November 2011

November 25, 2011. We don’t like staying in the office any longer than we have to, especially around the holidays. That’s why this week’s edition of TVD is earlier than usual — just after midnight EDT on Tuesday, to be exact. Before we bugged out of the office, we made sure the editorial slot was full of goodies. For example, those interested in more performance for their BMW 135i, 335i or X6, or their Cadillac CTS-V can go to the Lifestyle section for a look at performance upgrades Santa wishes he had for his sled. If performance is your game, but you’d rather do it with finesse than brute force, you might be interested in The Editor’s look at what the 2015 Mustang ST and Camaro ZL1 could bring. Power, performance and sophistication? Pinch us! We must be dreaming! Meanwhile, Al takes a look at drivers who think the safety technology on their vehicles will save them from the laws of physics. As he so eloquently puts it… It can’t! But, in typical Vinikour style he’s both funny and sobering at the same time. Let us be the first to wish you and yours Happy Holidays, and suggest that you take the time to enjoy family, friends… and reading through the TVD site. You’ll be glad that you did.

November 18, 2011. We put the emphasis on tech this week with a look at Mercedes’ use of Nanoslide coatings to reduce emission, fuel consumption and friction in engines. If that isn’t enough, The Editor takes a peek behind the curtain to see what Ford has done to improve the abysmal reputation of its MyFord and MyLincoln Touch infotainment systems, and gets inside Cadillac’s CUE. He also drives the Dodge Avenger Heat. It’s not the bloodbath you might expect, especially when you consider just what the folks in Auburn Hills accomplished with limited time and money. Finally, and just in time for winter, Al calmly and politely discusses the broken windshield phenomenon that rages like an epidemic this time each year.

November 11, 2011. Things aren’t always as they seem. Take the Infiniti QX56, for instance. The full-size SUV with the cartoon character face is a Nissan Patrol in the home market. But does that disqualify it as a high-end off-roader? Our Director of Web Development takes a ride, blows a tire, and finds that not all businesses are out to take advantage of misfortune. Al Vinikour, meanwhile, has a suggestion for those drivers who invest more in their audio system than in their car — and want to share the result of their labors with the world. Finally, we discover a product that does what it says, and keeps dirt and grime from sticking to your rims.

November 4, 2011. In its efforts to bring high-end safety equipment to mainstream vehicles, Ford is launching a camera-based lane keeping and alert system on the 2012 Explorer Limited that will be available in the first quarter of next year. Not only does it alert you if you are drowsy or stray out of your lane, it also can help steer the car back into line. We’ve embedded a video that explains it all. Our own Al Vinikour was in New York recently to drive the new Buick Verano. Built off the compact Chevy Cruze platform, it’s not only the smallest Buick in some time, it’s the strong silent type. We’re not sure if the two are related, but soon after Al returned he e-mailed his latest Tirade. In it he complains about rear seat leg room or, more accurately, the lack of same. Finally, we review a book that should be on the shelf of every person with an interest in cars and history. Read about 12 greats in the history of the automobile, many of whom you might never have heard of.