G. David Felt

G. David Felt Staff Writer Alternative Energy - CheersandGears.com Nov 30th 2012 Friday Night from 5pm to 9pm Dougs Cadillac of Seattle had their anual Customer Appreciation party with Wine, Woman and Cars! We were entertained by the local Seattle Big Band and Ball Room Dancing while enjoying excellent seafood, Cold cut meats, rice dishes, cheeses to go with the Wine and Beer. The only requirement was to bring a bag of non perishable food to donate to Food LifeLine of Seattle. The night started for me at 5pm and a test drive in the ATS AWD. This was an amazing car for me. At 6'6" tall I was still able to find a comfy seat position that allowed me to drive and realize that anyone who thinks BMW only has a driving machine has not driven an ATS yet. While the car is designed for smaller people as no one could sit behind me, the ATS is a Tight, dialed in driving machine. This car needs little movement from the driver to go where you want it to go. With the heads up display and an easy to learn CUE I was able to take off down the road and really enjoy just how easy it is to have an engaging experiance. My ATS was Silver with a Red and Black interior accented with carbon fiber panels. Being a computer engineer, I took to the car and the CUE system like a fish to water. I will admit that I heard many people talk about how they enjoyed Cadillac having people there to explain and train people on how to use the CUE system. So Apple like in their experiance. I have to say that Cadillac with their focus on making sure new buyers know how to use their auto's have a hit on their hands. The car cut up the road as I drove down highway 99 and found myself exceeding the speed limt by 40 mph doing 85 in a 45 zone. This is how easy and comfy the car is to drive and how fast the ATS is. Everything was in easy reach, the abilty to control the car via the steering wheel pedals or via the shifter allow anyone to have a enjoyable drive. If you want to just put it in drive and go, no problem, if you want to be your own F1 driver, use the steering wheel pedal shifters and the car moves. I honestly have to say I have never had such an enjoyable driving experiance. The last time I was giddy with driving was when I drove my friends 2011 M3 and yet this v6 AWD gave me the same experiance. Responsive and direct in the feedback. I can honestly say this is a driving machine with the ease of luxury for those that wish to just point and drive. I see young people really being taken with this car. The only strange thing was that the CD changer was in the glove box. I was very impressed with the adaptive head restraints that GM has put into their ATS and XTS as it is comfy and I can see how it would absorbe the impact of an accident to protect the occupants neck. This is probably one of the more surprising attention to details that Cadillac has given to the car. The XTS I drove was also an AWD. While a bit under powered and not as sporty as the AWD ATS, I will have to say that the engineers dialed it in for the intended crowd of baby boomers and the late 40-50 crowd. I was actually surprised at how responsive the v6 engine is and can see people not missing a v8. Being a v8 fan of power, this car has proven to me that you can have a luxury touring car that is responsive and comfy in a large format sedan. The show ended with a surpise for me as a man traded in his 62 corvette for the 2013 Back out edition CTS Coupe V that I was able to look at but was locked. He truly gave up his lovely vette for a new bad ass Caddy! Click here to view the article

Very cool, and as I have said before, this is our counteries future for getting off arab oil.

November 30, 2012 G. David Felt Staff Writer - Alternative Energy - CheersandGears.com Today Ford warned 89,193 owners of 2013 Ford Escape and Ford Fusions with the 1.6 liter turbo to park their cars till ford can have them towed in for service due to engine fire risk. This marks the third recall on the 1/6 liter turbo engines that is Fords cornerstone engine to lure buyers to American brands. Unlike fords last recall on these auto's which they promised to fix in two weeks of the last recall, this recall has no estimate of repair and Ford has promised to cover auto rentals till they figure out a fix. Ford says no injuries have been linked to this new problem, but until they figure out the cause, they are stopping production and parking all existing auto's with 1.6 liter turbo 4 engines to understand the problem. Press Release on Page 2 Ford Acts Promptly for Customer Safety by Recalling 2013 Escapes with 1.6-liter Engines and 2013 Fusions with 1.6-liter Engines for Risk of Overheating That May Result in Engine Fires Ford Motor Company is acting on behalf of its customers by conducting a voluntary safety recall of 2013 SE and SEL model Ford Escape vehicles equipped with the 1.6-liter engine and 2013 SE and SEL model Fusions equipped with the 1.6-liter engine The recall comes after reports of engines overheating, followed by vehicle fires starting in the engine compartment when the engine is running; no injuries have been reported Ford is advising owners of these vehicles to contact their dealer immediately for alternative transportation at no cost to the customer; U.S. owners also may call 866-436-7332 and Canadian customers also may call 888-222-7814 for details on securing alternative transportation Repair procedures are not currently available Customers can determine whether their vehicle is part of the recall by: Checking their 17-digit Vehicle Identification Number (VIN); the eighth character will be an “X” on Escapes or an “R” on Fusions, Logging onto Ford.com, select the “Support” tab, click “View Notices and Recalls” and input their VIN, or Calling the numbers listed above or contact their dealer [*]Escapes equipped with the 2.0-liter and the 2.5-liter engines are unaffected as are Fusions equipped with the 2.5-liter and hybrid engines DEARBORN, Mich., November 30, 2012 – Ford Motor Company today announced a voluntary safety recall of 2013 Ford Escape SE and SEL models equipped with the 1.6-liter engine and 2013 Ford Fusion SE and SEL models equipped with the 1.6-liter engine. Ford estimates that there are approximately 73,320 Escapes and 15,833 Fusions produced and distributed for sale in the U.S. and Canada with 1.6-liter engines, with most in the U.S. market. The issue does not affect 2013 Escape or 2013 Fusion models with other engines. Customers driving 2013 Escape vehicles equipped with the 1.6-liter engine and 2013 Fusion models equipped with the 1.6-liter engine are advised to contact their dealer as soon as possible to arrange for alternative transportation at no charge. Repair procedures are not currently available. Ford is voluntarily recalling these vehicles because of reports of engine overheating, resulting in engine fires while the engine is running. No injuries have been reported. Some drivers who have experienced high engine temperatures followed by engine fires say that their clusters have shown the message “Engine Power Reduced to Lower Temps” or “Engine over temp, stop safely.” Some also indicated that their instrument clusters sounded a chime and illuminated a red light. Drivers who see any of these indications should safely pull off the road as soon as possible, turn off the engine and exit the vehicle. Ford will compensate owners for costs tied to overheating as well. “We have identified an issue and are taking actions in the best interest of our customers,” said Steve Kenner, director of Ford’s Automotive Safety Office. “It is important that affected customers not ignore this recall and contact their dealer as soon as possible. While we recognize the inconvenience recalls cause our customers, we are taking these actions on their behalf to help ensure their safety.” Ford is working on a repair procedure. When parts are available, the company will notify customers so they can schedule a service appointment with dealers. Meanwhile, Ford is advising affected owners to contact a Ford dealer as soon as possible for alternative transportation at no cost to the customer; U.S. owners also may call 866-436-7332 and Canadian customers also may call 888-222-7814 for details on securing alternative transportation. Customers can see if they are affected by the recall by: Checking their 17-digit VIN, located on a label on the driver door opening, at the base of the windshield on the driver’s side of their vehicle, or on their vehicle registration. In vehicles with 1.6-liter engines, the eighth character will be “X” on Escapes or “R” on Fusions; Logging onto Ford.com, click “View Notices and Recalls” in the “Support” tab and input their VIN to determine if their vehicle is part of the recall; Calling 866-436-7332 in the U.S. or 888-222-7814 in Canada; or Contacting a Ford dealer Escapes equipped with 2.0-liter and the 2.5-liter engines are unaffected. Fusions equipped with the 2.5-liter and hybrid engines are also unaffected – as are all Titanium models. View full article

If it wasn't 40 grand, I would own one.... I agree that I think GM needs to get this technology cut in half and will see sales explode with new buyers. They are working on it. In 2001, the first iPod came in two sizes... a 5gb and a 10gb. They were Mac only and couldn't be synced with PCs without some very annoying hacking. All they did was play music. They cost $400 and $500 respectively. Today, a full color touch screen iPod nano with 16gb, built in radio, video playback, and accelerometer is $149. The iPod classic, the closest relative to the original iPod, now has 16 times the capacity of the original for a mere $249. The Volt is the original iPod of cars in this regard.. the proof of concept and of market. True, except I think that the Prius/Insight were more like the iPod in your example... The Volt is more like the Zune. GM should have learned from Toyota and Honda how to make it more affordable. I'm glad the car is doing well, but in my eyes, it's a failure because of the price tag. Toyota and Honda only have been successful due to the coolaid drinking lemmings. GM saw the short commings of their hybrids and went one step further and we have the VOLT and the Initial High Price. I would rather have GM do what they did than follow Ford who licensed from Toyota and had an ok version still with high price and sending more american money back to Japan. At least gm keeps all the money here.

Saw a very clean 2001 Dodge Durango RT. Have to say I still very much like those SUV's. Course the daughter has a regular 4x4 99.

I have to agree with your daughter, the car has more than just the rear tail lights that doe not really work. The car comes across as a Parts bin special to me of mix and match to make something to sell and not really a refined flow.

Potential, but due to the rust in the quarter panels, I would think more along the line of parts. Amazing it lasted this long in that area.

So now back on topic. In reviewing the comments and the packages of this car, It makes one wonder where should an Auto maker draw the line on what is offered on a auto? People are wanting their cake and eat it too and yet we already know that people living outside their means will eventually be a drag on society and the average tax payer. With that said, the gov pushing all these nanny devices are making auto's for the privileged and ignoring the need to allow someone to get into a basic car cheap and work their way up. I wonder if the packages and features on this Impala do not impede into expected higher level auto's and should be cut. I know the auto industry is trying to give all at every level, but I feel one does have to draw a line on what is really expected on a cheap entry level, mid level and upper level auto.

Seems you can get a pretty good deal on used Jeep Grand Cherokees SRT8's http://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sale/searchresults.xhtml?zip=98043&endYear=2013&keywordPhrases=SRT8&listingType=used&driveCodes=4WD|AWD&engineCode=8CLDR&listingTypes=used&sellerTypes=b&showcaseListingId=334599280&mmt=[JEEP[JEEPGRAND[]][]]&modelCode1=JEEPGRAND&driveCode=4WD|AWD&showcaseOwnerId=100015786&startYear=1981&makeCode1=JEEP&engineCodes=8CLDR&numRecords=100&searchRadius=0&bodyStyleCodes=SUV&sortBy=derivedpriceASC Here is a lovely 2006 Black Jeep SRT8 with only 98K miles for $18K http://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sale/vehicledetails.xhtml?zip=98043&endYear=2013&keywordPhrases=SRT8&listingType=used&driveCodes=4WD|AWD&engineCode=8CLDR&listingTypes=used&sellerTypes=b&showcaseListingId=334599280&mmt=[JEEP[JEEPGRAND[]][]]&modelCode1=JEEPGRAND&sortBy=derivedpriceASC&driveCode=4WD|AWD&showcaseOwnerId=100015786&startYear=1981&makeCode1=JEEP&engineCodes=8CLDR&numRecords=100&searchRadius=0&bodyStyleCodes=SUV&listingId=333873349&Log=0

We shall both be devils this Xmas and tease you with our El Camino finds. One will eventually nail you to the garage!

Hey El Camino, You should check out some of the lovely babies on autotrader. http://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sale/searchresults.xhtml?zip=98043&endYear=2013&modelCode1=ELCAM&showcaseOwnerId=563264&startYear=1981&makeCode1=CHEV&listingType=used&listingTypes=used&sellerTypes=b&numRecords=100&searchRadius=0&mmt=%5BCHEV%5BELCAM%5B%5D%5D%5B%5D%5D&sortBy=derivedpriceASC I am shocked at some of the hot El Camino's for sale. Nice Maroon one for $5900 asking http://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sale/vehicledetails.xhtml?endYear=2013&zip=98043&listingType=used&listingTypes=used&sellerTypes=b&mmt=%5BCHEV%5BELCAM%5B%5D%5D%5B%5D%5D&modelCode1=ELCAM&sortBy=derivedpriceASC&makeCode1=CHEV&startYear=1981&showcaseOwnerId=563264&numRecords=100&searchRadius=0&listingId=329846252&Log=0 Nice White garage kept for $4500 http://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sale/vehicledetails.xhtml?endYear=2013&zip=98043&listingType=used&listingTypes=used&sellerTypes=b&mmt=%5BCHEV%5BELCAM%5B%5D%5D%5B%5D%5D&modelCode1=ELCAM&sortBy=derivedpriceASC&makeCode1=CHEV&startYear=1981&showcaseOwnerId=563264&numRecords=100&searchRadius=0&listingId=328853720&Log=0 I see a nice El Camino in your future.

Boy you are just being a tempting little devil, yes you are!

Can we just put the Nissan Leaf where it belongs in the yard waste bin?

That would have a low center of gravity with a neutral tight handling with some serious off the line torque. I like that idea.

Traditional electric whine. Interesting that they show it gowing over the sidewalk onto the street and you hear clunk clunk noise every time. Not something that says quality to me. weird.

Sounds like a good plan!

If it wasn't 40 grand, I would own one.... I agree that I think GM needs to get this technology cut in half and will see sales explode with new buyers.

Just pathetic!

Very nice Suburban, with the amount of used auto's having been lost to Sandy, I bet they figure they could get a higher price. But I would also go much lower since it is such a basic model that slurps gas.

Very nice, though I am always surprised by the amount of dirt people get in a car. The buttons on the steering wheel sure could use a cleaning. Must have very dirty hands.

I was thinking more AWD Performance Volt CUV!

4drs are just so much easier to get in and out of in parking garages (where is seem to park most of the time), and I always put my backpack w/ laptop for work in the back seat..easier to get it out by opening a door than the old fold & slide w/ a 2dr... but for a sporty car or fun car, I like 2drs...I've had a few over the years (Mustangs and an M3). I used to believe that myself till I bought the 2008 Trailblazer SS and now am sold on performance 4 doors. No 4dr performance convertibles these days, though. For my mid 40s crisis car, I'm thinking Mustang GT convertible, Camaro SS convertible, or late model Boxster. If GM made it, would you go for a 4 door Volt Performance Convertible version?

4drs are just so much easier to get in and out of in parking garages (where is seem to park most of the time), and I always put my backpack w/ laptop for work in the back seat..easier to get it out by opening a door than the old fold & slide w/ a 2dr... but for a sporty car or fun car, I like 2drs...I've had a few over the years (Mustangs and an M3). I used to believe that myself till I bought the 2008 Trailblazer SS and now am sold on performance 4 doors.

They sure are attacking all automakers on every front. Should be interesting to see how GM responds to them.