Category Archives: design and styling

Hey, Detroit Three What Ever Happened to Pizzazz?

Posted on 10 April 2014 by David C. Smith

The people who invented pizzazz, Detroit’s Big Three, have all but ditched some of the more alluring coupes and convertibles that once were their shining stars. Continue reading →

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Is the Cadillac ELR a flop? Incentives via a Free 240 Volt Charger and ‘no-charge’ Home Installation added

Posted on 27 January 2014 by Ken Zino

The ELR on an ultra-low-mileage, 39-month lease for qualified lessees starts at $699 per month with $5,999 due. Cadillac deliver six ELR hybrids in December, but since the Volt-based coupe just went on sale, January and Q1 2014 sales will be a better indicator of actual demand. Continue reading →

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Cars Get Smaller, but Luxury Interiors can Compensate

Posted on 14 November 2013 by Ken Zino

While not as ‘over the top’ as a Paris or New York fashion show, the presentation foreshadowed interior design trends that will appear in a couple of years and be available for a much larger audience. Moreover, unlike the fashion industry’s use of exotic hides and materials in clothing and accessories that come from endangered species that the socially repugnant super-rich then flaunt, automakers are using byproducts of animals raised for food – recycling at its best. Continue reading →

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Pebble Beach Postcards

Posted on 25 September 2013 by Donna Barbera

“Millionaires and billionaires everywhere, you have to see it to believe!” Continue reading →

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Infotainment Systems Transform Instrument Panels

Posted on 17 September 2013 by Ken Zino

Only a decade ago, the powertrain and performance of an automobile were the main selling points. Infotainment systems did not exist with virtually all light vehicles without any type of so-called connectivity to the world outside – no telematics, cellular, Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. Continue reading →

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2014 Toyota Corolla Ups Ante in Compact Car Game

Posted on 11 September 2013 by Ken Zino

Toyota Motor coming off two straight months knocking Ford Motor out of its traditional Number Two sales position in the U.S. market is introducing an all-new Corolla model. Not only will this present formidable competition for the Ford Focus, but it will also challenge Honda Civic, Nissan Altima, Mazda3 as well as the rest of compact cars in this high volume segment. Continue reading →

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Sirens and Chrome Wow at Concours d’Elegance of America

Posted on 31 July 2013 by Donna Barbera

The production underway called “Sirens of Chrome” is based on a coffee-table book by Margery Krevsky that chronicles decades of the most beautiful cars and the women who adorned them. The Concours served as the elegant setting for excellent automobiles and the “sirens” who evoked a touch of Hollywood glamor. Continue reading →

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New Steel Alloys can Outperform Aluminum and Carbon fiber

Posted on 11 April 2013 by Ken Zino

Part of the steel industry’s problem, aside from the overall lack of interest among technically illiterate consumers, is regulatory. While the Obama Administration is in the process of implementing the most stringent emissions and fuel economy standards in history, the Environmental Protection Agency only looks at a crude mile per gallon rating that does not take into effect the energy used and greenhouse gas emissions that result during the creation of the 10,000 or more components that comprise an automobile. Continue reading →

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First Look – 2014 Cadillac CTS Mid-Size Sedan

Posted on 4 April 2013 by Ken Zino

In GM’s latest attempt to make Cadillac a global brand, it is increasing the size of the CTS while toning down its distinctive styling that made it successful in the U.S. but is thought too radical for offshore customers of German and Japanese luxury cars. Continue reading →

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Chevrolet Debuts 2014 Corvette Stingray Convertible

Posted on 5 March 2013 by Ken Zino

Chevrolet revealed the 2014 Corvette Stingray convertible at the Geneva Motor Show. The 2014 model will have an all-new electronic top that can be lowered remotely using the car’s key fob. The top can also be opened or closed at speeds of up to 30 mph. A thick, three-ply fabric top, along with sound-absorbing padding and a glass rear window, should allow for a relatively quiet cabin. Continue reading →

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Jeep Cherokee Returns as 2014 Model. New York Auto Show Debut

Posted on 25 February 2013 by Ken Zino

Cherokee is inches wider and longer than its Italian donor platform and as you can see uses the traditional Jeep styling features such as a box-like body and the famous vertical slotted grille that goes back to Bill Mauldin’s Willie and Joe cartoons that won Pulitzer prizes during WW2. Continue reading →

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2014 Chevrolet Impala has Valet Mode to Protect Data

Posted on 20 February 2013 by Ken Zino

The revised Chevrolet Impala sedan with the optional infotainment system has a “valet mode” that locks up small personal items as well as protecting the addresses and contacts stored in MyLink. The password activated retractable faceplate covers a storage bin large enough to hold a wallet, MP3 player and smartphone. Continue reading →

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Kia Unveils Cross GT Concept, New Forte Hatchback at CAS

Posted on 8 February 2013 by Ken Zino

Kia unveiled its Cross GT concept vehicle at the Chicago Auto show that it said will eventually evolve into a production crossover utility larger than the current Sorento. Cross GT is built on the same platform as the Hyundai long-wheelbase Santa Fe that is coming to market in 2014. Continue reading →

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2014 Q50 Infiniti Sedan Appears in Detroit at NAIAS

Posted on 14 January 2013 by Ken Zino

Infiniti unveiled an all-new 2014 Infiniti Q50 sedan at a press conference at the 2013 North American International Auto Show – NAIAS – today. Q50 takes many of its exaggerated styling cues from the Infiniti Essence concept, with swooping curves and angular accent lines, in an attempt to separate itself from more traditional German designs, which is not necessarily a good thing. Inside, the Q50 interior offers a driver- oriented cockpit with communications system that has large dual touch-screens. Continue reading →

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Jeep Liberty to evolve as a Front-Wheel-Drive Alfa Romeo Derivative

Posted on 21 December 2012 by Ken Zino

Chrysler Group is preparing an all-new Jeep Liberty replacement that will debut within 18 months, eventually going into production in the U.S., Italy and China. As with the just released Dodge Dart, the new Jeep – thus far unnamed – will be based on a corporate platform from owner Fiat. Continue reading →

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