-
Posts
55,976 -
Joined
-
Last visited
-
Days Won
543
Content Type
Forums
Articles
Garage
Gallery
Events
Store
Collections
Everything posted by Drew Dowdell
-
Mercedes bringing A-Class to US; heads further down market
Drew Dowdell posted an article in Mercedes Benz
Mercedes has informed dealers that there will be another sedan heading their way for 2018. Mercedes-Benz has decided the US is finally ready for the A-Class. Mercedes has previously shown the 2011 A-class concept in the U.S., but did not send that model over. Currently, the smallest and least expensive Mercedes sold in the U.S. is the Mercedes-Benz CLA, a 4-door fastback sedan that Benz calls a 4-door coupe. When the CLA originally debuted in the U.S. in 2013, it started at $29,900 before delivery charge. It has since crept up to $32,700. This new A-Class is expected to start below the $30k mark. Previously, the A-Class was only sold as a hatchback (2017 A-Class in European Spec shown right), a bodystyle not particularly popular in the U.S. The 2018 A-Class will be the first time the model is offered as a sedan. The A-Class will use the same front-wheel-drive platform as the current CLA and GLA and is expected to utilize similar powertrain arrangements. The 2018 Mercedes Benz A-Class sedan is expected to go on sales in the U.S. in September of 2018 with sales in other markets (read: Europe) next spring and China to follow. Look for the A-Class reveal at one of the auto shows during Fall 2017. Source: Automotive news (Subscription Required) -
Honda News: Honda Teases Us with the 2018 Accord
Drew Dowdell replied to Drew Dowdell's topic in Honda
The fact that I can get the 3.5 V6 paired with an 8-speed in the Camry would cinch that decision for me. Toyota's V6es perform far better than their numbers suggest they should. -
Cadillac News: Spying: Cadillac CT6 Gets Some Escala
Drew Dowdell replied to William Maley's topic in Cadillac
I contacted my friend in Cadillac PR. He doesn't have the percentage of conquest sales handy, but he did say this: "our top inflow rates come from BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Lexus, and Audi (in that order)"- 45 replies
-
- cadillac
- cadillac ct6
-
(and 3 more)
Tagged with:
-
Cadillac News: 2018 Cadillac XTS Puts on A CT6 Face
Drew Dowdell replied to William Maley's topic in Cadillac
Wow! They didn't update this to the 8-speed or 9-speed! WTF? I'm okay with the exterior refresh... the interior doesn't look changed enough to matter. Clearly Cadillac is just going to hang on to this for whatever sales they can get while the amortize out the costs for the Lacrosse and Impala. -
2018 is setting up to be an interesting year. Like a rare celestial event, the two biggest players in one of the largest segments will both be releasing all new versions of their mid-size sedans. Toyota has already shown the all-new 2018 Toyota Camry earlier this year at the Detroit Auto Show, and on July 14th it is Honda's turn with the 10th Generation Accord. Earlier this month we wrote that the 2018 Honda Accord will no longer offer a V6, instead opting for two turbo-direct-injected engines in 1.5T and 2.0T configurations or a next-generation two-motor Hybrid. Three transmissions will be available depending on engine; a 10-speed automatic, a CVT, or a 6-speed manual. Performance specifics will be shared during the live event. In the concept teaser image shared by Honda, we can see the latest face of Honda under a muscular looking and long hood. Honda promises that the 2018 Accord will be the most dramatically styled Accord ever. (not a high bar to cross - DD) While Toyota takes the overall sales crown in the midsize segment, Honda is quick to point out that the Accord enjoys higher retail sales, which is a gentle jab at Toyota for increasing fleet sales. It's rare that we get to see two such heavyweights fight it out with brand new models released in the same model year, with additional competition coming from the redesigned 2018 Hyundai Sonata, and Nissan likely following the year after with the Altima, it will be interesting to see who comes out on top. We will have more information posted on July 14th during the live reveal in Detroit. Honda press release on page 2 Source: Honda Media, Picture courtesy of Honda America. World Debut of Dramatically-styled 10th Generation Honda Accord Set for July 14 June 19, 2017 - TORRANCE, Calif. Live in Detroit and via Livestream on YouTube at 11:00 a.m. EDT Concept sketch reveals dramatic new styling direction America's best-selling (retail) midsize sedan gets complete remake from ground-up Honda today released a concept sketch highlighting the aggressive stance and proportion of the all-new 2018 Honda Accord that will make its global debut in Detroit and via YouTube Livestream (honda.us/2018AccordReveal) on July 14, at 11:00 a.m. EDT. The all-new Accord – the most fun-to-drive, premium and dramatically styled Accord ever – is the 10th generation of America's best-selling midsize sedan, the number one choice of individual American car buyers cumulatively since 20101. Earlier this month, the company announced plans for a new Accord that will feature three powerful and fuel-efficient powertrains, including two new direct-injected and turbocharged engines paired with either a new Honda-developed 10-speed automatic transmission, CVT or a 6-speed manual transmission depending upon engine, as well as the next-generation of Honda's two-motor hybrid powertrain technology. Honda will share additional details of its powertrain performance, along with the new design and technology at the event. A perennial best-seller with American car buyers, the Accord has been the U.S. retail sales leader in the midsize sedan segment for four straight years (2013-2016). For the first five months of 2017, based on retail sales to individual buyers, Accord is the top selling midsize sedan in America and the second best-selling passenger car overall, surpassed only by the new Honda Civic2. Accord also is an unprecedented 31-time recipient of Car and Driver magazine's coveted 10Best award. Since its launch in 1976, American car buyers have purchased more than 13 million Accords. It was the first vehicle from a Japanese automaker to be made in America and has been in continuous production at Honda's Marysville, Ohio auto plant since November 1982. Cumulative U.S. production of Accord now exceeds 11 million units over 35 years of U.S. manufacturing3. About Honda Honda offers a full line of reliable, fuel-efficient and fun-to-drive vehicles with advanced safety technologies sold through over 1,000 independent U.S. Honda dealers. The Honda lineup includes the Fit, Civic, Accord and Clarity series passenger cars, along with the HR-V, CR-V and Pilot sport/utility vehicles, the Ridgeline pickup and the Odyssey minivan. Honda has been producing automobiles in America for 35 years and currently operates 19 major manufacturing facilities in North America. In 2016, more than 95% of all Honda and Acura vehicles sold in the U.S. were made in North America, using domestic and globally sourced parts. 1. Based on Urban Science cumulative retail sales data for all car models in the industry for 2010-2017CYTD May.2. Based on Urban Science retail sales data in the Midsize car segment for 2013-2017CYTD May. 3. Manufactured in the U.S. using domestic and globally-sourced parts. View full article
-
2018 is setting up to be an interesting year. Like a rare celestial event, the two biggest players in one of the largest segments will both be releasing all new versions of their mid-size sedans. Toyota has already shown the all-new 2018 Toyota Camry earlier this year at the Detroit Auto Show, and on July 14th it is Honda's turn with the 10th Generation Accord. Earlier this month we wrote that the 2018 Honda Accord will no longer offer a V6, instead opting for two turbo-direct-injected engines in 1.5T and 2.0T configurations or a next-generation two-motor Hybrid. Three transmissions will be available depending on engine; a 10-speed automatic, a CVT, or a 6-speed manual. Performance specifics will be shared during the live event. In the concept teaser image shared by Honda, we can see the latest face of Honda under a muscular looking and long hood. Honda promises that the 2018 Accord will be the most dramatically styled Accord ever. (not a high bar to cross - DD) While Toyota takes the overall sales crown in the midsize segment, Honda is quick to point out that the Accord enjoys higher retail sales, which is a gentle jab at Toyota for increasing fleet sales. It's rare that we get to see two such heavyweights fight it out with brand new models released in the same model year, with additional competition coming from the redesigned 2018 Hyundai Sonata, and Nissan likely following the year after with the Altima, it will be interesting to see who comes out on top. We will have more information posted on July 14th during the live reveal in Detroit. Honda press release on page 2 Source: Honda Media, Picture courtesy of Honda America. World Debut of Dramatically-styled 10th Generation Honda Accord Set for July 14 June 19, 2017 - TORRANCE, Calif. Live in Detroit and via Livestream on YouTube at 11:00 a.m. EDT Concept sketch reveals dramatic new styling direction America's best-selling (retail) midsize sedan gets complete remake from ground-up Honda today released a concept sketch highlighting the aggressive stance and proportion of the all-new 2018 Honda Accord that will make its global debut in Detroit and via YouTube Livestream (honda.us/2018AccordReveal) on July 14, at 11:00 a.m. EDT. The all-new Accord – the most fun-to-drive, premium and dramatically styled Accord ever – is the 10th generation of America's best-selling midsize sedan, the number one choice of individual American car buyers cumulatively since 20101. Earlier this month, the company announced plans for a new Accord that will feature three powerful and fuel-efficient powertrains, including two new direct-injected and turbocharged engines paired with either a new Honda-developed 10-speed automatic transmission, CVT or a 6-speed manual transmission depending upon engine, as well as the next-generation of Honda's two-motor hybrid powertrain technology. Honda will share additional details of its powertrain performance, along with the new design and technology at the event. A perennial best-seller with American car buyers, the Accord has been the U.S. retail sales leader in the midsize sedan segment for four straight years (2013-2016). For the first five months of 2017, based on retail sales to individual buyers, Accord is the top selling midsize sedan in America and the second best-selling passenger car overall, surpassed only by the new Honda Civic2. Accord also is an unprecedented 31-time recipient of Car and Driver magazine's coveted 10Best award. Since its launch in 1976, American car buyers have purchased more than 13 million Accords. It was the first vehicle from a Japanese automaker to be made in America and has been in continuous production at Honda's Marysville, Ohio auto plant since November 1982. Cumulative U.S. production of Accord now exceeds 11 million units over 35 years of U.S. manufacturing3. About Honda Honda offers a full line of reliable, fuel-efficient and fun-to-drive vehicles with advanced safety technologies sold through over 1,000 independent U.S. Honda dealers. The Honda lineup includes the Fit, Civic, Accord and Clarity series passenger cars, along with the HR-V, CR-V and Pilot sport/utility vehicles, the Ridgeline pickup and the Odyssey minivan. Honda has been producing automobiles in America for 35 years and currently operates 19 major manufacturing facilities in North America. In 2016, more than 95% of all Honda and Acura vehicles sold in the U.S. were made in North America, using domestic and globally sourced parts. 1. Based on Urban Science cumulative retail sales data for all car models in the industry for 2010-2017CYTD May.2. Based on Urban Science retail sales data in the Midsize car segment for 2013-2017CYTD May. 3. Manufactured in the U.S. using domestic and globally-sourced parts.
-
How do you separate preference from bias?
Drew Dowdell replied to A Horse With No Name's topic in The Lounge
Challenger... honestly. Even with the Hemi you'd do decent on fuel economy, but the V6 with the 8-speed runs plenty well enough to satisfy as a daily. Keep it at the legal speed limit, and you'll get some pretty surprising fuel economy too. I'm not sure how Chrysler managed to make such a heavy car with a V6 run more energetically than the Camaro setup... but they did. -
It's gotten to the point where I can tell the stories even though I was never there.
-
How do you separate preference from bias?
Drew Dowdell replied to A Horse With No Name's topic in The Lounge
doh... probably the worst way to option that car because .... well it is heavy and unresponsive. That was a big heavy car and the V6 was simply no match for all of that mass. It's only when you opt for the small-block does the car have enough torque to move around smartly. Equipped equivalently, the Mustang is much better... still a bit of a cruiser... but definitely more responsive. -
How do you separate preference from bias?
Drew Dowdell replied to A Horse With No Name's topic in The Lounge
Which year / model did you drive? I would certainly agree with you if you were talking about 5th Gen Camaro. I haven't driven a low end 6th gen, only highly optioned SS models. -
How do you separate preference from bias?
Drew Dowdell replied to A Horse With No Name's topic in The Lounge
And that's a bit of a subjective thing as well. The current Camaro is a fantastic driving car, as would be expected for something based on a Cadillac. It is great if you want a sports car all the time. The Mustang is a much more livable car for daily use and has a better blend of comfort and sport. Put the Camaro and Mustang next to each other, and the Mustang will seemingly tower over the very low riding Camaro. The Challenger doesn't have the suspension to keep up with the other two in handling, but it's big, fast in a straight line, and the most comfortable for a long distance (source: Me driving the Challenger and Mustang back and forth between Miami and Key West) Which of the cars is "better" hinges entirely on which aspect you find most important. For everyday driving, I value comfort over sport, so I would opt for a Challenger (Hemi ) or a Mustang (the seats are fantastic). If I was taking something to the track regularly, I'd opt for a Camaro and something else to daily (hey, I'm getting old.. it's not easy to get into low slung cars as it use to be) -
How do you separate preference from bias?
Drew Dowdell replied to A Horse With No Name's topic in The Lounge
The origins of this site, before I took it over, were as a GM fan site... so it is natural to find that here. Still, fanboys are fine. There wouldn't be a site if fanboys didn't exist. I'll be the first to admit that there have been some whoppers told by some of the GM fans here.... right along with the Benz Fans ... Ford fans... and VW fans... and Chrysler Co. fans. It's when telling whoppers crosses the line into trolling, abusive posts, and flat out falsehoods that would make politicians blush that I have to step in and either correct the record or take more punitive measures. -
How do you separate preference from bias?
Drew Dowdell replied to A Horse With No Name's topic in The Lounge
I'm with you here... I don't hate any brands. While I'd never want to own one or drive a long distance in one, I think taking an extended spin in a Yugo would be neat just to have the experience. That said, I grew up in a Ford / GM / Obscure-sh!tbox-import family. There are things I like and dislike about each. GM ergonomics and interior layout generally just "fit" me better. I have lots and lots of good memories of my parents '94 Bonneville that they bought about a year before I got my license. My dad still has his F-150 he bought when I was in 9th or 10th grade. The imports we had were never the well known type... there was a Fiat that I only barely remember, a VW Type 3 squareback, an early 80s Subaru GL Wagon 4x4 5-speed, and a Dodge Colt Vista wagon 4x4 5-speed. That familiarity with GM and Ford products makes me feel much more comfortable in them. It makes me feel uncomfortable in vehicles like Toyota or Benz where the Cruise control / Tilt wheel / head lamp controls are in the wrong place or wrong shape. After years of GM cars with the WonderStalk, it took a while to get used to the cruise control in my Lincoln, but eventually it felt comfortable. I've been driving the CR-V for nearly 10 years now and I still have to hunt for the Cruise Control on/off button when Albert turns it off for some unknown reason. That said, as much as I've praised some specific Ford products here over the years, the actions of certain visitors to this site plus some of the actions of Ford PR people have left a bad taste in my mouth. I always try to relay my observations to readers in as even handed and objective way possible. In those cases where I am reviewing a Ford product, it isn't the brand, but its followers that I have to try to put out of my mind. I do find myself being careful of how or what I say that is or might be construed as negative in an attempt to avoid having to deal with trolling..... but really shouldn't do that as it is a disservice to you readers. -
My own. May, June, and July are annoying months for me because about every 4 days there is some birthday, anniversary, graduation, or holiday which the whole family insist we all have to get together for. I genuinely love my family, but it's always the same core crowd at each of these gatherings, telling each other the same stories.
-
Cadillac News: Spying: Cadillac CT6 Gets Some Escala
Drew Dowdell replied to William Maley's topic in Cadillac
AMG used to mean something. These days it might, but it could also just be a sticker package.- 45 replies
-
- cadillac
- cadillac ct6
-
(and 3 more)
Tagged with:
-
How do you separate preference from bias?
Drew Dowdell replied to A Horse With No Name's topic in The Lounge
There is an old quote from Gandhi: I" like your Christ, I do not like your Christians. Your Christians are so unlike your Christ." Perhaps it is Ford worshippers that cause such feelings @A Horse With No Name. -
....the whole family telling the same 8 stories they've told for the past 10 years..
-
Cadillac News: Spying: Cadillac CT6 Gets Some Escala
Drew Dowdell replied to William Maley's topic in Cadillac
While a convertible would be nice for Cadillac, Cadillac's fate certainly doesn't come close to hinging on that.- 45 replies
-
- 2
-
-
- cadillac
- cadillac ct6
-
(and 3 more)
Tagged with:
-
Buick News: 2018 Buick Enclave To Begin Just Under $41,000
Drew Dowdell replied to William Maley's topic in Buick
I have news for you; it's already here! -
Buick News: 2018 Buick Enclave To Begin Just Under $41,000
Drew Dowdell replied to William Maley's topic in Buick
In a different situation, I could see an Enclave in my driveway to suit the other half. I prefer the looks of the new Traverse though. -
As some of you have noticed, I did a software update last week to the latest version of the software. In addition to more ways to upvote and downvote, the Clubs feature is now open. If you've ever wanted to run your own car club forum, now is your chance. People who open clubs become the moderator of their own club automatically. For the moment, I have no established rules for clubs except: No Adult Content. When in doubt, keep it out. No Clubs about current or former members. I will not allow cyberbullying on here. This does not mean I will not institute additional rules for clubs in the future. I created a sample club that I will update and curate over time.
-
1957 Eldorado Brougham
Drew Dowdell posted a gallery image in Cadillac Appreciation Club's Cadillac Gallery
-
Fabulous Flops: Chrysler 2.2L and 2.2L Turbo I
Drew Dowdell replied to Blake Noble's topic in Opinion
Steel beer cans? -
Buick News: 2018 Buick Enclave To Begin Just Under $41,000
Drew Dowdell replied to William Maley's topic in Buick
But the volumes (that you cherish) are going to be so low on most of those crossovers that it doesn't really matter. I really wonder how much money can be made by having all of these different variants. Is the 6-series GT really needed? Does it contribute anything to BMW's bottom line? When the news came out that BMW was making that thing, I thought it was a joke at first... seriously... I thought there was an automotive equivalent of The Onion. I had forgotten (and so has everyone else) that the 5-series GT existed. Does BMW really need a 3GT, X4, 6GT, and X6? (most with corresponding M models) Benz is nearly as bad. The X4 sells about 400 a month. The X6 sells about 1700 a month. Are you telling me those buyers wouldn't buy some other BMW if those two models didn't exist? The GLC Coupe and GLE Coupe are impossible to track because MBUSA lumps them in with their normal counterparts, but the GLC sells on average 4000 a month, so 10% of that being GLC Coupe sounds about right. -
Fabulous Flops: Chrysler 2.2L and 2.2L Turbo I
Drew Dowdell replied to Blake Noble's topic in Opinion
I can't imagine spending 500k miles in a K-Car.