May 2012

May 25, 2012: We’re Porsche heavy this week, but not in the way you might think. First we take a look at the Porsche 918 Spyder, of which Porsche has released official “spy photos”. Next, we — or more accurately, Claude Dudouit — blow the doors off the legendary Porsche 917, and for $1,600 you can hang one of the doors on your wall. Keeping to the German theme, we look at a concept bicycle — you read that right — built by the folks at Audi. It even helps you do a wheelie safely, though there’s no quattro model. Nissan introduced its 2013 Altima to the press, and The Editor went to Nashville to take a look. He came back impressed. Finally, Al takes issue with those folks who drive old cop cars and the people who can’t work up the courage to pass them.

May 18, 2012: Al recounts time spent with automotive legend Carroll Shelby, and stories you won’t read   anywhere else. Johnson Controls uses a manufacturing process designed for wood-backed interior panels, and creates a new way to make affordable carbon fiber exterior pieces. Old Spice goes retro-chic with a sand castle DeLorean. Mini’s Countryman stays for a week, redefines the term “crossover” and proves once again that experience and dedication are key to memorable cars. And Al tells all those @#&*! drivers with no manners or concern for anyone but themselves just what #$@*&^ they are, and what he’d like to do with them.

May 11, 2012: With the explosive growth in smartphones and personal electronics, streaming data directly to the car eventually would happen. And now it has with the creation of Clarion’s Smart Access service. The company also launched Next GATE, an in-car controller for Apple’s iPhone 4 and iPhone 4S that works with the Smart Access system. If that isn’t high-tech enough, read about the aerospace engineers who modified a Triumph Speed Triple in order to test components of their suborbital rocket’s propellant pump. It brings a whole new meaning to “Virtual Rider”. Back here on earth, we visited TechShop’s Detroit branch. It’s hands-on heaven, and a great place to work on a project or take a new idea from design to delivery. Next, The Editor — after finally calming down enough to write a cogent, coherent piece free of expletives — sat down to reply to a recent appearance by Bob Lutz on local talk radio. Read the Editor’s reply, and feel free to comment on Lutz’s proposal. Finally, Al is at it again. This time, he wants everyone to ditch the old dial-and-pointer speedometer for a digital version, but some may think that reason for a single-finger salute. See where you come down on the “Digit vs. Digits” debate.

May 4, 2012: Al’s been traveling for the past few weeks, and the fruits of his labor are very apparent this week. He starts off with a look at the 2013 Dodge Dart. Is it a game changer for Chrysler (and the industry) or just a warmed-over Alfa Romeo? Next, Al takes a spin in the new Mercedes-Benz SL550. Chock full of technology, it was good enough to make Al thinks he’s more handsome than Brad Pitt when he’s behind the wheel. Finally, Al wishes the worst possible on drivers who think you should get out of their way. And we do mean worst. Just to make sure it wasn’t all Al all the time, The Editor wrote a review of the Mazda3 i Grand Touring he drove recently. The first vehicle to showcase Skyactive Technology, it is a target on many fronts for every other automaker in the compact segment to try and hit.