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Показаны сообщения с ярлыком exotic cars. Показать все сообщения

The great (and not-so-great) cars of America

Now that the deadline has arrived for GM and Chrysler to prove their viability to the government, I’m torn on what I think should, or will, happen.

While I think it’s callous and downright unpatriotic to WANT either of these companies to fail, I have to stay realistic and look at the situation as objectively as possible.

That’s why I recently looked in-depth at the cars GM and Chrysler are currently offering. I wanted to find reasons why they should continue making cars; to find excitement about their products. While some cars are great arguments for the quality of both companies, others are great reasons for the companies to fade into history.

The cars that dissapoint:

cobalt1

It’s a rattle-trap with a dead spot in the steering a mile wide.
Instead, get a: MAZDA3

patriot1

Lego cars are built with less plastic. 
Instead, get a: Nissan Rogue

aveo1

It’s cheap and not in the good way.
Instead, get a: Honda Fit

colorado1

It looks cool. On the outside.
Instead, get a: Suzuki Equator

sebring1

It’s the brown paper bag of American cars. 
Instead, get a: Chevy Malibu

avenger1

It’s ironic when outdated cars have macho names.
Instead, get a: Ford Fusion

Now, here’s what America does right:

corvette1

Many people would take one over a Ferrari. Go Chevy!

camaro1

No one does cool like the United States does cool.

acadia1

A great American competitor to the Honda Pilot. 

2009 Chevrolet Silverado LTZ Extended Cab

American trucks kick butt. Period. 

cherokee1

challenger1

American muscle still captivates us.

viper1

It’s about as close to exotic as America gets. Sit behind and you’ll know why it made this list.

While it’s not any big surprise, the cars America currently does best are one of two things: big or fast. When it comes to economical or practical, which is where the demand is now, American automakers falter like a Britney Spears comeback.

Now GM is considering bankruptcy as an option to create a new company. That’s a great idea, as doing so would enable them to start over, eliminate the products that hold them back, and start producing the cars we all know they’re capable of making.

What are some of the best and worst American cars you’ve owned?

-tgriffith 



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2009 Chicago Auto Show Preview

Did you miss out on seeing some of the cars that made a splash at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit? You’ll have a second chance, as some will make an appearance at the Chicago Auto Show, which opens to the public on February 13.

Most of the buzz created in Detroit was caused by electric concepts like the Cadillac Converj, Dodge Circuit EV, Chrysler 200C EV and Jeep Patriot EV. These will all be available for your viewing pleasure in Chicago, though hotties Fisker and Tesla are skipping out on the Windy City.

Plus, if you want to oogle a Maserati or drool on a Bentley, Chicago is where you need to be.

For the slightly more practical-minded though, Chicago will also see some exciting debuts, including the:

2009 VOLKSWAGEN TOUAREG V6 TDI

vw-touareg-v6-tdi

This premium midsize SUV is powered by a 3.0-liter, turbocharged six-cylinder engine that produces 225 horses. With a fuel tank capacity of 26.4 gallons, expect a driving range of more than 600 miles per tank, all while emitting fewer emissions.

2010 LEXUS HS 250h

lexus-250h

Some will say this is a Prius with a spit shine. Lexus, though, says it’s the world’s first dedicated luxury hybrid vehicle, and the fourth hybrid and the most fuel-efficient vehicle in Lexus’ lineup.

kia-soul

The original Soul prototype was displayed at the 2006 Chicago Auto Show, and the front-wheel-drive 2010 Soul remains true to the five-passenger concept design. 

hyundai-genesis-coupe1

This is a rear-wheel-drive sport coupe offered in three trim levels: the affordable GS; the premium-sport GT, featuring the 306-horsepower, DOHC 3.8-liter V6; and the high-performance SE, available with either the 212-horsepower, 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine or the 3.8-liter V6 engine. Both engines are mated to a standard six-speed manual transmission. The Genesis Coupe is scheduled to join the Hyundai lineup in the spring of ‘09.

CHEVROLET ORLANDO CONCEPT

chevy-orlando-concept

Chevy says the Orlando is a compact, seven-seat multi-purpose vehicle with the versatile attributes of a sport-utility, a family van, and a wagon. At first glance, I’m hoping it’s not a rebirth of the Pontiac Aztek.  

2009 SPYKER C8 LAVIOLETTE

spyker-c8-laviolette

Making its Chicago Auto Show debut is the exotic Spyker C8 Laviolette, an advanced mid-engine two-seater with an aluminum Audi V8 producing 400 horsepower.

If you were going to the Chicago Auto Show, which automakers would you be sure to check out? Do you go to auto shows to shop or to dream?

-tgriffith



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Yes, ‘near-luxury’ and hatchback were used in the same sentence!

Coming to America

The Volvo C30: Coming to America

There are two kinds of cars America has loved in the last two decades: SUVs and cars with trunks.

Hatchbacks were just funky little novelties that Europeans loved.

Man, things can change quickly!

Look at all the hatchbacks popping up in America over the last couple model years. Honda Fit, Toyota Yaris, Suzuki SX4, Mini Cooper, Audi A3, VW GTI, Scion xD.

And check this out: according to a study by CNW Marketing Research, just over 20 percent of near-luxury buyers said they preferred a hatchback to a sedan or wagon. Yes, ‘near-luxury’ and hatchback were used in the same sentence!

As the market share of compact cars increases, the popularity of hatchbacks will also increase.

It’s been since the oil crisis of the 70s that hatchbacks have enjoyed this kind of popularity. Now that we’re in another oil crisis, the benefits of the versatile hatch are again being recognized. Only this time they are more luxurious, safer and much better built.

Europe on the other hand never escaped a gas crisis. When we were enjoying $1.30 gas, Europe was choking it down at $5 or more. It makes sense that the popularity of the hatch never waned on that side of the Atlantic.

The hatchback in America has been nothing more than a symbol of frugality in a time when we’ve been all about extravagance. Simply put.

Now reality is catching up to us, and it’s coming in the form of the hatchback.

Watch your dealerships friends, because new hatches are arriving from Europe in the form of the Ford Feista, Volvo C30 and more. Hopefully we’ll even get our chances at the Mercedes A Class and Honda Civic Type R.

There are even some exciting hatchbacks making their debut at the Paris Auto Show this week in the form of the Toyota Urban Cruiser, BMW X1 and Mini Crossover concept.

Americans: Are you on board with the coming invasion of the European hatchback?

Europeans: Do you love hatchbacks as much as Americans think you do?

-tgriffith



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