We’re almost ready to record Episode #274 of the Autoblog Podcast, and you can check out the topics below, add your own to the and join us live via , as well, and we’ve embedded our UStream player . Thanks for listening!
Discussion Topics for Autoblog Podcast Episode #274
Everyone knows that, when buying pretty much any kind of merchandise, paying with cash is by nearly all accounts the best option. Sometimes, though, cash isn’t in plentiful supply for the average American consumer, and some items need to be procured post haste. Enter the wide world of credit.
But what if you don’t have a credit card? For many consumers, the rent-to-own industry is waiting in the wings to provide the item they need with a payment plan they can afford. One consumable we’d never have imagined for the rent-to-own business, though, is tires. Somewhat surprisingly, it’s apparently a booming business.
Back in the heyday of the early 2000s, a number of businesses sprouted to provide consumers will new wheels for their cars and trucks – mostly gaudy oversize chrome ones, we imagine – but that business model dried up when the recession set in. The solution, according to Ken Butler, chief operating officer for rent-to-own superpower Aaron’s, was to offer the customer something they’d need instead of something they merely want.
Bingo. Tires are a necessity for every car and truck on the road, and, in case you haven’t gone tire shopping recently, they’re expensive. Thing is, they are also wear items, and we’re not certain how that works into such a rental scheme. If nothing else, it makes these parting words from Butler sound somewhat ironic: “The sustainable part, the legitimate business, is the tires.”
We record Episode #274 of the Autoblog Podcast tonight, and Chris Shunk is returning to the host chair with a vengance. You can drop us your questions via our Q&A module below, check out our discussion topics or chime in to help determine what else the crew chats about this evening. Subscribe to the Autoblog Podcast if you haven’t already done so, and if you want to take it all in live, tune in to our (audio only) channel at 10:00 PM Eastern tonight.
Discussion Topics for Autoblog Podcast Episode #274
[] Subscribe to the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes
[] Add the Autoblog Podcast feed to your RSS aggregator
Can’t see the EventBox?
According to Autocar, may be working on a smaller version of the rakish four-door coupe sedan. Known internally as the SC, the smaller CC will be a part of the seventh-generation lineup, in addition to the sedan and wagon models.
The creation of the SC comes after Volkswagen’s NCC (New Concept Coupe) received lukewarm response at the . Autocar reports that while consumers do want another variant of the Jetta, a two-door coupe isn’t the answer. “Our research suggests there is increasingly a market for a sportier and more stylish version of the Jetta in the mould of the CC only smaller and more affordable. From the feedback we’ve received so far buyers want an individual bodystyle and the practicality of four doors,” a source within Volkswagen told the British magazine.
A more stylish Jetta sedan would likely do battle with the new , set to debut in concept form at the later this year. If the SC does come to market, it will likely launch in Europe sometime in 2015, right around the time the next-generation CC arrives.
You can buy a bunch of information for $107,000.
Consumer Reports is learning all sorts of things about the now that it has purchased one for testing, only to with less than 200 miles on the odometer. After 48 hours in the dealer’s repair shop – under warranty – the car is and is starting to get put through its paces.
With that making waves, CR discovered that with their new and expensive plug-in hybrids. Things like needing a new differential after less than 1,000 miles, a car shutting itself off at 35 mph and lots of trouble with the shifter. Most of these reports were on FiskerBuzz. Of course, before CR got its Karma, the company issued two recalls, one for a and another for .
So, with all the problems, how does CR like the Karma on the track? The design is “simply stunning,” it says, but the range-extending gasoline engine is loud when the 22-kWh battery is depleted. And the Fisker’s SUV-like 5,395-pound weight doesn’t help with handling. On the inside, CR says the touchscreen is also less than ideal, with a grayscale look and plenty of menu flipping that “makes MyFord Touch look like a brilliant design.” Ouch.
Then there’s this:
Just this weekend, for example, the speedometer and energy meter display disappeared when driving, on top of having several other rogue warning indicators appear last week. It is expected we’ll be revisiting the dealership soon. We’ve had cars in the past that have been troublesome, but never anything like this.
You can see what CR wrote about the car and check out their new video review .
In yet another case of a carmaker who probably (and certainly doesn’t need it), has offered to build a pickup for Peyton Manning. Or at least it has issued to that effect.
The hook here is that the Tennessee Titans NFL franchise is wooing the former Indianapolis Colts quarterback and likely future NFL Hall of Famer, with owner Bud Adams offering Manning a lifetime contract, according to ESPN. Nissan, of course, . Manning also has roots in the state, as he attended the University of Tennessee, where he was the Volunteers’ all-time leading passer.
We suspect Manning has better things to do right now than help Nissan stage a further publicity stunt, given that he’s spent the past week working out for two other NFL teams in addition to Tennessee. That’s not stopping the PR team at Nissan from suggesting that Peyton might want a Titan, the slowest-selling full-size pickup in America, because . That’s Canton, Mississippi, rather than Canton, Ohio, where the NFL Hall of Fame is located.
And lest anyone get all up-in-arms over Nissan’s homer-ism, the company has said it will give Manning the truck regardless of which team he signs with “as a gesture of gratitude recognizing your great accomplishments and philanthropic contributions to our national community.” Click to read the full press release.
*UPDATE: If a slew of reports are to be believed, it appears Mr. Manning is . As some readers have noted in Comments, we, too, hope that takes this opportunity to build Peyton – and the rest of us – a new Bronco.
Poor-Man’s BMW M3 Is Sharper Than Ever
has been quietly blurring the line between muscle car and sports car since the debuted at the 2008 Los Angeles Auto Show. Lighter, smaller and nimbler than rivals like the and , the Mustang established itself early on as being just as happy on a road course as it was tackling the quarter mile.
With the introduction of the 5.0-liter, dual-overhead cam V8 for the 2011 year model, the Mustang found itself armed with the muscle necessary to blacken the eyes of its crosstown rivals after a painful period of trudging along with an antiquated 4.6-liter lump under the hood. Despite the additional brawn on hand, the pony has nonetheless been routinely bested in sales by the larger Camaro.
In an attempt to pull past its big-boned rivals, Ford has opted to continue its strategy of aggressive model improvements, and buyers who put their cash down on a 2013 Mustang can look forward to a new suite of technology, visual improvements, more power and available options aimed at making it an even more capable track machine. The tricks have turned one of the best performance buys on the market into an even more tempting option for buyers who want more than just a boulevard cruiser.
GT [w/video]
The has already done a fine job ingratiating itself with our nation’s police forces, and with Ford’s Crown Victoria finally , is understandably keen to gain a bigger share of the law enforcement pie. Enter the 2012 Durango Special Service.
Available in both rear- and all-wheel drive and Pentastar V6 or Hemi V8 flavors, this variant has been uprated for the sort of duty cycles common among police and fire crews. Available modifications include a heavy-duty brake setup, larger battery, 220-amp alternator, as well as an engine cooler and upsized water pump. Properly equipped, Chrysler says the Durango SS can tow a class-leading 7,400 pounds, and it offers a bladder-perforating 550-mile range.
Dodge has improved interior lighting to make sure that officers don’t have to squint while writing you that speeding ticket, and they’ve also gone to the trouble of brooming the third row of seats for increased capacity (K9 duty, anyone?). Thoughtfully, they’ve left the second-row HVAC controls so that perps can be stored at proper temperatures.
Want to know more? Check out our high-res image gallery and then shuffle to see the official press release.
of Europe has officially unveiled the production version of the that made its debut at the earlier this month. The Tourneo won’t be coming to the United States, but according to Ford, it’s part of the automaker’s plan to refresh its entire commercial vehicle lineup by 2014. The production model will officially debut at the Birmingham Commercial Vehicle Show in April.
This front-wheel-drive van is available in both short- and long-wheelbase versions (measuring in at 195.7 and 210.2 inches, respectively), and can be had in either eight- or nine-passenger configuration. Ford also touts the Tourneo’s car-like interior with its “stylish, sculpted driver-focused instrument panel,” as well as onboard tech like SYNC, a rear-view camera, lane-keeping assist and driver alert.
Under the hood is an updated version of Ford’s 2.2-liter Duratorq inline-four, offered in 99-, 123- and 153-horsepower variants, all of which are paired exclusively to a six-speed manual transmission. There’s also auto start/stop on board, meaning the Tourneo can deliver a combined fuel economy rating of 6.9 liters per 100 kilometers – about 34 miles per gallon on the U.S. cycle.
Again, we won’t be seeing the Tourneo in the States – our all-new van will be based on the heavy-duty, rear-wheel-drive commercial line that’s set to debut later this year. Nevertheless, for the full details in Ford’s press release.
The inaugural 12 Hours of Sebring was held 60 years ago in 1952. was the first to build a dynasty of overall wins, followed by , then , then , and today we live in the era of . With its main rival, Peugeot, having this year, the only manufacturer that could prevent Audi from claiming its tenth overall victory at the 12 Hours of Sebring was Audi itself.
That was unlikely to happen, especially considering that Audi chose to field three teams, each driving the very capable R18 in the car’s last appearance before being replaced by the R18 Ultra and . Yes, the result in the fastest LMP1 class was a forgone conclusion, and Audi delivered, claiming the first and second steps of the podium. The winning R18 was car #2 driven by Dindo Capello, Tom Kristensen and Allan McNish. Kristensen, who holds the record for most overall wins at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, also now has a record six overall victories at Sebring. It was Capello’s fifth win at Sebring and McNish’s fourth. The team of veterans completed 301 laps of the 5.4-mile track and amazingly finished with no evidence of body contact with another car.
Last time Roadkill took a trip it inolved a $1,500 budget, a 1972 Catalina and a . This time their adventures point northward to Alaska, and their chariot will be a clone of the 1968 Ranchero that Hot Rod used to take a class win in the first Baja 1000. It is, naturally, called “Viva Raunchero.”
Ice racing in America’s largest state is the goal. But the real action ends up taking place far away from Arctic latitudes as co-pilots David Freiburger and Mike Finnegan get to enjoy hours of freezing temps when the Ranchero throws repeated tantrums in Vail, Colorado and Utah. You’ll find another lesson in road tripping the Hot Rod way in the video .
Ranchero Baja 1000 clone
If you happen to have a stale laying around, Reifen Koch may be able to spice it up for you. For €8,000 (a shave over $10,500 at current conversion rates), the company will slap on a Cervini body kit, composed of a revised front fascia, sills and the tail treatment seen above. The “Konquistador” package also includes a side-exit exhaust system, a full KW coilover kit and a hydraulic axle-lift system to help owners overcome pesky speed bumps and other obstacles, though it would seem those bits will cost you extra.
There’s no word on whether the system can help you overcome the crippling knowledge that your pony remains powered by the stock boat-anchor 4.6-liter V8, however. For reasons that remain unclear, Reifen Koch left the lump untouched, meaning the kitted Mustang is still left with a comparatively anemic 315 horsepower. For reference, the 2013 Mustang GT pours 420 ponies to the back tires.
Speaking of rubber, the tuner seems to believe a smart set of wheels and tires are a suitable substitution for performance, saying their Mustang boasts “one of the greatest combinations of wheels and tires.” Behold, the Ford Mustang Hyperbole Edition. Hit the jump for the full press blast.
’s Reifen Koch tunes the Ford Mustang
Police forces didn’t care much about fuel economy back in the early days of the Ford Crown Victoria, but these days, efficiency is front and center for cash-strapped municipalities. The cost of fuel keeps rising and cities continue to cut their budgets, so one or two miles per gallon might make the difference for a city deciding between a fleet of Ford’s new Taurus-based Interceptor, the Chevrolet Caprice PPV and Dodge Charger Pursuit.
And so it is with great interest we read the news today that has released official EPA-certified fuel economy figures for the new Interceptor. The base model equipped with a 3.5-liter V6 is rated at 18 miles per gallon city / 26 highway, while the twin-turbo 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 is rated at 16 mpg city / 23 highway. Finally, the Interceptor Utility (read: cop-spec ) powered by a 3.7-liter V6 returns 16 mpg city / 22 highway.
We scoured through official specs and data from Ford, and to produce the comparison table above. As you can see, the new Police Interceptor from Ford is not the precinct captain of fuel economy, not even when comparing the V6 EcoBoost model against its V8-powered competitors. The acceleration numbers, meanwhile, were all taken from the . Based on their results and the official EPA numbers that we found, the Chevrolet Caprice PPV V6 looks like the best combination of both quickness and thriftness. One thing, though, is for certain: No matter which model they choose, police forces everywhere should be saving lots of fuel compared to the aged Crown Vics in their fleets now. Learn more in Ford’s official press release .
According to a report from Reuters, has been sued for allegedly selling pickup trucks and vans with defective fuel tank linings. The suit alleges that Ford knew about the problem and continued to sell affected vehicles over a 10-year period.
According to the complaint, the fuel tank lining of Ford’s full-size trucks and vans built between 1999 and 2008 can “separate and flake off,” clogging the fuel system and causing the truck to stumble or stall. Further, Ford is said to have issued a “secret” technical service bulletin to dealers about the problem, but never issued a recall or offering to fix customer vehicles for free.
The complaint, brought on by Coba Landscaping and Construction Inc of New Jersey and its principal Galo Coba, is said to be seeking class-action status on behalf of all owners of affected models. Considering that the Ford F-Series pickup was the best-selling vehicle between 1999 and 2008, that’s a heck of a lot of owners.
Ford has yet to comment on the issue, saying it has not received the complaint. Apparently, the issue is unrelated to the found by certain F-Series owners in snowy climates.
Rally racing, like virtually every other form of motorsport in the world, is a dangerous activity. As much as we love watching a talented driver negotiate a tricky off-road race course with skill and luck, crashing is no doubt part of the experience as well. And crashes happen rather often in the world of rallying.
During the 2012 Rally Mexico, which took place from March 8-11, 2012, there were two drivers who started the race but were forced to retire after crashing out. One of those was Evgeny Novikov, who ended his race in spectacular fashion after the roof vent of his Ford Fiesta RS WRC blew away, causing the cabin to fill with dust and debris. As the commentators point out, he was truly driving blind, at least until he veered off course and crashed.
When we say Noviko crashed, what we really mean is that he flipped, rolled and generally demolished his Fiesta rally car with a vengeance before ending up on the roof. See for yourself by watching the video .
spectacularly out of the 2012 Rally Mexico
In general, car dealers have reputations just below personal injury lawyers and politicians, so it’s no surprise that most consumers are naturally wary whenever they engage in the process of buying a new vehicle.
As part of an effort to restore consumers’ faith in the auto buying process, the Federal Trade Commission is intervening, five dealers from around the country for what it says argues is deceptive advertising. According to the FTC, the dealer ads in question promise to “pay off your car” and to “pay off your trade no matter what you owe” when, in fact, they either rolled the balance of customers’ trades into a new loan or just outright demand would-be buyers pay the difference out of pocket.
Tempting, yes, but anyone with a half-full brain cavity would almost certainly start asking questions before signing such paperwork, right? Well, maybe, but these sorts of tactics have spread among auto dealers, likely because they have proven effective.
The dealers named by the FTC include Billion Auto, Inc., in Sioux Falls, South Dakota; Frank Myers AutoMaxx, LLC, in Winston-Salem, North Carolina; Key Hyundai of Manchester, LLC and Hyundai of Milford LLC, of Vernon and Milford, Connecticut and Ramey Motors, Inc., of Princeton, West Virginia.
The FTC’s wrist slap requires that for the next 20 years, the above dealers not run deceptive ads, keep copies of the ads they do run, and file reports with the FTC showing their compliance.
If they violate the FTC order, the dealers will be fined up to $16,000 for each infraction. Read all the details in the official press release , and while you’re there, check out an example of one of one of the dealers’ advertising handiwork as well.
Why Automakers Are Increasingly Entering Alliances
It’s only a question of as Mazda’s desperate cost-cutting measures take aim at its U.S. workforce this week.
The maker has signaled it will post a $1.2 billion loss when the Japanese fiscal year wraps up on March 31, its worst performance in 11 years, and only by offering more than a billion dollars in new stock is it likely to head off a more serious crisis. For now, anyway.
With long-time partner Motor Company slashing its stake in its Japanese affiliate from 33 to just four percent since Alan Mulally was named CEO, even Mazda’s top executive Takashi Yamanouchi admits it will be , Yamanouchi recently acknowledging his company is “actively” looking for new alliance partners.
Of course, is not alone. confirmed this month that it would enter into a far-reaching partnership with Paris-based PSA . And Germany’s AG has repeatedly expanded the coalition it formed two years ago with the - Alliance.
Paul A. Eisenstein is Publisher of and a 30-year veteran of the automotive beat. His editorials bring his unique perspective and deep understanding of the auto world to Autoblog readers on a regular basis.
/?branding=1&lang=en#/Models/Style[BodyStyle:BS-BJ]">
Those interested in getting their 650-horsepower kicks in the form of a can now at least partly satiate their longing with an online configurator. And, as you can see above, you are free to deck your favorite ‘Stang in any number of classic racing colors… or even in Superman-spec red and blue.
Outlandish color choices aside, there are plenty of interesting options for the fastest factory ever created, including the expected Sync infotainment technologies, a voice-activated navigation system and a three-subwoofer Shaker Pro audio system. Those looking for some added sportiness inside the cabin can opt for a color-coordinated pair (black and blue in the case of our config) of front Recaro seats for an extra $1,595. Sounds like money well-spent.
For those wishing to check every option available for the car, including a Shelby-branded car cover, the most-expensive 2013 Shelby GT500 hardtop will waltz off the factory floor with a $66,485 window sticker. On the other side of the equation, even a base $54,200 (*plus $795 for destination) car will come equipped with the supercharged 5.8-liter V8 capable of hurtling the GT500 to a terminal velocity of a bit over 200 miles per hour. Performance bargain, anyone?
Feel free to build your own 2013 Ford Shelby GT500 , and share your favorite config in the Comments. Ready, set… go!
It’s a funny thing, being rich and famous. You can afford anything you want, but everything comes to you for free. Just ask Sebastian Vettel, who – as reigning Formula One World Champion two years running now and brand ambassador for – can get any luxed-up Datsun he wants. Which may not be quite as exciting as Fernando Alonso having his run of the motor pool or Lewis Hamilton getting his hands on the new McLaren MP4-12C, but it’s not without its perks, to be sure. Like the .
Unveiled as a concept vehicle at the back in September, the Vetteled packs a 5.0-liter V8 good for 414 horsepower and an estimated 5.6-second sprint to 62 mph, along with carbon fiber aero bits aplenty, reduced weight and a lowered suspension.
Back in October, we received that Infiniti was, indeed, planning on offering the special edition performance crossover – based, as it is, on the FX50S Premium model – in limited quantities, and the company has now officially announced its availability.
Only 200 examples will be made at an as-yet undisclosed but assuredly lofty price, with orders being taken now for delivery next year. But before you go racing down to the local Infiniti dealership, know that the model will only be offering in Europe and the Middle East. Which is just as well, because we can’t imagine many American buyers ponying up the kind of cash Infiniti will be asking for the privilege just because it’s named after some kid from Germany, no matter how many grands prix he’s won. Official announcement .
is hard at work on a refresh for the , and thanks to our intrepid spy photographers, we’re now getting our first glimpses of the subcompact’s new schnoz. It appears as though the car’s somewhat cutesy face will now have a more aggressive shape, complete with smaller headlamps that integrate LED running lights – which appears to be right in line with the revised design language seen on the all-new .
It’s unclear exactly what other changes are in store for the next Fiesta, though reports have suggested that EcoBoost power may soon be found underhood. Ford has long stated that it plans to incorporate EcoBoost powertrains into the vast majority of its vehicles, and the Fiesta would be a seemingly perfect home for the recently launched 1.0-liter three-cylinder turbo. , this engine is available with either 99 or 118 horsepower and a respectable 125 pound-feet of torque. For comparison, the current Fiesta’s 1.6-liter inline-four pumps out 120 hp and 112 lb-ft.
Scroll through our attached high-res image gallery to see the facelifted Fiesta blasting through the snow undergoing winter testing and stay tuned for more details.
 |  | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||