LEWIS, TUNDRA, SOLO MERCURY

McLaren Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton, last year's runner-up in Formula 1, was fined about €800 for driving over 120mph (190+km/h) in a 80mph (130km/h) zone. His Mercedes was confiscated and his license suspended.

He will be permitted to test his McLaren racer. In fact, Lewis can drive anywhere except France, where, for one month, Lewis isn't permitted behind the wheel.

Poor fella. Ironically, former F1 champion Michael Schumacher, a man widely considered to be a potential candidate for best driver ever, is under investigation for an exciting taxi ride through Munich last week. Schumi figured he could get his family to the airport faster than cab driver Tuncer Yilmax. So, that's what Schumi did, giving his family and Mr. Yilmax the ride of their lives. They made their flight, but German police don't like the fact that Michael broke the law. You're not allowed to commandeer taxicabs. Whatever.

MotorTrend has named the Toyota Tundra its truck of the year. Don't be too hard on MT for picking a truck that was just named in a recall (a recall that doesn't include any accidents or injuries). Afrer all, what truckmaker hasn't come under a recent recall?

Silly I know, but Mercury was, until recently, selling cars at Mercury-only dealerships. The last such store, Community Motor in Pennsylvania, just closed its doors. Community Motor sold new Mercury's for 57 years, but their best yearly total was way back in 1989.

Also, just minutes ago, the "35mpg by 2020" bill in the United States Congress passed and will head for the ballpoint pen of George W. Read this for more info on the bill.

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

MORE TRUCK RECALLS

15,600 Toyota Tundra's are the latest trucks to come under the shadow - deep, dark, and ugly - of the R word.

Recall. The new Tundra joins its major Ford and Dodge competition in suffering a recall in the last couple weeks. Here are Toyota's words:

"On certain 2007 model year Tundra vehicles, there is a possibility that a joint in the rear propeller shaft may have been improperly heat treated, resulting in insufficient hardness. In the worst case, a section of the rear propeller shaft may separate at the joint. There has been one case reported among all affected vehicles that may relate to this condition. The one case involved abnormal noise and did not involve an accident."

Notification will begin late this month. To read about more about recalls, click here. Dodge's and Ford's stories are present.

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

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

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

BEST CONCEPTS/BEST HYBRIDS

CNNMoney, with help from AOL Autos and Edmunds.com has homed in the most cost-effective hybrids available to buyers today. Meanwhile, BusinessWeek named the best concept cars of 2007.

Edmunds.com chose vehicles with which to compare each hybrid vehicle. That meant the Toyota Prius ran up against a 4-cylinder Camry, but all other competitors were contrasted with their equivalent gasoline-fired model. After calculating the added cost of purchasing the hybrid, CNNMoney figured the fuel savings and the relationship between the two. In other words, how long will it take to recoup the loss? The lower the number, the higher you finish.

So, the Prius came first; followed by Chevy's Malibu, the Toyota Camry, Ford Escape, Saturn Vue, Mercury Mariner, Honda Civic, Nissan Altima, Saturn Aura, Lexus GS450h, Lexus RX400h, Toyota Highlander, and Lexus LS600h L. Estimates for the Prius come in at 4.2 years, stretch to 5.8 years for the Vue Green Line, all the way to 3,771 years in the Lexus LS. You read that right. 3-7-7-1.

MotorTrend's findings in an Altima/Aura/Camry comparo do not mirror that of the CNNMoney study.

BusinessWeek chose the Audi Metroproject Quattro, Chevrolet Beat, Chevrolet Volt, Ford Verve, and Toyota FT-HS among others as the best concept vehicles of 2007.

CAR NEWS BITE

Fluent in German? www.Mercedes-Benz.de showcases the new look of M-B websites that'll be seen across the world. Considering the fact that 50,000,000 people utilized a Benz website last year, reconfiguring the site is a fairly important process. The result seems swell, but the language barrier is keeping me from knowing for sure.

Poor Toyota Motor Corp: the current recall touches the hundreds of thousands. Lexus GS, Lexus IS, and Toyota Crown and Mark X models in Japan may all suffer from potentially faulty fuel pipes. The recall affects 264,000 vehicles in Japan, USA, Canada, and England, and Germany.

BEST WINTER CARS PART II

BusinessWeek's automotive section recently showcased winter's best automobiles. Along with the vehicles brandished ↓ and in Part I, BusinessWeek provided some interesting statistics.


SUBARU OUTBACK: BW says: "The Outback has as much ground clearance as the taller Tribeca SUV (which is based on the same platform), and like all Subarus, the Outback has permanent all-wheel drive as standard equipment." TGCG says: "The Outback is an obvious choice and obviously good."


VOLVO XC70: BW says: "Ground clearance is almost three inches higher than the V70 wagon, and only a fraction of an inch less than the more imposing Volvo XC90 SUV." TGCG says: "The previous XC70 was the most comfortable vehicle I've ever spent a weekend in, a weekend with snow and sun. I expect nothing less from the new Cross Country."

AUDI A6 AVANT: BW says: "Besides Audi's Quattro all-wheel-drive system, the A6 Avant has headlight washers. Standard equipment includes heated front seats and heated exterior mirrors. A cold-weather package of options ($600) includes heated rear seats, a heated steering wheel, and a removable ski sack to keep melted snow from dripping in the rear cargo area." TGCG says: "Much as I love the headlight washers, I stick to the imposing appearance and impressive capabilities as reasons for making wintry use of an A6 wagon."

TOYOTA SIENNA: BW says: "The Sienna is rare among minivans in that it has all-wheel drive in its highest trim and equipment levels." TGCG says: "You and your's and their's and their stuff will fit comfortably and possibly unaware of the peril outside."

HONDA RIDGELINE: BW says: "The oddly styled Honda Ridgeline gets good marks for off-road performance in slippery conditions, with a driver-friendly combination of all-wheel drive, traction control, antilock brakes, stability control, and a five-speed automatic transmission that helps take care of most slippery situations automatically." TGCG says: "It may look funny, but the Ridgeline is capability personified."

TOYOTA FJ CRUISER: BW says: "Toyota says the FJ Cruiser is the most capable off-road SUV in the Toyota lineup." TGCG says: "That lineup is freakin' full of SUV's, too. Put a plow on the front and take care of every driveway in the neighbourhood. So cool."

HUMMER H2: BW says: "Features aimed more specifically at Old Man Winter include heated front and rear seats, heated outside mirrors, and remote starting." TGCG says: "Read my review."

RANGE ROVER: BW says: "With a single knob, the driver can select one of five modes, depending on the road (or off-road) surface: general, for everyday pavement; grass/gravel/snow, for slippery conditions; sand; mud and ruts; and "rock crawl." The system governs throttle response, automatic transmission operation, electronic differentials, antilock brakes, the air suspension, traction control, and hill descent control." TGCG says: "It may be the world's most impressive all-around vehicle... the Queen seems to think so."

SATURN VUE: BW says: "The front-drive version, with a four-cylinder engine sitting over the driving wheels, probably provides enough winter traction for most people, coupled with antilock brakes, traction control, and electronic stability control, all standard—plus winter tires, which cost extra." TGCG says: "The Vue is almost cool now, but not if the badge lacks the V6 and AWD alphanumerics."

TOYOTA TUNDRA: BW says: "Something called the Tundra better be able to go (and stop) in the snow, and with optional all-wheel drive this pickup certainly has the right equipment, subject to proper tires." TGCG says: "The Tundra is fast, and will accelerate almost as quickly in slippery conditions when badged 4x4. But be careful, you've many thousands of pounds to slow down."

TOYOTA IQ VIDEO EXPLAINS FOUR SEATS IN SMALL CAR

Visual learners unite. Toyota has released a video (seen below) to help explain how the iQ is able to squeeze four seats inside a car that's less than three metres in length. The Good Car Guy already made most of Toyota's points clear, but for those of you who listen better than you read or need diagrams to make up for your lack of imagination, the video should help.

TOYOTA SHOWS FOUR ADULTS INSIDE THE IQ

Toyota set out on a mission to build a four-passenger car with an exterior length of less than three metres. The result, as we know, is the iQ. Now Toyota is going to let us see through the roof into the cabin in order to better understand the space arrangement.

The fact is, Toyota isn't positioning this as a competitor to the Camry or even the tiny sedans American and Chinese consumers are beginning to swoop up. However, the iQ does something the smart fortwo can't - and that is simply offering a rear passenger compartment.

For more on the iQ click here

How did they do it? A new differential helped create a smaller engine bay and cut out extra space between the front bumper and the accelerator. A flat fuel tank under the floor was a huge difference maker. The asymmetrical dashboard is possible because of a tiny but apparently no-less efficient A/C unit. The front seats are super-thin, carving out an extra 40mm of space for rear passengers compared with normal seats.

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?

JAPAN'S CAR NEWS

You've seen how the latest Impreza WRX makes the run-of-the-mill Impreza look timid and powerless. Now you see the STi. WRX? Timid and powerless in the sight of this monster. I picture Camry and C-class buyers being totally in fear of the body addenda. Front air dam, massive hood scoop, low-hanging rocker panels, and a nuclear exhaust note exiting from quad pipes combine to generate an Impreza to be feared. The Subaru Impreza WRX STi utilizes a turbocharged flat-four and its 305bhp and 290 lb-ft of torque aid the cause of inciting fear.

Problem? Just the one: This upcoming STi is $1,500 more than STi's were in the '07 model year, $2,000 more than they were in 2006, $2,550 more than the price of an '05 STi, $3,875 more than the WRX STi's of 2004, and perhaps almost $5,000 more than the cost of the equally new and fearful Mitsubishi EvoX in base form.

Toyota showcased its brand-new Sequoia in Los Angeles. 381bhp from a 5.7L V8 will be available. Suspension is indepenent at both ends. The Sequoia's chief engineer, Motoharu Araya, lived for a short while with an American family who owned a fullsize SUV in order to understand how these beasts are used by families. That aforementioned 5.7L is mated with a 6-speed auto, while the base 4.7L engine sticks with a 5-speed. Toyota's big ute will be available with air suspension and monstrous 20-inch wheels. Speaking of air, the drag coefficient of 0.35 is remarkably low for such a large box and would have been unheard of only a few years ago. This CoD must be partially responsible for a larger and more powerful vehicle becoming more fuel efficient.


There was an altercation between environmentalists and a Toyota boss following the Sequoia debut, which you can read about here on GoodCarBadCar. It appears to my eye, as an aside that Toyota's interpretation of the square-jawed American truck styling theme is better showcased on the Sequoia than the pickup version of same, the Tundra. That pic above just seems to be - dare I say it..... handsome.

Toyota's luxury-brand, Lexus, assumed the number 1 spot in J.D. Power's measurement of customer satisfaction. The Sales Satisfaction Index is based on customer satisfaction in five areas including: dealership facility, delivery process, vehicle price, finance process, and salesperson.

With Lexus riding at the top, the SSI basically suggests that your buying experience is best if you're buying at a Lexus store. Hummer, Jaguar, Lincoln, and Mercedes followed Lexus in the standings. Perhaps more importantly, for the second year in a row, the industry as a whole united to achieve a record high score. Lexus topped the list at 897 out of 1,000, but the manufacturers' overall score was up five points from last year to 852.

Buick, Cadillac, Saturn, Porsche, Mercury, Land Rover, BMW, Pontiac, GMC, Saab, Volvo, Acura, Audi, Chevrolet, Ford, Infiniti, and Mini were all above average on the SSI. Volkswagen, Chrysler, Honda, Kia, Toyota, Subaru, Scion, Hyundai, Dodge, and Jeep scored below the average mark.

TOYOTA TROUBLES

CNN reported on Toyota's LA Auto Shows problems and its assorted difficulties online today. Read about that here. Keep in mind, as CNN itself puts it at the end of the article, "And Toyota continues to have a lot in its favor...." and continues with ".....Toyota last week reported a hefty $4 billion profit in its fiscal second quarter....." and ends with ".....Toyota sold 7.05 million vehicles in the first nine months of this year." CNN Autos article is a must-read, nonetheless.

The video clip in question shot by the Rainforest Action Network (not a group of people too familiar with the purchasing of Sequoia) can be seen below. Assume or believe or think what you like about the practices of RAN, Toyota marketing, hybrids, law suits, or CAFE. But rest assured, Bob Carter will regret this day for a long time. If his goal was to come across as an arrogant; haughty; and condescending rich guy, then he met success today. The clip is ↓, with RAN's YouTube descriptor below that.



Rainforest Action Network stumps Toyota General Manager Bob Carter after his presentation at the 2007 LA Autoshow with a simple question: "Why not drop the lawsuit against California"

At a loss for words, Bob hits the camera out of my hands. Thanks Bob.

TOYOTA INSULTS FRESNO

Remember when the best behaved kid in grade four got in trouble? He wasn't perfect to begin with, and everybody in the class - except for the teacher - knew it. But then you saw just how smart he was when he apologized to the class, the principal, and especially the teacher for his wrongdoing.

He was smart; ya had to give him that. He righted his wrongs and "meant no offense." Toyota wrote Fresno, California's mayor to express similar feelings. "Please accept our deepest apology for this serious error in judgment," said they to Mayor Autry. Toyota ran an advert on the east coast, you see. Critiquing west coast cities for being low-budget, ghost towns and tourist stops makes no friends. But it does get you the attention of the automotive blogosphere and thousands still see the ad. (It's available for viewing ↓)

BLAA DESIGN LEADS TO CONFUSION

Stories are not a typical part of the GoodCarBadCar experience, but tonight's anecdote is burning within me.

The Good Car Girl and I are about to remove our groceries from our cart and into the backseat of the car after an expensive troll through Sobeys' aisles and a difficult decision process in front of the painkillers (too much eye time in front of this screen?) As I reached back to the cart behind me for another bag or two, I saw a man - we're assuming he was 45 years young - circling a dime about thirty feet from us.

/The Google Earth rendition of tonight's experience, click to see larger image/

Rotation after rotation after rotation. I am not callously indifferent. Had he been a she, and had she been over 65 or 70 years old, I'd have likely volunteered help, depending upon the friendliness of her countenance. He only had a couple bags, however, and didn't yet appear stressed out.

I watched as he trodded back towards the entrance to peer afresh over the parking lot. He was only an aisle off from his original presumed location; just two rows of vehicles and a median in the way. But....

His car was silvery-grey. When silver began to take over the colour wheel in the offices of automaker paint choosers, things looked up. Easily cleaned, somewhat classy, refusing to show salt grime. Then, silver took over the consumer's colour wheel. Now, every second car in the grocery store parking lot is silver. Or so it seems.

Secondly, he was the driver of a previous-generation Camry. Camry, in North America, is synonymous with quality, reliability, and durability.

As well as commonplace, familiar, ubiqitous, routine. Wonderest thou why he couldn't find his car? Alzheimers, dementia, high stress - none seemed present. He was driving a silver Toyota Camry.

/And this is the so-called sporty version of an '03 Camry/

The Good Car Girl and I both chuckled. A little less blaa, my friends... a little less blaa would be nice. Give me unique flair, ingenuity, creativity. Escape from the chains that bind your stylistic pens; the bonds that inhibit newer and better proportions from developing. And let this man drive a car with distinguished lines and a vibrant hue. Let it be. Let it be.

LAND CRUISER @ MT SUOTY

Broadcasters have already informed the world that Motor Trend's sport-utility vehicle of the year is the Mazda CX-9. Most of this crossover/utility vehicle's competitors were like-minded - relatively commodious but not so capable off-road. A vehicle needs to be new or significantly revised to gain entry into Motor Trend's SUOTY competition, so past greats like the Land Rover LR3 and Mercedes-Benz GL-class weren't permitted.

Buick sent the Enclave, Hyundai's Veracruz performed admirably, Jeep competed with both the Patriot and Liberty, while Land Rover's LR2 was the only vehicle badged "luxury", although many compete with luxury-like pricing. The Nissan Rogue, Saturn Vue, Subaru Tribeca, Toyota Highlander, and Toyota Land Cruiser rounded out the field.

Read The Good Car Guy's review of the Vue after driving it at GM's Milford Proving Grounds

The Land Cruiser was the most expensive, most powerful, heaviest, and quickest vehicle in this year's event. Toyota's brute also towed more than any other entry and guzzled fuel on the highway at the highest rate. It's not surprising that the big Toyota emits more C02 than all comers. Unfortunately, despite its girth it doesn't hold the most or rise to the top of the "people miles per gallon". Interestingly, of all 11 combatants, the three other off-road capable vehicles were all slower around MT's figure-eight course. Here are the numbers:

• Price as tested? $60,000
• Horsepower? 381
• Weight? 5920 pounds
• Towing capacity? 8500 pounds
• 0-60mph? 6.5 seconds
• Quarter mile? 14.9 seconds
• Highway fuel economy? 18 mpg
• C02 emissions? 1.31 pounds/mile (est)
  

BREAKING NEWS - TOYOTA, LEXUS, SUBARU & MERCEDES-BENZ POST BEST EVER OCTOBER SALES IN CANADA

Toyota's sales figures for the month of October in the True North Strong and Free stand up as the world's best-selling automotive manufacturer's best ever month in Canada. Toyota sold 14,539 vehicles; Lexus sold another 1,304 marking its best ever October.

Also setting "personal bests": Subaru, with 1,784 vehicles sold, and Mercedes-Benz, just ten vehicles under 2K. Diesels were under the hood of 51.7% of all Mercedes-Benz vehicles sold. 72.7% of all Mercedes-Benz cars and SUVs were kitted out with all-wheel drive. Click here for Honda info and check back soon for full rundowns of the Canadian and American October sales statistics.

NEW MATRIX

Along with the 2009 Corolla's debut came the Matrix. The Matrix is a much younger member of the Toyota family and a very successful type of vehicle in much of the world. Many of us want a small and inexpensive vehicle but need space, so raising the roof and adding some style is an answer to the Corolla-haters.

Only the mid-range Matrix will offer all-wheel drive, meaning the added weight penalty can't be overcome by the more powerful 2.4L engine that's also seen in the Corolla. 2.4's mate with the XRS badge, while base and S models use a 1.8L. Fuel economy for the 1.8L four-cylinder should be over 30mpg whether you choose (and choose you should) the automatic or manual transmission. The larger four-cylinder mates with that manual or gains an extra gear in automatic versions.


Toyota enhanced the style quotient of the Matrix, but it won't be to all tastes. Who cares? Desire ye a Corolla which nobody will even take note of as "the new one" or a car that actually challenges your inner design palate. Besides, whether you enjoy the appearance of the shovel nose and funny rear window shape, the Matrix makes its best and biggest statement when the rear hatch is opened.


It's been 50 years since Toyota opened up shop in the USA, but a present-day Corolla could only dream of showing the progress displayed by the next Matrix. Expect to see plenty (especially you, Canadian readers) on roads come late winter.

2 VEHICLES - 1 good, 1 bad

Though the title of this site is worded strongly, proclaiming a vehicle "bad" is rare. The Good Car Guy would rather focus on the good anyway. Good cars provide plenty more fun. The Hummer H3 pickup will be seen at dealers - for consumer purchase - late in 2008. Expect the five-cylinder and the V8 to be available in crew cab format. If you want a pickup, spend your money on a new Silverado or F150. (Read The Good Car Guy's review of the H2 here.) If you need a Hummer, take the relatively lightweight H3 or, better yet, buy a practical and usable vehicle. Don't buy the H3 pickup.


Is there any potential of the Five Axis Yaris Club being built? It's unlikely, to say the least. But it would certainly bring some spice to your local Toyota showroom, something GoodCarBadCar just posted as a Toyota necessity today. Five Axis supercharged the small four-cylinder and chopped off anything that sat above the waistline; chopping a bit too much, perhaps. Toyota is about the last automaker you could ever expect to build something like this aftermarket-chopped Yaris.



It would take a pseudo-Renault or Citroenish mindset to pull this off. Toyota did say, however, that this Yaris Club pays homage to "Toyota's racing heritage harkening back to the late '60s when Toyota challenged for the Group 7 category of Can-Am racing with the Toyota 7."