Chronicling the Ever-Changing Automotive Industry
From 1938 to 2012, the Volkswagen Beetle has changed quite a bit. At the same time, the shape is similar, albeit much larger. Recently, noted car enthusiast and comedian Jay Leno got his chance to drive the new Beetle. He also got to drive the oldest known surviving example, which dates back to 1938. Click past the jump for the video, which contains Mr. Leno’s impressions of the new Beetle.
Continue reading ‘Video: Jay Leno Drives the Oldest and Newest VW Beetle’
I don’t often show pre-production vehicles, but the “concept” label on the upcoming Honda Civic is a title for titles’ sake. In reality, the car shown here will be released as-is to consumers in the Spring of this year. Replacing the 2006-2011 model, the new Civic has a lot to work for. Between its release and today, the current generation Civic has a lot more, and a lot better, competition. Cars like the new Ford Focus, Hyundai’s Elantra and Chevrolet’s Cruze all bring more to the table. Click past the jump to see my first impressions, pictures and the press release.
Continue reading ’2012 Honda Civic debuts at Detroit Auto Show’
Part of making and keeping an automotive brand viable is introducing new cars to its lineup. The built-in mechanism for this is that each generation of a car model gets bigger than its predecessor. This leads to an opening beneath what was once your entry-level car, for a new entry-level car. For the new Buick, that car was the Regal, but now the Chevrolet Cruze has debuted, giving Buick a workable platform to jump off of. Read on for details and pictures of the new Buick Verano.
Continue reading ‘Buick’s Resurgence Continues with all-new Verano’
For the last year or so, the rumor mill has been churning out a lot of fluff, but very little substance. About the only thing which was known for sure was that the new Volkswagen was code-named the NMS, or New Mid-sized Sedan. Last week, VW came out and said that the NMS was in fact the replacement Passat, and that it was keeping the name. Click past the jump for pictures, details and my impressions.
Continue reading ’2012 VW Passat Surfaces’
At long last, the Chrysler 300 is getting an update! Since its introduction in 2005 model year, it’s seen only minor changes, but now we see the 2011 Chrysler 300 with its redesigned interior and exterior. Keeping the same general shape, the new sheetmetal isn’t so much revolutionary as it is evolutionary, which should be a good thing for the Fiat-run domestic automaker. Click past the jump for a slew of pictures, the press release, and my impressions.
Continue reading ‘Redesigned Chrysler 300 Makes its Debut’
The 2011 Ford Explorer, which has undergone an extensive redesign, so far as to make it car-based rather than truck-based, has another ace up its sleeve in the new crossover/SUV wars: a bump to 17/25 city/highway gas mileage for its base V6, a full 25% increase over last year’s V6 model. Click past the jump for more details and the full press release.
Continue reading ’2011 Ford Explorer Achieves 25% Increase in Fuel Economy’
Recent Comments
David Batzek commented on Older Jeep Grand Cherokee under investigation for gas tank problem
My 99 just started rusting over last fee months (to were it was noticeable). Now today the skid plate [more]
Keren Cathey commented on Older Jeep Grand Cherokee under investigation for gas tank problem
Is there anyway for us, as consumers, to influence a recall on these vehicles? I also have a 99 Grand [more]
wayne duckstein commented on Detroit 2012: Ford Announces 2013 Fusion
Nice artical John [more]
Patty clipner commented on Older Jeep Grand Cherokee under investigation for gas tank problem
I also have a 1999 jeep grand Cherokee limited which has began to emit high gas fumes. It also [more]
Edgar commented on Owner’s Log: 2010 Nissan Maxima, Update 1
hi i have a 2012 nissan maxima and everytime i shut it off i hear the engine cooling fan shut [more]