Figuring many TTAC readers would be interested, I input pricing for the new 370Z into TrueDelta’s pricing database the day it was released. Since TTAC licenses this information, this site is about the only place you can already configure the new, 332-horsepower 370Z. Media reports suggest that the new car handles better and has a nicer interior than the less compact, slightly heavier 350Z. Compared to the 2008, the base price is up $1,425, to $30,625 (the $30,000 figure you’ll read elsewhere ingores destination). BUT the new car has airbags, stability control, and a few other features as additional standard equipment. Adjust for these, and the 2009 is actually priced a bit lower than the 2008. The more agile Mazda RX-8 runs about $3,500 less, but no doubt most people will opt for the much more powerful Nissan when choosing between these cars. When both cars are loaded up, the related Infiniti G37 coupe runs about $3,800 more than the 370Z. But adjust for the Infiniti’s additional content (sunroof, additional power seat adjustments, etc.) and the difference is close to zero.

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We’re still scratching our heads about the upcoming BMW Progressive Activity Sedan (PAS). We’re not quite sure where this Mercedes R-Class competitor really fits in the BMW line-up.

It seems we are not alone. The car has just been reported to have gotten a full green light for production, and the BMW spin machine is already in full effect. A BMW executive told Autocar that the PAS is, “one of the bravest designs ever signed off by BMW”, and another insider called it a “modern grand tourer with a luxury cabin and interior flexibility”. While the overall car still defies definition to us, BMW is now characterizing it as a “5-Series GT”. That’s very PR friendly.

Even though all of this may sound like good things, it still doesn’t explain why anyone would really want to buy one. But the truth about the PAS can’t hide forever. Autocar also found an insider that suggested BMW is aware of an ageing population who now find conventional sedans’ seat positions too low for comfort. In other words: a BMW for old people.

It could be the idea behind the PAS is to give grandpa something to drive when he can no longer get into the Z4. So, just like how you told him it wasn’t an “old folks home” but an “active senior’s community”; don’t tell tell him it’s a “progressive activity sedan” but a instead “5-Series GT”.

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I recently spent long weekends in two German four-doors — the Volkswagen CC, which I had driven briefly before at the 2009 Car of The Year program, and the Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG, which, alas, I’d driven not at all — and my seat time got me pondering, ‘where do these sedans rank among their national peers?’ In terms of power (C63) and style (CC), most definitely at the top.

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Also Tuesday, GM rolled out promotions to boost sales, including zero percent financing on some vehicles and low-interest rates on about three dozen 2008 and 2009 models. The offers expire Jan. 5.

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Former Pininfarina design chief Jason Castriota is the new design director at Stile Bertone.

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Ford Gran Torino - Starsky & Hutch

By
Tim Pollard

20 October 2008 14:21

Ranking: 33      

Year of release: 2004.

The car: Several Ford Gran Torinos – in homage to the original Seventies TV series.

Why it’s special: The way it lampoons the 1970s. Look out for the clunky technology and the chunky knitwear. But there’s no arguing with the bright red Gran Torino, usually seen screeching sideways with plenty of rubber being singed.

Best bit: The chase across a golf course – and the jump where they try to hit Feldman’s yacht. They miss, of course.

Pub fact: The TV series ran from 1975 to 1979 – anyone younger than thirtysomething won’t be familiar with the references to the original programmes.

Plot overview: Overly dedicated Detective David Starsky (Stiller) is forced to work with overly laid-back Ken ‘Hutch’ Hutchinson (Wilson), whose only angle is his connection to street-savvy informant Huggy Bear (Snoop Dogg). A lead on a new type of undetectable cocaine takes them to the door of businessman and philanthropist Reese Feldman (Vaughn)…

For: The irony of a bright red Gran Torino police car. Hardly your subtle cop car.

Against: It’s just a big old Ford.

CAR verdict: Worth watching just for Ben Stiller’s anal appreciation of his wheels.

Is this really one of the best cars in film history? Click ‘Add your comment’ and have your say

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Take a whistlestop tour around all our scoops of the new Volkswagens of 2009, 2010 and beyond. Click on the individual VW stories below and scroll through our dozens of Volkswagen spy photos, artist’s impressions and official photos. Wolfsburg is going to be busy…

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Just a month removed from his first NASCAR championship, but hampered by the current economic crisis, owner Bill Davis has sold his race team and engine company. Mike Held, a California businessman, and Marty Gaunt, vice president at Bill Davis Racing, bought out the veteran owner. The duo said Monday they’ve also taken control of profitable Triad Racing Development, which supplies engines, chassis and bodies to customers from all three of NASCAR’s top series. Davis, who has been in NASCAR for more than 20 years, won his first championship this season with Johnny Benson in the Truck Series. He also won the Daytona 500 with Ward Burton in 2002. But Davis lost his Sprint Cup Series sponsor and has been unable to secure funding for 2009. Benson also announced before last month’s title-clinching finale that he would not return to BDR next season. Read more here.

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With two children in diapers, I have a lot of landfill guilt. I’m too busy and grossed out — or perhaps just not feeling guilty enough — to use cloth diapers. Please don’t look down your nose at me for this. I know they’ve improved since the olden days, etc., etc., I just don’t use them, OK?

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AutoNation’s third quarter 2008 financial release is more grim news. The US’ largest automotive retailer reported “a 2008 third quarter net loss from continuing operations of $1.40 billion or $7.95 per share.”  Total sales revenue was down 22%, driven by a new vehicle unit sales decline of 24%. Overall industry unit sales for the period were down 31%, a set of numbers consistent with the observation that smaller dealerships are going belly up.  As one of the big boys, AutoNation is doing a little better than the averages.  We know that the small, and some not so small (Bill Heard, groan) dealerships are dropping like proverbial flies. AutoNation’s press release provides commendable detail on the domestic brand, import brand and premium luxury business segments. No real surprises there. Domestic brands got whacked with a 57% revenue decline while import brands and “premium luxury” both dropped 23%. The usual suspects of tight credit markets, high fuel costs and scarred silly non-buyers are duly noted. Operations wise, AutoNation squeezed out a $159 million profit for the quarter compared to $226 million in 2007’s equivalent period, a 29% drop off largely inline with the revenue hit. Why then the huge reported loss?: Value of the company’s domestic branded franchises. These dealerships were bought from small groups and owner-operators over the years. When purchased, the amount of the purchase price in excess of the real estate, inventory and any other hard assets of the business was booked as “goodwill and/or franchise” value. Today market value for a domestic branded car dealership is zero, so AutoNation had to write off $1.46 billion in recognition of the new reality. If and when those values ever go back up, AutoNation will be able to book an upside … but let’s not hold our breath.

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