All Cars, All the Time: October 2007

Wednesday, October 31, 2007

Next Ford Ka

I drove the current version of the Ford Ka in Tahiti and walked away not so impressed (I did like the Fiesta). The rendering above is from Auto Express. What's big about the next Ka is that it will share the Fiat 500's underpinnings. The Ford/Fiat partnership came to fruition soon after General Motors bailed out of its relationship with the Italian manufacturer. The next version of Ford's little buggy will be slightly bigger, quieter and classier inside--of course, doesn't every car released today follow that formula?. No matter what, it'll never be as cute as the 500.

Full Auto Express article here.

Dalai Lama's Land Rover To Be Auctioned Off

The Dalai Lama’s 1965 Land Rover Series II 88" Station Wagon is going up for auction on EBay paired with a chance to sit next to actress Sharon Stone at an upcoming Dalai Lama gala in San Francisco. If that wasn't enough, you also get to meet with the Buddhist guru as part of a private teaching session in India next March. Richard Gere may or may not be hiding in the back of the vehicle when you pick it up.

The reserve price on the auction is set at $75,000 and begins on Friday, November 2. You can check out the entire restoration process here.

Manufacturing footage: Toledo North Assembly

In the continuing series of promotional video footage, may I present "Toledo North Assembly" starring some woman wearing shorts installing a muffler. I think this one was overlooked by the academy, folks.

The Toledo North Assembly Plant was opened in 2001 building the unibody Jeep Liberty. The plant is located at 4400 Chrysler Drive and construction began in 1997. Starting in 2006, then owner DaimlerChrysler invested $600,000,000 to retool the plant to built the Dodge Nitro.

Tuesday, October 30, 2007

WooHoo 5.6 Quake

ACATT's world headquarters just had a nice little roller coaster ride. 5.6 in magnitude (preliminary).

Chrysler Idol: Who Gets to Stay?

According to the Detroit News, the board of Chrysler LLC is expected to decide today to kill at least three slow-selling models. Unfortunately, the article mentions the Chrysler Pacifica crossover, the Dodge Magnum wagon and the PT Cruiser hatchback. Rats! I like those cars.

I'd much rather see the likes of the Compass, Commander, Aspen and Durango get the chop. The PT Cruiser I could sort of understand, as its retro theme is pretty much played out. But the Magnum? I love that thing. I also think that the Pacifica can be resuscitated. That's a white hot segment right now. Perhaps they'll kill the Pacifica, but replace it with a new model that is larger than the Dodge Journey. Please, don't just rebadge the Journey as a Chrysler.

I wouldn't mind seeing most of Chrysler's slate wiped clean. They need to hit the reboot button on product and get fresh blood pumping through the company's veins.

Full article in the Detroit News here.

2008 Dodge Charger Police Car

This is just stock footage of a Charger in law enforcement livery zipping around a track. I'm a fan of corporate videos. The vids are not that exciting, but I'd rather see more product and less breathy voice overs--unless the voice belongs to Kate Walsh, in which case I'm totally for it.

You can read reviews of the Dodge Charger Police Package at Edmunds and Car & Driver.

2009 Nissan Murano

The debut of the next Murano should be in November at the Los Angeles Auto Show. Until that time we have these photos. Certainly nothing too shocking about this one, but is that a Rogue-ish grill I see there? I hope not, because that is the least appealing part of Nissan's smaller crossover. I've included a shot of the Rogue so that you can compare snouts.

Spy ace Brenda Priddy also has some shots of the next Murano, you can check those photos out by clicking here.

Nardelli: Let Them Eat Options

Did you catch it? ACATT posted late notice on the live webcast for Chrysler helmsman Bob Nardelli's interview at the Magazine Publishers of America conference. You can still catch the full monte by clicking here. But let's say you are busy and don't want to bother...Skipping past the chit chat and backslapping, here's the meat:

Competitve interiors, "A vehicle today has to be your most favorite room under your roof."

Reestablish a partnership rather than adversarial relationship with dealers.

Customer first, quality period, being green, "globality" and great leaders.

Stock options for a much larger number of employees. No specifics on what kinds of options a privately held company would offer

Can Bob do it? Well, he's assembling a team of credible experts and that is a start. I think that Nardelli also shows an attention for detail, such as monitoring security cameras at his former employer Home Depot and calling an incredulous store manager about boxes being left in an aisle. However, to really make a difference you have to have sexy, desirable products and Chrysler is woeful in this area. I don't care how many lit cup holders you have, if you're surrounded by crappy plastics and ho-hum exterior styling you are going to be selling products at a discount. Period.

Bob is definitely placing an emphasis on interior quality going forward, but he made one very disturbing comment. He was discussing interiors and all the attributes that they must posses and then stated that the fact that a car gets you from Point A to Point B is almost incidental. INCIDENTAL? That sounds like a man who has been chauffeured far more miles than he has driven himself. This doesn't sound like a company who is going to be posting a "Drivers Wanted" sign on its dealerships' doors.

It's far too early to draw any assumptions based on 100 days of service. I'm willing to give the man a fair shot at redemption, but please Bob don't forget driving enjoyment.

Monday, October 29, 2007

Saturn Astra Tuner Concept

When I was talking with Saturn marketing officials a few weeks ago, they mentioned the SEMA Astra and how it would look radically different from the car we'll see on dealers' lots. I guess with that buildup I was expecting something a little more radical than what we've got here.

The Astra is a striking car, even when she dresses down for regular duty. The slicked up paint, rims, Recaro seats, lowered ride height, and added power certainly do add something. But in the right hands I think that the Astra can be much more. Too bad that the Astra wasn't allowed to really strut its hot hatcback side for the crowds in Las Vegas. I look forward to what others will be able to do with this ride.

Here are some highlights of the SEMA concept:

1.8L Ecotec DOHC four-cylinder with approximately 160 horsepower, via exhaust header, cold-air intake and modified throttle body

Lowered ride height

New front and rear fascia extensions

New grille surround finish

Tinted headlamps, taillamps and windows

Rear center-outlet exhaust

Production side moldings deleted

High-performance Recaro seats

Unique interior trim

Unique sill plates and parking brake handle

Bob Nardelli Interview/Webcast

Busy Monday for you? If not you can see a live webcast of Chrysler Chairman and CEO Bob Nardelli's appearance at the annual conference of the Magazine Publishers of America. Starts at 1:30 PM Eastern (the site actually says 1:45).

Click here to view the webcast.

Win a Nissan Rogue (12/28/2007)

Another Rogue sweepstakes is upon us. Click here to enter.

Sunday, October 28, 2007

5-Door C30? Volvo Considers Its Options

According to Automotive News, Volvo is giving serious consideration to adding a 5-door version of the sporty C30 hatch. The added model would increase volume for Volvo, something that the brand is keen to see happen. Count me in! I like the idea of a more practical, yet still very stylish C30.

Hometown News: $3.99/Gallon Super

Not exactly how you want your hometown to make the news, but here it is. In all truthfulness, some of the Shell stations in Redwood City are on the pricey side. The gas station down the street is selling regular for $3.11, which is 48 cents less that this Shell. Still, I think its a sign of things to come.

Saturday, October 27, 2007

Picture of the Week: Bicycle Flambé

Here's a pretty wild photo of a bicycle burning in the Rancho Santa Fe area of San Diego. As with any large scale disaster, there's bound to be lots of vehicle carnage. Friends of ours had to evacuate and leave behind a brand new, not yet insured Kawasaki Ninja ZX-14. Fortunately their area was unharmed, so bike and rider have been reunited.

The bicycle photo was taken by Mario Anzuoni and distributed by Reuters.

Catalytic Converter Thefts on the Rise

Just surfing around this morning, I stumbled upon a local thread where folks were talking about catalytic convert thefts. Apparently this is a growing problem, especially for vehicles with higher ground clearance. "A thief can slip under a vehicle and, with a battery-operated saw and metal-cutting blade, make two quick cuts and remove the catalytic converter, " said Mike Antich, a reporter for fleet-central.com.

What's so attractive about the catalytic converter? The precious metals inside. A converter can contain platinum, palladium and rhodium in small amounts. It could take up to 15 converters to equal an ounce, but an ounce of platinum, for example, was selling for more than $1,400 on the spot metal market recently, palladium was $365 and rhodium more than $6,000. When the thief fences the stolen part, he gets a couple of hundred bucks and you get a bill ranging from $350 to $1,500. Sadly, short of motion or vibration sensing alarm systems and enclosed garages there isn't a whole lot you can do about the problem.

You can check out the Topix forum here.

SR 392 Roadster with Hemi Crate Engine

What do you get when you combine the new 392 HEMI® crate engine from Mopar® with the world’s first-ever steel reproduction of a 1927 street rod body and three car-crazy designers? The result is a custom SR 392 Roadster that will debut in the Mopar booth (#42427) at the 2007 Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) Show. The SEMA Show is the annual showcase of technology, trends and products representing the $36.7 billion automotive parts and accessories industry that will be held Oct. 30 – Nov. 2, 2007 at the Las Vegas Convention Center.

For nearly two years, Chrysler’s Mark Allen and Ralph Gilles planned to build the SR 392 Roadster as a SEMA stunner with Michael Chetcuti of Livonia, Mich.-based auto supplier, Quality Metalcraft (QMC). Allen is chief designer, Jeep®/Dodge Truck Studios – Chrysler LLC and Gilles is Vice President of Jeep/Truck & CFM Design, Chrysler LLC. Gilles and Allen are members of Chrysler’s Mopar Underground SEMA design team, a group of in-house automotive enthusiasts who donate their time to SEMA project vehicles.

What is this, the Prowler 2? I'm sure this was a hoot to sketch and put together, but as a finished product from a company that really needs to turn the product side around I think it's a little lacking. I'm sure it will look great in the metal but it just seems to be a rehash of ideas.

Chrysler / UAW Pact Ratified

"We are pleased that our UAW employees recognize that the new agreement meets the needs of the company and its employees by providing a framework to improve our long-term manufacturing competitiveness," said Tom LaSorda, Vice Chairman and President, Chrysler LLC.

Okay, now that the labor agreement is a done deal, let's get back to saving the company! Hopefully we will see some exciting new concepts in the forthcoming 2008 auto show season!

Friday, October 26, 2007

Freeway Shooting Followup

Just a quick footnote on the freeway shooting that was solved with the assistance of a red light camera. It would appear that the victim did not know the assailants, but rather this was a case of road rage. At one point "Somebody cut somebody off, or came up too fast tailgating or something," said Burlingame Police Commander Mike Matteucci

What a tragedy. Full article here.

Friday Chuckle: Cementing Good Driving Techniques

I actually prefer the headline "Motorists Were in a Slurry" but I couldn't just rip the whole posting now could I? Basically some drivers in Mequon, Wisconsin drove into a patch of freshly poured cement causing between $15,000 and $20,000 in damage. The subject of debate is whether or not the drivers knowingly drove around the orange barrels and yellow caution tape.

"It was really a very confusing and poorly marked intersection," whined lead motorist Dennis Paul who managed to sucker between at least four and as many as 10 vehicles into going the wrong way. Mr. Paul sounds very similar to Luke Skywalker's complaining "But I was going into Tosche Station to pick up some power converters!"

However there are those who backup the errant drivers claiming that the construction job has suffered from poor planning and marking. There even a blog about the construction zone called Mequon Clog. You can read the full story here.

Photo (which has nothing to do with the cement debacle) from mequonclog.com

2008 Chevrolet Malibu, Have Any Questions?

I'll be attending a social media preview for the 2008 Malibu at the end of next week (November 2/3). Part of the session will include a Q&A portion with Chevrolet representatives, so if you have any questions you'd like answered just e-mail them to me at tips@allcarsallthetime.com or enter them in the comments below.

Some questions that I have received so far include: the phaseout time frame for the four speed automatic and why neither the Saturn Aura or the new Malibu have a rear center armrest.

Can a Dodge Save Your Squeeze? (11/15/2007)

Well, it's a sweepstakes...sorta. Dodge has this contest titled "R U Tuned Out?" The premise is that either you or your significant other will "tune out" on the relationship for the sake of a car. The Caliber SRT4 is already all tricked out so theoretically the relationship would be saved because the car nut wouldn't have to devote some much time to the car.

Okay, you have to had it to Chrysler: they aren't just giving away cars. You have to put a little more work into the process in order to net yourself a new ride. To enter the contest you have to come up with a 250 word essay answering the questions "Why are you or your significant other tuned out?" and "How will an all-new Dodge Caliber SRT4 help you or your significant other tune back in?"

Click here to enter.

Thursday, October 25, 2007

Volkswagen Golf VI Delayed

According to rumors floating around the Internet, European sales of the next generation Golf is being delayed by at least six months due to a host of last minute design changes. One of the big objectives of the next design is to bring the cost of manufacturing the car into line with competitors. However, the delays have stemmed from a review instigated by VW boss Martin Winterkorn. Hopefully, the changes will not be noticeable to the buyer. Look for the new model to bow at the 2008 Paris Motor Show. Until then, enjoy this rendering of what the next Golf might look like.

Busted! Wagon of Interest Nabbed

Well that was fast. Following up on yesterday's story about a late seventies, early eighties GM wagon involved in a shooting: the suspect has been caught! The offending wagon was not a Chevy but in fact a 1980 Oldsmobile.

A tipster saw the red light camera footage on television, recognized the wagon and notified police. "We have three vehicles in our custody that we're interested in," Burlingame Police Sgt. Jeff Downs said. "We have the primary suspect in custody."

The suspect is now sitting right here in San Mateo's County Jail just a few blocks from ACATT's headquarters.

No motive has been established. Full story here.

Wednesday, October 24, 2007

Suzuki Kizashi 2

It really is Suzuki that is impressing me this go-round at the Tokyo Motor Show. The Kizashi 2 has been tweaked slightly from Frankfurt's Kizashi (compare the Frankurt version in red), but still looks daring and very, well, very large. Large in that I've never seen a Suzuki so big. Given that Suzuki is showing this car at multiple auto shows, and making slight adjustments along the way, certainly makes it seem that the Kizashi will spawn some sort of production model(s) such as a sedan and or crossover wagon. I have a real affinity for hatchbacks, wagons, basically any car that doesn't have a trunk so it's not too much of stretch for me to say that I think this car is quite stylish. But facing the realities of the US market, and the slow sales of the somewhat similar looking Dodge Magnum, Suzuki is going to have to play up a crossover angle on this car. Add some ride height and show it slogging around in some mud or something, that should help it avoid a hatchback or wagon stigma. I hope they build it and send it here.

Seen Either of These Cars?

Just a few weeks ago I had posted an article about the growing use of license plate recognition (LPR) systems. Here's a case where a red light camera is being used to help solve a murder.

A man was shot and killed on Highway 101 near the City of Burlingame. Burlingame PD has two cars of interest that were captured on red light camera footage. The red light system only uses LPR on cars that blow through a red light. In this case neither of the cars in question ran the light, so all the department has is streaming video footage of the cars passing by.

The police have tentatively identified the cars as a 1984 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme or similar model with the lower chrome trim missing from the right side, and late 1970s or early 1980s Chevy Malibu wagon.

American's aversion to wagons might be a key to solving the mystery. There are a lot of Cutlass Supremes still rolling on the road, but you don't see a mid-80s blue or greenish station wagon with fancy rims on it every day.

For comparison, I've posted a picture of a non-murderous 1979 Malibu Wagon.

You can check out the full story here. Know anything about the vehicles involved? Call the Burlingame PD at 650-777-4100

Suzuki X-Head Concept

I'm not quite sure why I like the X-Head concept so much, I just do. Maybe its the secret fantasy that we have as kids that our Tonka toys will grow in size so that we can really drive them on the road?

There is all sorts of uses for the X-Head besides taking up space in your driveway next to your "project cars." Suzuki has listed a few examples such as the Camper Unit that has sleeping space for two adults and would be aimed at the outdoorsy set. The Fashion Unit is designed for "stylish urban mobility,"Scion anyone? The Rescue Unit can be employed in extreme environments for emergency rescue operations, maybe responding to giant forest fires?

It's a fun concept with very slim chances for ever reaching our shores. Pity.

Chevron, AC Transit Test Alternative Fuels

For six months 22 Alameda-Contra Costa Transit District (AC Transit) buses will be using two different types of fuels: B20, a blend of 80 percent ultra-low-sulfur diesel and 20 percent soybean-derived biodiesel, and a gas-to-liquids (GTL) diesel fuel derived from natural gas, which is first reformed into a synthetic fuel called syngas before being converted into a cleaner-burning diesel. Over the course of the test the buses are expected to travel 400,000 miles and consume 100,000 gallons of alternative fuel.

The GTL fuel will be sourced from Sasol Chevron, a joint venture between Chevron and Sasol Ltd., a South African company that produces and markets chemicals and liquid fuels. Chevron will guarantee the quality of the fuel, while Cummins Engine, which makes engines for the transit district's buses and is also participating in the test, will warrant the AC Transit bus engines.

The pilot program is unique because it provides the opportunity for an end-user, a fuel provider and an engine manufacturer to collectively learn more about the characteristics, distribution, efficiency and emissions of biodiesel and GTL diesel. Over the course of the test, the companies will monitor engine performance, tailpipe emissions, fuel economy, vehicle handling characteristics (including acceleration and noise), the impact the fuels may have on lubricants and engine components, and driver feedback.

More info available here.

Tuesday, October 23, 2007

MKX Beats Lexus RX350, Bears. Beets. Battlestar Galactica

The Lincoln MKX has bested the Lexus RX350 in the near-luxury SUV segment of the 2007 Strategic Vision Total Value report. "The MKX really stood out in things like technical innovation, the standard equipment that came with it and the refinement in the interior in comparison to what the Lexus had to offer," said Alexander Edwards, president of Strategic Vision's automotive division.

Things that I observed about the MKX include sub-par plastics, such as a very flimsy glove box door and mismatching trim in the hatch area. A recaltricant alarm system that went off in the showroom and a hood that unevenly aligned with the body of the car. Granted this car was probably one of the earlier models produced. I will say that the MKX is an attractive car, but even with a $3,000 price difference there is no way that I could honestly recommend this car over the RX. Especially with nearly identical Ford Edges tooling around the streets. The RX has a proven reliability and resale record. The RX also has a much more polished feel about it. I do want to root for the home team, but I cannot give away points just for trying. The MKX is an decent entry, but it needs to be more than that to knock the RX off its lofty perch.

Volkswagen of America was seen as the best full-line corporation in value overall. That's another pick that I would quibble with. I like Volkswagen products, especially the GTI, but I don't feel that their current lineup is as strong as it has been in the past. From a value for money perspective, I don't think that Volkswagen is tops, especially when factoring in VeeDub's less than stellar reputation for quality. Most Volkswagen owner's that I know love their cars, but they also freely admit that they are in the shop way too often.

You can read the press release here and the rest of the picks by category below:

Small Car
Toyota Yaris Honda Civic Honda Civic Hybrid

Small Multi-Function
Toyota Yaris Hatchback

Medium Car
Volkswagen Jetta

Medium Multi-Function
Volvo V50 Wagon

Larger Car
Hyundai Azera*

Near Luxury Car
Acura TSX

Luxury Multi-Function
Audi A3

Luxury Car
Lexus LS 430*

Small Specialty Under $28,000
Mini Cooper*

Small Specialty Over $28,000
Chevrolet Corvette Coupe*

Mid-Specialty Car
Honda Accord Coupe*

Convertibles Under $30,000
Mini Cooper Convertible*

Convertibles Over $30,000
Chevrolet Corvette Convertible*

Minivan
Honda Odyssey

Small SUV
Hyundai Santa Fe

Medium Crossover
Ford Edge

Medium SUV
Toyota 4Runner

Large SUV
Ford Expedition EL

Near Luxury SUV
Lincoln MKX

Luxury SUV
Mercedes-Benz ML

Standard Pickup Truck
Honda Ridgeline*

Full-Size Pickup Truck
GMC Sierra 1500

Heavy Duty Pickup Truck
GMC Sierra 2500/3500 Classic

*2006 Total Value Award™ winners

Win 2007 Honda Civic Hybrid (11/2/07)

Whenever it's a busy day for me I always like to lean back on the sweepstakes crutch. Today you're getting two chances to win! Click here to enter.

Win a 2008 GMC Acadia (11/16/2007)

The Acadia is a fine people mover. A minivan in SUV clothing. Click here for your chance to win one!

Monday, October 22, 2007

Ford Employee, Trapped By Heavy Machinery, Passes Away

Robert Conley, 48, of Manchester, Mich., a maintenance supervisor in the final assembly area was killed today at Ford's Wayne Stamping and Assembly Plant where the 2008 Ford Focus is assembled. Conley had worked for Ford for 17 years. According to news reports, Conley became trapped in some machinery that is used to move the cars along the assembly line. Unofficially, on some Internet forums employees have described the scene as being very disturbing.

All news stories and discussion groups describe Conley as being a tremendous person and one who will be truly missed. It is a testament to workplace safety that events such as this are few and far between. Obviously, there is always room for improvement and hopefully much will be learned from this event to prevent any families from having to go through the agony that the Conley's are undoubtedly going through right now.

My condolences to all who knew and worked with Robert.

You can view the updated news report from WXYZ here.

Gas Station Attendant / Fire Fighter

So you're sitting at your job at a gas station when suddenly a car slams into one of the pumps. The driver flees on foot and you're left with a fireball. What would you do?

61-year-old Luis Tamayo, the station's attendant, said he had no choice but to fight the fire himself. "I had to find a solution until firefighters arrived," he said through a translator. "I tried to do the best I could with what was available. This gas station was saved because I had three new fire extinguishers.

The guy who shot the video describes the scene: "He first got an extinguisher, and he was putting it out. That ran out, so he went and got another one, and then the second one ran out, and he slams it on the floor like he was super frustrated, so he still went back in and got a third one, and he put the fire out."

You can check out the video here. CNN also has an extended version of the fire video here.

Source: WSNV

Chrysler Future Product Plans: Looks Dismal (For Now)

Automotive News released its future product review for Chrysler LLC and I have to say it looks very bleak:

Jeep may ax the Compass and Commander. Good riddance. The hot selling Wrangler will get a pickup version. The Grand Cherokee will probably add a third row option with its next makeover to help fill the Commander's shoes.

Dodge may give the Avenger some emergency surgery to help boost its sales, although those nip/tucks wouldn't appear until the 2011 model year. The slow selling Magnum may not get picked up on the next go around. If the Magnum does get a stay of execution, 2011 model year would mark its major model change. Of course there is the ultra cool Challenger, but it will never be a high volume model. The Durango and Dakota are on the bubble for a remodel, so they may not make it past 2009/2010. According to sources inside the company, the 2009 Ram may loose the truck-like face for more of an F-150 visage (think Nitro or 2008 Dakota).

For the Chrysler brand the future of the Pacifica is hanging in the air. A Chrysler version of the Dodge Journey may be stillborn. The Aspen is probably not going to make it and the Crossfire will likely be caught up in the crossfire.

Oh, it's all just so depressing, isn't it? For one thing, the 2008 lineup really is evidence of how bad Chrysler's German masters screwed things up. Chrysler was a hot brand before it got married to the wrong partner. At first I thought it might be a good union. Heck, look at the stellar 300C, how could they lose, right? Well, it appears that the 300C was one of the few bright moments. Many of Chrysler's other products were replaced by inferior models with cheap interiors and less than stellar styling.

Well, THERE IS A BRIGHT SIDE! The new management realises that the cheap interior plastics have to go. They know that a badge engineered version of the Journey for Chrysler is a bad idea. The see that the Compass was never right for Jeep and the Commander arrived in the wrong decade. I would argue that the Dakota and Pacifica deserve another go around. I would also argue that taming the styling of the 2009 Ram might not be such a great idea. On the balance I think that Chrysler is making the right moves towards salvation. However, look at all these time frames: 2010, 2011...that's a ways off and there really is no way around that. Small cars manufactured by China's Chery Automobile Co. are still on tap but not before 2010 for North America. However, we will have to wait a bit to see what Chrysler LLC believes its new portfolio should look like. Until we can see what's coming to replace the stinkers, hang in there everybody!

Sunday, October 21, 2007

Gas Prices Up 60 Cents Year Over Year

Gas prices rose a nickel during the past two weeks, to an average of $2.80 per gallon of self-serve regular, a national survey said Sunday. That's 60 cents more than prices at this time last year, but 38 cents below the all-time peak of $3.18 set on May 18. Of course, that's a the national average. Here in the Bay Area we're over the $3 mark already and it wouldn't surprise me to see gasoline prices reach $4 gallon in California before the winter is over.

In the short term we have yet to feel the full effect of oil's recent run up to $90 per barrel. In the same time that gasoline has risen an average of five cents, crude oil has gone up the equivalent of 18 cents.

Source: CNN

Out of this World and Into Your Outlander

So what is this hook-like object? It fell out of the sky and into a Mitsubishi Outlander that was parked outside Happy Harry's Drugstore in Stanton, Delaware. The SUV's owner, Susan Wilson, said she was in the drugstore. When she returned to her car, she found ash and debris on the driver's seat and a gaping hole in the roof. On the rear floor, she found the hot object still smoldering . Boy, that sure is a lot of junk she's got in that Mitsu!

The airport doesn't think it fell off any plane and the nearby Air Force Base also claims that it isn't theirs. Full story can be found here. Can you solve the mystery?

California Autos Examiner