great as on average I'm getting 31 mpg in commute traffic. I have yet to take any trips with it so I have no long trip info as of yet.

Overall I find the car lots of fun and and looking into small upgrades - would be nice if GM went the way of Scion with this vehicle by offering different after-market products which they could procure from Holden, Opel, or Vauxhall.

All for now.

Barry Hammond

I went to the L.A. auto show just to see the imperial, I was so let down that my dream car was not their.
that car is going to sell like hot cakes and I'm first in line..

This car looks like the old Saturn Vue. What were they thinking? The old Pilot is much prettier. Did they have to sacrifice looks for fuel efficiency?

Ah yes, I remember driving from Tallahassee to Fort Walton Beach, Florida on a balmy sunny Florida day in my 1968 Torino GT Convertible with the top down. Driving through the forested rural Florida roads was a delight and when getting to Fort Walton Beach cruising the city - well before today's tourist boom - was beyond compare. You are right Ed, these experiences are tough to beat.

la nueva ford expedition es uno de los mejores autos que pudo haber cresdo la ford por ser muy amplio comodo y tener un diseño expectacular

Will you be posting location schedules anywhere on the web?

We were just wondering if there was an update on this story? Any information would be appreciated. Thank You

Hi Wanda...

Yes, there have been two updates to this story. See VehicleVoice entries on the following dates.

4-22-08

4-12-07

Editor

I love this SUV been a ford guy my whole life. The only complaint I have is the tranny, it does alot of gear hunting from 1st to 2nd but other than that its great...I towed my friends 5000lb boat and it felt like I wasnt towing anything, some little scion tried to race me and I still smoked with a 5000lb boat behind me.

We lost power and the hardware store was out of generators. Luckily we searched and found one at mainpowerconnect.com; we should now have the power needed when the next unexpected outage comes. The generator will keep the lights on, food cold and our air conditioning working. Hopefully the generator will also keep our sump pump working to protect the basement from flooding.

It's not the price of gas or the gas mileage, it's the trips to the gas station!
If this vehicle got better gas mileage I'd buy it. Who wants to make trips to the gas station all the time?
Or am I supposed to hire someone to put gas into my car, too?

Nissan has a very competitive small crossover. Smooth and fun to drive. Impressively refined with the CVT. The engine is strong and smooth. Interior quality is very good, although lacking on storage cubby holes. No rear seat tricks, just up or down. Comfortable seats and good driving position. Limited visability on rear sides and out rear windown. The 2wd should be able to be loaded with options that are only limited to 4wd. The excluded options has nothing to do with the drive train. Fuel economy is as posted and better if you keep highway speed at 70 and below. Highly recommend.

what a great artist... the most beautiful art i've seen in a long time.

----Regarding the attention issue, and the use of cell phones, one never hears about the possibilities for training one's attentive skills. Visual attention isn't the same as simply aiming and focusing one's eyes on something. There are eye-exercise charts that train one to focus one's eyes differently from the thing they're aimed at, and exercising these skills separately enhances one's use of them together. Analogously, one can use one's visual attention separately from both aim and focus. Throw your keys out on the lawn, and then go search for them. While searching, your attention will be in "scan" mode, and you will be attending to fairly wide swaths of your field-of-vision. Notice, though, what happens when you catch a glimpse of the keys somewhere in the near-periphery of your vision, and you go to pick them up. Your attentional swath contracts to a width of about two inches, even before you bend over, and your eyes are still in the same focus-and-aim configuration as when the search-mode first encountered the keys. Just becoming more aware of the distinctness of attentional skills can help in their employment.
----Regarding slow driving in the fast lane, and hogging it, I'd add that anyone with an SUV ought to stay out of the left lane. There's a reason trucks are prohibited from the left lane, and it's only lax enforcement that allows SUVs and minivans to use it. People shouldn't wear big hats to the movies, and by the same token, SUVs should stay out of the left lane, and let the people with real cars use it. Normal people shouldn't have to pay for the ego-inadequacies and control issues that SUV owners compensate for by driving behemoths with "commanding" road views.
----And how lazy does one have to be to feel it necessary to swing wide left to make a right turn, just to avoid having to turn the (power-assisted!) steering wheel as much? These people must be very obese. They should lose some weight.
----Another annoyance is people who insist on being able to pull immediately into the left lane when turning right onto a multi-lane main road. because of their stupidity, they have to wait for ALL lanes to be open, instead of pulling into the right lane and changing lanes one at a time. And in having to wait to lunge across the road, they keep a line of cars behind them waiting.
----In a congested city, a main concern should be to act in a way that allows as many cars to get through traffic lights as possible. Pay attention to the lights, especially if you're in the front car, and once through the intersection, keep moving. Stopping to let some waiting jaywalker cross or to let some car enter from a side street may stroke your ostentatious courtesy-self-image, but it can really screw up traffic behind you, clog the intersection, and lead to a major traffic jam. The jaywalker can go to a crosswalk, and the entering car can wait for a break between the lights. (well, let him in if traffic is so thick that there's no break, but not otherwise.) It IS courteous to surrender your right of way, but that doesn't mean you should do it when it isn't necessary, and to do so would inconvenience each of the 20 drivers behind you more than the one you gratiously let in would be inconvenienced by waiting. Right of way laws weren't designed ONLY to mediate potentially adversarial contests, but also to make traffic interaction more consistent, predictable, and thereby, more efficient. Think about whether your right-of-way conduct accomplishes a net good, or whether it accomplishes only minor good at the expense of a large inconsiderateness.
----Besides, a good, attentive, hustling jaywalker doesn't WANT to be seen as holding up traffic. Good, responsible jaywalking consists of the art of darting across the street without having ANY effect on the flow of traffic. Being waved across by some ostentatious, magisterial matron is a condescending insult.

Touch-screens are cheaper for the manufacturer, but for reduced eyes-off=the-road intervals, shaped buttons that are distinguishable by touch make more sense.

When are we going to be told the price? Will this concept really be available?

Does the Quad version have a tailgate?

I am very interested.

How much gas does this camaro hold cuz i might want one

Love the looks of the Eco Voyager. Would love to see an adaptation of the "curves" influence that resulted in the amazing looking cars of the 1930s-1940s. While all were larger, style need not be associated with only large vehicles. I had hopes that the early hybrid produced by Honda, called the insight would start the trend of marrying smart function with streamlined style, but focus groups interviewed by the automotive industry steered the process towards boxy, big, and impractical for eco future application. Thanks for your information.

Love smart people!

Mary Mc

I love my HHR.

Hi, Jerry, Did you find out anything about whether the Smart Roadster will come into the US anytime soon?

I'm from vancouver and belive it or not I saw one on the street most of the car was uncovered but the door handles still had white plastic on it... 1 thing before you judge the car it looks ALOT better in person (and from the front it looks like a facelifted/concept tourag)

I bought a 2001 Prius and now have a 2006. I have owned Cads,Buicks,Fords,Jeeps, Pontiacs,Hondas and many other cars and trucks. The Prius has been the best vehicle I have ever owned. I get an honist 44 mpg in city and 55.5 on the highway. When Toyota produces tge A-Bat (please change the name) I will join the line at the dealership to get one.

This car and the service that comes with it is the crappiest car I have ever owned.
Whatever you do, do not buy this car!

All of that's true. I hate the idea of an entire industry that people have looked forward to buying from for a long time (new retirees) "coming to a halt," as you say but there seems to be no other probable eventuality for the RV industry. But something else is likely too. Crime. Frustration is likely to rise and also attempts by people to siphon gas, rob with weapons and commit fraud.

I like it, it's hot!

I've had a 2000, 2003-2005- 2008 expeditions. the last one has had multiple issues. the prior ones ran and worked fine, this 08 has been head ache after headache. it has had electrical issues since we got it, the rear door has become loose and the dealership had trouble finding out the issue, also the front passanger seat belt sensor and chime havent worked. If the sensor doesnt recognize that no one is sitting there the airbag wont deploy and if you are buckled up the faulty system might or might not work properly. the dealership should have checked the concerns from the get go, but they would say thatif they cant verify it they cant write it up. dont believe that! they are supposed to check any concerns you have wether they can verify it or not.

Well, it works for BMW, Ferrari,Mercedes-Benz, Rolls-Royce, Subaru, Porshe and hey! even Hertz so........

I love my new Yaris. I've had it for over a year, now, and average 35 mpg. The front seats have lower lumbar support and the ride is much better than more expensive cars like the Ford Taurus. I think the styling is great for a subcompact... that is, it doesn't look like a less expensive car. I bought mine for around $14,000 and they start around $12,000. How can you beat that? Styling, great gas mileage, a decent ride, and quality. It's sad that Toyota has decided to discontinue them after the 2009 model year.

I would give the silverjunko an F- for the fact that those GM idiots have dropped all manual transmissions. You say that a manual is not needed, just ask some of the allison tranny owners how it hurts the pocketbook to rebuild the tranny after 40-50000 miles. I would take a plain rubber-matted, am radio equipped, v8 manual tranny truck over these paintywaist carpeted slipomatic brake eaters. I really thought gm had finally gotten their trucks right when I saw the new body style, but they wrapped that beautiful body with a junk transmission. If they won't give me what I want, then I will buy another brand.GM has tried to turn a truck from a working vehicle to a whiney baby street truck.Wake up GM, give me a manual or give me another brand.

fyi- new years eve 2008 i took possession of first audi r8 in this area of florida. zoweeee!

New Mitsubishi Lancer X very good car with an interesting appearance and good characteristics. Everyone who thinks about purchasing the car, advise buying. Mitsubishi Lancer X justify your expectations!
By the way - some forms of body similar to the car Lexus IS250.

Will this be a gas pig too? I hope so!!

OMG, I want this car soo much, i'd do anything to get one.

I just purchased my vehicle and I cannot get my pictures from my camera or a CD to download. Any help??

Hi!
Looked through responses of owners GTO and has decided too something to add. I always wished to have the sports machinecar, but having purchased beloved was disappointed a little. THIS MACHINECAR MAKES MORE RATHER THAN to SENSE ON ROAD. First time, me millet Owners by the machinescars with as soon as a crossroads so to them give " who forward ", but most insulting that that they from the start managed to overtake not simply me, but also even to mock. Without thinking twice and having undergone the rough attitude of other proprietors sports to experts to not breathe exhaust gases of others of type of abrupt guys. From the Samurai I managed only the advanced disks and shock-absorbers Elf, all rest, and he/she is the centrifugal supercharger, new pistons, rods, have estimated the block of management and an exhaust in 10 000 $, besides guarantees that the car will work faultlessly what have not given and is quite proved. All these fairy tales about 500 and all other crap I do not trust. The good car
initially also costs well and even if at you under a cowl a heap of everyone does not mean at all that you will be the first.

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More shortly, have made to me the car, it became much more pleasant, but thus there was other reality. Once having felt the racer I have burnt a cursor, and itself have not understood as? As to me have then explained pressure was big, any there the hose has flied, after repair in a month the automatic device was covered. Basically itthis should be expected, now I search for mechanics that will be further I do not know, but on to means I could buypurchase to myself . And now that лушче-was quietly to go with a guarantee of that that the car always in norm or is fast, but thus to look, what gasoline, what pressure, what temperature and where idling has got to.???
Bay-bay... :)

how do i join your survey panel?

I test drove both and as I told the salesman, the Wrangler and Wrangler Unlimited both need either a strong V6 (minimum 250 hp) or a small to mid v8. Actually, mileage would not deteriorate as these engines would be working more efficiently and at lower rpms, providing Chrysler puts a 5 or 6 speed transmission. The current 4.0 is way underpowered most definitely because the weight of the new Wrangler Unlimited has increased almost 300 lbs. And, don't blame the Germans. They only owned the company. We Americans designed/produced the vehicle.

The pickups that the real cowboys drove were rear-wheel-drive (not 4x4) with straight-6s, 3-on-the-tree trannies, plain dashboards without radios, and vinyl bench seats. A rear bumper would have been optional. So would a large rear windshield, 2-tone paint, and any chrome, but these indulgences would have been suspect. ---Chevy and Ford's most "basic" trucks for '08 come with ABS, power rack-&-pinion steering, AM/FM stereo, 5spd manual/4spd auto trannies, intermittent wipers. Some base trucks have gas shocks, tilt wheel, CD/MP3 players. The Colorado throws in AC and Cruise. These are as close as one can get to the old cowboy trucks, but today, most buyers get vanity-4x4, crew/club cabs, all kinds of plush stuff and appearance items. Today's trucks are caricatures of the trucks that built America, like blue jeans with ironed creases. So what's the attachment to this aesthetic? Nostalgia for a time when guys had real jobs? Buy a work truck or get a real car, and just get over the emotional issues.

One of the few cars that enhances my pride in being American.

A real car. Styling innovation. Nice.

Pushing a vehicle with a large cross-section through the air is intrinsically fuel inefficient. The "commanding-view" rudeness arms-race has to stop somewhere. A height-limit of 60" in the passing lane would help. Revise the CAFE standards so that they're more stringent for large vehicles than small ones. When will American carmakers start paying fuller attention to real cars instead of these inadequacy-compensating psychological indulgences?

Ever seen a rear-end like that on a person? It is, well, butt-ugly. Especially from the side.

This one will find its niche. The Super-Duty thing has become stale, like a macho arms race, and with gas going up like crazy, the jacked-up 4x4 pickup will be a vehicle for guys with mullets. This is a cool contractor vehicle, once the housing market rebounds.

----I like the Mini Clubman, but hate the Flex. In the smaller iteration, the styling looks practical, no-nonsense, and simple. But inflated and overstuffed as the Flex is, it screams "Blunt Weapon". It's the car for someone who needs to compensate for some inadequacy by strapping on some secondary male sex characteristics, but who wants to look up-to-date while doing so.
----Another SUV at a time when their appeal is plummeting (for anyone with a mind). Good timing, Ford. When gas hits $4 a gallon, SUV drivers are going to feel and look foolish, but the drivers of the old ones will at least have the justification of being stuck with the payments for vehicle with plummeting resale value. These Flexes are going to look like the late-model Taurus I saw that someone had customized with a vinyl roof: way too much effort to participate in a long-stale fad. The very style of the Flex will make it seem all the more laughable.
----This one will also continue the great SUV tradition of obstructing the vision of all drivers behind it, like rude people who wear big hats in the movies. Where's my Bazooka?

I'll put in my two cents.
I am a jeep owner and a father of 2 and a dog. I plan to take the family on a 3week tour of middle America in 3 years using an offroad pop-up trailer.
What will the tow vehicle be?
1st choice: a Stock Unlimited if Jeep puts a V-8 in it.
2nd choice: My already built 80's Jeep
3rd choice: sell my CJ and use the cash to put a V8 in a used unlimited.
Please put a V-8 in the Jeep, so I can keep my trail rig! :)

My 2007 Entourage squeaks all the time from the back end. It has gotten to where I refuse to drive or ride in it. Our Hyundai dealer, Todd Archer, seems to be at a loss on how to fix it.

WHOA!!! My dream car....but what up with the 49cents though. LOL

I would like to add the MyGig to our 2006 Dodge Ram 3500 pickup. Does anyone know if a backup camera can be added to it?

Yes Jeep Enthusiasts are looking for more power. Why would a person who loves a Jeep and everything that goes with it such as hunting and fishing not want a wrangler that could pull the boat or atv to a destination. How many Wrangler owners coan afford to have a truck and a jeep to do all the jobs that one vehcle should. Give me my V8 and a diesel and I bet you won't see to many v6's sold in the unlimited. I love the new jeep I just need a Wrangler that has a heart to match its other great attributes

The position that this vehicle can compete is on mpg.

The overall vehicle is very good looking and functional....the sell price seems high for the other options Ford has. however, if the mpg was double based on the diesel version -- they will have a winner.

I am looking for such a transport that has good milage and is functional to carry more than 5 at times or luggage or project things like recycles. I have a Volvo now that is similar, but millage is 17 +/- 2 mpg -- IOW, the milage sucks, but the overall package is the same.

I hope Ford brings the diesel for the mpg -- I think it will sell; look at VW's versions -- you cant get one.

bjk

hi i was wondering if dodge is guna keep making mega cabs in the future?? thanks mike

I think Honda is positioned to rake in the dough once the American public realizes that high gas prices are here to stay.

I'll even go you one better than that: five years from now the freeways are going to look vastly different than they do now with respect to what kind of vehicles that will be on them.

American drivers will finally realize that the money they spend filling their gas tank: 1) is burned, just like setting fire to 3 or 4 $20 bills, never to be recovered, 2)are enriching foreign entities which will never trade back to the US the same amount that was given to them for the oil they sold us.

Because of this, I believe most American families will be multi car affairs - the job of mailing one's rear end to the job and back will be handled by very small frugal cars; the big SUV's and pickup trucks will be relegated to "use only when needed" status. In other words, they will spend 90% of the time parked.

Gone will be the days of seeing oversized, 4 door, 4 wheel drive, 3/4 ton, long wheel base, extended cab vehicles being used for simple transportation.

So who will reap the benefit from this new American change of automotive attitude? First, the obvious ones: Honda, Toyota, Nissan, Mazda, Mitsubishi, Subaru, BMW and Volkswagen. Why? Because they mostly hail from countries that have had a steady diet of high gasoline prices for a long time. Also, the manufacturers listed above design and build cars with good fuel economy in mind from the first doodle on engineering design paper.

Next, we have the auto makes that will probably make it eventually, but will go to the fuel effiency party kicking and screaming: GM, (you know they knew that fuel prices were about to go through the roof and they STILL blew countless millions redesigning their ridiculous pickup and big SUV line). Ford, (thank GOD that Ford has a really large presence and market in Europe - if they are smart they will federalize as many of the cars they sell over there, for sale over here. Chrysler, well, they have bought a management team that should be able to see the writing on the wall, let's just hope that the big shots at Cerebrus are cool headed enough to give Jim Press and the others enough time to get their act together. Mercedes-Benz, they made a savvy move bringing the Smart car line here to the US - those jewel like cars are small alright, but I think $5 gas will put them right where they need to be. Also, MB has access to some really great diesels, however, the success of those cars relies on diesel fuel not being priced consistently higher than premium gasoline.

And finally, the car companies filed under "I wonder about them": the new upstart companies from China, India and elsewhere are currently dicey affairs at best. Are they going to be able to come to the US with high quality cars and set up dealerships, scource parts for repairs and then stay the course with new redesigns to keep their product line fresh? If they make it, their story will be good compost for a Havard School of Business course for sure.

Ok, let's close all this up with look at the far off future (although I hope it's not too far off). I believe all this bio fuel, hydrogen and everything else that can be burned in an internal combustion engine will be eventually eclipsed by totally electic cars.

First, where do we get the electricity? Wind generators, solar cell farms, wave and tide generators and the like will be the key - these types of electical generation do so with no fuel costs. The wind, waves and sunlight are all free so the cost of the electricity they produce will be nearly free. The only costs to be recouped are the initial investment and maintenance. Try pitting a natural gas generator against a wind farm and it's a no brainer. OK, so we blow a bunch of $$$ doing this and now we have lots of electicity. Currently, we have barely scratched the surface of we could be capable of.

Next, the cars. I believe that we CAN build a viable car that runs on electricity. First let's put together a standard: Tomorrow's electric car must: have a range of 300 miles when driven at high speeds under the usual loads that we put the cars we now have under. They must be refueled in approximately 10 minutes, which is about the time one spends at his neighborhood gas station from start to finish.

You're thinking "this guy is an idiot, it's impossoible". But is it really? I can remember when the first computer controlled cars came into being and replaced carbureatored cars literally overnite. Car enthusiast magazines told us how these new fuel injected cars could tune themselves as they went along their merry way. At the time, I thought it imposssible. Just look at the 2008 models and the prosecution rests it's case.

Cars have advanced so much that the current Z06 Corvette could win the 1973 Indy 500 with the A/C on. So what would your advanced electric car be like?

For one thing it would be very powerful. Electric motors produce very high torque at low RPM's. Couple that to a CVT transmission designed to extract the most from the motor and you'd have plenty of driving fun! Let the tuners get hold of something like that and WHOOOEE! it'll be the '60's all over again!

The motors and transmissions are in their infancy at the moment. If we really tried, we could build a motor that was designed from the ground up for electic car use - separate windings for take off and cruise, internal capacitors for momentary hi horse needs etc. A transmisson optimised for use with this motor is relatively easy. Ah, but the battery - that's the crust of the biscuit.

I can't believe that America, with all it's intelligence and free market reward can't overcome the obstacles that stand in the way of a viable battery. If we would throw as much money at this project as we have in Iraq, we'd be hot on the trail to a new kind of car. You can tell me anything you like, but don't try to tell me we can't come up with a solution to this battery problem. Is it going to be easy? NO. Putting a man on the moon was thought to be impossible, but we did it with .001 of the computer power we have today.

Alright, so who in the hell is going to take on such a heavy capital investiment / talent wearying project? Just look at the top of the list in this little diatribe and there's your players - Honda, Toyota, Nissan, Mazda, Mitsubishi, etc. Personally, I'd put my money on Honda. Time to go! Cheers all!

Hey there,

It's been just shy of a year since this "Part 3" post. I'd love to see and read about everything that's happened since then...

Do tell!

I just rented one and I loved it. It handles great and has a super small turning circle, like a sports car should.The trunk is large for a 157 inch long car, when you have the top up. But when you lower the top it takes up 80% of the trunk. So, on a road trip with 2 people, you can't really carry much, unless you have the top up the whole trip, and then what's the point of having a roadster? I know many small roadsters have the same problem, tho.
The convertible top can be a nightmare to latch fully up. Most of the time it was fine, but once in a while it just wouldn't latch, even tho I used the exact same trick that had worked many times before, The owners manual does not explain the trick. Annoying, in fact its the worst thing about the car. The idiot at the rental car company asked what did you do to it? I said GM designed it, ask them. Luckily the other people at Avis had a brain, and knew I babied the car.
The top was very waterproof when latched. There is no glass wind blocker that would pops up behind your head to block turbulence, but on the other hand it doesn't cost $50,000 either.
The car is so beautiful with the top down that I had a tourist take a photo of the car with me in it. And this was Miami Beach, where you see new Rolls Royces and Lamborghinis every 15 minutes. If you want attention and to impress women, you should consider the Saturn Sky/ Pontiac Solstice. People love the look so much they let me in in traffic all the time, Miamians are often rude and refuse to let a fellow driver in front of them. But not with this car.
Except for the convertible top, I would buy this car. I heard they are building a fastback soon. True?

I JUST THINK THAT`S A GREAT SUV, FOR REAL!!!

I've worked in the trades for 30yrs, (GC licensed for 15). I'm a landlord now and always have a project going, but these days I hire subs for almost everything. I make regular runs to the lumber yard and the hardware store for smaller loads. The Abat would be perfect for me.

This Ed Kim guy is a nut. The toxic materials he references do not enter the atmosphere or affect the air we breath. And, it isn't about the mileage, it's about the emissions. This must be your first job in the auto industry, as you don't have a clue about what drives it or how it is evolving. I'm done with this blog.

Peter DeLorenzo certainly has an extremist position on the X6 specifically and BMW in general. How interesting then, to see the Bangle J-Lo butt appearing on cars from a wide range of other manufacturers. The only thing really wrong with the X6 is the limit on 2 passengers in the back. A four seat SAV doesn't likely draw US buyers. But, regardless, it's clear that BMW allows its designers to move the target forward, while old timers like Peterson and DeLorenzo have lost the plot. Design is supposed to evolve - which is why the best innovators in each new decade are typically younger than those they replace.

I am intrigued by the tech and by the utility for daily use. I drive a heavily modified Grand Cherokee as I am in am in SAR (Search & Rescue)- I love it except for very poor gas mileage. Wife has Prius which gets really great gas mileage. I could use a daily driver like this to span the gap...

The Falling US Dollar, will surely make this car expensive. I think High 30s to mid 40s is a reasonable price for this car, 60 to 70 Us Dollars will price this car out of most people’s budgets, but I do like this New Passat. A Diesel version with a manual stick would be even better. The VW Phaeton from a few years ago was among the nicest cars I sat in at any car show.

First, Ford should re-engineer the Town Car to at least approach the success of the Audi A8L. Audi’s big car is a big hit, so large cars aren’t dinosaurs as long as you build them to a high level of sophistication. Ford can take things a step further by putting the Ford Powerstroke Diesel into the next Town Car, to make this car more durable, and more efficient. A Standard shift option would be nice for people who want an American Performance Sedan, which America no longer seems to have.

Hello to whom that can answer my question. I in the market for a new vehicle within the next six months. I had my eye on another BMW, mercedes, or a honda ridgeline. However, I had received an email from dodge about the Rampage and I immediately felt in love with this truck. I would buy it in a heartbeat. I have never own a truck before. This would be perfect for me. Anyway, any idea when this vehicle is going to hit the streets. I want to place my order like yesterday.

Some people prefer the smoother, streamlined look instead of faux plastic tack-ons. I think the reviewer will be more satisfied with the forthcoming GXP, which will no doubt be visually more aggressive, and likely push him clear through his seat.
To achieve similar performance and handling to BMW 5 series (E39), which the Australian version of the G8 has done, for half the price, is testimony to Holden's racing heritage.

Love the idea of a glass sunroof. Especially since i plan on painting it Pink. Will make a good contrast. Here in the Northwest a convertible is not very practical. Glass is a great idea.

Interesting reading. Just bring the capri back...

When is possible order this Passat CC
In Florida and the final price with
full equipment? Have right now Passat 06
and my lease is due for October 2008.
This new Passat CC is very nice.

What happened to the Genesis that was at the Orange County Auto show? The one shown in your article does not have the same interior or dash and the rear end taillights and exhaust tips are different and ugly. I really was looking forward to this car to the point where I had forestalled the purchase of an AZERA, now I am wondering why? What a let down.

Now you're reporting the V8 will cost over $40,000, you lost me now. If i am going to spend that much, I may as well get the Dodge Challenger with the big Hemi. Oh yeah I know its a different market offering but when you're talking that much money, you have to ask yourself what it is you're paying for, V8-RWD-Fast-Unique new Headturner.

Oh well, after having purchased 4 new Hyundais in the last 5 years I guess the party's over.

I am the proud owner of a new Silver colored - black interior Enclave CXL. I have had a lot of pretty outstanding cars in my life and never have I gotten so many compliments as I have with this ride. GM has bellied up to the bar and I don't know of a car this size on the road that is this enjoyable to drive. Let's get with the program and applaud GM instead of nit-picking.

Geez...I must have a totally different Aspen? This is a great car, very quick (Hemi) and so far I get 21MPG on the freeway. Yeah, i must be warped, I do like the looks of it. Oh, and it's not a 2006 model, its for 2007...at least you car guys ought to get something right.

I currently have an '06 RL and was anticipating in trading for the '09 model. I am not impressed with the new design. The front looks like a Cadillac CTS and the back looks to boxy. They could've designed it a little better.

Wow, somebody stood up and spoke the truth. Sounds like a little nostalgia and personal experience crept in there somewhere. I'm right there with you old friend. I much prefer the precision and discipline of a military band to those that form Volkswagens, although they have their place, I guess. I doubt there are enough of us out here to sway the all mighty media, but we are here. I hope someone finds the old films at FSU. Hope to see you soon.

I absolutely love the old body style of the Expedition and I'm not particularly thrilled with the new body style...but this is a great truck and I love it!!

My Prius is the best, most practical car I have owned in my 80 years. The Pickup would jst add to my satisfaction. A great idea.

My Friends and I were running around Atlanta about 2 weeks ago and we came across one of these so we came back around the block.. it's definetly an head turner.

I have been following this vehicle for some time now. It has been most interesting and I await it's arrival in the states. I am thrilled and a bit anticipatory of the company's design department configuring it for U.S. standards. Consequently, I do agree that the price a a bit elevated and I feel that more would buy if the price were a bit lower. I feel that somewhere in the mid 20,000 with a high-end model at about 30,000 would be a sufficient price range for good sales response. I do know that for everything there is a market and buyers. So understanding this, I know that people will purchase this vehicle! I want mine in a cobalt blue color!

I own a Prius and a Ford F250 Harley Diesel and I'm tired of paying 35 more for Diesel than unleaded and the sorry MPG of Ford and GM. I don't pull anything so this will do for me.

I actually think these are very cool! Although they are a far cry from the Buick Electra 225 I grew up with, which is eulogized here:

http://flintexpats.blogspot.com/2007/10/buick-electra-225.html

my gmc is a nice truck but it has been to the shop 3 times in the 4 months i have owned it . Cooling sensors, autostart and fuel gage problems .

Does anyone know how I may be able to get in touch with Dave Schembri or his marketing team? I have a product that would complement the Smart Car and most definitely increase sales in the American and European markets.

Thanks, Steve S.

A Honda S2000 w/ style and flair

The Prius pickup is just what I have been looking for. I'm tired of averaging 15mpg with my current Chevrolet pickup. I hope Toyota produces it.

HAVE ANY OF YOU FORD OWNERS EVER BEEN IN A UGLY CHRYSLER ASPEN, DURANGO, CHEVY TAHOE, CADDY?? I HAVE CAUSE I HATED FORDS. MY WIFE BOUGHT AN EXPEDITION I CAN HONESTLY SAY THERE IS NO BETTER PRODUCT!! I WAS SO IMPRESSED I BOUGHT A 2004 FOR MYSELF. MY WIFE HAS THE 08. I CAN'T TELL YOU HOW THE RIDE YOU DON'T GET FROM THE REST. I CAN ALWAYS GAS UP BEFORE I LEAVE HOME.

I've drive once a Mercedes Benz ML500 for a test drive. It drives smoothly and its really suitable for a family car. I recommended it to my friend who is planning at that time to swap her 2004 Toyota Revo to something that is perfect for her kids.