Maybe there is some truth to the old adage “They don’t make him like they use too”
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Category Archives: News
Who says cars can’t fly….
The Terrafugia Transition is a two-seat airplane with foldable wings, four wheels and turn signals. The Massachusetts company calls its creation a “roadable aircraft” and a “street legal airplane.” With a sticker price of approx $279,000 USD the market is quite niche to say the least for the car that flies. However, if a nice luxury car is approx $100,000 USD and to have the capability to fly as well as drive, the Terrafugia Transition is an incredible bargain at $279,900 USD. And if you think about the time saved from traffic it is a no brainer for the wealthy commuter. Check out the latest video –
The Fiat 500 Abarth comes to North America
The 2012 FIAT 500 Abarth has finally arrived in showrooms in the US and Canada and is one more thing to get excited about as we head into the good weather. The new 500 Abarth is designed for track-day enthusiasts and driving-purists who want the ultimate high-performance small car with the pedigree of an exclusive Italian exotic.The 1.4L MultiAir Turbo will be rated at 170hp, that’s up from the standard European spec’d version with 135hp and even up from the optional Esseesse version with 160hp.
In Europe, Abarth is considered a separate brand—one with substantial racing heritage. The 500 Abarth benefits from this connection with a suspension that has been substantially revised from the normal car’s. New front springs are 40 percent stiffer than the regular 500’s, while the rears are 20 percent stiffer. With performance Koni shocks up front, the car sits 0.6 inch lower than a normal 500, and there’s more negative camber. The Abarth’s steering is quicker, and the front brakes grow an inch in diameter to 11.1 inches. The standard wheels are 16s, and 17s are an option.
Many of you may have seen Fiat’s Super Bowl commercial for the Abarth.
Fiat has gone a slightly different direction for its most recent commercial. Check out their latest new “winning” ad
Not sure about you but it makes me wish I had a bigger house….
Drive a convertible? Chances are you are a Republican…
Ford Mustang Convertible Is A Top Choice For Republicans
A new study has come out examining the buying habits of Democrats and Republicans. The study states the obvious associations, such as Democrats choosing the Honda Civic Hybrid as their topic vehicle of choice and the F-150 making the list for Republicans. It’s an interesting read nonetheless. Here’s the top five for each party:
Democrats
1. Honda Civic Hybrid
2. Volvo C30
3. Nissan Leaf
4. Acura TSX Wagon
5. Ford Fiesta Sedan
Republicans
1. Ford Mustang Convertible
2. Audi A8
3. Mercedes GL
4. Ford Expedition
5. Ford F150
The Europeans…
Wanted to share a very interesting car company I recently came across. Based in Belgium, Imperia Automobiles is building vintage looking sports cars that use Plug-in hybrid engine technology. Leveraging the immense success of the vintage style designs of the New Beetle, the Mini, and most recently, the Fiat 500, Imperia has created a very innovative and beautifully designed automobile. With the combination of classic aesthetic lines that create an atmosphere of nostalgia along with state of the art electric hybrid technology it really does attempt to bridge the old world with the new.
Also, keeping with our European theme thought you would be interested in the following article that discusses the tax issues in Italy and how they are affecting the luxury car market.
2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee
If you are in the market for a full size SUV be sure to check out the 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee. At the recent Toronto International Auto show it stood out as an amazing piece of North American manufacturing innovation and craftsmanship. From its sleek, rugged lines, award winning transmission and its European style leather and wood interior they sure have come a long way since the original 90s boxy design that won over the Yuppies and Soccer Moms.
The 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee has a whole lot of engine options including the brand new European developed 3.6L Pentastar V6 which delivers 290 horsepower and 260 lb. ft torque and the 5.7L V8 engine with 360 horsepower and 390 lb ft torque. For those who really need crazy amounts of speed and power you can go for the ultimate powertrain option; the new available 6.4-Litre HEMI V8 engine that generates an awe-inspiring 470 horsepower and 465 lb-ft of torque. The best thing about this option is it won’t kill you at the pumps, as it’s built with responsible power thanks to the innovative FuelSaver Multi-Displacement Technology (MDS). This smart technology senses how much power is needed and efficiently and smoothly shifts between 8 and 4 cylinders.
Check out all the details at Jeep.ca
Recent News
A great NYT’s article re: GMC and its history – Some solid stats on prices and how it has become GM’s second-top-selling nameplate…
Some other good reads from the Toronto Star…Officers who step out into live traffic to pull over a speeder….And Nissan reviving famed Datsun brand.
Plug-in Hybrid Electric Porsche
Porsche has announced a new PHEV version of the Panamera. While a 12 kWh battery is touch on the small side, it’s a interesting step forward. Porsche is using parallel hybrid technology meaning motive power will switch between the gasoline engine and the electric motor, or used both together, as needed.
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