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

CRAZY FAST GT-R

Thanks to Edmunds.com's Inside Line, we now have acceleration times for the Nissan GT-R. Granted, 0-60mph isn't everything. Sometimes it's misleading; pointless; and impossible to replicate.


However..... the GT-R hit 60 in 3.3 seconds at a test track in Japan. As far as Edmunds.com's testing goes, that's faster than a Porsche 911 Turbo, Chevrolet Corvette Z06, and Dodge Viper. Does 0-60 testing matter?

We're talking about some of the highest performing cars in the world. The GT-R races to 60 in a Ferrari 599 at a fraction of the price, but does so in style and with plenty of technology. It also does so with the Nissan version of launch control - the engine computer holding revs at 4,500rpm until the driver releases the brake - without which the GT-R needs 4.0 seconds to hit the magic number.

Again, does 0-60 testing matter? Does cupholder counting in a minivan make any difference? What about the ultimate fuel efficiency of subcompacts or the trailer-towing capability of pickup trucks? Everything needs context, and when the context is Z06, SRT10, GT-R, and 911..... yes, 0-60 testing is worth the bother.

By the way, the GT-R ran the quarter in 11.6 seconds at 120.9mph. Expect the American car mags (Car&Driver, MotorTrend) to have a chance at topping these Inside Line numbers.

THE NOSES OF VOLVO

"Travelling in a car should be a pleasant experience for the nose as well."

These are the words of Patrik Libander, a Volvo engineer in charge of the smell test panel. Yes, the smell test panel.


Volvo has two four-man teams responsible for applying exhaustive smell tests on their cars. Efforts to build a device that could take the place of a human nose - or eight human noses - have failed. Capable humans are vetted as seriously as dogs for the K9 units of police forces. You must have a sense of smell in tune with others in your group; be sensitive but not overly so; and be a non-smoker.

Why is Volvo obsessed with scent? Say they, " The interior of a modern vehicle contains many different materials that contain chemical substances. While most of these substances remain locked in the material, small quantities can evaporate, creating that “new car smell”. The panel monitors these substances and the smells they may cause in the cabin." When a team sets forth to sniff out an interior, the car must rate no higher than a 3 to pass the test. A rating of 1 indicates no noticeable smell, while a 6 is unbearable.

The testers also make use of a sunshine simulator that brings up the temperature of the interior. Next, equipment is used to test for Total Volatile Organic Compounds. Only then does the team hop in and sniff from a human perspective.

Volvo's have always been known as the perfect vehicles for families with dogs. The connection between beast and Volvo is now clear.

BMW xDrive50i

Sure, 400 bhp and 450 lb-ft of torque sounds sweet. Two turbochargers on a BMW V8 combining to generate the power? Tasty indeed. But BMW's X6, with awkward model names like xDrive50i and xDrive35i (300bhp 3.0L twin-turbo six), must compete in-house before it even considers conquest sales. Could this be the German version of the Isuzu VehiCross, Suzuki X90, or Chevrolet Tahoe 2-door?

Reminiscent of Porsche's scheme with the incredible Cayman, the X6 will battle the X5, 5-series wagons, and even the X3. In fact, the oddities of buyers who purchase a vehicle like this will be proven by their cross-shopping with other versions of the 'newest and latest'. The Cayman is hardtop only, whereas the Boxster allows you to drop the top. The Cayman is a better performer, but not so much as to demand such a price increase. It mightn't be as pretty, either.

The X6 poses similar issues. It's an impractical, niche product that may be better than an X5 on the road, but not so much as to necessitate the purchase of an expensive and, dare I say it, ugly duckling. Yes, it's true. From some angles, the X6 is stunning....ly awful. Not to say there won't be interested parties.


This BMW is the newest and latest thing, after all. And it happens to offer a V8 engine that could have federal environment ministers seeking new portfolios. Industry; or perhaps Public Works or Transport. Some place where gas guzzling is permitted. This 4.4L will want to play.

I wanted to hold my tongue. I tried. But the pictures of this dog are everywhere, and it was eating at my insides. Apologies to the designer.

THE TATA XJR?

Consider it a safe assumption that you'll never see an XJR, XK, or XF rebadged as a Tata. Reports are also pushing speculation into safe assumptions that Tata is about to land Jaguar and Land Rover for $2,000,000,000, however.

Time the purchase of Ford Motor Company's remaining British outposts with the debut of a $2,500 People's Car, too. Then again, the Tata Group also owns hotels with rates as high as $2,795 per night in Mumbai, charter planes for Bollywood stars, and high-end jewellery stores, in addition to Tetley Tea, Tata AIG Life, Tata Cummins, and Tata McGraw Hill. Head honcho Ratan Tata says that when a company is bought by the Tata Group, things remain the same, "except now it's owned by someone in India".

If Tata truly is successful in this purchase, we should hear by the end of 2007. Another Indian company, Mahindra & Mahindra, was a bidder for Jaguar, along with One Equity Partners.

For Jaguar bosses, the worst part of the news is the extra 1,000 miles in their commute to company headquarters. India is a lot farther away than Michigan.

HUMMER JAPAN

You may've already heard about General Motors decision to send Hummer on a fast ship to Japan. Yes, Japan.

Japan is not the country where the Ford F-series outsells everything and the ever-growing Camry is the best-selling car. No, folks, Japan is the country where the Honda Fit is attempting to wrest the best-selling crown from the Toyota Corolla. Japan is not the country where legislators are trying to... er, legislate 35mpg standards while others moan and complain and try to negotiate with OPEC. No, Japan is the country where citizens receive tax breaks for driving very small cars with very small engines. You know the kind - 0.8L engines. 800cc's.

That sounds like the perfect market for Hummer. Sure, it'll be the H3, the brand's smallest member. Cadillac/Saab dealers will host their brutish affiliate.

"This looks like Hummer country, don't it Bob?".... "I believe it is, Mr. Wagoner, I believe it is."

And I have a feeling. I think I see the method to their madness. Japan's population is in decline. Attempts at incentivizing multi-child families haven't taken hold quite yet. So.... Hummer's plan? As the humans disappear and the land opens up, the remaining few will want bigger vehicles. They'll want to climb Mt. Fuji and safely deal with the snows of Hokkaido - where the depopulation is greatest - and a Honda Fit or Mitsubishi i won't cut the mustard.

Smart folks; those GM product planners. Smart folks.

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.

RUSSIAN RENAULT

At one point will Lada just be a Russian Renault? Who knows.... but there is now a chance that AvtoVAZ's most infamous brand could be on the up-and-up. Renault just took hold of a 25% stake in the Russian group.

Why the interest from the French? Russia will be Europe's most lucrative market come next decade. Combine Renault with tag team partner Nissan and the new member of the family, and you've got 40% of the market share tied up. Nation-wide sales growth + 40% marketshare at present makes for plenty of money in the future.

Renault pumped out some other major news today in F1 circles, too. Oh, by the way, the brand of car I first drove? That'd be Lada. I was 3 years old, unable to reach the pedals. Steering was a bit lifeless and not terribly accurate, as I recall.

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.

SUPPLY & DEMAND

What does a high-value Japanese supercar have in common with a German city car and an American musclecar?

Well, apart from the fact that production of each car was originally signed off by European based personnel and the fact that all three have four wheels and prefer (or mandate) most of the power to transfer through the rear wheels - they also will be hard to find on dealer lots in 2008.

Dodge Challenger, smart fortwo, and Nissan GT-R. Dodge, at least as far as plans go, won't have enough cars to satisfy the buyers that are already confirmed. smart has way more orders than potential imports (frequently the case when smart enters a new market). Nissan is nearing the maximum order total; as they relate to their American-bound imports. In otherwords, wait times for the Challenger and GT-R could approach Ferrari levels, even as the lineup for fortwo's might grow longer in light of rising fuel prices.

SLOW NEW EVO?

Pro Control Driving's chief instructor, Erwin Nagl, tore around a 2.78 mile configuration of Reno-Fernley Raceway in Mitsubishi Lancer Evolutions. Evo IX and Evo X, to be specific. That would be the GSR version of the previous iteration versus the GSR version of the much-hyped; more refined; big news new Evo.



The X was slower. There, it's out there - I said it. MotorTrend convened this faceoff, and unfortunately the X was 'suffering from a high-rpm misfire'. This contributed to a 0-60mph time 0.7 seconds slower than the old IX. Perhaps an equally prominent advantage for the Evo IX is its 331 weight advantage. No, these aren't sumo wrestlers - you want to weigh less than your opponent. The Evo X, like most automotive redesigns, weighs more than the Evo IX.

Thus, around Reno-Fernley, the old Mitsubishi Lancer Evo IX lapped a smidgen quicker than the Evo X. 2:34.56 beats 2:36.05. In addition to this news, MotorTrend's long-term Evo IX MR, the highest performing Evo available in America, completed a fast lap of 2:34.36.

What's this say about the new Evo? It's slower, though unofficially. With a high-rpm misfire in a slightly pre-production model, the Evo X will not lap as quickly as its predecessor. MotorTrend's tester suggested the new Evo is easier to drive quickly, without needing to get to know the intricacies of the car. Other remarks: "These traits make the IX more of a true driver's car, rewarding the skilled pilot with a level of tactility that's been dampened in the X..... Though the X may be more proper and polished when it speaks to you, the IX tells better stories..... much of the go-kart feel from the X has been supplanted with NVH-reducing measures, airbags, and such modern amenities as a nav system, cruise control, and Bluetooth..."

I doubt a 'soft' Evo will seem soft to Audi A4 or BMW 3-series buyers. I also doubt that a somewhat 'soft' reputation will hinder Evo X sales, either. A continual softening? Yeah, that would do it. So let's hope the Evo X MR, with its dual-clutch transmission and slightly lower weight will be Evo-to-the-core. As for the Evo XI? Strip away the navigation system and 331 pounds. We want the real thing.

PRIUS = SATISFACTION

Consumer Reports surveys have shown the Toyota Prius to be the most satisfying car, as told by 92% of Prius owners who would definitely consider buying another. General Motors forgotten minivan trio did very poorly, with just a third of respondents suggesting they would want another Terraza, Relay, or Uplander. They won't be given the chance - what's left of those vans is indeed all that's left of their future existence.

Other standouts included the six-cylinder Ford Fusion and the Saturn Aura, which along with the Prius and Camry Hybrid are the top four most satisfying 'family cars'. Four GM vehicles ranked at the bottom of the list, along with two Chrysler-built vehicles and the Mazda B-series; really just a Ford Ranger. Chevrolet's Corvette, Porsche's Boxster as well as the VW GTI, Ford Mustang GT, and Audi S4 were all sporty vehicles which owners would want to buy again.

Links:
Toyota.com/Prius
Consumer Reports
Chevy Uplander

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

FORD KUGA GETS POWER BUMP

Another one of those Ford Motor Company vehicles you can't have, in addition to the excellent Euro Focus; Mondeo; and S-Max, the Ford Kuga represents all that Ford's North American-market vehicles aren't. Cool, hip, trendy, efficient, fun. If it's a positive characteristic for a possible American-branded Honda CR-V competitor, the Kuga offers it.

Well, take a notch off the efficiency meter for this post, but only slightly. See, Ford is suggesting that the new 2.5L five-cylinder in the Kuga makes for a "performance flagship". While certainly more economical than a V8 Explorer, this Kuga will most assuredly be the least economical of all Kugas currently on offer. On the other hand, with 197 horsepower and 236 lb-ft of torque, the Kuga should be plenty fun to drive. 

Surely UK auto scribblers will deride anybody who buys a taller vehicle and doesn't opt for diesel. We, if given the opportunity to buy a Kuga at all, wouldn't likely be offered a diesel derivative and the thought of a handsome little urban crawler with 236 lb-ft of torque would be lovely regardless of the 2.0L turbodiesel and its 36.6 mpg available Across The Pond.

As you'd expect, a basic Kuga is less expensive than a well-equipped Focus saloon sedan in the UK but can rise steadily. The Kuga 2.5L with a 5-speed automatic? Think 4-cylinder BMW 3-Series diesel, and you'll get the pricing picture.

U.S. AUTO SALES FOR NOVEMBER 2008

Not as though you were expecting otherwise, the Numbers for November/2008 in the automotive sales segment of the economy are disastrous. Tata, whose hotel was just blown to bits by terrorists in Mumbai, continues to decline requests to release sales figures for Jaguar and Land Rover. Mini, the line in bold and itallics below, is configured that way for a significant reason. The BMW-owned British small car builder was the only brand to post sales that were better this November than in November of '07. The only others to come close to that in America were, surprisingly, Lincoln, and not-so-surprisingly, Subaru. Click here for last month's story and click here for the Canadian results.

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Toyota: -33.8% to 114,084

Ford: -30% to 103,055

Chevrolet: -36.9% to 95,756

Honda: -30.6% to 68,345

Dodge: -44.3% to 44,941

Nissan: -44.4% to 38,974

Jeep: -41.8% to 20,302

GMC: -41.5% to 20,214

Chrysler: -56% to 20,017

Hyundai: -39.7% to 19,221

Lexus: -34.7% to 16,223

BMW: -36% to 15,217

Kia: -37.2% to 15182

VW: -19.2% to 14,295

Mazda: -31.3% to 14,134

Mercedes-Benz: -38.2% to 14,102

Subaru: -7.8% to 13,706

Pontiac: -53.4% to 12,140

Cadillac: -48.3% to 8,815

Saturn: -46.2% to 8,130

Lincoln: -8.3% to 8,019

Acura: -38.9% to 7,888

Mercury: -41.4% to 7,744

Infiniti: -28% to 7,631

Buick: -43.3% to 7,516

Audi: -25.4% to 6,788

Mitsubishi: -35.4% to 5096

Mini: +43% to 4,545

Volvo: -46.5% to 4,404

Suzuki: -46% to 3,216

Hummer: -63.9% to 1,454

Porsche: -48.2% to 1,378

Saab: -57.5% to 852

GENERAL MOTORS PLAN FOR CONGRESS BY THE NUMBERS

The United States Congress wants specifics, General Motors plans to offer Congress specifics. Well, some specifics. With the emphasis on the Numbers, GoodCarBadCar.net has narrowed down GM's tentative plan for consumption.

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3- brands to be sold, or killed, including Saab; Hummer; and Saturn

6,000,000,000- total money, in USD, requested in revolving credit form were unanticipated market changes to arise

4,700- total U.S. dealerships after a sharp reduction from the current 6,450

12,000,000,000- total money, in USD, General Motors is requesting in bridge loans, the type of loan that is typically short-term in lieu of finance rearrangement in the future, "with warrants issued as part of the loans" whereby taxpayers would "benefit from growth in the company's share price that might result from successful completion of the plan. Ha, "might".

30,000- potential job losses as a "workforce reduction" plan goes in to effect, taking the number of total GM employees from 96,000 to 65,000-75,000

4,000,000,000- total money, in USD, needed now for operating costs and to begin repaying loans

2012- year by which GM wants its wages and benefits to be fully competitive with the wages and benefits offered by Toyota

2,900,000,000- total money, in USD, to be invested in alternative fuels and advanced propulsion technologies from 2015-2012

12,500,000- total American vehicle sales volume at which General Motors would be able to compete successfully were the plan to take action

BREAKING NEWS - TOYOTA, LEXUS, AUDI & MERCEDES-BENZ, MINI POSTING RECORD SALES IN CANADA

Ironically, on a day when Canada's figurehead Governor General, Michaelle Jean, will fly home from Europe to deal with a political crisis that was precipitated to some degree by a lack of extra funding to the automotive manufacturing sector, Toyota says that its best ever year (and it's only December 2nd) comes as a result of Canadian-built models. Excuse the long sentence - The Good Car Guy gets excited over irony.

Not only has Toyota already surpassed 2007's record-setting sales total through just eleven months, but Audi has done so, as well. Lexus and Mercedes-Benz both posted their best-ever Novembers, too.

Details will be forthcoming over the next day or so regarding both American auto sales for November as well as Canadian sales figures. For now, consider that Toyota Canada sold more than 200,000 cars in one year for the first time ever and did so in just eleven months. Lexus Canada sold at a record-setting pace for the 8th consecutive month. Audi Canada set an annual record for the third straight year but did so this year in just eleven months. Meanwhile, Mercedes-Benz's year-to-date growth stands at 27.7% through November.

Toyota's Corolla, Matrix, and RAV4 along with the Lexus RX350 all posted huge sales gains and are all built in Canada.

UPDATE: Mini has joined the flock of best-ever folk with its eighth-consecutive month of record sales and a best-ever November. Chrysler, Honda, Acura BMW, and Volkswagen are all down - some by large margins - but Jetta sales are waaaaaay up because of new Clean Diesel TDI availability