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The Man Van: An Answer to a Question Nobody Asked?

2011-02-11T05:39:00.000-08:00

At the Chicago Auto Show previews, Dodge CEO Ralph Gilles announced a full line of R/T models including the Charger, Challenger, Journey, Durango and Grand Caravan. The Charger and Challenger, of course, are understandable and one might be able to make a case for the Durango. The Journey and Grand Caravan, though? Mmmm, not so sure.

Gilles made his case for the Grand Caravan by referring to it as the “Man Van”, the kind of vehicle that the rugged individualist who just happens to have soccer kids wouldn’t be embarrassed to be seen in. Now, the Caravan R/T does come with a number of upgrades over the Mommy versions including body-colored greille, a “performance-tuned suspension”, its own unique, “all-black interior with perforated black leather seat, red stitching, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob and a premium sound system with nine-speakers, a subwoofer and 506-watt amplifier”.

Oh, and a chrome “R/T “badge on the tailgate.

Overall, the effect is subtle in the extreme, though Gilles suggested that it was meant to be that way. (And I do think that a special stripe package, ground effects and Brembos would only serve to make the neighbors chuckle.)

There probably is a market for a vehicle like this, however small, and it didn’t cost Chrysler a ton of money to develop. Still, I have to wonder, was someone actually asking for this?

--M.D.

Smart Bikes: Good Idea or Bad?

2011-01-13T07:11:00.000-08:00

With sales of its Smart ForTwo heading for oblivion, Smart has come up with this alternative. Four wheels? Check. Two passengers? Check. Much lower price? Check. Maybe they're on to something.

--M.D.

Focus Wagon: Good Idea or Bad?

2011-01-13T06:52:00.001-08:00

Ford brought a 2012 Focus Wagon to the Detroit show but you can't have one. This beautiful little hauler is not coming to the U.S. That's a bad idea.

--M.D.

Fiat 500 Mopar Edition: Good Idea or Bad?

2011-01-13T06:36:00.000-08:00

How the world has changed. Chrysler reinvigorates its Mopar parts and accessories division and the soon-to-be-released Fiat 500 gets in on the action.

--M.D.

Scion iQ: Good Idea or Bad?

2011-01-11T17:00:00.001-08:00

These are photos of the upcoming Scion iQ. Toyota has been shopping this around at the car shows for a couple of years now and will finally bring it to the U.S. market as a Scion. It is aimed directly at the Smart ForTwo (get it? Smart . . . iQ?).

Toyota is calling the iQ a 3+1 passenger car. The front passenger is supposed to sit forward of the driver to allow enough room for someone to sit in the back seat behind him/her. The minuscule space behind the driver is the +1 part of the equation and apparently means a small pet or single bag of groceries. With the rear seat in the upright position there is almost enough cargo space for a few file folders or a laptop case.

Also notice the luxurious fabrics in which the interior is swathed. If this doesn't bring Scion back from the brink, well perhaps nothing can.

--M.D.

Hyundai Veloster: Good Idea or Bad?

2011-01-11T11:43:00.001-08:00

At the North American International Auto Show this week, Hyundai unveiled the Veloster, presumably a concept car but we have to wonder. First, Hyundai brought about five of them to the show. Second, they all seemed to be pretty close to production ready. Third, they let everybody climb in and out to their hearts' content. Car makers don't typically do those things when they bring concept cars to shows.

Also, look closely at the photos and you'll see something rather unusual: This is a 3-door car with a coupe-like profile on the left side and a sedan-like profile on the right. It would take a lot of guts to actually build such a car but Hyundai has been making some pretty bold moves lately.

--M.D.

The Guy Just Can't Stay Away From Car Shows

2011-01-11T11:16:00.000-08:00

Bob Lutz was spotted yesterday at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. He said of the 2012 Buick Verano: "Glove box is nice and deep."

--M.D.

Toyota Goes Nut: Adds Another Prius Model

2011-01-11T10:58:00.000-08:00

In a desperate attempt to regain lost market share, Japanese car maker Toyota unveiled a second Prius model to try to woo buyers away from Ford, Hyundai and Kia. Called the Prius V (for versatile), the wagon-like new model will be available later this year. It offers more cargo volume than the Prius sedan but is considerably less fuel efficient.

Toyota also promised to bring out a third Prius model, the Prius C (for compact), at a future date. The Prius C will be smaller than the current Prius and, according to Toyota's U.S. chief, Bob Carter, will appeal to young urbanites "who want an eco-sensitive, high-mileage, fun-to-drive Prius with a roomy interior". (But, presumably, who find a regular Prius just too darn big.)

--M.D.

October Sales: The Surge Continues

2010-11-04T08:35:00.000-07:00

The numbers are in and the surge in U.S. auto sales is continuing. American car makers all were on the plus side with Chrysler leading the way with a 42.1 per cent increase over 2009. Ford was next with a 23.6 per cent rise and GM brought up the rear with an 8.1 per cent bump. (Last year, of course, GM still had some Pontiacs, Saturns, etc., to sell.)

Most Japanese companies did well, too. Subaru again lead the pack with an increase of 29.4 per cent, Mazda was next with 24 per cent, followed by Nissan at 20.4 and Honda at 19.8. Things are so good right now that even little Suzuki saw gains with a 21.4 per cent increase. That was still just a little over 2000 cars, though, barely a rounding error for the sales leaders.

Toyota was the lone sour note in all the numbers with a drop of about 1 per cent. Toyota's market share fell from 18.2 per cent last year to just 15.4 this year, well behind Ford now.

The Hyundai group, which includes Kia, is still accelerating faster than any of the other Asian companies with a 43% jump in October.

European manufacturers all did well here last month. Porsche saw an astonishing 66.5 per cent rise, BMW 16.8 per cent and Daimler posted a 6.8 per cent increase.

(Volume changes are based on daily sales rates. October 2010 had 27 sales days versus 28 days in 2009. )

Source: Ward's Automotive

--M.D.

Winter Storage Tips

2010-10-22T05:12:00.000-07:00

Sadly, it's almost time again. If you have a convertible or other special interest car that goes away for the winter you need to start thinking of getting it ready for hibernation soon. Here, again, are some tips for winter storage.

Starting and running your car for short periods during winter storage is not recommended for

any reason. Doing so will add moisture to the engine - diluting the motor oil and can cause rusting in the exhaust system.

• Wash & wax the exterior and thoroughly clean the interior.

• Check antifreeze for cleanliness & strength. If replacing it use a 50/50 mixture, antifreeze &

water.

• Change oil & filter.

• Add STA-BIL Fuel Stabilizer additive to gasoline following directions on bottle, then fill fuel tank, drive at least a few miles to draw additive into fuel system.

• Loosen gas cap to release any pressure on the fuel system, then re-tighten cap.

• Battery storage – Removing the battery for storage of less than 6 months is optional. Just use a

“smart” charger with a trickle charge mode that automatic keeps the battery at full charge during storage. If you decide to remove the battery (always disconnect negative first for safety), store it in a cool dry location, off of concrete floor and charge it periodically with a trickle charger.

• Inflate tires to 45-50psi to prevent flat spots or remove tires and mount a cheap set of substitute tires (“donut” spares work well for this).

• To prevent rusting of the brake rotors, remove wheels and wipe both sides of the rotors (back side is difficult) with a cloth or shop rag soaked or sprayed with WD40.

• Place steel wool in the tail pipe and air intake snorkel to keep critters out.

• Loosen the top latches to relieve the strain on the top and roll down side windows 1/2 inch or so to remove pressure on the top gasket seals.

• Place a container of Irish Spring soap, shredded or shaved, in containers inside the cabin. Mice

hate it and car will smell great next spring. (Some sources recomment fabric softener dryer sheets, instead.)

• Cover with a car cover, an old sheet or blanket.

• Leave a copy of these instructions on the front seat so you can undo these steps in the spring.

• Pray for an early spring.

Chevy Cruze: They Got It Right

2010-10-07T07:51:00.001-07:00

After some highly forgettable small cars like the Citation, Corsica (remember that one?), Cavalier and Cobalt, Chevrolet knocks out another gentleman’s “C” with the new Cruze and this one might actually leave a lasting impression.

The Cruze is based on GM’s Delta II architecture, a global platform which will serve as the basis for various models in most of GM’s markets. Highlights include increased structural rigidity, more high-strength steel and, of course, reduced noise, vibration and harshness.

The Cruze is a fairly attractive little car inside and out, at least in LTZ trim like the sample I drove recently. GM seems to have paid particular attention to interior trim as the one offered for this drive was almost class-leading in look and feel. Controls were well laid out and easy to decipher and use. The off-white leather seats weren’t perforated but felt comfortable enough on the short drive I was able to take. Front seat room was fine but things were a bit tight in the back.

The Cruze is extremely well equipped, especially in LTZ trim. Satellite radio, OnStar with turn-by-turn navigation, automatic climate control, ten air bags, heated leather seats, bluetooth connectivity, and more are standard on the LTZ and available or standard on lower lines.

The base LS model comes with a 1.8-liter I-4 producing 138hp. All other models get a 1.4-liter turbocharged I-4 also producing 138hp. The engine in the model I drove was very strong with very little turbo lag. Noise and vibration were pretty well isolated but the engine was just little raspy and a bit of harshness made it through to the interior.

Base prices start at $16,275 for the base LS and top out at $21,975 for the LTZ. (Looking at the build-and-price on Chevy’s Web site, the LS sounds like a typical low priced stripper. Even the cover for the spare tire well is optional.) Fuel economy is advertised as 26city/36highway for the 1.8-liter with a 6-speed manual and 24/36 for the 1.4-liter with a 6-speed automatic.

Overall, the Cruze is a very nice effort. This one of the hottest segments in the market with some very competitive products already here or on the way. The Cruze should at least hold its own -- for now.

--M.D.

September Auto Sales Surge

2010-10-01T12:06:00.000-07:00

Most of the sales figures for September are in and it turned out to be a very good month for almost everybody, as long you weren’t a marginal Asian brand. Overall, sales of light duty vehicles rose some 29% over last year.

Chrysler led the charge among domestic companies with a 61% increase over a particularly dismal September last year, although the pride of Auburn Hills couldn’t quite break the 100,000 mark. Ford was next with a solid 46% jump and GM brought up the rear, and underperformed the market, with an 11% increase.

Asian brands fared slightly less well, though most posted increases. Toyota was up 16.8%, Honda gained 26%, Nissan rose 34%, Subaru surged 47%, Mazda increased 30% and Hyundai/Kia climbed 44%. Not so impressive were showings from Isuzu which was down 9% and Suzuki which tumbled nearly 12%. (Combined sales from these two automakers were less than Porsche.)

European marques all were up: Saab a whopping 133%, Porsche 25%, BMW 20%, Daimler 18% and VW 14%.

Sales in September of 2009 were especially weak as the market was coming off the “cash for clunkers” program which had driven up demand and depleted dealer inventories. Still, up is always better than down and it is also gratifying to see domestic companies regaining lost market share.

(source: Wards Automotive)

--M.D.

Lincoln To Trim Dealers, Revamp Image

2010-09-27T19:08:00.000-07:00

Hot on the heals of dumping Mercury, Ford is examining strategies to hone the image and boost sales of its one remaining premium brand, Lincoln.

First step will be to reduce the number of dealers by 200 from the current approximately 1200. Cuts will be aimed at dense urban markets. Remaining dealers will be expected to upgrade facilities and polish their customer service skills to improve the buying experience and bring it more in line with other luxury brands.

Once one of the markets leading luxury marques, Lincoln now ranks low in customer loyalty, resale value and, most importantly, total sales which are a fraction of what they were just a decade ago. Ford’s Mark Fields promises to invest heavily in Lincoln over the next few years, bringing seven new or refreshed products to market.

Will it work? Selling luxury cars is becoming increasingly difficult as luxury-defining features are becoming more and more commonplace. Power windows, push-button start, leather seats, bluetooth connectivity? You can get all that on a Fiesta. Is a fully loaded Taurus any less “luxurious” than a Lincoln MKS? $20,000 less?

Lincoln needs to find a way to define itself in a crowded field the way Cadillac did.

(source: Automotive News)

--M.D.

Chrysler To Upgrade Sebring, Rename It ‘200’

2010-09-21T07:20:00.001-07:00

At a dealer confab last week Chrysler laid out its plans for a revamped product line for model year 2011. At the top of the list was the new Chrysler 200 which will take the place of the current Sebring.

The 200 will use the existing Sebring platform but with extensive revisions. For example, chassis tweaks include revised body mounts, suspension geometry, rear sway bar, noise/vibration/harshness reductions, acoustic laminated glass for the windshield and front door windows and more. Chrysler is also promising higher quality materials throughout the interior.

Two engines will be offered, a 2.4-liter I-4 with either a 4-speed or 6-speed automatic and the new 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 producing 283 horsepower attached to a 6-speed automatic. Although the 200 is scheduled to hit the show rooms later this year, Chrysler would only provide teaser photos (see above).

The 200 will be vying for attention in one of the hottest segments of the market and its chief rivals include cars such as the Ford Fusion, Chevy Malibu, Toyota Camry, Honda Accord and Hyundai Sonata. Those cars have set the bar rather high and the 200 will have to at least meet that standard and distinguish itself with knockout styling, a boat load of features or both.

--M.D.

Elvis, Your Ride Is Here

2010-09-19T11:36:00.000-07:00

Spotted at the Autorama, Beloit, Wis., this customized 1965 Chevy Impala.

Hey, why not?

--M.D.

Carbon Foot Prints

2010-09-18T19:23:00.000-07:00

Beloit, Wisc. -- As a prelude to one of the largest car shows in Wisconsin, the stateline community of Beloit plays host to an increasingly popular cruise night complete with a burn out pit.

Pictured is a Fox-body Mustang demonstrating a total disregard for the environment while exalting adolescent lust. Moments after this picture was snapped, so was the Mustang's engine as the driver sheepishly had to be pushed out of the pit.

The event is sponsored by the local Crime Stoppers organization as a fund raiser so no need to worry about getting a ticket.

--M.D.

The Fiesta That Never Came

2010-09-12T19:40:00.001-07:00

From the very earliest report of the U.S. version of Ford’s latest generation Fiesta, I was convinced that it would be my next car. When Ford offered early adopters the opportunity to pre-order their Fiestas before factory production had begun, I was there. I still have a copy of the build order that the salesman submitted, dated March 23.

My Fiesta was an almost fully loaded 5-door hatch, red candy metallic with cashmere leather interior. I loaded it up with nearly everything except the automatic transmission. I also skipped the power moon roof as the web site noted that it would be subject to “late availability”, and I didn’t want to wait that long.

In June I got word that the wait would be over soon. I had a buyer for my 2004 Taurus and since I could put my 2001 Miata into service as a daily driver for a week or two, I closed that deal to make room for my soon-to-be-arriving Fiesta.

Two weeks came and went, then four weeks. Still no Fiesta. But now there were other problems. Hurricane Alex wiped out rail lines that Ford was using to ship Fiestas out of the plant in Mexico. More weeks passed. Then word that Ford was shipping Fiestas by sea to Baltimore and that mine was put on a rail car there and on its way. More weeks passed and it still hadn’t arrived.

Now I was seeing photos posted on blogs of proud Fiesta owners with their new cars. I even saw one with the “late availability” moon roof. But I wasn’t seeing mine. I’d had enough. I decided to look at other options. I wanted a car that I could get as excited about as I was the Fiesta, it’s the car pictured above. Last week I pulled the trigger on my “plan B” and bought a 2011 Mustang with the new 3.7-liter V-6.

As frustrating as the process was, it turned out well. I couldn’t be happier with the Mustang.

--M.D.

There's A Difference

2010-09-06T11:53:00.000-07:00

Edgerton, Wis. -- The Rock River Thesheree is a Labor Day tradition in southern Wisconsin dating back to 1955. It is dedicated to vintage farm implements and steam power. The two machines you see pictured were both on display there. One is a tractor and the other is not.

Though commonly referred to as "steam-powered tractors", machines such as the one pictured below were actually called "traction engines" in their day. The term "tractor" didn't appear until around 1903 and is believed to have been coined by Charles W. Hart and Charles H. Parr to describe their invention, a similar farm machine powered by an internal combustion engine rather than steam. The word is said to be a combination of the words "traction" and "power".

Steam powered traction engines were in use throughout the second half of the 19th Century but were quickly supplanted by internal combustion engined tractors in the 20th Century as the newer devices were less expensive, more maneuverable and easier and safer to operate.

Whether steam powered or internal combustion, these implements changed the course of agriculture and human history. Large scale farming would not have been possible without inventions such as these.

--M.D.

Fiat: Coming to a Chrysler Dealer Near You?

2010-09-01T06:58:00.000-07:00

Fiat recently assembled a meeting of 400 Chrysler dealers to discuss plans for the upcoming introduction of the Fiat 500 to the U.S. market. Some 165 dealerships in 119 markets will be the first to offer the funky subcompact and those dealers will probably also be offered future Fiats and Alfa Romeo franchises as that brand is reintroduced to this market in coming years.

Fiat expects to expand the Fiat network to as many as 200 locations but it will concentrate on markets which it has determined are able to support sales of a hip, trendy small car. In other words, don’t expect to see Fiat 500s in rural Kansas any time soon.

The 2-door hatchback version of the 500 will be the only model offered at first, but Fiat expects to add a convertible, a high-pro Abarth version and an all-electric model later. Initially, dealers will be required to offer a small showroom (up to 3000 square feet) to showcase the 500 but may have to offer separate, stand-alone facilities in the future if they are to be chosen to sell Alfa Romeos, as well.

Fiat will begin selling the 500 late this year and hopes to find 50,000 buyers in its first year on the U.S. market.

(source: Automotive News)

--M.D.

When The Going Gets Tough, The Tough Go Shopping

2010-08-24T07:20:00.000-07:00

Volkswagen is determined to become the world's largest car maker over the next few years and part of its strategy in reaching that goal seems to be to buy up smaller car companies around the globe.

Earlier this year VW announced a link-up with Suzuki, even as it was trying to digest the Porsche merger, now VW is said to be looking at buying Alfa Romeo, currently part of the Fiat family of fine cars. Trouble is, Fiat chief Sergio Marchionne says that Alfa is not for sale. In fact, Fiat's future plans include expanding the Alfa line and the Italian company hopes to quadruple Alfa's sales by 2014, to half a million cars per year.

Would such a game plan work for VW? History would suggest that it wouldn't. Multi-brand car companies seem to go through periodic blood lettings such as GM experienced last year, so time will tell.

--M.D.

(source: Automotive News)

Not All The Cruisers Are On Woodward Avenue

2010-08-22T06:25:00.001-07:00

Eau Claire, WI -- After two days of touring the back roads of northwest Wisconsin members of Open Air Classics, a convertible owners club, relax with a public display of their steeds. The cars are parked where the Fournier Ballroom once stood, one of the last venues that Buddy Holly played before his untimely death.

--M.D.

Another Rite of Summer

2010-08-20T15:25:00.001-07:00

Eau Claire, WI -- Open Air Classics, a Wisconsin-based convertible owners club, is convening its 2010 summer tour in Eau Claire, WI, this weekend. Over 200 rag tops have descended on this fair city and include everything from the 1950s classics you see pictured to current-year Mustangs, Corvettes and Miatas, and everything and anything in between.

Activities include extensive drives throughout the area, including the beautiful coulee region along the Mississippi River and a car show on the site of the Fournier Ballroom where rock and roll legend Buddy Holly played one of his last concerts.

--M.D.

News Bits

2010-08-12T08:53:00.000-07:00

Ford To Bring V-6 Back To F-150

Ford will reintroduce V-6 engines to the F-150 pickup truck in 2011. The 3.7-liter normally aspirated V-6 and the 3.5-liter EcoBoost will both be available in addition to a 5.0-liter and a 6.2-liter V-8. Buyers of full sized pickups have overwhelmingly preferred V-8s but increased concern over fuel economy and more powerful V-6 engines may change their minds. The 3.7-liter is said to crank out 300 horsepower and return 20% better mileage. Ford hasn’t offered a V-6 in the F-150 since 2008. (Source: Automotive News)

Chevrolet Will Not Produce a Mid-engined Corvette

Apparently rumors have been circulating for a couple of years that the next generation Corvette would be mid-engined. GM is denying that any such plans are underway and also denies that it is considering putting a V-6 in their iconic sports car. A GM spokesman did, however, entertain the possibility of a hybrid power train for the Corvette, noting that automakers must continue to offer better performance and improved fuel economy. (Source: Automotive News)

Chrysler Keeps Ad, Erases Monkey

A recent ad touting Dodge’s Tent Event sale ended with a chimpanzee in a white costume setting off a mild confetti explosion. The animal rights group PETA didn’t care for it, complaining that chimps used in the entertainment industry are mistreated, and asked the automaker to pull the ad.

In a heart warming display of wit, Dodge did better than that: they kept the ad but erased the chimp so now, as the announcer notes, an invisible monkey sets off the explosion.

Gotta love it. (Source: Jalopnik.com)

--M.D.

Mecum Auctions Gets $51,000 For Vintage Tractor

2010-08-07T15:01:00.001-07:00

Mecum Auctions offered this extremely rare 1954 Farmall Super MDV TA at their Gone Farmin' auction in Walworth today. One of only 64 "high crop" versions made, fewer than 20 of these also had the diesel option. Mecum drove the bidding up to $51,000 to close the sale.

--M.D.

Mecum’s “Gone Farmin’” Vintage Tractor Auction

2010-08-06T15:39:00.001-07:00

This weekend Mecum auctions is holding its first “Gone Farmin’” vintage tractor auction in Walworth, WI. Some 200 tractors from various eras and manufacturers are going on the block. The oldest piece is a 1914 John Deere manure spreader.

This little red machine caught my eye. It’s a 1960 Porsche with a 2-cylinder, air-cooled diesel and 8-speed transmission with torque converter. Porsche built tractors from 1934 until 1963 and they are becoming increasingly popular among collectors.

Who knew?

--M.D.