a Cadillac to span the country and generations

Posted on Jan 13, 2018 in Featured | 2 comments

Sean Mathis never got the chance to drive his grandfather’s 1959 Cadillac Coupe de Ville – hadn’t even sat behind the wheel – until, that is, the day an auto transporter dropped it off near his house in North Carolina and he took possession of it. Already an old car enthusiast, he now has the car that means the most to him in his garage and has already started...

MINI Will Race Porsche, But Hyundai Wants in on the Action *UPDATED WITH RESULTS

Posted on Jan 11, 2018 in Racing | 1 comment

Today is the day! The epic battle between the heavyweight champ and the featherweight underdog, Porsche vs. MINI, is set to happen tonight at 7 pm in Atlanta. The invitation went out, the hype was built, the date was set. At first Porsche said no, opting not to race a 911 Carrera S against a Cooper S, even with a 385 to 172 horsepower advantage. MINI, using its...

It’s Finally Happened: In-Car Coffee Brewing

Posted on Jan 6, 2018 in Safety | 3 comments

Yes, it’s real… So it has come to this. Our cars serve many purposes in our lives. In addition to the intended purpose of transportation, our cars often serve as makeshift restaurants, makeup studios, kitchens, offices, music players, romantic bedrooms and traveling movie theaters. If there’s a human function in life, somebody somewhere has figured...

Audi R8 Spyder vs. Porsche 911 Turbo Cabriolet

Posted on Dec 27, 2017 in Racing | 3 comments

This race would be nothing less than exhilarating: The spectacularly sexy Audi R8 Spyder against the comparably conservative Porsche 911 Turbo Cabriolet. The R8’s 5.2-liter V10 produces 525 horsepower and 390 pound-feet of torque at 6,500 rpm. The 911 has only a 3.8-liter flat six. Of course, “only” is a relative term here, because the Porsche’s direct-injected...

Every Rear-wheel-drive Coupe Concept from GM is Vaporware

Posted on Dec 21, 2017 in Editorials | 2 comments

Guess what, enthusiasts? The automakers are lying to you. See that red tire? It may as well be a giant red X written across your hopes and dreams of a small, nimble, rear-wheel drive coupe. The Opel GT Concept is just that — a concept. And it isn’t the first time GM has pulled this trick this year. Actually, if you look back over the past few years of General...

Rust never sleeps, but sometimes it takes a vacation: the dilapidated beauty of Desert Valley Auto Parts

Posted on Dec 12, 2017 in Featured | 2 comments

At first glance, Desert Valley Auto Parts looks something like a post-apocalyptic wasteland if the end times had occurred in conjunction with the Age of Aquarius: Cars from the Sixties and earlier scattered about a dry desert backdrop, missing parts and looking about as busted and broke as could be. But old car nuts know it instead as a paradise, one full of...

Using Smartphones in Cars

Posted on Dec 11, 2017 in Safety | 4 comments

The NHTSA is currently trying to figure out how or whether to ban handheld devices like smartphones from use in cars. And the automakers are supporting such a ban or at least some restrictions. But they are also very concerned that such a ban might force them to redesign their built-in systems. What a shame that would be. No one should be surprised that a...

Lincoln’s Recovery – Cancelling the Farewell Address

Posted on Dec 8, 2017 in Antique | 1 comment

“How Nice – to feel nothing, and still get full credit for being alive.” – Kurt Vonnegut, Slaughterhouse Five Lincoln and Mercury reminded me of two aging silent screen stars living together in squalor, each in a futile attempt to care for the other. Lincoln, in a near vegetative state since 1990, survived on memories, while Mercury survived solely on the...

Porsche Recalls New 911 Carrera S Over Fuel Line Issue

Posted on Nov 30, 2017 in Technology | 2 comments

The ownership experience of a Porsche is viewed as one of the most sensual in the global sports car market. While the Porsche line-up has expanded to include vehicles like the crossover Cayenne and four-door Panamera, the essence of the German sports car company has remained based on the rear-engined 911 model. Balanced, thrilling handling and the power of...

The Monolith Panther Tow Vehicle?

Posted on Nov 22, 2017 in Editorials | 1 comment

Rob writes: Hello Sajeev, I’m untangling a logistical nightmare and I think a Panther can help. This particular nightmare involves relocating from Urbana, IL to Idaho Falls, ID, a 1964 Corvette convertible that’s sitting in Richmond, VA, and a Grand Marquis in New Jersey. The Corvette “ran when parked” in my father-in-law’s garage in 1982 and brought back to...

Used Chevrolet Volt Batteries Help Power New IT Building

Posted on Nov 12, 2017 in Technology | Comments Off on Used Chevrolet Volt Batteries Help Power New IT Building

What happens to the batteries that power Chevrolet Volt extended-range electric cars when their useful life is done? Five of them are helping keep the lights on at the new General Motors Enterprise Data Center at its Milford Proving Ground. Used Chevy Volt Batteries Help Power Milford IT Building MILFORD, Mich. – What happens to the batteries that power...

Fisker Karma Breakdown Leads to Lesson in Recalls

Posted on Nov 9, 2017 in Safety | 1 comment

Like many auto writers, I was quick to jump on the recent story of the Fisker Karma breaking down during a Consumer Reports test. Yes, it was big news and a huge embarrassment to Fisker. Yes, the timing was terrible, and it was an incredibly hurtful public introduction to the Karma. But the breakdown might not have been Fisker’s fault. Automotive News reported...

Along came a topless 850: 1967 Fiat 850 Spider brochure

Posted on Oct 24, 2017 in Featured | 2 comments

Fiat created an inexpensive and youthful masterpiece with their new-in-the-USA-for-1967 850 Spider, an open-top sibling to the equally new and pretty 850 Sport Coupe. While the Sport Coupe was styled by Felice and Gian Boano and built in-house at Fiat, the Spider came from the pens and craftsmen at Bertone. Its design was clever, combining the 850 platform’s...