truth about domestics

Not only does the Chevrolet Volt feature a highly advanced propulsion system, but the braking system is highly advanced as well.  The transition between friction braking and regenerative braking needs to be imperceptible to the driver yet still provide maximum stopping power when needed.  The video above shows how one GM engineer worked (and is still working I’m sure) to provide the best performance and brake pedal feel possible.

The Detroit Free Press recently conducted a study of what kind of returns the US government can expect from saving Chrysler, General Motors, and GMAC (now known as Ally financial). The analysis concluded that of the $84 billion paid out to the companies, US taxpayers might get back $74 billion. Currently, $18.3 billion has been paid back, which includes interest, debt, and dividends. The likelihood of the repayment has been increased due to the rebounding car sales, in addition to the companies’ increased profits.

Currently, the US government owns approximately 60.8 percent of General Motors, which is valued at approximately $51 billion as of Monday – this makes the government’s stake worth $26.3 billion. Add the $7 billion that has been paid back and the $2.1 billion that the government owns in preferred shares, the total investment in GM is $35.5 billion, equaling a loss of $14.6 billion.

The government’s investment in Chrysler is significantly smaller compared to GM, valued at $12.8 billion. Of that, $2.5 billion has been paid back and the government owns $7.14 billion of Chrysler debt. With the company expected to be worth $13.6 billion a year from now, the government’s 9.9 percent stake in Chrysler, all of the above numbers, and some complicated math, the total loss could equal $2.4 billion.

I say that’s a pretty decent return on investment – saving millions of jobs and helping preserve the country’s manufacturing base – dare I say that the government actually made a good decision?? I’m not one to promote such intervention, but this seems like a worthwhile endeavor.

Check out the analysis by the Detroit Free Press.

Check out the features that the Fiesta has…that even spaceships don’t have!

I have been waiting for the new Buick Regal to hit our shores and the time has finally come.  Above is the first commercial for the new Regal, and it does a nice job of showing off the car.  Hopefully people will buy the fact that its “German” engineering means it’s a high quality car, but only time (and sales) will tell.

The commercial above shows that GM (and America) are still building rockets.  Hopefully someday I will be able to afford the rocket you see in the video.  That would be the 2011 Corvette ZR1, and man does it rip!

American Muscle just announced some cool new performance upgrades for the 2011 Mustang. These include a C&L Performance prototype cold air intake and Bama custom tuning profiles. The modifications look very promising, by gaining 22 hp and 31 lb-ft of torque with both the cold air intake and special tune:

• Stock – no modifications: 363RWHP / 331RWTQ
• Factory tune, Prototype C&L cold air intake: 374RWHP / 338RWTQ
• Bama Custom Tune, stock Airbox: 379RWHP / 357RWTQ
• Bama Custom Tune, Prototype C&L cold air intake: 385RWHP / 362RWTQ

Take a look at the video and visit American Muscle for more details.

Ever wonder what goes through the minds of the guys on Top Gear?  They have one of the most entertaining car shows ever produced and yet they continue to outdo themselves.  The video above pits an all-American V8 powered Camaro SS against a German engine of similar displacement in the E63 AMG.  Check out all 9 minutes 51 seconds above, enjoy!

If you are in the market for a new Corvette Z06 or ZR1 then you might want to consider the option that allows you to build your engine yourself.  That’s right, for the low price of $5,800 you can go to Detroit, Michigan and assist in the building of your very own piece of V8 American muscle.  For more details, check out the video above!

The Ford F-150 SVT Raptor is quite an amazing vehicle.  It can fly across the desert at speeds above 90 mph better than most cars can handle the smooth pavement of a freeway.  The fluid inside the Fox Shox dampers costs more than a set of regular shocks on a baseline F-150.  The truck debuted with the 5.4L V8 but is now available with a new 6.2L V8.  The new engine features 411 horsepower and 434 pound feet of torque, improvements of 90 or so on both numbers over the output of the old 5.4.  What if you need more power though?   Well, Hennessey has the answer, which you can see in the video above!

The video above showcases the extra work that goes into turning the Viper ACR into the even more powerful and impressive, ACR-X.  Where do I sign???