Archive for June, 2008
It’s been widely reported that the Dodge Viper will cease production in 2011. I’ve always called it “our hero-car.” What kind of posters will kids put on their walls now?
Well, the Chevy Corvette ZR1 seems ready to step in. We interviewed Ed Peper, brand manager at Chevrolet, and shared honest words about what may be America’s only supercar in the years to come. Of course, it’s fast. But the most romantic thing about this car is its livability. I’ve always been captivated by a fast car that “lies in wait” — and the ZR1 looks to have a genuinely docile side.
One of the things that sets a GM car apart from its competition is OnStar. The convenience and reassurance of that system is often underreported. The ZR1 will be satellite-linked to information, directions, and real-live helpful voices. That’s something a Ferrari can’t do. I happen to think it’s beautiful.
In fact, I wrote a poem about two ZR1 passengers that wind up lost in a ghost town. (Wow, I really live this stuff!) Here goes.
remembered for at least a moment
maybe
forgotten by the byway, this
strong fortress of has-been rock, she
can’t have been a half-a quieter, oh
remembered for at least a moment
shelter to the weary hearted
restplace to the guys that sighed, said
shoulda staked the homestead here
linked up to the satellite,
called over wet, the dirt and sky and asked
friend, you’re the third soul out here,
wish you’d tell us where we are.
Many happy miles,
Adam
June 22nd, 2008
I once heard that green and blue can never clash, since those are the colors of the sky and ground. The earth never clashes, after all. Take a page from nature, and factor a little boldness into your automotive purchase decision. I bet you’re more exciting than greige!
This PSA inspired by the 1970 Ford color chip chart. Man, cars came in awesome colors back then. “Original Cinnamon… Bring ‘Em Back Olive!”
Many happy miles,
Adam
June 19th, 2008
Sometimes, high-octane enthusiasts can see past speed. I’ve been waiting to get behind the wheel of Ford’s new Flex since production plans were announced — and that day has arrived!
Let’s toss euphemisms aside — the Flex is a station wagon. Isn’t there something romantic about that? This family hauler isn’t all Brady Bunch — the traditional two-box silhouette has been accented with creative cues that lend a sense of wonder to the wagon’s exterior. My favorite? The sharply-divided three-angle, three-bar front grille that reflects three scenes at once.
The exterior might not be the biggest story here, though. Anthony Prozzi graduated from the fashion house of Donna Karan — and turned his attention to the Flex’s interior. ExpoTV caught up with Prozzi for an exclusive video interview at the New York International Auto Show — he’ll walk you through his best.
Hitting the road revealed a few things about the Flex. Its long, low and wide proportions lend the Flex a sense of road presence that is typically reserved for supercars. Inside, the available three-panel “alpine roof” lets passengers individually decide to let light inside. Third-row passengers are greatly distanced from the front windshield, and the view is uniquely spacious — different from what you’d feel in a minivan or SUV. In a perfect world, the steering ratio would be faster and the wheel would be more weighted, but for most people, the Flex won’t be a racecar.
My only cause for pause was the 3.5-liter V6. There’s nothing inherently wrong with the engine — it provides the right amount of power, it’s mated to a smart six-speed automatic, and the AWD drivetrain is responsive enough to mitigate the need for the traction control system in most situations. However, in the midst of what sure feels like an energy crisis, 17/24 MPG figures suggest that best-in-class fuel economy might not mean much anymore. The Flex needs an efficiency-focused powertrain, so that families can actually afford to roadtrip again.
These are merely initial impressions. Stay tuned for a full videopinion as soon as I can get my hands on a Flex.
Many happy miles,
Adam
June 12th, 2008
In a gesture that may prompt jaded auto critics to tip a little sugar into their black coffee, BMW has unveiled a concept car rooted in dreams. The BMW GINA proudly distances itself from the ‘possible’, instead showcasing futuristic ‘what ifs’ tossed around the company’s design center.
The twin-seat roadster employs a pliable technical fabric in place of traditional sheetmetal. Nearly seamless door and hood apertures match the hidden headlamps and rear spoiler, which emerge only when needed.
These days, not many car companies have the guts (or funds) to create truly forward visions of the future. The GINA concept is, in a word, incredible — and a sign that BMW is still dreaming.
Many happy miles,
Adam
Check out BMW’s official video below:
June 10th, 2008
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