Unofficial artists rendering of a Lambo SUV. There are a few out there, but I like this one the most because it looks like an SUV, not like a high riding Gallardo with awkward proportions. It could stand to be a tad more extreme though.
In this craze of high-end manufacturers desiring to build SUVs, there have been many truly despicable propositions. Maserati and Aston Martin are among the worst offenders here, seeing as how an SUV could not be more wrong for each of their portfolios, and to suggest such things as a good idea is in fact a high crime in the car world. For these marques an SUV model would do nothing but water down the brand. There is however one company that should be making an SUV, and that company is Lamborghini. Continue reading Supercar SUVs: only one company can pull it off→
Since 2008, Saab’s fate has changed more times than I can count. From GM nearly killing the company off, to a failed deal with Koenigsegg, to a successful deal with Spyker, it’s been a wild couple of years for the offbeat little Swedish company. However, the trouble never seems to stop. Continue reading Saab’s Sob Story→
Quite simply the 8 Series is a legitimate Gran Turismo that can be had for the price of a Toyota Yaris. Lets see, boring econobox that can barely be considered a car or an epic, 150mph, V12, GT car that will make you feel like an utter boss every time you look at it? If fuel economy is your main concern go for the Yaris, but if you like living life in a more extraordinary fashion then this Bimmer may be just the ticket. Continue reading Secondhand Saint: BMW 8 Series (E31)→
There is emerging a new market for a sort of tiny SUV/crossover. There are entrants in both the normal and luxury realm coming out, so clearly manufacturers believe this will be a market segment with some appeal. Continue reading SUV Hot Hatches, Why Not?→
It’s no secret that Chrysler’s last entry into the midsize car market was quite simply a car best left to rental lots. The last Sebring is a car that needs no introduction, because it does not deserve one (to be kind). However, the Chrysler 200, its replacement, is made from the same pieces, but seems to be a much better whole. So, what’s the story? Continue reading Chrysler 200: Making Do with What You Have.→
Audi’s been improving its product portfolio at a shockingly fast pace in the past couple of model years. From the all-new A8 to the snarling R8 supercar, every car out of their design studio looks handsome and has driving dynamics to match. However, where there is an ointment, there are always some flies to pick. Continue reading Audi: Four Ring Circus→
Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X, well over 400hp from only 2.0L thanks to modifications 😉
There are still some people out there who say “there is no replacement for displacement”, then when their large displacement V8 Camaro or Mustang gets blown away by a little 2-liter Lancer Evolution they have a bit of a hard time explaining themselves. The truth is that in the industry there is a very direct “replacement for displacement” and that is a turbocharger. The purpose of any form of forced induction is to give a certain sized motor the power of a larger one. It’s true that a larger motor will make more power than a smaller motor if both have the same turbo/boost level/compression ratio, but that is not how turbos are used in the industry. In reality, they are used to make cars with smaller motors give similar performance to cars with big motors. Continue reading The Turbocharged Revolution→
The Corvette, despite all of the criticism leveled against it over the years, has always been a big favorite of mine. From the originals in the 1950s to the newest ZR-1, each is unique, yet also somehow the same. However, one of the ones that got a lot of criticism when it was new, the C4, did improve over its life, and the later models are becoming a serious bargain on the used-car market. Continue reading Secondhand Saint: Chevrolet Corvette C4 LT1/LT4/ZR-1 (1992-1996)→
Me Gusta. Dodge Durango R/T, hauling a monster behind it.
So Dodge redesigned the Durango, and is now selling a hotter version, the R/T. But, with this on the market and getting decent reviews already, Dodge would be insane not to at least make a few prototypes of a Durango SRT8. Continue reading Dodge Durango: Nice steak, but sizzle will help.→
The E39 is one of the most timeless designs ever to befall a saloon car, and the M5 is the kingpin. This was the baddest sedan that could be bought back in it’s day and now you can pick them up for the price of a new Corolla. That’s right, the BMW M5 can be had in all of its glory for a solid price that ranges from around $14 grand for the most abused to over $40 grand for the most immaculate. Overall I would consider $17-27k a solid price range to look in for these cars, because any less is a real risk for problems and any more you can likely find better options. In this middle range cars tend to have some decent mileage on them but not enough to deter a purchase, I call it being healthily used, generally 40-80k miles. Continue reading Secondhand Saint: E39 BMW M5→
I mean, it's nice and all, but for 40 large, you can do so much better than this.
Ford has been notable since 2009 for being the only American auto company that did not go through an adjusted bankruptcy. While this can be attributed to quite a few other factors, the effect has been clear–Ford’s been putting out some seriously cool stuff lately and has been financially stable for the past few quarters. I’ve driven the Focus, the Fiesta, the Fusion Hybrid, and the 2011 Mustang V6, and all of them have quite a lot going for them. They all score high on value, comfort, and each one has a bright spot for the enthusiast. Continue reading Lincoln’s Woes→
The BMW 1M is causing quite a stir in the automotive world as I had hoped it would. You see I am not the biggest fan of the current generation M3 because the way I see it, its too big, too heavy, too soft, and it has the wrong sort of engine. It has become too much of a Grand Touring car, a segment I really love but not for the M3, and this current generation just doesn’t do it for me like the previous ones do. A BMW should always be comfortable, but there is no need for half the conveniences they put in the M3 nowadays. Look back at the E30 M3 and how focused a drivers car it was and you may see what I mean. Yes, I am aware that the current M3 is still a blast to drive, as it should be, but something about it for me has just been all wrong, its nice but I wouldn’t buy one. Continue reading BMW 1M, the over-achieving little brother→
Mind Over Motor 