Japanese and Korean car manufacturers have yet again dominated an important US reliability survey.
The 2008 Consumer Reports study of 1.4 million vehicles sold in the USA names the Scion xD (a supermini-sized hatchback related to the upcoming Toyota Urban Cruiser we’ll see in Europe) as the car suffering the fewest problems in its first 12 months on the road.
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And, given the push-button convenience of the latter these days, the car’s upper garb often comes off quicker.
Spring is also, of course, the time when Carsguide preaches to the convertible.
It’s a task made easier by the ever-expanding range of topless four-seaters _ cars that combine a decent degree of utility with a goodly serving of desirability _ so that now ever more are converting.
The facility to have it off and on at will (most such lids fold up or down in around 20 seconds and some can do it at 30km/h) is worth a lot more as a selling point than all the kilowatts and cornering force figures in the world combined. Otherwise, just buy a coupe.
Not that BMW’s 125i (priced from$63,755) lacks a means of propulsion or is in any way reluctant to address bends.
Even detuned to 160kW/270Nm, this three-litre jobbie is a classic example of the Bavarian’s trademark in-line six _ which, combined with rear-wheel-drive dynamics, is unique among current compact convertibles.
Contrary to the hairdryer image of this genre, the only thing soft about the 125i is its roof which, in a world increasingly given to folding metal numbers, is of fabric construction.
For a car that, even by the compromised norm of this type, is knee-crushingly cramped in the back, it’s starting to get bloody dear _ though even that’s relative, given it’s $30K easier on the wallet than the identically engined 325i.
Equally, the Volkswagen Eos TFSI (from $49,990) offers value _ indeed, allure _ that would necessitate spending maybe $40K extra on a more prestigious badge.
The VeeWee also boasts the best top of all these sometimes-roofless Germans: one with a number of variations, all of which enable it to be completely convincing as either a convertible or as a coupe. In either guise, it looks great.
The TFSI shares the Golf GTI’s platform and drivetrains: a slick, six-speed manual or a twin-clutch auto driving that sublime two-litre, direct-injection turbo four-potter.
If you tick the optional sports suspension with 18-inch tyres box, it can do a fair dynamic imitation of this now-ubiquitous warmish hatch.
So can Audi’s A3 2.0 TFSI Cabrio (from $54,900) _ as it should, given that it has the same underpinnings and go bits as the allegedly humbler Eos.
But although perceived prestige badges can have a disorienting effect on some punters’ sense of proportion, the Eos’s trick roof is enough to see it shroud out its soft-topped cousin.
It used to be that to go topless in traffic, you had to be Swedish; time was, indeed, that Saab’s 9-3 was synonymous with this sort of behaviour.
But that was 10 years ago. Today, a 9-3 Convertible is an unreliable and outclassed alternative to simply wearing a T-shirt that reads: “Clueless”.
Fortunately for Scando enthusiasts, there’s Volvo’s C70 T5 (from $79,950). No, it doesn’t get up and go anything like those mentioned above (despite a worthy 2.5-litre, five-cylinder turbo), much less handle.
But it does have visual presence, GT composure, a smart folding metal roof and _ perhaps more to the Swede-lover’s point _ a perceptible quality of having been hewn from something extremely solid and ever-so safe.
Just as Lexus’s IS sedan chucked a spanner into the compact prestige segment by doing a rear-drive/six-pots-up-front package that undercut the Germans for value, so too will the Lexus IS250C coupe/convertible.
Seen at the Sydney motor show, this folding-aluminium-roof number is due in these parts in the second half of 2009 _ no doubt priced at a point to cause the Europeans maximum discomfort.
The IS250C has a rear overhang some 50mm longer than the sedan, and Lexus claims class-leading boot space even with the lightweight, three-piece lid folded.
Roof up, it looks better still, with a coupe sleekness that becomes the IS more than the four-door shape.
The IS250C shares the sedan’s 153kW/252Nm 2.5-litre V6 and six-speed, paddle-shift automatic.
At $1.19 million, the ultimate convertible costs 20 times more than the least expensive car here, but the Rolls-Royce Phantom Drophead Coupe is quite possibly the world’s best car _so this seems only right and proper.
We mention it mainly to have an excuse to run its exquisite likeness, because next to none of us is ever going to get into one.
But it somehow helps to know that those who do have the wherewithal aren’t wasting their dough on rubbish.
Besides, as the stock market goes at the moment, a Rolls is probably a better investment than shares.
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We’ve identified NYT (and former Detroit News) scribe Bill Vlasic as a Motown cheerleader ever since ever. Bill’s not happy with that assessment. Can’t see it. Which is kind of strange. I mean, read this piece in The Times chronicling GM’s slide into bankruptcy and try and find one– one– instance where Vlasic takes CEO Rick Wagoner and Co. to task for running what was once the world’s largest automaker into the ground. It’s full of the usual weasel words and waffle. To wit: the headline. “Driven to the brink.” Not driving over the brink. Driven to the brink (by external events, of course). Vlasic and his partner lead their “story” with the termination of GM’s CXX SUV program. “‘It would have been very difficult in todayâs environment to spend a couple of billion dollars to do a replacement [for the GMT900 SUVs],’ said Robert A. Lutz, G.M.âs vice chairman and head of product development. ‘Reality had set in.’” And when did Maximum Bob get this wake-up call? May. Of this year. There’s more, but those of you who easily offended by GM’s mismanagement and media stooges should avoid the jump.
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Quentin Tarantino ’Hell Ride’ will be availble on DVD and Blue ray next Tuesday, October 28th. If you missed its theather release, you will have another chance to see Dennis Hopper (Blue Velvet, Easy Rider), Michael Madsen (Kill Bill films, Reservoir Dogs) and Vinnie Jones (Snatch, Lock, Stock And Two Smoking Barrels) star as tough-as-nails bikers avenging the death of a loved one by the hands of a sadistic, rival motorcycle gang.
Click on the the movie logo to have an insider view of the real Choppers behind the movie.
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It is one of the most loved and hated cars on Autoblog.com – the Ford Mustang, particularly the latest generation produced from 2005-2009 known as the S197. Its proponents rave about its bang for the buck and handsome retro looks, while retractors nag about the ancient solid rear axle and cheap interior. Whatever your opinion, no one can deny that the latest generation of Mustangs has been incredibly popular, both with consumers as well as the aftermarket. Perhaps too popular, according to many of you. It seems that a new version of the Mustang surfaces weekly and sometimes even daily. Whether from big time manufacturers like ROUSH, Saleen and Shelby, or simply one-off “special edition” Mustangs built by random companies looking to make a quick buck, there has never been a shortage of Mustangs from which to choose.
With the new 2010 Mustang’s official debut at the LA Auto Show just a few weeks away, it looks like the sun is setting on the current generation of Ford’s pony car and its never-ending stream of variations. To commemorate its passing, and because it’s been way too long since we had a Mustang post (at least a day!), we’ve decided to come up with a list of every single variant of the 2005-2009 Mustang that we could find… all of them. Follow the jump to see just how many Mustang variants were produced over the last four years.
Factory Ford Mustangs:
Ford Mustang V6
Ford Mustang V6 Pony Package
Ford Mustang GT
Ford Mustang GT California Special
Ford Mustang Bullitt
Ford Shelby GT500
Ford Shelby GT500KR
Ford Shelby GT500 Red Stripe
Ford Warriors in Pink Mustang
Ford AV8R Mustang
Ford Racing Mustangs:
Ford Racing FR500S Mustang
Ford Racing FR500C Mustang
Ford Racing FR500GT Mustang
Ford Racing FR500CJ Mustang
Ford Mustang Concepts:
Ford Mustang Concept
Ford Mustang Convertible Concept
Ford Giugiaro Mustang Concept
Ford Mustang GT-R Concept
Shelby:
Shelby GT
Shelby GT/CS
Shelby GT-H
Shelby CS6 Mustang
Shelby CS8 Mustang
Shelby GT500 Super Snake
Shelby 40th Anniversary GT500
Shelby Terlingua Mustang
Roush:
Roush V6 Mustang
Roush Sport Mustang
Roush Stage 1 Mustang
Roush Stage 2 Mustang
Roush Stage 3 Mustang
Roush 427R Mustang
Roush Speedster
Roush 428R Mustang
Roush 429R Mustang
Roush P-51A Mustang
Roush P-51B Mustang
Roush 427R Trak Pak
Roush Stage 3 BlackJack Mustang
Roush RTC Mustang
Roush Drag Pak Mustang
Roush RS3/C Mustang
Saleen:
Saleen S281 3-Valve Mustang
Saleen S281 Supercharged Mustang
Saleen S281 Red Flag Edition Mustang
Saleen S281 Extreme Mustang
Saleen H281 Mustang
Saleen Parnelli Jones Limited Edition Mustang
Saleen H302 3-Valve Mustang
Saleen H302 Supercharged Mustang
Saleen S302 Extreme Mustang
Saleen Patriot Edition Mustang
Saleen Dan Gurney Signature Edition Mustang
Saleen S302 Sterling Edition Mustang
Saleen “Bad Boy Edition” Mustang
Saleen Dark Horse Extreme Mustang
Saleen Molly Pop Mustang
Racecraft 420S Mustang
Steeda:
Steeda Q500 Mustang
Steeda Q650 Mustang
Steeda Shelby GT500
Steeda QS6 Mustang
Steeda Q650R Mustang
Steeda Q335 Club Racer
Other Mustangs:
Barrett-Jackson Shelby GT
Foose Stallion
Foose Super Stallion
Geiger Cars Mustang GT520
AJ Foyte Coyote Edition Mustang
Cragar Special Edition Mustang GT
Legend Mustangs LM500X
SMS 25th Anniversary Mustang Concept
R&A Motorsports Twister Special Mustang
Movie Mustangs:
KITT
Death Race Mustang
Saleen S281 “Barricade”
And of Course…
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First we completed Motor Trend’s Sport/Utility of the Year. Now we’re putting the finishing touches on Motor Trend’s Car of the Year story. And just recently, we finished the third of our major competitions: Motor Trend’s 2009 Truck of the Year.
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Chrysler LLC said Friday that it will cut almost a third of its white-collar work force, raising questions about whether the move is in response to difficult market conditions or a step toward preparing the struggling automaker for a possible sale.
Chrysler will cut about 5,000 of its 17,300 salaried and contract workers worldwide by Jan. 1 through buyouts and layoffs as plunging car and truck sales force Detroit’s Big Three automakers to reduce costs to conserve cash.
About 95 percent of Chrysler’s white-collar force is in North America, with at least 10,000 workers in Michigan, which means the state would take the brunt of the downsizing.
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The job losses come as Chrysler majority owner Cerberus Capital Management LP is in talks with General Motors Corp. and the Renault SA-Nissan Motor Co. alliance about a possible merger or other combination.
David Cole, chairman of the Center for Automotive Research in Ann Arbor, said it was unclear whether the cuts are only a reaction to the dramatic decline in vehicle demand, or a move to make Chrysler leaner and more attractive for a potential sale or merger. “It’s hard to tell, but they would be consistent with a merger,” he said.
A person familiar with the situation said the Cerberus-GM talks have intensified in recent days and that GM had been scrutinizing Chrysler’s pension plan obligations. The source cautioned, however, that a deal could still fall apart and that Renault-Nissan, which is interested in a stake of about 20 percent of Chrysler, remains in the running.
Whether or not a deal is reached, Chrysler Chairman and CEO Robert Nardelli described conditions in the market as “truly unimaginable times for our industry,” in a letter to workers announcing the cuts.
He said the global financial crisis had led to a contraction of auto sales at “such a fast rate” that it is forcing the automaker to right-size operations. Chrysler sales are down 25 percent through September, the worst of any automaker, while the overall market is down 13 percent.
“We cannot operate as we have in the past,” Nardelli wrote in the letter, and he gave the strongest indication yet that significant changes are coming at Chrysler. “In the near future, we will be making organizational announcements as a result of restructuring actions reflecting the need to find new ways to operate.”
Michigan officials began developing a rapid response plan Friday to help employees after Chrysler sent notification of the job cuts to the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Growth, as required by federal law, said deputy director Andy Levin.
The governor’s office was already bracing for the worst in anticipation of a Chrysler merger, said Liz Boyd, spokeswoman for Gov. Jennifer Granholm. The governor has not been briefed by the leaders of the companies, but she has asked that they keep her informed, Boyd said.
In the meantime, the governor has solicited the help of other states in lobbying efforts for an additional $25 billion in federal funding to help the industry, recognizing that access to cash has become crucial and difficult, Boyd said.
Chrysler is not alone in cutting jobs. GM this week said it will lay off salaried workers for the first time in about 20 years and slash benefits.
On Friday, Ford Americas President Mark Fields and Chief Financial Officer Lewis Booth told employees in a Webcast that there are no immediate plans for more salaried layoffs. They said Ford has enough cash, but is monitoring the market and will react as needed.
But other Ford sources told The Detroit News that more salaried cuts are likely, though they will not come before Ford reports third-quarter earnings next month, when the company is expected to give an update on liquidity and other business issues.
The automakers are shedding blue-collar jobs as well. United Auto Workers President Ron Gettelfinger acknowledged Friday that he was in discussions with the Big Three as they grapple with the worst auto sales market in 15 years, but he declined to provide details. On Thursday, Chrysler said it would cut 1,825 more factory jobs, and GM has moved up the closings of some plants.
The Chrysler salaried cuts affect workers at four locations: Chrysler’s headquarters/technology center in Auburn Hills, its Plymouth Road office in Detroit and proving grounds in Chelsea, and a Mopar parts supply center in Macomb County, according to the notice sent to the state.
The targeted reductions cannot be achieved without layoffs, company officials said.
The automaker also is slashing other costs, with a focus on cutting overhead and discretionary expenses not connected to major product programs, said Chrysler spokeswoman Shawn Morgan. She could not say if the overall product capital budget will be reduced.
In his letter to employees, Nardelli said voluntary severance programs will be available starting in November, and take effect Nov. 30. Involuntary measures would follow, taking place by year’s end.
Employees began receiving details of three packages, including a rare cash buyout option. The packages, which are broader than in the past, vary by years of service but could pay workers up to $50,000 with a vehicle voucher and full health care.
In an unusual step, Chrysler is offering buyouts to employees with less than 10 years as of Nov. 30. They can leave with $50,000 in cash, a voucher worth $25,000 toward the purchase of a vehicle and six months of health care coverage. Employees with more than 10 years who are not eligible for separation or early retirement programs can leave with $75,000, the vehicle voucher and six months of health care coverage.
That program is being offered for the first time since 1991 — previously considered the worst year ever for the domestic auto industry, with reported Big Three losses of $7.5 billion.
While the programs have been enhanced, layoffs are considered inevitable.
Chrysler last announced 1,000 white-collar cuts in July, an action that was completed at the end of September, but which required 15 percent to 20 percent involuntary cuts to reach the company’s goal.
You can reach Alisa Priddle at (313) 222-2504.2738 or apriddle@detnews.com.
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Ford Motor veteran John Sullivan is the new vehicle line director for the company’s global B-segment cars. Sullivan will lead development of the automaker’s Fiesta and Ka models as well as future small car programs.
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This is VW’s latest Golf Plus, with a Scirocco-inspired nose and high-quality interior. And while the exterior changes might not look much, Volkswagen will tweak the Golf Plus just enough to designate it a Mk2 model. Expect the revised car to make its debut at the Bologna motor show in December 2008.
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Updated with a Kyle Petty appearance. Check www.texasmotorspeedway.com for more info.
Celebrity events
Friday, Oct. 31
Country singer and Texas native Trent Willmon live in concert, Chevrolet Live Stage at Texas Motor Speedway, 5 p.m.-6:30 p.m.
Saturday, Nov. 1
Chefs Rachael Ray and Mario Batali, Sprint Experience Display outside Gate 7 at TMS, 12:30 p.m.-1 p.m.
Driver appearances
Note: Autographs may or may not be available at all appearances.
Thursday, Oct. 30
Matt Kenseth and Tony Stewart, Home Depot, 5280 South Hwy 360, Grand Prairie, 6 p.m.-8 p.m., 700 wristbands will be handed out three hours before the scheduled appearances.
Carl Edwards, Office Depot, 7608 Denton Hwy. (Watauga Pavilion shopping center), Watauga, 6 p.m.-8 p.m. Wristbands are required; 350 wristbands with be distributed at the store at 8 a.m. on Thursday.
David Ragan, Discount Tire, 2045 Grapevine Mills Circle, Grapevine, 4 p.m.-6 p.m.
Joey Logano, GameStop, Grapevine Mills Mall, Grapevine, 7 p.m.-9 p.m.
Eric McClure, Wal-Mart, 1515 South Loop 288, Denton, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.; also at Wal-Mart, 800 US Hwy 81/287, Decatur, 2-4 p.m.
Scott Lagasse Jr., America’s Incredible Pizza Co., 1202 W. Airport Freeway Suite 400, Euless, 5 p.m.-8 p.m.
Friday Oct. 31
Casey Mears, Chevrolet display on the TMS souvenir midway, 10 a.m.-11 a.m.
Team Chevy Craftsman Truck Series drivers, Chevy Display on the TMS souvenir midway (between Gates 6 and 7), 2 p.m.-3 p.m.
Saturday
Kyle Petty, Don Davis Dodge, 1901 N. Collins, Arlington, 10 a.m.-noon
Sunday, Nov. 2
Jamie McMurray, IRWIN Tools display, TMS souvenir midway, time TBD
Chevrolet Live Stage (Q&A sessions only)
TMS souvenir midway between Gates 6 and 7
Friday, Oct. 31
Jeff Gordon, 10:45 a.m.-11 a.m.
Stephen Leight, 12:45 p.m.-1 p.m.
Saturday, Nov. 1
Landon Cassill, 10:40 a.m.-10:55 a.m.
Sunday, Nov. 2
Jeff Burton, 10:20 a.m.-10:35 a.m.
Kevin Harvick, 10:45 a.m.-11 a.m.
Aric Almirola, 11 a.m.-11:15 a.m.
Clint Bowyer, 11:15 a.m.-11:30 a.m.
Dale Earnhardt Jr., 11:30 a.m.-11:45 a.m.
Jimmie Johnson, 11:45 a.m.-noon
Show car events
Monday, Oct. 27
No. 16 Citifinancial Ford (Sprint Cup), CitiFinancial, 4000 Retail Connection Way, Arlington, noon-6 p.m.
Tuesday, Oct. 28
No. 16 Citifinancial Ford (Sprint Cup), CitiFinancial, 3201 W. Airport Freeway, Irving, noon-6 p.m.
Wednesday, Oct. 29
No. 16 Citifinancial Ford (Sprint Cup), CitiFinancial, 1645 N. Town E Blvd., Mesquite, noon-6 p.m.
No. 24 Hefty Chevrolet (Nationwide Series), Kroger, 5665 Mockingbird, Dallas, 9 a.m.-11 a.m.
No. 24 Hefty Chevrolet (Nationwide Series), Kroger, 4142 Cedar Springs, Dallas, noon-3 p.m.
No. 99 Aaron’s Toyota (Nationwide Series), Aaron’s, 910 W. University Drive, Denton, time TBA
Thursday, Oct. 30
No. 16 Citifinancial Ford (Sprint Cup), CitiFinancial, 6460 Las Colinas Blvd., Las Colinas, noon-6 p.m.
No. 24 Hefty Chevrolet (Nationwide Series), Brookshire Tent, Texas Motor Speedway, time TBA
No. 24 Hefty Chevrolet (Nationwide Series), Wal-Mart, 800 US Hwy 81/287, Decatur, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
No. 48 Lowe’s Chevrolet (Sprint Cup), Lowe’s, 3000 Texas 121, Euless, noon-6 p.m.
No. 11 America’s Incredible Pizza Co. Chevrolet (Nationwide Series), America’s Incredible Pizza Co., 1201 W. Airport Freeway Suite 400, Euless, time TBA
No. 99 Aaron’s Toyota (Nationwide Series), Aaron’s, 5000 Main St., The Colony, time TBA
Friday, Oct. 31
No. 24 Hefty Chevrolet (Nationwide Series), Kroger, 160 N. Colt Rd., Richardson, 9 a.m.-noon
No. 24 Hefty Chevrolet (Nationwide Series), Kroger, 536 Centennial Blvd., Richardson, 1 p.m.-3:30 p.m.
No. 24 Hefty Chevrolet (Nationwide Series), Wal-Mart, 8520 N. Beach St., Fort Worth, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
No. 48 Lowe’s Chevrolet (Sprint Cup), Texas Motor Speedway, time TBA
No. 11 America’s Incredible Pizza Co. Chevrolet (Nationwide Series), America’s Incredible Pizza Co., 1201 W. Airport Freeway Suite 400, Euless, time TBA
No. 99 Aaron’s Toyota (Nationwide Series), Aaron’s, 915 W. Parker Rd., Plano, time TBA
Saturday, Nov. 1
No. 24 Hefty Chevrolet (Nationwide Series), Brookshire Tent, Texas Motor Speedway, time TBA
No. 24 Hefty Chevrolet (Nationwide Series), Wal-Mart, 1228 N. Hwy. 377, Roanoke, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
No. 48 Lowe’s Chevrolet (Sprint Cup), Texas Motor Speedway, time TBA
No. 11 America’s Incredible Pizza Co. Chevrolet (Nationwide Series), America’s Incredible Pizza Co., 1201 W. Airport Freeway Suite 400, Euless, time TBA
No. 99 Aaron’s Toyota (Nationwide Series), Aaron’s, 2101 Hardwood Rd., Bedford, time TBA
Sunday, Nov. 2
No. 11 America’s Incredible Pizza Co. Chevrolet (Nationwide Series), America’s Incredible Pizza Co., 1201 W. Airport Freeway Suite 400, Euless, time TBA
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