http://www.autoevolution.com/editorial/ Editorial - autoevolution autoevolution RSS Generator en-us autoevolution.com Fri, 19 Mar 2010 11:33:52 +0000 Fri, 19 Mar 2010 11:33:52 +0000 automotive http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss 10 http://www.autoevolution.com/favicon.ico http://www.autoevolution.com/img/ae_logo.jpg?v=3 http://www.autoevolution.com/editorial/ http://www.autoevolution.com/news/pedigree-of-the-brands-a-different-view-of-the-story-18217.html
The problem comes when...]]> ...Many of us own cars which come from rather famous brands. Plenty of times, even if you hate to admit it, the badge is the main reason to look at a certain car and, in the end, it's the decisive reason in actually choosing the "perfect"model. OK, there are also people who buy cars strictly to go from point A to point B, but for them there are cars like Dacia. That's also a brand, after all, so I consider this subject closed, at least form this point of view.

The problem comes when... (read more)]]> Thu, 18 Mar 2010 14:04:39 GMT Editorial - autoevolution http://www.autoevolution.com/news/pedigree-of-the-brands-a-different-view-of-the-story-18217.html Editorial http://www.autoevolution.com/news/pedigree-of-the-brands-a-different-view-of-the-story-18217.html#comments autoevolution http://www.autoevolution.com/news/car-industry-s-2010-face-off-17843.html
There have been so many news related to the braking and accelerating issues concerning Toyotas in the past few months that I'm not going t...]]> ... If 2009 was the year of thundering bankruptcies and an almost total collapse of the American car industry - while the Japanese more or less flourished - 2010 seems to be the exact opposite. General Motors, Ford and even Chrysler - who were technically dead as dead - are rising up from their graves, while Toyota is facing its biggest recalls in history.

There have been so many news related to the braking and accelerating issues concerning Toyotas in the past few months that I'm not going t... (read more)]]> Wed, 10 Mar 2010 08:31:00 GMT Editorial - autoevolution http://www.autoevolution.com/news/car-industry-s-2010-face-off-17843.html Editorial http://www.autoevolution.com/news/car-industry-s-2010-face-off-17843.html#comments autoevolution http://www.autoevolution.com/news/porsche-cayenne-the-king-is-dead-long-live-the-king-17349.html
It was inevitable for Porsche to pick up the gloves and come out and play. And they did it like only they know how. Although it's...]]> ... When the first Cayenne was launched there were enough purists who found the perfect moment to criticize Porsche's approach to a market based more on the client's demand than on what others want to offer. Porsche wasn't selling enough, while the "competition" was breaking record after record selling all kinds of SUVs - bigger, smaller, worse or better.

It was inevitable for Porsche to pick up the gloves and come out and play. And they did it like only they know how. Although it's... (read more)]]> Fri, 26 Feb 2010 10:16:17 GMT Editorial - autoevolution http://www.autoevolution.com/news/porsche-cayenne-the-king-is-dead-long-live-the-king-17349.html Editorial http://www.autoevolution.com/news/porsche-cayenne-the-king-is-dead-long-live-the-king-17349.html#comments autoevolution http://www.autoevolution.com/news/i-robot-brought-to-you-by-toyotaaaa-16307.html
The nightmare began from the first days after I bought it. The self-closing trunk had moments when it simply didn't want to open or close. Even if I slammed ...]]> ... Over the years I've owned a number of cars. For example, a couple of years ago I was the unhappy owner of a Mercedes-Benz ML. It was the latest model then, but some time had passed since the generation's launch so I told myself it would be bug-free, just the thing for feeling the pleasure and relaxation brought by driving a Mercedes.

The nightmare began from the first days after I bought it. The self-closing trunk had moments when it simply didn't want to open or close. Even if I slammed ... (read more)]]> Thu, 4 Feb 2010 08:31:28 GMT Editorial - autoevolution http://www.autoevolution.com/news/i-robot-brought-to-you-by-toyotaaaa-16307.html Editorial http://www.autoevolution.com/news/i-robot-brought-to-you-by-toyotaaaa-16307.html#comments autoevolution http://www.autoevolution.com/news/saab-and-volvo-return-of-the-milfs-15961.html
The hot dream of those who like to kid themselves in thinking that they own an exclusive and pure Swedish car will continue to exist and to shred money and brain cells off any CEO unlucky enough to run such a company.

OK, they will be heavi...]]> … Saab engineers, who were already paid with money that don't exist, can now open the champagne bottles. The cheerful gang of 3,400 people, all Swedish and all brave and intelligent, will be able to continue making these iconic cars called Saabs.

The hot dream of those who like to kid themselves in thinking that they own an exclusive and pure Swedish car will continue to exist and to shred money and brain cells off any CEO unlucky enough to run such a company.

OK, they will be heavi... (read more)]]> Thu, 28 Jan 2010 06:46:56 GMT Editorial - autoevolution http://www.autoevolution.com/news/saab-and-volvo-return-of-the-milfs-15961.html Editorial http://www.autoevolution.com/news/saab-and-volvo-return-of-the-milfs-15961.html#comments autoevolution http://www.autoevolution.com/news/detroit-the-cradle-of-american-automotive-civilization-15827.html
Then what happened at the 2010 NAIAS, some may ask? With a few tiny exce...]]> ...Statistically, every North American Auto Show has always been the venue where every US manufacturer is making its best peacock impressions in front of its competitors. Why? Well, it would be hard not to. I mean, whether it's good ole GM, Chrysler or Ford, each one of them is on 'merican soil when participating at NAIAS, right? So, from the "home turf" point of view alone they should be making double damage.

Then what happened at the 2010 NAIAS, some may ask? With a few tiny exce... (read more)]]> Mon, 25 Jan 2010 15:33:35 GMT Editorial - autoevolution http://www.autoevolution.com/news/detroit-the-cradle-of-american-automotive-civilization-15827.html Editorial http://www.autoevolution.com/news/detroit-the-cradle-of-american-automotive-civilization-15827.html#comments autoevolution http://www.autoevolution.com/news/2010-s-five-most-expected-automotive-comebacks-15245.html
Well, pessimistic ...]]> By now, there's probably not even a single avid Internet user who is not familiar with the way 2009 has wiped the floor with most carmakers and pretty much everything related to the auto industry. The on-going economic crisis, coupled with a massive change in car buyers' habits and bad management have taken their toll on two giant US car-companies, crippled a bunch of other foreign ones and in the end left a lot of people bitter and/or out of work. Quite a bummer, actually.

Well, pessimistic ... (read more)]]> Fri, 8 Jan 2010 16:13:36 GMT Editorial - autoevolution http://www.autoevolution.com/news/2010-s-five-most-expected-automotive-comebacks-15245.html Editorial http://www.autoevolution.com/news/2010-s-five-most-expected-automotive-comebacks-15245.html#comments autoevolution http://www.autoevolution.com/news/autoevolution-behind-the-scenes-anniversary-14952.html
In case there are still some of you who missed it by now, here at autoevolution we're all about cars, bikes and almost anything with an engine. Some of us are oldschool petrolheads, while others ind...]]> ..."Y'know one of the most beautiful things about a car? If it isn't working properly, you can strip the skin off, expose the insides, find out exactly where the trouble is, take out the faulty part and replace it with a new one. If only we could do that with people!" - Grand Prix, 1966

In case there are still some of you who missed it by now, here at autoevolution we're all about cars, bikes and almost anything with an engine. Some of us are oldschool petrolheads, while others ind... (read more)]]> Tue, 29 Dec 2009 16:54:02 GMT Editorial - autoevolution http://www.autoevolution.com/news/autoevolution-behind-the-scenes-anniversary-14952.html Editorial http://www.autoevolution.com/news/autoevolution-behind-the-scenes-anniversary-14952.html#comments autoevolution http://www.autoevolution.com/news/saab-s-sine-wave-14104.html
To put it in short, Saab first escaped certain bankruptcy following Koenigsegg's announcement of a buy-out, then it fell straight into the gutter again last week, when...]]> ... Back in March this year, I was bringing the almost-certain death of a once great car maker to your attention. Yes, I'm talking about Saab, once famed for making some of the quirkiest hatches around. In the meantime, things have evolved, by some accounts, but they have also involved, by others, almost following a sine wave.

To put it in short, Saab first escaped certain bankruptcy following Koenigsegg's announcement of a buy-out, then it fell straight into the gutter again last week, when... (read more)]]> Fri, 4 Dec 2009 17:08:20 GMT Editorial - autoevolution http://www.autoevolution.com/news/saab-s-sine-wave-14104.html Editorial http://www.autoevolution.com/news/saab-s-sine-wave-14104.html#comments autoevolution http://www.autoevolution.com/news/the-end-is-nigh-13604.html
At least until recent years, these silly theories seemed to be proclaimed only by ei...]]> ... or so it seems if you believe all the hype about the world's oil reserves coming to an end. Still, after constantly dismissing all the facts into rumors, even I started to think there must be some truth behind all this commotion. I looked carefully into a bunch of online sources (by the way, EVERYBODY has an opinion about this subject nowadays), and at first glance there seems to be some truth behind it.

At least until recent years, these silly theories seemed to be proclaimed only by ei... (read more)]]> Mon, 23 Nov 2009 15:53:00 GMT Editorial - autoevolution http://www.autoevolution.com/news/the-end-is-nigh-13604.html Editorial http://www.autoevolution.com/news/the-end-is-nigh-13604.html#comments autoevolution http://www.autoevolution.com/news/i-want-to-drive-12951.html
Two magic characters which can give you peace and qu...]]> ... Even if my financial situation is a bit far from tying up with that of my colleague Bach, you probably already know I'm not actually poor either. And that's just to be modest. Yet, I don't like helicopters and I only use planes if I really have to. I'm a fan (age is irrelevant by the way) of real cars. The cars I like are usually using an awesome engine as a means of propulsion, one whose name can be crammed in only two characters: V8.

Two magic characters which can give you peace and qu... (read more)]]> Fri, 6 Nov 2009 14:15:26 GMT Editorial - autoevolution http://www.autoevolution.com/news/i-want-to-drive-12951.html Editorial http://www.autoevolution.com/news/i-want-to-drive-12951.html#comments autoevolution http://www.autoevolution.com/news/the-french-connection-12449.html
There are two funda...]]> ... No matter what some history books are telling you, the French didn't invent the automobile. Yes, I know, a French dude by the name of Nicolas-Joseph Cugnot was experimenting in the late 1700s with a steam-powered vehicle - the so-called Fardier à vapeur - for the French army. Later on, another peer of his named Amédée Bollée, actually built a whole range of steam-powered vehicles in the 1870s, still about a decade before Karl Benz's and Gottlieb Daimler's inventions.

There are two funda... (read more)]]> Mon, 26 Oct 2009 16:53:49 GMT Editorial - autoevolution http://www.autoevolution.com/news/the-french-connection-12449.html Editorial http://www.autoevolution.com/news/the-french-connection-12449.html#comments autoevolution http://www.autoevolution.com/news/volvo-to-roll-or-not-to-roll-11764.html ...]]> ... harsh times are coming for the Swedish car manufacturer. A brand which once stood for strength, durability and most of all, safety, is now on the verge of falling out of its owner's and even its customers' graces. After countless press releases technically stipulating the same damn thing ("We ain't sellin' Volvo, yo", ed), Ford has finally made up his mind about what to tell the media and admitted to wanting to ditch the Swedes from their already crumbling line-up of car brands.
... (read more)]]> Wed, 7 Oct 2009 14:28:30 GMT Editorial - autoevolution http://www.autoevolution.com/news/volvo-to-roll-or-not-to-roll-11764.html Editorial http://www.autoevolution.com/news/volvo-to-roll-or-not-to-roll-11764.html#comments autoevolution http://www.autoevolution.com/news/post-frankfurt-auto-show-impressions-11315.html
After arriving one day early, before the start of the show (the first two ...]]> ...The complementary champagne glasses have dried out, all the major executives have left the building and the original booth girls have probably been replaced by doubles after being smitten by tens of thousand of DSLR flashes. The autoevolution team went to the 2009 IAA in Frankfurt, the biggest auto show on the face of the Earth. This is the behind-the-scene story about our visit at the Messe, in Frankfurt, Germany.

After arriving one day early, before the start of the show (the first two ... (read more)]]> Thu, 24 Sep 2009 15:59:49 GMT Editorial - autoevolution http://www.autoevolution.com/news/post-frankfurt-auto-show-impressions-11315.html Editorial http://www.autoevolution.com/news/post-frankfurt-auto-show-impressions-11315.html#comments autoevolution http://www.autoevolution.com/news/prius-between-continents-10776.html
I'll just refuse to think about the tonnes of rare metals the Prius contains and the fact that its batteries are polluting the planet more than five "normal" sports cars do, so I'll try to understand him. ...]]> ... Recently, a fan (yes, we're starting to have some of those too) reported us a somewhat hilarious situation. Because of the impending global warming, the guy thought about lending a helping hand in saving the planet. What else can a normal person do than to buy himself a Prius?

I'll just refuse to think about the tonnes of rare metals the Prius contains and the fact that its batteries are polluting the planet more than five "normal" sports cars do, so I'll try to understand him. ... (read more)]]> Thu, 10 Sep 2009 16:41:25 GMT Editorial - autoevolution http://www.autoevolution.com/news/prius-between-continents-10776.html Editorial http://www.autoevolution.com/news/prius-between-continents-10776.html#comments autoevolution http://www.autoevolution.com/news/porsche-ber-alles-10583.html
Want something bigger and roomier? The Cayenne already has a multitude of versions...]]> ... In a perfect world everyone would be convicted to drive a Porsche. Politicians, instead of slacking off with stupid and egocentric speeches, should finally pass a real and fair law. All men should be obligated to a Porsche. You want a small "city" car? 911 Turbo for the gentlemen and a Targa for the ladies. There are also Cabrio and all-wheel drive variants for the ones who desire something else.

Want something bigger and roomier? The Cayenne already has a multitude of versions... (read more)]]> Fri, 4 Sep 2009 13:44:45 GMT Editorial - autoevolution http://www.autoevolution.com/news/porsche-ber-alles-10583.html Editorial http://www.autoevolution.com/news/porsche-ber-alles-10583.html#comments autoevolution http://www.autoevolution.com/news/unicorn-cars-10204.html ... so I had a long talk about cars with one of my buddies the other day. As pretty much always, several topics spawned during the conversation but one of them kept reappearing no matter how hard we tried to change the subject. You see, this buddy of mine is a bit of a freak when talking about the Mercedes-Benz G-Klasse. Especially if the Geländewagen in question is gifted with two thunder-sounding exhaust pipes that are located under each of the rear doors and three little letters are embossed ... (read more)]]> Tue, 25 Aug 2009 08:12:57 GMT Editorial - autoevolution http://www.autoevolution.com/news/unicorn-cars-10204.html Editorial http://www.autoevolution.com/news/unicorn-cars-10204.html#comments autoevolution http://www.autoevolution.com/news/lady-in-red-9935.html
I wish you guys could also enjoy her and her perfection the way I did. To make love with her mentally, to lose oneself into her perfumed embrace. So nice, so sensual, so staggering... Although it might seem strange, you can't keep a beauty like this for yourse...]]> … a strange and fascinating apparition. A beauty like no other... unique, flawless. Words are simply too few to describe it. I wish I could play you a romantic song and project huge pictures of her marvelous silhouette on a wall.

I wish you guys could also enjoy her and her perfection the way I did. To make love with her mentally, to lose oneself into her perfumed embrace. So nice, so sensual, so staggering... Although it might seem strange, you can't keep a beauty like this for yourse... (read more)]]> Tue, 18 Aug 2009 07:46:38 GMT Editorial - autoevolution http://www.autoevolution.com/news/lady-in-red-9935.html Editorial http://www.autoevolution.com/news/lady-in-red-9935.html#comments autoevolution http://www.autoevolution.com/news/who-needs-city-cars-9732.html
Everybody is acting like they're not noticing the obvious: 75% of the people who drive only do it out of necessity because the public transportation is bad, underdevelope...]]> ... or, to put it better, who cares about "city cars"? There's been this constant talk lately about small cars or city vehicles, perfect for "squeezing" through, "easy to park" and the perfect choice for my neighbor lady who had to try eight times to earn her right to drive/cars on public roads.

Everybody is acting like they're not noticing the obvious: 75% of the people who drive only do it out of necessity because the public transportation is bad, underdevelope... (read more)]]> Tue, 11 Aug 2009 09:53:16 GMT Editorial - autoevolution http://www.autoevolution.com/news/who-needs-city-cars-9732.html Editorial http://www.autoevolution.com/news/who-needs-city-cars-9732.html#comments autoevolution http://www.autoevolution.com/news/speed-9486.html
We all love it. Do you guys remember the "century of speed"? It was actually just a pretext for inventing supercharged V8s or sublime V12s in order to counter the attack of hillbillies. You know, the people who are no lon...]]> ... speed is essential. Speed can save a life from a crossroad, it can offer you a floating sensation or give you a feeling of total freedom. Speed can remind you of your very own existence and the fact that you haven't been replaced by a polite and/or whiny robot.

We all love it. Do you guys remember the "century of speed"? It was actually just a pretext for inventing supercharged V8s or sublime V12s in order to counter the attack of hillbillies. You know, the people who are no lon... (read more)]]> Tue, 4 Aug 2009 10:11:13 GMT Editorial - autoevolution http://www.autoevolution.com/news/speed-9486.html Editorial http://www.autoevolution.com/news/speed-9486.html#comments autoevolution http://www.autoevolution.com/news/quo-vadis-porsche-9195.html
Coincidentally (or ...]]> ... as I'm sure most of you guys remember, Porsche was pretty much in deep doo-doo during the mid-nineties. Sure, there are probably more people who only (want to) remember the success period in the past few years, but they should also know that the auto brand with the largest profit-per-car in 2007 and 2008 was close to share GM and Chrysler's fate only 12-15 years ago. "Perilous" would be too less of a word to describe their financial situation circa 1992-1993.

Coincidentally (or ... (read more)]]> Mon, 27 Jul 2009 12:56:44 GMT Editorial - autoevolution http://www.autoevolution.com/news/quo-vadis-porsche-9195.html Editorial http://www.autoevolution.com/news/quo-vadis-porsche-9195.html#comments autoevolution http://www.autoevolution.com/news/the-apocalypse-always-rings-thrice-8781.html
In case you don't remember it's OK. There's an old saying, which pretty much explains the intellect of those who think about crap like that: "Blessed are the meek". Don't be sad now, because soon, sooner than you would have thought, you will see tho...]]> ... do you guys remember those "stupid" movies, with characters that get into a tiny car which takes them by itself at home or wherever they need, because it - the "stupid" car" - knows where and how to take you?

In case you don't remember it's OK. There's an old saying, which pretty much explains the intellect of those who think about crap like that: "Blessed are the meek". Don't be sad now, because soon, sooner than you would have thought, you will see tho... (read more)]]> Tue, 14 Jul 2009 16:20:28 GMT Editorial - autoevolution http://www.autoevolution.com/news/the-apocalypse-always-rings-thrice-8781.html Editorial http://www.autoevolution.com/news/the-apocalypse-always-rings-thrice-8781.html#comments autoevolution http://www.autoevolution.com/news/world-s-cheapest-indian-car-8472.html
Every specialist out there immediately jumped to explain us how bad and unsafe the Nano will be, that the...]]> Do you guys remember the 2500 dollar car from Tata? It was called the Nano, and in theory it was supposed to offer - especially to Indians - the chance to own a bike with a roof and four seats. It didn't look anything spectacular and it was obvious that a stronger gust of wind could easily become a tornado from the tiny Nano's cockpit but, BUT, it was probably the cheapest car ever made.

Every specialist out there immediately jumped to explain us how bad and unsafe the Nano will be, that the... (read more)]]> Mon, 6 Jul 2009 13:29:27 GMT Editorial - autoevolution http://www.autoevolution.com/news/world-s-cheapest-indian-car-8472.html Editorial http://www.autoevolution.com/news/world-s-cheapest-indian-car-8472.html#comments autoevolution http://www.autoevolution.com/news/all-your-cars-are-belong-to-us-7848.html
As you guys all know, so far the Chinese presence on the w...]]> ... would be an appropriate tagline for the upcoming Chinese invasion. Yes, I'm well aware that the original phrase ("All your base are belong to us", ed) was quoted from a Japanese video game, but Engrish can be used to define pretty much any Asian misinterpretation of English. Anyway, back to my current topic of discussion... which is fueled by the recent moves by two Chinese car manufacturers: Sichuan Tengzhong and Geely.

As you guys all know, so far the Chinese presence on the w... (read more)]]> Wed, 17 Jun 2009 17:44:45 GMT Editorial - autoevolution http://www.autoevolution.com/news/all-your-cars-are-belong-to-us-7848.html Editorial http://www.autoevolution.com/news/all-your-cars-are-belong-to-us-7848.html#comments autoevolution http://www.autoevolution.com/news/diesel-power-6716.html
So it happens that oil-burners are currently making over 40% of ALL the cars sold i...]]> ... some say that the real diesel revolution started in Europe about 20-25 years ago, and that that era is about to end with the introduction of higher efficient and smaller gasoline engines. Plus, one of the largest car markets in the world, the United States, has steered clear of using diesel engines on a large scale at about the same time when the Europeans were just getting the hang of really improving it.

So it happens that oil-burners are currently making over 40% of ALL the cars sold i... (read more)]]> Thu, 14 May 2009 14:03:22 GMT Editorial - autoevolution http://www.autoevolution.com/news/diesel-power-6716.html Editorial http://www.autoevolution.com/news/diesel-power-6716.html#comments autoevolution http://www.autoevolution.com/news/chrysler-s-green-mile-6154.html
On that fateful weekend morning, the outcome of World War II was to be decided by a single attack near the O'ahu Hawaiian is...]]> ... Before the April 25-26 weekend came to an end, there was an increasing wave - or should I say tsunami? - of media reports concerning the completely inevitable Chapter 11 reorganization of Chrysler LLC. Like many times history has shown us, a LOT can change during the course of a single weekend. People who remember the Sunday, December 7, 1941 date should know this.

On that fateful weekend morning, the outcome of World War II was to be decided by a single attack near the O'ahu Hawaiian is... (read more)]]> Mon, 27 Apr 2009 14:36:23 GMT Editorial - autoevolution http://www.autoevolution.com/news/chrysler-s-green-mile-6154.html Editorial http://www.autoevolution.com/news/chrysler-s-green-mile-6154.html#comments autoevolution http://www.autoevolution.com/news/do-supercars-still-have-soul-5725.html ... or are they just technologically advanced and very fast means of propulsion for the rich and, sometimes, famous? I have often asked myself (and others) this question, especially in the last few years, but an absolute truthful answer has evaded me so far. Let's have a look at some of the best known manufacturers of mouth watering four-wheeled creations, also known as supercars, or rolling works of art. I'll give Lamborghini as an example first, a brand created out of a sentiment of pure venge... (read more)]]> Fri, 10 Apr 2009 16:30:10 GMT Editorial - autoevolution http://www.autoevolution.com/news/do-supercars-still-have-soul-5725.html Editorial http://www.autoevolution.com/news/do-supercars-still-have-soul-5725.html#comments autoevolution http://www.autoevolution.com/news/saab-dead-brand-walking-5118.html
As many of their fans know, its main line of business initially ...]]> ... A few decades ago - let's not go too far and say only three or four - Saab was the epitome of Swedish quirkiness on four wheels. No, it wasn't Volvo, whose sole original trait was (and still is) its safety-based marketing. The "other Swedish automobile" brand's name was originally spelled as an acronym, whose letters came from "Svenska Aeroplan Aktie Bolaget", or the "Swedish Airplane Company".

As many of their fans know, its main line of business initially ... (read more)]]> Wed, 18 Mar 2009 17:11:49 GMT Editorial - autoevolution http://www.autoevolution.com/news/saab-dead-brand-walking-5118.html Editorial http://www.autoevolution.com/news/saab-dead-brand-walking-5118.html#comments autoevolution http://www.autoevolution.com/news/bmwerc-or-incapability-versus-4947.html
If twenty or thirty years ago you could recognize a car after its shape, the dashboard, the seats, the taillights, etc. now you have a friggin' high chance to mistaken a Ford for a BMW or a Me...]]> ... unconcern. For years, car manufacturers have been defying us by explaining that the dashboard from their 10-12k automobile is quasi-identical to the one found in its bigger and more "luxurious" 50-70k sister because they are reducing costs and, as a bonus, the brand's image is at stake.

If twenty or thirty years ago you could recognize a car after its shape, the dashboard, the seats, the taillights, etc. now you have a friggin' high chance to mistaken a Ford for a BMW or a Me... (read more)]]> Thu, 12 Mar 2009 10:39:20 GMT Editorial - autoevolution http://www.autoevolution.com/news/bmwerc-or-incapability-versus-4947.html Editorial http://www.autoevolution.com/news/bmwerc-or-incapability-versus-4947.html#comments autoevolution http://www.autoevolution.com/news/radioactive-bimmers-from-hell-4775.html
The system is to complement the stop-start and brake...]]> ... say what? These last few days the online automotive world, including myself, was taken by storm thanks to a misleading article posted by the Brits at Autocar. The news article implied among other things that BMW is working on a radioactive technology. Autocar said that the aforementioned "thermoelectric generator" will arrive as a series produced tech and will be put in BMW cars in just a few years (ed, 2013 at the earliest).

The system is to complement the stop-start and brake... (read more)]]> Fri, 6 Mar 2009 16:27:35 GMT Editorial - autoevolution http://www.autoevolution.com/news/radioactive-bimmers-from-hell-4775.html Editorial http://www.autoevolution.com/news/radioactive-bimmers-from-hell-4775.html#comments autoevolution http://www.autoevolution.com/news/toyota-iq-ould-do-better-than-smart-4445.html ... or can it? The newly-launched Toyota iQ has filled its creators with a lot of expectations, since technically, this is the first Japanese kei-car specifically designed for the Europe market. First of all, I should mention the fact that my tastes in four-wheeled means of transportation range from rumbling muscle cars like a 454 ci Chevelle SS on good ol' bias ply tires, via a sleek Mercedes-Benz 300 SL to a Gixxer-powered smartuki. In other words, I like all kinds of cars, be it 2+2 Gran Tour... (read more)]]> Wed, 25 Feb 2009 07:48:10 GMT Editorial - autoevolution http://www.autoevolution.com/news/toyota-iq-ould-do-better-than-smart-4445.html Editorial http://www.autoevolution.com/news/toyota-iq-ould-do-better-than-smart-4445.html#comments autoevolution http://www.autoevolution.com/news/thank-you-chris-bangle-thank-you-for-4192.html ... nothing! I've always hated Chris Bangle. I've hated him to death without even knowing why. Maybe because everybody did? Because it was the trend? Every Bayerische Motoren Werke fan on the Internet was saying that he's just destroying the BMW image. So I jumped on the bandwagon and started my own one-way flame war with the guy. Even more, I despised him because he dared to tarnish the image of the cool company BMW used to be. Not that I'm BMW fan or anything; that's a different discussion alt... (read more)]]> Mon, 16 Feb 2009 15:53:00 GMT Editorial - autoevolution http://www.autoevolution.com/news/thank-you-chris-bangle-thank-you-for-4192.html Editorial http://www.autoevolution.com/news/thank-you-chris-bangle-thank-you-for-4192.html#comments autoevolution http://www.autoevolution.com/news/gas-saving-products-myth-or-4025.html ...truth? Just like mushrooms after the rain, the number of aftermarket gas-saving products has started to exponentially grow since the global rise in fuel prices. In recent times though, fuel prices have stabilized or even decreased, but fuel-saving devices and the likes are still having flourishing sales. Probably scared by an unimaginable though impending world fuel crisis or just having a Scottish-like rapacity, most people give in to almost any form of advertising for gas-saving products. S... (read more)]]> Tue, 10 Feb 2009 17:26:54 GMT Editorial - autoevolution http://www.autoevolution.com/news/gas-saving-products-myth-or-4025.html Editorial http://www.autoevolution.com/news/gas-saving-products-myth-or-4025.html#comments autoevolution http://www.autoevolution.com/news/panamera-is-it-a-porsche-prostitute-or-3781.html
OK,...]]> ... a panacea? I couldn't get used to the idea that if your space needs ever outgrew a 911, Porsche prescribed you another one of their models. Until I actually drove the Cayenne, that is. No other SUV - with the emphasis on the S letter - is alike. The way a Cayenne Turbo can handle the Autobahn at close to its 275 km/h (171 mph) top speed and afterwards help you get to your private mountain cabin in Val d'Isere is as close to astonishing as an ice-skating midget on 10 feet long stilts.

OK,... (read more)]]> Tue, 3 Feb 2009 14:52:16 GMT Editorial - autoevolution http://www.autoevolution.com/news/panamera-is-it-a-porsche-prostitute-or-3781.html Editorial http://www.autoevolution.com/news/panamera-is-it-a-porsche-prostitute-or-3781.html#comments autoevolution http://www.autoevolution.com/news/2009-tokyo-motor-show-or-no-show-3225.html
Anyway, Automotive News sa...]]> ... is the question right now on many Japanese minds and not only. The Japan Automobile Manufacturers' Association (JAMA) is apparently reflecting on whether this year's Tokyo Motor Show should be canceled or not, Automotive News informs us. Although at first I thought it's just a supposition made in the context of the current world economic crisis, the news is actually almost as true as an official press release. Except it's not official. Nor is it a press release.

Anyway, Automotive News sa... (read more)]]> Tue, 13 Jan 2009 14:37:16 GMT Editorial - autoevolution http://www.autoevolution.com/news/2009-tokyo-motor-show-or-no-show-3225.html Editorial http://www.autoevolution.com/news/2009-tokyo-motor-show-or-no-show-3225.html#comments autoevolution http://www.autoevolution.com/news/mini-mini-on-the-wall-which-is-the-best-car-type-of-them-all-3028.html ... is it the gas guzzling SUV, the comfy sedan or the toys'r'us micro cars? There's no doubt the financial downturn changed the automotive industry but, beside these reports telling you about automakers pushed beyond their limits and forced to get on knees and beg for money, the economic recession also had a strong impact over us: it shaped the course of public opinion, raising questions about various aspects that have never been closely analyzed before. People who were looking to buy a car wer... (read more)]]> Tue, 6 Jan 2009 16:02:29 GMT Editorial - autoevolution http://www.autoevolution.com/news/mini-mini-on-the-wall-which-is-the-best-car-type-of-them-all-3028.html Editorial http://www.autoevolution.com/news/mini-mini-on-the-wall-which-is-the-best-car-type-of-them-all-3028.html#comments autoevolution http://www.autoevolution.com/news/new-year-s-resolutions-2916.html ... for car makers. According to the usa.gov website, the five most popular New Year's Resolutions in the US are, in this order: lose weight, managing debt, save money, get a better job and get fit. As outlandish and coincidental as it may seem, I think these resolutions are just about what some car manufacturer CEOs should make when the clock's hands are reaching for 12 on December 31. Of course, not all of them work on every car maker, so I've put together a list with one resolution per autom... (read more)]]> Mon, 29 Dec 2008 09:19:04 GMT Editorial - autoevolution http://www.autoevolution.com/news/new-year-s-resolutions-2916.html Editorial http://www.autoevolution.com/news/new-year-s-resolutions-2916.html#comments autoevolution http://www.autoevolution.com/news/gentlemen-start-your-2474.html ...browsers! (drumroll) The day we all waited (and feared) has finally arrived. The autoevolution.com project is in business (read: online) and the whole team bids you a warm welcome on our website. I shall start now with a small(ish) summary/ glossary/ map of the stuff you're bound to find during your stay here. Probably the most visited area on any automotive website's agenda is the NEWS section. Our section has been cut into AUTO (which includes areas like CAR PROFILE, CONCEPT CAR, AUTO EVENT... (read more)]]> Mon, 8 Dec 2008 23:45:13 GMT Editorial - autoevolution http://www.autoevolution.com/news/gentlemen-start-your-2474.html Editorial http://www.autoevolution.com/news/gentlemen-start-your-2474.html#comments autoevolution http://www.autoevolution.com/news/three-wise-monkeys-2430.html ...while I somewhat agree and don't agree with the subject of anything that concerns bailout money, I'm completely baffled by the circus put in by the mizaru, kikazaru and iwazaru monkeys (read: General Motors, Ford and Chrysler). "There's a delicious irony in seeing private luxury jets flying into Washington, D.C., and people coming off of them with tin cups in their hands," Gary L. Ackerman, New York Congressman, said about the poor lil executives at their congressional hearing. &quo... (read more)]]> Wed, 3 Dec 2008 00:05:38 GMT Editorial - autoevolution http://www.autoevolution.com/news/three-wise-monkeys-2430.html Editorial http://www.autoevolution.com/news/three-wise-monkeys-2430.html#comments autoevolution http://www.autoevolution.com/news/my-name-is-brand-james-brand-2150.html ... So I went to a movie theater the other night. Not the biggest fan of James Bond movies in the world but I figured The Quantum of Solace was a good enough compromise if you have low expectations for a Saturday evening flick. Of course, James Bond fan(atics) will probably hate my guts for putting the name of their favorite character and low expectations in the same phrase, but trust me, I went in that cinema with a very open mind about what to expect.I expected car chases but I was hit in the ... (read more)]]> Mon, 10 Nov 2008 22:32:08 GMT Editorial - autoevolution http://www.autoevolution.com/news/my-name-is-brand-james-brand-2150.html Editorial http://www.autoevolution.com/news/my-name-is-brand-james-brand-2150.html#comments autoevolution http://www.autoevolution.com/news/automotive-industry-says-bring-the-pain-1987.html ... just like it was a line from a B-category action flick or the name of Method Man's '90s single. Everybody is preparing nowadays to take the world economic recession head on. Regarded by some as one of the barometers of the world economy, the automotive industry is also trying to survive, even though sales are tumbling, profits are turning into losses, plants are closing and jobs are being axed. But is the economic recession the sole reason for this? I think not.Let's take them one by one. I ... (read more)]]> Mon, 3 Nov 2008 22:24:45 GMT Editorial - autoevolution http://www.autoevolution.com/news/automotive-industry-says-bring-the-pain-1987.html Editorial http://www.autoevolution.com/news/automotive-industry-says-bring-the-pain-1987.html#comments autoevolution http://www.autoevolution.com/news/i-m-blue-da-ba-dee-1737.html ...da ba die... was the chorus to a catchy/crappy song by an obscure European band called Eiffel 65. The blue part in it also echoes part of the name given by Volkswagen to its current TDI models equipped with special fuel-saving technologies. The boys in Wolfsburg were the first of the Big Three, Three Musketeers, Three Stooges, Three Little Pigs... or whatever you want to call them (read BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Volkswagen) to implement distinct fuel-saving measures using available technologies... (read more)]]> Fri, 24 Oct 2008 17:25:30 GMT Editorial - autoevolution http://www.autoevolution.com/news/i-m-blue-da-ba-dee-1737.html Editorial http://www.autoevolution.com/news/i-m-blue-da-ba-dee-1737.html#comments autoevolution