Drew Dowdell

and what did you think of the Cruze?

The Ciel is new and never before seen. I've seen the Converg in person at least twice now.

Delta was what the Cobalt SS was built on. It kept up with high end BMWs on the 'Ring. The Insignia was indeed designed for the autobahn... like... specifically.

First Official Photos of the 2012 Ferrari 458 Spider August 19th 2011 - Drew Dowdell - CheersandGears.com While there have been a few illustrations floating around out there, the first official photos of the 2012 Ferrari 458 Spider showed up in our inbox today. Set to debut in September's Frankfurt Auto Show, the 458 Spider will share the same mechanicals as its coupe counterpart packing the same 570 horsepower and 400 lb-ft 4.5 liter V8. The retractable hard top and extra chassis strengthening will add weight and likely lower the overall performance compared to its coupe sibling. European deliveries begin in September 2011 with U.S. deliveries starting in early 2012. 2012 Ferrari 458 Spider Official Photos

I wonder if I could convince him that I got my white one repainted with color changing paint. I have an apartment building with garage space already... storage is no issue.

Newsflash - The iPhone isn't the cheapest way to make calls and the battery is a bitch to get changed!

use it and lose it.

Geez man, what do you do for work man?

1981 Toronado Diesel Albert would murder me.....

That is what makes the Volt perfect for right now. It is a blend of both. The EPA really needs to fix it's rating on it though, it does far far better in the real world.

Alas, BMW is about 'joy' now (they dropped 'The Ultimate Driving Machine' tagline). A FWD entry line seems like a cynical branding ploy to achieve volume amongst lame posers who want the brand cachet but not the substance. Most of FWD 1-series will probably be 4cyl automatics (at least in NA where too few people are capable of driving a manual). Most of the RWD 3-series, 5-series, and all of the 7-series are automatics too... True...but at least they are still RWD. I've never understood why Americans don't like manuals, but I have no problem w/ refined automatics, esp. in luxury cars (was the 7 series ever offered w/ a manual? (answered my own question--apparently yes--the first 3 generations were offered w/ a 6 and a manual, probably Europe only). meh, 90% of drivers don't care if they are RWD or not. Most think their 3-series is FWD anyway.

Alas, BMW is about 'joy' now (they dropped 'The Ultimate Driving Machine' tagline). A FWD entry line seems like a cynical branding ploy to achieve volume amongst lame posers who want the brand cachet but not the substance. Most of FWD 1-series will probably be 4cyl automatics (at least in NA where too few people are capable of driving a manual). Most of the RWD 3-series, 5-series, and all of the 7-series are automatics too...

Shortage of household plugs out your way?

Hyundai baffled by their engineering? That makes two of us.

Awesome to drive such a classic as a daily! Glad you are back to posting again! You should add your cars to the C&G Garage!

The power train is a HUGE hint as to what is to come. 425hp 430lb-ft Twin Turbo V6? There is your ATS-V engine right there. As for styling. Art & Science 3.0

An entirely absurd (and incorrect) statement. CTS, STS, SRX (either generation) and even an old 2001 Eldorado would like to have a word with you in the back SMK. Hell, a '96 Fleetwood as a top speed over 140mph.

No, there is a difference. Mercedes had the A-class and B-class that if sold here would be in the $20-30,000 range, basically being a luxury alternative to a Focus or Civic. There is absolutely nothing "luxury" about an A-Class. It's a cramped, underpowered, economy car with a fancy badge. It is NO better than a Cimmaron. The only engine in the A-class worth a damn is the 193hp 2.0 SOHC Turbo that gets 7.0 liters/100km. For comparison sake, the 2012 Opel Insignia 2.0T AWD with 220hp gets 7.6 liters/100km. Not much of a bump in fuel economy to get an A-class when you consider it has an 800lb advantage over the Insignia.

You could do worse.

US does it too. You pay tax on the sale price unless the sale price is drastically outside of "reasonable book value". It leaves a lot of leeway but also prevents your grandmother from selling you her barely used Impala for $100.

I'm hoping that this will be another case of GM under promising and over delivering.