Beauty Beyond the Eye of the Beholder
There are no two ways about it: The 2008 Cadillac CTS is a gorgeous car and you will feel gorgeous when you drive it.
It doesn't matter if your blouse is spotted with spitup and you have dark circles under your eyes from late-night feedings, when you sit behind the wheel of this incredible sedan, you will feel beautiful. Surrounded by sumptuous leather, and soothed by its quiet cabin and exquisite sound system you will forget your mother's worries and travel pampered by absolute luxury.
I found nothing disappointing about my rendezvous with this splendid sedan - except that I had to return it at the end of the week. By then, I had fallen in love with its delicious ride and handling, smooth-shifting six-speed transmission, and powerful performance.
When creating the new CTS, Cadillac's designers and engineers focused their attentions on building a luxury sport sedan intended to give such vehicles as the BMW 3- and 5-Series, Mercedes-Benz C-Class, Lexus GS, and Audi A4 a run for their money. And that it does. Quite well.
Continue reading "Traveling in the Family Way: 2008 Cadillac CTS" »
Is it possible to have too much of a good thing?
From the moment the Hummer's roof banged against the height-restriction bar stretched across the exit of my parking structure I knew my initial concerns about the size of the H2 were just the tip of the iceberg. It didn't bump the pole on the way up the ramp!
That scrape, and the sign on the gate that said "No vehicles over 5000 pounds," set a heavy tone. At 1600 pounds too ponderous and just one inch too tall, parking the H2 during my one-week review was worrisome from the start. Turns out, I was able to back down the ramp to avoid contact and further damage to the roof of the giant vehicle. I pretended not to notice the weight warning.
Once out of the lot and navigating city streets and highways, however, the full-size SUV was much easier to maneuver. Face it: A vehicle as big, high, and wide as this is not going to corner like a Corvette, but the steering feels nice and the suspension is comfortable. An all-new 6.2-liter V-8 joins with a six-speed transmission to provide acceleration that belies the vehicle's tanklike size. Fuel economy did not, unfortunately, and according the SUV's onboard computer, I averaged just 9.5 miles per gallon during my evaluation. Ouch!
It's hard for others to miss a vehicle of such imposing magnitude, but it's important for the driver to keep an eye out for smaller cars as, due to limited visibility out the back window, even full-size sedans can be easy to overlook. When shifted into reverse, an optional rear-vision wide-angle camera displays what's behind the Hummer on a dashboard screen; this is a real advantage in crowded parking lots and especially helpful at detecting wayward pets and children. Maneuvering into tight spaces takes some finesse; I confess, I never dared try to parallel-park the colossal car.
Continue reading "Driving in the Family Way: 2008 Hummer H2" »
Bugatti and Hermes joined at the recent Geneva Motor Show to demonstrate the "Bugatti Veyron Fbg par Hermes," an ultra-luxurious ultra-pricey vehicle that combines the technical performance of the legendary Bugatti Veyron 16.4 with the expertise of Hermes designer Gabriele Pezzini and his craftsmen. The super-exotic vehicle will make its North American Debut in New York at the beginning of April.
This remarkable Bugatti features an array of exceptional characteristics, including the innovative alliance of a technologically advanced engine that delivers 1001 horsepower, with a gorgeous silhouette reflecting the high-performance capacities of the Veyron's state-of-the-art engineering and design. Be still my beating heart!
The official name of the highly exclusive "Bugatti Veyron Fbg par Hermes" refers to the historic Hermes headquarters on the Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honore, in the heart of Paris's eighth district: the "Fbg" appellation evokes the house's "faubourg" address. With the Bugatti Veyron Fbg par Hermes, the exacting standards of Emile Hermes and Ettore Bugatti come together for the first time in an exceptional collaboration: the culmination of their extreme attention to aesthetic and technological quality and performance. Pezzini has reinterpreted Bugatti's traditional two-tone carriage work, fostering a fluid-as-espresso transition between the car's exterior and interior design. The creamy latte color of the hood extends through the interior of the cockpit and re-emerges behind at the level of the rear wing.
Continue reading "Hermes Joins with Bugatti to Create Le Plus Ultra-Luxurious Veyron" »
I had an opportunity to do a walk around and review the 2009 Pontiac Vibe with Dave Poniatowski, Pontiac Product Manager of the Vibe and Solstice. It was a bit of a change of pace from all the focus that was placed on the three new entrants (Solstice Coupe, G8 GXP, and G8 Sport Truck). Many of our readers have asked about the Vibe and Dave was kind enough to give me a personal tour at the New York Auto Show last week.
Dave Poniatowski says, "There is a lot to be proud of on this vehicle. I think the young, bright, female driver would be a perfect match for the Vibe. In addition to the above, we offer the range of options to personalize the vehicle (from 16-inch steel wheels to the 18-inch GT wheels we reviewed, AWD, Roof Racks, Sunroof ... and the list goes on). From a performance standpoint, the 2009 model offers two more powerful engines than the 2008 models, as well as reduced noise / vibration levels."
So here's some "brag points" from Pontiac that you may find helpful.
Continue reading "Getting a Good Vibe from Pontiac at the New York Auto Show " »
Pontiac unveiled a new sport truck design this week at the New York Auto Show. Based on the all-new Pontiac G8 performance sedan, the newest member of the G8 family has cargo bed suitable for either work or recreation. Pontiac sways the G8 sport truck stretches its commitment to style and performance, and promises it will arrive in dealers' showrooms in late 2009. Who remembers the old El Camino of the 1970s and 1980s? Well, here is a trucklet that looks like a new and modern version of that functional favorite.
"Pontiac has never shied away from offering segment-defining vehicles, going back to the original GTO," said Jim Bunnell, Buick-Pontiac-GMC general manager. "There's simply nothing else like the G8 sport truck on the road today, and we definitely believe that there are customers who will be excited by its distinctive design, performance and cargo capabilities." Are you excited about this truck?
Well, here is something else that's very cool about it: It will be named by a consumer. Effective immediately, consumers can visit www.pontiac.com/namethiscar and submit their name ideas and enter to win one of the first vehicles to come off the assembly line. "As an important part of the G8 family, we know that 'sport truck' doesn't fully describe the vehicle's ability to blur the lines between sports car and truck," said Craig Bierley, Pontiac marketing director. "Because its fans will surely be as unique as the vehicle itself, we're giving them a voice in selecting a name that reflects its appeal." The winning entry will be selected April 15. (ENTRIES MUST BE RECEIVED BY 11:59 PM ET on 4/15/08. Limit: One (1) Entry per person or email address.) The official rules also say the grand prize will be "ONE (1) GRAND PRIZE: 2010 Pontiac G8 sport truck (the actual name of which has yet to be determined). The Approximate Retail Value of the Grand Prize is no less than $27,595 and is based on the projected Manufacturers Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of a 2008 Pontiac G8 Sedan." How cool is that? Name the truck and take it home right off the production line!
Continue reading "Ladies: Here's your Chance to Name the new Pontiac G8 Sport Truck - and Win One in the Process!" »
The New York International Auto Show opens its doors to journalists next week for media preview days on Wednesday and Thursday, March 19 and 20. Suzuki slipped us this sneak preview illustration of its sleek and athletic Concept Kizashi 3, the final addition to Suzuki's Kizashi concept series. As we are often told by manufacturers when they show concepts such as this, the Concept Kizashi 3 is said to indicate both Suzuki's future design direction and intent to offer a larger, more upscale sport sedan.
The Kizashi concept series was developed by Suzuki's Advanced Design Group to reflect a dynamic athlete in motion, taking its design cues from a strong, honed physique while displaying the performance, strength, and style befitting a flagship vehicle. It will be joined in New York by the Concept Kizashi, which made its worldwide debut at the 2007 International Motor Show in Frankfurt, and the Concept Kizashi 2, which was unveiled at the 2007 Tokyo Motor Show last October.
Continue reading "New York Auto Show Sneak Preview: Suzuki Kizashi" »
Honda's Symphony of Organization Counters a Cacophony of Chaos
It doesn't matter whether the kids are five, ten, or 15 years old; if you put more than two of them together in any sedan for more than just a few minutes be prepared for the discordance of sibling complaints: an anything-but-pleasant opera highlighted by the all-too-familiar chorus of "Moooom, he touched me!" This cacophony of whining and taunting explains why the midsize sport utility vehicle has become the popular choice for today's conductor of compact- to mid-sized people.
Enter the Honda Pilot: With three rows of seats and plenty of room for groceries and gear, it's possible to haul the entire family and all their stuff without having to endure their deafening dissonance. In fact, an abundance of power outlets (four!) also means you can hand them all MP3 players, and cease any objections the brood might have to Mom's musical selections.
Plenty of cubbies and storage pockets abound to store the stuff that only kids can bring, and nine cupholders ensure everybody will have a place to safely set their drink or water bottle. A fold-down activity tray in the center of the second row holds two cups and offers a flat surface to keep toys or books from rolling around between passengers. (A frazzled parent can also use this as barrier between children who can't seem to keep their appendages to themselves.) A conversation mirror tucked up into the sunglasses holder of SE and EX-L models can also help Mom maintain harmony between her passengers. Arturo Toscanini should have had so many tools!
Continue reading "Traveling in the Family Way: 2008 Honda Pilot" »
According to Maserati, its beautiful Quattroporte now commands more than a third of the $100K-plus sedan segment. If you’re not into the Maserati sedan, how would you like to have one of these gorgeous coupes in your garage?
A year after it unveiled the GranTurismo, the Italian manufacturer will return to the Geneva International Motorshow with another world premiere: the GranTurismo S, which Maserati promises will be the ultimate expression of the Trident coupé’s sportiness as well as its new emphasis on performance and driving enjoyment.
Two main aspects of the car represent the technological DNA of all Maseratis: the 440-hp V8 4.7-liter engine and the electro-actuated gearbox with fast MC-Shift arranged in the transaxle layout typical of high-performance sports cars.
Continue reading "2008 Geneva Motor Show Sneak Preview: Maserati presents the GranTurismo S" »
Auto show season always reveals an abundance of concept cars meant to provide insight into technologies or designs the manufacturers intend to put into production somewhere down the road.
These cars are sometimes fanciful creations that seem so far-fetched it appears they might never see the light of day. Usually, however, underneath the science-fiction trim, exists real technology waiting to be developed for practical production. Other times, the cars appear to be almost-ready-for-production and are described as hints towards the actual styling of future models.
It's a complicated science to pick the jewels from the counterfeits, to determine which vehicles might actually see the light of day, and which ones will never be seen again. That decision is often affected by the response of the auto show attendees; when the feedback is extremely positive, manufacturers are more likely to push a vehicle into production. Sometimes, they are already racing to the finish line when the "concept" is put onto display.
At this season's Detroit and Chicago Auto Shows, we were shown two new hybrid truck concepts by two different manufacturers: The Toyota A-Bat was revealed in Detroit, and the GMC Denali XT made its debut in Chicago.
Continue reading "Toyota A-Bat and GMC Denali XT: Concept Twins Separated at Birth" »
At the moment I was given a sneak peek at Ford's sporty Verve concept, I knew it was love at first sight.
Here before my eyes was a sleek sedan. It was sexy, shapely, sporty. It looked fast and it had four doors. It answered my motherly personal need for the function of a four-door with the price-point, performance, and efficiency of a coupe.
It was presented to us at the Detroit Auto Show as simply a concept showcasing "the style, technology, premium materials, and substantial content that will set it apart when Ford's new small cars go on sale in North America in 2010." That statement, combined with the announcement at the Frankfurt Motor show that a three-door version of this vehicle would be available for sale in Europe, gave me hope that I might someday actually be able to own this vehicle.
Ford explained that the Verve was developed through their new global product development system, a program that builds on the manufacturer's European small-car expertise to stake a bigger claim in this critically important segment. For American's who don't know any better, Ford's small-car lineup in Europe includes such popular top-sellers as the Ford Focus, Fiesta, and Ka. The Verve was meant to be Ford's first "world car" entry, the first vehicle manufactured to meet universal safety, quality, efficiency, and design standards, regardless of where it would be sold around the world.
Discussions with fellow journalists made it clear that some changes would be required, most notably the replacement of its beautiful all-glass roof with a lighter, more conventional construction. Its pillarless side doors would probably also require a more traditional design. I could live with that. Some journalists were optimistically predicting that this car would replace the Focus line in the United States, finally answering the question that so many had asked: "When will Ford bring the European Focus to the U.S.?"
Continue reading "Fiesta Reborn in the Verve, Ford's Got Some Nerve" »
The delivery guy drove the 2008 Hummer H2 up the ramp into my parking structure without any problems at all. I watched as he slowly drove under the bar that indicated the height limitation and I could see that he went safely underneath with inches to spare.
Imagine my surprise upon exiting down the ramp, when we felt the roof of the humongous Hummer drag against the pole. And as if that wasn’t enough, when the back wheels rolled over the security gate’s track, the rearend bounced upward against the limiter, denting the top of the car.
Ouch!
Continue reading "How Big is Too Big? Supersized Hummer Provides Parking Problems" »
With the Chicago Auto Show just around the corner, American Suzuki Motors has let loose a sneak peek of the midsize pickup truck they intend to reveal on Wednesday. (Wanna see the rest of the truck? Be sure you click below to read the complete story.)
We've been looking forward to seeing the production version of this midsize truck ever since we first heard whispers about it during the recent holiday season.
It doesn't yet have an official name or suggested pricing, but Suzuki will display several lightly modified versions of the new pickup that promise to showcase both the company's diverse brand spirit and illustrate the new truck's capability and flexibility when it makes its World Debut next week.
Continue reading "Sneak Peek: Suzuki Reveals the First Official Image of its Upcoming Midsize Pickup Truck" »
The Detroit Auto Show was touting so many Hybrid's I thought I would mention some petrol -powered cars with plenty of fuel economy now and on the horizon.
The Pontiac Vibe is ideal for commuters in need of some passenger and cargo space or as a family vehicle, this 5 passenger vehicle also includes a few important safety features such as driver and front passenger airbags and seatbelt pretensioners that automatically secure seat belts in the best position to keep passengers as protected as possible should a collision occur. Optional safety equipment includes side curtain airbags, front seat side airbags, stability control and anti-lock brakes, all of which typically are included as standard equipment on the Vibe's top competitors.
Continue reading "Vibe, Versa, Verve.......... Varoooooooooom!" »
To help explain its vehicle sustainability strategy, Ford has created the Explorer America concept for the 2008 North American International Auto Show.
The Ford Explorer America concept showcases a new kind of utility for the vehicle customers have known and loved for years: even better fuel efficiency.
"Customers are smart. They value vehicles - the more efficient, the better," said Jim Farley, Ford group vice president of Marketing and Communications. "Ford gets it."
"Innovative technologies can transform people's favorite vehicles. Look at SYNC, the Ford system that connects people and their favorite portable devices, including media players and Bluetooth-enabled mobile phones, while in their vehicles."
The Explorer America concept delivers an approximately 20-to 30-percent fuel-economy improvement - depending on engine selection - while providing room for six and their gear, along with moderate towing and off-roading capabilities.
Continue reading "Explorer America Concept Presents Ford's Sustainable Strategy" »
Cadillac unveiled a new vision for the future of luxury transportation with the innovative Provoq fuel cell concept during the CES Show in Vegas recently– a hydrogen fuel cell crossover vehicle that continues GM’s commitment to displace petroleum through advanced technology.
The Cadillac Provoq fuel cell concept is the latest example of GM’s groundbreaking E-Flex propulsion system, combining the new fifth-generation fuel cell system and a lithium-ion battery to produce an electrically driven vehicle that uses no petroleum and has no emission other than water. The concept’s fifth-generation fuel cell technology is half the size of its predecessor, yet it has been developed to produce more power and performance.
“Cadillac is a natural fit for GM’s next step in developing the E-Flex platform,” says Jim Taylor, Cadillac general manager. “Cadillac, at its very essence, is about premium luxury, design and technology, so it’s fitting that Cadillac would be propelled by the most elegant solution. This signals Cadillac’s intent to lead the industry with alternative-fuel technology.”
Continue reading "Green Cadillac Provoq Hydrogen Fuel Cell Concept Debuts During CES" »
Check it out pet lovers! BarkBuckleUp will be giving away 100 FREE Pet Buckles to the first 100 pet parents that stop by the BarkBuckleUP demonstration area at the auto show in San Diego. All you have to do to get your free buckle is bring a picture of your dog and PawYard will be on hand giving away FREE dog snacks from Dogswell.
But this show isn't just for the dogs. There will be plenty of lovely vehicles on display as well. With new models and concept cars all over the show floor, there is plenty to do after Fido gets his treat. The show is even featuring a special exhibit where you can get behind the wheel of a truck and go off road! Spiderman will be making an appearance on family day and a local radio station, 101 KGB FM, will be on hand giving away a new Mazda CX-9!
Continue reading "BarkBuckleUp and the San Diego Auto Show Partner for the Pet Travel Safe Campaign" »
Thought I would share this breaking news report by U.S. News and World Report, ranking the new 2008 car models at or coming in soon to dealer showroom floors near you !!
Some I agree and some of the best are missing.....your comments would be appreciated!
U.S.News & World Report today announced its 2008 Car Rankings are available online . The 2008 rankings cover the best and worst cars, trucks and SUVs based on an analysis of consensus opinions from America's top automotive experts.
Continue reading "U.S. News and World Report Ranks 2008 Car Models " »
Woman's Review: 2008 Dodge Avenger R/T AWD
It's a rare occasion when I find myself excited about a car before it hits the showroom floor. Normally, a redesigned vehicle takes months (or sometimes years) to appeal to me. Not so with the 2008 Dodge Avenger R/T AWD. From the moment I saw the first spy photos, I was sold on this car. Would that alone be enough to convince me that this vehicle is a worthy contender in my battle to find the ideal family car?
At first glance, the Avenger's exterior nearly screams "Baby Dodge Charger." From the aggressive front end to the oversized chrome wheels and menacing stance, the car could easily pass for the Charger R/T's kid brother. The car looks tough, and not many cars can achieve that just sitting still.
I normally clock around 500 miles per each one-week evaluation. However, this test was far from the norm. My schedule included a trip from Ohio to Michigan, and from Michigan to western Pennsylvania. With a good mix of highway driving and extreme elevation, I was confident that at the end of this trip, I'd know with certainty whether or not this car would receive a passing grade.
Continue reading "Woman's Review: 2008 Dodge Avenger R/T AWD" »
Whether you're on a budget, comfortable, or fully loaded, here are the cars and trucks that reflect your astrological personality!
Aries Aries loves the thrill of speed, and with Mars as your ruling planet, you have a special affinity for the color red. Yours is the sign of the Ram, which certainly fits your bold, impulsive nature! Keeping those qualities in mind, if you're...
Fully loaded: Go for a red Maserati convertible or a Porsche 911. These classic cars inspire lust in everyone as they watch you speed by.
Comfortable: Go for a zippy little Mazda RX-8. If you have a family to cart along on your many adventures, a Dodge Charger should match your full-steam-ahead personality. And a Chrysler Crossfire reflects how comfortable you are with conflict and competition.
On a budget: Go for a used Dodge Ram or a Mitsubishi Lancer. Either of these models will reflect your fiery, competitive nature as you work your way up in the world!
Remember, since you tend to be impulsive, take a trusted (read: grounded) friend with you when you visit the car dealership. Otherwise, you might end up purchasing the first car you see that's red, fast and shiny -- whether it's the right one for you or not!
Continue reading "What's the Best Car for Your Sign?" »
The most celebrated '57 Chevy on the planet, known to millions as
Project-X, has received a 2007 overhaul with a little help from GM
Performance Parts. Project-X has the distinction of being powered by
the first prototype of the GM limited-edition Anniversary 427 blocks.
AskPatty.com's President, Jody DeVere voted GM's Project -X her favorite car at the SEMA Show 2007!
Continue reading "Favorite Car at SEMA 2007 - Project-X by GM" »
Saturn promises that its all-new 2008 Saturn Vue Green Line hybrid will have a fuel economy rating of 25 miles per gallon in the city and 32 miles per gallon on the highway. Offering as many as 585 miles on just one tank of fuel under optimal conditions, this compact SUV could just have the best highway mileage of any sport utility vehicle currently on sale.
Saturn has announced that the Vue Green Line will have a manufacturer's suggested retail price of $24,795, making it the most affordable hybrid SUV on the market by several hundred dollars less than its closest competitor, the Ford Escape Hybrid.
"You can go green without going broke," says Saturn General Manager Jill Lajdziak, "and with the Vue Green Line, you also don't have to give up utility, safety, or comfort."
In combined city and highway driving, the Vue hybrid's fuel economy estimate is 27 percent better than the non-hybrid four-cylinder Vue. These fuel economy estimates are calculated by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, using the government's new 2008 testing procedure that was revised to better reflect real-world mileage.
Continue reading "2008 Saturn Vue Green Line Promises to be Fuel Economy Leader" »
I had a blast attending the General Motors 2008 Collection event this week with the ever passionate Bob Lutz,
GM Vice Chairman and Susan Docherty, General Motors Western Region General Manager who I recently interviewed on AskPatty.com, they spoke about their excitement surrounding the GM brand revitalization that is currently underway.
This event was a rare opportunity for me to test drive the many GM 2008 models before the hit showroom this fall. It was fun and educational to get intimately acquainted with the Buick Enclave my personal favorite, the H2, which I needed to understand why so many women love to drive H2's here in Los Angeles and the super fast and sleek 2008 Corvette. I took a long scenic drive with the all new Cadillac CTS luxury sport sedan, which hopes to give Lexus and other luxury sport sedan makers a run for their money with in 2008, then I took a spin in the European look and feel Saab 9-3. What a hoot!
I'll be reviewing all these 2008 GM models and more soon on AskPatty's newest feature CarBlabber, car reviews for women by women, so stay tuned for more on my impressions from a woman's point of view.
GM’s new entries for 2008 include:
Cadillac – The second-generation Cadillac CTS luxury sport sedan and the redesigned STS luxury performance sedan, both of which get more powerful-yet-efficient engines
Buick – The elegant Buick Enclave luxury crossover and the return of the Buick Super designation on LaCrosse and Lucerne
Chevrolet – An all-new Malibu dramatically redesigned inside and out; a more powerful Corvette; a more powerful version of the Equinox, the Equinox Sport; and an all-new 2-Mode full hybrid Tahoe full-size SUV
GMC – The 2-Mode full hybrid Yukon full-size SUV which, like the Chevy Tahoe 2-Mode hybrid, achieves up to a 25-percent gain in fuel economy over non-hybrid models
HUMMER – A more powerful H2 with a redesigned interior and an all-new, V-8-powered H3 Alpha performance SUV
Pontiac – Two new GXP models: the G6 GXP and Torrent GXP
Saturn – An all-new Saturn Vue compact SUV and Saturn Astra three- and five-door sport compacts
Saab – A more powerful 9-3 range at Saab sporting dramatic exterior enhancements that evoke the popular Aero X concept.
A focus on energy diversity
In addition to the GM claim of producing the industry’s best cars and trucks , a key
priority for General Motors is reducing the industry’s reliance on
petroleum and petroleum imports, as well as reducing carbon emissions.
To that end, the 2008 model year features the world debut of the
Chevrolet Tahoe and GMC Yukon full-size SUVs equipped with GM’s 2-Mode
hybrid system. They join three other hybrid vehicles and 12 E85 ethanol
FlexFuel cars and trucks in the lineup.
GM has committed
to producing electrically driven vehicles that help diversify energy
sources, reduce emissions and improve efficiency. Along with hybrids
they include extended-range plug-in electric vehicles, plug-in hybrids
and, ultimately, hydrogen fuel cell vehicles.
GM also is
the first automobile manufacturer to join the U.S. Climate Action
Partnership (USCAP), a group of global companies and non-government
organizations committed to slowing, stopping and reversing the growth
of greenhouse gas emissions over the shortest period of time reasonably
achievable.
In addition, GM has 24 vehicles that surprisingly get 30 MPG or better which are already in showrooms for you to chose from. GM vehicles include a five-year, 100,000-mile powertrain warranty – the most comprehensive in the industry and one year subscription to OnStar on all models.
Jody DeVere President www.askpatty.com www.carblabber.com
Related Links:
http://www.blogher.org/how-separate-green-goods-greenish-chaff http://www.lipsticking.com/2007/06/a_fit_by_five_o.html http://blog.learnedonwomen.com/learned_on_women/2007/04/marketing_green.html
|