February 2016

February 26, 2016: What do Pony cars and the Prius have in common? Nothing yet, but as fuel economy regulations tighten that will change. We take a look at why the next-generation Mustang and Camaro may go hybrid. Automotive supplier GKN is readying its own plug-and-play hybrid technology, including an axle design that could make driving a hybrid more fun. With the Geneva Auto Show just around the corner, automakers are leaking information about vehicles that will make their debut at the show. First up is a thoroughly revamped Bentley Mulsanne that adds an extended wheelbase model to the family. Next up is the Levante, the long-awaited SUV from  Maserati. It’s joined by an equally unconventional vehicle, the McLaren 570 GT. Developed to be an everyday/grand touring supercar, the 570GT is a hyper fast hatchback. Speed was also on the minds of the folks at Lotus who took out some weight, added some horsepower and torque, and created the Evora Sport 410. Mercedes did much the same thing, creating an all-alloy four-cylinder diesel for use in everything from vans to the S-Class. Infiniti, meanwhile, released a short animated film that outlines the highlights of its new 3.0-liter V6 turbo motor, while engineers at Nissan produced their own film on how they created self-parking office chairs. We evaluate Cadillac’s gargantuan Escalade to see if substance has finally caught up with style. And we compare and contrast two affordable sports cars, the Mazda MX-5 Miata and Scion FR-S to see which one comes out on top.

February 19, 2016: It is with great sadness that we report the death of our own Al Vinikour. After a lengthy battle with cancer, Al passed away peacefully in the presence of his wife and family. We extend our condolences to them as we think back on the life of a man who made this world a better and, at times, a thankfully less serious place. Click here to read our rememberance of a man who made this all fun.

February 12, 2016: Located in the heart of a major city, and within an hour of every local automaker and Tier 1 supplier, M1 Concourse is a different take on your typical automotive country club. We tour the facility with  the man behind this automotive experience, and find out what makes it unique. Ferrari’s replacement for the four-seat FF would be perfect for the M1 Concourse track, but its name is as awkward as the car is beautiful. Hagerty released its latest Hot List of future collectibles, and we add our two cents to theirs. Though they may not be future classics, the recent death of the Scion brand is not the shock it’s been made out to be. In fact, we argue it’s death was inevitable. Speaking of shocks, we look at Bjorn Lomborg’s analysis of EVs versus internal combustion-powered cars. The results are thought provoking. So is the latest product from Rand McNally, the people who brought you the road atlas. Kia gives a closer look at its HUV — Hybrid Utility Vehicle — while Nissan rebadges its Patrol SUV to replace its aging Armada full-size SUV. On the other side of that same coin, we drive the diminutive Chevy Trax crossover, and preview the updated 2017 model. And Al Vinikour tells us why children should not be “smoked”.

January 2016

January 29, 2016: FCA chairman Sergio Marchionne presented a revised business plan for the automaker, and confirmed that the Chrysler 200 and Dodge Dart will be replaced by crossovers. He also has big plans for Jeep, and new plans for Alfa. We assess the changes. Continuing with this theme, NASCAR announced the Chase format would extend to the Xfinity and Camping World series. But it’s the other change made to the truck series races that has us scratching our head. Recently, we had the opportunity to test the GMC Canyon and Toyota Tacoma, and spent some time in a Canyon diesel. We compare, contrast, and choose a winner. Nissan launched a raft of accessories for its Titan XD pickup, and we take a look at how you can personalize your Titan. Mini pulls the covers off the Clubman ALL4 station wagon, while Opel brings back a name from the past – GT – for a concept with seemingly little future. The same isn’t true for Ducati’s Scrambler concepts. These three were created by outside designers, and show how far you can stretch the entry-level bike. Goodwood’s Member’s Meeting brings ground effect F1 cars back to the track, while we tell how BRM almost beat everyone to the punch by nearly a decade. Also, Hyundai’s latest take on the Elantra goes live. We bring you the details along with a new feature that summarizes a vehicle in as pithy a manner as possible. Racers can look forward to a new ultralight throttle body setup matched to their engine, while GT350R buyers clamor for, and receive, a back seat kit for their two-seater track car. All this, plus Al Vinikour’s take on cockpit roominess.

January 15, 2016: As promised, we’re back with full coverage of the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. Hot on the heels of sales reports that broke volume records, the industry was ready for a celebration. However, a few storm clouds crossed the horizon, taking Jaguar, Land Rover, Mini and others off the show floor. Though last-minute substitutions were made, the show had a pall cast over it that only the most optimistic could ignore. Is this a portent of things to come, or will Detroit rally back? It’s too early to tell. A new survey of British drivers shows that demand for EVs may have peaked. With emissions legislation forcing automakers into the EV business, there may not be enough demand from buyers for the coming glut of electric vehicles. Finally, Al Vinikour takes an rather, uh, interesting look at drivers who follow their fellow motorists too closely.

December 2015

December 25, 2015: We are on vacation for the next few weeks, and will be live again with a report from Detroit’s North American International Auto Show in the New Year. In the interim, we’ve compiled a few past favorites for you to enjoy:

Al Vinikour did our first Lifestyle piece, a review of Steven Tyler’s autobiography. It’s a funny, heartfelt look at the aging rocker’s life, loves and addictions.

Our next item is a look at the Eagle Speedster, probably the most achingly beautiful – and expensive – Jaguar E-Type ever built.

The last of our Lifestyle picks is a perennial favorite: Andy Peace’s road worthy copy of the Maserati Tipo 250F F1 car. Powered by a BMW inline six, the “Masercopy” has to sit high on the dream list of every gear head.

We’ve also chosen an early Opinion & Analysis piece that looks back on how motorsport has changed, and not always for the better.

Next up is a look at the looming vehicle electrification process, and the deleterious effect it could have on water consumption, with little CO₂ reduction. In comparison, gasoline and diesel look pretty darn good.

We close with a look at VW’s diesel scandal, and the real effect it might have on the environment, which is not much. Especially in light of the number of non-compliant cars being cut drastically, and the revelation that the vaunted MIT/Harvard “study” claiming the emissions from these cars will kill people was never presented for peer review.

On the technology front, one of the more interesting engines we’ve run across is Achates Power’s opposed-piston engine. The two-stroke motor is claimed to be capable of meeting Euro 6 and EPA 10 emission standard while returning fuel economy that’s 15% better on average.

Somewhat whimsically, our former Director of Web Development spent some time at Burger King and wondered why Pininfarina’s name was on the beverage dispenser. It’s an interesting story about the intersection of industrial design and fluid technology.

John Bereisa’s isn’t a household name. The father of the Chevy Volt, he has a lot to say about electric vehicles, electrified powertrains, and the global governmental push to force these technologies on the public and the industry before they are ready.

December 11, 2015: This week, Volkswagen gave journalists an exhaustive look inside its investigation of its diesel emissions scandal, and the changes being made within the company. We examine the plan. Porsche announced that its Mission E show car from Frankfurt is headed toward production, and pulled the wraps off the 2017 911 Turbo and Turbo S Coupe and Cabriolet prior to their launch in Detroit. Plus, the company revised the names, pricing, and powertrains of the Boxster and Cayman. Toyota has accomplished a lot with its New MC platform, but is the platform accomplished enough to support cars from Scion, Toyota and Lexus? Ducati Scrambler, a Ducati sub-brand, signed an agreement with Italia Independent, and creates both a new model and a line of sunglasses. Meanwhile, Mercedes-Benz showed the new E-Class interior, and puts most homes to shame in the process. Hyundai previewed its Prius fighter, but goes one better. Lotus launched a new Exige, but left the U.S. out of the mix. Rolls-Royce showed a hand-built, designer cocktail hamper that brings a whole new meaning to “limited edition” while Al Vinikour pontificates about car care and parental pride.

November 2015

November 26, 2015: This week’s issue is a day early due to the Thanksgiving holiday, and gives you something to read while you’re waiting for second helpings. First up is a surprising comparison of two Toyota hybrid sedans, the Camry and Avalon. Formerly the poster child for old age, the Avalon is now a slick four-door with luxury and style. Is it enough to see off the mechanically identical Camry? Motorcycle racers may appreciate this. Bell has introduced a new Pro Star helmet that is more than 20% lighter than other carbon fiber lids. Staying with motorcycles for the moment, Suzuki recently showed a new GSX-R1000 concept, a revised SV650, and an addition to the VanVan line. BMW channels Sammy Hagar and Montrose with its C 650 scooters. Then it ties up with an Indian company to build a new single-cylinder entry in the sub-500 cc. class. On the technology side of the street, Dan Gurney’s Mode Cancelling 4 Stroke engine may be laid out for motorcycle use, but it has many other potential applications. VW brings 3D glasses into its Wolfsburg assembly plant. Land Rover builds a bridge of paper, then drives over it. DuPont creates a new line of electronic inks for making circuits that are literally printed. Mercedes-AMG shifts production of its twin-turbo V12 in order to keep up with demand. And just before he entered a turkey-induced coma, our own Al Vinikour highlighted the one automotive technology he loves the most, while wondering why it’s not standard equipment across the industry.

November 13, 2015: There’s a lot to cover this week, so let’s get right to it. First up is a First Run review of the Lexus RX 350 and RX 450h. Gone are the conservative luxury  crossovers of yore, replaced by a pair of enthusiastically styled vehicles with more power, F Sport tech and handsome interiors. Is it enough to keep current buyers happy while attracting new ones? Meanwhile, Cadillac released some information about its replacement for the SRX, the XT5. Does it have what it takes to break through the clutter and challenge the Lexus RX? For that matter, can either claim the sheer impact of Range Rover’s drop top Evoque? Completing the crossover coverage, we take a look at Toyota’s revisions to the RAV4, which includes a new hybrid model and sportier SE. On the car side, our pal and Motorway America editor Jim Meachen brings us his review of the 2016 Honda Civic. Then we compare three separate VW Golf models to see how they stack up against one another and the competition. Chris Sawyer recounts his first encounter with the Saleen S7 as the remnants of that program go up on the auction block. At the recent SEMA show, Brembo introduced a pair of wild new caliper designs created for large cars and light trucks. We take a look at Controlled Power Technology’s new low-cost hybrid system, which promises large fuel economy increases. We’ve given Al Vinikour the week off, but added a new grouping of Internet stories worthy of mention, and round up some of the more interesting and relevant odds and ends.