Drew Dowdell

The Transit connect is already 136hp @6300 rpm and 128 lb-ft @4750 rpm while weighing less. That engine would be fine.

it appears that all of the mainstream W-bodies of this generation use the same 5-115 bolt pattern. Those rims will fit an Impala, Regal (any trim), Grand Prix, or Intrigue.

same rim, different finish. They'll fit.

are you serious?

the 4-door in Delta Force's sig has squared off openings too

1979 Custom Cruiser with 27k miles

someone is going to get his locks stuck in the nuts if he doesn't pay attention.

I bet you take pitchers....

you have an Android phone Ocn? there is a great free app for tracking fuel economy and maintenance

Boeing doesn't build their own engines, You're thinking Pratt & Whitney, Rolls Royce, or GE.

Meet VW, the new GM.

I would worry a lot less about the cosmetic and concentrate on the mechanical for now. Changing the head gasket out on one of these is probably the easiest head gasket job on any car build in the last 15 years.

decent platform with a forgettable shape.

I think Lincoln's MKC is reserved for some future coupe and/or convertible.

Mercedes Benz ALK Lexus Hx250 - they'd do a hybrid Acura CDX Lincoln MKB Wouldn't a Cadillac be an ARX?

At Hyundai, dramatic design = angry open mouth bass

For someone who needs the ultimate in towing/hauling, Chevy keeping at the top of the heap is a good thing.

The problem with ethanol is that engines have to get smaller and compressions higher just to equal the fuel economy of gasoline. That ethanol has lower specific energy than gasoline is true, but its combustion properties allow for a more efficient combustion process to extract a greater amount of that energy to bring the efficiency per gallon close to equal of gasoline. If they could do cellulosic butanol, that would be the holy grail.

they actually do surprisingly well on fuel economy considering its size.

180k miles? It's just getting broken in.

I can't read that name without seeing

Because not all vehicles in the brand need to be RWD or RWD based to fulfill their mission. Nissan clearly understands that the target market for a luxury 3-row crossover/luxury electric vehicle/luxury hatchback is not concerned about apexing corners and is likely more concerned with interior room. It is simply about picking the right tool for the job.... and in certain applications, FWD just makes more sense.

Chevrolet Sonic aims to be the top small car in safety August 29th, 2011 - Drew Dowdell - CheersandGears.com Small cars aren't typically known for their crash worthiness. For 2012, Chevrolet hopes to change that perception with their new Sonic. The main component of the safety design is its exceptionally strong body structure and safety cage. Welded tubular steel members are used to support the the door frame openings while additional steel bracing reinforces the doors. About 60% of the unit body structure is high strength steel while ultra-high-strength steel forms the forward rocker panels. In the event of a frontal or frontal offset crash, the Sonic's engine cradle and engine compartment rails absorb and distribute the impact energy around the passenger compartment. The A and B pillars are additionally reinforced and the Sonic is capable of withstanding more than 4 times its own weight if overturned. Keeping the passenger compartment intact in a crash is important but so is cushioning the impact on the passengers inside the car. For that the Sonic employes 10 airbags; Dual stage airbags for the front driver and passenger, Roof-rail mounted head curtain airbags that stay inflated longer, seat mounted side impact airbags and a segment exclusive driver knee airbag. <iframe frameborder='0' scrolling='no' align='middle' SRC='http://mediasuite.multicastmedia.com/player.php?v=top3gg29' height='215' width='279' allowtransparency='true'></iframe> <iframe frameborder='0' scrolling='no' align='middle' SRC='http://mediasuite.multicastmedia.com/player.php?v=zd0zja65' height='215' width='279' allowtransparency='true'></iframe>