Karl on Cars
Chevrolet
October 20, 2009
"Oh...um...sorry to bother you...disembodied OnStar voice. Hope I didn't interrupt any truly important calls."
That's my first reaction whenever I hear that OnStar "ding" followed by "OnStar Ready" in a GM vehicle. And that's why my apprehension level goes up when I see that OnStar button under the rearview mirror.
See, I like to think of myself as relatively self-sufficient. Sure, I'll ask for help but I have to really need it first. However, on a semi-regular basis, when I'm in an OnStar-equipped car I find myself unintentionally activating the system, which in turn causes tremendous guilt because I feel I'm bothering an OnStar employee who could be helping another driver, maybe even someone with a true emergency.
I'll give you a few examples:
Continue reading...
- Posted by
- Permalink | Comments (19)
- Karl Brauer October 20, 2009, 6:00 AM
- Categories:
- Buick, Cadillac, Car Audio and Technology, Chevrolet, GMC, Safety Systems, Talk Back Tuesday
- Technorati Tags:
- OnStar GM
October 6, 2009
Two weeks ago I wrote about GM's "May the Best Car Win" ad campaign, in which Ed Whitacre states, "Car for car, when compared to the competition, we win."
I questioned the accuracy of that claim, but in these last two weeks I've driven two all-new GM products, the 2010 Buick LaCrosse and the 2010 Chevrolet Equinox.
My experiences have confirmed GM unequivocally is making better cars today than it was just a couple years ago. Are they making "...the best cars..." that will "win" in today's ultra competitive market? Well...
Continue reading...
- Posted by
- Permalink | Comments (15)
- Karl Brauer October 6, 2009, 3:00 AM
- Categories:
- Automotive News, Chevrolet, Domestic Manufacturers Problems/Challenges, GMC, Talk Back Tuesday
- Technorati Tags:
- Buick LaCrosse Chevrolet Equinox
September 15, 2009
General Motors introduced its latest sales incentive/ad campaign yesterday -- a 60-day money-back guarantee with a "May the Best Car Win" attitude.
If you saw the new commercial about this program (in heavy rotation during the NFL season kick-off on Sunday) you saw (and heard) a plain-talking GM Chairman, Ed Whitacre, talking about how "Before I started this job, I admit, I had some doubts." But Mr. Whitacre likes what he found at GM, and he thinks "Car for car, when compared to the competition, we win."
There are two key elements to this latest ad campaign:
1. Are GM's cars really as good or better than the competition?
2. Can GM convince a substantial amount of potential customers its cars are as good or better than the competition?
Continue reading...
- Posted by
- Permalink | Comments (25)
- Karl Brauer September 15, 2009, 3:00 AM
- Categories:
- Buick, Cadillac, Car Buying Advice, Chevrolet, GMC, Talk Back Tuesday
- Technorati Tags:
- GM 60-Day Guarantee May the Best Car Win
August 25, 2009
Went to the beach this past weekend. Didn't take a long-term car (had the Nissan GT-R). Didn't take my old Plymouth GTX or Dodge Challenger or new (well, newer) Ford GT. Didn't even take one of my vintage motorcycles (the "newest" one of those is 20 years old).
Nope, took the wife's 2004 Chevrolet Malibu. It was a fascinating trip!
Continue reading...
- Posted by
- Permalink | Comments (13)
- Karl Brauer August 25, 2009, 6:00 AM
- Categories:
- Chevrolet, Talk Back Tuesday
- Technorati Tags:
- Pure Utility Device Transportation
March 31, 2009
It doesn't get much more turbulent in the automobile industry than the last 24 hours, and a little birdie told me there's plenty more coming in the next couple weeks, not to mention the next 24 hours...
But for now let's focus on what we know.
We know Rick Wagoner is gone. It doesn't matter if you agree or disagree with how he ran GM. It doesn't matter if you think his dismissal was prudent change or simple posturing (one guess as to what I think). The bottom line is he's viewed as the man at the wheel when GM steered into the sun, and the president's administration wanted a "fresh" approach.
We know Obama wasn't satisfied with either Chrysler or GM's viability plans and has asked for a "do over" from both. The president seems fired up by the idea of a Chrysler/Fiat merger (more fired up than he should be?), but he was nebulous about GM's next steps. It seems "go futher" and "work harder" on restructuring is the only concrete takeaway.
We know the president left open the concept of bankruptcy as a possible pathway to viability in his speech. After the speech GM's new CEO, Fritz Henderson, reiterated the bankruptcy option and spoke of likely government aid to expedite bankruptcy proceedings.
Finally, we know the government is now guaranteeing the warranties on all domestic automobiles. This is good because it means current and potential new domestic car owners can be comfortable knowing the government has backed up their vehicles (versus leaving them "out to dry" on warranty work).
Add these indisputable facts up and I think we all know something else: A GM bankruptcy is inevitable.
Continue reading...
- Posted by
- Permalink | Comments (43)
- Karl Brauer March 31, 2009, 6:00 AM
- Categories:
- Automotive News, Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, Domestic Manufacturers Problems/Challenges, GMC, Hummer, Pontiac, Saturn, Talk Back Tuesday
- Technorati Tags:
- GM Bankruptcy Automobile
November 25, 2008
I just read this New York Times article
about the financial problem enveloping the domestic automakers. It discusses many of the challenges facing them, all of which we've heard before (slowing sales, costly production, too many dealers and brands, etc.).
But the author also takes a close look at what bankruptcy would mean for GM and the other domestics. In short, "Bankruptcy sucks as a way to achieve real business resolution." As an example the story offers Delphi, a company 4 years into the process of bankruptcy with no clear end in sight. GM's size, and challenges, are far larger than Delphi's, and the complexities involved in using bankruptcy to solve GM's problems are difficult to even fathom.
Continue reading...
- Posted by
- Permalink | Comments (24)
- Karl Brauer November 25, 2008, 6:00 AM
- Categories:
- Automotive News, Cadillac, Chevrolet, Domestic Manufacturers Problems/Challenges, Talk Back Tuesday
- Technorati Tags:
- Domestic Automakers GM Bankrupt
November 18, 2008
If we were to predict the Chevrolet Volt's future success on it's ability to generate interest, the car would have to be judged an unmitigated success. The GM folks brought one by the Edmunds.com offices yesterday to let our editors (and the rest of the company) have a first-hand look at the car some have dubbed the savior of General Motors.
That's a mighty large burden to bear if you ask me. It would be akin to assuming one man is capable of solving all the mounting challenges facing this country...
But I digress. Let's assume, for a moment, that GM succeeds in delivering a Chevrolet Volt production vehicle to consumers before the end of calendar 2010 (a promise the company has fully committed to). If said vehicle is parked in dealer showrooms 24 months from now, will it truly mark a drastic change in GM's future success?
I foresee two distinct scenarios facing the Volt in the next two years. Let's take a look at both of them.
Continue reading...
- Posted by
- Permalink | Comments (25)
- Karl Brauer November 18, 2008, 6:00 AM
- Categories:
- Chevrolet, Domestic Manufacturers Problems/Challenges, Fuel Efficiency, Future Vehicles, Talk Back Tuesday
- Technorati Tags:
- Chevrolet Volt GM
October 24, 2008
I just finished a short drive in the new 2009 Corvette ZR1 -- so short I didn't have time shoot a photo, thus the press shot above.
But I did have time to access all 638 horsepower more than once. It's probably the most extreme car I've driven yet in terms of tire spin. Of course it breaks them loose if you drop the clutch in first, and of course it breaks them loose if you have the clutch fully out and roll into the throttle in first. Most modern-day supercars will do the same.
But it also breaks them loose if you drop the clutch at 40 mph in second gear, and it will lose traction (but not get instantly sideways) if you simply roll into the throttle in second gear -- at 40 mph.
Those latter two traits impressed me, and have me wanting to try the same activity in my Ford GT (I don't know if it will respond with similar tire smokage, but I don't expect it to).
Continue reading...
- Posted by
- Permalink | Comments (18)
- Karl Brauer October 24, 2008, 3:30 PM
- Categories:
- Chevrolet
- Technorati Tags:
- Chevrolet Corvete ZR1
October 17, 2008
It's not everyday I can drive a Ford GT through the more picturesque parts of California with a like-minded enthusiast. Okay, technically I can drive the car wherever I want whenever I want to, but in reality my schedule leaves precious little time for galavanting around The Golden State's backroads.
However, earlier this week I managed to escape the daily routine and meet up with friend and co-worker, Brent Romans, for a romp through California's central valley. Our mounts of choice? One 2005 Ford GT and one 2008 Chevrolet Corvette (with six-speed manual transmission and Z51 suspension package).
Continue reading...
- Posted by
- Permalink | Comments (10)
- Karl Brauer October 17, 2008, 2:00 PM
- Categories:
- Chevrolet, Driving, Ford, Ford GT, Road Trips
- Technorati Tags:
- Ford GT Chevrolet Corvette Drive
September 18, 2008
If I were the cynical type I could talk about two news stories dominating the headlines this week: GM Turns 100!
and GM Asks For Government Bailout!
Last January I asked the question: Is 100 Years the Shelf Life of an Automobile Company?" because, honestly, I can't think of many companies that have passed the 100 year mark and are still going strong. In reality there are very few automakers that have made it to the big 1-0-0.
But since I already asked how long car companies can last, lets discuss the General's most forward-looking product -- the Chevrolet Volt.
Continue reading...
- Posted by
- Permalink | Comments (61)
- Karl Brauer September 18, 2008, 6:00 AM
- Categories:
- Chevrolet, Domestic Manufacturers Problems/Challenges, Fuel Efficiency, Future Vehicles, Hybrid Vehicles
- Technorati Tags:
- Chevrolet Volt
August 29, 2008
That the new ZR1 Corvette
is stupid fast doesn't phase me. The Z06 isn't exactly slow, and the ZR1 costs an additional $30,000. Give any half-witted Corvette tuner a Z06 and $30,000 and he'll create a fire-breathing monster.
No, a fast ZR1 doesn't impress me. But an extremely well sorted ZR1, capable of being driven fast without risking imminent death while also being fun to drive? Now my interest is piqued. Throw in everyday comfort and functionality and I'm willing to at least investigate financing options.
Continue reading...
- Posted by
- Permalink | Comments (9)
- Karl Brauer August 29, 2008, 6:00 AM
- Categories:
- Chevrolet
- Technorati Tags:
- 2009 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 Supercar NSX
August 25, 2008
For the next couple of weeks the Edmunds editorial team is going to have use of one of only 100 Chevrolet Equinox fuel cell cars
. These cars are part of a GM program to study the real-world challenges of converting today's automobiles from oil-powered engines to hydrogen powered electric cars.
This fleet of fuel cell cars is spread across the country, but most of them (around 60) are in California being driven by a combination of celebrities, politicians, media types (like us) and, yes, even regular people. You can go to GM's Web site to learn more and apply to drive one yourself.
Continue reading...
- Posted by
- Permalink | Comments (31)
- Karl Brauer August 25, 2008, 6:00 AM
- Categories:
- Chevrolet, Future Vehicles, Hybrid Vehicles
- Technorati Tags:
- Chevrolet Equinox Hydrogen Fuel Cell
August 13, 2008
I've driven a lot of Corvettes over the past 10 years. So many, in fact, that getting into one feels like putting on an old shoe. When you drive a new/different car on a regular basis you develop a mindset of opening the door, dropping into the driver's seat and cranking up the "So how does this one work?" thought process.
But when I get into a Corvette it's like hopping into one of my personal cars. Adjusting the driving position, tweaking the audio settings and utilizing the car's full performance capacity requires almost no familiarization time. Just get in and go.
The 2008 Corvette Z06 I drove over this past weekend was a welcome refresher course on everything that's good -- and not so good -- about the current Corvette.
Thankfully, the "good" list is longer and includes everything from the excellent (and highly configurable) driver's position to the "instant on" power streaming from the naturally-aspirated, 505-horsepower 427 c.i. V8. I actually had to recalibrate my throttle input when accelerating out of corners in the Corvette Z06 because there's essentially no delay between when you press on the pedal and when the car leaps forward. You want a wall of torque forever poised to strike on command? This car supplies it better than any other vehicle I've driven except, maybe, a Dodge Viper (yes, that includes the Ford GT, Nissan GT-R, Porsche 911 Turbo and any AMG product).
The car's responsive bursts of acceleration are undoubtedly aided by its featherweight status, with the Z06 putting less than 3,200 pounds of pressure on whatever pavement it's crossing. Now throw in Chevrolet's brilliant "Competitive Driving" mode in the Corvette's stability control program, as well as the powerful and progressive stoppers, and you have a lithe coupe capable of harassing any over-priced exotic on the planet, whether in a straight line or through a series of corners.
And did I mention the plentiful cargo space (22 cubic feet)? How about the econo-car like fuel mileage? Corvette's will pull mid- to high-20s in highway MPG with minimal driver restraint.
Yup, when it comes to the numbers you only have to cross the Z06's price with its horsepower, curb weight and track times to easily solve the equation and arrive at an answer: This car is a screaming bargain.
And if you're the "shop-by-spreadsheet" buyer there's little to question regarding the Corvette's performance potential.
BUT (you knew it was coming), if you delve beneath the numbers and analyze the car's finer points the picture isn't quite as clear. I'll list off the items, in order, that force me to qualify my "buy" recommendations on a Corvette (Z06 or otherwise):
Continue reading...
- Posted by
- Permalink | Comments (20)
- Karl Brauer August 13, 2008, 6:00 AM
- Categories:
- Chevrolet
- Technorati Tags:
- Chevrolet Corvette Z06
July 30, 2008
In case you haven't noticed, fuel prices have dropped recently. Some would call the latest price drops a drop in the bucket (why do I have trouble getting excited over gas costing "only" $4.33 a gallon in Los Angeles?), but a price reduction of 5 percent over the past two weeks is better than the constant gas price hikes we've seen since early spring.
However, as with most things, there are two sides to this reduction in coin. Specifically, as the price of fuel drops so does the advantage of hybrid powertrains over traditional gasoline versions.
Continue reading...
- Posted by
- Permalink | Comments (30)
- Karl Brauer July 30, 2008, 6:00 AM
- Categories:
- Chevrolet, Fuel Efficiency, Honda, Hybrid Vehicles, Lexus, Toyota
- Technorati Tags:
- Fuel Prices, Hybrid Vehicle
May 20, 2008
You may have already heard this, but BMW's twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter engine took home the International Engine of the Year award for 2008. If you've experienced this powertrain you know that title is well and properly earned, as the 3.0-liter's combination of horsepower, torque and even fuel efficiency make it one of the best engines in history.
But that got me thinking: What are the best engines in the history of the automobile? There are no internationally recognized test parameters to answer this question, so it's basically a judgement call. With that said, here are the 10 engines I would place in the annals of "Best Engines of All Time."
Continue reading...
- Posted by
- Permalink | Comments (59)
- Karl Brauer May 20, 2008, 6:00 AM
- Categories:
- Automotive News, BMW, Chevrolet, Chrysler, Ford, Honda, Nissan, Porsche, Vehicle Awards
April 28, 2008
There aren't many 55-year-old models on sale in 2008, but Chevrolet's Corvette is officially approaching early retirement age, and in terms of pure performance it's never been better. The 1997 introduction of the C5 model catapaulted Chevy's sports car onto the world stage as an exotic challenger. The Z06 model upped its game to exotic slayer, leaving me at a loss for words to describe the 638 horsepower ZR1 coming in a few months.
So, has the Corvette ever jumped the shark? Well, yes.
Continue reading...
- Posted by
- Permalink | Comments (26)
- Karl Brauer April 28, 2008, 6:00 AM
- Categories:
- Cars that Jumped the Shark, Chevrolet, Retro Revivals
February 25, 2008
"Why doesn't Ford bring back the Zephyr?"
I can't believe anyone ever actually said this, but lo and behold that paragon of 1970s Mercury style and performance did return in 2006 -- as a Lincoln. Actually, the Zephyr was originally a 1930s-era Lincoln before it was a '70s Mercury, but how many people know (or care) about that? Should Ford have revived this nameplate? I guess its staying power (Lincoln changed that model's name to MKZ after one year) is answer enough.
I was recently thinking about dead nameplates that should not come back after someone brought up Edsel in conversation. I'm assuming Ford will never revive that nameplate, and I don't expect to see the words "Aztek," "Chevette" or "Volare" on a future model, either. But then again, who would have predicted the rise of "Aspen" from the automotive underworld. Which brings up today's burning question:
What dead vehicle nameplates do you most fear the return of? In my opinion there are two reasons for a nameplate to never come back: (A) it's associated with a horrendous vehicle (Aztek) or (B) it was a horrendous name itself, regardless of the vehicle it was affixed to (Probe).
Here are my Top 5:
Continue reading...
- Posted by
- Permalink | Comments (54)
- Karl Brauer February 25, 2008, 7:00 AM
- Categories:
- Cadillac, Chevrolet, Ford, Lincoln, Mercury, Toyota
February 20, 2008
If you saw our Consumer Comparison Test last December you know how well it worked out in terms of getting real-world feedback from real-world buyers. We pitted the all-new 2008 Chevrolet Malibu and Honda Accord against the new-for-2007 Toyota Camry. Our six consumer test drivers split on their first choices, with three picking the Malibu and three picking the Accord as their favorite models.
With the positive feedback that test generated we're now pondering a follow-up comparison, but we're not yet locked in on which segment to feature.
Considering the "real-world" nature of this content it makes sense to ask you guys from some direction here. So here goes: What segment/vehicles would you like to see featured in a consumer-scored comparison test? Here are some of the ideas we've come up with:
Continue reading...
- Posted by
- Permalink | Comments (56)
- Karl Brauer February 20, 2008, 7:00 AM
- Categories:
- Chevrolet, Honda, Toyota
January 7, 2008
Edmunds.com just launched its latest product and it's worth a look, especially if you've got an automotive question you need answered. It's called "Edmunds' Answers" and it makes finding -- and providing -- auto-related answers extremely easy.
My first time cruising through Edmunds' Answers I saw that someone had asked about the sliding editors' rating for the Chevrolet Equinox. The user noted that the rating was relatively high in 2005 but has fallen every year since. It took me about 100 seconds to type in a response (basically "all-new vehicles typically perform well against the competition when new, but fall as the product cycle continues and newer competitors are introduced in the segment") and post it live. You can see the full answer here.
Continue reading...
- Posted by
- Permalink | Comments (8)
- Karl Brauer January 7, 2008, 7:00 AM
- Categories:
- Chevrolet, Internet vs. Print Publishing
December 13, 2007
The first round of 2008 North American Car and Truck of the Year votes are in...
Car Finalists:
1. Cadillac CTS 2. Chevrolet Malibu 3. Honda Accord
Truck Finalists:
1. Buick Enclave 2. Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid 3. Mazda CX-9
The final winnners will be announced the morning of January 13th as part of the kickoff for the 2008 North American International Auto Show (also known as the Detroit Auto Show). I just sent my second-round ballot in, so my part in voting for the car and truck winners is over. I won't know the results before that January 13th announcement, though obviously I know who I voted for.
Continue reading...
- Posted by
- Permalink | Comments (29)
- Karl Brauer December 13, 2007, 7:00 AM
- Categories:
- Auto Shows, Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, Honda, Mazda, Vehicle Awards
December 11, 2007
If you've been watching either the Straightline blog or the Strategies blog you've already heard about our Consumer Comparison Test pitting the Chevrolet Malibu, Honda Accord and Toyota Camry against each other. Feel free to predict the finishing order of this comparison test (that's what they're doing over at Straightline) but this post will be focusing on a different aspect of the event.
Not to put too fine a point on it, but this is HUGE. It's not huge because it involved letting consumers drive three competing models and provide feedback. We've seen that in various "buff books" ad campaigns for a couple years now, not to mention recent television commercials and radio spots. No, what makes this huge is the fact that no manufacturer was involved in the testing process.
Every previous "consumer" test I've seen has always been backed by a specific manufacturer. The buff book campaigns I just mentioned involved the Cadillac CTS and Jaguar X-Type -- with associated ad pages and tiny "advertisement" text on those pages (Ugh! -- I felt dirty just quickly thumbing past them). The recent television/radio ads we've likely all seen or heard involves Ford's "Swap My Ride" effort to show that the Fusion and Edge are "better" than the Camry and Highlander. Any guess as to which vehicles fared well in those tests?
Continue reading...
- Posted by
- Permalink | Comments (45)
- Karl Brauer December 11, 2007, 7:00 AM
- Categories:
- Chevrolet, Honda, Talk Back Tuesday, Toyota
December 6, 2007
I'm going to let you all in on a little secret. It's not much of a secret, as some of you might have already figured this out. But I'll pass the information along just the same.
As you probably know, residual value on domestic nameplates is generally lower than on the equivalent foreign model. Check our used car pricing guide and compare a 2005 Honda Accord LX sedan ($12,816) with a 2005 Chevrolet Malibu LS sedan ($8,908) if you need further proof.
Does this mean domestic cars are "worse" than foreign cars? There's a question that could generate plenty of comments -- depending on how I answer. But instead let's focus on an undeniable fact:
Continue reading...
- Posted by
- Permalink | Comments (35)
- Karl Brauer December 6, 2007, 7:00 AM
- Categories:
- Cadillac, Chevrolet, Domestic Manufacturers Problems/Challenges
December 3, 2007
Chevrolet has done it with the all-new 2008 Malibu. No, they haven't "beaten" the Japanese in the family sedan game, but they've created a fully competitive vehicle -- overall -- that has enough advantages to merit consideration from traditional Honda, Nissan and Toyota buyers. I could go into a long, creative diatribe about how the Malibu stacks up against the primary players in this segment but I'd rather get right into the competitive discussion. So let's look at how the key elements of this new Chevy stack up against the competition.
Continue reading...
- Posted by
- Permalink | Comments (79)
- Karl Brauer December 3, 2007, 7:00 AM
- Categories:
- Chevrolet, Domestic Manufacturers Problems/Challenges
November 28, 2007
After re-setting the 2008 Chevrolet Tahoe HYBRID's fuel computer, and averaging 19.8 mpg over a 100-mile loop (from work to home, and back) I initially felt underwhelmed. But then I considered the 6.0-liter V8 under the hood, the 6,000-pound towing capacity, the nine-passenger people capacity, and the 5,600-pound curb weight. Okay, all things considered, a real-world mpg of 19.8 (without any effort to "drive it easy" for mileage) is impressive.
Continue reading...
- Posted by
- Permalink | Comments (32)
- Karl Brauer November 28, 2007, 7:00 AM
- Categories:
- Chevrolet, Fuel Efficiency, Hybrid Vehicles
November 15, 2007
Well guys, I made it to both meals, despite the urge to simply kick it in the Lexus LS 600's massaging rear seat on the show floor instead. I must get more comfortable "fancy" shoes for these damn auto shows.
The Ed Peper/Chevrolet lunch was great. There were only about 12 journalists, so each writer had plenty of time to ask his questions. Here's what I learned:
Continue reading...
- Posted by
- Permalink | Comments (36)
- Karl Brauer November 15, 2007, 7:00 AM
- Categories:
- Auto Shows, BMW, Chevrolet, Fuel Efficiency, Future Vehicles, Hybrid Vehicles
November 14, 2007
Alright guys, I've done this before and it's proven surprisingly successful, so I'm once again asking: Given the opportunity, what would say to the top guys at a major automaker?
Today I'll be having lunch with Ed Peper, General Manager of GM's Chevrolet division. I'll follow that up tonight by dining with BMW USA Chairman and CEO, Tom Purves.
I've got a few items to cover with these folks (listed below), but I'm always happy to hear more suggestions.
Continue reading...
- Posted by
- Permalink | Comments (33)
- Karl Brauer November 14, 2007, 7:00 AM
- Categories:
- Auto Shows, BMW, Chevrolet, Future Vehicles, Hybrid Vehicles
November 13, 2007
Superb story from The Economist
explaining the current challenges faced by Toyota, and how they may affect the brand's march toward world domination. Toyota was clearly on track to be the world's No. 1 automaker this year, but a (modestly) resurging GM (at least in sales) combined with a series of quality/reliability slips for Toyota has made this a bonafide horse race.
It's interesting to read about Toyota's struggle to rapidly increase production capacity while trying to maintain quality control. I give the company credit for doing as well as it has over the past 20 years, but it appears they've finally crossed some sort of "Quality vs. Quantity" line that even their stringent corporate philosophy can't overcome.
However, the most intriguing aspect of the article is the one we've already talked about on this blog: How can Toyota be the hero of environmentalists as it continues to roll out bigger, stronger and thirstier models? Obviously it can't, and the backlash (like most green backlashes these days) has grown from a low-frequency mumur to a high-pitched screech.
Continue reading...
- Posted by
- Permalink | Comments (29)
- Karl Brauer November 13, 2007, 7:00 AM
- Categories:
- Auto Shows, Chevrolet, Domestic Manufacturers Problems/Challenges, Future Vehicles, Hybrid Vehicles, Talk Back Tuesday, Toyota
October 16, 2007
What makes a great car great?
That's a topic that's been debated for over a century -- probably from the moment the first car was created. And it would be easy to get caught up in a multitude of features and traits when discussing the topic. But I've come to realize there are basically two overriding characteristics of a great car.
Continue reading...
- Posted by
- Permalink | Comments (35)
- Karl Brauer October 16, 2007, 6:00 AM
- Categories:
- BMW, Chevrolet, Honda, Talk Back Tuesday, Toyota
August 27, 2007
So I'm driving the new 2008 Dodge Viper Coupe and I find myself thinking "Okay, what about this car do I find truly compelling?"
The looks? I've never liked it as much since the 2003 redesign. The previous car had a smoother, more cohesive (and honestly, more exotic) appearance. This one looks like an angry Corvette to me.
The handling? Again, the previous (pre-2003) version was more entertaining. It turned when you wanted it to turn, and you could rotate the rear-end far more easily. Some might say too easily, as many a first generation Viper owner found himself pointed in the wrong direction (or worse...), but ultimately that comes down to driver error, not a design failing. Unfortunately, the new car's handling feels sanitized to the point of being truck-like.
Continue reading...
- Posted by
- Permalink | Comments (13)
- Karl Brauer August 27, 2007, 6:00 AM
- Categories:
- Chevrolet, Dodge
August 23, 2007
After 10 days and over 2,000 miles my family and I are safely back in Los Angeles, courtesy of our long-term Chevrolet Tahoe. There is essentially nothing to report on the "problem" side of the equation. The navigation system was annoying me, and the driver's mirror is loose, but you can read the details in the long-term update.
I love doing the Los Angeles-to-Denver drive, and try to do it at least once a year. It's a great reminder of how big this country is, and how not everything revolves around the two Coasts and the people who live there (a concept most residents of the Coasts can't honestly grasp). Talk to people in St. George or Grand Junction and they likely haven't ever heard of David Beckham (and don't care about him -- or his wife -- even if they have).
Continue reading...
- Posted by
- Permalink | Comments (16)
- Karl Brauer August 23, 2007, 6:00 AM
- Categories:
- Chevrolet, Reader Feeder, Road Trips
May 16, 2007
I'm going to describe an automotive technology for you, and you try to guess what I'm talking about.
This technology started out with the best of intentions. It was supposed to increase vehicle performance and fuel efficiency, but it proved too costly, undependable and unrefined to deliver on that promise. Sure, it worked in laboratory tests and under very specific real-world conditions, but the technology's potential for benefitting real-world, consumer-oriented vehicles appeared slim. While repeated attempts to improve the technology's effectiveness occurred within the R&D departments of various automakers and suppliers, it's widespread adoption on mainstream models seemed unlikely.
So, am I talking about hybrid drivetrains or fuel injection? Of course by now you know I'm talking about both.
Continue reading...
- Posted by
- Permalink | Comments (12)
- Karl Brauer May 16, 2007, 6:00 AM
- Categories:
- Chevrolet, Fuel Efficiency, Future Vehicles, Hybrid Vehicles
April 30, 2007
A couple weeks ago I commented on the potential shift from high performance to highly green vehicles. I referenced the shift in vehicle performance that occurred during the early 1970s (after emissions standards and fuel prices shot up) as an example of where things may be headed again. But, if that change is comng at all, it hasn't affected the Chevrolet Corvette...yet. Our first drive of the 2008 Corvette testifies to the car's new 6.2-liter, 436 horsepower engine...
Continue reading...
- Posted by
- Permalink | Comments (83)
- Karl Brauer April 30, 2007, 6:00 AM
- Categories:
- Chevrolet, Fuel Efficiency, Hybrid Vehicles
April 4, 2007
Chevrolet just officially unveiled its three Korean-designed concept cars at the New York Auto Show. All three are supposed to go after the growing small-car market, but only one can win the voting contest Chevy is having to see which model consumers like best.
None of them particulalry blew me away in terms of design, but I do like that the Beat is supposed to offer premium features like nav and upscale audio. I've said the U.S. market needs a "premium" and "cool" small car entry for years, and only Mini has answered my call (and been hugely successful, too)...
Continue reading...
- Posted by
- Permalink | Comments (19)
- Karl Brauer April 4, 2007, 7:01 AM
- Categories:
- Auto Shows, Chevrolet
March 16, 2007
The rumors started a few weeks before the Tundra went on sale last month:
"Psst. Hey, Toyota is going to launch their brand new Tundra with incentives!"
It seemed ludicrous to think the most successful automaker on the planet, and one historically loathe to incentives, would be offering them on a brand new product even before the dust could settle on showroom models.
Continue reading...
- Posted by
- Permalink | Comments (14)
- Karl Brauer March 16, 2007, 7:09 AM
- Categories:
- Chevrolet, Dodge, Ford, GMC, Nissan, Toyota
March 8, 2007
Stories about plug-in hybrids have been circulating for a couple years, but things seem to be amping up recently (sorry). You can likely credit rising gas prices and Chevrolet's recent unveiling of the Volt concept car, but regardless of the cause the effect has been a rapid increase in both a knowledge of, and an interest in, plug-in hybrids. We published a story last week about them, and The San Francisco Chronicle did one on Sunday. The upshot of both reports boils down to this -- plenty of people are ready to try them, but no automaker or private company has the ability to supply them, at least not on a large scale...
Continue reading...
- Posted by
- Permalink | Comments (20)
- Karl Brauer March 8, 2007, 7:06 AM
- Categories:
- Chevrolet, Fuel Efficiency, Future Vehicles, Hybrid Vehicles, Toyota
January 23, 2007
There's been enough buzz on today's other discussion that I'll now do what I probably should have done in the first place: let's talk trucks! Our Full-Size Comparison Test
just went up, and it provides an accurate description of each models' strengths and weaknesses. The final bout between Chevy and Toyota was close, but as someone who has recently driven both I can confirm it -- the Tundra's powertrain is simply awesome. Even with the too-long reach for interior controls, and the less-than-appealing interior design, I agree with the test's results that place the Tundra above the Silverado.
I will, however, hold my final-final judgement until we get final pricing on the Tundra...
Continue reading...
- Posted by
- Permalink | Comments (83)
- Karl Brauer January 23, 2007, 1:46 PM
- Categories:
- Chevrolet, Domestic Manufacturers Problems/Challenges, Talk Back Tuesday
January 8, 2007
How big is the all-new 2007 Toyota Tundra? Let's just say that if you're under six-feet tall and need to manually tune the radio, you might want to invest in a prosthetic arm extension. The reach to that tuning knob was enough to test the ongoing physical therapy for my recently dislocated right shoulder. But don't let the size of those climate controls scare you. Although they look as big (and heavy) as metal hockey pucks, they twist with relative ease and shouldn't cause any muscle strain.
Continue reading...
- Posted by
- Permalink | Comments (25)
- Karl Brauer January 8, 2007, 5:45 AM
- Categories:
- Chevrolet, Domestic Manufacturers Problems/Challenges
January 7, 2007
I'm standing next to the Camaro concept convertible while waiting for the GM press event to start (on the new Chevrolet Volt). This car looks very good in bright orange with black stripes. Unlike the silver concept coupe from last year I could see this one cruising Sunset Blvd. (or Woodward Ave.)...
Continue reading...
- Posted by
- Permalink | Comments (0)
- Karl Brauer January 7, 2007, 11:06 AM
- Categories:
- Auto Shows, Chevrolet
December 27, 2006
I've never been too enthusiastic about Motor Trend's Truck of the Year award. Basically, it comes down to a "redesigned this year" award, and in a market as narrow as trucks that doesn't leave a lot to chance. The domestics have always been the major players for this award, and they never redesign their full-size trucks in the same model year (thus they aren't competing for the spotlight -- or the Motor Trend calipers). So, basically you have a rotating award for whichever company's truck is in "all-new, redesigned, we-need-publicity-for-our-launch" mode...
Continue reading...
- Posted by
- Permalink | Comments (12)
- Karl Brauer December 27, 2006, 10:51 AM
- Categories:
- Chevrolet, Vehicle Awards
December 14, 2006
We're down to three car and three truck finalists for the 2007 North American Car and Truck of the Year award. On the car side we have the Honda Fit, Saturn Aura and Toyota Camry. On the Truck side it's the Chevrolet Silverado, Ford Edge or Mazda CX-7. I (along with 49 other NACTOY jury members) will be voting on these final six over the next couple weeks, and the winners will be announced on January 7th at the Detroit Auto Show...
Continue reading...
- Posted by
- Permalink | Comments (36)
- Karl Brauer December 14, 2006, 8:18 AM
- Categories:
- Auto Shows, Chevrolet, Ford, Honda, Mazda, Saturn, Toyota, Vehicle Awards
December 7, 2006
Bob Lutz showed up during the GMC Acadia event in Palo Alto this week, and he spoke during the dinner after a day of driving the Acadia and other GMC products. As is his trademark, Mr. Lutz offered a compelling combination of industry insight, product knowledge and humorous wisdom. HIs discussion centered on the fact that GM is getting more focused on global cooperation, and he specified how the different regions will oversee different product development. For instance, the German-based divisions of GM will do global sedan work "because few would argue that the Germans know how to do excellent sedans." He said South America/Brazil would do small truck work, and the U.S. would cover large trucks, SUVs and Corvettes. He suggested that all platforms will be suitable for all markets (in terms of basic elements like interior space and safety), but specific engines, interior design, suspension components and styling would be used to differentiate and target each vehicle's geographic market. Some other great quotes:
Continue reading...
- Posted by
- Permalink | Comments (20)
- Karl Brauer December 7, 2006, 8:29 AM
- Categories:
- Chevrolet, Domestic Manufacturers Problems/Challenges, GMC, Saturn
December 1, 2006
Now before anyone accuses me of unnecessarily focusing on our long-term 2007 Chevrolet Tahoe's high MSRP I'll fully admit that you can get one for less than $50,000. In fact, our model starts out at a...well, "low" doesn't exactly sound right to me, but four-wheel drive LT models do begin at $37,000. Heck, at that price why not get two, right?
Our model is nicely outfitted with the LT3 equipment group (power everything, tri-zone climate control, etc.), plus navigation, rear seat entertainment, sunroof, third-row seat, power liftgate, locking rear differential, rearview camera, second row heated seats and luggage rack. Total out-the-door price: $49,865. I used to think the only Chevys that cost $50,000 were two-seat sports cars with Z-rated tires. Fortunately, the Tahoe is very good in terms of driving dynamics, seat comfort and overall execution. My dad rode in it over the Thanksgiving holiday and he commented that "these really seem to have come a long way." Of course, my response was, "Yeah, they used to cost $25,000."
Continue reading...
- Posted by
- Permalink | Comments (23)
- Karl Brauer December 1, 2006, 8:41 AM
- Categories:
- Chevrolet
September 29, 2006
Drove the "all-new" Aveo last night. I use the quotes because it's not really "all-new" in that it has the same platform as before. However, the interior and exterior are all-new...on the sedan. The five door is not new at all this year...
Continue reading...
- Posted by
- Permalink | Comments (7)
- Karl Brauer September 29, 2006, 8:29 AM
- Categories:
- Chevrolet, Fuel Efficiency
September 21, 2006
I just took the 2007 Chevrolet Cobalt SS Supercharged home for the night. The quickest way to sum this car up? An excellent drivetrain surrounded by mediocrity. There's no denying its performance...
Continue reading...
- Posted by
- Permalink | Comments (19)
- Karl Brauer September 21, 2006, 8:53 AM
- Categories:
- Chevrolet, Domestic Manufacturers Problems/Challenges
August 16, 2006
It probably has to do with manufacturing limitations, but I'm disappointed GM's "all-new" pick-ups will launch without the company's all-new, six-speed transmission. Though not quite as bad as Ford launching the Five-Hundred and Freestyle with that tired (and underpowered) 3.0-liter V6, it still smacks of a compromised vehicle introduction. The Japanese are much better a bringing all their "new" ingredients together for a single launch, especially when their existing mechanicals are obviously outdated. The new 2007 Camry, for instance, has the same 4 cylinder as before, but that engine is still competitive with the market in terms of horsepower and performance. And the V6 in the Camry was substantially upgraded to coincide with that car's redesign (not to mention the availability of a hybrid version). The four-speed automatic in GM's full-size trucks is arguably past its "sell-by" date in a world where even five speeds seem barely contemporary...
Continue reading...
- Posted by
- Permalink | Comments (22)
- Karl Brauer August 16, 2006, 3:50 PM
- Categories:
- Chevrolet, Domestic Manufacturers Problems/Challenges, GMC
June 29, 2006
I put over 100 miles on our long-term Chevy Cobalt
yesterday. I hadn't driven the car in awhile and was again reminded of its strengths and weaknesses -- including one new and really annoying weakness. On the strength side, it's pretty quick, has a good balance of comfortable ride and capable (not necessarily sporty) handling, and a solid overall interior design. On the weakness side, the interior materials are hit-and-miss, meaning generally okay but with a few glaring deficiencies (like the Fisher-Price storage cover on the lower left side of the dash)...
Continue reading...
- Posted by
- Permalink | Comments (12)
- Karl Brauer June 29, 2006, 8:53 AM
- Categories:
- Chevrolet, Domestic Manufacturers Problems/Challenges
June 23, 2006
Okay, first I have to throw out the obligatory "Oh my god this will be expensive at today's gas prices!" tripe, and I'll even offer the usual, "Not too easy to park, and not a very good city vehicle" meanderings. Now that we've got that unpleasantness behind us I can say something surprising -- I like this vehicle, and one of the things I like about it is (drum roll please...) the interior materials quality!! No, it's not exactly Audi-rivaling, but for a large pick-up (yes, it's not really
a pick-up, but give me a break already) the materials are near the top of the class. I was driving it about five minutes and I looked down at the door panel and thought, "Hmm, that texture looks
nice, but I bet it's pretty hard and brittle." The I pushed on it and tapped my ring against it and damned if it wasn't soft touch...
Continue reading...
- Posted by
- Permalink | Comments (10)
- Karl Brauer June 23, 2006, 8:22 AM
- Categories:
- Chevrolet
June 5, 2006
I
have been known to criticize cars that many people think are "good." It's not uncommon for a reader to see my opinion of a vehicle and say, "don't bash car XYZ, it's a 'good' car." But as many of you already know, "good" isn't good enough in today's super-competitive market. This is doubly true if, as an automaker, you are in the unenviable position of trying to reverse your dropping market share and/or change consumer perception of your product. Those guys need to be doing it better, cleaner and more effectively than the competition, and they certainly can't be producing "also rans" in terms of marketplace competitiveness. However, I'm willing to admit that while a Chevy Cobalt, Ford Five-Hundred or Chrysler Town & Country doesn't get my "gotta have" blood pumping, they are fully functional vehicles that will serve most buyers with minimal fuss.
BUT -- what about cars that aren't even "good" or "fine" but are downright "bad?" The truth is, those models are becoming fewer and further between each year...but they do exist. And, as your personal guide through the automotive world, I'm even willing to call these vehicles out by name.
Yes, I'm risking the wrath of all these cars' current owners, but I'm also ensuring that, if anyone who reads my blog subsequently buys one of these models, they do it with full knowledge of these vehicles being on my personal "Don't Buy!" list. Let the games (and hate mail) commence!
Continue reading...
- Posted by
- Permalink | Comments (19)
- Karl Brauer June 5, 2006, 1:18 PM
- Categories:
- Chevrolet, Dodge, Ford, Jaguar, Toyota
May 25, 2006
There's a real dichotomy to the all-new Chevrolet Suburban. From the driver's seat it actually feels smaller than the previous generation Suburban. Credit the upgraded front suspension (coil springs instead of torsion bars) and advanced steering system (rack-and-pinion instead of recirculating ball). As with the Yukon
I drove a few months ago, this SUV feels much closer to a premium German vehicle (i.e...
Continue reading...
- Posted by
- Permalink | Comments (9)
- Karl Brauer May 25, 2006, 4:22 PM
- Categories:
- Chevrolet, GMC, Mercedes-Benz
May 10, 2006
As an effective contrast to the G35 I just drove, our long-term Cobalt
brought a cold dose of mediocrity to my world. There was no single element that stood out as an issue for this car -- good or bad. It almost nudged into noteworthiness on a few fronts, but these are hardly worth mentioning. The engine's note is a bit coarse and uninspired when you need full power, but it does offer good power for this class of vehicle...
Continue reading...
- Posted by
- Permalink | Comments (11)
- Karl Brauer May 10, 2006, 3:38 PM
- Categories:
- Chevrolet
March 2, 2006
I just drove the "Saab" 9-7X. So the obvious question is: Why would Saab slap their badge on a Chevy Trailblazer and try to pass it off as one of their own? The supposed answer is: Without taking such action there would be no Saab.
The argument has some merit -- just look at Jaguar. They've never come out with any sort of SUV (heck, they didn't even want to bring their X-Type wagon to the U.S. -- not that it saved them when they finally did) and I think the leaping cat's current financial predicament is clearly related to the lack of "SUVinating" Jaguar. But there is a theoretical upside, that being a lack of any Jaguar-badged SUVs. Confused yet?
Continue reading...
- Posted by
- Permalink | Comments (24)
- Karl Brauer March 2, 2006, 9:50 PM
- Categories:
- BMW, Chevrolet, Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, Saab, Volvo
February 10, 2006
With my road test of the Gallardo this week (story should be live soon!), I feel like I've had enough exposure to today's high-end exotics to know where each excels -- and where each falls short. Therefore, I'm proposing "the perfect sports car" by combining the best elements of each entry in this segment. In a world where I can pick and choose the exact components and attributes from each of these vehicles, this is the car I would construct:Continue reading...
- Posted by
- Permalink | Comments (5)
- Karl Brauer February 10, 2006, 5:10 PM
- Categories:
- Chevrolet, Dodge, Ferrari, Ford, Lamborghini
January 12, 2006
I have been back from the Detroit Auto Show
for a few days and I think I have a handle on these two cars. While the Chevrolet Camaro
and Dodge Challenger
were both presented as "concept" cars we all know there will be a 2008 Dodge Challenger and either a 2008 or 2009 Chevrolet Camaro appearing in showrooms eventually. Heck, Inside Line even broke the story on the Camaro Concept becoming a production car
. I find it ironic that the Ford Mustang beat these two to market by several years last time around, and here we go again. But will things be different this time?
Continue reading...
- Posted by
- Permalink | Comments (15)
- Karl Brauer January 12, 2006, 6:15 PM
- Categories:
- Chevrolet, Dodge, Muscle Car
December 29, 2005
Drove the all-new 2007 Chevrolet Tahoe this morning...but there's an embargo until January 2nd.
So no specific detail/driving impressions, but I can say this: GM has sold a lot of Tahoes (and Suburbans, and Denalis, and Yukons) to a lot of people who wanted a Tahoe (or Suburban, or Denali or Yukon). I am fully convinced this vehicle will continue to sell to people who already want a Tahoe, et al.
But I put it to you: Does a vehicle that was fast-tracked -- for a company facing dire financial challenges and in dire need of a product that will address this situation -- have to do more than sell to an existing loyal customer base?..
Continue reading...
- Posted by
- Permalink | Comments (28)
- Karl Brauer December 29, 2005, 2:14 PM
- Categories:
- Chevrolet, Domestic Manufacturers Problems/Challenges
December 23, 2005
Our American Exotics Comparison Test
posted yesterday. The Corvette won, both because it's just a tick behind the Ford GT in terms of performance while having things like dual-zone climate control, stability control and usable cargo space. Plus there's that whole $100,000 price advantage, too.
Continue reading...
- Posted by
- Permalink | Comments (6)
- Karl Brauer December 23, 2005, 12:23 PM
- Categories:
- Chevrolet, Dodge, Ford
November 11, 2005
Of course I'm biased, but my Corvette Z06 full test
turned out pretty good. You should definitely check out the video portion. Our broadband team did an amazing job of capturing the spirit of the Z06 with killer camera anges and excellent editing. It's times like this I almost feel bad about the limitations the guys at the traditional buff books must face...
Continue reading...
- Posted by
- Permalink | Comments (1)
- Karl Brauer November 11, 2005, 9:28 PM
- Categories:
- Chevrolet
October 30, 2005
In the past two weeks I've driven five different GM cars...and I must say that I really liked them all. Not, "really liked them, as GM cars go" or "really liked them, despite their GM-ness." No, I just plain liked them.
Continue reading...
- Posted by
- Permalink | Comments (11)
- Karl Brauer October 30, 2005, 4:04 PM
- Categories:
- Chevrolet, Domestic Manufacturers Problems/Challenges, Pontiac
October 29, 2005
We just tested the cars, but unfortunately I can't remember all the numbers we got. But I do remember 1/4-mile times (always my real benchmark for performance...must come from my drag racing days of youth...). Anyway, they stack up like this (these numbers are uncorrected, so figure about 3/10ths off each to account for the altitude of our facility):
Continue reading...
- Posted by
- Permalink | Comments (0)
- Karl Brauer October 29, 2005, 12:54 AM
- Categories:
- Chevrolet, Dodge, Ford
October 26, 2005
I just spent the day driving three of the most capable performance cars built in the good ol' U.S. of A. My seat time came at Willow Springs Raceway, one of the fastest race tracks on the West Coast. I love the fact that each of these cars has over 500 horsepower and a top speed above 190 mph. And while few of them will be used as daily drivers by most buyers, all of them could easily serve that level of functionality. What a blast!!
Continue reading...
- Posted by
- Permalink | Comments (1)
- Karl Brauer October 26, 2005, 3:41 PM
- Categories:
- Chevrolet, Dodge, Ford
