My Daily rant

I've been following the new SRT Viper, and the Chevrolet Corvette C7 for a while now. There's some things that i've heard floating around the internet that im not very found of about these two cars. Like a V8 viper and a V6 corvette. The whole point of a viper is a mad V10, and the whole point of the corvette is a muscular V8!

Let's move on before i start rambling to badly.

Yes I know that is a viper SRT-10 and a corvette C6, it fits the mode of what i'm talking about if you read my rambling above the picture. Which you might want to read, other wise you might not understand what im talking/rambling/complaining about.

I'm going to split up each section of the car now.

Let's start with . . .

Power trains

The last gen viper (called the SRT-10 not the Viper technically), and the current gen Corvette C6 have very well known power trains. If you don't know much know much about these two cars, you probably only know the viper has a more European super car like engine, as the corvette has a american muscular engine.

To be specific the Viper has a 8.4-Liter V10, the Corvette on the other hand has a 6.2-Liter V8. Both have there engines in the front, both have a manual transmission (Available automatic in the Corvette), and Rear Wheel Drive in the back. Both have terrible rides, and both are distinctively american.

In the rumor mill for the next gen version of each of these car we have something much different. In the rumor mill we have a civilized well riding Viper with a V8, and a mid-engined V6 corvette.

As you can see in this corvette spy photo, it is not mid-engined. In this viper spy photo it has a similar design as the former. The corvette and the viper both have the same recipe listed above. Except we can't tell what power trains they have. 

I can see a V6 corvette and a V8 viper in Europe, but not in america. Purist, including me will have an even longer rant about it than i am having right now. Hey there will be hundreds of little blogs that pop up and troll about it. The corvette and viper need to stay true to there recipes and keep the mad V10 and muscular v8. Also the next viper needs to be a lot faster then the current one, as anyone who has ever heard of the Corvette ZR1 knows the next one will be even faster.

Naming issues

First we had the extremely crude Dodge Viper. 

Then we had the more civilized Dodge SRT-10.

It wasn't very civilized.

Now the Viper is being called the SRT Viper.

 Let's start with the corvette.

First you had the Chevrolet Corvette c1

Then you had the Chevrolet Corvette c2

Then you had the Chevrolet Corvette c3

Then you had the Chevrolet Corvette c4

Then you had the Chevrolet Corvette c5

Then you had the Chevrolet Corvette c6

The Corvette has a longer and more stable history.  Historically it's also the better car.

If it was my money i'd buy the Viper.

Cadillac ATS, What's what.

Everyone, but the Germans seem to like the all new Cadillac ATS. Even Top Gear liked it! They hate Cadillac! The Sedan model is GM's first real attempt for Cadillac to compete with the BMW 3-Series. The new ATS comes with a natural aspirated 2.5-Liter 4-cylinder, a 2.0-Liter Turbo 4-Cylinder and the original V6 from the CTS.  By now, your already know there going to make a V model, a coupe, a wagon and a convertible model. I've done some searching on Google and i've found rendering for all of these except the convertible. Yesterday i showed you the rendering of the V model from Top Speed.

I absolutely hope this is 90% true. The next M3, which would be the main competitor for the ATS-V will have a twin-turbo V6, so obviously the ATS V will also have a twin-turbo V6. That doesn't sound like much does it? To make it sound right you have to remember the Porsche 911 Turbo has a turbo-charged 6 cylinder engine as well.

I'd perfer the same supercharged V8 as the CTS-V but that's staying in the CTS. This artist rendering a new top grill, similar to the CTS-V and a more smoothed out bottom grill. This rendering has been given a more aggressive V style front bumper with smaller fog lamps. Around the side a small lower body kit has been added for looks and maybe aerodynamics.

Now, what about the coupe?

Here is another artist rendering(s) of what the ATS coupe would look like. The bottom 3 are the most likely to be close to the actual production model. The front door has been enlarged and made longer. The rear door has been removed (obviously) and new rims that are un-realistically large. The coupe would have the same engine options as the sedan, and the V model

What about about the convertible? It's just a coupe with no roof, so just imagine the bottom coupe rendering here with a folding automatic soft top.

What about the wagon?

Exactly same as the sedan, except amazingly this rendering looks better then the normal sedan! That's just my opinion though. Only difference is the trunk has been replaced by a wagon, as it is a wagon..

Here's the rear end!

God, that just destroys the CTS wagon looks..

I know i've been slack on posting lately

Due to my slackness im just going to do a quick over look of some things, a normal more in def paragraph for the ones I find more important.

Here's a German Modded ZR1

They made it even more powerful!

Porsche Cayman Coupe rendered

This looks ten times better the the new 911's rear end...

Happy Mazda, RAD Mazda

This is is true it's not even funny!!!

Hyundai Elantra Coupe caught before Chicago Debut

Keep, that's some strong sheet metal.

Now for some things I have interest in writing about.

Camaro chief claims ZL1 will out perform the more powerful Shelby GT500

Okay, this guy has a large, LARGE mouth. What's even better is i agree with him most of the time. If you've been following the Zl1 VS. GT500 battle then you already know who this is, Camaro chief engineer Al Oppenheiser. 

On Paper the Shelby GT500 should absolutely murder the heavier and less powerful ZL1 but not so fast. Oppenhesier now claims that after test's the ZL1 will do 0-60 mph faster then the lighter more powerful GT500. I hope he's right seeing as i prefer the Camaro over the Mustang. (That's just me it doesn't me you, unless it's also you)  Know I what your going to ask now. "How?!" It all depends how it get's off the line and how it puts the power down.

Even better when Oppenheiser was asked if the ZL1 was faster around the Nurburgring he answered " No question".

The ZL1's released time around the Nurburgring is 7:41.27

The GT500's time still hasn't been released.

Corvette C7 caught testing

The main complaint already is it's not revolutionary it's evolutionary. I prefer it that way though. Seemingly based off the C5 and C6 platform. This picture put a lot of rumors to rest. It's not mid-engined is the biggest and most important. 

Now different rumors like V6, and V8 corvettes. It's not a Corvette unless it follows this pattern. V8 in the front, Manual in the middle, and RWD in the back. IF this isn't followed then it's not a vette.

Except a seven-speed manual, better fuel economy, better interior, and maybe a slightly better ride.

Photo Gallery:

Cadillac ATS-V rendering

As you can see by the two signs on here, this rendering was done by a website called TopSpeed.

God, look at it. The aggressive clean lines of the new ATS, with the muscular sporty V style grill. Originally the ATS-V was thought to carry the same V8 in the CTS-V, but then it's main compettior the M3 is now supposed to have a V6. So now it'll probably have a small little 3.0-Liter Twin-Turbo Charged V6. Really, a 3.0-Liter? Really? Please caddy, at least a 4.0-Liter!  Rumored to do 0-60 in under 5 seconds, that's it? Also rumored to do 170 MPH. In the real world in straight line speed this will blow out any M3 with a limiter. 

So things i don't like about these rumors.

The engine is to small, and 0-60 times are to slow. Otherwise, I LOVE this car. I hope it looks just like this, just without the plastic fog lights.

Check out the video's page for some new Videos.

Today in the automotive world, Sum up of the Detriot auto show, More Cadillac rumors and Auto Executives attacking each other at the Detriot Auto show

Now your expecting me to ramble on about something you really don't care about or has anything to do with the title above. So i am!

Let's move on eh?

Detroit auto show sum up

This years North American International Auto show (Detroit auto show) came as a massive success for some, and a massive failure for others. Take the Cadillac ATS, massive success, Then the Lincoln MKZ well thats controversial. I've put a list together of the best, the worst and the rest of the Detroit auto show. Please Remember, i am Highly opinionated, if you dis-agree with what i write then go troll of somewhere else. No , im joking about the troll but seriously.

Let's start with the 5 best

5.Acura NSX Concept

It's an Acura, It's a concept, Yes it's a Hybrid and yes Aston-Martin called and wanted there tail lights back, but there's no denying this car. I well, absolutely hate most Japanese cars but god can they build super cars. It features a Mid-engined V6 Hybrid VTEC engine. It also has Honda's SH-AWD. I have one problem with it, It's badged as an Acura in America and it looks nothing like the original NSX.

4. Chevrolet Sonic RS

I can already see it coming, "It's a crummy small Chevy blah blah blah" but this is exactly what hot-hatch back fans here America have waited a long time. I also like the looks of the thing. It has no power upgrades blah blah, blah, blah but look at it!

3. Mercedes-Benz SL-Class

This is a cool car. Expect the hybrid, other wise i'd buy this car in a heart beat if i had the money. I mean just look at those head lights, don't look at the color though. . .

It has a nice range of different engines also

2. Dodge Dart

"It's a C-segment Dodge that's not a Dodge, it's really an Alfa-Romeo blah blah blah" is what the Corolla loyalist are saying now. HA geat my Dart R/T stupid little Corolla S! I still feel weird saying "Dart R/T". It has a range of really good Alfa engines under the the nice hood. Something neat i saw in one of the photos. In the front turn signals there's a little Plastic dodge symbol that when you turn the turn signal on flashes.

Now for the big moment. What is the winner of the world-famous Car Driver America Detriot auto show award thingy-ma-jig.

1. Cadillac ATS

If you but this car when it comes out, you'll spend half your time passing BMW 3-series and half the time just sitting and looking at it. I mean really, just look at the thing! Even better it has two 4-cylinders and the 3.6-Liter V6 from the CTS! Even better Top Gear still hasn't made fun of this thing!!! I love this thing <3

The worst

I don't really have to go into detail on this one do I?

Buick Encore

Again i am Highly opinionated.

Acura ILX

Let's make an ugly car uglier, Yeah!

Toyota Prius C

*barf barf*

Craftsmen CTX

Lincoln MKZ concept

Funny what Top Gear thought of the ATS vs. MKZ thing.

The Rest

Uhhh....

Check out the auto show page above...

Cadillac rumors, includes the SRX

There's rumors floating around that Cadillac is making a new crossover to fight the the BMW X3, other rumors floating around are it's based on the encore.... (Help me!!). Personally i think the SRX, should compete with the X3 already, and then make a extended version of the SRX to compete with the X5. Cadillac has technology and equipment to do, so why not?

Auto Executives attacking each other at the Detriot auto show

Yes i know this is the same picture as the one on Carscoop.

Let's cut to the chase. First the Cadillac ATS was revealed, then BMW boss, Ludwig Willisch, dismissed the new Cadillac ATS and the Lincoln MKZ saying that,"despite their claims, they are simply not in the same league as the 3-Series." He also said “We don’t produce trucks, nor taxis or buses”, said Willisch. “We don’t produce sofas on wheels – and we don’t take mass-market vehicles and rebadge them as premium.”  He may have a point, but to me he sounds just like Lexus. Scared at of there minds. 

 Then Toyota put a bill board across the Cobo Center (That's where  the Detriot auto show is held). The bill boards said "Sorry Fusion" and had a Camry Hybrid in the back round. Then Ford decided "Two can play at that game!" and had a video played at the press release of the Fusion a video slamming the Camry and Accord. It said things like "When the recession hit, they plummeted along with the rest of the industry". What you might not realize is the Camry and Accord never recovered from it. Then Honda went on about how they weren't at full throttle blah blah blah.

GM's CEO was more restrained and he didn't brag about his company reclaiming  worlds largest car maker from Toyota, While GM's North America president Mark Reuss did admit that the ATS needed to earn it's place among the Germans.

Detroit auto show!

New faces, new things, more things to spread dumb rumors about!

Click here to see them!

Today in the automotive world, Leaked Dodges

The long awaited, Dodge Dart has been leaked!

Dodge Dart photos

This ladies and gentlemen, this is the Brand new Dodge Dart. It's been so awaited that some people couldn't hold it back, and released a bunch of photos and a video! 

The Dart does a good job of replacing the old Caliber, being based on the Alfa-Romeo Giulietta's platform it's not caliberish either. Engines include naturaly aspirated units, 2.0-Liter rated at 160HP and 2.4-Liter rated at 184 HP. There's also 1.4-Liter turbocharged engine from the Abarth 500 with respective 160HP, all 4-cylinder. On the front wheel drive model, it wil debut with a Fiat sourced 6-speed dual-clutch transmission and a 6-speed manual gearbox. In 2013 though, it will gain a new 9-speed transmission! 

More details at the Detroit motor show, for now enjoy the pictures and video.

Photo Gallery:

Today in the automotive world, Cadillac renderings, Suzuki concepts, bad drivers and anti-hybrid car company's.

Oh i wonder if it's the new escalade renderings.

No there here.

This is a rendering of the new ATS.

Cadillac ATS rendering

If you didn't start following the auto industry today, you know the Cadillac ATS is Cadillac's specially built BMW 3-series fighter. This pro rendering was done by a guy named Josh Byrnes.

Here some info on the upcoming ATS

The entry level sedans will be RWD (=D) and be offered with a 2.5-Liter 4 cylinder, A 2.0-Liter turbo 4-cylinder with 270 HP and finally a 3.6-Liter V6, probably around 300 HP. More details and real photos next week at the Detroit auto show. 

New Suzuki XA ALPHA small crossover

First thing that came to mind when i saw this was "Jeep Grand Cherokee.

<<<<-----------<----------------<---------------------<----------------------<

This SUV/CUV seriously looks like the Jeep Grand Cherokee, even more at this angle. This car doesn't seem to be a direct replacement for the famous Jimny 4x4, as it's on the same platform as the Swift amazingly. It also steals some styling Cues from the swift, and the JGC, but they didn't mention that.

While Suzuki didn't release any other details, if it ever does make it to production it'll probably have a similar engine line up as the Swift.

Bad drivers of the week!

Find even more bad drivers up top in the video page.

Here's the story on this one. A stolen Civic went airborne and landed into a CTS in a parking garage...

Auto makers don't believe in Hybrids or Ev's!

Amazing a survey by, the U.S. Financial consulting firm KMPG out of 200 automotive execs two-thirds of them don't beleive hybrid AND all-electric vehicles will have much impact on the market! So why do they invent in them? There investing in a little bit of everything to see what the market buys. Take GM. The make electric cars, Mid-size E-assist, Large CUVs, V8 SUVS, compact pickups, large pickups, muscle cars, sports cars, etc. etc. etc.

It's quite a smart move on there part, but then at the same time they'll lose money on the things that don't catch on.

New Ford Fusion, released by Ford By mistake

It's XTS all over again! A glitch in the fusions new app showed us a nice view of Fords' new mid size Fusion.

Now im leave you with a 200 Super S

Today in the automotive world, not much..

BUT! If you check out the concept page above,

there is!

Lexus LF-LC

Here you looked at it.

Moving on.

Five reasons Buick needs the Astra GTC

Source: www.GMInsideNews.com

WRITTEN BY GMI!! NOT CAR DRIVER AMERICA!

"Here at GMI we talk about the Buick brand frequently- and with good reason. In a fairly rapid and unforeseen fashion, Buick went from being an irrelevant waste-of-space in North American showrooms to being the GM brand that has the most focus. Part of their success has come from models that are attracting younger buyers with youthful designs, high feature content in statistically “young” segments. 

There really has not been a better example of Buick’s willingness to venture outside of the geriatric sandbox than the recently launched Regal GS. Despite the controversy of its powertrain, the car has vertical fangs on the front clip, Brembo brakes and a ride quality that is more Camaro than Park Avenue. Each attribute combines to form a car that basically gives the middle finger to those that still feel Buick is only for old folks. 

While the Regal GS is undoubtedly a catalyst when it comes to establishing Buick’s new direction, it isn’t enough. Part of the beauty of Buick’s new focus on premium vehicles is that there is a fairly wide bandwidth of segments that Buick can legitimately play in.

One such segment that Buick needs to tap is the hot-hatch segment. And Buick’s new BFF—GM’s Opel brand—recently launched a drop-dead gorgeous Astra GTC that is a perfect match for Buick here in North America. Here’s why.

1 – Small Premium is “in”

Downsizing vehicles, specifically in premium and luxury segments, is an industry trend right now. Vehicles like the Lexus CT and Buick’s own Verano are just two examples of small premium cars that recently launched; with several more rumored to be in the pipeline from other luxury makes. Downsizing premium segments is not that big of a surprise as it seems, if given a choice between small premium and big mainstream, most Millennials will go with the feature-laden small option.

2 – Verano isn’t sporty

As most already know, the Verano is heavily based on the Opel Astra as well. The thing is, the sedan-only model is basically a baby LaCrosse; meaning it isn’t intended to be a sporty model. Verano neither looks nor performs like it is a “sporty” small car. The Astra GTC could slot is to cover the “sporty” end of the segment that Verano fails to capture.

3 – Pontiac and Saturn are dead

In the old GM world, the Astra GTC would be at home in the Pontiac or Saturn stable. In fact, Saturn had the last generation Astra GTC for a short time before its death. With both brands dead, Buick is left as the only logical recipient. Considering GM now lacks a performance/excitement/youth brand, Buick is going to have to attempt to play the role. Much like they have with the Regal GS. 

4 – Chevrolet lacks an exciting compact car

Not that long ago Chevrolet had the Cobalt Coupe to capture buyers looking for a sporty small car. While the new Cruze is a terrific product, it is tough to deny that the car is intended to appeal as a left-brain, logical purchase. There is no coupe or even performance engine option for those that don’t buy a car simply because they have to have one. The new sub-compact Sonic is a more youthful car, but being a B-class product, it lacks some of the high-end options that would likely appeal to Gen Y. 

5 – We (enthusiasts) will buy it

There is no question that the GTC would be a low-volume product in North America, specifically if positioned as a premium small hatch under the Buick nameplate. If the interest in this car within the online community is any indication, a large chunk of the buyers of this car would be enthusiasts; maximizing the low sales volume with word-of-mouth.

Most of us on GMI already know what it means to be an enthusiast. We’re the ones that all of the “normal” people go to for car advice. Couple that with the Astra GTC’s head-turning design makes for a catalyst for enthusiasts to change perceptions normal car buyers have about the Buick brand. Call it the trickle-down effect of the car buying hierarchy. The Regal GS is doing the same thing.

Said normal buyers may not have an interest in purchasing a three-door hatchback, but they may need a Regal or Encore."

Today in the automotive world, Killer Chrysler and Mini Vans

Mini Vans and Chryslers, i know what your thinking! They made an SRT-6 Grand Caravan!

They Didn't.

I meant Mini Panel van, sorry.

Let's start with the killer Chryslers.

Chrysler 200 Super S

God, just look at this thing. Then look at the Camry, Then look at the 200. SEE WHAT I MEAN?!

This is the new Chrysler 200 Super S, bad name great looks. This ladys and gentlemen is what you get when you give Mopar some money and a Chrysler 200. All the Mopar stuff and high-quality materials enhances the performance and visuals of the 200 Super S.

So what did they change except the body kit and grill and the rims? Well im going to get technical about it. Mopar added a Large Chin spoiler, satin chrome fog light trim, grill surround and mesh in the upper AND lower grills. New side sills satin chrome belt moldings, black chrome "200" and finally gray or hyper black 18-inch "S" alloy wheels. Im still not done, a new trunk lid spoiler with a satin chrome light bar, and matte black lower diffuser with attached exhaust openings complete with aggressive looks.

It works well, this is a very cool car, with a lower ride height and other fancy suspension things it should handle better. Sadly though it won't go much faster in a straight line it still has the same 3.6-Liter Pentastar V6 with 283 like the normal 200 S, But god look at it!! Sides it's nice to see somebody using a V6 for a change.

The Chrysler 200 Super S will be available in the US in the spring.

Photo Gallery

Dodge Charger Redliner

The Dodge Dart won't be the only new Dodge with rear racing lights on the back. The Mopar Dodge Charger Redliner. The Mopar brand will have 3 different tuning kits that can be combined is due to go on sale later this year.

 "Since the 1960s, the Mopar Brand has built a long history of adding power and performance to the Dodge Charger – and with the Redline, we Moparized the new Charger with modern-day performance and style while giving a nod to our storied past," said Pietro Gorlier, President and CEO of Mopar.  

 So now you are asking "What are these there tuning kits?!". Well im sad to say there small kittens. No there not small kittens, did you see kittens in the picture above? Didn't think so. Now your wondering if i'll ever get to tuning kits soon or you'll just start looking further down the page because of my stupidity. Fine there below.

The Stage One kit is all about looks adding a full-width carbon fiber chin spoiler, a body-color painted-grille surround with a black "crosshair" insert, carbon fiber door scoops, a three-piece carbon fiber rear spoiler and 20-inch Black Envy alloy wheels. Interior modifications are limited to the aluminum shift bezel and aluminum instrument panel bezel with Redline perimeter accents plus 

stainless steel pedals with a rubberized pattern.

The second stage kit promises to offer improved power and handling though a cat-back performance exhaust system, a front-tower cross-brace and front tower brace caps, plus a high-performance braking system from Mopar.

The third and final kit targets those that intend to use the Charger only for racing with a high-output aluminum-block Gen III 426 HEMI V8 crate engine. The non-street legal 7.0-liter V8 engine features aggressive roller camshaft with .639 intake and .628 exhaust lift and special cylinder heads for a maximum output of 590 horsepower.

More Details soon at the Detriot Auto show.

Photo Gallery:

Dodge Dart Renderings

Thanks to Dart-mouth.com 

Mini Panel Van?!

Yes a Mini Panel van is only a rumor, Yes it would look stupid on anything but the clubman, and yes it reminds me of the HHR Panel van.

A van from mini would literally be a "MiniVan". Sources inside of BMW have confirmed a Mini van will be made and will debut at the Geneva Motor show in March.

Auto Motor und sport reports that the van would be based off the Mini Clubman. Sounds easy to me, i mean all you have to do is remove the rear bench seat so you can have a long load floor, take out the side windows and put in some sheet metal and keep or get rid of the back windows. 

Auto Motor und sport said the um. . . same exact thing. . .

. . .