October 28, 2009
Driving Honda Crosstour home, but it's supposed to be a secret so SSHHH! No driving impressions allowed until next week anyway. Sorry.
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- Karl Brauer October 28, 2009, 5:57 PM
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Acura just announced TSX Sportwagen for fall 2011. Big SUVs in decline but U.S. market has never been wagon friendly. Don't see this working
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- Karl Brauer October 28, 2009, 11:16 AM
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October 27, 2009
Driving Kia Forte home-Everything from interior design to power to ride quality to iPod integration is well executed. Another impressive Kia
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- Karl Brauer October 27, 2009, 6:42 PM
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Just saw a yellow Porsche 912. Looked clean and all original. Are those things actually worth money these days? If "yes" -- why?
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- Karl Brauer October 27, 2009, 9:03 AM
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I feel bad for Lexus. And it's not often I feel bad for a vehicle manufacturer, especially one swimming in cash (and trust me, even with its recent financial woes Toyota is still swimming in billions of dollars).
But the introduction of the Lexus LFA has me seriously concerned. Not about the company's long-term outlook -- Toyota has too much money and too many strong products to be in any serious trouble. But I fear the next couple years could be very painful for Toyota's top-line dealers, and I don't see the LFA helping their cause.
First, every premium brand is facing an uphill battle to maintain sales in this emerging "rather-save-my-money-than-impress-the-neighbors" era. It's called value, and people are (thankfully, IMHO) finally considering it when making a vehicle purchase. Don't believe me? Check out our data showing how premium SUV sales have TANKED in the last couple years.
Second, while the Lexus LFA offers impressive technical and performance specs these can't overcome the inherent weaknesses in its supercar pedigree. A single-clutch automated transmission in a 2011 model that costs $400,000? That questionable technology is already a decade old. And even a 3.7-second 0-60 time and a top speed of 202 mph, as amazing as those numbers sound, really aren't class leading in today's supercar field.
Which begs the question: What makes a supercar truly super?
Continue reading...
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- Karl Brauer October 27, 2009, 6:00 AM
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October 26, 2009
Just heard Mad Max 4 is in the works (thanks @jalopnik). Franchise had massive potential...but blew it with Thunderdome. This can't end well
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- Karl Brauer October 26, 2009, 7:53 AM
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October 23, 2009
Either way, if you're southbound on PCH in Malibu, just south of pier, stay out of the right lane. Pothole prefectly lined up to shred tires
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- Karl Brauer October 23, 2009, 3:21 PM
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BMW 750i tire fixed! Not sure if the pothole would have killed an otherwise perfect tire or if the existing nail/low pressure contributed.
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- Karl Brauer October 23, 2009, 3:19 PM
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When good tires go bad. The initial nail just caused a slow leak, but the pothole 20 minutes later ripped it good.
Link
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- Karl Brauer October 23, 2009, 9:23 AM
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Road debris plus BIG pothole=dead front tire. At least it's a runflat on BMW 750i. Limping down PCH with hazards on
Link
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- Karl Brauer October 23, 2009, 8:34 AM
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October 22, 2009
Still thinking of stealing the seats from long-term BMW 750 for my home theatre. Maybe I'll say they were stolen by Pacific Coast Highwaymen
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- Karl Brauer October 22, 2009, 5:29 PM
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October 21, 2009
For those wondering which is faster in real-world conditons: new BMW M3 or new Audi S4? It's the M3. Did I mention I'm driving LT M3 home?
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- Karl Brauer October 21, 2009, 5:55 PM
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My take on Lexus LFA: Too long in coming, too expensive, too ugly. Unless it drives like God's personal chariot it's headed for an epic fail
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- Karl Brauer October 21, 2009, 1:28 PM
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October 20, 2009
Driving Ford Taurus SHO home. Like the interior/exterior design and it's definitely quick. But this car is BIG, hurting it's "driver" status
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- Karl Brauer October 20, 2009, 6:09 PM
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Made it home and back in Mini E...but I wouldn't have if I didn't plug it in when I got home. At 47% battery last night, 80% this morning.
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- Karl Brauer October 20, 2009, 10:43 AM
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