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  The 3er is getting softer with each generation but I don't consider that as "falling" since it still performs superbly.   I don't think the 3er is "falling", it is just that the competitors are getting better so it really doesn't stand out that much anymore compare to say, 10 years ago.   Let's see who were 3er's competitors back in 1998:   Audi A4 (the closest one in my opinion) MB C-class (yeah right...) Saab 9-3 (what's that again?)   Now fast forward to year 2008:   Acura TL (arguably the best FWD car up to date) Audi A4 (still a formidable and worthy challenger, although getting fatter with each iteration) Infiniti G35 (need I say more?) Lexus IS350 (this car is one pedal and couple more inches for rear seat away from being perfect) MB C-class (getting better with each iteration) Boy, how the time has changed...

  I drove by Manhattan Beach Toyota today and a used 2005 Prius made me scream OMFG. Why? Because with over 45,000 miles on it the dealer is asking $32,991!..

  Here's the link to a featured article by Paul Leinert from Inside Line that I am going to talk about: http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/Features/articleId=127406?tid=edmunds.il.home.photopanel..1.*   There are many flaws in the author's reasoning but first of all, he failed to see that Toyota is a full-line auto manufacture like GM but Honda is not. Takes out Toyota's trucks and body-on-frame SUVs then Toyota's sales would be just as impressive as Honda's. Also, Toyota has the ability to shift its assembly lines from trucks to sedans (or other more fuel-efficient models) fairly easily...

For those who of you still hung up on the rumored $225k price tag...   First of all, that whole report from Edmunds IL was very fishy, and it got even fishier after the reference from Lexus official was taken off shortly after (see http://thepassionatepursuit.com/2008/05/21/is-the-lexus-lf-a-going-to-cost-over-200000/ ). But neverthless even if Lexus ended up only sold 100 units a year world wide as long as this car gets universally praised by the auto presses regarding its performance then it'll be a victory for Toyota...

This car is going to kick some serious butts in the near future. If you think the IS F is un-Lexus like then you haven't see nothing yet.

I got an hour to burn this morning so I decided to pay my local Pontiac dealer a visit to check out the new G8. Currently they only have the V8 GT and the sales person told me that none of the dealers currently have the V6 version. After talked to the sales for about 5 minutes I was able to get a test drive, it was short but definitely gave me a better understanding about GM's new hottest car...

Knowing that the all new redesigned Acura TSX went on sale on 4/24 I went for a test drive on my day off today, the followings are my impressions and observations. Exterior: Not a fan of the new exterior styling, especially the new Acura corporate grille. The old pentagon design was more sleeker and less "WTF..."...

I have to say that there is nothing awfully exciting right now or in the near future for me. If I absolutely must have to get a new car within the next 12 months here are some candidates:   Acura TL - SH-AWD + 300hp is inviting but again if the size remains roughly the same then it's a bit too big for my taste. 300hp would not be "enough" to offset the added weight by SH-AWD, something like 330hp is more desirable...

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...

I caught it while driving home from work on PCH (please excuse the quality since I took these with my phone camera: