Gear Diary » Grinding Gears

Ford CES Health & Wellness News: Ford Collaborates for Health Monitoring While Driving

Douglas Moran — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 23:30:03 +0000

As a person born at the very tail end of the Baby Boom, or conversely the very, very beginning of GenX, I have been known, in my day, to grouse pretty strongly about how many products are targeted for the Boomer demographic. But even I have to admit that some of those products are durn useful, even if you're not a retirement-age boomer. Especially some of those gizmos they're installing in cars these days--cams that let you see behind you when you're parallel parking, for example, or proximity detectors that help you avoid accidents. Some of this is pretty cool stuff. In that vein is some of the stuff that Ford is developing Continue reading on Gear Diary ...

Finally, the Real Ford Focus Comes to America

David Goodspeed — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 20:00:49 +0000

I’ve been waiting for the 2012 Ford Focus for a very long time. Even as Ford was rolling out the red carpet on the last generation Focus compact in 2007 I was waiting for this car. Heck, my anticipation goes back a decade. Well, it’s here and in usual Ford fashion Focus arrived in a flurry of product placement as it has been driven on nearly every reality TV show this year. I first saw the latest Focus in its new plant last December as Ford allowed us an insider view of the assembly facility it had completely rebuilt specifically for Focus. Funny thing about it, it is right across the parking lot from the old Focus plant. Continue reading on Gear Diary ...

Snow Day with the Nissan Z Roadster

David Goodspeed — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 15:45:55 +0000

Nissan sent me the all-new Z roadster to test this week. Woohoo! Continue reading on Gear Diary ...

As the wheel turns

David Goodspeed — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 16:30:01 +0000

With all of the headlines screaming recall, stuck pedals and brake failure, what is a driver supposed to do or think? First, don't listen to the headlines or the top of the hour teasers as gospel, they are only there to hold your interest. Second, hit the good old internet, but take all commentary with a grain of salt. The flood of information, both good and bad, is sure to have many eyeballs straining, giving curious consumers headaches and more questions than answers. In my local news broadcast this morning the anchor was reading a story about Toyota thinking about issuing a recall over the new Prius situation while the news crawler in the lower thirds was Continue reading on Gear Diary ...

2010 Chevy Camaro RS

David Goodspeed — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 21:45:12 +0000

I admit I am old school and I apologize ... for nothing. I learned to type (originally) on a manual typewriter and perfected that craft on an IBM Selectric. I learned to drive in the family station wagon, before I had to wear a seatbelt. I still look forward to receiving the National Geographic magazine in the mail each month (although for slightly different reasons than when I was a young lad), and I get my hair cut by a barber. And I still LOVE Camaros. Sure, I have adopted modern technology into my current lifestyle and life stage, and Camaro has "matured" as well. Deep down inside, though, resides a beating heart yearning for excitement and the ever-fleeting adrenaline rush. If you are asking am I describing myself here or the automobile, the answer is "Yes." Continue reading on Gear Diary ...

10 for 2010

David Goodspeed — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 21:00:05 +0000

Once again automakers rolled out some eye candy at the annual North American International (Detroit) Auto Show. And once again it leaves many of us wondering which of the vehicles on display will actually make it into production, will they be affordable and are they really practical. Inspired by this, I am rolling out a list of 10 things to watch in 2010. Continue reading on Gear Diary ...

8X Telescope and Custom Car Mount for iPhone from USBFever.com

David Goodspeed — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 20:00:17 +0000

USBFever.com has some of the coolest items available for gadget geeks and freaks (Hey, I resemble that...) A couple of items making their way into my hands recently (and onto my iPhone 3GS) are the 8X Telescope and the Custom Made Powered Cigarette Socket Mount with Dual USB Charging Ports. Continue reading on Gear Diary ...

Mercedes E Coupe and Honda Insight

David Goodspeed — Fri, 15 Jan 2010 20:57:31 +0000

I am going to wrap a pair of vehicles into this Grinding Gears entry. As we head down the 2010 highway I need to do a bit of housekeeping left over from the last decade. This time around I offer a coupe from across the Atlantic and a hybrid from across the Pacific. Continue reading on Gear Diary ...

Detroit updates: Keep up with all the 2010 NAIAS news

David Goodspeed — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 15:00:00 +0000

For those wishing all the latest news from media days at the 2010 North American International Auto Show here are a few suggestions: Follow: @NAIASDetroit or @FreepAutos Automakers will be generating lots of news at breakneck speed at this year's shortened media preview event today, Jan. 11 and tomorrow, Jan. 12. When it is all said and done I will provide my own wrap-up along with my promised 10for’10, a look at the top 10 things to keep an eye on this year in the automotive industry.

Ford Motor Company has already made headlines this morning by earning both North American Car and Truck of the Year honors for the Fusion Hybrid and Transit Connect models, respectively.

Continue reading on Gear Diary ...

2010 Ram Heavy Duty

David Goodspeed — Sat, 09 Jan 2010 02:00:03 +0000

As the automotive industry prepares for the 2010 North American International Auto Show I thought I would lead my 'teen' reviews with the vehicle that garnered truck of the year honors, the 2010 Ram Heavy Duty. Notice I did not say "Dodge Ram" as the vehicle brand. Chrysler has chosen to spin its truck division apart from the Dodge world and simply call it "Ram." Continue reading on Gear Diary ...

Ford introduces MyFord driver connect technology at CES

David Goodspeed — Thu, 07 Jan 2010 17:45:05 +0000

If you like reading press releases from automakers and you just cannot get enough news from this year's Consumer Electronics Show, you are gonna love this. Here are the latest offerings from Ford Motor Company and technology partner INRIX, being introduced today at CES in Las Vegas.

Ford introduced a smarter, safer, simpler system to connect drivers with in-car technologies and their digital lives today at the 2010 International Consumer Electronics Show (CES). Building on its leadership with the award-winning SYNC® device connectivity system, Ford has combined a variety of technologies into one powerful, intuitive connected driver experience called MyFord, which will begin rolling out on vehicles this year. “MyFord delivers a premium

Continue reading on Gear Diary ...

Grinding Gears top nine from 2009

David Goodspeed — Wed, 30 Dec 2009 16:47:38 +0000

This past calendar year has been an active one in the automotive industry. The federal government moved in to assist two of Detroit's brands survive into the new year. We saw severe budget cuts, inventory and dealership reductions, reorganizations and a renewed push towards a "greener" future. As we prepare for 2010, much is still the same. Politicians are still politicians, we still have loved ones defending the world on foreign soil and consumers are still buying cars and trucks. Before the world turns the calendar to the "green teens," here is a look back at some highlights – my top nine from ’09. Continue reading on Gear Diary ...

Cadillac Culinary Christmas Tour

David Goodspeed — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 22:10:27 +0000

(Click on image above to view slideshow) When General Motors held its annual media drive regional program for new product, we thought it odd there was no mention of Cadillac, especially given the fact the luxury marque was launching two all-new vehicles this fall. Those questions were put to rest this week during a unique event dubbed "Cadillac's Culinary Christmas Media Tour" – a fun, food-filled afternoon of progressive dining with some of the area's top cuisine masters and driving the latest offerings from the automaker. Continue reading on Gear Diary ...

Jaguar and Land Rover spice things up but hold the curry

David Goodspeed — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 20:38:19 +0000

They may not be serving hamburgers at the corporate cookouts anymore, but luxury marques Jaguar and Land Rover still have the heart and soul of the British Isles. The 2008 purchase by India's largest automaker Tata is yet to be readily apparent and each luxury brand is still about two-thirds UK sourced and about one-fifth German. For 2010, each line gets some minor touchups (OK, the Jag XJ is all new, and Land Rover upgrades LR3 to a 4), but the biggest news is under the hood. New V-8 engines all around for the two brands, complete with more power and improved efficiency. Continue reading on Gear Diary ...

New Dodge Ram 1500 charges head-on at competition

David Goodspeed — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 22:33:17 +0000

It all started on a frigid morning in downtown Detroit outside the North American International Auto Show in January, 2008. Anticipation was in the air (along with our frozen breath) as thousands of journalists eagerly waited for the thunderous roar that was coming around the corner. Dodge decided to introduce the all-new Ram 1500 pickup to the world in unique fashion – a cattle drive through the streets of motor city. About one hundred longhorn steers escorted the new Dodge Ram to the press event. Continue reading on Gear Diary ...

GM posts new videos online

David Goodspeed — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 20:45:05 +0000

Here are some interesting new videos from General Motors ... Continue reading on Gear Diary ...

Toyota offering Techstream Lite for tuners/tinkerers

David Goodspeed — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 16:00:59 +0000

The days of getting grease on my hands may be over, but for many, forgoing the service drive at the dealership for an afternoon in the garage with the hood up is still a valuable, time-honored (and for some, necessary) tradition. I still have a chain embedded in the limb of a large shade tree behind my garage for such mechanical endeavors. For you import shadetree mechanics/tuners – Toyota/Lexus/Scion specifically – advanced help is on the way. Continue reading on Gear Diary ...

2010 GMC Terrain changing landscape of crossovers

David Goodspeed — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 20:00:17 +0000

Crossover utility vehicles are to the new millenium what minivans were to the late ‘80s and early ‘90s – all the rage. It seems, however, that many of their designs seem to blend together, especially when friends get together and try to describe one they don't know the name or brand of. "It's that one with the round face and kind of rounded roofline, you know, the one that looks like an over-inflated sport hatchback..." or something like that. GMC's latest – the 2010 Terrain – seeks to step apart from that confusing landscape. Continue reading on Gear Diary ...

Is the honeymoon over?

David Goodspeed — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 19:14:52 +0000

The other day I was asked one of the most common questions folks inquire of me once they learn of my automotive alter ego – "Driven anything exciting lately?" Normally I jump right in and rifle off any number of makes and models that have graced my driveway in recent weeks and months. This time was different though, this one gave me pause. Had I driven anything exciting lately, I wondered? If so, why is that answer not spilling forth from my vocal chords as has so often happened in the past? Have I become complacent to the automotive industry of late? Am I perhaps as guilty as the general public in turning my attention away from the vehicular environment? Oh my God, is the honeymoon over? Continue reading on Gear Diary ...

Ford introduces inflatable seat belts

David Goodspeed — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 13:45:08 +0000

Ford Motor Company is taking a giant leap forward in rear seat occupant safety as they introduce new inflatable seat belts, set to debut on the next-generation Explorer SUV coming next year. They say that these new belts are being received as at least as comfortable as existing belts, if not more so, with the hopes of increasing seat belt usage by rear occupants. Here in Texas, lawmakers have already enacted legislation requiring all occupants of vehicles to be belted while the vehicle is in motion. I for one have never really found rear seat belts all that comfortable so this initiative by Ford is a big step in the right direction. Continue reading on Gear Diary ...

2010 Kia Soul built to rock and roll

David Goodspeed — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 23:08:27 +0000

Apparently, funky is going mainstream in the auto industry. What began as a unique phenomena over at a little startup division of Toyota has now spread across other Asian automaker model lines. Nissan challenged the squared Scion with a Cube and now Kia has put their heart and "Soul" into the mix. (Sorry, had to work the pun in somewhere.) Continue reading on Gear Diary ...

2010 Honda Pilot a wolf in sheep’s clothing

David Goodspeed — Sat, 24 Oct 2009 17:06:42 +0000

The newest Honda Pilot is something of a "wolf in sheep's clothing." Honda dubs it a crossover utility vehicle due to its not having a ladder frame architecture supporting the unit, but I feel this is about as close to a true SUV as one can get. Last year, Honda introduced us to a completely made over Pilot, one that offers eight-passenger functionality without sacrificing ability and agility. The new model is larger inside and out, boasts a stronger, more fuel efficient powertrain, is more stable on the road and offers all the latest comfort and convenience amenities as well as class-leading safety. Continue reading on Gear Diary ...

OnStar brings carjacking to an end in California

David Goodspeed — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 18:13:00 +0000

We told you it was coming, and now General Motors and OnStar report the first successful use of their Stolen Vehicle Slowdown technology to end a carjacking in California. Continue reading on Gear Diary ...

2010 Chevy Equinox

David Goodspeed — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 18:33:41 +0000

The discussion started as casually as most do. A co-worker asks "Would you buy a GM vehicle right now?" My answer? You bet. And one of the reasons is their new Chevy Equinox. Continue reading on Gear Diary ...

2010 Acura RDX is a truly good sport

David Goodspeed — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 23:42:06 +0000

I am not sure just exactly who coined the phrase "sport utility vehicle" but I feel they were a bit remiss in the target segment they were identifying. Most of those giant grocery-getters of the past decade-and-a-half were anything BUT sporty. Fast forward to the 21st century and we have seen an entire new breed of SUVs, yet most have been redefined as crossover utility vehicles given the nature of configuring some form of cargo box on top of a car-based platform. We recently spent some time behind the wheel of the latest Acura RDX, junior sibling to the MDX which was given a model-line makeover at the same time a couple of years back. Continue reading on Gear Diary ...

2010 Mazda6: Zoom-zoom evolution

David Goodspeed — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 03:45:50 +0000

Despite building some decent midsize sedans over the years, Mazda knew it needed to undertake a significant model makeover in order to keep pace with the CD-segment, namely Accord and Camry. With this newest Mazda6 they have done just that. Their mantra? Zoom-zoom evolution. Continue reading on Gear Diary ...

Real World Automotive Advice

David Goodspeed — Sat, 26 Sep 2009 11:57:59 +0000

OK, so your loved one has finally been able to wrestle that DuPont Registry away from you and demands you find suitable transportation back here in the real world. After spending hours perusing the Auto Trader and Craigslist, you find yourself with more questions than answers that are perhaps keeping you from signing on the bottom line or plunking down that hard-earned dinero. For some real world advice and assistance, you might check out realworldautomotive.com, run by ASE-certified master mechanic Alex Steele. Continue reading on Gear Diary ...

Essence of Infiniti

David Goodspeed — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 22:00:42 +0000

True, I may be just a "Gaijin" from Texas, but I do know a work of art when I see one. The new Infiniti Essence concept car is just that. Staring at it in adoration, I think I also broke a few commandments. Continue reading on Gear Diary ...

State Fair of Texas Auto Show media day(s)

David Goodspeed — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 01:00:01 +0000

With the arrival of Autumn it is once again time for the great State Fair of Texas and one of the world's largest auto shows. Gate attendance each year at the fair reaches more than three million over its three-week run, with estimates that at least 75 percent of attendees visit some portion of the auto show. Continue reading on Gear Diary ...

2010 Honda Odyssey minivan

David Goodspeed — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 15:53:20 +0000

The onslaught of SUVs in the 1990s and crossover utility type vehicles of the new millennium have kept minivan sales numbers from returning to those of their glory days – but automakers are still makin' 'em and folks are still buyin' 'em. There aren't quite as many players in the minivan game anymore mind you, but one who held firm to delivering a quality product over the years has been Honda. Because of that, the Honda Odyssey minivan has had a target on its back almost since its inception. Continue reading on Gear Diary ...