truth about domestics

While it may seem a little odd at first, the BMW M3 and Ford Mustang GT are very close when it comes to their performance.  How so you might be asking?  Well the two videos posted below lay everything out in a very straightforward manner, making it easy to understand why people have been waiting for this match up.  So sit back and enjoy both videos!

UAW’s newest President, Bob King, recently reiterated the ban on foreign vehicles in UAW parking lots. King’s comments were in response to a reporter who got kicked out of a UAW parking lot for driving a Toyota Camry. King’s reasoning is that “Foreign automakers accept U.S taxpayer’s dollars in incentives to build assembly plants in the United States, jeopardizing the future of middle-class workers in the domestic auto industry.”

Although I will be one of the first to preach the importance of protecting the domestic industries, I completely disagree with UAW’s policy. Unions came about for good reasons, such as improving working conditions, creating the 8 hour work day and 5 day work week, fair wages, etc. But, this policy goes opposite of what the UAW is “supposed” to stand for – pro-American. This is actually, quite un-American. Competition leads to better innovation and better products, not bullying.

So is this what UAW leadership is paid to accomplish – create stupid policies? I thought it was to stand up for their workers. Maybe it would be more beneficial to work on helping make the domestic companies more efficient and cost effective. Or, how about working on changing our trade policies with other nations and make it fair to sell our products overseas.

Oh, by the way, I’ve been reading article after article about this story, along with people’s comments, and I’ve noticed something interesting – many people state that this worsens their perception of the UAW (as if it’s not bad enough), and worsens their perception of UAW built cars. So how about that, people won’t buy domestic cars because of this! Thanks Bob.

Source: The Detroit News

The CTS-V Coupe is probably one of the most exciting designs to come out of General Motors in decades.  It also has one of the most potent engines ever produced by the General, a 6.2L supercharged V8 with 556 hp.  In the videos below, you will see Motor Trend pit it against an Audi RS5 and a BMW M3, Car and Driver set the CTS-V Coupe against the same pair but without any words, and now Road & Track has set the new Caddy against the 2011 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500.  Check out all three videos and let us know what you think!

The 2011 Ford Explorer will be a game changer in the SUV world, not only because of its impressive design and powertrain features, but because of the technology it has.  Things like a Terrain Management System, Trailer Sway Control or even just the Blind Spot Indicator System make this one of the most high tech, and safest, SUV’s on the road.

For several years now, the public has been waiting for the launch of the Chevrolet Volt.  The Volt is an extended-range electric vehicle, a technology that has never been mass produced before.  The Volt will be charged by the owner over night, provided a 40 mile, electric only range from its batteries.  Once that charge is depleted, a small gas generator kicks in to power the car.

Once production was announced for the car, people began to wonder about the price.  The battery technology alone was said to cost close to $10,000, not to mention the car has two powertrains.  Well the wait is over, we finally know how much the Volt will cost the early adopters.  The purchase price for a Volt is $41,000, with a lease option pegged at $350 a month for 36 months with $2,500 down.  Not a bad price in my opinion, as costs will surely come down significantly with the second generation Volt, especially as production increases above the initial 10,000 units planned for the first year.  For more details, head on over to Autoblog.

In the midst of revealing the new 2011 Ford Explorer, Alan Mulally stopped by to talk Ford with Jim Cramer. Jim asks Alan about all of the happenings at Ford, what Ford has been doing to get out of the economic hole and what it’s doing to continue the upward momentum. What a great interview – take a look at the video.

This coming Spring, detectives will have a new choice when it comes to available pursuit vehicles.  General Motors has just announced that the Chevrolet Caprice police vehicle will be on sale April 2011.  The full blown police package won’t be available until June 2011, but I’m sure it will be worth the wait.  Check out the video and let us know what you think in the comments!

Ford revealed the new 2011 Explorer yesterday throughout the US – from Venice Beach in Los Angeles, to Detroit (D-town!), and to New York City!

The new Explorer looks awesome – inside you’ll find a beautifully crafted and supple interior and outside you’ll find an exciting and sporty exterior. The vehicle comes with features galore, including an optional 4-cylinder, 2.0 liter, Ecoboost engine which will offer a 30% fuel economy improvement over the outgoing model’s V6. It even has an exclusive Terrain Management system which allows you to easily dial-in which type of terrain you’re traversing.

Ford setup a website for the new Explorer, and you can price yours out here.

I built mine in black, with a black grill, sweet! I outfitted mine with 20″ chrome rims, crossbars for my skis, and dual headrests LCD screens with all of the connection goodies so that I can hook up my PC and play Starcraft 2 while being chauffeured through the Rocky Mountains. Yes!

How about some Monday afternoon car FAILs?