Gear Diary » Automobiles http://www.geardiary.com Everyone can understand technology; sometimes it just takes a little translating. Tue, 14 Feb 2012 20:00:45 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 ‘Godzilla’ Terrorizes City Streets: Mothra and Rodan Flee in Fearhttp://www.geardiary.com/2012/02/09/godzilla-terrorizes-city-streets-mothra-and-rodan-flee-in-fear/ http://www.geardiary.com/2012/02/09/godzilla-terrorizes-city-streets-mothra-and-rodan-flee-in-fear/#comments Thu, 09 Feb 2012 20:00:02 +0000 David Goodspeed http://www.geardiary.com/?p=182961

Images: Author

Quick, what’s the first thing that comes to your mind when I say “Godzilla?” For most it is the star of childhood monster movies that feature horrible voice-dubbing. For the true auto enthusiast it means one thing – Nissan GT-R. I took delivery of a 2012 GT-R for Super Bowl weekend and despite a few little things, this is one SUPER car. GT-R is the North American version of the Skyline GT-R, Nissan’s answer to the likes of Porsche 911 and Chevrolet Corvette Z06 and ZR-1. The 2012 model GT-R generates a modest 530 horsepower and Continue reading on Gear Diary ...]]> http://www.geardiary.com/2012/02/09/godzilla-terrorizes-city-streets-mothra-and-rodan-flee-in-fear/feed/ 0 At the Las Vegas Speedway with a 2013 Lexus GS 350 F Sport and an LFAhttp://www.geardiary.com/2012/02/05/at-the-las-vegas-speedway-with-a-2013-lexus-gs-350-f-sport-and-an-lfa/ http://www.geardiary.com/2012/02/05/at-the-las-vegas-speedway-with-a-2013-lexus-gs-350-f-sport-and-an-lfa/#comments Sun, 05 Feb 2012 22:59:05 +0000 Judie Stanford http://www.geardiary.com/?p=182342 This is not the car I was driving when I won my title ;)

How did you  spend your Saturday? I spent it behind the wheel of a 2013 Lexus GS 350 F, ultimately winning the title of "Fastest Woman in Vegas" while driving on a closed course at Las Vegas Speedway. The GS350 really impressed me because it was the best of both words -- fast and sleek like a sports car, but large enough for a family and totally decked out. Continue reading on Gear Diary ...]]> http://www.geardiary.com/2012/02/05/at-the-las-vegas-speedway-with-a-2013-lexus-gs-350-f-sport-and-an-lfa/feed/ 4 Off to Vegas for the Lexus GS Superbowl Eventhttp://www.geardiary.com/2012/02/03/off-to-vegas-for-the-lexus-gs-superbowl-event/ http://www.geardiary.com/2012/02/03/off-to-vegas-for-the-lexus-gs-superbowl-event/#comments Fri, 03 Feb 2012 18:51:48 +0000 Judie Stanford http://www.geardiary.com/?p=182102

Kev and I are headed to Las Vegas to spend a day at the Motor Speedway and watch the superbowl, where Lexus will run their first-ever Super Bowl commercial for the 2013 Lexus GS, called “The Beast”.
The :30 second commercial features the all-new 2013 GS as it breaks free from containment, illustrating the company’s move in a new design direction for the brand. The spot also hints at the additional new vehicles Lexus will unveil later in the year, which are waiting in the wings for their turn to burst onto the scene. “The all-new Lexus GS is showcased in this ad because it’s the first model to feature the new look of Lexus and it’s also the first of nine new or updated models we’ll launch this year,” said Brian Smith, Lexus vice president of marketing. “This spot looks very different than anything Lexus has done before and demonstrates to the 50-million-strong Super Bowl audience that 2012 will be a breakthrough year for Lexus.”
Continue reading on Gear Diary ...]]> http://www.geardiary.com/2012/02/03/off-to-vegas-for-the-lexus-gs-superbowl-event/feed/ 0 2012 Toyota Yaris Marks Forward Progress for Automakerhttp://www.geardiary.com/2012/02/01/2012-toyota-yaris-marks-forward-progress-for-automaker/ http://www.geardiary.com/2012/02/01/2012-toyota-yaris-marks-forward-progress-for-automaker/#comments Wed, 01 Feb 2012 20:00:22 +0000 David Goodspeed http://www.geardiary.com/?p=181763

Images: Toyota

Toyota is working feverishly to recover from a few setbacks in global production last year. Mother Nature wreaked havoc on the automaker in the Asia-Pacific regions in 2011, and at a time when Toyota was releasing new or redesigned product. One such re-launch is the 2012 Yaris. Toyota has found that 70 percent of new car buyers in the subcompact segment prefer the liftback (hatchback) body styling. It is because of this that the Yaris sedan is gone from the lineup with 2012 models arriving in base LE three-door or, as in the case of our recent tester, a five-door SE model. Continue reading on Gear Diary ...]]> http://www.geardiary.com/2012/02/01/2012-toyota-yaris-marks-forward-progress-for-automaker/feed/ 0 2012 Land Rover Ranger Rover Supercharged Still the One For Mehttp://www.geardiary.com/2012/01/30/2012-land-rover-ranger-rover-supercharged-still-the-one-for-me/ http://www.geardiary.com/2012/01/30/2012-land-rover-ranger-rover-supercharged-still-the-one-for-me/#comments Mon, 30 Jan 2012 21:00:05 +0000 David Goodspeed http://www.geardiary.com/?p=181552

Images: Author

With the new year upon us (and nearly a month down already) I feel it is time once again to answer that question I hear all-too-often: "David, what is your favorite vehicle?" At the end of the day when it is all said and done (and money is no object), my fave still remains the flagship of the Land Rover fleet – the Range Rover Supercharged. And most recently, the pride of Solihull, England and the guardian of her royal majesty has found its way back into my life, albeit for a mere half a fortnight. Range Rover is billed the most capable AND luxurious SUV in the world. When Continue reading on Gear Diary ...]]> http://www.geardiary.com/2012/01/30/2012-land-rover-ranger-rover-supercharged-still-the-one-for-me/feed/ 1 2012 Nissan Xterra PRO-4X: Everything You Need. Period.http://www.geardiary.com/2012/01/17/2012-nissan-xterra-pro-4x-everything-you-need-period/ http://www.geardiary.com/2012/01/17/2012-nissan-xterra-pro-4x-everything-you-need-period/#comments Tue, 17 Jan 2012 18:00:06 +0000 David Goodspeed http://www.geardiary.com/?p=179364

For some automakers, reinventing the wheel seems to be a common theme for certain model lines in order to remain competitive. For Nissan and its Xterra sport ute, the wheel works just fine. Aside from a mid-decade styling makeover and switch to the Nissan’s new truck-based F-Alpha platform, Xterra has continued to prove itself worthy in the contemporary “daily driven offroader” segment that includes the likes of 4Runner and Liberty. Nissan gives Xterra most of the modern amenities found across its utility and truck line of vehicles while not abandoning a rugged architecture for the full-out adventurists in the world.

Continue reading on Gear Diary ...]]> http://www.geardiary.com/2012/01/17/2012-nissan-xterra-pro-4x-everything-you-need-period/feed/ 0 North American International Auto Show: Now Open to the Publichttp://www.geardiary.com/2012/01/14/north-american-international-auto-show-now-open-to-the-public/ http://www.geardiary.com/2012/01/14/north-american-international-auto-show-now-open-to-the-public/#comments Sun, 15 Jan 2012 00:00:47 +0000 David Goodspeed http://www.geardiary.com/?p=179081

Hot Wheels Camaro Concept (All images by Author)

As the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit gets into the full swing of things I am still recuperating from the whirlwind adventure known as media days. NAIAS played host to more than 5,000 media representatives from all over the globe during the first two days of the annual event in Motown. Some 35 press conferences and many unofficial or private events highlighted the 48-hour blitz on D-Town.

Falcon F7 (VIA Motors VTRUX in background)

"The buzz is back," proclaimed Bill Perkins, chairman, NAIAS 2012. "Press Continue reading on Gear Diary ...]]> http://www.geardiary.com/2012/01/14/north-american-international-auto-show-now-open-to-the-public/feed/ 1 UPDATED: Don’t Think of Ford Motor Company as Merely an Automakerhttp://www.geardiary.com/2012/01/10/dont-think-of-ford-motor-company-as-merely-an-automaker/ http://www.geardiary.com/2012/01/10/dont-think-of-ford-motor-company-as-merely-an-automaker/#comments Tue, 10 Jan 2012 14:30:56 +0000 David Goodspeed http://www.geardiary.com/?p=178097

Ford no longer wants to be known as "just" an automaker. Ford Motor Company would like the world to think of them more as an innovation or technology company. Innovation is no stranger to Ford as its namesake, Henry Ford, accomplished many more things than just creating a car company.

And now technology plays more of a role than ever at Ford who recently announced plans for a new technology center in the heart of Silicon Valley so that the brand can better position itself to work with potential partners such as Stanford University, Google (who recently purchased the first Focus Electric Continue reading on Gear Diary ...]]> http://www.geardiary.com/2012/01/10/dont-think-of-ford-motor-company-as-merely-an-automaker/feed/ 0 Dodge to Debut ‘Beats by Dr. Dre’ Audio System at CES and NAIAShttp://www.geardiary.com/2012/01/07/dodge-to-debut-beats-by-dr-dre-audio-system-at-ces-and-naias/ http://www.geardiary.com/2012/01/07/dodge-to-debut-beats-by-dr-dre-audio-system-at-ces-and-naias/#comments Sat, 07 Jan 2012 18:30:19 +0000 David Goodspeed http://www.geardiary.com/?p=177492 2012 Dodge Charger R/T

Image: Dodge

Dodge has chosen the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas to introduce its new expansion of Beats by Dr. Dre Audio System that will be coming soon to 2012 Charger models. “Dr. Dre and Jimmy Iovine have built their careers on revolutionary and forward thinking decisions that formulate trends in music, popular culture and technology,” Reid Bigland, President and CEO – Dodge Brand. “Our goal in partnering with Beats by Dr. Dre is to integrate their recording-studio quality audio experience for our Charger enthusiasts to feel and hear their favorite music as it was intended – all while heightening the street performance and technology assets of the new 2012 Continue reading on Gear Diary ...]]> http://www.geardiary.com/2012/01/07/dodge-to-debut-beats-by-dr-dre-audio-system-at-ces-and-naias/feed/ 0 Car Gear: Present and Futurehttp://www.geardiary.com/2012/01/05/car-gear-present-and-future/ http://www.geardiary.com/2012/01/05/car-gear-present-and-future/#comments Thu, 05 Jan 2012 15:15:29 +0000 Dan Cohen http://www.geardiary.com/?p=177284 I continue to love having a car with tons of tech baked in. I love the keyless entry and ignition, am blown away by the quality of the speakerphone, am enjoying the heck out of streamed music from my iPhone and the nav system... well you can read about it here. When I was a month into driving my new wheels (and still acting like a kid in a candy shop) I commented to Elana that I could not imagine where they would got from here. Seriously, I thought, what else could they possibly do short of actually driving for you? Well, as luck would have it just a week later we received a list Continue reading on Gear Diary ...]]> http://www.geardiary.com/2012/01/05/car-gear-present-and-future/feed/ 0 2012 Honda Civic Si: It Wasn’t Broke, but They Fixed It Anywayhttp://www.geardiary.com/2011/12/28/2012-honda-civic-si-it-wasnt-broke-but-they-fixed-it-anyway/ http://www.geardiary.com/2011/12/28/2012-honda-civic-si-it-wasnt-broke-but-they-fixed-it-anyway/#comments Wed, 28 Dec 2011 20:00:17 +0000 David Goodspeed http://www.geardiary.com/?p=176236 It wasn’t broke, so why did Honda (try to) fix it? That is a question many have had for Honda after they released the 2012 Civic earlier this year. As with the rest of the model lineup, the sporty Si was made over for 2012, enhancing a low, sleek athletic appearance with a long windshield rake, one that raises some criticism due to the design and construction challenges because of it. Honda continues to employ the split-level instrument panel in the new model and as such some folks will continue to admire it while others are polarized away from that emotion. Continue reading on Gear Diary ...]]> http://www.geardiary.com/2011/12/28/2012-honda-civic-si-it-wasnt-broke-but-they-fixed-it-anyway/feed/ 0 (Don’t) Hold the Phone: NTSB Secretary Nixes Support for Hands-free Banhttp://www.geardiary.com/2011/12/23/don%e2%80%99t-hold-the-phone-ntsb-secretary-nixes-support-for-hands-free-ban/ http://www.geardiary.com/2011/12/23/don%e2%80%99t-hold-the-phone-ntsb-secretary-nixes-support-for-hands-free-ban/#comments Fri, 23 Dec 2011 16:30:09 +0000 Bryan Eley http://www.geardiary.com/?p=175806 A week ago Michael Anderson posted a thought-provoking article here about the National Transportation Safety Board showing data that tended to support the notion that hands-free cellular use was just as hazardous as using a handheld phone. That the NTSB was mulling a recommendation for total cell phone/hands free ban was dire news indeed, both for automakers who spend huge sums on developing hands-free car technology and for us as the driver/talkers. In an abrupt split from his department however, NTSB Secretary Ray LaHood told reporters on Wednesday:
"The problem is not hands-free. That is not the big problem in America. Most people don't put Bluetooth or Sync in their cars because they can't afford it. Everybody
Continue reading on Gear Diary ...]]> http://www.geardiary.com/2011/12/23/don%e2%80%99t-hold-the-phone-ntsb-secretary-nixes-support-for-hands-free-ban/feed/ 0 Ford Using App for 2013 Fusion Unveilhttp://www.geardiary.com/2011/12/17/ford-using-app-for-2013-fusion-unveil/ http://www.geardiary.com/2011/12/17/ford-using-app-for-2013-fusion-unveil/#comments Sat, 17 Dec 2011 20:15:54 +0000 David Goodspeed http://www.geardiary.com/?p=174635 Images: Ford

Want to see the all-new 2013 Ford Fusion sedan? Ford has an app for that. The automaker has released iOS and Android smartphone and device apps to tease the eventual unveil of the vehicle that will occur in the app simultaneously as it does on stage at two stellar events. The 2013 Ford Fusion (which has been named the official car of CES 2012) will be unveiled at both the North American International Auto Show in Detroit next month as well as the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas. These are two of the biggest shows held in the U.S. each year and Ford has been utilizing CES more and more each year as technology in vehicles has progressed. Continue reading on Gear Diary ...]]> http://www.geardiary.com/2011/12/17/ford-using-app-for-2013-fusion-unveil/feed/ 0 Something to Think of This Holiday Season: Hands-Free Just as Riskyhttp://www.geardiary.com/2011/12/16/something-to-think-of-this-holiday-season-hands-free-just-as-risky/ http://www.geardiary.com/2011/12/16/something-to-think-of-this-holiday-season-hands-free-just-as-risky/#comments Fri, 16 Dec 2011 15:15:13 +0000 Michael Anderson http://www.geardiary.com/?p=174313

New research suggests that even hands-free phone use while driving is a significant risk. A recent study by the NTSB says that your brain becomes heavily engaged in that function at the expense of attention paid to driving. The NTSB study shows that regardless of the source of distraction, the result is the same. From a report on the study at the Omaha World Herald site:
The scientific evidence, however, is generally with NTSB, researchers said. "There is a large body of evidence showing that talking on a phone, whether handheld or hands-free, impairs driving and increases your risk of having a crash," Anne McCartt, senior vice president for research at the
Continue reading on Gear Diary ...]]> http://www.geardiary.com/2011/12/16/something-to-think-of-this-holiday-season-hands-free-just-as-risky/feed/ 13 GMC Sierra 2500 HD Denali Blends Denim and Diamonds With Leather and Lacehttp://www.geardiary.com/2011/12/12/gmc-sierra-2500-hd-denali-blends-denim-and-diamonds-with-leather-and-lace/ http://www.geardiary.com/2011/12/12/gmc-sierra-2500-hd-denali-blends-denim-and-diamonds-with-leather-and-lace/#comments Mon, 12 Dec 2011 16:30:43 +0000 David Goodspeed http://www.geardiary.com/?p=173753

Images: Author

As automakers have pared down corporate structure in recent years due to market demands, economy and even government oversight, consumers have had to say goodbye to nameplates and models they’d become loyal fans and admirers of. So how does a division like GMC survive when brands like Plymouth, Pontiac and Mercury are kicked to the curb? All GMC makes is trucks or SUVs and each of those is on a shared platform with a Chevy counterpart. GMC has been making trucks since 1901 when it was first established at the Rapid Motor Vehicle Company and was responsible for developing the earliest commercial trucks ever designed. RMVC was purchased by GM in Continue reading on Gear Diary ...]]> http://www.geardiary.com/2011/12/12/gmc-sierra-2500-hd-denali-blends-denim-and-diamonds-with-leather-and-lace/feed/ 0 Nissan JUKE Puts the ‘Fun’ in Funkyhttp://www.geardiary.com/2011/12/07/nissan-juke-puts-the-fun-in-funky/ http://www.geardiary.com/2011/12/07/nissan-juke-puts-the-fun-in-funky/#comments Wed, 07 Dec 2011 17:15:27 +0000 David Goodspeed http://www.geardiary.com/?p=173139 Images: Author The segment is urban sport cross(over) and the manufacturer is Nissan and for the many of you (like me, initially) wondering what the heck this vehicle is I present the JUKE. Funky name and a funky style to be sure but one spin around the block and JUKE proves itself a worthy competitor in this, and the global, market. After Cube and LEAF, Nissan brought JUKE to the U.S. showing it is not afraid to release vehicles with somewhat polarizing style and appeal. JUKE is certainly not for someone who wants to blend in – buy an Altima for that. No, JUKE makes a certain statement about the bold and brash personalities of Continue reading on Gear Diary ...]]> http://www.geardiary.com/2011/12/07/nissan-juke-puts-the-fun-in-funky/feed/ 0 Find Your Way and Be Safer on the Road With OnStar FMV Reviewhttp://www.geardiary.com/2011/12/02/find-your-way-and-be-safer-on-the-road-with-onstar-fmv-review/ http://www.geardiary.com/2011/12/02/find-your-way-and-be-safer-on-the-road-with-onstar-fmv-review/#comments Fri, 02 Dec 2011 23:00:16 +0000 Dan Cohen http://www.geardiary.com/?p=172243 When we needed a new car last week one thing was clear- I wanted to lease one with all the technological bells and whistles I could find. After all, I've been whining and complaining about not having integrated Bluetooth and navigation in my car and my mechanic, and Elana, had been hearing a refrain of "Is it time yet?" for months. So I now have Bluetooth, navigation, destination assistance with real human beings on the other end of the call and impact/emergency detection. Had we not needed a new car however I would most likely have been putting one of OnStar's FMV systems in my old car. I took a look at one last month Continue reading on Gear Diary ...]]> http://www.geardiary.com/2011/12/02/find-your-way-and-be-safer-on-the-road-with-onstar-fmv-review/feed/ 0 Good Day at the Track with 2013 Lexus GS Just Got Betterhttp://www.geardiary.com/2011/12/02/good-day-at-the-track-with-2013-lexus-gs-just-got-better/ http://www.geardiary.com/2011/12/02/good-day-at-the-track-with-2013-lexus-gs-just-got-better/#comments Fri, 02 Dec 2011 20:00:25 +0000 David Goodspeed http://www.geardiary.com/?p=172346 Images: Author I was planning on introducing you to the all-new 2013 Lexus GS luxury sport sedan this week as I have just returned from an awesome day at the track with the new models, but Judie kind of stole my thunder last week. [Sorry! -Judie] So instead perhaps I will regale you with word of the OTHER Lexus that showed up while us autowriters were putting GS through its paces. Ya’all ever heard of the LFA? Well, Lexus invited us to spend some seat time riding shotgun with Continue reading on Gear Diary ...]]> http://www.geardiary.com/2011/12/02/good-day-at-the-track-with-2013-lexus-gs-just-got-better/feed/ 1 February Will Bring the Launch of an All New 2013 Lexus GShttp://www.geardiary.com/2011/11/23/february-will-bring-the-launch-of-a-all-new-2013-lexus-gs/ http://www.geardiary.com/2011/11/23/february-will-bring-the-launch-of-a-all-new-2013-lexus-gs/#comments Wed, 23 Nov 2011 17:00:33 +0000 Judie Stanford http://www.geardiary.com/?p=170808

Some of you will recall our 'Guess what I am and Win' contest series which offered a prize package consisting of: 2 one-year Pandora One premium subscriptions 4 movie tickets a month for a year from MovieTickets.com A $250 OpenTable dining card The clues were: My screen width is wider than an iPad I can help you plan your dinner-and-a-movie night out. and I can read your SMS texts for you…and even respond, if you like. The answer, as EdifyHimDaily soon guessed, was the 2013 Lexus GS. Some of you might have wondered Continue reading on Gear Diary ...]]> http://www.geardiary.com/2011/11/23/february-will-bring-the-launch-of-a-all-new-2013-lexus-gs/feed/ 0 2012 Ford Mustang Boss 302 Is One Bad Pony Carhttp://www.geardiary.com/2011/11/11/2012-ford-mustang-boss-302-is-one-bad-pony-car/ http://www.geardiary.com/2011/11/11/2012-ford-mustang-boss-302-is-one-bad-pony-car/#comments Fri, 11 Nov 2011 20:00:28 +0000 David Goodspeed http://www.geardiary.com/?p=168424 The Boss is back – and it is bad***. The 2012 Mustang Boss 302 is the most fun I have had in a pony car since, well, ever. I even like this new Ford more than my cherished ’69 Camaro with the solid lifter crate motor. Ford has brought its heritage forward four score as they re-release the Boss 302 on the newest Mustang platform. Originally released in 1969, the Boss 302 was the first of three Boss factory performance models and was intended to help Ford compete in SCCA racing. Fast forward to 2011 and the new Boss lives up to every bit of its legacy – and then some. True, I never drove an original but after spending a week behind the wheel of the 2012 I really don’t care to experience the classic version (except perhaps to have it in a collection). As much as I appreciated Ford’s improvements for the newest Mustang platform, the Boss 302 is even that much better. The 5.0 in the GT with a six-speed manual gearbox was my pick of the litter of new factory fun cars so with the power and handling improvements made in the Boss it puts the Mustang over the top. Continue reading on Gear Diary ...]]> http://www.geardiary.com/2011/11/11/2012-ford-mustang-boss-302-is-one-bad-pony-car/feed/ 1 2012 Toyota Camry More of the Same Except Everything Has Changedhttp://www.geardiary.com/2011/11/07/2012-toyota-camry-more-of-the-same-except-everything-has-changed/ http://www.geardiary.com/2011/11/07/2012-toyota-camry-more-of-the-same-except-everything-has-changed/#comments Mon, 07 Nov 2011 21:00:42 +0000 David Goodspeed http://www.geardiary.com/?p=167665

Image: Toyota

Toyota has been making its Camry sedan for 28 years with most of those built right here in the U.S. of A. at its Georgetown plant. For the past nine years the Camry has been the best-selling car in America. And the entire time Toyota has not had to resort to using adventure, culture, heritage, patriotism or even sex to move these vehicles. The Toyota Camry does what it does best – it sells itself. For 2012 Toyota delivers an all-new, 7th generation Camry with 100 percent new sheet metal while exterior dimensions remain the same. Inside, however, the sedan grows by two cubic feet, including an additional two inches in Continue reading on Gear Diary ...]]> http://www.geardiary.com/2011/11/07/2012-toyota-camry-more-of-the-same-except-everything-has-changed/feed/ 0 2012 Nissan Versa Sedan Cheapest Real Estate Aroundhttp://www.geardiary.com/2011/10/26/2012-nissan-versa-sedan-cheapest-real-estate-around/ http://www.geardiary.com/2011/10/26/2012-nissan-versa-sedan-cheapest-real-estate-around/#comments Wed, 26 Oct 2011 19:00:00 +0000 David Goodspeed http://www.geardiary.com/?p=166117 Images: Author The new Versa Sedan from Nissan offers some of the cheapest real estate on the market today. Completely redesigned for 2012, Nissan touts the new little four-door as “Small on the outside, big on the inside.” And actually it isn’t really that small on the outside. What is small is the pricetag as compared to the market today. For 2012, Versa Sedan rolls in at just under 11 grand. Yes, $10,990 will get you a brand new Nissan, if you can find one of those entry models on the dealer lot. Figure spending something more in the ballpark of 15-16 large for one with most of the necessities. Continue reading on Gear Diary ...]]> http://www.geardiary.com/2011/10/26/2012-nissan-versa-sedan-cheapest-real-estate-around/feed/ 0 Busy Week at GM Technology Divisions With Cadillac CUE, Chevy Spark EV, and EN-Vhttp://www.geardiary.com/2011/10/20/busy-week-at-gm-technology-divisions-with-cadillac-cue-chevy-spark-ev-and-en-v/ http://www.geardiary.com/2011/10/20/busy-week-at-gm-technology-divisions-with-cadillac-cue-chevy-spark-ev-and-en-v/#comments Thu, 20 Oct 2011 19:15:19 +0000 David Goodspeed http://www.geardiary.com/?p=165425

Images: GM

It has been a busy week for the technology divisions at General Motors as several major news announcements have graced the Gear Diary inbox. Kicking things off is Cadillac and its new Cadillac User Experience or “CUE” system set to arrive in 2012 in the upcoming XTS and ATS sedans and SRX crossover. CUE will pair entertainment and information data from up to 10 Bluetooth-enabled mobile devices, USBs, SD cards and MP3 players with a vehicle infotainment system that reduces complexity through customized information, natural voice commands and fewer buttons and larger icons. “CUE doesn’t replace your Continue reading on Gear Diary ...]]> http://www.geardiary.com/2011/10/20/busy-week-at-gm-technology-divisions-with-cadillac-cue-chevy-spark-ev-and-en-v/feed/ 0 2012 Cadillac SRX Gets a New Tickerhttp://www.geardiary.com/2011/10/12/2012-cadillac-srx-gets-a-new-ticker/ http://www.geardiary.com/2011/10/12/2012-cadillac-srx-gets-a-new-ticker/#comments Wed, 12 Oct 2011 15:00:49 +0000 David Goodspeed http://www.geardiary.com/?p=164262

Images: Author

The Cadillac SRX is all-new for 2012 – under the hood that is. The current generation luxury crossover came to life a couple of years ago after a complete transformation that brought SRX from a “don’t-call-me-a-wagon” wagon to a modern sport-luxe utility. Sharing the same platform as the Chevy Equinox and GMC Terrain, the 2012 SRX now sports one engine offering, that being a peppy direct-injection 3.6-liter V-6 that cranks out 308hp and 265 lb. ft. of torque. This is sent to the front or all four wheels via a six-speed automatic gearbox with a driver-selectable Eco mode for enhanced fuel economy. Continue reading on Gear Diary ...]]> http://www.geardiary.com/2011/10/12/2012-cadillac-srx-gets-a-new-ticker/feed/ 0 2012 Chrysler 300 SRT8 Delivers The Goodshttp://www.geardiary.com/2011/10/05/2012-chrysler-300-srt8-delivers-the-goods/ http://www.geardiary.com/2011/10/05/2012-chrysler-300-srt8-delivers-the-goods/#comments Wed, 05 Oct 2011 19:00:20 +0000 David Goodspeed http://www.geardiary.com/?p=163537 Some things in life just don’t live up to the hype. Take, for instance, the much anticipated iPhone announcement this week. For many like me, it was a disappointment. Fortunately not all things fall into this category of "much ado/much a didn’t." The new Chrysler 300 SRT8 is a shining example of “delivering the goods.” I was all set to be underwhelmed with this latest overhyped made in Detroit machine. When first seeing the redesign of the model line last year my reaction was melancholy at best and to be perfectly honest I never quite got all the popularity of the 300 since reintroduction several years Continue reading on Gear Diary ...]]> http://www.geardiary.com/2011/10/05/2012-chrysler-300-srt8-delivers-the-goods/feed/ 0 The 2011 Volkswagen Jetta TDI: Cheaper Does Not Mean Cheapenedhttp://www.geardiary.com/2011/09/28/the-2011-volkswagen-jetta-tdi-cheaper-does-not-mean-cheapened/ http://www.geardiary.com/2011/09/28/the-2011-volkswagen-jetta-tdi-cheaper-does-not-mean-cheapened/#comments Wed, 28 Sep 2011 20:00:35 +0000 David Goodspeed http://www.geardiary.com/?p=162560

Volkswagen is in the midst of a product transformation. For model year 2011 it completely redesigned the popular Jetta and this year they are introducing a new Passat and Beetle. While giving the vehicles more precise lines there seems to be a strong determination to clean things up and simplify design and content while at the same time placing a great deal of urgency on “getting things right.” We recently spent time in the new Jetta sedan and I believe they are “getting it right.” Ours was a TDI model featuring a fuel-thrifty 2.0-liter 140hp turbodiesel inline four-cylinder engine in a front-drive configuration that was surprisingly swift. The inherent nature of turbodiesel engines gives Continue reading on Gear Diary ...]]> http://www.geardiary.com/2011/09/28/the-2011-volkswagen-jetta-tdi-cheaper-does-not-mean-cheapened/feed/ 2 2011 Honda CR-Z Compact Sport Coupe Hybrid a Bit of a Surprisehttp://www.geardiary.com/2011/09/18/2011-honda-cr-z-compact-sport-coupe-hybrid-a-bit-of-a-surprise/ http://www.geardiary.com/2011/09/18/2011-honda-cr-z-compact-sport-coupe-hybrid-a-bit-of-a-surprise/#comments Sun, 18 Sep 2011 22:00:57 +0000 David Goodspeed http://www.geardiary.com/?p=160940 The CR-Z from Honda was a bit of a surprise for me: A surprise it took Honda so long to come out with a modern version of its popular little car; a surprise it came out as a hybrid; and a surprise that I found myself a little disappointed by the whole thing. As a modern CR-X, it has gained a bit of size and heft and as a hybrid it comes up a bit short on gas mileage. The new CR-Z gets worse fuel economy (highway and averaged) than quite a few gasoline-only cars currently in the Honda fleet and even gets bested by both Civic and Insight hybrid stable mates. I am surprised Continue reading on Gear Diary ...]]> http://www.geardiary.com/2011/09/18/2011-honda-cr-z-compact-sport-coupe-hybrid-a-bit-of-a-surprise/feed/ 0 2011 Acura TSX Sport Wagon in a Class (Almost) By Itselfhttp://www.geardiary.com/2011/09/08/2011-acura-tsx-sport-wagon-in-a-class-almost-by-itself/ http://www.geardiary.com/2011/09/08/2011-acura-tsx-sport-wagon-in-a-class-almost-by-itself/#comments Thu, 08 Sep 2011 22:00:59 +0000 David Goodspeed http://www.geardiary.com/?p=159742

Where have all the wagons gone? Long time passing… (Apologies to Pete Seeger and his classic tune from 1961.) Apparently station wagons fell from the good graces of the auto-buying public being replaced first with the minivan, then the SUV and now the crossover and hatchback. But for those who have not lost the love for the “family truckster” look no further than your closest luxury car dealer. Seems the place to find this segment is in the higher-end markets as brands such as Acura, Cadillac, and Mercedes all offer the long, low “sedans with a greenhouse.” Volkswagen still offers a wagon on the Jetta platform but most of the high-volume brands have Continue reading on Gear Diary ...]]> http://www.geardiary.com/2011/09/08/2011-acura-tsx-sport-wagon-in-a-class-almost-by-itself/feed/ 2 Fiat’s New 500c Cabrio: Now THAT’S Italian!http://www.geardiary.com/2011/08/30/fiats-new-500c-cabrio-now-thats-italian/ http://www.geardiary.com/2011/08/30/fiats-new-500c-cabrio-now-thats-italian/#comments Tue, 30 Aug 2011 19:00:34 +0000 David Goodspeed http://www.geardiary.com/?p=158804

Move over MINI, we got the real Italian Job right here… Fiat is taking the ‘New World’ by storm and the hottest thing since the Vespa scooter has landed in America – the Fiat 500c Cabrio. The first “Nuova Cinquecento” debuted in the summer of 1957 as a cabriolet model and offered a distinctive canvas roof that opened right down the middle to the rear of the vehicle. Fast forward 54 years and Fiat builds on the brand’s spirit of building world-class small cars that ignite a “spirit of the times through simple design.” Sporting unique but modern Italian styling, the new 500c continues Fiat’s legacy of all-season performance, fuel-efficient powertrain options and Continue reading on Gear Diary ...]]> http://www.geardiary.com/2011/08/30/fiats-new-500c-cabrio-now-thats-italian/feed/ 0 Stylish New Hyundai Sonata Hybrid Lacks Finesse, but So Did All the Others At Firsthttp://www.geardiary.com/2011/08/19/stylish-new-hyundai-sonata-hybrid-lacks-finesse-but-so-did-all-the-others-at-first/ http://www.geardiary.com/2011/08/19/stylish-new-hyundai-sonata-hybrid-lacks-finesse-but-so-did-all-the-others-at-first/#comments Fri, 19 Aug 2011 19:00:32 +0000 David Goodspeed http://www.geardiary.com/?p=157683 The Korean automakers have gotten into the hybrid game finally and the first models to market from Kia and Hyundai are on the shared midsize sedan platform of Sonata and Optima. Recently I spent some time with the former sporting what Hyundai has dubbed its Hybrid Blue Drive system. During the time I had the vehicle I was noticing some blogs reporting steering issues and a technical bulletin issued by the manufacturer addressing some torque-steer issues with certain Sonata and Optima sedans. I found this interesting as no sooner than I headed out the driveway I found myself pulling over to the side of the road to see if I had a flat tire or Continue reading on Gear Diary ...]]> http://www.geardiary.com/2011/08/19/stylish-new-hyundai-sonata-hybrid-lacks-finesse-but-so-did-all-the-others-at-first/feed/ 0