Automotive
A Not-so-Very-Odd-looking-Vehicular-Object
Submitted by admin on Thu, 11/06/2008 - 12:06
Volvo, oft the butt of wisecracks describing their look, their feel, their drivers or any combination thereof, is not so odd anymore. The movie Beetlejuice featured a 1980’s style Volvo 240-series wagon in a typical mustard yellow over a dark interior. Those cars, made popular by their durability and perceived high degree of safety, were the mainstay of Volvo’s American presence, long before the C70 coupe made its appearance in the remake of the British action flick, “The Saint.” The C70 never really caught on as Volvo hoped. But if the general public makes the effort, the cheaper “lifestyle wagon” V50 might be a serious contender.
The term “lifestyle wagon” came to pass with the advent of the Audi A4, and shortly thereafter, a number of companies started to offer the smaller wagon as a way to bridge the gap between a sport sedan and a full-fledged wagon. BMW offers the 3-series touring, Mercedes has the C-class Touring, and VW has the Jetta Sportwagon. Saab has one too, called the 9^3 Sportcombi. As opposed to their larger brethren, like the 5-series, E-class and 9^5 Combi, these are lighter, cheaper, get better gas mileage and are aimed at the post-collegiate, just-getting-married-and-having-kids crowd.
Death to luxury cars!
Submitted by admin on Thu, 10/16/2008 - 13:47
by Dan Drop
We may well have seen the death knell of an era of a market segment that has ruled American roads since the 1950s. They became the symbol of corporate power, political power, social prowess and even old age.
Yes, I am talking about that fabled American tradition: the luxury car. Lincolns, Cadillacs, Oldsmobiles, Buicks and so many others, may disappear entirely from the American roadway. And will we actually miss them? Probably not.
The cars themselves are too often too big, too soft, too slow, too smelly, and just, too much. When was the last time you saw a Lincoln Town Car and actually said to yourself “Wow, that's a fine car!” It's not just classic over-wrought American luxury that is questioned, it’s the entire premium segment.
More of the Same from Mercedes?
Submitted by admin on Fri, 10/03/2008 - 18:09More of the Same from Mercedes?
RACING: Mickey Thompson biography
Submitted by admin on Tue, 09/30/2008 - 18:52Mickey Thompson Book Well Worth the Read
CRUISIN': Wipe On, Wipe Off
Submitted by admin on Tue, 09/30/2008 - 16:38Greg, I've seen some commercials on television about a product called Cajun something or other that is supposed to clean, wax, polish and protect in one step. Do these products really work? I'm tempted to try it, but don't want to waste any money or ruin the paint on my car. -- Bob R., Pennsylvania
CRUISIN': GTO Dreams
Submitted by admin on Tue, 09/30/2008 - 15:41CRUISIN'
By Greg Zyla
GTO Dreams
Q: Greg, please tell us about the legend of the Pontiac GTO. I owned one in my heyday. -- Glenn, New Port Richey, Fla.
A Pair of Roadsters for Summer’s End
Submitted by admin on Mon, 09/08/2008 - 11:17By Dan Drop
A Pair of Roadsters for Summer’s End
Well, it’s the end of the summer. If that is not made obvious by the impending school schedule, then the cold nights (in my mind, 55 degrees is cold, a perception which is bound to change in a month or two), the layer of dew that settles on the lawn each morning, and the word "September" that appears on the next page of my day planner, should definitely clarify things.
A Tale of Two Titans
Submitted by admin on Thu, 08/14/2008 - 12:16
Whenever anyone mentions the name "General Motors," images and feelings of the Cutlass triplets, the Corsica and Lumina, the Achieva and of the Caprice immediately come to mind, and I cringe. Likewise, the very thought of the word "Ford" conjures images of Escorts (the automotive kind, that is) and Crown Victorias.
