The 2011 International Geneva Motor Show opens up for everyone on March 3rd and runs until March 13. They have posted the list of exhibitors on the site here. The exhibitor platforms are here. So get ready to stock up on best tattoo removal creams since I know you are going to party down.
Quite a few exhibits are most definitely going to be in the "Green" trend. Their website even has a conveniently placed poll asking if you care about about alternative vehicles. This comes on the heals of Obama's reaffirmation that he wants 1 million electric vehicles on the road by 2015.
Saturday, February 19, 2011
50 Years of Jaguar Iconic E-Type
The 50th year of the Jaguar E-Type will get a bit of a spotlight at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show. Jaguar will then take their tour on the road to celebrate at Goodwood’s Revival and Festival of Speed, the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, the Nurburgring Old Timer Grand Prix and a host of Jaguar customer, dealer and lifestyle events worldwide.
When it was launched in 1961, the appeal of E-Type transcended the automotive world. Such is the inherent rightness of its proportions, stance and purity of line (like vitamin c serum for face), that it is a permanent exhibit in New York’s Museum of Modern Art.
The now iconic E-Type set new standards in automotive design and performance when it was launched in 1961. Its influence is still apparent in Jaguar’s modern range: cars that offer a peerless blend of performance, comfort, cutting-edge technology and award-winning design. more
When it was launched in 1961, the appeal of E-Type transcended the automotive world. Such is the inherent rightness of its proportions, stance and purity of line (like vitamin c serum for face), that it is a permanent exhibit in New York’s Museum of Modern Art.
The now iconic E-Type set new standards in automotive design and performance when it was launched in 1961. Its influence is still apparent in Jaguar’s modern range: cars that offer a peerless blend of performance, comfort, cutting-edge technology and award-winning design. more
2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee Given Another Made Up Award
This is one of the funny things about automobiles. There are so many random, made up awards, from so many sources that it feels like NCAA Bowl games. If you don't get one you must have really been awful
Apparently there is an award called the Official Winter Vehicle of New England Award by the New England Motor Press Association (NEMPA). Not Car of the Year, or Best SUV, or even Best Vehicle for Users of diet pills, but Official Winter Vehicle.
I don't think there is a day that goes by where I don't see a vehicle getting an award from some random car magazine. I think the best part about these awards is how the president of whatever group that gives them talks about why they gave the award. In this case:
"A New England winter can prove to be a harsh environment for most vehicles, but it's the perfect setting for the all-new Jeep Grand Cherokee to showcase its all-weather capability," said Mike Manley, President and CEO Jeep Brand, Chrysler Group LLC. "We are delighted that these prominent New England automotive journalists have recognized the capability, comfort and refinement of the Jeep Grand Cherokee."
Apparently there is an award called the Official Winter Vehicle of New England Award by the New England Motor Press Association (NEMPA). Not Car of the Year, or Best SUV, or even Best Vehicle for Users of diet pills, but Official Winter Vehicle.
I don't think there is a day that goes by where I don't see a vehicle getting an award from some random car magazine. I think the best part about these awards is how the president of whatever group that gives them talks about why they gave the award. In this case:
"A New England winter can prove to be a harsh environment for most vehicles, but it's the perfect setting for the all-new Jeep Grand Cherokee to showcase its all-weather capability," said Mike Manley, President and CEO Jeep Brand, Chrysler Group LLC. "We are delighted that these prominent New England automotive journalists have recognized the capability, comfort and refinement of the Jeep Grand Cherokee."
Consumers Make $33 Million in Errors With Vehicle Tax Credits
A report by SAndra Block of USA Today here states that about 20% of federal tax credits claimed for alternative and plug-in electric vehicles during the first seven months of 2010 were erroneous, costing U.S. taxpayers more than $33 million. The report is credited to the Treasury Department's inspector general for tax administration said Thursday.
The report states that:
"The tax credits are designed to encourage consumers to buy energy-efficient vehicles, such as General Motors' Chevy Volt and the Nissan Leaf, which typically cost more than conventional gas-powered vehicles. The Obama administration recently announced plans to have 1 million advanced-technology vehicles on the road by 2015.
Taxpayers who purchase eligible vehicles can receive a tax credit worth up to $7,500. The inspector general's report found, though, that most of the erroneous credits were claimed for vehicles that weren't eligible for the tax break. Ineligible vehicles owned by taxpayers who claimed the credit included the Hyundai Sonata, the Buick Enclave and a bicycle, the report found."
So what are they going to do about it? Other than try to make the forms easier to read than the ingredients on an OxyElite Pro bottle, it will require VIN numbers on the forms with a new line for new forms. It also appears they are going to try and recover the claims. From the report: "The IRS also plans to recover erroneous claims by reversing credits and conducting audits."
Lovely. Bet you can't wait to get audited.
The report states that:
"The tax credits are designed to encourage consumers to buy energy-efficient vehicles, such as General Motors' Chevy Volt and the Nissan Leaf, which typically cost more than conventional gas-powered vehicles. The Obama administration recently announced plans to have 1 million advanced-technology vehicles on the road by 2015.
Taxpayers who purchase eligible vehicles can receive a tax credit worth up to $7,500. The inspector general's report found, though, that most of the erroneous credits were claimed for vehicles that weren't eligible for the tax break. Ineligible vehicles owned by taxpayers who claimed the credit included the Hyundai Sonata, the Buick Enclave and a bicycle, the report found."
So what are they going to do about it? Other than try to make the forms easier to read than the ingredients on an OxyElite Pro bottle, it will require VIN numbers on the forms with a new line for new forms. It also appears they are going to try and recover the claims. From the report: "The IRS also plans to recover erroneous claims by reversing credits and conducting audits."
Lovely. Bet you can't wait to get audited.
2011 Chevy Cruze Review
I believe we had a preview last month for the Cruze, but now there is a full review with much more information available. The 2011 Chevrolet Cruze was made to try and compete with small compact car brand leaders like Kia, Honda, Hyundai, Toyota, Mazda and Ford. Skeptics were abound that it couldn't muster anything that would rival any of these other leaders, but reviews say otherwise.
Some of the reasons that it may compete with their rivals:
• Size does matter. Whether car or with the best creatine supplements. While officially classified as a compact sedan, the Cruze has the exterior look of a coupe with the interior spaciousness of a midsize sedan which out classes its rivals in the important interior space size category.
• Serious fuel economy. As gas prices continue their upward creep, the Cruze depending on the model, has a city rating of 22 to 24 city and from 35 to 36 mpg highway. Combined the new car sticker, known in auto circles as the Monroney named in honor of the former Oklahoma Senator, shows an EPA rating of 28 mpg. Actual mileage depends on driving style.
• Startling selection. Four different models are offered from the not-so-Spartan LS and moving up to the better 1LT and the still better 2LT to the topped out LTZ. Trim packages and options make the primary difference. more
Some of the reasons that it may compete with their rivals:
• Size does matter. Whether car or with the best creatine supplements. While officially classified as a compact sedan, the Cruze has the exterior look of a coupe with the interior spaciousness of a midsize sedan which out classes its rivals in the important interior space size category.
• Serious fuel economy. As gas prices continue their upward creep, the Cruze depending on the model, has a city rating of 22 to 24 city and from 35 to 36 mpg highway. Combined the new car sticker, known in auto circles as the Monroney named in honor of the former Oklahoma Senator, shows an EPA rating of 28 mpg. Actual mileage depends on driving style.
• Startling selection. Four different models are offered from the not-so-Spartan LS and moving up to the better 1LT and the still better 2LT to the topped out LTZ. Trim packages and options make the primary difference. more
Thursday, February 17, 2011
2011 Honda CR-Z EX Review
The 2011 Honda CR-Z EX is the first sport hybrid out on the market. Many think of sports cars as fast on acceleration, a road hugger, and a sleek design. Usually something that doeesn't exactly fit with a hybrid. The sports side wants to focus on power and handling, while the hybrid side wants its focus on lowered emissions, and fuel efficiency. How can they work together?
This article makes a good point about how early sports cars were anything but fast out of the gate, or all that powerful:
While that was the case then, does the same apply today? Any reason why the sports hybrid isn't possible? car insurance quotes possible with one?
Enter the CR-Z. Think of it as a descendent of both the now-legendary CRX coupe of the 1980s and early `90s and the original Insight of 2000. It's not "the new CR-X", it's the CR-Z. Yes, it looks like what a 2011 CRX would look like, and its suspension is tuned well for sporty ride and handling characteristics, but it's a very different car than the CRX, or the first Insight. It's the sportiest hybrid yet, but its focus is broader than merely sport.
This article makes a good point about how early sports cars were anything but fast out of the gate, or all that powerful:
Historically "sports cars" have not always been exceedingly powerful -- the MG TC that started American fascination with sports cars produced all of 54 horsepower from a 1.25-liter engine, for a top speed of less than 80 mph and a 0-60 time around 20 seconds. While it and many of the British and European sports cars that followed it from the late 1940s through the late 1960s were none too quick in acceleration or top speed compared to American sedans of the day, they were considerably better in their roadholding abilities, and much more pleasurable to drive.
While that was the case then, does the same apply today? Any reason why the sports hybrid isn't possible? car insurance quotes possible with one?
Enter the CR-Z. Think of it as a descendent of both the now-legendary CRX coupe of the 1980s and early `90s and the original Insight of 2000. It's not "the new CR-X", it's the CR-Z. Yes, it looks like what a 2011 CRX would look like, and its suspension is tuned well for sporty ride and handling characteristics, but it's a very different car than the CRX, or the first Insight. It's the sportiest hybrid yet, but its focus is broader than merely sport.
2011 Kia Optima Named One of 'Top 10 Cars To Look Forward To in 2011'
I've never really thought about buying a Kia. Something about it seems girly, or just the name bugs me for some reason. Very superficial excuses obviously, but what can I say?
That doesn't mean it isn't thought of as a great line of vehicles. v has named the 2011 Kia Optima one of "Top 10 Cars To Look Forward To in 2011". Certainly some praise here and something that I suppose I should look into, or I could look for a wireless cellular booster since right next to my computer is a dead zone for some reason.
The all-new 2011 Kia Optima has been collecting notable awards and accolades since arriving at Kia retailers in December, including being named one of the "Top 10 Cars To Look Forward To in 2011" by CarsDirect.com. In addition to the CarsDirect.com designation, the new Optima recently has been hailed as "Best New Model" by Kiplinger's Personal Finance, "Best of 2011" by Cars.com and a "Top Safety Pick" by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). Kia Motors' latest vehicle in a growing stable of new and recently introduced vehicles seamlessly blends dynamic styling and high-end technology and safety features with class-leading horsepower and fuel efficiency. more
That doesn't mean it isn't thought of as a great line of vehicles. v has named the 2011 Kia Optima one of "Top 10 Cars To Look Forward To in 2011". Certainly some praise here and something that I suppose I should look into, or I could look for a wireless cellular booster since right next to my computer is a dead zone for some reason.
The all-new 2011 Kia Optima has been collecting notable awards and accolades since arriving at Kia retailers in December, including being named one of the "Top 10 Cars To Look Forward To in 2011" by CarsDirect.com. In addition to the CarsDirect.com designation, the new Optima recently has been hailed as "Best New Model" by Kiplinger's Personal Finance, "Best of 2011" by Cars.com and a "Top Safety Pick" by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). Kia Motors' latest vehicle in a growing stable of new and recently introduced vehicles seamlessly blends dynamic styling and high-end technology and safety features with class-leading horsepower and fuel efficiency. more
Friday, February 4, 2011
2011 Honda CR-Z Car of the Month at NADA
LEt's stick with Honda today. This time a hybrid model in the 2011 Honda CR-Z. The CR-Z is a gasoline-electric hybrid that racks up a combined 37 MPG. For a bit of an in depth look at the CR-Z take a look at the Honda Buyer's Guide review page for the 2011 CR-Z.
NADAguides,a provider of vehicle pricing and information, names the all-new 2011 gasoline-electric "sport-hybrid" Honda CR-Z the NADAguides Car of the Month for February 2011.
The 2011 Honda CR-Z was selected as the NADAguides Car of the Month based on the quality of both interior and exterior engineering, as well as fuel efficiency, safety features, value and its ability to redefine the standards for the hybrid industry by pairing performance and efficiency with Honda's 3-Mode Drive System. Like how people are trying to outduel gold and buy silver coins to win.
NADAguides,a provider of vehicle pricing and information, names the all-new 2011 gasoline-electric "sport-hybrid" Honda CR-Z the NADAguides Car of the Month for February 2011.
The 2011 Honda CR-Z was selected as the NADAguides Car of the Month based on the quality of both interior and exterior engineering, as well as fuel efficiency, safety features, value and its ability to redefine the standards for the hybrid industry by pairing performance and efficiency with Honda's 3-Mode Drive System. Like how people are trying to outduel gold and buy silver coins to win.
2011 Honda Accord Review
One of the top sellers of the past, the 2011 Honda Accord tries to compete with a dozen, or more top line mid-sized vehicles for your love. IF you are a loyal Accord owner you will probably be perfectly happy with the new 2011 Accord. What aobut anyone looking to get aew mid-sized product and lookign for some differences to set them over the top?
These mid-sized vehicles have a lot of similarities so a bit of research is required I think to decide which is best for you. This is only for the Honda Accord so stopping here may not be the right choice for you. Not as easy as grabbing some quoizel and feeling you got the best. There are many others to compare the Accord to these:
Toyota Camry, Ford Fusion, as well as the Mazda6 and Nissan Altima, Suzuki Kizashi, Hyundai Sonata, Kia Optima, Volkswagen Jetta, Buick Regal, Chevrolet Cruze, Chevrolet Malibu, Chrysler 200, Mitsubishi Galant, Subaru Legacy and whatever else any of the other manufacturers may come up with in this category are certainly worthy of a look.
Take for example, the Honda Accord and the Toyota Camry. They are nearly identical and both, incidentally, are built - not just assembled - in the United States. The Accord is five inches longer n a one-inch longer wheelbase. Its engine offers eight more horses and the economy is almost identical. Styling of both is significantly enhanced over a few years ago. But, in my opinion, if the Camry is like meat loaf - comfort food - then the Accord is steak. From the same animal, but a different cut of meat.
Behind the wheel the engine is quiet. I have always felt that Honda made nice engines. there's enough power form the inline four, and the power gets to the front wheels through a slick 5-speed automatic transmission. The Camry had a 6-speed. full review
quoizel
These mid-sized vehicles have a lot of similarities so a bit of research is required I think to decide which is best for you. This is only for the Honda Accord so stopping here may not be the right choice for you. Not as easy as grabbing some quoizel and feeling you got the best. There are many others to compare the Accord to these:
Toyota Camry, Ford Fusion, as well as the Mazda6 and Nissan Altima, Suzuki Kizashi, Hyundai Sonata, Kia Optima, Volkswagen Jetta, Buick Regal, Chevrolet Cruze, Chevrolet Malibu, Chrysler 200, Mitsubishi Galant, Subaru Legacy and whatever else any of the other manufacturers may come up with in this category are certainly worthy of a look.
Take for example, the Honda Accord and the Toyota Camry. They are nearly identical and both, incidentally, are built - not just assembled - in the United States. The Accord is five inches longer n a one-inch longer wheelbase. Its engine offers eight more horses and the economy is almost identical. Styling of both is significantly enhanced over a few years ago. But, in my opinion, if the Camry is like meat loaf - comfort food - then the Accord is steak. From the same animal, but a different cut of meat.
Behind the wheel the engine is quiet. I have always felt that Honda made nice engines. there's enough power form the inline four, and the power gets to the front wheels through a slick 5-speed automatic transmission. The Camry had a 6-speed. full review
quoizel
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