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.

It's Z4 the Art, Contest with $20 Prize (Automotive)

James May has made a blank BMW Z4 outline available so that anyone can create the paint scheme of their dreams. The autothoughts.com sponsored Z4 above is sporting tinted windows and a big brake kit. (It's obvious why I am looking outside myself for the best work)

It's easiest to print out the blank version below, and color it in by hand, but for those graphic design junkies some photoshop might be in order. If anyone takes the time to make one of these up, send it over (matt.talbot@gmail.com and please put Z4 Contest in the subject), and I will post it. $20 through paypal goes to the winner.

http://jalopnik.com/assets/resources/2007/05/BMW_Coloring2.jpg

I apologize for a lack in substantive posts today and this weekend. It's my birthday.

(Thanks Jalopnik.com)

June 07 Auto Mag Roundup (Automotive)

Car and Driver
Four of a Kind
"We look at four distinct ways to spend $35,000 on a coupe and try to figure out which is the best sports car."
4th Ford Shelby GT (5spd man)
3rd Nissan 350Z (6 spd man)
2nd Audi TT 2.0T (6sp auto man)
1st Mazda RX-8 (6 spd man)

Ferrari 599GTB Fiorano hits 0-60 in 3.3 seconds, and 11.2 sec @ 131mph in the quarter

40 Somethings
"BMW's renewed 3-series defends its title as king of the lucury fresh-air four-seaters."
5th Volvo C70 T5
4th Volkswagen Eos 3.2
3rd Saab 9-3 2.0T
2nd Audi A4 2.0T
1st BMW 328i

2005 Porsche Boxster S Long Term Test
"More than a 911, In More Ways Than One"
Mike Dushane- "It's hard to find fault with the Boxster S's combination of capability and comfort. It's my favorite car."

Road Track
Volvo S80 V8 AWD is qicker than expected with 5.6 sec to 60mph and 14.2 second quarter mile at 99.4.

"League of Extraordinary Pocket Rockets"
5th Nissan Sentra SE-R Spec V
4th Mini Cooper S
3rd Honda Civic Si Sedan
2nd Volkswagen GTI 4 door
1st MazdaSpeed3

Motor Trend
2008 Lexus LS600h L with 0-60 in 5.5 seconds and the quartermile in 14.0 seconds at 102.7mph returning 19mpg during their testing

"Track Attack - We Find America's Best-Handling Car"
Included BMW 335i coupe, Chevrolet Corvette Z06, Honda Civic Si coupe, Honda S2000, Lotus Exige S, and Mazdaspeed3 GT, Mini Cooper S JC Works GP, Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution IX MR, Porsche 911 GT3, and Porsche Cayman S.
After a vast battery of tests:
1st Porsche GT3 (And even more information supporting the this car as my favorite car at the moment, and maybe for a long time)
2nd Porsche Cayman S
3rd Lotus Exige S
4th Mitsubishi Evolution IX MR

Crossover Summit
"A meeting of traction"
1st Place Mazda CX-9 Grand Touring AWD
2nd Place Acura MDX
3rd GMC Acadia SLT AWD

2007 Vortech Corvette Z06
635hp with a 0-60 time of 3.9 seconds, 0-100mph in 7.4 seconds, 11.5 seconds and 133.1 mph
2007 Stock Corvette Z06
505hp with a 0-60 time of 3.8 seconds, 0-100mph in 7.8 seconds, 11.7 seconds and 124.0mph
The additional power from the supercharger made traction hard to find, but the trap speed in the quarter shows the improvement. Put some slicks on it, hope the drivetrain holds, and say hello to 10's.

Modified Porsche 996 turbo on PCH

Modified Porsche 996 turbo on PCH

It's a Dirty Job, but Someones Gotta (Automotive Advertising)

Ford wasted no time jumping on the Toyota Tundra's less than perfect crash rating, although recently it received a "Good" from the insurance institute which is their highest rating possible. The host of Discovery Channel's Dirty Jobs, Mike Rowe, is the current spokesperson for Ford trucks. From what I've seen(on both his show, and other tv appearances including the Daily Show) he is a very likable guy. The combination of his sense of humor, booming voice, and equity of toughness plays well for tv spots like the one posted above. How appropriate that the host of a show called Dirty Jobs has a hand in one of the dirtiest and most difficult jobs of them all, saving Ford. The other spots featuring Mike Rowe are featured below.

I may not be in the proper demographic/psychographic, but I prefer Mr. Rowe over the current spokesperson for Ford's new Superduty. That guy is just trying too hard to be tough and intense. I can't take it seriously. Then again, it may hit those guys that need Superduty trucks just right. (The Superbowl Superduty ad is posted below as well)

Mike Rowe F150 Leaf Spring Spot


Mike Rowe F150 Box Frame Spot


Super Duty Superbowl Spot

This Audi is GR8T. I'm Ashamed of Myself (Automotive)

The reviews of the Audi R8 have been absolutely glowing. To think that there is a higher performance version on the way with a Gallardo based V10 (instead of the RS4 sourced V8) make the hair on the back of my neck stand up. Tiff's video review sums up the others very well, practically coming across as an Audi advertisement. It's easy to forget that he is subjectively reviewing the car. Regardless, enjoy seeing the rare sight of a drifting R8.

Those Bridgestones are Something (Automotive Advertising)

I wanted to bring some attention to the new Bridgestone tires television campaign operating under the new tagline, Bridgestone or Nothing. "The new television commercials were produced by Dallas-Texas, based The Richards Group, the largest independent advertising agency in the world. The Richards Group is known for its award-winning brand-building campaigns for such industry-leading companies as Chick-fil-A, Motel 6 and The Home Depot." (Taken from original Chicago Auto Show press release)

One of the three commercials, the spot embedded above, is most enjoyable from an enthusiasts perspective. It is an exhibition of extreme car control/stunt driving and includes some very performance oriented vehicles like the Nissan 350z, Mercedes SLK55 AMG, and Mini Cooper S.

The seconnd commercial in the series embedded below has some beautifully macro footage of roads, and their various conditions. It all comes together with a natural rythm, and then closes with a quick shot of a BMW M5. Another good choice. Last but not least is a spot featuring a debaged Mercedes CLS. This is the most gimicky of the group, but still better than most tire ads.

A New Blank Canvas, From Scion (Automotive)

A couple new Scions will be hitting the streets in a few weeks. The model pictured above is the next generation Xb. (The other will be called the Xd, replacing the Xa) I have always been a fan of these Japanese cube cars, most of which we don't get here in the United States. I love the boxy yet somehow bulbous urban proportions of this specifc model, and love the tuning potential. I got my first bit of solid information a couple days ago from Edmunds.com Their first drive can be found here.

It was in their video review that I saw the Xb in some weird sea foam color riding on larger than stock TRD wheels. It made a huge difference, and really made the car look good, as a nice set of rims tend to do. The stock wheels are crap, but for a reason. Scion wants their customers to modify their cars. People who plan on toying and tuning from the get go don't want to pay a lot for wheels they are just going to throw out anyway, unless they have unusually strong second hand market value. That philosophy applies to any part of the car that is easy and typically changed. The cheaper those parts are, the lower the sticker price, the more money for modifications.

The overall look and potential of the vehicle drew me in. I wanted to learn more about the Xb, so I visited the Scion website. It was there that I was treated to a little before and after (stock then modified animation) of the Scion lineup, and more importantly where I saw this...
Granted, I may be a little biased by the color choice (red,black, gunmetal, and white is one of my favorite combinations) but I think it looks amazing. With the right wheels, and a slightly lowered ride height it just looks spot on. Feel free to disagree, but I love it.

Now, in even more exciting news, the Xb holds the 2.4 liter 4 cyl motor from the tC. A 160hp isn't amazing, but the tuning potential on this engine is. Turbonetics and other forced induction companies have turbo and supercharger kits for this motor.

I can picture it now: 19" wheels, TRD springs, TRD anti roll bar, tinted windows, a Turbonetics 300hp turbo kit, quality exhaust, and a great audio visual system. You can keep your Jeep Wrangler and Toyota Fj. I've found what beach cruiser I want.

Below: Additional Photos of a Xb modified by Five Axis sporting Volk TE's

New Cellphone = New Blog Content (Personal Automotive)

Here is my pride and joy, shot with my new toy. I received my Sony Ericsson K790a in the mail today. I've had the same cell phone for the last two years and decided it was time for an upgrade. One of it's more impressive features is a 3.2 mega pixel camera built right in.(With Xenon flash might I add) Thanks to blogger.com's mobile blogging feature, I will be able to send in blog updates with high quality pictures from just about anywhere. If I'm not happy with the mobile picture quality I can always pop out the 2GB Micromini SD card and put the full quality image on the site instead. Oh how I love technology.

So what does this mean for the blog? My current city of residence, Newport Beach, is synonymous with high end and exotic automobiles. (I have crossed paths with a Bugatti Veyron, twice!) This will allow me to snap a picture or movie at a moments notice so that you the reader get to see what I see. I hope you enjoy the practically live feeds. Please excuse the lack of eloquence in those on the fly entries. The copy may suffer a bit, but the pictures will speak a thousand words.

U.S. vs. European Review: LS600h (Automotive)

For a good comparison of European vs. American automotive journalism, check out these two reviews of the Lexus LS600h L. I think some of the differences can be attributed to the European journalist testing both the LS600h and the LS600h L, but I think a lot can be said about both countries, based on what attributes are really focused on. I think the Auto Express review hits the nail on the head in regards to approriate states and market influence.

American Review (Edmunds)

European Review (Auto Express)

Ford Doesn't Suck, Outside the U.S. Anyway (Automotive)

Ford's domestic offering is weak. With the exception of the Mustang GT, a great balance of price and performance (the GT500 has under delivered on the other hand), the amazing super car that is the GT(production has ended), and the very impressive new Superduty pick- up, Ford does not offer vehicles that can really compete with foreign competitors, especially in the bread and butter market of family sedans. (Or even domestic now that GM is stepping their game up) For better or worse, this isn't true everywhere. If you watched Casino Royale, you've already seen the vehicle that could greatly help Ford in the U.S., the new Mondeo. Unfortunately, it was not developed for this market, and will not be sold here. Just based on the styling alone, that's a damn shame. It gets even more criminal after you read some reviews of this model. (Auto Express has one here, and a recent Top Gear blog entry here) If you enjoy being jealous or angry, I recommend giving both short articles a read.


Want a little salt in that wound? Well then, I should tell you that the U.S. market's disparity with Europe doesn't end there.

Meet the Ford Focus ST. It was a shame we never got the Ford Focus RS, a turbocharged front wheel drive hand full shown here, here in the United States, but it is absolutely ridiculous that we have not received this little number, shown above in an insane orange. It's a high performance variant of the new gen Focus powered by the Volvo 5cyl turbo motor, tuned for more power, mid ranged punch, and throttle response than when found in the Volvo S40. The reviews for the ST have been fantastic. (Check out this Edmunds review here) The Volkswagen GTI still seems to come out on top of most performance hatch comparisons, but the ST is always close by.

What vehicle would you guess won 2007 International Car of the Year? A Ford by chance...oh my, and what is this. Did you say a Ford minivan?! (Proof is here)

It's true. Ford has a fun to drive, Focus ST 2.5 liter turbo motor equipped, 7 passenger MPV. (Some stellar reviews here, here, and here) Even if you ignore the fact that Ford USA has absolutely sucked in the minivan market for quite some time now with the Windstar/Freestar debacle, it's still amazing they have not tried harder to bring this vehicle here. When one of your models wins Car of the Year, I would try to get it to every market, but that's just me.

How did this happen? Why does Ford Europe have a far superior line up of cars than Ford USA? I can only imagine it stemmed from complacency. For too long, Ford was able to rely, naively, on Americans buying domestics. By the time they considered the foreign offerings really competition, it was too late. A company wide hunger for innovation can't be cultivated in a matter of months. It takes years to have the right people in place for such creations. My guess is Ford Europe has been fighting an uphill battle from the get-go. The Europeans have always had a more critical eye towards the vehicles they buy and drive, forcing the best from the manufacturers that choose to sell vehicles there. On the upside, at least we know Ford is capable of great things, whether or not we get them all here in the U.S. I truly believe that the problems Ford now faces here, will force some sort of creative innovative burst. If not, they might die. What do they have to lose?

Bugatti Veyron and Ferrari F40 Video, Enough Said (Automotive)

Hitting Every Branch of the Pretty Tree (Automotive)

I have not hid the fact that I find the 2008 WRX 5 door or sedan to be ugly. I also fully admit that I own a 2005 Subaru WRX Sti. However, this is exactly why I was so pleased to find an online article by Road and Track regarding the next generation Sti. (and Evo X)

Road and Track used all the information they have gathered so far to create a hypothetical styling prototype, and it looks good. The new Sti will come in a hatch back 5 door configuration only. It's not the favorite style of U.S. buyers, and is much more European. (The same reason the Volkswagen GTI has struggled in the U.S. somewhat, despite stellar reviews) I personally loved the idea, just not the execution I found on the 08 WRX. Fortunately, the Sti's WRX on steroids styling might right a lot of those styling wrongs. A potential 20hp and 20ft lbs of torque boost in power doesn't hurt either. Match that to a stiffer chassis and carrying 50 pounds less weight, and we may have the best standard production Sti ever.

The Evo X is expected to get a power boost to 300hp and 325ft lbs of torque at a very low 3000rpm. (The Sti's torque peaks at 4000rpm) The Mitsubishi is gaining some weight this time around, approximately 200 pounds, but is gaining some amazing technology. For the first time the entire alphabet soup from Japan is coming on the U.S. Evo (AYC=active yaw control, S-AWC=super-all-wheel control, ACD=active center differential,ASC=anti-skid control), but even more impressive is a the new 6 speed DSG style gearbox option.


DSG Explanation, skip if necessary: It was designed by Audi and is available on the TT, GTI, and technically the Bugatti Veyron. It is a true automatic manual that has two clutches, one with the current gear engaged, and the other pre-engaging the next, allowing for instantaneous shifts. It's so good in fact that the DSG equipped GTI has better acceleration times than the manual model. This is only true for a few other models, including the 997 Porsche Turbo which uses a conventional automatic.

I have to say this available sequential transmission option is making me a little jealous. I love rowing my own gears, but my rather terrible commute on the 405 a couple days a week makes me think twice about owning a fully manual car again in the future. In my case I would not be concerned with the fully automatic mode's shifting smoothness. I would drive it just as I do my manual vehicle, shifting it by hand, all the time. I would however be concerned with the transmissions ability to handle higher than stock power numbers. One of the great things about these cars, Sti and Evo, is that they both respond so favorably to power modifications. I would hate to have an overly complicated transmission put a damper on that. If, by some small chance, have built a DSG transmission for an awd car that can handle a 350-400hp, I will be truly amazed, and more than a little jealous. Nothing like perfect shifts anytime, everytime.

Life at 65 - An analysis of speed limits (Automotive)

Footage from my "Life at 65" experiment (Bonus Soundtrack included)
All footage taken with cruise control set at 65mph
Additional footage after article conclusion

Speed limits are ridiculous. I agree with a 25mph limit in residential areas and the limits on most city streets (35 to 50mph), but the speed limits on our highways and freeways are terrible. Cars keep getting faster, more stable, and safer yet speed limits have been set at 65mph or 70mph for quite some time. Based on my recent sample, traffic engineers would ideally have the limits set quite a bit higher. (All article hyperlinks are active. I particularly recommend the article at citation 2)

"Wikipedia's Entry Regarding Speed Limits
85th percentile rule
In the United States, traffic engineers may rely on the 85th percentile rule[2] to establish speed limits. The speed limit should be set to the speed that separates the bottom 85% of vehicle speeds from the top 15%. The 85th percentile is slightly greater than a speed that is one standard deviation above the mean of a normal distribution.
The theory is that traffic laws that reflect the behavior of the majority of motorists may have better compliance than laws that arbitrarily criminalize the majority of motorists and encourage violations. The latter kinds of laws lack public support and often fail to bring about desirable changes in driving behavior. An example is the federally-mandated 55 mph (90 km/h) speed limit that was removed in part because of notoriously low compliance.
Traffic engineers observe that the majority of drivers drive in a safe and reasonable manner, as demonstrated by consistently favorable driving records. Studies have shown crash rates are lowest at around the 85th percentile. Vehicles traveling over the 85th percentile speed (or faster than the flow of traffic) have a significantly higher crash risk than vehicles traveling around or modestly below this speed.
Most U.S. jurisdictions report using the 85th percentile speed as the basis for their speed limits, so the 85th-percentile speed and speed limits should be closely matched. However, a review of available speed studies demonstrates that the posted speed limit is almost always set well below the 85th-percentile speed by as much as 8 to 12 mph (see p.88) (13 to 19 km/h). Some reasons for this include:
Political or bureaucratic resistance to higher limits.
Statutes that restrict jurisdictions from posting limits higher than an arbitrary number."

To test the 65mph rule, I traveled in the two slowest lanes of the northbound 5 between San Diego and Orange County with my cruise control set at 65mph. I observed approximately the number of vehicles passing me, and compared that to the number I had passed, or at least gained on. It wasn't a big surprise to find that nearly every vehicle was passing me, including all but a few semi-trucks. If I had to give percentages, I would say 95% were traveling above the 65mph limit, and 5% were traveling at 65. (A generous 5%) I did not find a single non-commercial vehicle traveling below the set maximum limit. Clear proof that the maximum speed limit of the 5 northbound between San Diego and Orange County is grossly inaccurate, and arbitrarily set.

Speed limits that make every one's driving habits illegal hold absolutely no value. It becomes solely a way for city governments to make money, and for city employees to have a job enforcing and processing citations that mean nothing. Maximum speed limits have little to do with safety, or the good of the people. If it did, I would hope the government and police departments would make a real attempt to change society wide driving habits. In the real world, it is differences in speed that create unsafe driving environments, not driving 75 or 80mph in a 65 zone. I personally can say, and hope my footage illustrates, that it is extremely unsafe driving at 65mph. I was tailgated repeatedly, cut off numerous times, and feared merging at the many onramps. I encourage everyone who reads this, to try driving at the set maximum speed limit on their local freeway/highway. You will quickly experience what I'm talking about, especially if you live in Southern California. Police officers are lucky more people don't drive at or below the set maximum speed limits. I guarantee there would be more accidents tomorrow if more of the population did. Clearly, it has become a hypocritical system of power and money, allowing officers to choose who will be guilty on any given day at any given time. It has nothing to do with morality or safety. It's all a big joke.

What the government needs to realize is that people generally don't want to die. If they don't want to die, they will drive in a manner that prevents their death. The majority of the population, lets say 85%, will drive in a manner that is safe and reasonable, because in a well developed society such as ours, the majority of the populaion is safe, legal, and reasonable. Their driving and accident records support this. If arbitrarily set limits claim all these life loving, death fearing, Americans are driving unsafely and in an illegal manner, then these laws cannot be taken seriously. Who stands as the morale or legal compass if the majority is in the wrong, and every one else is even worse.

These speed limits will not change significantly for quite some time, and they may never again accurately reflect the habits of the driving public. An appropriate speed limit for today's vehicles, drivers, and freeways will be too high for government to stomach. As time passes, an appropriate speed limit (based on the 85th percentile rule and other indicators) will increase and grow the discrepancy between the actual set limits and this appropriate value. This will cause normal safe drivers to slam on their brakes at the site of a police officer, potentially dropping 15 or 20mph, and causing an accident. Not that their original speed was unsafe, but because an arbitrarily set limit told them it was wrong. What if, every police and highway patrol officer enforcing arbitrarily set speed limits was working on some other case? Helping pursue a thief, catch rapist, stop domestic abuse, or solve a murder for example. Think how much better the world could be.

Additional Footage

Look at drivers side window for reference

Lesson Learned (Personal Automotive)

If I learned anything from running the La Jolla Half Marathon this morning, it's that I really really love cars.