For 2012, Ford is offering a taxi cab version of it’s innovative, city-friendly Transit Connect commercial cargo truck with the suitable modifications that could make this vehicle the North American equivalent of the legendary London taxicab. The new Transit Connect Taxi has a small footprint, with similar length/width dimensions as […]
Cars
An Inside Look at Volvo Safety Engineering – Interview with Safety Centre Chief, Hans Nyth
(From the Archives – originally published Aug., 2010.) When car buyers think ‘safety’, undoubtedly one of the first brands that springs to mind is Swedish manufacturer Volvo. And for good reason. Volvo has a long list of safety ‘firsts’ for a production company such as 3-point (lap and shoulder) seat […]
Fuel Economy – Automotive Technology’s New Holy Grail
“They don’t make ‘em like they used to” is a complaint I often hear, and to that I joyously respond, hallelujah! There’s no denying today’s automobiles lack the beautiful esthetics of the ‘50s and ‘60s. While today’s cars lack the sheet metal artistry and mechanical simplicity of that period, there’s […]
2012 Honda CRV Touring
One of Honda’s best-sellers, the CRV, arrives totally redesigned for 2012. Honda’s popular compact crossover SUV’s newest reincarnation is evolutionary, rather than revolutionary, but there’s still plenty of good news for consumers. The 2012 CRV boasts a lower base price ($25,990 for 2012 vs. $26,290 for 2011), more power (185 […]
2012 Lexus ES350
When news of the arrival of the 2012 Lexus ES350 sedan spread through my gang of car enthusiast pals and family, one of my sharp-witted friends quipped, “Sure can’t have too much of a boring car, can we?” That comment may be a bit harsh, but the truth is all […]
2012 Volkswagen Jetta TDI – New Jetta a German love-fest for drivers
After the first corner that leads from my driveway, I gush, “I LOVE this car!” Ingrid, my wife and the VIP I’m chauffeuring to the office, shoots back, “How can you say that? You haven’t even driven this car for twenty seconds!” “I can tell, even after one corner . […]
2011 Nissan Juke
I like small, quick cars and am drawn to ‘funky’ designs like the charming new Fiat 500 and the stylish Mini, but I have to admit I’m not sure about the Juke. Car designers have to gingerly walk a tightrope, carefully balancing between winning buyer approval or risk forever being […]
Alloy wheel refinishing – ‘saving’ hard-to-find AMG replica wheels
The wheels on a vehicle are one of its most important design features. Wheels contribute a major visual design element to the curbside ‘character’ of every car, SUV and pickup truck on the road. And whether you’re a vintage car, muscle car, or sport compact enthusiast, or simply somebody who’s […]
