Advance Pursuit

Mar 10, 2009 - Hybrid vs. Diesel

This is probably the most heated debate within the car industry right now and the pro-diesel folks always like to ask question "What's there to prevent diesels from becoming even more efficient than hybrids? "

So let me try to give you a 50,000-ft level answer...

Unless all diesels currently in the gas stations AROUND THE GLOBE are biodiesel I am assuming that the majority are still petroldiesel, which means they are derived from petroleum, which also means without oil, no diesel. So no matter how fuel efficient the diesel engines will become, without the fuel, the diesel engine wouldn't run. On the other hand for the hybrid, with the advancement of the battery technology in the foreseeable future it is VERY LIKELY that the electric motor will replace the gasoline engine as the primary source for hybrid cars unlike the other way around for today. Further more, it is also VERY LIKELY that one day we'll be driving a car that runs totally on battery power, meaning without a single drop of "petrol" as the Europeans like to call it. As matter of fact, the Tesla roadster is a great example of what the future could be and should be. Am I predicting the future? Yes and no, yes for the Lexus/Toyota hybrids are still far from it but no for well... look at Tesla.

Can diesel engine ever run without a single drop of fuel even if it gets you 100 mpg? We all know the answer of that...

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Jan 14, 2009 - Myth Debunker: Trip computers are not accurate

This myth has been floating around the car community since day one of the trip computers, even the most-informed "car guys" think that trip computers cannot accurately calculate the cars' FE (mpg figure). I always knew that's not the case because in many times the rough calculation I did in my head came up pretty close to what my car's trip computer was showing but never got around to prove it, until this morning...

I went to fuel up my car this morning and I took pictures of both the trip computer and the amount of fuel I put in and here they are:

Now a quick calculation:

300 miles / 14.005 gal = 21.4 mpg

The trip computer shows 21.1 mpg. If you ask me, that's pretty darn close enough to the real figure!

Note: The percent error is 1.42%, which is well below the acceptable (5%).

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Dec 18, 2008 - My official stance on the auto industry bailout

Save GM and Ford, UAW and Chrysler can go.

Bonus feature: How much do UAW workers really make? (http://www.clublexus.com/forums/car-chat/398025-how-much-do-uaw-workers-really-make.html)

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Dec 12, 2008 - About UAW...

A blogger (dc11) at Autoblog said it the best and I quote:

it seems those who back the UAW keep forgetting they are working in a field where people can be replaced at ANY TIME. They take it as if they DESERVE the job just because they do.

Do they not realize that in any other field, even medicine/accounting/engineering, you can be fired at any time? And if someone younger comes along, and is smarter than you, works more efficient than you - that person can replace you??

That is life, and that is why if you were smart, you would make sure you are on top of your game. Ending your education with a high school degree doesn't quite factor into "top of your game".. With doctors these days, the smart ones get into specialized fields (cardiac, gastro, urology), which requires more education. As so with accounting (CPA/CFA).

No one deserves to live in a 3 bdrm 2.5 bath house, own an LCD tv, and an iphone. You have to work for it... and "working" does not just mean physical labor. Gone are the times of the 1930-1960s where "work hard son, and you'll get up there".... its the year 2008/2009 now, and people should have learned "work hard, work smart, get ahead".

i just cant give sympathy to the UAW... i know there are good men and women in teh UAW, and its not their fault mainly, but theyve really got to stand up against the UAW heads for losing their jobs. Im sorry, but i just dont see these people worth more than $35K a year pay... not for a labor job that can be given to any other person on this planet after 12 hours of training.

Time is a changing and it's a whole new world out there, if you can't get with the program then you get replaced. Pure and simple.

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Nov 19, 2008 - The legend lives on

1989 Lexus LS400:



2009 Lexus ES350:


What can I say, Lexus: The Pursuit of Perfection!!!

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Nov 13, 2008 - Audi Audi Audi...

Went to the Audi performance driving event last Friday and I had an opportunity to drive the A4 3.2 Quattro on the infield track at California Speedway in Fontana as well as its competitors (328xi, IS250 AWD and C300 4Matic). Overall I have to say that I am not impressed by the new A4 at all.

The interior material quality is no longer class leading, both the Lexus and Bimmer have better quality materials. Fit and finish is still top notch but which one isn't in this segment? Okay, maybe not so much for the Infiniti...

I wasn't too impressed by its performance as well, the 3.2L V6 is a disgrace especially in the entry lux segment, Audi needs to get with the program by offering a more competitive V6. The steering is light, lighter than the IS250 (yes, you heard me right), although still confident through corners and turns but 328xi blows the A4 out of the water in that area. Chassis doesn't appear to be as rigid as the Bimmer and Merc (like a tank but not in a good way) but slightly better than the Lexus. If I have to rank the 4 cars just based on performance it would be:

328xi > A4 3.2 Quattro > IS250 AWD >>> C300 4Matic

Overall while taking everything into consideration the ranking would be:

328xi > IS250 AWD > A4 3.2 Quattro >> C300 4Matic

The loaded A4 3.2 Quattro that I drove carries a sticker of $48k and a loaded 2.0T Quattro commends $44k. I find myself asking a question: Why should I get the A4 at that kind of price with less performance while I can get something else cheaper like the G35, 335i and IS350? Sure you would say AWD but let's not forget that the G35 and 335i also have AWD variants. One of the Audi rep told me that the A4 is meant to compete with the 328i and they have the S4 to compete with the 335i. OK, Mr. Smart Guy, then can you please tell me why should I buy a S4 at over $50k while with couple grands more I can get myself a M3 sedan?

I just don't get Audi.

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Oct 29, 2008 - A Letter to Acura

Dear Acura,

Rumor has it that you are currently developing a X6-fighter: http://globalmotors.net/tag/acuras-x6-fighter/

If that's the case then I have one question for you...
 
What the eff are you thinking?!
 
How should I start... Well, first of all, you have a fairly pathetic (comparably speaking) product, the TSX, for the entry level lux sedan market, which is the bread and butter for ALL luxury brands. Then you have a pretty pathetic product (sales wise and styling) for the midsize lux sedan market, which is the second bread and butter for ALL luxury brands. Also, since your RDX, which is sort of a sporty crossover, isn't doing as well as expected what makes you think that an Acura X6 can do better than a Bimmer X6?
 
Granted that you have 2 bright stars in the MDX and TL but just based on how you messed up the styling on the new TL I would be worried if I were you... Forgive me for being frank but honestly your product line SUCKS. You have 3 sedans and 2 SUVs with 2 of the sedans and 1 of the SUVs sucking... What makes you think that a X6 would be the correct move right now?
 
Regards, 
 
A former Honda/Acura owner and deep inside still a hardcore Honda/Acura supporter

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Oct 14, 2008 - What a joke!!!

According to Autoblog...

A member of the North American GT-R Owner's Club forums started a thread recently in which he tells about dropping off his Nissan GT-R at the dealership when he began hearing loud noises coming from the rear of the car. The dealership told him that his transmission was toast as a direct result of him turning off the car's VDC (Vehicle Dynamic Control) too much, which you have to do in order to use the Launch Control function. The cost to repair the tranny is $20,000 and Nissan won't cover it under warranty since the GT-R owner's manual states that damage to the transmission is not covered if it is proven to be the result of using Launch Control with the VDC turned off. In fact, the manual states that the only reason you should turn off VDC is for when you're rocking the vehicle because it's stuck in mud or snow. That's kind of like Nissan saying you should never use the Launch Control Function despite the fact that it is there.

http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/13/carsumer-advocacy-nissan-refuses-to-replace-gt-r-owners-busted/

To Nissan: It is great that your beloved GT-R beats the 911 Turbo at the 'Ring for half of the price and it is also great that you stuck it to Porsche when they call you a liar. However, if you really want to take on a company like Porsche then there is much more you need to do than just having a fast car on playstations...

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Sep 24, 2008 - Chevy Volt Battery Does Not Recharge While Driving

Here's the link: http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do...ticleId=132112

I knew something was fishy about this car all along because it just sounds too good to be true... I think GM has hyped up the Volt just a little bit too much and it is going to come back and bite them once the complete story is surfaced.

Toyota probably knew about this the whole time and that's why they aren't even worried...

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Aug 17, 2008 - 2008 Hyundai Genesis Test Drive

The Hyundai Genesis is without a question one of the most high profile new cars, if not the highest, of the year. Before even getting a chance to drive it and reading the reviews I was positive that this car will bring the Hyundai brand to a different level but I still had doubts in my mind. When the positive reviews starting to come in I was convinced that this car is good, very good as matter of fact, but I was still not a “believer”. However, that had all been changed after my test drive today and all I can say is WOW!! This car is so good that in my opinion it deserves nothing short of its own brand, own badge and own dealership network. Followings are my impressions about the car.

Exterior: Sleek, inoffensive, and simple. It’s not difficult for one to realize that Hyundai had incorporated a lot of elements from the competing brands such as Lexus, BMW and Infiniti when designing the Genesis but overall it looks very well executed. The paint job is top notch with minimal orange peels and all the panels lined up nicely with minimal and luxury car standard gaps. I still do not like the “Klingon grille” and would prefer the optional 18” wheel to come without the chrome-like finish but those are just nit-picking to be perfectly honest.

Interior: This is really where this car shines, the materials used and fit-and-finish is all top notch and the center stack ergonomics is excellent in my opinion. The navigation system that comes with the tech package is very user friendly and the interface response time is fast. Personally I still prefer touch-screen over the knob/joystick type of setup but the one in the Genesis is definitely something I can live with. I was pleasantly surprised that the majority of the interior surfaces are rubberized thus provide a high quality, soft-touch feels. The only part that felt cheap is the top of the center console which is covered with hard plastic material. The biggest complaint I have about the car is the seats. First of all the leather quality isn’t really up to the luxury car standard and the seats are way too soft with a “spongy” and “bouncy” kind of feel. Also, the front seats are very flat, lacking both the side bolster and thigh support.

Driving: Overall the car felt confident with a balance ride quality between comfort and performance. It is no BMW in terms of road feel and handling but it can certainly hold it own against its major competitors. The steering weight is on the heavy side and that is good for this car. The only time that the weakness of the chassis shows is when the car is getting pushed to the limitation, for example, during high speed turns. Under those conditions the steering becomes very light and the road feel becomes vague. In my opinion this is the only time that one will be able to tell why its luxury brand competitors like the 5er, E-class and GS cost at least $10k more. However, for 95% of the drivers the Genesis will serve them just as good as its more expensive foes.

Bottom Line: Again, WOW!! I am sold. Hyundai is coming, Toyota and Lexus, you better watch out. If I am in the market for a large sedan there is no doubt in my mind that this will be the car. Period.

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