Results matching “g8”

I typically keep a car for 6 months to a year tops. One thing I have realized is that every make has a great model. I never in a million years thought I would own a Pontiac, yet I had an '05 GTO and that car was great to me. Now I'm driving a Nissan 350Z. Nissan didn't "do it for me" much over the years., but I now realized the Z is another example of great bang-for-buck.

I thought I would create my own personal list of top models for each make. These cars made the list based on several factors. My top measurement in recent years has been the BFB factor (bang-for-buck). Buy your next car based on this alone and you will be amazed. The second is build quality, always important to most car buyers. Another is reliability, an equally important factor for long vehicle life without headaches.

I chose to touch on the more popular brands in the U.S. market today, Unlike the writers of most auto blogs and magazines, I don't feel the need to put the likes of Ferrari, Lamborghini, or any other "super car" on my list. This is a collection of cars for the masses, which makes up the majority of this countries car buyers.

Acura- TL
It's lines were once sexy, but that sex appeal is now in the on board electronics. The TL is a car made for even the most modest computer geek.

BMW- 3 series
This car has been leading the luxury class for decades and won more awards than any other. It's well-balanced, from ergonomics to performance and handling.

Buick- MDX
It's Buick's version of the Edge and gives Lexus RX a run for it's money.

Cadillac- CTS-V
Just the fact that Cadi has beat out Lexus in build quality the past two years says enough. To top it off this sedan is in the top ten for track times at "The Ring".

Chevrolet- Corvette
King of "bang-for-buck" sports cars. Nothing screams American muscle better than the flag wearing emblem of the General's Vette line.

Ford- Mustang
This car just won't die! Being the first, and longest living pony car on the market says enough about Mustang. It transcends 5 generations of sports car passion.

GMC- Sierra truck series
Ford trucks may have always been number one, but GMC just makes a nice, smooth looking truck and no better example yet than this year.

Honda- Accord
This sedan has always impressed me. Unlike it's younger brother (Civic), this car isn't found on every corner. It also offers most bells and whistles available on a 3 series BMW

Jaguar- XF
Wow! Jaguar, now owned by India based Tah Tah Motors, came out with barrels blazing when the all new '09 XF was released. It's an excellent alternate to Bimmer or Benz.

Kia- Forte
I'm digging this new Civic/Corolla comparo car. Never have I owned a Kia or desired to, but this car offers a lot of auto for a little money.

Lincoln- MKZ
Lincoln has been behind the luxury bell curve in recent years, but this car comes very close to it's European rivals.

Mazda- Speed 3
I have owned three Mazda's over the years and all have been great to me. The Speed 3 is a real sleeper, offering power and reliability in a neat little package.

Mercedes Benz- C63 AMG
While I loved my E55 AMG, the newest C63 AMG takes the cake. This little entry level Mercedes has been tweaked to the extreme and can take any comparable luxury on.

Mercury- Milan
It's a mid-size car with good MPG and a great starting price point...but it's a Mercury

Mitsubishi- Lancer EVO Sport
While Mitsubishi has been struggling with market share stateside, the Lancer has always shined through. It's rally roots and aggressive looks make it a hot ticket.

Nissan- 370Z
Think of it as the Japaneses version of the Mustang. The Z line has really been around since the 60's (Datsun fairlady Z). It feels like a BMW but cost thousands less!

Pontiac- G8 GT
It might have an arrow on the grill, but this is an Aussie born car. Between the Gas sipping V8 under the hood and Zeta chassis, you get a sweet sedan for under $30k

Porsche- Cayman
Everyone loves the 911 and most Porsche lovers say there is no better. I say save your money! With the right computer tune the Cayman will take the 911 with ease.

Subaru- Impreza WRX
Another rally born car, the Impreza is very impressive for being Subaru. These guys are the king of all-wheel drive and turbos. This car shows off great examples of both.

Toyota- Prius
Ugly? Yes, but I give Toyota credit for leading the hybrid movement...even if it was started by GM's EV1 back in 1996. It's not the first time Toyota raped GM's playbook

VW- Jetta TDI
Many think of diesel as a horrible form of fuel. Little known is it that today's diesels are cleaner than most gas powered engines. This example gets up to 50 miles per gallon!

Volvo- C30
This little 3-door made a big splash for this once king of safety company. Meant for the gen X/ gen Y crowd, even baby boomer's found a soft spot for this little sport car.

Motor on, Lance

It's official, GM has filed BK and to many this is no surprise. It's a day many said would come. It wasn't so much a matter of if, as it was when. I want to take a minute to look at what GM was, where they are, and what they may become.

Remembering-

My fans know I am a third generation gearhead, and GM has been a big part of my family. My grandpa raced them and fixed them. My dad managed the company that shipped them from the factories in SF Bay Area. I have restored them, raced them and written about them. Heck, I remember my dad saying he would kick me out of the house if I ever brought home a ford!

Present-

Yes, "The General" has been known well by mine and many other families in this country. But it doesn't stop there, GM has made an impact on the global market as well. Buick is the top selling make in China, owning almost 23% total market share. Holden, GM's counterpart in Australia, has made the top selling sedan there (the Commodore) for the past ten years. Then there is Opel in Europe, a familiar name I see whenever I'm over overseas.

This is a company that has greatly helped mold the auto industry as we know it today. Many import fans may look down on this day, but then again, Toyota wouldn't even be what they are without their strong ties with GM. These two now giants have partnered on projects from as far back as the eighties. GM learned from Toyota, Toyota learned from GM's mistakes. The student is now the teacher in this relationship.

Yes, this is a hard day for those close to, and in the auto community. But is it all bad? No, their is a silver lining to this storm. This bankruptcy is a restructure, not a liquidation. That means a future for this company does exist. Will they be stronger, bigger, better? Maybe not, but they will be leaner, smarter and more efficient. That's what happens in times like these to companies like GM. Poor management and lack of true market demand coupled with a crumbling economy is part to blame. Now they have a second chance to do it right, and lose the mentality of yester-years auto industry.

Future-

GM will be required to be efficient. Forget the fact that the government could have bought the company three-times over with the "bailout" money! Yes, the company was worth 15billion and the government threw over 45 billion at them. Much of it went to the outstanding bank debt GM carried. This was a methodical way for the government to prevent a domino effect for the companies tied to them financially.

This will free them from debt leftover from year's past. Pensions for people that worked the line twenty years ago. Do I blame the unions? No answer. I do know that the rules that apply to GM didn't apply to Toyota because of the union and that hurt us. Matter of fact, that hurt each of "the big three". Note: I only single out Toyota because their goal has been to knock GM from top position as the global giant for years now.

I see much potential on the horizon for this company. Trim down the models, stop offering the same car with different badges under different monikers. We all know a Tahoe is a Yukon and a Blazer. Exploit the cars that people love rather it be the Malibu, or the excellent valued G8. Learn from Toyota, the company that learned so much from you. Doing some, or all of these things can help GM be the successful company I remember from years ago.

Tomorrow's a new day, Lance

Most friends of mine rather work or personal, know the best conversation starter is the latest automotive news. Rather this be the unveiling of a new auto, or a factory closing in America. Anything auto related is a good topic to strike conversation with me. The past few weeks friends have brought up Pontiac, knowing this manufacture recently caught my liking since buying a late-model GTO in 2006.

My 2005 Pontiac GTO. Equipped with the Vette based LS2 motor boasting 400hp.

I'm sure most heard in the news of recent changes to be made with "the General". GM brought their latest plan to the table which they feel will carry them through these hard times. While some see potential for this company to carry on, some question if bankruptcy is a possibility as well.

Those of us closely tied to the industry new Hummer has been for sale for sometime and if not sold, would go away. Saab was inevitably going on the sale block as in my opinion GM never should have bought it in the first place. I will say the slashing of Saturn was a mild surprise, but made sense. Out of the five models in Saturn's line up, two are re-badged GM's while the other three are re-badged Opals and/or Vauxhalls from Europe. The one real shocker among the recent news was the ax being taken to the Pontiac line.

To many Pontiac is just another of the many lines put out by the biggest kid on the block. It fell somewhere around Oldsmobile and Buick to most. Little know about the history of this moniker and how it has always maintained the performance side of the GM roster.

While the name first came about with the Pontiac Spring & Wagon Works, it was not used by GM until 1926. It was created as a companion line to the Oakland Motor Car. Over the years Pontiac fought to separate itself from the pack bringing us such cars as the "Tri-power" '57 Bonneville, the Tempest and the famed Pontiac GTO. While many may argue, I see Pontiac as one of the top cars to make the muscle car segment in this country what it is today.

A beautiful sample of a 1st generation Pontiac Bonneville.

Bob Lutz is a big reason why Pontiac has come full circle in recent years. He knew the value and reputation of the Pontiac name. While most know his push behind the Chevrolet Volt and Camaro, the masses don't know how much his heart was with Pontiac. He knew this line could go to bat with the likes of BMW, Audi and more. In my opinion it was a success and I thank him for fighting to keep the line alive.

I fell in love with American cars all over with my '05 Goat. What better deal to get a modern mid-size car with creature comforts and a 400hp LS2 Corvette motor. I stepped into this car after my 540i BMW left me on the road stranded 2 times in as many months!

My heart even more so fell for the recently released Pontiac G8 GT. Pontiac turned to Holden (GM's counterpart in Australia) for help on the new full size car for the arrowhead moniker. The G8 used the beautiful Zeta platform architecture found under the Holden Commodore and recently released Chevrolet Camaro. They packed it with a 6.0 motor and either a GM 6-speed auto or 6-speed manual from Tremec (see blog entry The Great G8) . Here is a car that gives a BMW 550i a run for its money, yet has gone largely unnoticed by the masses.

Pontiac will go down in history with Oldsmobile, Plymouth, Eagle, Geo and DeLorean as a car maker no more, but I know after the end of 2010 this name will long live on in all gearhead's memory.

-Lance

Little known fact; the Pontiac name was taken from an American Chief.
Chief Pontiac was an Ottawa leader most famous for his role in Pontiac's Rebellion (1763-1766). This was an American Indian struggle against the British military occupation of the Great Lakes region.

I recently was invited by Bunnin Auto Group’s General Sales Manager, Daniel Sterkel to take the new Pontiac G8 GT for a spin. How could a gearhead like me refuse? This is the latest addition in the already well-accepted line up from Pontiac.

I have been following this car since Bob Lutz announced its plan to hit our highways. This is actually another car to come over from the GM counterpart in Australia known as Holden. The specific model is a VE Commodore and shares over 80% of its parts with the G8.

Lines of a 5 series BMW, priced for everyone

Looks:

Three letters come to mind while looking at not only the stance, but the body lines found on this car...B-M-W. From the flared front fenders, allowing a wider track, to the "B" and "C" pillars on the roof line. I am a large fan of the additional European queues from the side markers on the fenders to the rear defuser. The ride height of the car is ideal for most U.S. roads but could withstand an inch less gap in the wheel wells.

The G8 GT equipped with optional factory 19" wheels

Ride:

GM is the first of the "big three" to bring a true “global� platform to fruition. The new Zeta platform started its life on Australian draft tables to take the place of the aged Omega platform from Opel. After years of design, the platform came to reality in the 2006 model year of the Holden VE Commodore. Is it worth the billion+ Australian dollars of design? Heck yeah! This chassis combined with the StabiliTrac system makes for not only a smooth, but a safe ride. I found one could easily take a set of train tracks at any speed without spilling your coffee. The tuned factory suspension stolen again from Holden also makes for superior handling with minimal body roll.

The beautiful mono-toned onyx interior

Feel:
The interior also holds a very European-like look and feel. I know, I know don’t say BMW. Well, the center stack alone screams classic Bavarian with window controls, center locks and mirror adjustments. The HVAC controls are very simple and allow for a near infinite number of temperature adjustments on the GT tested car. The dual heated seat controls and ESC button are also nestled behind the shifter in the center stack.

A well laid out center stack with dual climate control and heated seats

For those familiar with VW & Audi, I think you may feel at home in this cockpit as well. I found the OBC screen in the instrument panel very close in relation to that found in VW. Likewise, the shifter and shift gate had a VW/Audi feel as well. I must also mention that although this car is shorter than the Charger, it has more interior space. The G8 also has a great ski-through which opens to a 17.4cu. ft. trunk!

The GT's 6.0 liter V8 with Active fuel Management

Power:

The car is very responsive and has more than enough get up and go. On a second drive I was accompanied by three other individuals, all of us weighing 200+ each.. Even with a near 900 pound passenger load, we still had no problem getting “up on it�. The car comes in at 361hp and with a few common mods this car will be wide awake and over 400hp easy. The Active Fuel Management was never recognized, but much appreciated at the pump I’m sure. I found the true dual overdrive 6 speed to be a perfect match to the 6.0 liter engine. Another BMW trait is noticed when you toss the shifter to the right gate and activate “Sport Mode�. The “DSC� (Direct Shift Control) mode is nice for those who think they can shift better than a computer.

Manually adjustable wheel

Cons:

They always say start with positive yet this means you end on negative, the few features I think this car fell short with were; No Bluetooth (coming, finally in '09), limited automatic seat control and a manual telescoping wheel. After pointing out these flaws I realized I was picking over things I expect on a $50K up car!? Having said that, this car is excellent bang for the buck. It has the win in my book going above and beyond the simple claim as "the most powerful car starting under $30,000".

Motor On,

Lance

Last week I started off with five of my top ten all-time favorite cars.Some choices are from yester-year whereas other came to fruition within as little time as the past year. I again want to stress that "my list" comes from influences above and beyond mere run numbers and raw horsepower. I consider the impact the car had on our history both in respect to the automotive industry and pop culture as we know it.

Again, we continue with the second half of the list in no particular order:

1967-69 Chevrolet Camaro
This car comes to mind as one of the top muscle cars of all time. proving the first really is the best sometimes, I think this car's style and options hit a home run. With almost 80 factory options and 40 dealer options, this car defined the day of "special order". From the coveted Z28 to the RS, any model sends chills up my spine when I see this true American classic roll down the road.

De Tomaso Pantera
This car has a longer history than most realize. Boasting, several decades in several different forms from different companies. The car didn't hit mainstream until made popular by the gearhead's cult-classic movie, Gone in 60 Seconds. It was also seen in another classic called Cannonball. like many small run super cars, it to had it's blend of parts from around the world but still to this day is still sexy looking.

1960's Lincoln Continental Convertible
The image of this car will be burnt into many American's heads as the vehicle in JFK's last minutes alive. Being that John Fitzgerald Kennedy is my favorite president only makes it easier to admire this classic. The vehicle is most well known for the rebirth of the "suicide" doors made famous decades prior.

2008 Audi R8
The R8 was a major breakthrough from a sleepy manufacturer with strong racing ties. Dare I use the term 'liquid sex"? From the 3400 pound curb weight, to the 420hp 4.2L V8 this thing is a rocket! The design goes far beyond your basic power-to-weight ratio formula used in all super cars. If you want a car that not only looks good but delivers, look no further.

1968-'70 Plymouth Roadrunner
I could not leave my top list without giving props to the king of the muscle car generation. From Dart's and Challenger's to Charger's and "Bee's", The Hemi family literally owned the track in the late '60's-early '70's. The Roadrunner was a car that took the company back to it's roots. This muscle ride made a statement by boasting a 14-second quarter mile time and selling for less than $3000.

There you have it, my list of my top 10 of all time cars. Let me know what your list is and the top 3 lists will be published!

Happy Motoring,

Lance

Keep an eye out next week for my ride and drive in the all new G8 GT.

It's that time of year again, the time when aftermarket companies in the auto industry come out to show their stuff. I'm speaking of AAIW (Automotive Aftermarket Industry Week). This is actually two shows wrapped into one held once a year. The first show is SEMA (Specialty Equipment Marketing Association) and the second is AAPEX (Automotive Aftermarket Products Expo). This is one of the largest conventions of the year for Las Vegas and brings over $2 million in revenue in just 5 days to Sin City.

My team member Tim Clunen and I enjoying "freebies"

This made year number seven for me at the show and every year it gets better, bigger and busier. To explain what this is in a nutshell; almost every manufacturer of automotive parts from wheels to windshield wipers, comes out to show their products to potential clients. Most auto manufacturers make the show to display "one-off" and new models. This is a B2B show and is not open to the general public.

The well awaited 2008 Pontiac G8 GT, look out BMW 5series

The HF-S Honda Accord another SEMA exclusive.

This show has become a popular place not only for cars but also for stars. From rappers like Snoop Dogg, to rod builders Chip Foose and Boyd Coddington. Everyone with passion for the automobile is at this show. Chances are if you can think of a part or a car you will find it. This show brings the latest trends to the table as well. One year the show may be taken over by "Lambo" doors while the next will be every car on spinners. Either way, this is the "it" show to keep your finger on the pulse of this $4.5 billion dollar business we call aftermarket.

The man, Richard Petty signing autographs

Chip Foose,custom rod builder filming Overhaulin' series for TLC

For those in the industry this is a "must see" if you get a chance. Now you know why the big buzz about this wonderful week of cool cars, import models and stars. It's hard to find another business that has such a rich lifestyle around it. While many will continue to look at a car as a simple way to get around, more and more of us recognize it as an extension of whom we are or who we want to be.

Happy Motoring,

Lance

Sidenote:

As a part of its partnership with the 2007 SEMA Show to celebrate it's anniversary, Hot Wheels awarded customized vehicles with the Hot Wheels Design Award. These awards recognized vehicles that embodied the essence of the Hot Wheels, including speed, power, performance and attitude.

Motor On,

Lance

Winners of the awards included:

Hot Wheels Speed Award: The Speed Demon Bonneville Race Car (Poteet and Main)

Hot Wheels Power Award: '70 Cheville in the Bassani Exhaust booth

Hot Wheels Performance Award: 350Z Roadster Drift car in the Nissan booth. (driven by R. Unser)
Hot Wheels Attitude Award: '37 Ford R-Window in the Weld Racing/Wheels booth

Hot Wheels Designer's Choice Award: Chrysler SR392 Roadster in Mopar booth

It's official, I have seen every magazines write up on new releases for the 08-09 model year cars. From my much anticipated Zeta platformed, Holden built G8 to the awesome R8 and Nissan GT-R. Now don't laugh, but I am subscribed to Automobile, Car & Driver, Road & Track and Motortrend. I also receive news from NADA, SEMA and Automotive News. Why you ask?
To be "in the know". I like having knowledge on what's hot and what's not. With as much change that has gone on in the automotive industry in the past 5 years alone one can't have enough information.

Here at The Star we have decided to get to know one of these hot new rides a little better. We have been invited by Allan Crocket of Barber Driving Experience to spend a day at Willow Springs with a dozen spanking new Shelby GT500's! If your confused by all these different trim levels coming out in '08 from Ford, your not alone. Off the top of my head I can think of the GT, the GT California Edition, the Bullitt, the standard Shelby GT and the top dog Ford Shelby GT500. I have also heard of an Interceptor and can't forget the Shelby KR (King Road).

Ford Shelby GT500, notice the Cobra badging

This track day is for new GT500 owners to help them become more familiar with their ride. You also get to see the one-off BDX cars being built by Allan and his team. We will be along to show you what goes on both behind the scenes and on the tarmac at such an event. Not only will we have a multi-part video series on this event, you will also see a full story penned by your's truly both online and in our weekend Wheels print section.

Hold on to your lug nuts your in for a fun ride!

Lance

Learn more about the Ford Shelby GT500 here: http://www.svt.ford.com/fordvehicles.html

Learn more about BDX here: http://www.barberdrivingexperience.com/index.html