AI 2009-2010 Sports Car Guide Now Available at B&N, Sony and Apple

The electronic version of the Automotive Intelligentsia 2009-2010 Sports Car Guide is now available at Barnes and Noble online for multiple platforms, including PC and Mac. It's only $5.99 and is available via this link. It's also now offered for the Sony eBook readers and via Apple's iBooks store for the iPad, iPhone and iPod Touch, also for $5.99

Would You Like Egg Roll With That?

What could be more American, Part Two...

General Motors announced today (10/9) that it had reached and agreement with Chinese manufacturer Sichuan Tengzhong Heavy Industrial Machinery Co., Ltd (Tengzhong) to sell 100 percent of Hummer brand to the company. This would essentially make it the first Chinese automaker to do business in the U.S.

Under the agreement, Hummer would contract vehicle manufacturing, key components and business services and dealer agreements from GM during a defined transitional time period. GM's Shreveport assembly plant would continue to contract assemble the H3 and H3T and AM General's Mishawaka assembly plant will continue to assemble the H2. Both facilities will produce the specified vehicles until June 2011, with an optional one year extension until June 2012. On the bright side, the deal is expected to secure more than 3,000 jobs in the U.S.

Optimistically, this is sure to expand the iconic brand's reach on the international scene – most notably in China where affluence and the car culture are exploding at such a rapid rate Ferrari recently announced it would build a region-specific "China" edition of the 599 FTB Fiorano. On the other hand, this could be the final dagger in the chest here in the U.S. for a brand that has already suffered for its perceived largess and ecological unfriendliness.

UPDATE: That deal has since fallen through and GM will allow the Hummer brand to limp along through the end of the model year. It will be phased out completely unless the company can somehow find a buyer for the iconic brand. Dedicated Hummer dealerships will be shuttered, though GM will continue to service vehicles and honor warranties, most likely via Chevrolet and GMC dealers (the H2 and H3 shared parts with trucks sold under those brand names).

Sizing Up 'Clunkers'

Conceived as a prime weapon in the federal government’s economic stimulus package, the much-ballyhooed Car Allowance Rebate System – popularly known as “Cash for Clunkers” – seems to have been a success, at least in terms of luring Americans into showrooms at a rate auto dealers haven’t seen in years. The Department of Transportation reports that 690,114 sales were registered under the program, with the total value of the rebates claimed by dealers totaling $2.88 billion.

But exactly who were the biggest winners under this program, aside from the consumers who leveraged some virtually worthless old gas-guzzlers for as much as $4,500 toward a new model? As it turns out, the import brands, which had more fuel-efficient cars to offer than the domestics, moved the most metal, accounting for 61.4 percent of all vehicles sold under the Cash for Clunkers promotion. By comparison, Detroit’s “Big Three” automakers – Ford, General Motors and Chrysler ­– garnered 38.6 percent of applicable sales. This is proportionately less than their combined share of the U.S. market, which stood at 45 percent over the first seven months of 2009.

According to the DOT, all but two of the top 10 selling vehicles under the program – the Ford Focus and Escape ­– carried Honda, Hyundai, Nissan or Toyota nameplates. Toyota scored 19.4 percent of all eligible sales, primarily with its Toyota and Scion brands. By comparison, General Motors’ eight combined divisions took 17.6 percent and Ford Motor Company’s four brands registered 14.4 percent of CARS sales. Honda registered 13 percent of eligible transactions, with 8.7 percent going to Nissan.

Not surprisingly the most traded-in clunkers were all domestic trucks, vans and SUVs. That’s because the rules were skewed to get older, low-mileage trucks off the road. To qualify, vehicles had to carry a fuel economy rating of 18 mpg or less and be less than 25 years old. When we searched a database of 10-year-old vehicles, for example, virtually the only non-trucks we could find that would have qualified were a handful of high-powered sports cars that were worth much more in trade than the government’s rebate program would have allowed.

Aside from providing a much-needed economic shot in the arm, Cash for Clunkers’ secondary goal was to replace inefficient older vehicles on the road with higher mileage models. In that regard the program was reasonably, though not necessarily dramatically, successful. The average fuel economy of traded-in vehicles was just shy of 16 miles per gallon, while the ones that replaced them in Americans’ driveways registered around 25 miles per gallon.

According to estimates provided by the Environmental Protection Agency, someone driving 15,000 miles per year who chooses a 25-mpg vehicle instead of one that gets 16 mpg will save 7.7 barrels of crude oil and emit 4.1 tons fewer greenhouse-gas pollutants annually. Multiplying these figures by the number of vehicles sold under Cash for Clunkers indicates the program has the potential to save as much as 5,313,878 barrels of oil and 2,829,467 tons of CO2 emissions over the coming year. Unfortunately, the actual savings is likely to be a lot less, since not all of the models traded in were likely daily drivers.

Of course industry-wide sales have already tanked by and large since the program expired, though by all accounts it did help clear up dealers' 2009 inventories, at least as far as small-to-midsize cars are concerned. On the other hand, those in the market for a large truck will be treated to automakers' rebates on outgoing 2009 models that put the Cash for Clunkers incentives to shame. How rich are they? Try $7,500 cash back on a Cadillac Escalade. It's $6,500 back on a Chevy Tahoe or Suburban SUV, $6,500 on a Dodge Ram and $5,000 on a Nissan Titan pickup.

Image courtesy SF Appeal.

Review: Ford Fusion/Mercury Milan Hybrids

There are two types of hybrid gas/electric-powered vehicles on the market, and they differ primarily in terms of their outward appearances. In one corner we have models like the industry leading Toyota Prius and the recently added Honda Insight, which are both offered exclusively as hybrids and come wrapped in distinctive-looking futuristic styling. Not only is this to maximize their aerodynamic abilities, it sets them apart from all other conventional vehicles and loudly boasts to the world that their owners are environmentally conscious motorists.

And then there are gas/electric versions of otherwise ordinary vehicles, like the Toyota Camry Hybrid and Honda Civic Hybrid, that tend to get lost in a crowd, being outwardly distinguished mainly by specific badging and some added dashboard gauges. They don’t flaunt their “greenness,” but just quietly register what are comparatively impressive fuel economy ratings.

Currently the best of the latter group are the new-for-2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid and its corporate cousin, the Mercury Milan Hybrid. They combine stellar fuel economy with all the standard models’ goodness, which means handsome and uncluttered styling with roomy and comfortable interiors, a smooth ride and predictable handling. By comparison, the Prius is smaller and feels cheaper, though in fairness it does start out at a lower price ($21,000 versus $27,625/$27,855). The Fusion and Milan Hybrids are virtually identical save for their brand-specific front-end treatments; the Ford assumes the corporate multi-bar grille, while the Mercury gets a slightly more formal look up front.

Here, a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine is augmented by an electric motor/generator and a self-charging battery pack; a gearless Continuously Variable Transmission affords smooth and uninterrupted acceleration. This powertrain can deliver V-6-like thrust when the accelerator is mashed to the floor, but is generally well mannered in normal city driving. Ford says the cars can run exclusively on battery power at speeds up to 47 mph, but we had trouble keeping either model off the gas at anything over about 20 mph. As with all other hybrids, the gasoline engine shuts down automatically at idle to further save gas and starts up immediately when necessary.

The EPA rates the Ford Fusion and Mercury Milan Hybrids to achieve an estimated 41-city and 36-highway mpg – hybrids typically get better city mileage, as that’s when the electric motor does most of the heavy lifting. Our testers showed long-term combined city/highway fuel economy at around 38 mpg, which is right on the money, and is darned impressive for a bona fide five-passenger sedan. By comparison, the V-6 gasoline versions, which perform similarly, get 18/27 mpg. The EPA says choosing the hybrid instead of the V-6 will save around $800 in fuel costs (with 15,000 miles driven at $2.44/gallon) and four tons of greenhouse-gas emissions annually.

Both models come generously equipped, with a GPS navigation system and a luxury-equipment package that contains things like leather heated seats a rear-view camera and a blind-spot warning system coming optional. A novel dashboard LCD display can help drivers garner maximum miles per gallon via various gauges and graphics; these include a stem with leaves – the more leaves growing from it, the “greener” a motorist is driving. Other than carrying a higher sticker price than the gasoline-powered versions of the Fusion and Milan, the biggest trade-off here involves reduced trunk space, given that the cars’ battery packs reside behind the rear seats. And unlike the standard versions, the Hybrids cannot be fitted with all-wheel drive.

In all, the Ford Fusion Hybrid and Mercury Milan Hybrid are great choices for those who want to save money at the pump and help the environment, and want to own a car that looks and feels like an “ordinary” model.

McLaren Road Car Coming

Famed Formula One race-car maker McLaren announced it will be building and selling its first-ever road car – the McLaren MP4-12C – via a new worldwide network, beginning in 2011. The automaker says the low-slung sports car will leverage the best of Formula 1-inspired engineering, with revolutionary chassis architecture and an "absolute focus" on fuel efficiency. Currently the company teams with Mercedes-Benz (its partner in F1 racing) to produce the SLR McLaren supercar.

Anticipated to be the first in a range of new models to come from the Woking, England-based company, the two-seat McLaren MP4-12C will feature scissor-opening doors and be built on a strong and lightweight one-piece carbon fiber mono-cell structure. A mid-mounted 3.8-liter V8 engine promises a whopping 600 horsepower. With an output of just 1,000 units a year planned, the car is expected to be priced somewhere in the $200,000 range.

Guns and Hummers

What could be more American?

Lynch Hummer in Chesterfield, Mo. recently became the world's first combined Hummer and firearms dealership. Jim Lynch has turned his $7.5 million Hummer facility in this upscale St. Louis suburb into a shooting enthusiast's attraction. "It is a natural fit," says Lynch. "Our customers enjoy outdoor sports and the firearms have been a big hit with our Hummer owners."

With the automobile industry suffering sharp sales declines, Lynch found himself with what was an underutilized showroom, thus he now augments his Hummer H2 and H3 stock with hardware from Smith & Wesson, Colt, Glock and other gun-makers, as well as ammunition of all kinds.

Comment: “Natural fit” or not, the pairing makes us nervous. It’s kind of like having a combined Chevy dealership and liquor store.

(Photo courtesy of the St. Louis Business Journal)

Review: Volvo XC60

Carrying a clean, uncluttered look with graceful curves that belie the brand’s prototypical boxy image, the new-for-2010 midsize Volvo XC60 is one of the rare crossover luxury SUVs that is both sporty and eminently family friendly.

It certainly looks the part of a contemporary upscale sporty crossover, with a big bold grille up front and a rear-end treatment that’s reminiscent of Volvo’s original P1800 from the 1960’s, albeit updated with LED taillamps. It’s far more attractive looking than the more wagon-like XC70 and the just plain bloated XC90. It fares well compared to the Infiniti EX and is less-garish looking than the Acura MDX.

The base model comes adequately powered by a peppy 235-horsepower 3.2-liter inline-six-cylinder engine, which should suffice for most buyers. We drove the costlier T6 version that includes a 281-horsepower turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six; it accelerates strongly and smoothly, but never seems to overpower the vehicle. A standard six-gear automatic transmission operates flawlessly. We didn’t get a chance to test its mettle, but an “instant traction” all-wheel-drive system is optional on the base model and standard on the T6 for improved foul-weather performance.

The XC60’s interior is tastefully cast, with Volvo’s brand-minded sweeping dashboard shape and tall center stack of controls at the center. All instruments are reasonably legible and most controls are intuitive to operate. There’s sufficient seat travel up front for long-legged drivers to stretch out, with generous head and shoulder room front and rear. While we would have preferred a back seat that adjusts fore and aft to expand the XC60’s rear legroom a bit, cargo space is generous at 30.8 cu. ft. (it expands to 67.4 cu, ft. with the 40/20/20-split seat folded flat).

The Volvo XC60’s available navigation system features a truly intuitive interface and can be operated by either a small steering wheel-mounted joystick or a wireless remote control. The available panoramic sunroof covers most of the vehicle, though the inside cover is made of a mesh fabric that doesn’t do as good a job of keeping the heat out of the vehicle when parked as would a more-solid headliner cover.

Where the XC60 really shines is in its ride and handling characteristics, which we found to be well balanced; it takes the corners securely, gives the driver plenty of feedback and does an admirable job of soaking up pavement imperfections without losing its poise or shaking up its passengers unduly.

As befits the Volvo brand, standard and available safety features are plentiful and include the standard “City Safety” system that will automatically applies the brakes if necessary to avoid hitting a stopped vehicle at up to 19 mph. It works as advertised, but we’d rather have the optional blind spot warning system that helps prevent what would be more serious collisions at higher speeds.

Unfortunately, with a list price of $32,395 ($37,200 for the T6), the Volvo XC60 isn’t all that less costly than the automaker’s larger XC90, which offers a third-row seat for seven passenger use. Coming with metallic paint and the Multimedia and Climate Packages, ours stickered out at over $42,000 after delivery charge, which places it squarely in luxury territory, where brand loyalty and personal impressions tend to bank more than ultimate value. Those looking for the same sporty/practical combination in less costly venues can find it in more-pedestrian alternatives like the Nissan Rogue or Volkswagen Tiguan.

Talking and Texting Can Be Deadly

While states and municipalities are enacting laws that mandate hands-free cell phone operation under the guise that it’s inherently safer than talking while holding the unit to one’s ear, the results of a recent study prove this to be a false assumption.

According to the Itasca, Ill.-based National Safety Council, talking on the phone while driving is a dangerous distraction no matter how the calls are conducted. A study just published in the NSC’s Journal of Safety Research indicates that motorists using either hands-free or hand-held cell phones are equally likely to be involved in four times more crashes than non-conversant drivers.

Distracted drivers talking on their cell phones cause more than 636,000 crashes, 330,000 injuries, 12,000 serious injuries and 2,600 deaths each year in the U.S., says the NSC. A Nationwide Insurance public opinion poll found that a whopping 81 percent of the public admitted to talking on a cell phone while driving.

Currently no state completely bans all types of cell phone use (handheld and hands-free) for all drivers.

Another potentially fatal behind-the-wheel behavior is text messaging. An 18-month study conducted by the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute concluded that the risk of a driver getting into a collision is a staggering 23 times greater when he or she is texting. Researchers found that motorists generally spend close to five seconds looking at their phones (instead of the road) while entering text messages, which is enough time to inattentively cover a full 100 yards at highway speeds.

A full trillion text messages were sent by U.S. cell phone users last year, says the industry’s trade group CTIA, which is up exponentially from 14.4 million e-missives in 2000. Currently, 14 states prohibit texting while driving, with the U.S. Senate currently considering a bill to ban the behavior on a national level.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 80 percent of automobile crashes and 65 percent of near-crashes involve driver distraction.

AI Sports Car Guide Now in Print Format!

The Automotive Intelligentsia 2009-2010 Sports Car Guide is newly offered in a full-size paperback print edition. As in the electronic version it spotlights 54 of the most coveted rides on the road. Full-length profiles place the reader firmly behind the wheel and chronicle each model's heart-pounding performance, advanced technology and storied heritage, complete with illustrations and specifications. The print version of the Automotive Intelligentsia 2009-2010 Sports Car Guide is available via Amazon.com by clicking here, or can be ordered immediately from the publisher via this link. Only $10.99.

Click here to read a sample chapter.

Plus, the electronic version remains available for the Amazon Kindle and Apple iPhone/iPod Touch for $5.99 via this link. Also coming soon for the Sony eBook reader and via Barnes and Noble for multiple platforms.

Coming this Fall: Automotive Intelligentsia 2010-2011 Hybrid/Electric Car Guide.

Review: Mazda6

Generally speaking, the automotive press roundly lambastes the top-selling sedan in the U.S., the Toyota Camry, for its pronounced lack of road feel and responsiveness. While we feel this is a slap in the face to the millions of motorists who own a car for the proverbial “getting from Point A to Point B” reasoning, there indeed remains a market out there for otherwise practical autos that can boast “fun to drive” as a meaningful attribute. BMW and Audi sales can attest to this, though their sporty sedans tend to be priced out of the financial range of the typical family-car buyer.

Enter the Mazda6, which is a refreshingly stylish and capable alternative to more-sedate midsize sedans like the aforementioned Camry, the Honda Accord and the Chevrolet Malibu. Sticker prices range from $18,550 to $28,465, depending on the trim level, which is far less expensive than any of the bona fide European sports/luxury sedans. Best of all, while it’s more enjoyable to drive than the typical rental-fleet ride, it won’t beat up its occupants with unduly harsh road manners as a trade-off for the added handling capabilities.

While we tend to like the current Camry’s oddly bulbous design about as much as we dislike the Accord’s too-safe exterior approach, the Mazda6 is more muscular looking than either of them, particularly from a frontal ¾ view in which the car’s burly fender flares give it a more-aggressive look than virtually all cars in its class. Inside, the Mazda6 is all business, with most controls intuitive to operate and an instrument panel layout hampered only by smallish graphics that could be easier to recognize at a glance. Interior materials generally have a rich feel, and the dashboard is nicely lit in red and purple at night.

The Mazda6 coddles both front and rear-seat riders with plenty of interior space and comfort, and even those sitting behind six-footers will enjoy ample leg room. Trunk space is likewise generous.

Our tester came powered by a lively 272-horsepower 3.7-liter V6 engine that was more than up to the task of getting up to highway speeds briskly. A 170-horsepower 2.5-liter four-cylinder powerplant is standard and should be sufficient for most drivers, particularly those who are on a budget and want to maximize the car’s fuel economy (21-city/30-highway, versus 17/25 with the V6).

A six-speed manual is the standard transmission for purists, with a smooth-shifting five-speed automatic transmission optional elsewhere in the line for those who favor convenience. Meanwhile, the “S” model includes a new six-speed automatic that features an Active Adaptive Shift function that can sense when the car is driven on a winding road or is merging/passing on the highway and optimize the gear ratio and acceleration accordingly.

Handling is the Mazda6’s claim to fame, and it does not disappoint in that regard. Even the base model feels tighter through the turns than the typical family car and is able to maintain a reasonably smooth ride in the process. The “Touring” version adds a sport suspension and 17-inch wheels and tires to ratchet up the car’s cornering prowess, albeit at the expense of a slightly rougher (but still quite acceptable) ride.

The options list is long and includes an array of high-tech items like the blind-spot monitoring system with which ours was equipped. Giving visual and audible alerts to warn a driver when another car is sitting in his or her blind spot, this is a practical feature that should be offered on all cars. Be warned that loading up the Mazda6 can be an expensive proposition. Our Grand Touring model stickered out at over $30,000 and that was without a navigation system and other top-shelf-type features. That said, it’s about as easy to find Camrys and Accords sitting on dealers’ lots for that price and much higher.

Review: Chevrolet Camaro

One of the most-awaited new-car introductions in recent years, and one of the few bright spots these days for the beleaguered General Motors, is the updated 2010 rendition of the classic Chevrolet Camaro. While one could argue that, at least in hindsight, GM should have put the development money toward bringing a small and highly fuel-efficient car to market sooner, at least the Camaro helps bring a bit of enthusiasm to the brand.

For starters, the recast coupe comes wrapped in broad-shouldered styling that pays homage to the original in a contemporary manner. No mere retro-poseur, the new Camaro rides on completely contemporary underpinnings. The LS and LT versions pack a 3.6-liter direct-injection V6 engine that generates 304 hp, which should be sufficient for most buyers. By comparison, the aforementioned LT-1 V8 in the previous generation could muster “only” 275 horses, which still seemed quick even in the late 1990’s.

On paper the V6 engine should feel faster off the line, but it’s weighed down by the car’s sheer bulk. It does, however, get up to speed adequately and the driver is treated by one of the sweetest and throatiest exhaust notes we’ve heard in recent memory. Thanks to modern engine technology the V6 gets what amounts to impressive fuel economy – it’s rated at 29 mpg in (we assume polite) highway driving. We got a solid 21-mpg in mostly lead-footed city driving.

A six-speed manual transmission is standard, and though it’s far easier to work than the Camaro’s clumsy stick shifts in earlier eras, the clutch-averse can alternately choose a six-speed automatic gearbox that includes manual “TAPshift” controls. Unfortunately, these are buttons that reside at the rear of the steering wheel, and are not true paddle shifters as the faux paddles on the wheel might otherwise indicate. This also makes it difficult to shift gears while turning the steering wheel.

Meanwhile the power-hungry will likely seek out the top SS model, which blows the doors off of the original with an authoritative 6.2-liter V8 engine. Shared with Chevy’s Corvette, the V8 generates a rousing 426 hp with the standard six-speed manual transmission. Be aware, however, those choosing the automatic gearbox are penalized with a slightly weaker 410-horsepower version of this powerplant that automatically shuts down half the cylinders at cruising speeds to help boost its mileage.

A nearly ideal front-to-rear weight distribution and a fully independent suspension at all four corners delivers steadfast cornering prowess without beating its occupants up severely over bumps in the road. The suspension actually swallowed up pavement pockmarks and potholes in our urban environment much better than we expected – this is typically a sports suspension’s weak spot. Keeping a tight rein on its 400-plus horses, the SS receives its own performance-oriented setup with a slightly lowered ride height, albeit with a somewhat rougher ride.

Four-wheel antilock disc brakes are on hand for sure stopping power (albeit with a touch of brake fade just before coming to a stop), with the SS receiving larger rotors and four-piston aluminum Brembo calipers that can stand up to racetrack-caliber wear and tear. Steering is responsive, but the Camaro’s variable-assist power setup is a little on the light side and doesn’t quite provide as much direct road feel as some enthusiasts might prefer.

The Camaro’s cockpit is reminiscent of the original, though its deeply cast round gauges, deep-dish steering wheel and combo of horizontal and round air vents tend to clash alongside the more modern-looking center stack of controls. Worse, many of the interior elements have a cheap feel to them – better quality plastics would have gone a long way, here. Six airbags and OnStar are standard for safety’s sake. Other thoroughly modern available features include a Bluetooth hands-free cell-phone interface, rear parking proximity warnings and a premium Boston Acoustics audio array.

Entry and exit is reasonably easy for a low-slung car of this character – at least in the front – though it’s still a bit of a climb in and out. Front seat comfort is good, with just enough lateral support, but not so much as to squeeze the kidneys on a stout middle-aged frame. Rear seat room is woefully inadequate, however. Trunk space is on the small side, though it's more than adequate for a pair of suitcases or golf bags, and the rear seatbacks fold down to maximize its capacity; loading is hampered by the generally flat trunklid opening, however. Still, we don’t expect many will buy a Camaro for making trips to the warehouse store.

Updated! Review: Kia Soul

Debuting at midyear as an early 2010 entry, the Kia Soul is a boxy urban-hip compact wagon along the lines of the Scion xB and the also-new Nissan Cube. Not completely square, it features a roofline that slopes upward slightly toward the front to maximize cabin space for the driver and front passenger, and to afford a higher SUV-like seating position for a greater visual command of the road. Our tester came in a Clear White exterior color, which made the Kia Soul, particularly from the stylized front end, look the the vehicular equivalent of a Star Wars Stormtrooper.

Inside, the Kia Soul's boxy profile was offset with more-flowing rounded shapes. There was plenty of front head, leg and shoulder room, with sufficient space in the rear for two small adults or three kids. Seats were generally comfortable and supportive, though were affected by a distracting "Soul" logo pattern at the tops of the seatbacks. The rear seat folds flat on a 60:40-split basis to create a particularly large and square cargo area, which could easily accommodate an off-to-college move or a day's worth of antiquing.

Performance-wise the Kia Soul roughly follows the automaker's compact Spectra sedan (soon to be replaced by an all-new model, the Forte), which means it's well-controlled and lively enough not to be a penalty box, but remains far from being overtly sporty. Ride and handling were acceptable, though the rear suspension on our tester had a tendency to land with a thump going over speed bumps and potholes. Ours was a Kia Soul Plus, which came with a peppy 142-hp 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and a workman-like four-speed automatic transmission. The base model comes with a slower 122-hp 1.6-liter version and a five-speed manual standard.

With a starting price at $13,300, the Kia Soul is an undeniably good deal. Ours stickered at just under $16,000, but came with everything including keyless entry and cruise control. It also included the optional $800 sunroof and a $400 upgraded audio system that included (we kid you not) light-up speakers in the front door that would throb to the beat.

UPDATE: We recently drove the top-of-the-line Soul Sport model, which comes with oversized wheels and performance tires, a sports suspension and assorted cosmetic upgrades; ours came with a manual gearbox and stickered at around $18,000 (we've seen them configured for in excess of $19K). Unlike the lesser versions, however, we're not as fond of the Sport, which rides considerably rougher as a trade off for what is only nominally more-tenacious handling. With the temptation to push this model harder, the engine only feels slow and loud. The sloppy stick shift does little to enhance the driving experience. While it boasts sporting pretensions, it's more of a pretender than a competitor.

Review: Audi A4

Again offered in both sedan and “Avant” station wagon versions, the midsize Audi A4 has been nicely redesigned for the 2009 model year. It’s larger and roomier than before, with stronger and more fuel efficient engines, added sophistication and fresh styling that’s highlighted by friendly looking eyebrow-shaped LED daytime running lights.

The base A4 2.0T models pack a 211-horsepower 2.0-liter turbocharged inline four-cylinder engine that delivers strong thrust with little perceptible turbo lag (the hesitation in throttle response that affects most turbocharged powerplants), and is truly satisfying to punch hard when conditions warrant. A smoother and somewhat stronger 265-horsepower 3.2-liter V6 is also offered, though most buyers should be satisfied with the more playful standard engine.

The base sedan can be mated to either a six-speed manual or a gearless continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) that delivers manual transmission performance with the convenience of an automatic. All other variants come with a conventional six-speed automatic gearbox that operates efficiently and virtually imperceptibly.

Riding on a wheelbase that’s been stretched by six inches, the new A4’s revamped aluminum sports suspension and speed-sensitive power steering combines to provide well-balanced ride and handling characteristics that we found to be neither too soft nor too harsh, even when traversing pockmarked pavement. Audi’s “quattro” all-wheel-drive system, which is standard with the A4 3.2 sedan and optional with the 2.0T, normally splits engine power on a 40/60 front-to-rear basis for sportier rear-drive characteristics, adjusting the torque to the appropriate axle when necessary to maintain traction.

The car’s handsome and comfortable interior is reasonably roomy and whisper-quiet, even at highway speeds. A gaggle of luxury features and high-tech gizmos are offered that, when fully configured, can price the car into the stratosphere. Ours came fitted with the Audi Side Assist blind-spot detection system, which was particularly helpful in alerting us– via warning lights nestled unobtrusively into the side-view mirrors – to cars that we might not otherwise spot in the adjacent lanes just to the rear of the vehicle. Front side and side-curtain airbags that cover all outboard passengers are among the A4’s many standard features.

While the dashboard gauges are attractive and legible, the car’s center stack of controls is, lamentably, a confusing amalgam of buttons and dials that are interrelated to operating menus displayed on an LED display screen. While it’s far from being the worst multimedia control interface among luxury cars, having, let’s say, a row of preset buttons for selecting radio stations is still far easier and less distracting than having to use a knob to scroll down and select from a list of frequencies displayed on a monitor.

Getting the Best Deal on a Used Car

For millions of cash-strapped motorists these days, buying a used vehicle, rather than a brand-new car or truck, is an option based on sheer necessity. While the average transaction price of a new vehicle topped $26,000 last year, according to CNW Research of Bandon, Ore, the cost of a used model was just under $10,000 from a franchised auto dealer and around $5,600 from a private party.

However, procuring a used vehicle remains a much-more complex transaction than is buying a typical new-car or truck. For starters, no two used vehicles – even if they’re the same year, make and model – are ever alike, especially with regards to their mileage and mechanical conditions. Also, unlike a new car, a used one doesn’t come with a manufacturer’s suggested retail price – a pre-owned model’s value is ultimately decided by the buyer and seller, and can depend on a wide range of variables.

If the economy is forcing you to shop for a used vehicle, rather than a new one, here are a few time-honored tips to follow that will ensure you’ll get the best deal on a great car or truck:

• Always research the estimate value of all makes and models you’re considering ahead of time, via a pricing service like kbb.com or NADAguides.com. Here you’ll find a given vehicle’s trade-in value, which is generally what the dealer pays for a used car, and its retail price, which is what the dealer will initially ask for a car on the lot. Assume you’ll pay an amount that’s somewhere between the two figures. Since these estimates are based on a vehicle’s condition, mileage and included features, indicate (at least for comparison purposes) that each model is in “good” condition, is modestly equipped and has been driven at least 12,000 miles per year.

• If you’re looking at a used car that’s only a year or two old, be sure to compare the cost against buying a comparable new model. Automakers are luring buyers with generous cash incentives that can total thousands of dollars per vehicle to help dealers pare their inventories. Car companies offered buyers an industry-wide average $3,169 per vehicle in incentives this past March, according to Edmunds.com, which typically take the form of cash rebates or low-rate financing (with some models offering both). Various brands are also picking up a buyer’s first few monthly payments or are promising to pay the tab for several months if an owner loses his or her job. Depending in the make and model, a given new car might cost as much or less than a late-model used version, particularly considering the higher financing rates and shorter loan terms for pre-owned vehicles.

• To guarantee that a sweet deal on a used car or truck won’t ultimately go sour, be sure to take any vehicle under your consideration (especially one that doesn’t come with a warranty) to a trusted mechanic to ensure that it’s mechanically sound. And be sure to run the car or truck’s vehicle identification number (VIN) through a title-searching service like carfax.com to make sure it hasn’t been previously flood-damaged or salvaged and subsequently rebuilt.

• Always take a used car or truck out for a thorough test drive to ensure that all of its systems are in working order and that it sufficiently meets your needs and expectations before signing on the dotted line. Buying a vehicle that you ultimately won’t be happy with is no bargain.

• Negotiate wisely. Unless you’re buying a used car from a “CarMax” type of dealership that doesn’t allow haggling, never pay the asking price. Negotiate the transaction price as close to a used car’s average trade-in value as possible (be sure to research these figures a second time once you know the specific model’s exact mileage, condition and added equipment). The ultimate transaction price will largely depend on the dealership or private party’s urgency to sell the car, coupled with your own patience and haggling skills.

Review: Volvo XC70

Redesigned for the 2008 model year, the Volvo XC70 wants buyers to believe it’s an SUV, but it’s really a station wagon under the skin, albeit a pretty good one. It’s essentially a repackaged V70 wagon with added ride height, standard all-wheel drive and specific body cladding that butches-up the look somewhat.

As with the V70, the Volvo XC70 shares platforms and components with the S80 sedan. While it doesn’t offer that model’s V8 engine, it performs adequately with its standard 235-hp 3.2-liter inline-six-cylinder powerplant. (A more powerful 281-hp turbocharged version is offered in the costlier T6 version.) While the engine generates a throaty exhaust note, it’s no speed demon, but it operates smoothly and should be sufficient for most buyers. A six-speed Geartronic automatic transmission is the Volvo XC70’s only available gearbox; it works flawlessly and includes a manual-shift function.

While the Volvo XC70 is not capable of serious off-roading, a standard “Instant Traction” all-wheel-drive system makes it a foul-weather friend, though we didn’t get a chance to test its mettle on wet pavement. Volvo’s Dynamic Stability Traction Control system is standard and helps keep the vehicle's wheels from spinning and/or prevents a loss of control during extreme or emergency maneuvers. Also included is Hill Descent Control, which makes traversing steep downhill grades at low speeds safer and easier.

Overall, the Volvo XC70 handles the curves better than most any bona fide SUV, thanks to a rigid underlying structure and a four-wheel independent suspension. Still, there’s little about the XC70 that encourages a motorist to drive overly aggressively. The ride is smooth under normal circumstances, but it can get downright bouncy over pockmarked pavement and speed bumps and can get unnerved jouncing over repeated potholes.

Inside, the Volvo XC70 is fairly conservative in its design. The dashboard is well laid out with a sweeping and simple look with Volvo’s now trademark center stack of controls and aluminum appointments. Ours came with the optional wood trim which was flat finished rather than so shiny as to look artificial; it was nicely understated in that regard, but isn’t necessarily something we’d pay extra for.

The Volvo XC70 affords ample seat travel to allow six-foot-plus motorists to comfortably stretch their legs while behind the wheel, though adjustable pedals aren’t offered to benefit shorter drivers. Unfortunately, legroom isn’t as generous for the front seat passenger. While we easily found a comfort zone on the left side, we felt cramped on the right.

Cargo space is huge, with a nice 40/20/40 split-fold back seat, but the Volvo XC90 could use more rear legroom – it can get tight back there even for the kids sitting behind taller parents. A segmented storage area hidden under the cargo floor is handy for storing smaller items out of sight.

Our tester included a modicum of options, which included heated leather seats, a premium audio system, sunroof and adaptive headlamps (which automatically pivot to light the way through curves, it still stickered at around $44,000, which seems pricey. And while ours wasn’t so equipped, safety-minded motorists can drive the cost even higher by choosing the optional Collision Warning with Brake Support system (it works in tandem with an also optional laser-guided adaptive cruise control system and warns the driver if the XC70 is closing in too quickly on another vehicle or other obstruction; if it calculates that a collision is possible, the system will automatically move the brake pads up against the discs and prepare full braking pressure in anticipation of a panic stop). What’s more, an available Blind Spot Information System signals when another vehicle in close proximity that the driver not otherwise notice.

In all, the Volvo XC70 is a bit livelier than the typical family wagon or SUV, but is outclassed by European sport wagons from the likes of Audi and BMW. Still, it has its appeal, and makes for a civilized, practical and reasonably entertaining family ride.

Send Dad Back to (Driving) School

Here's a great Father's Day gift idea, at least for dads who live in or near, or can be shipped off to Phoenix, Arizona.

The Bob Bondurant School of High Performance Driving is giving dads a taste of racecar driving with its Father's Day Rapid Precision Maneuvers Program (RPM) on June 20, 2009 at Bondurant's renown racing school adjacent to Firebird International Raceway outside of Phoenix.

Rapid Precision Maneuvers is a four-hour course featuring a timed autocross event, accident avoidance and lead and follow time on the 15-turn, 1.6-mile Bondurant track. Bondurant's industry-leading instructors in charge of the program have taught everyone from professional racecar drivers and police officers to teenage students. The course will teach drivers the basics of vehicle balance and visual skills, along with high-speed lane change and braking acumen that will prepare them for quick decision making and evasive maneuvering out in the real world.

Best of all, participants spend time behind the wheel of a Pontiac Solstice, a Chevrolet Corvette and a Cadillac CTS-V. They also take to the track in a Bondurant ProKart - 45 MPH racing go-karts that get the adrenaline flowing as the school's professional Karting instructors show drivers the fast way around the Bondurant Kart track.

Interested parties can sign up for Rapid Precision Maneuvers until June 1 at a reduced price of $349, which is far cheaper than getting dad a Solstice, 'Vette or CTS-V for year 'round use. Check program availability and register by visiting www.bondurant.com or contacting Travis McClure at 480-403-7648.

Review: Dodge Ram 1500

With Chrysler LLC currently in bankruptcy and seemingly on the road to becoming the North American arm of Fiat, several of the company’s current models will soon be dropped from the automaker's lineup. Don’t expect the redesigned-for-2009 Dodge Ram 1500 pickup truck to be on the endangered species list, however.

GM and Ford pickup aficionados may not want to hear this, but the redesigned Dodge Ram is arguably one of the best full-size pickups ever produced. It retains the previous generation’s broad-shouldered appearance, albeit in a more refined looking form, highlighted by a truly enormous and intimidating front grille. By comparison the Chevy Silverado is more-sedate looking, though Ford’s new F-150 comes close in terms of testosterone-infused styling.

All told, the truck comes in five trim levels with three cab configurations and three cargo box lengths, which means the Dodge Ram 1500 truly offers something for everyone. The most workman-like Standard Cab models come with a single bench seat and an eight-foot cargo bed that can accommodate full 4 x 8-foot sheets of building materials.

Our tester was a four-door Club Cab version that included a three-passenger rear-seat area that was large enough to double as a family vehicle on the weekends, though it only comes with a six-foot bed. Though we were able to carry home a few sheets of drywall from the home center store with the back end leaning up atop and over the tailgate, we suspect this would be the Dodge Ram of choice for those needing a big truck more for recreational needs – like taking an ATV camping, hauling a pair of dirt bikes down to the trails or towing a boat or trailer – than for professional use.

Performance wise, the Dodge Ram 1500 affords a smooth ride and handles better than its sheer girth might otherwise indicate. A fuel-saving 215-horsepower 3.7-liter V6 engine in 2WD regular cab and extended Quad Cab models, but that’s barely sufficient. Other versions offer a choice of a stronger 310-horsepower 4.7-liter V8 or, like our test model, a lusty 390-horsepower 5.7-liter HEMI V8 that’s good for a 0-60 mph run around six seconds. We suspect this would be the powerplant of choice for many buyers, at least until gasoline gets back to selling at $4.00/gallon.

Our Dodge Ram came with the available 20-inch wheels, but unfortunately, not with side steps or running boards. Even at nearly six feet tall we could barely pull ourselves up into the cab. Once inside the cabin, we found it to be an accommodating environment, with large and legible gauges and easy to operate switches. Storage was plentiful and included a configurable center console between the front seats that’s large enough to hold vertical files and a laptop computer and two “store in the floor” bins with removable liners that are large enough for ten 12-ounce cans and ice. Myriad options include a rear DVD entertainment system on Crew Cab models, hard-drive media storage for digital music and a dealer-installed “uconnect web” system that turns the truck into a rolling Wi-Fi hot spot for Internet surfing.

Taking the rolling cooler idea a step further, the Dodge Ram offers an optional “RamBox” cargo system with weatherproof, lockable, illuminated and drainable storage bins built into the cargo bed rails that can hold up to 10 cases of 12-ounce beverages. We might still prefer a separate cooler to that effect, but having concealed and secured storage areas in a vehicle that’s otherwise without a locking trunk is a big plus.

Review: Toyota Venza

In another era the new-for-2009 Toyota Venza would be named the Toyota Camry station wagon, which is essentially what it is. Today, however, it’s regarded as a “crossover SUV,” through it has little in common with a bona fide sport-utility vehicle, carrying a sedan-like ride height and a decidedly un-truck-like appearance.

Wrapped in styling that’s similar to, but is slightly more aggressive-looking than the sedan upon which it’s based, the Toyota Venza is aimed at empty nesters and smaller families by virtue of its five-passenger seating capacity; a third-row seat to accommodate seven riders isn’t offered. While this might alienate the soccer-mom carpooling crowd, it does afford a truly spacious second-row seat with voluminous cargo room.

The Toyota Venza’s cabin is cast with generous use of curved elements that distinguish it from other rides on the road, though we did find it to be a bit busy looking for our tastes. The gear selector is mounted up on the dashboard, rather then down on the center console between the seats; it takes a little getting used to, but it’s otherwise unobtrusive.

As for performance, driving the Toyota Venza won’t cause anyone’s heart to race. A 182-horsepower 2.7-liter four-cylinder is standard, and should be adequate for most buyers’ needs, with a quicker 268-hp 3.5-liter V6 also offered. A smooth-shifting six-speed automatic transmission is standard. The Venza delivers a reasonably soft ride with relaxed steering and handling, though those who prefer to feel a little more connected to the road will come away nonplussed. All-wheel-drive is available for added dry-road stability and foul-weather traction.

In all, the Toyota Venza is a more-practical alternative to either a sedan or an SUV, with good all-around performance, stellar utility and a dash of style, though it bears a certain lack of driving personality and its $25,975 base price can swell considerably when loaded with optional features.

New: Automotive Intelligentsia 2009-2010 Sports Car Guide

Automotive Intelligentsia 2009-2010 Sports Car Guide is now available for the Amazon Kindle e-Book Reader and the Apple iPhone/iPod Touch with the free Kindle Reader app!

Use this link to purchase directly from Amazon.com. Only $4.79 and includes wireless delivery via Amazon Whispernet.

Automotive Intelligentsia 2009-2010 Sports Car Guide is the ultimate digital book for die-hard automotive enthusiasts and casual onlookers alike, spotlighting 54 of the most coveted rides on the road. Full-length profiles place the reader firmly behind the wheel and chronicle each model’s heart-pounding performance, advanced technology and storied heritage, complete with photos and specifications.

From rough-and-tumble muscle machines to the world’s most elegant and sophisticated exotic sports cars in the world, the Automotive Intelligentsia 2009-2010 Sports Car Guide profiles a broad spectrum of performance-minded models, carrying sticker prices that range from just over $20,000 to an unobtainable $2 million. These include brand-new head-turners like the Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione, Chevrolet Camaro and Corvette ZR1, Dodge Challenger, Ferrari California, Ford Shelby GT 500, Hyundai Genesis Coupe, Lotus Evora and the Tesla Roadster, along with modern classics from Aston Martin, Audi, BMW, Bugatti, Jaguar, Lamborghini, Maserati, Mercedes-Benz, Porsche and many other makes.

Those fortunate enough to be in the market for a new sports car will find the Automotive Intelligentsia 2009-2010 Sports Car Guide to be an invaluable asset, while even those just “kicking the tires” will be engaged and entertained by this world class collection of rolling works of art.

Use this link to purchase directly from Amazon.com. Only $4.79 and includes wireless delivery via Amazon Whispernet.

Complete list of makes and models reviewed in the Automotive Intelligentsia 2009-2010 Sports Car Guide:

• Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione
• Aston Martin DB9
• Aston Martin DBS
• Aston Martin V8 Vantage
• Audi S5
• Audi R8
• Audi TT
• BMW 1 Series
• BMW 3 Series
• BMW 6 Series
• BMW M3
• BMW M6
• BMW Z4
• Bugatti Veyron 16.4
• Cadillac XLR
• Chevrolet Camaro
• Chevrolet Corvette
• Chevrolet Corvette ZR1
• Dodge Challenger
• Dodge Viper
• Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano
• Ferrari 612 Scaglietti
• Ferrari California
• Ferrari F430
• Ford Mustang
• Ford Shelby GT 500
• Honda S2000
• Hyundai Genesis Coupe
• Infiniti G70
• Jaguar XK
• Koenigsegg CCX
• Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4
• Lamborghini Murcielago LP640
• Lexus SC430
• Lotus Elise/Exige
• Lotus Evora
• Maserati GranTurismo
• Mazda Miata
• Mazda RX-8
• Mercedes-Benz CL
• Mercedes-Benz SL
• Mercedes-Benz SLK
• Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren
• Morgan Aero 8
• Nissan GT-R
• Nissan 370Z
• Pontiac Solstice
• Porsche 911
• Porsche Boxster/Cayman
• Saturn Sky
• Spyker C8
• Tesla Roadster

Use this link to purchase directly from Amazon.com. Only $4.79 and includes wireless delivery via Amazon Whispernet.

Coming soon, Automotive Intelligentsia e-Book Guides to Luxury Cars, Hybrid/Electric Vehicles, Luxury Cars, Family Cars & Crossovers, New Car Prices and more!