Tag Archives: Everyday Cars

NAIAS 2016 Reactions: The 2017 Ford Fusion Sport

January 12, 2016 ndubs77 Leave a comment

If someone had asked me what I would have expected from a hypothetical Ford Fusion ST, I would have said over 300hp with All Wheel Drive. I would have also expected Ford to use the 2.3L Ecoboost from the Mustang and Focus RS, or an upgraded 2.0 Ecoboost.

Well, the 2017 Ford Fusion Sport isn’t “technically” a Ford Fusion ST, but it’s damn close. Most notably, Ford used their new 2.7L Twin Turbo V6 instead of a turbo 4, but 325hp is right where I had hoped the fast Fusion would be. I’m also thrilled they decided to give it AWD instead of asking way too much of the front wheels. That said, there is no manual option, just an 8 speed auto, but that’s just the world we live in, I guess. (Remember, it’s not “technically” an ST model)

The current Ford Fusion is a great handling car, and has been hurting badly for a high performance model. The Fusion Sport answers that call. It’s not a full-fledged ST or RS model, but it certainly has the horsepower, and Ford says it has had some nice handling tweaks as well.

I wouldn’t quite expect the Fusion Sport to be the full-on high performance machine that us purists want, but it will be one hell of a fun, and useful daily driver. Enthusiasts should expect to do further tire and suspension upgrades to get the high-speed cornering composure we desire (like most cars). But 325hp and AWD are a great combination, especially considering the tuning potential of that Twin Turbo EcoBoost V6. I’d guess 400hp will be quite achievable.

The new Fusion Sport joins an updated lineup of Ford Fusion models, and will run buyers around $34,o00, base price. Expect that number to reach or surpass $40,000 with options, but even so, the Fusion Sport is priced quite reasonably for the package it offers.

I see it as either a bargain Audi S4, or a slightly more civilized alternative to a Subaru WRX STI or a Ford Focus RS. Sometimes, when you have kids in the equation, you need a little more space than a little hatchback can offer. If it were me in that situation, this Fusion Sport would look like a splendid way to compromise over a Focus RS.

For non-enthusiasts, the Fusion Sport is just a really nice all-round sedan. It’s got AWD for bad weather, lots of nice features, and a little more punch than the av-er-age bear.

So well done Ford! The Fusion Sport looks like it may really be a solid competitor. Now let’s see if they’ll go ahead and bless us with an actual Fusion ST on top of this car – would a 400hp tune and a manual gearbox be too much to ask?

-Nick Walker

Opinions, Uncategorized

Reaction: 2017 Chevrolet Bolt EV

January 7, 2016 ndubs77 Leave a comment

$30,000 gets you 200 miles of electric driving. Well played, Chevy, well played.

It would seem the new Bolt EV is prepped to lead the way for the affordable AND viable electric car. The Nissan Leaf was a complete joke, people, this isn’t. Now let’s all hope there’s no “GM catch” to the Chevy Bolt down the line that will ruin it.

Likes: GM seems to have gotten the price and the range just right for what buyers have been yearning for in an electric car.

Dislikes: Marry Barra still seems to think it’s all about “beating Tesla”. Elon Musk wouldn’t have released Tesla’s patents to the whole industry if he didn’t want everyone to play his game. Her somewhat brawny attitude about beating Tesla makes me wonder if the mindset behind the Bolt is good GM or bad GM. Let’s hope they didn’t cut too many corners so they could be first to market in the $30K range, before the Tesla Model 3 hits.

-Nick Walker

Car Shows, SHOWCASE

Alfa Giulia at the 2015 Los Angeles Auto Show

December 24, 2015 Albert S. Davis Leave a comment

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The new Giulia is probably Alfa Romeo’s most important product launch of the past decade. Twenty years ago, Alfa left the American market, and for the first time, there’s hope that the brand is back and can compete on a mass-market level with this product. The Giulia shown at L.A. was the top of the line Quadrifoglio series, complete with a snarling V6 (they wouldn’t start it up for me, but we’ve heard it before on spy videos and it does sound great), six-speed manual, and stunning styling. I can’t wait to see this at dealerships, and I can give a full guarantee that I’ll do whatever is necessary to get behind the wheel of one when the chance arises. Until then, enjoy the photos–Alfa is back and they mean it. Continue reading Alfa Giulia at the 2015 Los Angeles Auto Show →

Cars We've Driven, Everyday Normal Cars, Luxury Cars, MoM Vlog, Photography by Dan Valanzola, Road Review, SUVs and Crossovers

Volkswagen Touareg TDI: The Dieselgate Review

Video December 16, 2015 ndubs77 Leave a comment

This 2011 Volkswagen Touareg TDI is my dad’s daily driver, and despite us owning it for nearly 5 years now, I’ve yet to do a review on it until now. But with the advent of Dieselgate, which now affects our Touareg, I figured it was time.

In the video I review the Touareg, and how it’s been for our family over the years. Then, with that in mind, I give my take on Dieselgate and what we plan to do as things progress.

I wrote an article on Dieselgate earlier, before the V6 diesel models were affected, but now that our Touareg has been drawn into it, I wanted to do show my take on the full issue on video.

Enjoy!

Here are some pics of our VW Touareg TDI shot by our friend, Dan Valanzola:

-Nick Walker

Car Shows

Back to the Future Toyota Tacoma Custom at the 2015 Los Angeles Auto Show

December 10, 2015 Albert S. Davis Leave a comment

Check out that 4×4!
Yup, you know what it is. I know what it is. For anyone who was a huge fan of Back to the Future, this car is a massive treat. Back in 1985, Marty returns to his present day after getting his parents back together, and returns to a wealthy family instead of his old lower-middle-class status. Much to his surprise, he opens the garage door and the very 1985 Toyota SR5 4×4 extended cab he sees at a gas station at the beginning of the movie is sitting right in front of him. Toyota used this car in October to help launch the new Mirai (which was also accounted for at L.A. this year), and made a total of 3 custom Tacomas to mark the day when Marty shows up in 2015. It certainly doesn’t fly–but Toyota nailed the modern execution of the old mini-truck. Continue reading Back to the Future Toyota Tacoma Custom at the 2015 Los Angeles Auto Show →

Car Shows

2015 Los Angeles International Auto Show General Gallery

December 3, 2015 Albert S. Davis Leave a comment

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Over Thanksgiving weekend this year, I finally got to cash in my birthday present from last year–my brother Matt agreed to take me to the Los Angeles Auto Show if I’d come visit him. I decided that it would be foolish to say no–after all, I’d been going to the New York Auto Show for a decade and a half, and I’d never seen the show in Los Angeles. Sorry, New York crew–but the LA Auto Show is indeed better. It’s cleaner, the city doesn’t smell like a New Jersey sewer, there’s real parking (and they charge only twenty bucks, whereas New York charges whatever they darn well please), and there’s even some ride-and-drives (which I did only two, but will definitely drive one of those two cars again soon). Continue reading 2015 Los Angeles International Auto Show General Gallery →

Car Shows

Subaru Highlights From First Class Fitment

November 2, 2015 ndubs77 Leave a comment

Many different makes of cars were represented at First Class Fitment this year, but Subarus are near and dear to my heart. As a WRX STI owner for the last 9 years, I enjoy being a part of the Subaru community, and I never miss doing the “Subie Wave.”

While my own car is not stanced, I do enjoy how Imprezas and Foresters looked when they’re done up right. These photos are my are my favorite Subarus from the show this year.

Enjoy!

-Nick

Continue reading Subaru Highlights From First Class Fitment →

Car Shows

This Stanced Toyota Previa is the Shaggin’ Wagon of the Century!

October 28, 2015 ndubs77 Leave a comment

This thing is badass, I don’t care what anyone may think. It’s just so ’90s in all the right and wrong ways.

Many Previas even came with a supercharged engine, which I’m just going to assume this one has given the fact that someone deemed it worthy of customizing. They were also on a rear wheel drive platform, offering all wheel drive as well.

My dad had a light blue Toyota Previa back in the day. I don’t remember what year, or whether it was supercharged or not, but it is the first car I actually remember him buying when I was a kid. It was the car I began my 13 year ice hockey career in, and it got us to many-a 5 A.M. practice. Because of that, the Toyota Previa will always have a special place in my heart.

Previas are quite interesting, as minivans go, so I’m always glad when I see them getting some love from the enthusiast crowd. We saw this one recently at First Class Fitment.

-Nick Walker

Cars We've Driven

2016 Nissan Maxima Quick Take Review (5.5/10)

October 26, 2015 ndubs77 2 Comments

My buddy won some prize at a local Nissan dealer, so I went with him to try and get a review on the new Nissan Maxima SR. What followed was a lesson in how NOT to go about selling a car to someone.

The salesman was rude and awkward The car was still covered in delivery tape (hence my lack of real photos), and the seats were still wrapped in plastic. Our drive also consisted of just driving a few blocks around town instead of a real test drive on varying types of roads. Even if I were serious about buying this car, I sure as hell wouldn’t have bought it from this place.

Despite all of this I made due in the situation and found out enough about the new Nissan Maxima to know I don’t need to drive it further to render my verdict.

Continue reading 2016 Nissan Maxima Quick Take Review (5.5/10) →

Car Shows, SHOWCASE

1966 Dodge Coronet Police Cruiser at Lead East

October 20, 2015 Albert S. Davis 2 Comments

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When it comes to old police cars, Chrysler had the market pretty much cornered for some time. In fact, up until 1989 or so, Dodge and Plymouth ruled the squad market to the point that they would usually dictate its direction. This 1966 Coronet, while I’m not sure is real, certainly looks like an old cop car that’s been dragged out of mothballs and driven out to Lead East. I’ll be honest, the shoe polish in the rear window scrawled out as “Lead East Or BUST” is quite a nice touch–as is the notebook and radio strung over the rear view mirror inside. A big whip antenna, period correct lightbar, and loudspeaker-style siren on top finish off the period correct look. Enjoy the photos, and stay safe out there on the roads (or you’ll end up in the back of this old Dodge). Continue reading 1966 Dodge Coronet Police Cruiser at Lead East →

Cars We've Driven, Everyday Normal Cars, SUVs and Crossovers

Jeep Renegade Limited Review: The Italians Have Made A Jeep You’ll Love!

October 7, 2015 ndubs77 1 Comment

When you think of Jeep, you think of the iconic Jeep Wrangler. Drawing its heritage all the way back to the army jeeps of World War II, the Wrangler has become the staple off-road vehicle of choice for many.

Many people just love the Wrangler’s unique style, though, without much interest in actually using its vast off-road capabilities. These buyers spell big opportunity for Jeep.

You see, while the Wrangler is quite “cool”, it’s strict off-road focus gives it some pretty serious drawbacks when it comes to everyday on-road driving. Anyone wanting to drive a Wrangler for its style points will have to be willing to sacrifice on fuel economy, practicality, handling, comfort, and security (with open models). Kind of a tough sell.

The big solution for Jeep was to create an all-new model that would take the Wrangler’s DNA and distill it into a more useable package for normal on-road use.

The new Jeep Renegade is that solution. Where the Wrangler is an off-roader first and daily car second, the Renegade is daily car first and an off-roader second.

Renegades are selling well, and I do think Jeep may have a home run on their hands here. Honestly, there are more buyers out there who just want a Jeep for the unique style of the brand, rather than to actually go rock crawling in the desert.

My girlfriend, Gab, is a perfect example. She’s all about the Jeep image, and she loves the car’s features, but she’s not all about getting it muddy or traversing the Mojave desert in her spare time.

Gab got this black 2015 Jeep Renegade Limited a little over a month ago, and she’s been letting me drive her around in it. I feel I’ve gotten to know the car pretty well at this point, and now it’s time to share my take on it with you, my dear readers.

So put your boots on and lets get to it! Continue reading Jeep Renegade Limited Review: The Italians Have Made A Jeep You’ll Love! →