Mustang/Camaro Battle Will Return

Many of you muscle car fans have been deprived of something very dear to you since the discontinuation of the Camaro in 2002. But, beginning in 2009, you will have your beloved Mustang/Camaro rivalry once again. Yes, it's official, Rick Wagoner announced Aug. 10th that the Camaro will go into production in early 2009 with all the makings of the perfect Mustang fighter.

Here's what we know: GM will build the Camaro on a version of the new RWD platform being developed in Australia by Holden with an independent rear suspension (something the Mustang lacks). There will be both V6 and V8 versions to satisfy all ends of the financial spectrum, each offered with either a manual or automatic transmission. There is a distinct possibility of a convertible version to compete with the Mustang convertible. Unfortunately, for those Pontiac fans, there is no word yet on the possibility of a Firebird model. But, with Pontiac's commitment to a fully RWD lineup, there is a good chance a Firebird will find it's way into production. Most guesses place the 2009 Camaro's styling very similar to the concept considering it received rave reviews when introduced at this years Detroit auto show.

At the unveiling, GM's Rick Wagoner expressed great thanks for the support he found for the Camaro in the blogging community. While he specifically mentioned GM's FastLane blog, we all know the support for the Camaro was overwhelming; it was unthinkable for GM to not make the Camaro. But it's done, so now we can all lay back and wait...and wait...and wait...until the Camaro enters dealerships once again in 2009.

Your Not Alone...

In airplanes these days, there is always a lot of talk about the "black box" in the plane that records data before a crash to help figure out what went wrong. Well, those black boxes are soon finding their way into our cars. The NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) is beginning a process to mandate an event data recorder (EDR) in all new cars. As of now, many automakers have mini computer devices to moniter vehicle processes. But, the NHTSA is now instituting a universal format for recording this data. Now, if these mini black boxes record anything, they can be read easily to help determine what happened in the event of an accident.

But there is a whole other issue that is bound to enter in these disscussions: maintaining privacy. Many consumers are afraid that with these devices monitoring everything they do, they could be in danger of not only someone tapping into that data, but it being used against them were a crash to occur. Many are afraid that if they were to get involved in a lawsuit, the recorder could be used as evidence against them in court. Or worse for some, the data could be on an open netowrk accessable to any law enforcement or government officials. This way, if we are driving down the highway exceeding the speed limit, we could be cited without being stopped. There is clearly a great amount of opposition to this device and it will be difficult for the government to get it established without a great fight.

GM vs. Ford

It seems that the glory days for the Big 2 US automakers has passed as they face massive debt from retiree's health care and manufacturing costs. Both Ford and GM are in very grave danger of losing the supremacy they have become accustomed to. While they both have put into motion plans to reinvigorate their respective companies, the two are not as similar as one may think.

Ford Motor Company is currently one of the oldest surviving automakers, and it has lived a thriving life until now. With gas prices rising, Ford's high profit pickups and SUVs aren't selling as well as they used to and their passenger car lineup is in dire need of updating to compete with the imports (except maybe the new Fusion). But Ford does have one thing on their side, product diversity. Both GM and Ford own or have a controlling stake in an exorbitant number of companies. But Ford has been able to acquire automakers who offer cars dissimilar to those they already sell. Ford/Lincoln/Mercury are the bargain classic American cars whereas Volvo has its Swedish charm, Aston Martin, Jaguar and Land Rover have their British quirks, and Mazda (Ford holds 25% stake) has its Zoom-Zoom attitude. Each company offers a unique character by which their lineup attunes to. Some are fast supercars (Aston), some are great GT's (Jag) some are renowned for their off-roading capability (LR), and some have staked their claim on safety (Volvo). So, even though Fo. Mo. Co. is not looking great right now, it seems to me they have the better product line to compete.

Now, GM...What is going to happen? GM was once the hallmark for graceful design and exceptional power. Now they are well represented primarily in rental car lots. GM also owns many different car brands yet their diversity cannot compare to Ford's. Sure they attempt to put attitudes to each brand (Pontiac=sporty, Chevy=entry level, Buick=luxury) but in reality, each is just a copy of the next but with different skin. GM, over the last few years, has poured its money into badge engineering (using the same platform, interior, etc. but with slightly different sheetmetal) and it is too evident. It seems GM only cares about Cadillac these days. Caddy seems to be the only GM brand that has potential. GM has put the money in to create expressive designs and powerful engines. If only they could do that for the rest of the company, they could be successful. It seems GM is finally catching on. There are plans to change Pontiac's entire line to RWD platforms developed in Australia (Holden) and Chevy's new trucks show a huge improvement in interior quality, panel gaps, and overall design. Hopefully this is the beginning of the American automakers Renaissance.

Technology Takeover

Today, our cars carry as many electronics and computers as the first space craft that orbited the earth. More and more, a computer controls everything we do in our cars: climate control, radio, automatic transmissions, even throttle and brake inputs are transferred to a computer before action. One can only think that the day we sleep as our car takes us where we want to go is not all that far away.

It seems everyday, new technologies are sprouting up, taking more and more away from actual driver involvement, especially when you look at the high end luxury division. We're already seeing the beginnings of the self-driving car. In Mercedes-Benz's 2006 S550, there is an Adaptive Cruise Control system that will bring you to a complete stop if it senses the traffic in front has stopped. All people have to do is steer. Heck, that's practically driving itself. Also, many cars today are equipped with Lane Departure Warning systems. This technology utilizes cameras and sensors to find the lane lines on a road. When the car leaves its lane without signaling, the car will beep, screech, and vibrate until you realize what you're doing and go back to your lane.

From the enthusiasts point of view, even BMW is falling prey to this fad with it's active steering. This electric steering system constantly varies the steering ratio for different driving situations. In the parking lot, the steering is very quick, allowing for easy parking maneuvers. On the highway, the ratio is very slow making for heavier steering with more feel for high speeds. But driving enthusiasts have found that the system make aggressive driving very disconcerting. While driving around the corner one might feel the ratio change necessitating a steering angle change, which could throw the car off balance.

Even our navigation systems are taking over. For some new Acura's, one can get a navigation system that not only monitors traffic and relays the info on the screen, but it will even reroute you around the jam. Also, XM just announced it will partner with 4 cities around the country (LA, Chicago, Detroit, and Washington D.C.) to help users find the last remaining parking spaces. Through a network of sensors in the lots and info from lot attendants, one will find which lots are vacant and where the spots are, saving hours driving around the city.

And there is more coming in the near future. Both Volvo and BMW have displayed and demonstrated versions of the self-parking car. Many of you out there have trouble parallel parking (me included). These systems, once you find the space, will take the wheel and throttle and guide you smoothly into the parking space without you worrying about wrecking your car or anyone else’s.

It seems now that the self-driving car is inevitable some time in the future. Many car enthusiasts are not happy with the prospects of our driving future. What do you think? Let us know your opinion. Do you miss the classic, no a/c manual transmission car that was fun to drive or are you happy sitting in the lap of luxury while your car shoots down the highway?

Luxury Compact SUV's the Next Big Thing

If you've noticed, in the past 11 months, gas prices have skyrocketed to their current $3 a gallon or more. And we have seen the effects. Sales of large SUV's have plummeted and the sales of small compacts has shot up, encouraging the introduction of many new subcompacts such as the Honda Fit, Toyota Yaris, and Nissan Versa. But people are not quite ready to give up the feeling of superiority and safety they get while driving their big SUV's.

So, carmakers are listening to their buyers and fueling a new class of vehicle, the compact luxury SUV. While the segment may seem new, BMW led the way with their miniature X5, the X3 in 2004. The X3 became the sports car of the SUV category, Offering two engines from the 3-series sedan as well as X-Drive all-wheel-drive. But, after many drove it, they felt it was a bit too harsh for everyday use over highways and rough city streets. While they praised its performance, they couldn't help but want for something more.

Now, Acura is coming to the rescue August 10 when it releases its all-new RDX. The RDX is based off the CRV platform (which itself is a modified Civic platform). Acura has been sure to give it enough muscle to play with the X3 in the form of Acura's first turbocharged engine, a 2.3L turbo I4 with 240hp and an astounding 260lb-ft. of torque, and a sport-tuned suspension that is fun in the canyons but supple in the city. In classic Acura fashion, everything you need is included standard such as leather seating and power everything. But, they will also offer a Technology Package with Acura's wonderful DVD-based nav system (touch screen), powerful 11-speaker DVD-Audio surround sound system, backup camera, and more for an extra $3500.

Soon, they will not be alone. A slew of new models are planned from some of the world’s most luxurious brands, each bringing their own flavor to the market. In early 2007, Land Rover is landing its redesigned Freelander, the LR2, in showrooms promising to coddle it's occupants while going anywhere from the city to the outback. Land Rover has confirmed it will be powered by a modified version of a Volvo I6 in the new S80 with 233hp and 234lb-ft of torque. Also, the LR2 will come standard with Land Rover's acclaimed Terrain Response system which adapts the traction control, stability control, and Hill Descent Control to 4 preset settings (Normal, Grass/Gravel/Snow, Mud & Ruts, and Sand) accessed via a rotary knob on the console. It will come well equipped with leather and multiple sunroofs and will offer items such as Dolby ProLogic 12-Speaker stereo system and touch-screen nav system as options.

Audi Q5 6

Finally, both Audi and Mercedes-Benz
are planning compact SUV's, though
details are scarce. Audi will be offering its Q5, based on the same platform that will be used for the VW Tiguan (production version of the Concept A). Both 4-cyl and 6-cyl engines will be offered and it should prove to be decent off-road like it's big brother the Q7. M-B on the other hand will produce the true soft-roader MLK. It will be aimed at those wanting an SUV but in a smaller size and more comfortable ride. Neither of these will be released until 2007 or 2008.

Mercedes-Benz MLK 5

The SUV craze is not over and people are not willing to step down into the dreaded station wagon. So, it seems these SUV’s are the perfect solution. With their smaller size and smaller engines, they consume less fuel and are easier to maneuver for those of you city dwellers these manufacturers claim there are aiming at.

Letting in the Sun (Without the Compromises of a Ragtop)

Since the beginnings of the automobile, users have basked in the glory of riding with the top down, wind blowing in their hair and sun shining on their faces. As automotive technology has improved, thicker tops and better insulation have allowed people to have their convertibles without being manhandled by the elements. Now, almost every convertible in production has a power-operated top able to raise itself in the time you are sitting at a stoplight. Yet some have never been satisfied with the noise, and at times, the garish look soft-tops create when up. But now, you can have your cake and eat it too. With the recent boom in interest in hardtop convertibles, manufacturers have been rushing to market a slew of models.

When Mercedes-Benz introduced its SLK roadster in 1998 (2006 model pictured), people were fascinated watching the coupe-like body disintegrate into a beautiful roadster in just seconds. The car was a huge hit, even though it was not as sporty as many enthusiasts would have liked. Since then, Mercedes has been the leader in this technology, which it has now implemented in its SL roadster as well as the SLK. But many have followed suit and introduced this technology to all rungs of the financial ladder. A couple years ago, Cadillac decided to go head to head with M-B with its XLR roadster powered by a 4.2L Northstar V8. While its hardtop was equal to the SL's, the quality of the materials kept it from being competitive.

Now, for the 2007 model year, 3 new cars are being revealed to bring the folding hardtop technology to the middle-class man. Volvo has recently released its C70 convertible. For many years, Volvo competed in this segment with the previous gen C70, which offered a choice of coupe or convertible but was never seen as a good vehicle. Now, Volvo has revamped the lineup with one car, the 4-seater C70 with a 3-piece hardtop that easily folds into its compartment behind the seats. When up, it provides a coupe-like driving experience with a supple ride making this a great cruiser. And with the top down, you will be the envy of many with the classic great look of many of the new Volvos. And the C70, with a base price of $38,710, will burn a considerably smaller hole in your pocket compared to the SL.

But if that price is still a bit too steep, Pontiac and VW will come to your rescue (although you might have to wait a few months for VW...they are in Germany). Pontiac's G6 has been a solid competitor in the midsize sedan market for a couple years now. Now, they are finally rolling out two spin-off models, the coupe and convertible. While the two might share almost every body panel and bit of engineering, the convertible has the advantage of being two cars at once. With the title of least expensive hardtop convertible on the market at $28,490, the G6 brings a lot to love. While it has never been regarded as a sporty car, the G6 has wonderful manners on the road with well-damped motions, and a soft ride that won't beat you up over expansion joints. This, in combination with the hardtop, makes for one of the best all seasons cruisers around for the price. But it will soon have some company.

For 2007, VW is introducing its Eos convertible. First unveiled as the Concept C, it received such wild reviews that VW decided to add it to its model line. While it will be a bit late to the party, the Eos will have a lot to offer when it goes on sale this September. The Eos is based on a chassis heavily derived from Passat and Rabbit (Golf) mechanicals but maintains a very unique ambiance with looks that combine the Rabbit with the Audi A4 convertible. But unlike the A4, the Eos has a retractable hardtop. But this hardtop isn't just any hardtop; it has 5 pieces, with a sunroof for those days you don't want the whole top down. Like any other VW, the interior is the best in the business with impeccable materials and fit and finish. Also, unlike the G6, the Eos retains usable trunk space even with the top down. And with its ability to carry 4 adults and a price only $130 more than the base G6, the Eos looks poised to overshadow the G6 despite its solid credentials.

So, with all these new choices coming on the market, which one is for you? While that decision is best made by you, I can help out. For your money, the Volkswagen Eos is the obvious choice. With its renowned 2.0L turbo I4 and optional DSG sequential tranny, it will propel you down the road with speed and style. But if I had the extra money, I would opt for the Volvo C70. Not only are its body panels arguably more stylish, the safety record of the Volvo name is very important, especially in a convertible. With all this new competition, many don't see the need to pay twice as much for an SL550. Now, enjoy your time in the sun and don't be relegated to driving a stopgap economy car for the winter.