Category: On The Road: Driving Impressions

The 4.2L V8 has that solid delivery of horsepower & torque, much like a punch delivered by John Wayne whereas the supercharged 3.0L V6 will probably deliver a punch more like that of Bruce Lee.

Lexus introduced their first hybrid-only model for 2010MY. From a company among the pioneers of hybrid technology, the HS 250h is a disappointment.

The Q7 TDi is a nicely styled, outstandingly crafted vehicle, powered by what we consider its best powertrain - the 3.0L V6 turbo diesel with 225-horsepower and 406 lb-ft of torque. Unfortunately, in the Q7, this engine has to pull 5,512 pounds (5,512 !!!!!!!!!!!!!). Off the line at part throttle the Q7 TDi feels stuck in the sand. Once you are rolling, if you go pedal to the metal, the torque kicks in and the Q7 feels great.

Ford launches a premium small car, and should handily take best-in-class honors for 2011MY.

The debate over the usefulness of traditional, capable SUVs in today’s world seems to be coming to a close, with the more efficient and car-based crossover winning the argument. Who really needs a rock-climbing 12-mpg mountain goat on four wheels when all it gets used for is to pick up the kids from school and get to the mall?
For mainstream customers, there is no doubt that a crossover is a far better and more rational choice. But at the upper echelons of the marketplace, it’s not about rationale. It’s about image. It’s about knowing that even though the most challenging incline you’ll ever encounter is the spiral ramp that goes up the Beverly Center parking structure, your vehicle could scale Everest. Think about it: why else are commercial grade Viking appliances and five-figure digital SLR cameras so [...]

Cadillac's SRX has what it takes to challenge the Luxury Crossover SUV segment.

Honda's Accord Crosstour: Familiar. Maybe a little too much so?

The 2011 Ford Mustang has all new engines - a new 3.7L V6 and an all new unique-to-Mustang 5.0L V8. This has been reported in the media, buff books, blogosphere, etc for the past couple of months. But after being exposed to the 2011 iteration of the Mustang, there is much more than meets the eye.

We recently got a chance to drive the European version of the Ford Fiesta, which is due to hit American Ford showrooms this summer. Engineered and developed mostly by Ford’s European unit in Köln, Germany (but using a platform developed by Mazda), the Fiesta is an early example of the company’s One Ford initiative that aims to leverage its global resources and commonize Ford products around the world. Up until now, Ford has usually developed specific Fords for specific markets, but the company believes that global tastes are converging and offering greater opportunities for cars like the small Fiesta to come to North America.

We recently got a chance to drive the European version of the Ford Fiesta, which is due to hit American Ford showrooms this summer. Engineered and developed mostly by Ford’s European unit in Köln, Germany (but using a platform developed by Mazda), the Fiesta is an early example of the company’s One Ford initiative that aims to leverage its global resources and commonize Ford products around the world. Up until now, Ford has usually developed specific Fords for specific markets, but the company believes that global tastes are converging and offering greater opportunities for cars like the small Fiesta to come to North America.