End of Summer Musings in the Auto Industry

Now that fall is here after a busy summer, there are some thoughts that have come to mind that are worth sharing.

Incorrect transmission references still abound. Industry members and journalists still refer to automated manual transmissions as an automatic transmission. An “automatic transmission” definition should not change. It’s a transmission that uses fluid to transmit power until a physical lock-up occurs. An automated manual, single or dual clutch uses actual clutches for a physical connection for power transfer at all speeds. They are distinctly different but neither one has a clutch pedal and both can be driven without manually selecting gears.

A Saleen S7R won its class at LeMans for the first time and it was the last running of the GT-1 class. This is quite a momentous event after 10 years of gallant attempts. This time the usually dominant Corvette C6-Rs lost and note they are no longer factory backed. The non-factory backed Aston Martins lost as well. AutoWeek magazine, now published every 2 weeks and called AW, referred to the S7 as a muscle car. It is not a muscle car, nor has it ever been. It is a pure sports car, exotic, light and mid-engine but from the United States. The Wiki page for the S7 has some fascinating statistics: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saleen_S7

BMW may have a low horsepower rating versus the real number. Road & Track recently tested the 400hp twin-turbo BMW 750i in a comparison test vs. the Lexus LS 460. The 6-speed automatic, 4600lb BMW ran a quarter-mile in 13.3 seconds at 108mph. Just like the 335i, this car seems to be underrated. I would guess it’s closer to 460hp, perhaps more. If it was really 400hp, it would need to weigh around 4,000lbs to post numbers like that. Think Pontiac G8 GXP as a great benchmark. http://www.roadandtrack.com/tests/comparison/2010-bmw-750i-vs.-2010-lexus-ls-460-sport

The 60-130mph test is gaining in popularity. The Battle Of The Supercars, a fun show on Speed TV, tested modified muscle cars in a 60-130mph test. The 800hp+ Ford GT500 and Camaro both ran times significantly slower than they should have. Reason being is they started timing from a standing 60mph start. Better to start below 50mph my source tells me. Also Road & Track just did a similar test but from 80-130mph for production sports cars and their racing counterparts. Don’t know why that starting speed was chosen but I would say a precedent has already been set for the 60mph starting speed. http://www.examiner.com/autos-in-san-jose/new-performance-standard-of-60mph-to-130mph-replacing-the-quarter-mile-drag-race

Volvo S60 Wins Speed GT Championship and Crow still tastes okay

In April 2009, I predicted the Volvo S60 in the Speed GT series was essentially a waste of time. For the 2009 season they did okay, but Brandon Davis won the driver’s championship with his heavily modified (even for racing) Ford Mustang FR500C. Porsche took home the manufacturer’s championship. Now for the 2010 season the Volvo won the drivers’ (Randy Pobst) and manufacturers’ championships.

I must give credit and congratulations to the Volvo S60, Randy Pobst, Andy Pilgrim, K-Pax Racing, 3R Racing/Auto for chassis development, Mahle for the engines and Weismann for the transmissions. A team effort that resulted in wins over the proven masters of road racing. Top drivers Randy and Andy could not have done it without excellent equipment and vice versa.

These all-wheel drive cars really did a great job this past season. I wonder if AWD will be banned for the GT class after this success or will the S60 be back? A ruling like that is not unheard of although I think Porsche’s 911 GT3 Hybrid race car may have earned an exemption at some point. So what now for Geely owned Volvo? Have you noticed the new commercials for the 300hp S60? It’s “naughty” with 300hp and 325ft lbs torque. http://www.volvocars.com/us/all-cars/volvo-s60/Pages/default.aspx It’s the same performance envelope from 7 years ago when Car & Driver tested a past generation: http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/car/03q3/volvo_s60r_awd-road_test

Volvo should get more aggressive and use the Speed GT title in their ads. I also think Volvo should offer an “R” version making 350hp or even 400hp to capitalize on the win. Currently 300hp, AWD and 3800lbs is great for a daily driver, and “naughty “ is probably appropriate, but it’s time to spice it up. How about “Bad Boy” or “Champion Edition” or Porsche eater? Viper killer? Corvette slayer? Pretty comical, I know. Kudos to Volvo and the rest that were directly involved, now capitalize on it. BBQ’d crow on the grill isn’t so bad.

_____
Readers: Be sure to check out the Tuner Grand Prix at Laguna Seca on October 22nd-24th. The K-Pax 3R Volvo S-60R is in the unlimited class. My prediction is with no weight or boost restrictions, it just may take the overall win in this event too. http://www.globaltunergp.com/index.php

____

Have a question about cars you would like answered? Performance, racing, modifying, shopping, makes, models, events, etc? Ask me here: AskRobAboutCars@gmail.com and I'll do my best to answer your question and publish it here on Examiner.com!

Audi Q5 3.2 Test Drive and Review - Still Sublime

The 2010 Audi Q5 is another example of excellence in Audi engineering. As typical Audi, the interior is top notch. Granted most SUVs are not exactly exciting to drive so they better be easy and comfortable. This one isn’t for performance or off-road capability but rather practicality. Not too big, but just right.

Equipped with the 3.2 liter V-6 producing 270 horsepower, it’s quite adequate for daily driving and the owner reports the trip computer states 26mpg at 70-80mph cruising. Audi states a 0-60mph time of 6.7 seconds as well. It does require premium gas but you pay for what you get. I immediately think of some popular V-6s that are 3.5 liters or larger before having that horsepower mark.

It’s really about utility and the automatic rear hatch has a height adjustment for ease of closing. It also has a nice cargo cover and very well thought-out floor plan.

The 3.2 Premium Plus package includes the 2-panel Panorama sunroof, one of the most distinctive features. The rear panel is fixed but the front offers a nice large opening for fresh air. It has a perforated power sunshade as well that isn’t taut. After all, it is pretty large. What is a neat feature is the shade can be closed with the roof open so that you still get the airflow but not the sun beating down on you. There will be some flutter from the shade, however.

While reaching for my pen that fell on the side of the seat, I discovered the button for lumbar support. This one had all the great features of the A5 I reviewed including the integrated navigation, satellite radio and iPod controls in the fantastic MMI multi-media interface. One negative feedback point from the owner is the 3-D view of the navigation system is disconcerting in dense downtown areas with high-rise buildings. Take a look at the Interior Link below and click on photo #5 supplied by Audi. If you use a navigation system currently, you might relate to this complaint.

Driving the SUV…wait, Audi calls this a crossover. Well that really means it’s a lifted station wagon with more headroom and taller cargo area. The other “crossovers” like the Honda Accord (see my San Jose Auto Show article and photos) are just lifted wagons. Alright, so back to the driving impression. Typical Audi turbine-like smoothness. The 6-speed automatic works very well.

The mirrors, while large and excellent for side/rear visibility blocked my vision when turning. Then again, not everyone’s eyes are in the same place when seated. What was also noticed when turning was somewhat heavy off-center steering feel.

The ride is firm yet smooth, a common description with many premium cars. When in the market for a mid-size SUV yet desiring luxury features, the Q5, especially the V-6, offers all the benefits of a sedan, isn’t oversized and offers excellent cargo capacity. Practical, rather efficient and excellent quality.

Audi USA website, click on picture#5

http://www.audiusa.com/us/brand/en/models/q5/explore/exterior_design.html#source=http://www.audiusa.com/us/brand/en/models/q5/explore/interior_design.html&container=page

Audi A5 Review and Test Drive:

http://www.examiner.com/autos-in-san-jose/audi-a5-quattro-coupe-review-and-test-drive-sublime-perfection