(download)

Click here to download:

volt-leaf-the-epa-and-the-future-F6JPChFOLdFwL4oe3uUv.zip (637 KB)

It is almost time to pack a bag to head down to Austin, Texas for a full evaluation of the new Chevy Volt (recently named Motor Trend’s Car of the Year) and in doing a little prep work online I notice EPA fuel economy ratings for it and the Nissan Leaf EV have been released along with new stickers and classifications by the governing body.

The two vehicles are similar in size but vary in styling and technology. Leaf will only run on electric power ­ once the battery pack is done, you’re done until you can get to a charging station. Volt will run as (and is dually rated as) an electric and a dual fuel vehicle. It will operate on the battery until depletion and then run with the assistance of an onboard gasoline-powered generator.

Leaf tops the economy board arriving with a rating of 99 mpg (106 city and 92 highway) and an estimated annual cost of $561. The EPA gives it a range of 73 miles, a bit less than the manufacturer has been boasting. Volt receives a combined EPA rating of 93 mpg as an EV only and 37 mpg once the battery pack is done. An estimated cost of $601 per year is given for Volts operated as EVs only.

For the truly green-spirited folks, Leaf never has tailpipe emissions while the Volt will when the gas engine kicks on. Just remember the plant generating the electricity to charge your new set of wheels might not be as efficient.

As either of these vehicles has yet to land in the hands of “real” consumers (those making monthly payments, etc.) only time will tell just how economic they are to own and operate. Or convenient as charging stations are still very rare, thus their limited availability at launch.

How long do the batteries last when parked at the airport for days on end in a snowstorm? Will they die on a mountain road in the scorching sun of west Texas? Can you dry it out after a Hurricane and only have to put up with the moldy odor?

These are the first so they will not be perfect but they will set the stage for those that follow.

(download)

Click here to download:

2011_Cadillac_CTS_Sport_Wagon_.zip (628 KB)

Absence makes the heart grow fonder.

Poetic words meant for lovers and lyricists. In the real world things don’t always go accordingly. My situation refers to the Cadillac CTS Sport Wagon that I recently spent a week with.

Here are the words I penned last year during my first experience with the new Caddy:

“The vehicle we enjoyed at this stopover (of the Cadillac Culinary Tour) was the new wagon from Cadillac, the CTS Sport Wagon. Wagons have not gotten much love over the past few decades and Chevy Chase did not do them any favors in his vacation movie. Make no mistake – the 2010 CTS Sport Wagon is no family truckster, I assure you.

I cannot tell you how many times I walked around this vehicle trying to find something to dislike. Didn’t happen. I am a fan. I inquired about a V-series wagon coming down the pike but it appears Cadillac folks are not ready to discuss that possibility. But don’t get me wrong, the Sport Wagon in its present form rolls with attitude.

The vehicle is very stable on road even when tossing it through some corners and curves. And none of the usual rumble from road noise given all the rear glass. This baby is tight – rock solid. This is a CTS sedan with more cargo room and a power liftgate. It comes with identical powertrain choices as its sedan counterpart and offers roof rails, fold-flat split rear seats and a unique cargo management system for the back. Were I in the market for a CTS vehicle I would actually choose this Sport Wagon over the sedan. I would have to pay more for it though, and that would be my only criticism of the new model. Pricing begins at 40 grand and can quickly climb to the mid-50s when loaded to the gills.”

OK, I still LOVE the design of this vehicle and Cadillac IS releasing a V-series Sport Wagon. And this model is a CTS sedan with expanded cargo area and a liftgate and some of that other stuff I wrote.

But as with my recent experience in the CTS Coupe, I fell out of love with the Sport Wagon when I began driving it. I still do not like the seats at all and I found little “sport” in this Sport Wagon save for the “sport” setting of the transmission shifter.

Only a handful of automakers even offer a wagon model to U.S. consumers and of those very few models are sold. Perhaps wagons can some day make a comeback here in the States and a little part of me wishes this to be true. Minivans have run their course, SUVs have fallen out of favor and the glut of crossovers will soon have drivers wanting something completely different. The long flat load floor in back would be perfect for hybrid/electric vehicle battery packs so maybe engineers will give this body styling a lookey-loo.

Perhaps my anticipation of getting the CTS Sport Wagon for a full shakedown placed the model on too high a pedestal, but any new vehicle hitting the market today that does not sync up to my iPhone gets a failing mark from me.

UPDATE 11/29/2010: OK, that iPHone sync attempt was using my own USB cable. I found the Cadillac-supplied cable buried in the glove compartment and attached it. Voila! Still no sound. It recognizes my iPhone now but tells me to update to the latest firmware on my phone. HELLO, I did that in the first 15 minutes iOS 4.2.1 was available. The songs show time progression as if they are playing but NO audio output. Jump over to the - ahem -Ford parked next to the Caddy and all works fine. Still Fail.

(download)

Click here to download:

2011_Ford_Edge_Sport_Fresher_a.zip (414 KB)

The Ford Edge crossover utility vehicle paved the way to a new segment for Big Blue Oval to compete.

We recently got familiar with a 2011 Edge Sport model, aimed at customers who want a fresher, hipper crossover and this year Ford has updated styling AND technology. 

The Edge Sport rolls on up to 22-inch polished aluminum wheels, a first for this segment. The Edge Sport 22-inch wheel/tire handling package elevates the already "sporty" crossover to a new level of handling and control. It feels at home on a road course or twisty mountain road, but still delivers a ride agreeable for even a daily driver thanks to performance-tuned shocks, springs and steering components.

The Sport model also shows its personality courtesy a unique front air dam, side skirts, lower door caps and a rear skirt, all finished in body color, instead of the dark lower finish on other Edge models. The front air dam comes with integrated fog lamps and a lower grille insert. 

Complementing unique paint schemes are interior appearance packages that include leather-trimmed seats with Alcantara seat inserts and leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob.

Powertrains did not go untouched in this latest edition. All Edge Sport models now "sport" the same 3.7-liter V-6 introduced in the new Mustang complete with 305 horsepower and 280 lb. ft. of torque and backed by a slick six-speed automatic transmission. Ford even throws in steering wheel paddle shifters for the truly "sport"-minded consumer. Fuel economy runs in the neighborhood of 17 mpg city and 23 mpg highway on our all wheel drive delivery.

Also in the 2011 Edge is the new MyFord Touch driver connect technology that takes driver/vehicle interaction to the next level and almost every function in the new center dash is accessed or controlled via touch screen, touch panel or voice activation.

We’ve been impressed with the Ford Edge since its introduction to the marketplace several years ago. Styling is fresh while remaining this side of polarizing and for 2011 the Edge is quieter and safer than ever. Pricing for the new Edge Sport in AWD gear begins at $38.070 and after a few add-ons the final tally for our tester comes to $40,135.

This morning I participated in a popular local form of social engagement. Forget Facebook and take your Twitter with you, today was the time-honored gathering at the barber shop. And when they see me walk in all discussion usually turns from politics and guns to trucks. Today we had plenty to discuss.

I have been receiving a steady stream of pickups here lately from the press fleets and whether I pull into the parking lot at work or Gary’s social hub on south Main, everyone is anxious to check out the latest mode of transportation that is still number one in the Lone Star State.

True most of the hair clippings on the floor are gray or white but this bunch is made up of diehard voters, retired blue collar workers and horse-and cattlemen. The crowd is decidedly male and I am one of the youngest “regulars” but they welcome my visits with enthusiasm and curiosity.

No sooner did I exit my big Ford F-450 dually Super Duty than Gary was engaging in a traditional form of social media by calling some of his Ford buddies to come check out the latest tester. As the fellas begin to roll in, coffee mugs in hand, related stories begin to fly of the tongues – “So and so did something to his truck last week” or “You know who had to get new tires while up in Colorado last month” – the tales go on and I attempt to take in every word. This is as viral as communication gets.

An overall synopsis of the morning still tells me that truck ownership still boils down to brand loyalty, dealer experience and automaker perception. Some have said they will always buy a Dodge (now Ram), others only choose Chevy as they have had bad experiences at their local Ford dealership and a few even go so far as to give the impression we can have the keys to their Ford pickup when we pry them from their cold, dead fingers.

Whatever their reasons or lifestyles, it all still seems to revolve around pickups (more commonly known as pickup trucks but AP style doesn’t recognize that term) and perhaps even more significant is that it is domestic-branded trucks and about an even split between heavy duty and light duty models.

They tow, they haul, they camp, they travel, they ranch and they rodeo. They love their wives, they love their country and they love their trucks (although the order of these seems to change around every once in a while).

(download)

Click here to download:

Road_Trip_Follow_Up.zip (4.65 MB)

A couple of weeks ago I posted a column about holiday travel as an opportunity for a road trip. I mentioned I would be heading down to New Orleans from my home base here in the ‘burbs of Dallas and, I promised a follow up.

New Orleans was a blast. The weather was Chamber of Commerce perfect and I was impressed with how clean the city was and how few bugs there were, even in the swamps. Throughout the state of Louisiana (as well as parts of East Texas) the leaves were in full autumnal change and there was a carpet of yellow flowers over portions of the swampland outside Jefferson Parish.

Eight-and-a-half hours each way behind the wheel and as I am taking a press fleet vehicle only I can do the driving. I remember writing something about specific features in certain vehicles that would make for more enjoyable travel – features offering comfort, convenience, economy and safety.

Well, we got most of that out of the Nissan Altima Coupe they sent me. The 2011 tester they sent featured the frugal 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine backed by a six speed manual gearbox. We enjoyed highway fuel economy better than the 31 mpg it was EPA rated at but the manual transmission just added to the frustration of the crush of congestion downtown N’Awlins.

And I seem to remember agreeing to the Altima as this model included navigation and satellite radio – wrong and wrong. Nothing but constant re-tuning of country music stations with bad DJs all the way down and back and no help in finding our way around the confusing traffic grid of the Crescent City (compounded by its shape and layout courtesy of its nickname).

OK, I will accept some of the blame here but not for the fact that Nissan chops off quite a bit of cargo room in the trunk of the coupe version Altima versus the sedan. Barely had room for my computer bag after we crammed our two roller bags back there – everything else rode in the passenger compartment with us.

I am writing this experience off as a valuable educational experience – one I had learned many years ago and confirmed last week. Next time (and there will be a next time) I will not be such a cheapskate (on gas) and spring for the Cadillac Escalade as my choice of transportation.

(download)

Click here to download:

Lexus_CT200h_Sporty_New_Hybrid.zip (905 KB)

Lexus has a new hybrid vehicle being readied for market and let me begin by saying I wish them more luck with this CT200h hybrid sportwagon than they saw with the HS250h hybrid sedan that debuted last year.

Lexus’ last sporty wagon was on the inaugural IS300 platform and was dubbed SportCross. I was assured the CT200h is not intended to be the next SportCross but the two do share bloodlines and driving dynamics.

We spent some time with Lexus and the new CT200h in New Orleans recently and I was left with the impression that the CT should see more success than the HS has.

For starters, the CT borrows the hybrid powertrain from the current Toyota Prius, not the case with the HS and a decision that saw critics responding in less-than-kind manner. The CT200h also features four driver-selectable operating modes ranging from full Electric Vehicle (EV) mode to Sport, the choice of many of the automotive journalists invited to southern Louisiana.

Drive routes took us from downtown of the Crescent City to a twisty patch of asphalt splitting a swamp. Along the way we were able to get familiar with each of the driving models and the associated powertrain and steering tuning engineers have assigned to each. Sport mode adds a bit of resistance in the electric power steering feedback while also allowing the most electrical boost from the Synergy Hybrid System employed in Lexus’ newest offering.

As with all Lexus models the CT200h features the latest technology, safety and creature comfort available from the automaker and we found ourselves not wanting for more following time in both driver and passenger seats. And while zipping around the swamps and city streets we kept fuel economy numbers in the 42-45 mpg range.

Lexus plans delivery around February of 2011, a time when several automakers will be enjoying sales figures from electric and plug-in hybrid models. When asked if the CT will accommodate plug-in technology the next Prius will arrive with Lexus representatives on hand in New Orleans responded simply by saying anything is possible. What they did respond clearly on was that they plan to sell 1,000 units per month and pricing will be somewhere in the 32-grand range.

CT will be the fifth hybrid in the Lexus lineup when it goes on sale and they hope it plays a key role in bringing new buyers to the brand. And despite it being billed as a hybrid “CrossTourer” the new CT200h plays the role of a next-generation SportCross quite well.

(download)

Click here to download:

iPhone_4_Jazzin_Up_Photography.zip (412 KB)

I finally upgraded to the iPhone 4 from Apple and my “hand-me-down” 3GS went to my new bride Tish. When Apple first began to release details of its latest phone I was eager to test the higher resolution 5 megapixel camera (versus 3ish of the previous phone). And with the last iOS update this new device now has the capability of HDR or High Dynamic Range photography. What a pleasant surprise.

What is HDR? An easy explanation would be to think of it as “high-def” photography as the range of colors and tones displayed is greater. To an Ansel Adams apprentice wannabe such as myself I find this new feature simply stunning. I would go so far as to say this is the greatest contribution to digital photography in recent years.

The ability to create HDR images has been around for several years but was done “after the fact” in Photoshop or similar software program. Previously we would select an exposure bracketing mode on the camera to capture variations in tonal range but have to choose only one of these shots as the final image or merge them with software.

These days, camera manufacturers are beginning to offer the ability to create an image in the camera that is made up of more than one image of the same scene at slightly different exposure levels and combined in the camera itself. And the Apple iPhone 4 is the first smartphone I have seen to offer this exact feature. While still in its infancy, this capability is rockin’ my shutterbug world.

The process is in its infancy and is not perfect. The subject of the photograph has to be or remain dead still – landscapes and still life are ideal. In HDR mode the iPhone 4 shoots three images in rapid sequence but any motion in the scene being captured will show.  A quick check of the eight Ansel Adams images hanging on my walls at home show none containing moving subjects. Adams was the master of tonal range in photography (primarily black and white) thanks to his Zone System and I appreciate the HDR camera functions in the iPhone 4 as almost a digital Ansel Adams camera.

I have not used HDR in Photoshop nor on any of the modern digital cameras that offer it, but then again the iPhone 4 is not primarily for photography and that is why I admire it so.

The HDR function is selectable with the touch of the top center of the iPhone 4 screen when in camera mode. Not every photo op will lend itself to HDR so a bit of personal experimentation will be in order. A setting option on the device allows the user to save a non-HDR version of the image to the photo album when in HDR mode and this is how I have mine set.

A recent trip to New Orleans provided opportunity to put the iPhone 4 to the test. Everywhere we went offered photographic subject matter, day and night.

I am impressed with the iPhones’ technological progress to this point and I shudder with anticipation at what the future may hold (and I haven’t even touched on the video capabilities of the iPhone 4 yet).

(download)

Click here to download:

2011_Toyota_Sienna_all_about_t.zip (382 KB)

While minivans have reserved a place in automotive history for themselves they are rarely the first (or second or third) type vehicle most folks think about when dreaming of a new car. Not to mention the minivan segment has shrunk considerably over recent years in response to that line of thinking (and buying).

Toyota is one of a handful of automakers that has remained loyal to the segment and has given its 2011 model Sienna a significant makeover, along with quite the marketing campaign. Dubbed the “Swagger Wagon” the new Sienna has been given life in primetime thanks to entertaining TV commercials bolstered by a strong social media push. Toyota even sent a slightly modified “Swagger Wagon Supreme” Sienna to the SEMA aftermarket show in Las Vegas.

As for the model they recently sent me to drive for a week, well, let’s just say I probably won’t be appearing in any of its commercials. Don’t get me wrong, there is very little to fault in the new ride ­– until it comes to pricing. Our loaded Limited test model came in at just over 46 grand, but to be fair, the competition has topped out models in the same price range. I just can’t stomach paying that much for – gasp – a minivan. Relax – base models begin at $24,460.

“The all-new Sienna is an example of Toyota’s commitment to lead the marketplace as it anticipates consumers’ needs and changes in lifestyle,” said Bob Carter, group vice president and general manager, Toyota Division, Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A.  “The third-generation Sienna combines a contemporary style with features not previously seen in a minivan, and a fun-to-drive spirit that will surprise many, along with the flexibility, spaciousness and features that have defined the segment.”

The 2011 Sienna has been completely redesigned. It features “A stronger profile, high shoulder character and responsive handling,” Carter adds.  “With state-of the art features and rewarding driving dynamics, it is a vehicle that current minivan, passenger car and sport utility vehicle owners will find satisfying to drive.  Sienna will offer new models, including a sporty SE and a four-cylinder powertrain, as it continues to be the only minivan with an all-wheel-drive option.”

The Limited review vehicle that graced our driveway included the sprite 266hp 3.5-liter V-6 engine (garnering 18  mpg city and 24 mpg highway). Both four- and six-cylinder engines are mated to a smooth six-speed automatic transmission with sequential shift and all 2011 Siennas now have electronic power steering.

Being a Toyota the Sienna is bathed in the corporate Star Safety System halo that features all of the latest safety technology and is even recognized by the IIHS as a top pick for safety.

Standout comfort and convenience features include the second row reclining chairs and rear seat dual view entertainment center that utilizes two displays side-by-side for a seamless wiiiiiide view. There is also a new 180-degree panorama camera for rear view when backing.

Over the decades minivans have become a bit sportier, more stylish and offer a great deal more content then when they first appeared on the horizon. They are easy to operate and offer a great deal of flexibility to match varied lifestyles and demands. And more power to the automakers as they keep trying to make owning one cool.

The pumpkins have been relegated to the compost heap and the last of the leftover candy has mysteriously disappeared from the bowl so it is time to turn our thoughts to the upcoming holiday season that will soon overwhelm us all.

While many think of the travel season (and more specifically the “road trip”) as occurring between Memorial and Labor Day weekends, Thanksgiving through New Years can be just as busy and our actual mode of transportation may be the last thing on our to-do lists.

Over the next couple of months I will be attending several new vehicle launch programs, and I will reach at least two of them a la said “road trip.” Given the unpredictable weather and road conditions where I will be going I have been giving quite a bit of thought this week to which vehicles would make the travel more pleasant, safe and perhaps even memorable.

Austin, Texas and New Orleans, Louisiana will be two of my driving destinations and Tish will be accompanying me to the Big Easy as we take a few extra days to visit that top tourist locale. My immediate thoughts when considering a vehicle for that trip are of fuel economy, maneuverability, comfort and cargo space for our luggage and any souvenirs we amass while down there. Technology will also garner some forethought as we may find ourselves in need of route guidance or roadside assistance. As for the capital of Texas trip, just about anything can go for that one with the exception of priority being placed on a vehicle with an automatic transmission in case I get stuck in one of the cities’ infamous traffic tieups.

Right off I think I will most likely dismiss any vehicle with a V-8 or performance package as those sporty wheel and tire packages do little for my backside on lengthy travels (not to mention the poor “green” value of high horsepower engines). A cute ute perhaps or maybe a modern era family truckster? If fare weather makes a rare appearance perhaps a hardtop convertible? OK, I won’t rule out a soft top either.

So many vehicles in the combined press fleets that serve our region of automotive press and so many choices, but when it comes down to it I don’t think I would actually turn down any new or significantly revised vehicle I have not given a full shakedown to.

Should you find yourself heading over the river and through the woods to grandmother’s house, all- or four-wheel drive might prove to come in handy, and if it is a long and winding road, gear yourself up with some of the latest in mobile technology that arrives with your vehicle or via your smartphone.

Holiday travel is generally all about the destination but it can still be a little about the journey.

I will keep you posted on what we end up choosing for ours and this just in: We will be zipping up to the big race at the Texas Motor Speedway this weekend in the hot new S60 from Volvo.