Advance Pursuit

Apr 8, 2008 - Has Buick (GM) lost it?

Buick has just announced the prices for the Lucerne Super and CXL special edition and here are the summaries:
 
Lucerne Super:
- 4.6L Northstar V-8
- 292 horsepower
- 288 lb.-ft. of torque
- MSRP: $39,395 (including a $765 destination freight charge)
 
Lucerne CXL Special Edition V-6:
- 3.8L V-6
- 197 horsepower
- 227 lb.-ft. of torque
- MSRP: $32,150 (including a $765 destination freight charge)
 
Lucerne CXL Special Edition V-8:
- Northstar 4.6L V-8
- 275 horsepower
- 295 lb.-ft. of torque
- MSRP: $33,850 (including a $765 destination freight charge)
 
Source:  www.autoblog.com/2008/04/08/buick-lucerne-super-finally-arrives-brings-cxl-special-edition/

$40k for a Buick? $32k for a Buick with an ancient V6 that produces less than 200hp? What the heck are they thinking? To be honest, at $34k the V8 CXL Special Edition is not that bad of a deal if one is into V8 American land yachts but that brings up the question: Who the heck is going to buy the Super given that the CXL Special Edition has similar performance with $6k less?
 
If Buick is tired of selling sedans they should just tell us...
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Feb 26, 2008 - You have to walk before you can run

Recently reported, Acura is working on a “huge shift” next year that will move the brand closer to tier 1 luxury brands such as BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Lexus. There is also a chance that we'll see Acura's version of M/AMG/RS/F.

Here's what I thought:

Well, before walking Acura needs to prove that:
 
1. It can build a legit 5-series fighter - Leave the 550i out of the picture for a moment, I would like to see a RL that can hang with the 535i in terms of acceleration, build-quality and handling.
 
2. It can build a legit 3-series fighter - Give the new TSX a 300hp V6 or at least the turbo-4, SH-AWD, 6-speed auto and manual trannies.
 
3. It can find some real wood trims to put in their damn cars!!!
 
Seriously, I don't think those are tall orders for Acura so if they can't even do that they should just forget about being a tier-1 luxury brand all together, much less of competing with the M/AMG/RS/F.

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Feb 15, 2008 - Took care some business this afternoon...

Since I got the lowering springs installed couple weeks ago I decided to get the alignment done today. I've heard from couple friends that Firestone has a pretty good "lifetime alignment" program so I decided to check it out. The cost is $169, the program is good through the lifetime of the car with no limitations as long as I own the car. Although Firestone recommends to get the alignment done every 6k miles but I can bring it in anytime. The program is also honored by all 1,600 Firestone locations.

Since a single alignment check cost $69 at Firestone that means I'll recoup the money after 3 checks (2 after the first one), every check after is just a bonus. I personally think this is a good program especially for those who do some "spirited driving" or take their cars to tracks.

After the alignment I decided to stop by my local MB dealer to check out the new C. Overall I am not impressed nor disappointed by the car, the interior is typical MB and on par with the last generation and is still among the leaders in the entry luxury segment. The paint has obvious orange peal but looks like now-a-day that's normal even to the luxury cars (check out BMW). Lexus however, would have both of them beat in the paint department. I didn't test drive the car since they don't have any C350s on the lot and the 220hp C300 is just too weak on the powertrain for me to give it a try.

Overall not a bad execution but now they are playing catch up against competitors like the IS350, G35 and king of the segment 335i.

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Feb 7, 2008 - What the Heck is Wrong with Acura?!

Granted the RL was plain but at least it wasn't ugly, well that's not the case anymore. Folks here's the 2009 Acura RL:

Seriously, I think Acura has gotten a little bit carry away with that shield grille design. Can someone please tell the Acura designers that IT DOESN'T LOOK GOOD. It was "blah" on the MDX and definitely is "yikes" on the RL. Also, I thought the '09 RL only shares 2 body panels with the '08 but can anyone see that? After all, besides the ugly grille and headlamps the car looks the same to me.

Which part of "RWD" and "V8" do they not understand? Granted that Honda was built by engineers but I swear Acura will be destroyed by those same stubborn engineers as well.

Acura should just let us know if they are tired of selling cars, we'll understand...

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Feb 4, 2008 - I Got a New Car!!!

Okay, not exactly...
 
I had the Eibach springs installed on Saturday and it might be an exaggeration to say that it feels like a totally different car but to be quiet honest, that statement might not be that far from the reality.
 
I was surprised to find out that the springs actually give the car a smoother ride quality than before, I wouldn't call it softer but it is definitely better. The old artificial stiffness and isolation feeling was gone and replaced by a more engaging experience. The best part is that now the car can go through turns and corner with much less body roll and is much confident. To put the difference in perspective, for you Bimmer guys the difference is much greater than a sports vs. non-sports BMW. Also, the steering response is improved slightly as well.
 
On top of the improved handling, the lower stance due to the springs (1" front and 0.8" rear) is just the icing on the cake. It indeed looks sleeker than before.
 
Based on this experience I would recommend aftermarket performance springs like Eibach and Tein to anybody who is looking for better handling or to transform the car for the better without breaking the bank.

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Jan 14, 2008 - Lexus RX

I am having a RX350 as loaner car for today due to the 25k miles service and a TSIB fix. After driving about 10 miles to work I have to say that those marketing gurus at Lexus must be genius to make this car as the number one selling luxury SUV in the US. To me this is just a floatier ES350 (yes, floatier than an ES), I personally don't think that's possible but somehow Lexus engineers have done it. Also, the seat is just about the worst seat that I have ever sat on, it offers no support what-so-ever, for a guy with long thighs like me I can't imaging of driving long distance on it. The steering is ES-like light and offers minimal road feedback. Also, there is a rattle noise coming from the center console area. The only positive areas are:

1. The 3.5L V6 is smooth but the 5-speed transmission is dated, the same engine feels much more punchier with the 6-speed on the ES.

2. Interior material quality and fit-n'-finish are up to the normal Lexus standard, which is expected of course.

Personally I just couldn't justify of paying $40k+ for a vehicle like the RX.

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Dec 13, 2007 - 2008 Wards Ten Best Engines

Wards has just announced the ten best engines award for 2008, and the winners are:

• Audi AG: FSI 2.0L turbocharged DOHC I-4 (Audi A3)
• BMW AG: 3.0L turbocharged DOHC I-6 (335i Coupe)
• Daimler AG: 3.0L DOHC V-6 Turbodiesel (Mercedes E320 CDI)
• Ford Motor Co.: 4.6L SOHC V-8 (Mustang Shelby GT/Bullitt)
• General Motors Corp.: 3.6L DOHC V-6 (Cadillac CTS)
• General Motors Corp.: 6.0L OHV V-8 Hybrid (GMC Yukon Hybrid)
• Honda Motor Co. Ltd.: 3.5L SOHC V-6 (Accord Coupe)
• Mazda Motor Corp.: 2.3L DISI turbocharged DOHC I-4 (Mazdaspeed3)
• Nissan Motor Co. Ltd.: 3.7L DOHC V-6 (Infiniti G37)
• Toyota Motor Corp.: 3.5L DOHC V-6 (Lexus IS 350)

Overall I think this is a good list, the only engine that I don't think it's deserved to make the list is Audi's 2.0T I4. I had an Audi A4 for 2 weeks earlier this year and came away very disappointed, the reason is due to the craptaculour turbo lag. I am the kind of guy who admires simplicity over complexity any given day especially if that gives me similar result, that's why I was never a fan for any turbo- or super-charged engines. More components in the engine bay means higher probability for things to break and not to mention the legendary "lag" for turbo engines. However, after driven the BMW 335i my view has been changed a bit, even though there is still a slightest lag when step on the gas hard but this minor shortcoming does not out shadowed the overall excellent performance. So when I got a chance to drive the A4 for 2 weeks initially I was really excited, but I learned quickly that not all turbo engines are created equal and now I am a firmer believer that natural aspirated is the way to go (especially with similar performance).

I don't know much about the Mazda 2.3 Turbo I4 so I can't really comment on that. However, if this engine does have the similar characteristic as the Audi 2.0T then I also don't think it deserves to be on the list as well.

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Dec 10, 2007 - Camry XLE Finished Last in the Recent Comparo

The comparo was done by Edmunds and they fielded 4 cars: '08 Honda Accord EX-L, '07 Nissan Altima 3.5 SE, '08 Chevy Malibu LTZ and '07 Toyota Camry XLE. All equipped with V6 engines.<u1:p></u1:p>

I personally have no beef about Camry finishing 4th since it is the oldest out of the 4. What I do have problem with this comparo is that since Edmunds made driving dynamics (sportiness) such a big deal in a midsize family sedan comparison, why choose the cushy Camry (XLE) over the sporty Camry (SE)?<u1:p></u1:p>

Also, before declaring the Camry as the new Buick maybe Edmunds should do some research so they'll know that some people (as matter of fact, a lot of people) actually prefer no feedback and sloppy ride. Just because they aren't as vocal as the "enthusiasts" here on the Edmunds doesn't mean that they should be overlooked. I, for one, give credit to Toyota for offering 2 versions of the Camry in order to satisfy as many buyers as possible.
 
Some would argue what's the point for a Camry SE, wouldn't it just be another Camry? I also think that way before I had a chance to drive a Camry SE for a weekend and I can tell you in all honesty that the sports tuned suspension does make a HUGE difference.
 
I have no problem for Edmunds to field a XLE if they are intended to drive these family sedans like THE WAY MOST PEOPLE DO. However, since they are testing these cars like sports sedans and the driving dynamics are heavily emphasized I can think of no other reasons but their own biasness of why not choosing the sportier Camry.

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Dec 5, 2007 - Modern V6 Engines

With the modern V6s hitting 300HP mark and over I don't understand the point for those V8s with less than 350HP.

Here's the breakdown for all the current high output V6s:

Honda J37A1:
Displacement - 3664 cc
HP - 300
Torque - 275 ft·lbf
Technology - SOHC VTEC
First appearance: 2007 MDX
 
Nissan VQ35HR:
Displacement - 3498 cc
HP - 306
Torque - 268 ft·lbf
Technology - Direct inject, CVTC with hydraulic actuation on the intake cam and electromagnetic on the exhaust cam
First appearance: 2007 G35
 
Nissan VQ37VHR:
Displacement - 3696 cc
HP - 330
Torque - 270 ft·lbf
Technology - Direct inject, CVTC with hydraulic actuation on the intake cam and electromagnetic on the exhaust cam, VVEL (Variable Valve Event and Lift)
First appearance: 2008 G37 Coupe
 
Toyota 2GR-FSE:
Displacement - 3456 cc
HP - 306
Torque - 277 ft·lbf
Technology - Duel direct inject (combines gasoline direct injection with traditional port injection), dual-VVT-i (variable valve timing on both the intake and exhaust cams)
First appearance: 2006 IS350
 
GM LLT:
Displacement - 3564 cc
HP - 304
Torque - 273 ft·lbf
Technology - Direct inject, VVT
First apperance: 2008 CTS

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Oct 31, 2007 - A BMW M325ci??

Take a look at the picture below, I took it with my phone on my way home from work yesterday. At first I thought it was just a really nice looking 325i convertible from distance. When I got closer I then noticed there is a M3 badge on the left edge of the trunk lid (see yellow circle) WHILE THE 325ci BADGE IS STILL ONE THE RIGHT SIDE!! I was laughing my rear off while taking the picture, I mean, come on people, if you want a fake M3 at least take the original badge off. There is nothing more embarassing than driving a BMW M325ci.

On the second thought, maybe there is...

Last time I was at the outlet small in Las Vegas, I saw a really nice looking black Civic. The problem with it is that it has Acura badges and emblems all around...

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