THE GOOD 12 - Part III

CHEVROLET CORVETTE

Sold in six decades, and quite successfully I might add, General Motors' most famous model line sees constant updating, fine tuning, and adjustment. The current base Corvette (the one GoodCarBadCar recommends with highest regard) makes 25 horsepower more than did the ultra-performance Z06 of the previous generation. Included in the amazingly low price is a removable lid that allows the elements to enter, despite the fact that you didn't pay high dollar for a convertible.

Check out CorvetteGuys.com and their

large selection of Corvette Body Parts

The Corvette's old reputation for being a bit of a bruiser stands in contrast to the current reality: a base Corvette is a comfortable grand tourer with remarkably good fuel economy, efficiency within shouting distance of GM's own turbocharged Solstice/Sky twins while offering an extra 170 horsepower. If you're accustomed to today's high-powered sports sedans or even the ever-present pocket rockets, the Corvette's acceleration and cornering prowess will still knock your socks off.

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Engines: 430, 436, or 505 horsepower and 424, 428, or 470 lb-ft of torque from 6.2L V8 or 7.0L V8.

Mileage: City high = 16 mpg. City low = 15mpg.

Base USD Price: $46,110

Anything Else? As if more power is needed, another Corvette variant named ZR1 will be supercharged with substantially more than 600 horsepower.

ZR1 RELEASED

Take one Chevrolet Corvette and add 200 horsepower. Strip some weight. Add other miscellaneous peformance addenda. Make the Z06 look weak. Name it ZR1. Price it around $100,000. Call yourself General Motors and run to the bank. Here's the photos you want. Watch it in action at Laguna Seca right here at GoodCarBadCar.

Stop by CorvetteGuys.com and check out

their selection of Corvette Zr1 Wheels

CANADA'S ecoAUTO REBATE

The Government of Canada's initiative to put more people into fuel efficient vehicles by giving them money sees a rearranging of models for year 2008. The list, with the cashback value, is below.

$2000
Toyota Prius
Honda Civic Hybrid
smart fortwo (coupe and convertible)
Ford Escape Hybrid (front and all-wheel drive)
Saturn Vue Hybrid

$1500
Toyota Camry Hybrid
Nissan Altima Hybrid
Toyota Highlander Hybrid

$1000
Toyota Corolla
Toyota Yaris (hatch and sedan)
Mini Cooper (and Clubman)
Honda Civic (coupe and sedan)
Honda Fit
Lexus RX400h
Jeep Compass (2.0L w/CVT and 2.4L manual tranny)
Jeep Patriot (2.0L w/CVT and 2.4L manual-tranny)
Chevrolet HHR
Nissan Rogue

FLEX FUEL VEHICLES $1000
Chevrolet Impala
Dodge Avenger
Chrysler Sebring

50TH B-DAY FOR IMPALA A JOKE

Are you more inclined to take Chevrolet and General Motors as a whole more seriously since the Enclave, Malibu, and Corvette Z06 debuted? Of course y'are.

Alongside such truth, let it also be true inside your rational brain that Chevrolet is about to introduce to you the 50th Anniversary Impala. "50 years of Impala" - let it ring.

We're talking about a badge job + some equipment. Two-tone leather, unique-to-the-5oth 18" alloys, rear spoiler, better floormats, and other similarly pointless upgrades. Oooooooeeeeeeeee. Pretty hot.

The Impala, as we know, will be put out to pasture before long. Proper combinations of rear-wheel drive and V8's are on the way. But for now, we get offered nicer leather for the 50th anniversary of such an iconic model.

It hurts me to think of the salesperson who is forced into selling a Malibu alongside such a typical late 90's-style GM special edition. Let's hope that all past import buyers are steered clear of the embarrassment.

NORTH AMERICAN CAR OF THE YEAR - January 13

One month plus a day from now you'll hear who took the crown of North American Car (& Truck) of the Year. General Motors swept the two-title series last year with the Saturn Aura and Chevrolet Silverado. Out of 54 possible nominees, GM showrooms hold four of the final six candidates. Present in the COTY triumvirate are Chevrolet's Malibu, the Cadillac CTS and the Honda Accord. The loosely named 'truck' category is represented by the Buick Enclave, Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid and Mazda CX-9.

Does the Malibu, a bolder; better version of last year's winner, really deserve to win? Has it moved the game on that much? Will the Tahoe Hybrid hype override what The Good Car Guy noticed to be dismal real-world fuel economy and a poor driving experience to take the TOTY title, especially considering the Mazda CX-9's seven-seat sports-car on stilts reputation and the best-Buick-in-decades Enclave?

We shall see. It should be known, however, that it was.... today - yes; today - that Cadillac's entry won GoodCarBadCar's American Impact Car of the Year.

CHALLENGER ORDERS CEASING?

Dodge isn't sick of your orders, but it may decide to cut off the order process for 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8's in just 19 days. Here's what you need to know:

Since Chrysler began taking orders on December 3rd, 85% of their dealerships have taken order(s) for the Challenger.

There have already been more than 7,000 orders placed.

Dodge will be offering the initial SRT8's in Hemi Orange, Brilliant Black, and Bright Silver. So far, more than half the orders have been for Hemi Orange.

eBay has played host to multiple auctions for "payment over and above" the MSRP.

So what's next? First, Dodge builds these cars. Then it builds Challenger's with a lower price tag and less powerful engines. Then Chevrolet starts selling the new Camaro. Meanwhile, Ford Mustang sales are down 19% this year. During November, Ford watched Mustang sales fall 30% lower than November of 2006.

CARS OF CANDIDATES

The Associated Press has collected some info on the past and present vehicles of presidential candidates. It's easy to find the car lovers amongst them - those who don't know an inline-4 from a V8 - and those who must have at least modicum of taste.

Hillary first drove a '62 Olds Cutlass. Sneak a peek or more thru Bill or Hillary's autobiographies, and you soon discover that they either love cars or remember them well. Mrs. Clinton is now, of course, driven in many'a Secret Service vehicle, although she makes note of a "Ford hybrid."

As does John Edwards, in addition to an '04 Chrysler Pacifica (indiciating the value of John's vehicle is equivalent to the price of one haircut) and a 13-year old GMC pickup. John's first car was a Plymouth Duster. Bill Richardson drove a used Mustang in a former day, but enjoys his Jeep Wrangler now. Barack Obama makes use of a Chrysler 300C, but once "extensively" used his grandfather's Ford Granada.

Giuliani? "I don't drive. I navigate." Sure, Rudolph. He drove a used Dodge whilst newly licensed. A little more specificity, please.

John McCain knows where it's at. The Arizona Senator drove a 1958 Corvette but has a Cadillac CTS now. Good job, John. Mitt Romney drove a 2-year old American Motors Rambler Classic in 1965 when he went to college. Mitt, who was involved in a head-on crash in France while driving a Citroen DS in 1968, has possession of an '05 Ford Mustang Convertible and a '62 Rambler American.

Fred Thompson speaks about an old red pickup. Fred hasn't elaborated yet. Mike Huckabee used to be the driver of a Mercury Montego but makes use of two Chevrolet's now: an '07 Tahoe and a '95 Silverado.

What have we learned? Unless some of these cars are using base V6's instead of the implied V8's, the candidate's vehicles likely contribute to an average of 16/21mpg, city/highway.

Keep talking, guys. Gimme all that ethanol and biofuel and dependency on foreign oil stuff.

NFL IN ATLANTA

The Saints (5-7) head to Atlanta tonight to face the Falcons (3-9) in hopes of regaining some respect after their team revitalized New Orleans in last year's playoff run. (Hey, I know this is a car site, but what's more appealing than football and cars? You can't tailgate without a vehicle, after all.) Watch the game with WMP here or TVU this'a'way.

www.mysportpicks.blogspot.com

It was a little over two years ago that Sewell Cadillac Chevrolet suffered the loss of 200 vehicles after Katrina. That's right - after the hurricane. 97 of their vehicles were commandeered by the NOPD.

Carl Sewell still owns car dealerships, but the Caddy/Chevy dealer on Baronne Street has since closed its doors, whilst employees were offered positions in Dallas, Fort Worth, Grapevine, Plano, and San Antonio. One Sewell billboard ad seen after the hurricane read, "New Orleans Finest Drive Sewell."

The NOPD was claiming these vehicles at a time when many of their own vehicles had been flooded and safety was being compromised when officers were siphoning gas from abandoned vehicles. On the other hand, not many of the 97 were Cobalt's or Aveo's. The officers apparently preferred Cadillac Escalade's.



Back then, police superintendent Warren Riley said, "Those cars were not stolen. We recovered I believe 90-something Cadillacs. We recovered some of those that were stolen. We warehoused those cars. We still have those cars. We have obtained the keys for those cars and they are in a safe place for the owner." Unfortunately, most vehicles returned to the Sewell dealership were seriously damaged and freed of the air in their tires.


As for Atlanta's natural disaster + car connection, Governor Sonny Perdue asked that people consider their dirty cars a 'badge of honour'. There ain't enough water to go 'round, said he. Nevertheless, after edict went forth several state employees used their government purchase card to pay for car washes. The list of offenders includes educators from state universities.

Perhaps we should just watch the football game. The Media Player and TVU links are above, here's a TVAnts link.

TRUE CAR COST

Consulting firm Runzheimer International has released a study that suggests purchasing and operating a Toyota Corolla wouldn't cost much more than simply operating a Cadillac STS.

The STS topped the passenger-car list of most expensive vehicles to operate, followed closely by the Lexus LS460 and Audi S4. Considering fast-rising fuel prices, V8 sedans are obvious per/mile abusers of your wallet. (Assume the exemption of $200K, 10mpg Bentley's and their ilk.)

The Corolla CE is the least expensive to operate, followed by the GLS model of Hyundai's Accent and the Chevrolet Cobalt LT. The Corolla's estimated yearly operating costs of $7,933 - based on fuel economy, insurance, depreciation, taxes, and maintenance over 15,000 miles - are $11,604 lower than that of the big Caddy. There wasn't even a truck or heavy ute that approached the STS' frightening numbers.

Should we expect the smart fortwo to make a dint in next year's most inexpensive operators? With an $11,590 base price, the obvious fuel efficiency advantage, and apparently high demand (protecting second-hand values), the money-losing brand might just provide you with a money-saving option.

$$$$$ - Your's

CDN COTY

The Automobile Journalists Association of Canada has named their many cars of the year. AJAC doesn't like to herald the advent of one new vehicle more than another, it seems, and so the awards are split amongst mutliple - specific - categories. The category names do not remain stagnant. For more about the proceedings, visit this link. The various winners are below. Remember, The Good 12 debuts December 20th here at GoodCarBadCar.net and carries through until the end of 2007.

Saturn Astra, Honda Accord EX sedan, Mercedes-Benz C-class, Audi R8, Mini Cooper S, Audi S5, BMW 335i convertible, Hyundai Entourage, Chevrolet Silverado, Nissan Rogue, Saturn Vue, Buick Enclave.

MALIBU PROFITS

Chevrolet's previous-generation Malibu sold for $17,215 in 2007. That was a base four-cylinder model before incentives. Chevrolet's brand-new Malibu bases $5 below $20K. Bob Lutz says the new model will generate $5,000 more profit per car than the old Malibu.

What does that say about the old model? If a new car, priced $2,000 and a bit more than the old car, can generate $5,000 more in profit, what was the old car generating?

Old Malibu? Ugly, slow, decontented, ugly, and heavily incentivized. And ugly. Malibu's mum couldn't love that face.


New Malibu? Handsome, bold, quicker, pricier, heavily marketed, even award winning. And, yes... handsome. Sounds like the new Chevy Malibu might just earn General Motors an extra $5,000 for every car sold. Shocker.

Links:
Cars.com page for '07 Malibu
Chevrolet.com/Malibu
GCBC's Malibu search

C/D'S 10BEST

Car&Driver names their 10Best. A few dozen auto websites and blogs tell you about it straight away. GoodCarBadCar gives you more than that. Sure, the 10Best are named below, but so is an interesting fact about each. I do declare, GoodCarBadCar's own awards will be revealed beginning on the 20th of this month thru till New Year's Eve.

Car&Driver differs from many print publications in their award formats. So many place great distinction upon one new car. The problem therein? What if that one new car wouldn't have cut the mustard amongst the previous year's competition? That would be embarrassing. Also, is there really only one notworthy car displayed each year? No, there's plenty. We live in a great age for automotive ingenuity.

So, if you were a member of C/D's 10Best last year - come on back, y'all. If you're new or significantly revised and below the maximum price limit (2X the average price of new cars sold in America), come on down. Eight - yes, eight, of last year's winners made it back onto C/D's list.

BMW 3-SERIES: 17 straight years for the 3-series in 10Best, aided no doubt by a turbocharged 6-cylinder that outmuscles a 90's-era M3 and can manage a tussle with last year's M3.

CADILLAC CTS: The CTS just happens to be MotorTrend's Car of the Year and the only direct 3-series competitor on the list. Although priced like a 3, the CTS is sized like a BMW 5 and can honestly stand toe to toe with both.

CHEVROLET CORVETTE: If 430 horsepower isn't enough, but 505 is way too much, one simple option box 'check' gives you 436.

CHEVROLET MALIBU: Stuck in the past, the 4-cylinder engine is still mated with a 4-speed auto. However, the 6-cylinder/6-speed auto combo is world-class.

HONDA ACCORD: Seemingly ordinary, the Accord now offers 200 horsepower more than the original 1976 Accord.

HONDA FIT: The next Fit has already debuted, but the current Fit can hustle through C/D's lane-change test faster than a Ferrari F430 Spider. Deal with the rough ride, folks. It's worth it.


MAZDA MX-5: The optional hardtop can be lowered in 12 seconds, adds just 79 pounds to the featherweight Miata, and doesn't take sole possession of your trunk.

MAZDASPEED 3: The turbocharged, hatchback 3 forces its front wheels to deal with an extra 130 lb-ft of torque as compared with a 'regular' 3, itself a pretty decent little hatch.

PORSCHE BOXSTER/CAYMAN: Since coming into existence in the 90's, the Boxster has seen horsepower upgrades ten times.

VOLKSWAGEN GTI: Apart from 197bhp, awesome seats, wicked 5-spoke wheels and a communicative nature, the GTI also has the advantage of awesome commercials.

OTHER NUMBERS FROM CAR & DRIVER'S JANUARY ISSUE

The Good Car Guy already filled you in on Car & Driver's 0-60 testing of eleven cars in its January issue. Other important Numbers are viewable below.

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24 - miles per gallon observed by C/D editors in the Mini John Cooper Works Clubman, the best figure in a comparo where the Mini finished sixth. Its EPA city and highway figures were also the best-in-test.

18- miles per gallon observed by C/D editors in the Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart, the worst figure in a comparo where the Lancer Ralliart finished dead last. Its EPA city figure was worst-in-test and its EPA highway figure was tied for worst-in-test.

156- top speed, in mph, of the 260-bhp Chevrolet Cobalt SS, limited by aerodynamic drag, placing the Chevy tops in a seven-way comparo where it finished third overall

19- miles per gallon observed by C/D editors in the all-wheel drive Acura TL, better than what was managed by the aforementioned Mitsubishi with its 1.7L-smaller engine, 68 fewer horsepower, and 445 fewer pounds.

33- miles per gallon observed by C/D editors in a Volkswagen Jetta, which with a 140-bhp 2.0L turbodiesel, still had to propel 3353 pounds.

24- miles per gallon observed by C/D editors in a Hyundai Elantra wagon which posted identical acceleration figures to the Jetta TDI with one extra horsepower, 99 fewer lb-ft of torque, and 321 fewer pounds

0.61- roadholding, measured in g's, of the Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon, as tested by C/D on a 200-ft skidpad.

1.08- roadholding, measured in g's, of the Dodge Viper SRT10 ACR, as tested by C/D on a 200-ft skidpad

18- difference in sound levels, measured in decibels by C/D, between the loudest car of the year, the Bugatti Veyron 16.4, and the quietest cars of the year, the Ford Flex Limited and Dodge Journey R/T, both of which let out 65 dBA at 70mph 

MALIBU OPINIONS

Malibu is represented by two very contrasting stories lately; both of which are hot. Unfortunately so in one case. Wildfires in SoCal have destroyed homes, wreaked havoc upon families, and generated unwanted attention for a region filled with celebs.

Malibu, the word, is making news for another reason, however. General Motors, specifically Chevrolet reps, are talking up Malibu sales. Over 3000 sales in the States. Hmm, 3000? Camry's and Accord's are sold by multiple hundreds of thousands each year. But Chevrolet built this news due to the restricted availability and low expectations - in the time span during which Chevy dealers sold 3000; GM had expected to sell just 500.

Opinions are starting to surface regarding the Malibu as a driving device, rather than as a commercial or heavy-duty marketing experience. Car&Driver has named the Malibu as one of their 10Best, a yearly feature where new cars must compete against winners from the past. (More to come on that story soon.) MotorTrend also named their Car of the Year this month, and General Motors laid claim to that title, too.

But it wasn't a Chevrolet. Cadillac's excellent CTS (amazing everything... bar the cheap metallic panelling inside) beat out 17 other vehicles, including the Audi A5, Mercedes-Benz C-class, Volvo C30, Mitsubishi Lancer and two new Scions. Oh, and the new Honda Accord.

Speaking of that Accord and of that Malibu, M/T editor-at-large Arthur St. Antoine wrote thus: "Technical director Frank Markus and I each did brisk back-to-back runs with the Accord EX and Malibu LTZ on the COTY test-track's handling course. Post-drive, engines off, I looked at Frank. He looked at me. "I think the Malibu handles better," I said. "Me, too," said Frank. We also agreed that the Malibu was more fun.... Our test gear also preferred the Malibu: Compared with the Accord, it's quicker, stops better, and wins every objective handling test.... Is the new Malibu not just better than the vaunted Accord on a car-for-the-money basis but actually better in many ways than the Accord - period? The answer is an unqualified "yes."


You've gotta respect the words, whether you agree with them or not. When The Good Car Guy names his "Good Cars for 2008" - the twelve vehicles The Good Car Nation should be seen driving - the Accord has a terrific chance of making the list, and the Malibu will have to truly fight for a place. Handling and striking looks are just two characteristics a car can make use of when fighting for the recommendations of the experts.

Nonetheless, Chevrolet is making unexpectedly large and deep inroads with the Malibu. With high praise comes unembarrassed buyers. If people feel free to buy a Chevrolet on its goodness rather than just its price; well, Toyota and Honda should up their game.

CAR DESIGN PART II

In Car Design Part I (recommended reading), The Good Car guy asked the following questions: Where has design evolved the most? Where has modernity struck heaviest? Who designs with cookie cutters? Which design group resides 'in the box'? Does anybody?

INEXPENSIVE FAMILY VEHICLES

MID-ENGINED SPORTS CARS

From the top: Chevrolet Malibu, Volvo S40, Mazda 5, Audi R8, Ferrari 430 Scuderia, Lotus Europa, Porsche Cayman

16,667 '09 GM LAMBDA CROSSOVERS RECALLED - ENCLAVE, TRAVERSE, ACADIA, OUTLOOK

Four General Motors crossovers are being recalled, NHTSA says, for failing to measure up to requirements for safety standard #209.... the one for seat belt assemblies, don't you know? The second or third row seat belt buckle could be missing a rivet.

Model year 2009 examples of the Buick Enclave, Chevrolet Traverse, GMC Acadia, and Saturn Outlook - basically identical vehicles under the skin and inside the seat belt buckles, apparently - will have any deficient seat belt buckle replaced free of charge under this Recall. That could be up to 16,667 CUVs, NHTSA says. The Lambda platform could even be the foundation for the next Cadillac Escalade and/or Chevrolet Suburban if General Motors money remains..... er, tight, and if fuel economy standards make the possibility of a 20+mpg giant SUV impossible.

Lambda crossovers were also involved in a GM Recall in August relating to overheating windshield washer fluid and another recall in August for detaching windshield wiper linkage. If these General Motors vehicles are going to be in the garage continuously free of charge to customers, GM is going to want to keep the issues minor.

CAR AND DRIVER ANNOUNCES 10BEST FOR 2009

From the time he was knee high to a grasshopper - whatever that means - The Good Car Guy has been a faithful believer in Car & Driver's 10Best. That's part of the reason why GoodCarBadCar.net's The Good 12 is modeled after C/D's 10 Best; with realistic cars (under $71K this year) that can be recommended year-after-year if they remain better than the opposition. Don't believe that GoodCarBadCar.net will always be in firm agreement with C/D's editors.

This year Car & Driver named two domestics to its 10Best list. Added to that were four from Europe and four from Japan. The list is below with a sentence from Car&Driver and an additional thought from The Good Car Guy. Keep in mind, The Good 12 v2.0 begins revealing itself on the eighth of December.

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BMW 3-Series: "Is this perfection? History has shown that there’s always room for improvement. But even so, in our view, no current family of cars comes closer to that elusive target." 

TGCG: No argument here.

Cadillac CTS & CTS-V: "Cadillac has created many memorable cars. This one is unforgettable." 

TGCG: Stretching only slightly less, I'd say that the CTS is memorable, the V version unforgettable.

Chevrolet Corvette: "... the standard Corvette coupe and convertible continue to deliver a level of performance and style that’s unbeatable for the money." 

TGCG: Indeed, it is the ZR1 and Z06 that show what tremendous value the regular 'Vette represents, even Chevrolet can't make its own car look overpriced.

Honda Accord: "It’s equally clear that the Accord has evolved steadily to maintain its position as a mainstream pacesetter."

TGCG: Contrary for the sake of being contrary, the thought that at some point Honda may need to revolutionize the Accord rather than simply evolve their midsize car can't help making a nest in my brain; not because Honda will need to but because I want them to. The Accord was a Good 12-winner last year.

Honda Fit: "If there’s a better combination of thrift, practicality, and fun-to-drive, we haven’t seen it yet."

TGCG: In last year's Good 12, regarding the old Fit, " The Fit possesses sharp steering, a snickety-snick gearshift or even a 5-speed automatic, and remarkable economy."

Infiniti G37: "We're not immune to the appeal of more power, of course, but there's more to the G's story than increased muscle."

TGCG: The G was a winner at GCBC last year, too. Competition has stiffened, however, even as the G improved.

Jaguar XF: "As pleasant as it is to behold, the XF’s most compelling attribute is outstanding dynamics."

TGCG: Only the letdown from the C-XF concept that led up to the XF keeps it from attaining glory at GoodCarBadCar.net.

Mazda MX-5 Miata: "... the steering provides that rare sense of connection that makes the car an extension of the driver's will."

TGCG: Yet, not as much of an extension as it once was. It is not the Miata's downfall - no not at all -  just a small discouraging factor that makes me wonder why C/D infuses such exaggeration. 

Porsche Boxster/Cayman: "Neither of these mechanically identical mid-engined cousins can be called inexpensive."

TGCG: A problem, is it not? The Boxster is so deserving, the Cayman incredible but undeserving. So much more money for slightly better handling and the loss of drop-top ability?

Volkswagen GTI: "As an added bonus, GTI ownership includes an exceptionally high practicality factor."

TGCG: The GTI isn't special because its fun... for a hatchback. It is fun first and foremost; its hatchbackness secondary.

RUINED!

"Take a sad song and make it better", sang the Beatles. Ford decided to switch the lyrics to: "Take a pretty car and make it much worse".


I shan't be harsh. Ford's Verve sedan - the 4-door is a necessary body configuration to compete in China - has just debuted and it proves how adding a trunk can ruin a terrific body. Nevertheless, the Verve sedan is still a terrific looking automobile, just very awkwardly proportioned from some angles.

Chevy's latest Malibu is a much better car in every way when compared with its predecessor. Yet that car, the Malibu sedan, was taken to a new level of ugliness when stretched and fitted with a hatch. As if the front end hadn't been bad enough already, Chevrolet designers outdid themselves at the rear.


The story is much the same, but switched around, at Nissan. The Versa hatchback appears athletically honed and toned in the way a 6-foot tall, 120 pound 14 year-old boy deals with a basketball bouncing off his size 14 shoes. Then again, Nissan's late-coming Versa sedan appears athletic.... only in how it compares with a first time quarterback attempting to escape Michael Strahan.


Volkswagen's Golf/Rabbit/GTI doesn't stun you with its beauty or uniqueness. It does the job, however, and manages to offend few while cutting a clean line. Then again, the same car can be morphed into the Golf Plus Dune. Gross.


The Peugeot 206 was a very successful and cheeky French hatchback. The same French automaker managed to convert it into a dreadfully awful and dowdy 'saloon'.



Toyota imported the Echo sedan to North America and left every passerby with a bad taste in their mouth. How did such offensive bodywork escape the same design HQ as its companion, the Echo hatch?

WORLD CAR NEWS BY NUMBERS

90: Percentage of commitment General Motors was lending the Volt plug-in hybrid concept, says Bob Lutz

100: Percentage of commitment GM now feels toward the Volt, if Bob Lutz's phrase, "totally committed" is to be understood as 100%

40-45: Miles of electric-only drive the Volt will be tested with in early 2008, although Lutz now says the production car will not look anything like the original concept was a "cruel disappointment" in the wind tunnel

49,975: Base price, in the US market and in USD, of the Jaguar XF


62,975: Base price of the supercharged Jaguar XF

300: Horsepower developed by the 4.2L V8 in the base XF

420: Horsepower developed by the supercharged 4.2L V8 in the XF

1181: Cost, in $, you'll pay for every tenth of a second saved in the charge to 0-60mph, upon choosing the supercharged XF rather than the naturally-aspirated version


11: Extra inches in the wheelbase of Hyundai's Genesis Coupe concept as compared with the current Tiburon

2: Driven wheels in the Genesis Coupe and Tiburon, although the driven wheels in the Genesis are at the rear end of the car

4: Cylinders under the hood of the production version of the Genesis Coupe, although the 4-cylinder engine will likely be turbocharged and produce substantially more power than the current Tiburon V6

300: Horsepower produced by the V6 up-option engine in the production Genesis coupe

8: Cylinders available in the production version of the Genesis sedan