2014 Washington Auto Show - Pt. 3

Now that the upstairs portion of the convention center was done it was time to head downstairs where most of the import cars were set up.

• Lexus has been trying to revamp their corporate image and styling, moving away from the soft, luxurious, sterile confines they have perfected and into something with bit more dynamic character, visually and behind the wheel. The results? Quite mixed.The LS, GS, and ES all look extremely similar. I walked past the GS twice thinking it was another ES. Lexus is dead set on spreading their 'spindle' grill across their entire line. Some are inoffensive, as on the ES (and rightfully so, since that is their bread and butter model). The LS, however, looks like a huge vacuum has been slapped on the hood. While very well made, almost tailored, the GS has been redesigned to....indistinct, which is a shame. The previous GS models stood out from the other Lexus models, especially with their 'bubble eye' headlights. This one doesn't have nearly the presence, which is likely to hurt sales overall.
• The exception to that blase styling would be the F Sport models, which are the standard cars with a body kit. It works well on the GS, which wakes the car up (though it also makes it look like a late model Infinity). On the LS, the additions are more restrained, but quite pointless for such a car. I mean, would you take an S-Class and put ground effects and a wing on it? Now that I think of it, I'm sure plenty of people would, so Lexus did it for you. Class can't be bought, I suppose. For the record, there isn't a wing on the LS
• The wild child in the bunch would be the IS-F, a 416HP, RWD, tire shredding 4 door gunning for the likes of the M3, S4 and C63 AMG. With all the diagonal creases and slashes it won't be mistaken for another car in Lexus's portfolio, that's for sure. Car and Driver is quite taken to it, choosing it above the last gen M3. Altezza fans will be quite pleased. 
• I think the CT-h would fare much better if they didn't insist on giving Lexus their own Prius (actually that would have been the HS, which was such a hideous cash grab Lexus did the honorable thing and euthanized the car rather than trying to relaunch it). It's a nice little hatch that's begging for a potent engine and better chassis tuning. It really deserves better
• Last year the LFA was on display. Apparently all 500 copies of the limited and now quite rare supercar have been sold, so there wasn't much reason to bring one to the show. Pity. I do hope their next foray into the world of ratified metal won't take as long or be delayed nearly as much (swapping from aluminum to carbon fiber really threw a wrench into their launch plans)
• The less said about the IS convertible the better. How Lexus managed to make a convertible worse than the SC convertible of yesteryear  I'll never know. That takes some serious dedication. Or quaaludes....

•  My Audi fetish continues unabated. I don't care that the cars aren't RWD like their competitors. I don't care that 4WD won't give you the same driving sensation or on throttle oversteer you can get out of a 'traditional' layout. Their design language is clean and expressive without being boring. They managed to pull off the wide frame grill look, while other makers are still trying to sort their front ends out (looking at you Lexus, Acura, Lincoln...). And their interiors are second to none in their respective class.
• The upcoming S3 was on display. This car is the spiritual successor to the original S4 from '96, which really set off the Audi fetish for me (which was cemented with the TT concept). Size and power it's the perfect car for 'just dad'. The kids can come for a short trip, but that's about it. If I had disposable income (or if my wife had a bigger car to be deemed the 'family' car) I would cop one without thinking twice.
• The A5 is a seriously understated, but beautiful coupe. The BMW 3 series coupe never had anything on it. I will say the new 4 series is extremely impressive, and I wouldn't be mad if someone gave me the keys. But if I'm paying the note on one of them, it would have to be the A5. The shape is so right it doesn't even need to be a S5 or RS5 to look stunning.
• The worst things you can say about the A8: (a) It looks like a plus sized A4, which isn't a great thing for a car that starts north of $75k; and (b) It's not a Mercedes S Class, which is still the standard for cars of this stature. The A8 has always been an understated limo, focusing on it's aluminum construction, manicured interior, and excellent infotainment center. It will never do S Class numbers (or 7 Series numbers, though it should), but it's a worthy vehicle nonetheless. 
• Very little looks as evil as a matte blue R8 V10 Plus. While the supercar (or junior supercar, depending on who you ask) is due for a refresh, the R8 forced automakers, even it's cousin the Gallardo, to figure out how to make a super car you can use every day with few compromises that still manages to make the hairs on the back of your neck stand up. Not a bad way to spend $175k
• The only thing to look as evil as that R8 would be the metallic blue RS7 that sat next to it. With 560HP coming from a twin turbo V8, it will outrun a R8 V8. Talk about sibling rivalry. Loaded out at around $125k, it could be considered the inverse of the R8, an everyday supercar.
• There were no TTs on display. Odd that. 

• Seemingly following Audi's lead, BMW has taken to splitting it's model lineup with even and odd numbers - even numbers for coupes, odd numbers for sedans. Why? To justify the premium having a car with 2 fewer doors has? Maybe, if you're being cynical. To confuse their buyers? Possibly, although Infinity has them beat (more on that later)
• The 6 Series Gran Coupe is probably the prettiest car in their portfolio. BMW's take on the 4 door coupe (which is really a stupid description, but that's a semantics discussion) arguably looks better than the CLS that started it all or the A7. The M6 Gran Coupe turns things up to 11 with a 560HP twin turbo V8. Most reports tend to knock the big car, and most products not the 3/4 Series, for dynamics that seem not quite up to snuff from BMW's prior works. No matter. I'd have one in matte white please and thank you. Too bad it's more expensive than a fully loaded RS7.
• Strange thing about that 6 Series Gran Coupe. It has 4 doors. Wouldn't that make it a 5 Series then? Or is BMW really pushing that coupe thing? See, confusing (or semantics)
• Looking at the 7 Series, I really start to miss Chris Bangle. Yes he sent the BMW faithful in a frothing rage with the E65 7 Series from 2001. I always liked the car, even the 'Bangle-Butt' rear end. Couple that with the first iteration of iDrive and there was mad for days. I think the problem was they pushed the envelope so far design wise and tech wise in a car that only older people could afford and wouldn't appreciate or understand. I understand why they did (or any other manufacturer would do): trickle the tech down your product range and spread out the costs, and give yourself a halo car. In the end, I think that car was well received and Bangle's design trickled down the range as the years went on. Why am I dwelling on the old car so much? Because the new one looks like a plus sized 5 Series (much like the A8/A4 lookalikes. Must be a German thing) It's a nice car, probably a nice drive, but just doesn't move the needle for me.
• The 5 Series GT is an ugly, ugly car. Supposedly a mashup of a SUV, sport sedan and a GT car, it only succeeds in looking awkward at best and Quasimodo on wheels at worst. The worst part is this will end up replacing the 5 Series Touring wagon. Why? Because people here in the US don't buy wagons. Or hatchbacks. Or like dual clutch transmissions. I tell you, I'm moving to Europe...
• For the life of me I'm still trying to figure out exactly why the X6 exists. Not as much room as either the X5 or the 5 Touring for either passengers or cargo, and looks dumpier than a AMC Eagle. To make matters worse, there's a M version. At least the twin turbo in that one makes the X6 go like stink. Unfortunately, it can't outrun it's ugly. I get that it's more an 'image' car, more than a practical one. I've got no problem with that at all. Just make it an image worth looking ar. BMW should kill off both it and the low end X1 and just stick with the class defining X5
• The new 4 Series coupe, on the other hand, looks fantastic. Even though I'm not too fond of the black paint on the cooling vents on the front quarter panels (blame it on countless knock off stick-ons that people insist on putting on their 2004 Malibus), it's a very chiseled car, with strong character lines running down the sides and a creased bonnet (that gives way to a nice 'power dome' on the M3/M4) that has more than a little hint of Z4 to it. I'm not sure if I like the look better than the E46 from 2001, but I already like it better than last gen's E90/92, which did grow on me after a while. The M3 has always been considered the benchmark for a sports sedan. I don't see things changing with this one
• The BMW i3 was also on display. It's a curious looking thing, to be sure. Almost like a life sized Automoblox model with an electric motor. Made with carbon fiber reinforced plastic and having the option of a petrol engine as a range extender, it should make for an interesting city car. I can see a slew of Hollywood celebs and hybrid posers switching to this. Not that it makes things any better, mind you.
• Even with my Audi fetish,  if I were forced to pick one car to do everything I needed for the rest of my days, I's likely give a long, hard look to the M5. Even without the V10(!) that the E60 M5 used, the twin turbo V8 is a bit faster with more torque and more fuel efficient. Not quite a fan of the synthetic engine noise piped through the speakers, though (and BMW isn't alone in the fake-me-out sound department either).
  
  Upon further review, if I had one car to choose for the rest of my days it would likely come down to either the E61 M5 Touring or the C6 RS6 Avant (twin turbo V10). And yes I know, either BMW or Audi's V81 are more efficient than their V10 efforts, but where else are you getting a V10 in a wagon?

2014 Washington Auto Show - Pt. 2

Continuing on from thought on the Washington Auto Show, dealer by dealer that I visited

• Make no mistake, Toyota is still The House That Camry Built. Although there were a rack of Priuses (Prii? who knows what the plural for Prius is...) for the hybrid crowd. I do understand the hybrid tech, but the cars do look woefully depressing and pretentious at the same time. The Prius C manages to just look cheap, which is surprising. Somehow I think if I had a choice between driving a Prius and getting lower mileage from a regular petrol powered car I'd be cursing every time I go to the pump, but enjoying the ride leaving the station.
• As far as the Camry, it's still one of the most boring cars on the planet. Having driven one for a weekend (in rental spec white, no less), I can see why it sells in the droves that it does. It goes where you want it, stops when you want it to, goes around curves (provided you're doing 8/10ths), has a decent infotainment setup, room enough in the back and the trunk and is generally a well made, tidy place to be. And for a large majority of the US, that's all they really need or want. Styling is far lower on the list of things they need, as the car is a styling snoozefest. Anyone that says the car feels 'grounded to the ground' as the lady in that commercial says is sorely deluded. Still, I'd recommend one to my sister in a heartbeat, provided she doesn't care about cars.
• As a sign I'm getting old, the Avalon is probably my favorite car in Toyota's stable. Stylish exterior, stylish interior, plenty of room...everything the Camry should be. Maybe in the next model. One of my favorite features in the Avalon? A built in Qi wireless charger. That's tech going to the masses. The thing is, I'm willing to bet there are a lot more iPhone users that would buy this car (or any car, really because it's an iPhone) and it doesn't natively support wireless charging. Heck, most Android phones don't do wireless charging. But I'm getting a Nexus 5, so this would be right up my alley. It's not a game changer, and probably not a big deal to most people when deciding what car to buy, but I'm glad to see it as an integrated option as more phones, tablets, etc will likely go that route in the future. 
• On the other end of the styling spectrum we have the Corolla. How they can redesign it and make it look worse than the 80's era Corolla/Geo Prism mashup is beyond me (come to think of it, I wanted a Prism back in the days...). The front clip with the wall of black plastic looks like a bad placeholder for an intercooler (which, given this is a Corolla, would never ever happen) and the rear quarters look like a last gen Civic, which isn't saying much. Every time I see that stupid commercial for the car I have to wonder who in their right mind would get t hat exited over this thing. Then again, Toyota sells as many of them as they can make, further reinforcing the fact that most people just want reliable transportation with good gas mileage and a few bells and whistles, nothing more. I do hope they fixed the seats. I was forced to drive one a few years back when my car was in the shop and it was a most uncomfortable experience. I had to get out to see if someone had accidentally stuffed a football back there (since the car didn't have adjustable lumbar support that couldn't have been it). While the Avalon shows there is some hope in the Toyota styling department, cars like the Corolla show they still have a lot to figure out. That extends to their luxury division too (more on them later)
• I can understand the Highlander, which is a nice SUV, and one I'd definitely cross shop with the Explorer. But I'm still a bit unsure why they still build a Tundra. I don't care if one pulled the Space Shuttle, it's never ever going to get the sales traction that the Big 3 have, even if one out of every 5 of their cars spontaneously combusted. Save that money and invest it in your design and vehicle dynamics department, please...

• The Charger is like the new Caprice Classic or Crown Vic. Big, RWD, and can come with a Hemi. I've seen more than a few of these in the hood. The new model probably won't change that one bit. Although you're likely to see one with a V6 and loud pipes instead, as that V8 isn't exactly cheap or super great on gas. The revised rear lights with the individual LEDs is starting to grow on me, even though they also look like someone stuck a Lite-Brite in the trunk
• I've got a soft spot for the Challenger. While bigger and heavier than the Camaro and Mustang, and a much older chassis under it, the big bruiser is still proportioned better than either, IMO. Kudos to Dodge for having the cojones to offer the car in Header Orange and Plum Crazy purple. Now if they bring back Sub-Lime Green as a limited edition option I'd really clap for them.
• The Dart is the new wave Neon. Actually that's not exactly fair either, as the Neon was a POS. The Dart actually has some Italian in it's blood, for what it's worth. Built on a modified Alfa Romeo Giulietta chassis, the car should drive better than it has a right to, and has more interior room than the Focus, Civic. Mazda3, or Corolla. Interesting tech package too. Probably needs a bit of suspension and engine tweaking, as they just aren't selling in the volume as they hoped, even with Tom Brady hawking their wares.
• Of the cars on the stand, 2 didn't need to be there. First, who is still buying Durangos? Even with Ron Burgandy pitching them, you still get the feeling that it's only worth pitching the glovebox. Love those commercials, BTW. As for the Avenger? The less said about that sad little car the better. It kind of sat at the back of the lineup. Unnoticed, unloved. I wouldn't be surprised if the keys were in the car, just waiting for someone to take the car away. No word on whether the 200 will have a mate yet.

• In all black, the Grand Cherokee SRT is one evil, evil SUV. Do I need a 6.4L Hemi, 8 speed transmission and launch control in a SUV? Probably not. Do I want a 6.4L Hemi, 8 speed transmission and launch control in a SUV?Very much, please. The interior won't keep Land Rover up at night, but it's a very nice place to be. Those drivers behind the wheel of that Camaro or Mustang won't know what hit 'em
• The V10 in the Viper is humongous. While the quality has greatly improved over the original car, there's still an air of 'kit car' to the proceedings. Still, it's a V10. Not too many of those around in anything this side of a supercar or a truck. Come to think of it, the Viper's V10 was put in a Ram truck at one point as a competitor for the F-150 Lightning. That being said, the Viper V10 isn't a truck motor, as is often thought.

•  The Verano proves you can make a silk purse from a sow's ear. Actually, that's probably a bit too harsh. The Chevy Cruze is a decent, if understated, car. The Verano just looks and feels a bit more upmarket, even though being built on the same chasis. With the new 250 hp turbo engine the car should have some zip. Since it's a Buick, let's not get too exited by the handling, though. Still, it definitely gives the car a leg up on, say, the Acura ILX.
• The Regal received a nip and tuck as well, making the stock Regal look a bit more like the GS, which is a good thing. What's also good is the Turbo motor is now standard, giving some zip to the proceedings. The GS is still the performance tuned trim, with the big 20" wheels, summer tires and Brembo brakes. It's not quite as the Vauxhall Insignia, which the car is based on, but it's got enough to give the Acura TSX a run for it's money. Too bad they didn't opt for the sport wagon version, which remains a European only model.

2014 Washington Auto Show - Pt. 1

For my first post in close to a year (I really suck at maintaining this blog, I tell you), I figured I'd do a recap of cars and thoughts I had after leaving the Washington Auto Show. Let's see what I remember

• I'm really not sure what purpose GM had in keeping this division open. They sell Chevy trucks, just with a better options package. All that and combined with Chevy they still can't outsell the Ford F-150. But Pontiac had to die. I tell you...
• The Denali line has spread from the Yukon based truck to the Acadia crossover and the Sierra pickup. I will say, the interior, wheels and trademark grill treatments still look good. The prices though? Your regular Sierra 1500 can start around $26k. Your Denali? $50k base? Professional Grade pricing, that's for sure...
• The Acadia crossover is still soldiering on as well. One of the styling refreshes GM made was to change the rear glass and hatch. Instead of something new, they simply used the parts from the now deceased Saturn Outlook (which was probably the better looking between the Arcadia/Outlook/Enclave/Traverse siblings), making it a sore spot for me, being a Saturn fanboy and all. Biggest problem there: rear seats are crap. They are low and flat and not very comfy. While 99% of the time I'd be in the front, and 98% of that time likely in the driver's seat (which was quite nice), I still couldn't buy a vehicle that made the rear occupants that uncomfortable. Still, that Arcadia Denali did look the business...

• In all white, the new Corvette Stingray convertible looks like the Mach V. It actually looks better than the coupe, probably because the vents in the rear quarter aren't there (or at least painted body colored; hard to see on the turntable). There's a lot of curves, cuts and slashes, and from some angles it looks like a mashup between a Viper and a Ferrari, but however you cut it, the thing has presence. Just paint those vents the same color GM...
• The Camaro got a nip and tuck. Front end looks OK. The rectangle lights on the rear though? FAIL. Those look better on a Malibu (which, oddly enough, have the 4 square lights similar to what the Camaro used to have). Good to see Chevy still has the same milquetoast styling team for some things. The interior, awash in cheap feeling plastics, still blows, too (but it's a pony car, so I get it)
• They did have a Chevy SS on hand. While not quite styled as well as the Impala, it's the only way to get your fill of big, brawny Aussie muscle. As the successor of the dearly departed Pontiac G8, I'm sure it will find it's share of driveways to call home. The dash is funky mix of hard plastic, alacantra-ish material and leather. I'm all for layers and contrast, but that didn't work for me. Still, for a sedan with a LS3 engine from the last gen Vette, the last thing most people will care about is the trim.
• While I'm sure the Cruze and Malibu are fine cars, they simply lack the design of any of the cars in their respective classes. That never stopped them from selling; rather for many folks that's the entire point: clean, unoffensive (or boring) styling that takes no risks and serves as reliable transportation. The fact that Chevy had to go and tweak the Malibu less than 2 years after it was refreshed shows sometimes you can be TOO inoffensive, with fresher sheetmetal moving off the lots much quicker. They're not quite stripper fleet or straight to Enterprise cars, but not much above them either.

• The new 200 looks the absolute business. While there's a lot of styling in play (you see some hints of the Sonata in the sides, a very strong Audi vibe in the rear glass and tail lights, stretched Dart at the front), it all works in the metal. With a 9 speed transmission and optional V6 churning out 295 horses, this thing comes from an entirely different planet than the current, sad excuse for a car that the 2014 200 (and it's woeful cousin the Dodge Avenger) is. Assuming they can keep the price right and reliability in check (which never was a super strong suit for the Pentastar) they may finally have something competitive in the mid size sedan market since the early Cirrus/Stratus cars of the 90's. They can't get these cars on the dealer lots soon enough.
• The 300 still looks like a hood Bentley, though they did tone the grill down and sculpt the body a bit. Still one of the few RWD full size sedans not imported from Germany, for which we shoudl be thankful. And yes, it still has a Hemi.

• The new Fusion is the business. Yes, they stole the front clip from Aston Martin. But looking like a Rapide isn't the worst thing in the world.While only available in 4 cylinder configuration, as most cars in this segment are (the aforementioned 200 and the VW Passat are the only 2 I can think of that have a V6 as an option these days), you can get the 2.0, 240HP (231 on regular gas, natch), engine in your Fusion, which is a slightly detuned version of the motor that throws the Focus ST pocket rocket around. While the dash and most places your hands touch have nice soft material, other places revert to the Tupperware plastic. And while the interior is more, adventurous than the Malibu, not everyone is going to go for the MyTouch settup that Ford is pushing. The touch screen and flat faced buttons are slow, even for someone who knows and can figure out the tech like me. The MyFord Sync voice commands work very well, though. For many, that's probably the way to go. Though if you do, you've got a crapton of buttons on the dash to deal with. Pick your poison. I think if I were buying one, I'd go for the SE trim with the 2.0 engine and possibly the appearance pack. Leather would be nice, but won't make or break me. And I'd probably skip the MyFord Touch package too, even though I can work with it. We will see later this year when it's time to go car shopping.
• They had a 2015 Mustang on display, but roped off. It's definitely a looker, and nicer in person than in pics. I'm not sold on the rear deck (maybe it's the sea of black between the tail lights that I'd rather have body colored) but the rest of the car looked like...well... a new Mustang. After 50 years you know what a Mustang has to look like. Much like a 911, you're getting evolution, not revolution. It's not as 'retro' styled as past models have been, but the lineage is strong. And finally, an IRS makes it's way into the mix as stock. Considering how they managed to get the car to handle (especially the Boss 302) with the log of a solid axle in the back, it should be fun to see what kind of performance gains they can get from this. The Camaro outsold the Mustang last year. Things may be different now.
• Last year I was really high on the Taurus SHO. I wanted to recommend it to my dad as a replacement for his aging 1996 Taurus SHO (which still has one of the nicest motors put in a family sedan. The intake runners were works of art, and prettier than anything this side of an Alfa Romeo). But I got in today and....the love was gone. First off, the Taurus was never packaged that well. For all it's size (and it's a big car on the outside) it doesn't seem like there's that much room inside. The trim, dash, and instruments are also starting to show their age. It's still a big fast car that can haul a ton in the trunk. But with cars like the Fusion occupying the same lot and looking vastly better on the inside (crapton of buttons or not), it becomes a harder sell. Still, it's better than his '96, even if it doesn't have as much character.
• The Fiesta ST looks like a shrunken Focus ST. Everybody that drove it has given it rave reviews. I couldn't get it for 2 reasons. First, it's too small (though if it were just 'daddy's car' instead of the family car I could see it). Second, the sporty Recaro seats would have to go. While the bolsters do their job in holding you in your seat, either I'm too old, too fat, or a combination of both for that to be viable for more than 45 minutes. At least Ford is getting their act together on their headrests though...
• The 2015 F-150 was also on display. Biggest news there is the aluminum construction, which should make the truck stronger and lighter, supposedly to the tune of 700 pounds. That's HUGE. Though some companies are already throwing shots (I believe someone at Ram said aluminum is great for beer cans....). The one thing I didn't care for during that presentation was the fact they kept mentioning the aluminum construction is 'the same kind we use for the vehicles for our troops'. I get the whole 'Go America' thing but please, stop using those in the military to sell stuff. Irks me to no end, I tell you. Anyway, even with the growing pains of working with aluminum, I doubt Ford will lose any sales to keep it out of the #1 spot it's held for decades.
• The Raptor is a big freaking truck. Almost makes you want to find some sand dunes and barrel over them at 90 mph.