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Infinitis_Endless_Summer_2011_.zip (520 KB)

Summer is calling and Infiniti is answering with its G Convertible model.

Based on the stylish and sporty G Coupe, the new hardtop droptop adds a third dimension to driving pleasure from the automaker.

They still have all the basics covered: Spirited 325hp VQ-Series 3.7-liter V-6 engine under the hood backed by choice of 7-speed automatic transmission or (as ours was equipped) a quick-shifting 6-speed manual gearbox with short-throw shifter and commuter-friendly clutch.

The G37 Convertible Sport 6MT (as our test model came to be known) adds sport-tuned steering, larger sport brakes and 19-inch aluminum alloy wheels with W-rated performance rubber.

The Infiniti is not the all-out bad boy street racer its 370Z cousin is. Nissan’s luxury marque offers a bit more sophistication for the G37 while offering a full host of comfort and convenience amenities worthy to compete against European nameplates.

Infiniti has long been seeking to knock BMW off its lofty throne with their 3-Series and the G lineup certainly comes as close as any to achieving that. While I don’t fully drink the Bavarian kool-aid I do believe the convertible 335i we tested last year rates just a little bit higher in my book than this G37 Convertible.

Part of that reason is the near total elimination of trunk space when the Infiniti roof is stowed. And the speed getting it there also lags a bit behind the BMW.

Style points from me go to the Infiniti. Not exactly sure why but something deeply Freudian tells me to like the G-Series styling over the Bimmer. And I think I dig the interior in the G37 Convertible slightly over the topless 3 we tested last fall. Infiniti’s electronics are easier to negotiate as well.

The 300hp turbo six in the BMW gets 19 mpg city and 28 mpg highway while this Infiniti G37 only rates 16 in the city and 24 out on the road.

As tested pricing for both units found the Infiniti arriving at a good 10 thousand less than the German competition (50 grand and change for the G37 Convertible).

The latest G-Series from Infiniti is about near perfect for the segment and in many ways kicks butt over the European counterparts. If you are in the market for one of these gorgeous four-season pleasure rides you can’t go wrong in either direction. Just remember to pack light and bring plenty of sunscreen.

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2011_Cadillac_Escalade_ESV_a_R.zip (691 KB)

Prepare to be shocked – sticker-shocked that is. Are you sitting down? I am about to give you the window sticker price of the new 2011 Cadillac Escalade ESV I recently tested. Set your faces to stunned …

88, and I ain’t talkin’ ‘bout no Benjamins either. 88 grand, 88 large, ochenta y ocho mil, 88 Grover Clevelands.

The big Jag we just had wasn’t that much and it gave massages.

Yes, Cadillac’s biggest SUV is sporting quite the pricetag these days, although in its defense this was the Platinum edition.

With the launch of Escalade over a decade ago Cadillac became the large luxury SUV segment leader against the likes of Land Rover’s Range Rover, Mercedes’ GL, the Lexus LX and the Infiniti QX.

The ESV is some 21 inches longer than the standard Escalade with most of that coming behind the third row of seating. This is the ultimate luxury hauler, both people and gear.

It is powered by the same big-honkin’ 6.2-liter V-8 found in most of GMs large vehicles these days (along with some sports cars). In this application it generates 403hp and 417 lb. ft. of torque. The Escalade ESV is available in rear- or all-wheel-drive. Fuel economy is rated for 13 mpg city and 18 mpg highway but if I can afford the payments (or the upfront) on this baby I can certainly afford to gas ‘er up.

Driving this big beauty is a bit intimidating at first. A lot of folks staring and I am not sure if it is envy or ire. I also am aware of modern reality and a vehicle of this stature can have a limited ownership window.

OK, I mentioned that the Caddy does not dole out massages like the big Jag but just about every other amenity is included such as up to five video monitors and I think I counted about 10 sets of wireless headphones and at least two remotes.

Here is a roster of some of the other highlights in the Cadillac Escalade ESV Platinum:

• Side blind zone alert;

• Power retractable assist steps;

• Automatic headlamps with IntelliBeam automatic high/low beams;

• Ultrasonic rear parking assist;

• Rear vision camera system;

• Bose AudioPilot active noise cancellation technology, which continuously adjusts the music in response to background noise;

• Fully functioning LED headlamps (exclusive to Escalade Platinum);

• Heated and cooled cupholders (exclusive to Escalade Platinum)

• Magnetic Ride Control;

• Power-titling and heated steering wheel;

• Eight-inch navigation radio with new CompactFlash memory and auxiliary jack;

• Rear-seat, DVD entertainment system;

• Heated and cooled front seats;

• Adaptive remote star;

• Power liftgate.

Also available is an advanced navigation system with real-time traffic, expanded voice prompts and 3D imaging of major landmarks.

Not to be outdone by its technological advancements, Escalade also has a full array of safety features:  Front row-dual stage airbags, head curtain side airbags for all passenger rows, front row thorax airbags, and front row seat pretensioners.

A vehicle of this size and stature is certainly not for everyone and that is why the automaker also delivers the likes of the Cadillac SRX but Escalade and especially Escalade ESV still have their place and their buyers. Time will tell what their life expectancy is given the ever-constant fuel economy struggles but for now they are here, they are big on luxury and big on the road and they are … 88 thousand dollars.

This just in, some great news for the luxury marque:

DETROIT – The Cadillac Escalade ranked first among all models in AutoPacific’s 2011 Vehicle Satisfaction Awards and topped the Luxury SUV segment for the fourth consecutive year.

The ranking is based on more than 68,000 surveys completed by owners of new cars and light trucks in the United States in the first quarter this year.

 “It’s especially gratifying to be honored by AutoPacific’s Vehicle Satisfaction Awards because they’re chosen by owners,” said Don Butler, vice president for Cadillac marketing. “Escalade’s consistent strong showing in these awards is a testament to its ability to deliver what customers want in a luxury vehicle.”

AutoPacific’s research measures owner satisfaction across specific areas such as comfort, safety and the overall purchase/lease experience. AutoPacific is an automotive market research and consulting firm that publishes a variety of studies annually on the industry.

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2011_Lincoln_MKZ_Hybrid_Ready_.zip (541 KB)

The Lincoln MKZ Hybrid is the luxury marque’s first foray into the world of hybrid technology. It goes without saying this technology is borrowed directly from the Ford Fusion Hybrid. What does need said is this is a very good package.

Since first driving this hybrid powertrain arrangement in the Fusion a couple of years back I knew the engineers at Ford were on to something.

Fuel economy figures (41 mpg city and 36 mpg highway) have continued to impress the automaker and consumers alike, especially in the wake of once-again-higher fuel prices.

Wrapping the Fusion in Lincoln luxury was a no-brainer and the MKZ Hybrid package is a winner.

“The 2011 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid provides a real choice in the marketplace for customers looking for a vehicle that not only makes a statement about who they are but also reflects their ideals,” said Derrick Kuzak, Ford’s group vice president, Global Product Development. “It offers the best fuel economy in its segment, a host of advanced safety features, and all the amenities and modern design of a true luxury sedan.” 

The Lincoln touch is apparent everywhere in the MKZ. Lexus’ HS250h is touted as its main competition but the MKZ Hybrid is so much more the two should never be mentioned in the same sentence so henceforth I will refrain from doing so.

The heart and soul of the hybrid powertrain is a 156hp 2.5-liter I-4 gasoline engine mated to a 106hp permanent magnet AC synchronous electric motor that can power the vehicle in EV mode only up to 47 mph. An electronically controlled continuously variable transmission sends propulsion to the front wheels. The battery pack is a 275V Nickel-Metal Hydride and is located behind the rear seat.

Inside are the appointments Lincoln is once again becoming well-known for and I believe a recent survey put them once again at the top of the leader board in consumer opinion of luxury brands.

We enjoyed gorgeous leather and wood appointments in our test model MKZ Hybrid but what surprised me most was the fuel range. With the 17.5-gallon tank topped off the miserly Lincoln will run some 600 miles (612 when our tester hit the driveway) making this a great choice for summer travel, especially with those ventilated seats and the Lincoln SYNC/Sirius Travel technology packages.

Pricing begins at $34,330 with our test vehicle coming in at $41,170 after the addition of the Ultimate and Technology packages. This includes power moonroof, adaptive HID headlamps, ambient lighting, voice-activated nav system, BLIS blindspot alert system with cross-traffic alert, rearview camera and THX II surround sound system.

The summer of 2011 may just belong to the Lincoln MKZ Hybrid as once again the journey is as enjoyable as the destination.