Drew Dowdell

I can't blame the Union for being upset when asked to take an 8% cut after already taking a 10% cut, losing benefits, and having the pensions "restructured"..... just after the executives got 80% raises.

an all new 4.3 V6? I kinda doubt that.

The new server is up and running and configured. I will probably be doing the migration this weekend.

I blame Little Debbie.... she's a ho-ho.

A completely independently powered set of wheels in a car.... has this ever been done before?

Collision warning systems are from the devil. I hated the one in the GMC Terrain... it was annoying and I disabled it. Somehow I managed to also not ram anyone.

These three should be really easy repairs though leaving only the tailgate as the tough nut to crack.

Have you driven one? Read that stats...the Tesla Model S is pretty quick... It is amusing.... I don't get all the hatin'.... it's exciting to see a new American car company emerging, and the Model S is a seriously good looking car, with a wheelbase longer than any current GM car, by the way, and w/ great performance from what I've read. It's nice to see an electric car that isn't a tiny FWD turd (like the Leaf, Mitsu i-Mev, etc). Tesla Model-S does 0-60 in 4.0 seconds. The CTS-V and ZL-1 run 3.9. If gasoline engines are sooooo much better, why can't two of GM's most powerful vehicles which also cost a lot more money completely blow away the Model-S?

Well I suppose you could put a whale tale on a Karma if you really wanted to. Same with spinners, fat tires, etc. The Tesla Roaster already does 0-60 in 3.2 sec... and the Supra drivers above already showed that they can't even handle that sort of acceleration.

I find judgements of these cars by people who have never driven them to be absurdly humorous.

I got a 95% on the written (missed a distance from firehouse street parking question) and aced the driving part. I took it in my mom's '94 Bonneville because though I owned my Toronado at that point, it wasn't registered yet. After getting my license, I went and registered the Toronado.

The reason I include BMW on the list is because of their total attention deficit disorder with their current product line right now... between the i-Series and the weirdo SUV coupes, they are looking for something.. anything.. to do that is different from the industry. The reason I think Toyota will grab Tesla is because they already have a number of partnerships with them.

My guess, if anyone buys Fisker, it will be BMW or VW.... more likely the later, but the former is not impossible.

Ford today took the wraps off the newest addition to the growing Transit Connect family. Called the Transit Connect Wagon, Ford is careful not to call it a minivan. As a reflection of the versatility of the Transit Connect it is built on, the TC Wagon will be available in 2 wheelbases, 5 or 7 passenger seating, and have a choice of either a 2.5 naturally aspirated 4-cylinder or a 1.6T 4-cylinder with Ecoboost. Configured as a short wheelbase version with the Ecoboost engine, the TC Wagon's fuel economy is estimated at over 30mpg. On the utility side of things, the short wheelbase version has a cargo capacity of 120 cubic feet with the long wheelbase version bumping that number up to 150 cubic feet once the fold flat 2nd and 3rd row seating is lowered. Payload capacity checks in at over 1,200lbs and with a tow rating of 2,000lbs. Ford is quick to point out the TC Wagon's payload rating is higher than the more more fuel hungry Dodge Grand Caravan and Toyota Tacoma Double Cab with towing capability 500lbs more than a 4-cylinder Toyota Highlander. An option that should be popular around the halls of CheersandGears.com, the TC Wagon will be available with either a liftgate or side-hinged cargo doors. Ford is marketing the Transit Connect Wagon as a mini-van alternative in a compact car package. Ford has lacked an entry in the mini-van market in the US since the Ford Freestar went out of production in 2007. The 2014 Ford Transit Connect Wagon marks a return to that market... just don't call it a mini-van until the Ford guy turns his back. Gallery: Ford Press release on page 2 Ford Introduces New Seven-Passenger People Mover with a Difference: Transit Connect Wagon First to Exceed 30 MPG Ford brings the compact Transit Connect Wagon to market, a vehicle so unique it is a revolution in seven-passenger transportation Transit Connect Wagon expected to deliver at least 5 mpg better fuel economy on the highway and 2 mpg better in the city than a seven-seat Toyota Sienna minivan, and more cargo space and passenger seating than Mazda5, yet hauls a heavier payload than a Toyota Tacoma Double Cab pickup or Dodge Grand Caravan Anticipating up to 30 mpg-plus on the highway with EcoBoost® power, Transit Connect Wagon offers a choice of two fuel-efficient four-cylinder engines, two wheelbase lengths and three series models – XL, XLT and range-topping Titanium Transit Connect Wagon takes adaptability to a new level with the convenience of sliding side doors, fold-flat second- and third-row seating, a 1,200-pound-plus payload, and choice of a rear liftgate or symmetrical, side-hinged cargo doors DEARBORN, Mich., Nov. 13, 2012 – Ford, the most fuel-efficient full-line manufacturer, introduces the first seven-passenger people mover expected to break the 30 mpg-plus highway barrier with the all-new Transit Connect Wagon, which drives like a car, has the flexibility of a utility and can haul the payload of a full-size pickup. “Transit Connect Wagon gives young families and people on the go the fun-to-drive and efficient vehicle they’ve been looking for,” said Mark Fields, Ford’s President of The Americas. “It’s an all-new, smaller seven-seater that has better mileage than larger vans and creates a segment of its own. Customers also will love the unique combination of style, adaptability and affordability this wagon brings.” Transit Connect Wagon is offered in two wheelbase lengths, in five- and seven-passenger configurations, and in XL, XLT and Titanium series levels. No other wagon in the market today offers the convenience of fold-flat seating, at least a 1,200-pound payload and more than 100 cubic feet of cargo space. When properly equipped, this versatile wagon is approved to tow up to 2,000 pounds, 500 pounds more than a four-cylinder Toyota Highlander SUV. Have it your way Transit Connect Wagon offers customers a choice between two fuel-efficient four-cylinder engines – a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and an optional 1.6-liter EcoBoost® that is estimated to deliver 30 mpg-plus on the highway. This powertrain makes Transit Connect Wagon the gas mileage leader among seven-passenger vehicles. Both engines come mated to a convenient six-speed automatic transmission, geared for around-town responsiveness and low-rpm highway cruising. Transit Connect Wagon is available in a wide variety of configurations and series levels, offering unexpected features in a high-value package with low operating costs. This stylish, contemporary design is offered in two wheelbase lengths, a choice of five- or seven-passenger seating arrangements, and offers meaningful options like a full-glass panoramic roof, rear view camera, 6.5-inch touch screen display with navigation, and SYNC® with MyFord Touch® – Ford’s highly acclaimed voice-activated communications and entertainment system. Transit Connect Wagon’s global design includes premium cues throughout such as available full body-color exterior accents with jewel-like chrome trim and high-gloss interior trim pieces. A range of seating surfaces, from luxurious leather, comfortable cloth and heavy-duty vinyl, is available to suit the specific needs of a wide variety of potential customers. Commercial-strength DNA in a family versatility vehicle Transit Connect Wagon’s work-hard/play-hard nature is reflected in cargo-carrying capacity and room for up to seven comfortably seated passengers, wrapped in a high-strength body engineered to rigorous global commercial vehicle durability standards. The all-new Transit Connect Wagon builds on the foundation of reliability and durability established by the current Transit Connect compact van. Introduced in North America in 2009, Transit Connect has become the must-have vehicle for small business proprietors, thanks to its unmatched combination of payload and cargo capacities, adaptability, fuel efficiency, maneuverability and overall ease of driving. Transit Connect was recognized as an innovative “white space” vehicle – literally carving out a new category in the market – by the automotive industry press corps when it was named North American Truck of the Year in January 2010 at the North American International Auto Show. Now selling at a pace of 35,000 units per year, Transit Connect has become a favorite of small businesses, corporate fleets, taxi operators and a few individualistic owners who find its combination of a car-like ride and the cargo capacity of a van just right for their personal use. “The all-new Transit Connect Wagon will expand the personal-use audience for this versatile nameplate by offering up to seven-passenger capacity across three rows of seating in a fully trimmed interior,” said Hau Thai-Tang, Ford vice president of Global Engineering, Global Product Development. “It has an extensive selection of comfort, convenience and connectivity options, and a full complement of safety features – making it a modern, family-friendly alternative to oversized minivans.” All Transit Connect Wagon models feature first-row frontal, pelvis and side airbags, with first-, second- and third-row side curtain airbags in long-wheelbase models. Short-wheelbase versions get first- and second-row side curtain airbags. Ford’s award-winning MyKey® programmable ignition key enables restricting maximum vehicle speed and audio system volume, bringing additional peace of mind to both parents and fleet administrators alike. Transit Connect Wagon even offers a child observation mirror so parents can keep track of children safely belted in second- and third-row seats. Infinite adaptability Inside, the Transit Connect Wagon package is a rolling showcase for adaptability in hauling both people and cargo. From its 60/40 three-passenger second-row bench seat through fold-flat second- and third-row seating with third-row independent fore-and-aft sliding capability, Transit Connect Wagon quickly adapts to accommodate multiple combinations of people and cargo. Also available is an electric windshield defroster, making short work of icy windshields in wintry conditions and when parking Transit Connect Wagon on the street. The versatile Transit Connect Wagon offers far better fuel efficiency than traditional minivans, compact-car-like maneuverability and handling, combined with unprecedented payload and cargo capabilities. Look for Transit Connect Wagon to appear in North American Ford dealerships in the fourth quarter of 2013. Consumers can get more information and learn more about the Transit Connect Wagon at http://ford.com/transitconnectwagon. View full article

As mentioned before, we will be moving servers. The new server is being prepared now. We are getting a minor upgrade in RAM but a major upgrade in Disk as we are moving from a standard disk RAID to an SSD raid. This should hopefully improve the performance of the site substantially. As a nice bonus, server costs will be cut in half (yay for coupon codes!). Once the migration to the new server is complete, there will also be a few software upgrades to the script that runs CheersandGears.com. I have already added a blogging module that you can see above and any registered user can now start their own blog on C&G. Also coming after the site move is a new Advertising system allowing me to sell advertising directly rather than just going through an ad exchange. I don't have exact timing as to when these changes go in... so if you see the "We're Moving" sign, please just be patient, we'll be back online shortly.

Looks like Corvette might get this too.

I've never been an SUV kinda guy. I'd buy a B-body wagon before a truck if Albert would let me... but he won't drive it due to the size, so I can't. The only SUV, and I use the term loosely, that I would buy for myself would be the Avalanche. edit: And he'd just have to deal with it.