Toyota Says Entire Lineup Hybrids by 2020 (Automotive)

http://www.motorauthority.com/cars/toyota/toyota-cutting-hybrid-costs/ (Thanks jalopnik.com)

I don't have much to say beyond the original article on this topic, but I believe it's an important movement/issue to bring up. If a company as large and forward thinking as Toyota is willing to stake so much on hybrid technology, I have to take it seriously. Hybrids have already proved themselves as great eco cars, but can they make every car better. I believe the answer is yes. It's just a matter of cost effectiveness. This push will develop hybrid technology more quickly, making it more efficient, more powerful, and cheaper. I would be fearful of hybrid abuse if this was being carried out by a company other than Toyota. At a less reasonable company, every vehicle might get a hybrid addition making them all more powerful with approximately the same or slightly better gas mileage, rather than replacing each vehicle in the line up with the same vehicle equipped with a one size smaller engine with hybrid technology.

The Lexus LS600h has got some interesting reviews(not all raving positive), but I believe this vehicle gives a real taste of combining hybrid technology into a platform not traditionally considered hybrid friendly. If the price was not unreasonably more than a LS460 (because of cheaper hybrid technology, rwd, and similar options), it could make a significantly better vehicle overall. (The gas mileage would be more competitive without the awd and the advances in hybrid technology would make it lighter and just plain better) At this point in hybrid technology the LS600 is a great achievement. The GS450h might be an even better example because of its V8 beating performance, from it's hybrid v6.

Current vehicles on the Toyota horizon are further evidence of this ultimate hybrid permeation. The new FT-SH, a successor of the Supra (here), pictured at the top of the post should be here in 2009 sporting a V6 with hybrid technology. This should make for a great car, that probably would have sported a non-hybrid V-8, based on the power evolution performance vehicles have followed for the last couple generations. (or a beefier twin turbo 6 cyl.) The high performance sports coup category has not been in the hybrid realm until recently. Thanks to the electric Tesla roadster and vehicles like this Toyota, these barriers will be gone.

Audi TT Ads Embrace DVR (Automotive Advertising)

Audi TT DVR Spot 1

There is a new television campaign for the Audi TT and a new spot for the Audi A4. Autoblog has made them available through youtube(with the necessary slow-mo recap included), and they are now embedded here.

The first spot, shown above, is 1 of 2 for the Audi TT that utilizes the prevailence of DVRs. This isn't exactly groundbreaking. Sprite's Sublymonal campaign has done some cool DVR specific stuff as well as GE with it's One Second Theater and KFC's Buffalo Snacker campaign. However, in Audi's instance the quickness of it all actually pertains to a feature of the vehicle, the shift speed. The spots equate other things that happen quickly, with the time it takes Audi's amazing DSG transmission to change gears (0.2 seconds). It puts it into perspective. I personally always rewind and slow-mo any hidden content I happen to see during commercial breaks. Then again, I'm a bit of an advertising nerd and thus may not represent the everyman tv/dvr user. Even being the new harsh automotive advertising critic I am, I still really enjoyed the ads. They embrace DVR, and don't hide from it. They manage to create a feeling of mystery and intrigue with the stark design, (lots of black) minimal but significant sound effects, and cinemetography. Last but not least, the shot of the TT going from right to left on what looks like an abandoned freeway just hits me the right way

The thrid spot posted is strictly for the Audi A4 and is not DVR specific. As an enthusiast, I just want to sit back and say "COOL!", but being a critic I must say the jokes at the LS460's self parking expensive will get old. (Hyundai is doing it with their Azera ad too) It would work much better in an ad for a vehicle that actually competes with the Lexus. I could see the same concept done with a BMW 750i or il making much more sense. Plus such driving would match BMW's Ultimate Driving Machine image. Just one man's opinion of course.

Audi TT DVR Spot 2


Audi A4 Non-DVR

Insight into Muscle Car Era Street Racing (Automotive)

"They say the first street race between cars occurred the day the second car was built." - Muscle Car Confidential: Confessions of a Muscle Car Test Driver written by Joe Oldham

There is an excellent excerpt from a new book posted here on Edmunds.com today. Anyone into cars should take a few minutes and give it a read. You won't regret it. I plan on picking up the book in its entirety soon. I will give a full review shortly after. (Available at www.motorbooks.com)

Lamborghini's SUV, the LM002, Spotted (Automotive)

Update 5/11/07 - Higher Resolution Picture (Click to view)

Oh, the perks of living in Orange County. I happen to come across this Lamborghini LM002 on the way to the gym today. Only 301 of them were made during it's production run from 1986 to (Some listed here at the LM002 Registry) Some famous owners include Hunter S Thompson (author of Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas) and Uday Hussein. (U.S. military blew it up testing explosives, not realizing the rarity of it)

Some Specifications

An original price of $65,000 in 1986

engine: V12

valvetrain: DOHC 4 Valves / Cyl

displacement: 5167 cc / 315.3 cu in

compression: 9.5:1

power: 335.6 kw / 450.0 bhp @ 6800 rpm

hp per litre: 87.09 bhp per litre

torque: 500.3 nm / 369.0 ft lbs @ 4500 rpm

Front Engine / 4WD

Aluminium & PFibreglass Panels

front wheels
F 43.2 x 27.9 cm / 17.0 x 11.0 in
rear wheels
R 43.2 x 27.9 cm / 17.0 x 11.0 in
front tire size
325/65VR-17
rear tire size
325/65VR-17

2700 kg / 5952 lbs

transmission: 5-Speed Manual

top speed 210 kph / 130.5 mph

0 - 60 mph 7.7 seconds

From Wikipedia "Some History

Lamborghini built its first military vehicle, a prototype vehicle codenamed the "Cheetah", in 1977. Lamborghini had designed the vehicle with hopes of selling it to the US military. The original Cheetah prototype had a rear-mounted Chrysler V8 engine. The prototype was destroyed during testing by the US military. This led Lamborghini to develop the LM001, which was very similar to the Cheetah, but had an AMC V8 engine.
It was finally determined that the engine being mounted in the rear caused too many unfavorable handling characteristics in an offroad vehicle, and the LMA002 was built with an entirely new chassis, moving the engine (now the V12 out of the Countach) to the front. After much testing and altering of the prototype, it was finally given a serial number and became the first LM002.
Lovingly dubbed the "Rambo-Lambo", its aggressive styling and powerful engine made it a success for Lamborghini. Civilian models were outfitted with a full luxury package, including full leather trim, tinted power windows, air conditioning, and a premium stereo mounted in a roof console. In order to meet the vehicle's tire needs, Lamborghini commissioned Pirelli to make two custom, run-flat, tread designs.
The military version of the LM002 omitted some of the luxuries, and featured additions like mounting points for machine guns. The Saudi Arabian army ordered 40, each with the roof able to be opened like a hatch over the rear seats.[1] Libyan leader Muammar al-Qaddafi reportedly ordered 100 of them for the use of Libya's military.[2]
In 1988 Lamborghini sent an LM002 to a team of special engineers with the intention of making it capable of participating in the Paris Dakar Rally. They stripped it of anything that added unnecessary weight and gave it an upgraded suspension, engine modifications which brought it to 600 hp, full roll cage, plexiglas windows, and GPS equipment. Unfortunately, the money ran out before it could be officially be entered in competition, although it did participate in the Rallye des Pharaons in Egypt and another in Greece, both times driven by Sandro Munari.[3]
Near the end of the LM002's production, a Turin based autoshop owner created a one-off "Estate" version by enclosing the back area and raising the roof. This added significantly to the interior room.[4]
On July 18, 2004, the USA military base near Baqubah, Iraq used a LM002 that had belonged to Uday Hussein to simulate the effects of a VBIED. The LM002 was destroyed during the test." [5]

New Ads for Chrysler. Beauty but no Brains (Automotive Advertising)

I cut the automotive industry too much slack when I critique it's advertising. Maybe I am blinded by my love of cars, or just happy to see ads better than the crap of yesteryear. That's going to end now. I don't want to be responsible for propagating ads that don't try anything new.

I'm starting with Chrysler's new campaign running under the tag "Engineered Beautifully." There is some fun CGI technology being used in the first spot, but all the statements are ridiculously generic. Did you know Chrysler has engines that produce power but also get gas mileage? I understand that gas prices hitting over $4 a gallon this summer creates a lot of pressure on manufacturers to look fuel efficient, but it just isn't Chrysler's strong suit. I can hear Europeans laughing at the mpg numbers listed already. The sad thing is, the MDS they are featuring, but do not explain, is amazing. Their V8 motors can shut down 4 of their cylinders to return better mileage, and then start them seamlessly again under acceleration. Cool stuff.

The only item in the first spot that caught my eye was the swivel and go seating available in their Town and Country minivan. That would be useful for long road trips with the kids. (As long as they don't get carsick facing backwards like I do)

The second spot features the new Sebring hardtop convertible which will always look like a rental car to me unless some seriously sexy redesign comes in the future. The dangers of massive fleet sales are lasting. The ad creates a small amount of drama with the music and editing but lacks subtlety, and insults my intelligence. "Press the key" says the ad. We are then shown some Sebring top opening footage. I already have made the connection that their is a button on the key that allows you to open the top, but apparently the ad still needs to say "and the hardtop retracts." We have a term for this in the business. See and say. I don't want to feel like a 5 yr old child being taught the features of the Sebring. We then get this dualism with "Turn the key" and another result. I want to be responsible and not force the horsepower wars to continue, but 235 horsepower just isn't that exciting anymore. Maybe I'm spoiled.

The 3rd spot for the Chrysler 300 has an advantage. The 300 is a gorgeous sedan. Otherwise not much to this spot. It doesn't create an emotional connection, it doesn't build any brand image, and it certainly doesn't do anything new and exciting in the way these things are presented. I know a lot of people capable of editing stock car footage, adding snappy music, and plopping in attempted witty copy lines. Not impressed.

The last spot claims Chrysler proves you don't need an import to get great mileage, but then shows mpg's of 28, 29, and 32. The first statement has become null and void at this point, and to top it off we get some selling offers with financing and cash back, which of course helps tarnish the brand image a bit more. Hi, were a domestic brand, and we're needy.

Manufacturers need to realize that automotive purchases are still a hugely emotional. I can't remember the number of times I have recommended the "best" vehicle (most awards, positive reviews, reliability ratings, wins in comparison tests, etc.) to someone only to have them buy something else they liked all along, regardless of the evidence. I'm not saying all the wonderful information available to us today doesn't come into play, but it does come second to the heart in many occasions. If your automotive ads can find a connection with the emotional side of people more effectively, you're golden, especially for companies that aren't superior to their competitors on paper. There are intangibles associated with every company that can make or break that purchase decision. Start the imaginary construction.

Amazing Vehicles Abound, E63 included (Automotive)

Auto enthusiasts have never been so lucky. Thanks to technology, superb engineering, and automotive competition there are a wide variety of amazing vehicles available today.

One in particular has caught my eye the last few months, the Mercedes E63. I was always a fan of the E55 and E55 wagon for it's sleeper looks, ridiculous torque levels, and combination of comfort. As much as I enjoy the stripped down racer performance of my Sti, I realize it's not something that everyone wants all the time.(Even me) Luxury has a lot of perks, especially on the roads and freeways of Southern California. Especially luxury that has such astounding performance like that found in the new AMG E.

The E63 packs big numbers: 507hp, 465 ft lbs, 6.2 liters, $84,000 base price, and 7 speeds. Blam, 4.3 seconds and you are already getting a ticket for 20 over in your local 40mph zone. In other words, it's damn quick. Unimaginably quick for about 95% of drivers these days, although cars are getting faster every second it seems. (430hp base Corvette is more evidence of that) The suspension and brakes have been reworked from the previous gen and now offer better handling and stopping power. These numbers are amazing for any vehicle, sedan or otherwise, but they are just numbers.

How does it drive? Based on numerous professional reviews, great. The most recent raving follow up test by Edmunds.com inspired this article (view here with an excellent pop culture reference in the last line), but you don't need to go too far back in your automag archive to find E63 write ups. In both Motor Trend (here) and Car and Driver (here), February 2007, the E63 was compared with the V10 powered Audi S6 and BMW M5 (SMG equipped in C and D while janky U.S. market only manual equipped for MT). The Motor Trend articles rates the vehicles from a rather useless point of view. Basing your judgement on which of the vehicles is best on a track is ridiculous. It's fun for bragging rights and entertainment, but doesn't represent how these vehicles will be used by their owners, even those that drive aggressively on the street. Regardless, the article holds an important point of view. The Car and Driver article on the other hand does a much better job evaluating these vehicles as they would actually be used.

The results were as follows, analysis follows:
MT
1st place: S6
2nd place: M5
3rd place: E63

C and D
1st place: E63 (231 points)
2nd place: S6 (230 points)
3rd place: M5 (janky 6 speed killed it, 213 points)

You may be asking why the vehicle I'm raving about placed 3rd in MT. Long story short, all three cars are great and the E63 was viewed as the least amazing of the group. If you read the article though you find the only complaints regarding the E63 are about its handling on the track and in their figure 8 test. "You'd love the E63 on the autobahn, but around the track and in the figure eight, it finished a distant 3rd." I would argue American roads are far more analogous to the autobahn than a figure 8 track and race track. Am I mistaken here? They continue to write "In return you get an unfailingly civilized executive's express with a handsome (if conventional) cabin, classic Mercedes good looks, and a power train worthy of Zeus himself." Sounds great to me.

In the C and D article the E63 placed first and had the following qualities listed "Highs: major-league muscle, astounding agility, transmission actually does what it's told. The Lows: Comand control collective still confusing, new exterior a bit too familiar. The verdict: AMG finally deliverers an autobahn burner that knows how to dance." I'm not claiming E63 dominance. I'm merely elaborating one of the many amazing vehicles available today. The E beat the S by 1 point out of 250 possible, the definition of negligble. These 250 included two very subjective categories, gotta have it and fun to drive, both won outright by the E. (Strange dichotomy between highest fun to drive rating in C and D and lowest in MT)

Despite the comparative aspect, these articles simply prove the Mercedes E63 is an amazing vehicle. On a personal note, for quite some time I was aligned with the M5, but I have in the last few months placed the E63 in my 3 car dream garage. (With the GT3 of course) I wouldn't want the bad 6 speed manual or the clunky SMG the M5 has to offer. The Sti has filled that awd void the S6 would want. The E63 is just right, for me.