It's not every day you see contraflow or lane reversal on on our highways. Here is a shot taken on I-59 in Mississippi at the Carriere Exit.
source: cnn
Sunday, August 31, 2008
Contraflow
Saturday, August 30, 2008
Some Daewoo, Holden, Opel/Vauxhall Vehicles May Be Styled in U.S.
With General Motors cancelling or delaying certain projects while moving up others, there has become a bit of a resource imbalance within the company. Designers once tasked to pickups and SUVs may be idled while those who work on small vehicles may be overtaxed. To counteract this situation, certain foreign market vehicles will be designed in places like Warren, Michigan. Given the tremendous communication and data sharing tools now available, certainly the task of sharing design work across continents is no longer an insurmountable task. I'm sure that the Michiganders are happy for the work, as some manufacturers have chosen other avenues to relieve idled designers.
source: automotive news
photo source: general motors
Netflix and Your Vehicle Payment Are Related
It's a classic line that has been used for decades: "The check is in the mail." Of course, many times the check wasn't in the mail, it wasn't even written and the person making the promise had no intention of mailing anything, anytime soon. But of course, there were those pesky, honest people who actually had mailed in their payment. As a payment processor, how do you know who to trust and who to hassle? The answer is to place your trust in technology and not the word of the payor.
What is this grand development that allows Toyota Financial to sniff out truth tellers from liars? Bar codes. Millions and millions of bar codes. PredictionPro is DST Output's unique mail tracking and reporting solution that allows clients to enhance the effectiveness of their statement production while enjoying real-time scan information and performance reporting. Based on the United States Postal Services' (USPS) CONFIRM Service and PLANET Code technology, mail tracking allows companies like Netflix and Toyota to know when you've mailed back your dvd or payment. The technology works in the other direction as well, allowing billers to know that statements have been received by customers. In addition, DST allows billers to customize their statements (called TransPromo), perhaps offering service reminders or special incentives for customers who might likely to buy another vehicle.
source: DST Output via Automotive News
Palin "Loves to Drive." Owns Jetta
Say what you will, Sarah Palin is an interesting choice for John McCain. Politics aside, I was reading up on Ms. Palin and happened to notice her remark, "I love to drive." That kind of statement is enough to get my attention in any conversation. Ms. Palin is a believer in Fahrvergnügen and her family owns a Jetta. We'll see how the former beauty pageant contestant and small town mayor stacks up against the competition when debate time rolls around, but for now you can rely on the knowledge that we do have an auto enthusiast in the bunch.
source: wsj
Behind the Wheel of a Large Automobile
Happy Saturday everybody! It's an action packed weekend for ACATT because #1 It's my fifth wedding anniversary and #2 I have a smart fortwo in the driveway until Monday! Posting will be light the weekend as I devote attention to my lovely wife and drive the smart whenever she'll let me!
Cheers!
rwcmick
Friday, August 29, 2008
Win a Three-Day MX-5 Cup Racing School Package (10/31/08)
Who is going to turn down a racing school package? Not me! Click here to drop your name into the hat!
It's Question and Answer With ACATT: What Happens When You Try to Siphon Gas With A Electric Vacuum Cleaner?
And that concludes today's lesson. Thanks for dropping by!
source: Man trying to siphon gas sparks a blaze outside Auburn townhouse via fark
photo source: jerypank
Thursday, August 28, 2008
smart usa Updating Build & Price For 2009?
8/28 Update: Okay, the 2009 configurator is up and running. I'd take those prices with a grain of salt as they may change soon. Plan on some sort of a price increase for MY 2009.
Update: Site is back and it's the same. Next target for the 2009 update is 8/25.
Update: Looks like this might be a server issue. The 2009 updates may appear on 8/25. However, in the meantime check out this thread with some 2009 news. Cargo nets on the doors, two new color, revised info display with "gas cap loose" warning, solid roof option for the passion model and the promise of a few additional options. Oh, and undoubtedly a price hike.
I've been waiting for some time for the smart usa website to update its "Build Your fortwo" configurator for MY2009. Tonight while checking things out, I noticed that there are no models shown and you get an error page. Known changes for 2009 include a deeper red color and yellow being swapped for grey.
This could very well be a server issue and not the 2009 update, but we can hope! You can check here to see if the site has returned.
Unofficial Chevy Volt Pictures Start To Dribble In
Here we go! The Volt is starting to slowly, but surely being revealed to us. Basically this is the car that I saw on the poster showing the Volt in various colors back in January. Some folks on the same tour as I was complained that the car wasn't futuristic enough, but I quite liked it. Here's hoping that the powertrain will be ready come 2010!
sources: gm-volt.com and motive magazine forum
Production Chevrolet Beat?
The top shot above should be the production Chevrolet Beat, at least according to the folks over at Hyundai Blog. The Beat is being engineered by GM's team in South Korea, so seeing the car in Daewoo guise is not surprising. Keep in mind that as it stands, this car was not engineered with U.S. safety standards in mind, something that GM is no longer doing.
source: hyundai blog via jalopnik
Get Into SEMA Without Being a Schema (9/5/2008)
If you've ever wanted to check out SEMA for yourself, but never had the credentials to gain access, then click on over here to enter Sport Compact Car's SEMA "Ultimate High Performance Getaway." Why the lame SEMA graphic? That's because typing SEMA into Google's image search generates a ton of not so work friendly images. Believe me, I painstakingly searched through 20 pages just for this blog. It's a crazy job, but someone has to do it.
You could win a trip to SEMA Convention held in Las Vegas November 4-7, 2008. Trip includes: Coach round-trip airfare for two (2) from an airport selected by Sponsor in the vicinity of winner’s residence to the airport selected by the Sponsor in the vicinity of the SEMA Convention. Transportation from the Las Vegas airport to the Sponsor selected hotel and back;- Hotel stay for four (4) nights for a maximum of two (2) people in a single room; Transportation from the hotel to the convention and back;- Entrance into the SEMA Las Vegas convention for the winner and a guest (ARV $2400);
Edmunds Tests Pre-Production Toyota iQ
Toyota is hoping that its new iQ will represent a strong challenge to smart's fortwo city car. Up until now, the diminutive and very stylish (in my opinion) smart has pretty much been playing in its own sandbox, but Toyota has decided to crash the party. Whereas the styling of the fortwo is more appealing to my eye, the iQ totes some very valuable differentiators. The biggest change to smart's recipe is that the iQ can haul around four peeps. Granted when it comes to full sized, aka "real", people the iQ can only handle three, but the ability for a family man to haul around his brood in a pinch is a pretty big deal. Also a big deal for many interested parties is the fact that the iQ comes with "real" transmission options: a six speed manual and a cvt. Oh sure, you'll find some people who "love" their smart's slow witted, fumbling manumatic but the universally reviled tranny would be dumped by almost everyone else if a better option came along. No, you won't be able to swap out body panels at the drop of a hat or have googly-eyed pods for the tach and clock on the dashboard. The smart is always going to have the style trump card, but by just about every other measure the iQ will be the more practical car.
Now will it come to the United States? The Edmunds article doesn't delve into this topic, but I will. Toyota has publicly said that they are worried about the U.S. safety tests with this car. However, Edmunds mentions that the 9 airbag iQ should rate a stellar 5 stars in the European NCAP testing. Chances are that Toyota will or potentially has already solved any problems with bringing this car to the United States, hopefully with its seating capacity in tact. Smart's success here in the States has a lot of companies licking their chops. The lure of Toyota reliability and the expansive Toyota dealership network will speak volumes to potential smart customers who worry about 200 mile round-trips to dealers and the constant threat of "check engine" lights and transmissions that must be "retrained" in order to work again.
You can read the full Edmunds article and check out iQs in all the colors of the rainbow by clicking here.
photo source: edmunds/Nobuhiro Takahashi
A Million Miles and What Do You Get? Absolutely Nothing
Remember that million mile Chevy pickup that went up on eBay recently with a $30k minimum to take it home? Yeah well, nobody wanted it that badly and it ended up a no-sale. While it would appear that buyers have more common sense than cash, the seller is not to be deterred: he's going to relist it in a few days and see how things go. We'll have to see if a lower price will attract buyers or if the 1,000,000 mile mark isn't enough of a lure to distract buyers from the fact that the truck has, uh, 1,000,000 miles on it.
source: sfgate
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Buying a Mazda...The Hard Way
The following dealership experience was sent my way and I thought I'd relate it on to you. I've removed the name of the dealership since I haven't verified any of this. Every story has two sides and we're only hearing one. Normally I don't like to repeat gossip, but I will tell you that I have been to this dealership and I found them a bit shady myself, so this story is pretty believable. Below is an accounting of the events as it was sent to me. My favorite part of the story is where the "fired" salesman calls two days later and tries to sell them the same car.
When I have a positive experience with a company, I'm often moved to share it with others. When I have a negative experience, I often blow it off. However, when I have an experience like I had with xxx Mazda this past weekend I am compelled to share it so that others do not have to endure a similar experience. In a nutshell, we had been negotiating on a new car with xxx Mazda for several hours on Sunday. Finally, we came to an agreement, we signed the papers, wrote the check, exchanged keys and were waiting patiently with our two children (ages 3.5 and 1.5) for our new car to come out of detailing. When it did, it was not our car!!! Okay we thought, we've been here for several hours and we'll have to wait a bit longer until they detail the right car. No, actually they sold us the wrong car. Then, when we pointed out that it was not the car we had wanted or been negotiating, they said they couldn't sell us the car we wanted at the price we had negotiated!!! They actually refused to sell us the car that we had identified seven hours earlier in the day, the car we had been negotiating on for the past several hours, the car that we had spent the past two hours signing papers on while our two small kids ran around the dealership. Then they blatantly lied and told us the car salesman had been fired as a result. How do we know this was a lie? Because the salesman called us two days later and said he had not been fired and he wanted to try to sell us the car again!!! Unbelievable. Seriously folks, these people have no morals or ethics. There are a dozen other Mazda dealers in the Bay Area. Go to them and do not waste one minute at xxx Mazda. They do not deserve your business.
Saab 9-5 Sketch
The Epsilon II onslaught will continue here in the U.S. when the next 9-5 arrives. Our first taste of the platform will be the next LaCrosse, but this Saab version is the one I'm licking my chops for. This shot was taken at Saab Owner’s Convention 2008 and offers us a tease of what the next 9-5 will look like.
source: tollhattan saab via a labyrinth of blogs which may or may not include kevin bacon
Chevy Beat and Opel Corsa Showing Some 'Tude
Altitude that is. In the the above edition of Fast Lane Daily, at around the 4:00 mark, they show us the CTS Coupe with super minimal camo and what appear to me to be a Chevy Beat mule and Opel Corsa five door. I've lined up a shot of the Corsa five door and the spy shot for comparison's sake. The current Corsa, developed in partnership with Fiat, wasn't engineered for U.S. standards so that means that it is probably along for the ride (we should get the next Corsa though). The Beat also is supposedly not going to meet U.S. standards, so our Aveo replacement will have to wait until GM can "git 'er done" and push out a car that will either take after the Groove or Trax concepts. Given that the Trax has a part in the next Transformers movie, you gotta wonder if it has the inside track (ouch, that hurt).
Dodge Viper Under the Microscope: Chrysler Could Cash Out
Chrysler Chief Bob Nardelli told employees in a memo on Wednesday that “We have been approached by third parties who are interested in exploring future possibilities for Viper. As the Company evaluates strategic options to maximize core operations and leverage its assets, we have agreed to listen to these parties. We will do so keeping in mind the best interests of those who have shown tremendous support for the vehicle – including employees, suppliers, dealers and a worldwide group of loyal Viper owners and enthusiasts. Viper is an integral part of this Company’s heritage. While this is a strategic review, our intent would be to offer strong operational and financial support during any potential transaction, in order to ensure a future for the Viper business and perpetuate the legacy of this great vehicle.”
This would probably be the best for both the company and the car. Given the tough times, the Viper's chances of getting refreshed or even staying alive were pretty slim with its birth mother. If adopted, however, the Viper would be lavished upon by its new parents.
source: chrysler
Win a smart fortwo (8/28/08)
Another chance to win a smart! Click here to enter. Brought to you by The Walking Company.
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
Fitting? Latest Hummer Interest Is From Gulf Region
The Hummer saga continues! There have been a lot of rumors about who might be interested, but so far each one of those parties has stepped back and declared that they are not interested. Now comes news that there might be some potential buyers from the Middle East. "For sure, there has been interest from various parties within the Gulf ... there is a precedent in the cases of Aston Martin, Ferrari or Daimler and those kinds of solutions could be very realistic solutions," said General Motors Middle East Managing Director Terry Johnson.
There certainly isn’t a shortage of oil or bravado in the Gulf, so buying an icon like Hummer just might make sense for an Arab buyer. Let’s face it, whatever GM ends up pricing the brand at, these guys probably have that kind of cash stuffed in their private jet’s couch.
source: Reuters
Win a Kia Spectra or Sportage 9/30/08)
Your choice of either a 2008 Kia Spectra SX with CD changer (manufacturer’s suggested retail price (“MSRP”) is $16,920) or a 2008 Kia Sportage EX 4 X 2 Luxury Package (MSRP is $23,320). Click here to enter.
Monday, August 25, 2008
In-Vehicle Computer System Install
This is a refit of a Crown Victoria police car, swapping out the old computer for a new, three piece system from Data 911. This job took about four hours, but can be as short as three. The system is a 2.2 Core 2 Duo processor, 2 GB of RAM, built in GPS module, 12.1" 1200NIT capacitive touch panel. You're looking at around seven grand in hardware cost plus install so you better save your pennies!
Debunking Myths / Decloaking LaCrosse
Why am I bundling a LaCrosse teaser photo and the latest clip from GM's "debunking" series? Because I can! We'll officially see the LaCross in Los Angeles in November, but of course Car & Driver already showed us a sneak peak.
New smart fortwo Colors
The 2009 configurator is not up yet, but we do have shots of the official colors: rally red and metallic gray. Now here an interesting tidbit. The previous red was a metallic color and was extra charge. Furthermore, the metallic colors are not "molded-in color" but painted on. Get a rock chip and you'll notice right away whereas molded-in color should withstand damage better. The new red should be a truer red color than the previous tomato soup option and should be molded-in. The light yellow color is now off the factory menu and has been replaced by a metallic gray. That should mean that the gray will be extra charge and painted on.
Ouch, That smarts!
Another smart smash 'em up for you to check out. From what I've read, the impact was at a fairly low speed and no one was injured. Here's the description of the accident from Smart Car of America forum member "Subfleet"
"Police witness said about 20 mph. The other car was a learner changed lanes then stopped quick. I wasn't going fast and had time to apply brakes so 20 - 25 at most I would have thought. No real visible damage to the other car, another small car which was pushed forwards 15 feet."
The car has been totalled by the insurance company because of unknown parts availability and pricing. The owner is now debating whether or not to purchase back the car from the insurance company for $6,300. You can join the discussion thread by clicking here.
photo source: picassa user subfleet/alan
Sacrebleu! Daimler Considers Second smart Plant!
Update: Daimler officials deny any plans for a second smart plant. "We have no plans for a second Smart plant," said a spokesman for the Mercedes-Benz division, which includes Smart.
source: automotive news europe via smart usa insider
For a brand that was looking quite beleaguered just a year or two ago, smart sure is showing the world a new side. According to a report in Auto Motor und Sport, Daimler is looking to boost production for the lilliputian car now that its French factory is nearing capacity. Asia or the United States could be in the running for the new plant. Why not Mexico I wonder? In any case, I'm sure that Chrysler would be happy to build it!
source: reuters
Sunday, August 24, 2008
Cadillac Next to Get E-Flex?
In a short piece discussing GM's future product lineup, Automotive News mentions that Cadillac might be the next brand to get Volt's technology. Certainly a crown jewel in GM's arsenal of technology, it would appear that the General is doling out first helpings to its two strongest brands in the U.S. The Volta is supposed to roll off the assembly lines in late 2010, so a Cadillac version would be probably be in my estimation at least a model year after the Volt's release. I am presuming that GM Europe will be rolling out similarly timed products on the other side of the Atlantic.
source: automotive news
Next HHR May Be Delta MPV-7
I've quacked a lot about Chevrolet's MPV-7 project and now comes news that it may be labeled HHR. How do I come by this information? Basically by reading between the lines. In the latest copy of Automotive News, the magazine describes the 2011 HHR as a modern style, "mini-minivan," potentially seating up to seven, based on Opel's Zafira replacement and the next generation Delta architecture. Well that pretty much describes the MPV-7 project as far as I'm concerned. You can see some spyshots of the MPV-7 by visiting this post. When I think more about this, it does make sense. It would be tough for the HHR to reinvent its retro design, so why no take it in the other direction?
Chennai Have It? "Later" Says Mahindra
India manufacturer Mahinda & Mahindra is delaying its entry into the U.S. market until the fourth quarter of 2009. Initially the companies diesel pickups were to begin rattling into dealerships in the spring of '09. Why the fuss, Gus? Mahindra wants rack up 3.2 million road miles on a fleet of 25 trucks here in the U.S. before releasing any vehicles to customers. Makes a lot of sense to me. Mahindra also took their product to J.D. Power to see what else might need fixin' and it came away with a laundry look of "honey do's" including: different seats and headliners, more cupholders, redesign the front console, a larger glove box, a better "thunk" sound when closing the doors and a grille that is "less sad."
Mahindra sees no problems meeting 50 state emissions requirements for its diesel engine and hopes to have 450 dealers signed up by the end of 2009. I look forward to a scrappy little diesel truck just like a was pumped about the stillborn Crosslander project (which was also from Mahindra's U.S. distributor Global Vehicles).
source: automotive news
Alpha Male: Cadillac to Offer Four Cylinder Sedan in 2010
It's no secret that GM's been working on a small(er), RWD platform called alpha. When I tried to ask Bob Lutz about alpha back in January of this year, he said it was too early to talk about it and kept on walking. Fair enough. Now Automotive News is reporting that Cadillac will have an Alpha variant in its lineup in late 2010 as a 2011 model. There is still debate as to whether or not that car will be exclusively four cylinder with the chances being that it will also offer a larger six cylinder engine as an upgrade. This car will replace the Saab 9-3 based BLS that has been offered in Europe and the new model may carry the same moniker.
2010 Toyota Sienna Caught Testing
Believe me, the headline of this post is way more promising than the accompanying pictures. It's not that the picture quality is bad, but rather we can't see anything compromising. As an owner of an '08 Sienna, I can tell you that the current model is a big, juicy van and were pretty pleased with it. I hate the feather light steering, probably my number one complaint, but other than that I'd say its a very accomplished family hauler. I would imagine that Toyota will want hang on to the AWD option and that it will add a hybrid version to compliment the lineup. I would want to see the entertainment system add a hard drive so that DVDs could be ripped and then stored in the house for safe keeping. You can view the pictures and read the accompanying text by clicking here.
Saturday, August 23, 2008
Chevy Traverse Wind Tunnel Testing
Interesting video about the aerodynamic tweaking done on the Traverse. I'm a real geek for this kind of stuff.
ACATT Will Be Right Back!
It's a beautiful, sunny day here in California and I'm going outside to enjoy it! More car news soon!
Friday, August 22, 2008
smart Tipping Rears Its Ugly Head
I found these photos over at Smart Car of America's forums. Some jackals idea of a good time. According to the poster the owner of this car only has liability coverage, so they are going to be on the hook for all the damage. Hopefully some new window glass and a side view mirror and she can get on the road again. With smart's replaceable panels, she could freshen up any body damage relatively easily. I suppose if you're young and drunk, smart tipping might seem like a funny prank but you're messing with somebody's pride and joy. Not cool.
source: smart car of america
Cheerio Good Chap! Just Headed Over to Castle Bromwich Build Some Jaguars
Things are a bit slow over at Land Rover's Solihull facility, so 284 workers have voluntarily moved over to Jaguar's Castle Bromwich plant where they have been guaranteed two years of work. Initially the transferees will be working on the hot selling XF's assembly line. The XJ and XK are also assembled at Caste Bromwich after moving from the historic Browns Lane facility.
I've got a Google map with the two cities shown. I didn't bother to plug in the actual addresses, but as you can see they aren't that far apart.
source: BBC News
I've got a Google map with the two cities shown. I didn't bother to plug in the actual addresses, but as you can see they aren't that far apart.
source: BBC News
Be There! (Or Don't Be) ACATT Party in Menlo Park
Update: The party is over, but the memories will live on. We did get to peek in the windows at the Tesla dealership (they were closed) and there was someone at the party knows a Tesla employee so maybe I'll get some additional info later on!
It's an ACATT event! Well, sort of. Some of us are headed to The Oasis Beer Garden for some after work drinks and whatnot and you're invited. It's all going down tonight (Friday, 8/22) at 5PM so you've got very little advance notice. Sorry. No free beers (again, sorry), but if you want to chat about cars then come on down. Who knows, maybe we'll have a few and stumble over to the Tesla dealership to look in the windows.
The Oasis Beer Garden
est. 1958
241 El Camino Real
Menlo Park, CA 94025
When: today 8/22/08
Starts: 5PM Ends: 7PM (or later, or maybe earlier)
It's Good to be The King: Autoblog Reader Snaps U.S. Spec Fiesta
Attention budding spy photographers everywhere: The time to accost auto engineers is right after they have wolfed down a Whopper. It's rare that you find such a cooperative and forthcoming engineer in a test mule, but when you do, you take full advantage. That's exactly what Autoblog reader Chris did when he spied this 98% production ready Fiesta. The engineer wouldn't talk about the powerplant, but he did say that Ford's plans are exciting.
I've lined up some Euro shots next to the Burger King model for comparison. What these photos bear out is what I've been hearing from other sources. Ford is not going to muck with either the European design or materials. As Ford rep Said Deep mentioned to me in a phone call, Ford is very much aware that everyone wants soft-touch plastics and Autoblog's reader specifically mentions the quality of the plastics inside the car. When I drove the current generation Fiesta, it was a hoot. This model should only improve on things.
Needless to say, Autoblog readers are going nuts for the car and why shouldn't they?
source: autoblog
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