Automotive Addicts |
- Report: North Street Capital To Buy Spyker Cars
- Top Gear USA Gets More Episodes For Season 2
- 2011 Subaru Outback 3.6R Limited Review & Test Drive
- 2012 Chevrolet Traverse LTZ Review & Test Drive
- Cadillac Kills Plans For Drop-Top ATS
- About Face: OnStar Cancels Planned Changes To Terms And Conditions
| Report: North Street Capital To Buy Spyker Cars Posted: 29 Sep 2011 07:28 AM PDT
 Image: Spyker Cars When GM spun off Saab in the dark days of 2009-10, it was exotic car builder Spyker that stepped up to the plate to buy the Swedish automaker. Spyker, backed by cash from Russian billionaire Vladimir Antonov, seemed capable of turning Saab from a struggling division of GM into a profitable boutique automaker, but that never happened. Saab's current struggles with bankruptcy and reorganization are well documented, and now both Reuters and Left Lane News are reporting the potential sale of Spyker to a U.S. investment group, North Street Capital. The sale won't affect Saab in any way, since Saab and Spyker are both under the umbrella of Swedish Automobile, their parent company. The sale of Spyker will generate much needed cash, cash that can be used to help restructure Saab and pay down supplier debt. This isn't the first deal to spin off Spyker; CPP Global Holdings, owned by none other than Vladimir Antonov, was in talks with Swedish Automobile to buy Spyker for an estimated 15 million Euros. That deal collapsed, so it appears that North Street Capital will now step in to acquire Spyker for an undisclosed amount of cash. Look for confirmation from both parties in the coming days. |
| Top Gear USA Gets More Episodes For Season 2 Posted: 29 Sep 2011 05:40 AM PDT
 Top Gear USA's cast of characters. Image: The History Channel When Top Gear USA debuted in 2010, many Top Gear fans slammed the U.S. take on the popular British docudrama. Top Gear USA struggled for ratings in its first season, thanks in part to an odd dynamic between the show's hosts. There was Tanner Foust, a pro driver with (seemingly) little sense of humor; Adam Ferrara, a genuinely funny guy with little ability to drive a car at speed; and Rutledge Wood, whose biggest claim to fame appeared to be the world's most extensive flannel collection. How could these three guys compete with the likes of Clarkson, May and Hammond? The correct answer is "they don't need to," since Top Gear USA is a completely different show than the British original. In season two, the hosts seem to have found a way to work together to produce entertaining television, and stacked up against Adam Carolla's The Car Show, it's readily apparent which one has the bigger budget (and the better writers). While Top Gear USA may not be the equal of its British counterpart, it's pulling in solid (and increasing) ratings, which Inside Line says is good enough to score eight more episodes for season two. Production should begin soon, and the new episodes are expected to debut in early 2012. As for the competition, The Car Show has shed former NBA great John Salley and cut the format from an hour to half an hour. While the elimination of Salley will help (he's a great guy, but didn't add a thing to a car-themed show), the show still needs less Carolla and more Farrah / Neil. Matt Farrah has a television-friendly personality and Dan Neil is arguably the smartest auto journalist on the planet. Carolla, on the other hand, doesn't really seem to know much about cars, and pulls the show down with his cheap shots at hosts and guests, not to mention his odd rants. I say improve the writing and give more air time to Farrah and Neil, otherwise I'd call The Car Show's long-term prospects bleak. |
| 2011 Subaru Outback 3.6R Limited Review & Test Drive Posted: 29 Sep 2011 05:36 AM PDT
Over the better part of two decades, Subaru has managed to have a vehicle that breaks away from the traditional wagon and SUV segment. Today, the all-new 2011 Outback continues that conventional trail, even on the rugged off-road path. I had the opportunity to review the new 2011 Subaru Outback 3.6R Limited. My test vehicle featured a robust 3.6-liter boxer 6-cylinder engine pumping out 256 horsepower and 247 ft-lbs of torque to all four wheels through Subaru's unique symmetrical all-wheel-drive system.
I can remember the days of Paul Hogan's Subaru Outback commercials making it seem as if the Outback was not just a road-going wagon but more of a capable on and off-roader, that just happens to be a car. For 2011, Subaru's Outback has not swayed too far from that perfect formula. The new 2011 Outback has 6 different trim levels either with a 2.5-liter boxer 4-cylinder or 6-cylinder boxer engine both with an all-wheel-drive configuration. The Outback line starts with the base 2.5i, 2.5i Premium, 2.5i Limited and then gets a 6-cylinder in the 3.6R, 3.6R Premium, and 3.6R Limited trims. My Outback 3.6R Limited was loaded up with a couple goodies such as a power moonroof and voice-activated navigation system. The 3.6R Outback gets a standard 5-speed automatic transmission while the 2.5 4-cylinder versions receive a rather lazy continuously variable auto. Having driven both the 2.5i Outback and my 3.6R Limited, I can easily say it is well worth the extra $1,000+ to step into the 3.6R over say a 2.5i Limited Outback. If you are like me and want to "explore" some off-road trails, then you want to have some extra oomph powering those four wheels.
Over the years, exterior styling on the Outback has been kept contemporary. The new 2011 Subaru Outback sports the same look from its redesign in 2010 with a front grill that is reminiscent from other current Subaru models. With 8.7 inches of ground clearance the handling suffers a bit on the road but is rather beneficial when you hit the off-road trails. The new 2011 Outback isn't going to win any beauty pageant awards but I would not go as far as to call it ugly. What is good about the subtly-styled exterior is that you can fly under the radar, literally. Don't ask me how I know, just go with it.
The new 2011 Subaru Outback has been stretched a bit to provide more interior room. Just like its exterior, the interior of the new 2011 Outback is somewhat bland with nothing to really excite you. Although, you could say the Outback's interior is a bit more refined than its Forrester sibling. The dashboard cluster is bright and easy to read while the navigation system LCD screen, (also used for audio, climate, Bluetooth and integration controls), leaves a little to be wanted. For starters, the LCD could use a better resolution and the audio system is not very user-friendly or pleasing to the basic audiophile. Aside from those few shortcomings, the gadgetry does what it is supposed to even if the slow DVD-based navigation is not up to the standards of other hard drive-based systems.
A very large cabin, total of 139.7 cubic feet, gives all passengers ample headroom, legroom, and storage space. The large windows provide the driver with excellent visibility, while a comfortable seating position can easily be found. A towing capacity of 3000 pounds on my Outback 3.6R Limited is more than some small SUVs. The roof racks make sure you never run out of space for your "stuff" when making those long-haul road trips. The new Outback even has an under-floor rear cargo storage area big enough for several large laptops and other small items. Just the name alone follows after the Australian Outback where you may meet the occasional Kangaroo on a rough terrain dirt-road. You want to have something that can get you to your destination and back in one piece.
After driving the new 2011 Outback on the road, it is safe to say the Outback is more of a crossover than a wagon. Not as rough around the edges as the smaller Subaru Forrester, the new 2011 Outback is much larger and worthy enough for treacherous terrain. Gas mileage figures for my 2011 Outback 3.6R Limited came in at 18mpg city and 25mpg highway. I averaged about 22.5 mpg on my dirt-road and highway excursions. Handling can be an issue especially with over 8 inches of ground clearance. The all-wheel-drive system combined with stability control kept things in check when the excessive body roll made the tires squeal going into sharp turns on pavement. A civilized driver should have no serious issues keeping the new Outback in line on the road.
The new Outback is not just for the "active lifestyle" folks; but for anyone who has a desire for a reliable, safe, roomy, and off-road capable car. The Outback is a great alterative to smaller SUV's if you enjoy more of a car-factor. Moreover, anyone who lives in a snowy area can truly benefit from the new 2011 Subaru Outback. The as-tested price of my 2011 Subaru Outback 3.6R Limited came in at $35,215. You can get a stripped base model Outback 2.5i for only $23,195.                 Copyright: 2011 AutomotiveAddicts.com SPECIFICATIONS
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| 2012 Chevrolet Traverse LTZ Review & Test Drive Posted: 28 Sep 2011 10:24 AM PDT
'FUN FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY' As the Chevy Traverse enters its fourth year in the market, it continues to be one of the most popular large crossovers, thanks to its balance of efficiency, versatility, spaciousness and safety. Sales were up more than 23% for the first four months of 2011, with an annual sales rate of more than 108,000 units. Efficiency in the Traverse comes from a technically advanced 3.6 liter V6 with direct injection technology and continuously variable valve timing (VVT) which is matched with a smooth shifting six-speed automatic transmission to help it deliver an EPA estimated 24mpg/highway (FWD models)-the best fuel economy of any eight-passenger utility vehicle.
Versatility in the Travers comes from it many different seating and cargo carrying capabilities. My test LTZ had dual captain's chairs for the second row but you can also order a three-passenger bench seat. All second and third row seats, no matter the configuration, can be removed or folded to accommodate different passenger numbers and cargo loading needs. Speciousness comes from seating up to eight, and with up to 116 cu.ft. of maximum cargo space (second-row seat folded and third-row seat/cargo management system removed), the Traverse offer the most storage capacity of any vehicle in its segment-besting the cargo capacity of the Toyota Highlander, Honda Pilot and Ford Explorer. Traverse has a unique profile with a smooth and flowing design that characterizes the global face of Chevrolet. My LTZ model came with elements such as chrome-ringed grille inserts and large wheel-and-tire combinations, (my LTZ model came with 20X8 inch wheels/tires), highlight the vehicle's attention to detail on the outside. Some unique details include deep-set grille inserts with chrome-ringed trim pieces, turn signals integrated in the outside mirrors, a rear spoiler integrated over the power liftgate window, dual, bright wide exhaust outlets, an available panoramic, power operated sunroof, (my model came with the rear DVD entertainment system instead), chrome door handles, outside heated/power-adjustable, power-folding body color sideview mirrors, a chrome strip below both doors, contrasting black full-perimeter bodykit to protect against rocks and other debris, low-profile roof rack rails, and aerodynamic protrusions below the bodykit to enhance airflow. The exterior styling leaves nothing and its fit and finish are superb.
The Traverse's interior is spacious and comfortable and perfectly blends refined styling, technology, ergonomics, storage and attention to detail. The instrument panel has a dual-cockpit design that is a hallmark of Chevrolet's heritage, while its 'low and away' position enhances outward visibility. I would like to have seen more 'soft-touch' materials on the dashboard to really give the Travers a true 'luxury' feel. Three rows of seating is standard on all models, with the second row offered as a bench that seats up to three or a pair of captain bucket seats. Power-adjustable, perforated heated and cooled leather seating is standard on the LTZ, which is a luxury touch. Traverse's second-row Smart Slide seat feature enables easy access to the third-row seats.
Standard interior features on the LTD model include Tri-Zone automatic climate control, AM-FM-CD stereo with MP3 playback capability and Bose 10-speaker sound, a navigation radio system with a USB port and a rear-view camera is optional, a rear entertainment system with USB port and includes a rear-seat DVD player with remote control, overhead display and two sets of wireless headphone, Sirius XM satellite radio, Bluetooth phone connectivity, remote keyless entry, remote vehicle start, a center console with sliding armrest and storage bin, a second-row console is optional, a storage bin on the dashboard shelf, power-windows with front express up/down and second row express down, power door locks, rear cargo storage system, cruise control, tilt/telescopic/leather wrapped steering wheel, grab handles at all passenger door, variable speed, intermittent wipers/washers with a rear wiper/washer, two-driver memory feature for the driver's seat and outside mirrors, dual, light vanity mirrors, dual map pockets behind the front seatbacks, dual map lights, storage slots in each door, thick cut-pile carpeting and floor mats are what you will find in this LTZ model that I tested. These interior features on the LTZ model are competitive with any other full-size crossover utility vehicle on the market, but priced thousands of dollars less, another Chevy hallmark. The Traverse's 3.6 liter engine's direct injection and VVT technology helps produce power similar to many V8 engines and uses regular unleaded gasoline. It is rated at 288hp at 6,300rpm and 270lb.ft. of torque at 3,400rpm with 90% of the engine's peak torque available from approximately 2,500rpm to more than 6,000rpm. That's plenty of power to quickly and safely merge onto fast-moving freeway traffic, easy maneuver around slower city traffic while returning an excellent EPA mileage rating of 17mpg/city and 24mpg/highway.
The 3.6 liter V6 engine is mated to the Hydra-Matic 6T75 six-speed automatic transmission, an advanced transmission with clutch-to-clutch shift operation for front-and all-wheel-drive models. It also offers automatic grade braking, shift stabilization and precise shift control. the available intelligent all-wheel-drive system provides increased traction on slippery roads by actively managing the torque distribution between the front and rear axles, based on factors such as wheel speed, throttle and surface conditions. There is no driver intervention, the system automatically decides how much torque to apply and delivers it to the wheels that have the best traction. I would recommend the AWD system to consumers who live in areas that get high levels of snow or rain to enhance their ability to safety drive their Traverse to and from home. The Traverse rides on a long 118.9 inch wheelbase, with a wide 67.8 inch front track and a 67.4 inch rear track-a combination that lowers the center of gravity and enables a smooth, stable ride and handling characteristics much like driving a full-size sedan. Up front is an independent MacPherson strut setup with a direct-acting stabilizer bar, aluminum knuckles, coil springs, and a full-perimeter isolated cradle to help reduce noise and vibration. The rear independent setup uses a compact, linked 'H' arm design with coil springs, twin-tube, gas-charged shock absorbers, stabilizer bar and an isolated mounting system to further reduce noise and vibration transmitted into the passenger compartment.
The power-assisted rack & pinion steering system is standard, with variable-effort optional. It gives a great feel for the road, has a very good on-center feel and transmits your steering inputs very quickly and precisely. Quickly and safely slowing this large CUV down from speed are large, power-assisted steel disc brakes. Up front are 12.8 inch vented discs clamped with dual-piston calipers, while 13 inch vented discs in the rear are clamped with single-piston calipers. Standard ABS, Rear Brake Proportioning and BA further enhance your braking control and power.
Like I said earlier, my LTD test model came shod with 20X8 inch cast aluminum wheels wrapped with 255/55R20 inch all-season radial tires that enhance grip, traction and stability. Out in the marketplace of full-size CUV's you have a hard time topping the styling, interior and mechanical virtues mentioned above in the 2012 Chevy Travers LTZ. That also includes standard safety features that also make the new Chevy Traverse very safe for all passengers. Starting with a strong body structure to absorb crash energy and provide a protective 'safety cage' around all occupants because the structure is reinforced in numerous areas with high-strength steel, including a stiff cross-car beam welded across the floor between the B-pillars. It also uses dual-phase steel in select areas, such as the lower engine compartment rails. Dual-phase steel is strengthened in the paint oven and offers easier formability, reduced mass, greater strength and better crash energy absorption than most high-strength steels. Other safety systems include 6-months OnStar with automatic crash response, driver/front passenger airbags, front side impact airbags, rear child security locks, tire pressure monitoring, 3-point safety belts for all passengers with front pretensioners/load limiters, stabilitrak stability control with traction control, and the Pass Key 3 engine immobilizer theft deterrent system.
The new 2012 Chevrolet Traverse LTZ crossover vehicle is truly one of the best on the market for all purposes of use with the highest degree of safety systems.               COPYRIGHT:2011:HARVEY SCHWARTZ SPECIFICATIONS
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| Cadillac Kills Plans For Drop-Top ATS Posted: 28 Sep 2011 07:02 AM PDT
 Cadillac's teaser image of the ATS. Image: © GM Corp. Cadillac wants to pitch its upcoming ATS series against the BMW 3 Series and the Mercedes C-Class. Original plans for the ATS called for a sedan, a coupe, a wagon and a convertible, which would have given Cadillac a counterpoint to every one of BMW's offerings. It also would have given Cadillac a far broader range than Mercedes-Benz currently offers with the C-Class. First, the ATS wagon fell victim to cost cutting, since projections didn't show enough sales to justify design and production costs. Now GM Inside News reports that the ATS convertible has suffered the same fate, also a victim of insufficient demand to warrant production. That leaves a planned ATS sedan (which will appear first) and a planned ATS coupe, although the coupe is probably next on the chopping block. Plans call for the ATS sedan to hit the market in the summer of 2012, powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged four cylinder or a 3.6-liter V-6. Rear wheel drive will be standard, but all wheel drive is said to be an available option. If the coupe survives to see production, don't expect it to hit Cadillac showrooms until 2014 or so. There are still rumors of a V-Series variant for both the ATS sedan and coupe, but details are sketchy. There's no word on which engine will power an ATS Type V, and it may be 2015 before we see the V-Series badge on any ATS model. |
| About Face: OnStar Cancels Planned Changes To Terms And Conditions Posted: 28 Sep 2011 06:58 AM PDT
 Image: © GM Corp. What an eventful few weeks it's been for OnStar. Last week, a story broke that the telematics service would continue collecting customer data even after the service was cancelled by the user. Worse, OnStar was requesting the right to sell that data (in anonymous, aggregate form) to third party companies, which prompted a public outcry. New York Senator Chuck Schumer even got involved, asking the FTC to probe the legality of OnStar's data harvesting. As of yesterday, OnStar has reversed it's position on changes to terms and conditions. As before, canceling the service will terminate the collection of data from a specific vehicle, without any additional opting out required from the former user. OnStar President Linda Marshall expressed her regrets at the confusion or concern caused by the proposed changes, saying that the proposed amendments "did not satisfy our subscribers." OnStar isn't ruling out keeping a data connection if the service is terminated, but customers would need to opt-in for such a service. On the positive side, OnStar tells customers that such a feature could provide critical data about vehicle recalls, natural disasters and other urgent bits of information. Customers would also get to specify what happens with any data collected, which is a significant change from the previously proposed terms and conditions. |
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