2009 BMW 328i

What can you say about the 3-series BMW other than it’s a very cool sports sedan, but I do have to confess that it’s just a tad tight for my “athletic” build but other then that, well I have to confess to being somewhat of a Beemer fan and the 3-series is a great way to get into a BMW without breaking the bank.

The 328i is BMW's entry-level model that comes as a sedan, coupe or convertible. The 3-Series designation first appeared in the US I believe in about 1977, but thankfully has evolved from a boxy shape to a fluid, aerodynamic design that for sometime now has been considered the benchmark of sport sedans.

The 3-Series was redesigned and updated for the 2006 model year, a change that brought it more in line with the 5 and 7-Series look. For 2009 BMW gives the 3-Series a rejuvenated exterior that includes a moderately restyled front end with new headlights the rear end gets new taillights. There is no doubt that BMW has a lock on the aggressive stance look for near luxury sedans

On the inside you’ll find upgraded materials and oh boy, a new-generation of BMW's iDrive with new direct-select keys and more programmable memory keys than before….just what I needed. Truth is though, we only get the cars for a week and that makes it pretty difficult to get a grip on a lot of the technology. Truth is, I don’t think that’s a problem for the 3-series demographic, and of course the 3-Series of course comes with a pretty complete compliment of safety features.

Whether it’s the Ultimate Driving Machine or not, with agile handling, a supple ride and a smooth, 230 horsepower six-cylinder engine, the 3-Series is a fun car to drive. Adding to the fun factor the tester came with the 6-speed standard transmission which was smooth and easy to use and fun, but I’d opt for the 6-speed automatic with overdrive. It is a sedan after all.

Drop into the form fitting bucket seats and strap in because driving the 328i is a blast. This car has great road hugging abilities going through twisties and the suspension handles any imperfections in the road with just enough feedback to inspire confidence. Braking is solid and sure adding to that confidence. However, if you really want the whole handling enchilada, go for the AWD 328ix.

Now for the reality check….this is a sports sedan which means it sits low and has a pretty swoopy roofline so if you have bad knee’s like me, or a bad back, getting in and out can be a bit challenging but, if it fit’s you, the 3-Series BMW is a winner and with prices starting in the mid-thirties for the base 328i, it’s not a bad deal at all, and don’t forget about the 4 year 50,000 mile warranty and maintenance that you get when you buy a BMW which makes it a pretty good value for the money.

If you haven’t driven one lately, you may just want to give one a test spin…it may be just what you’re looking for. Click here for more on BMW’s 328i…

TOYOTA AND LEXUS HYBRIDS TOP ONE MILLION SALES IN THE U.S.

March 11, 2009 Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), USA, Inc., announced today that total combined Toyota and Lexus hybrid vehicle sales in the U.S. have topped the one million mark.The sales milestone was achieved with an industry-leading six Toyota and Lexus hybrid vehicles including the Toyota Prius, the world’s first mass-produced gas-electric hybrid and the all-time worldwide leader in hybrid sales.
Two for the Road USA will be test driving the new 2010 Prius in Tucson this March

Gilles continues to work his magic at Chrysler

Just about everyone knows about Chrysler’s 300 success—the model won Motor Trend’s car of the year award in 2005—some even know that Ralph Gilles was the moving force behind the design team that developed the car. What most don’t know is that Gilles was so intent on becoming a car designer that he sent sketches to none other than Lee Iacocca. The Chrysler head was so impressed with Gilles’s work that he suggested some design schools to attend, which Gilles did.

In 1992 when Gilles received his BSC from the Center of Creative Studies in Detroit, he joined Chrysler as a designer. He quickly moved through the ranks to director in the design office in 2001. He spearheaded the design team on the development of the 300 and the rest is history.

In 2005 Gilles was named directory of the Truck Exterior/Interior Design Studio before ascending to his present position as Vice President, which is a notable achievement for a 30-something. During that time Gilles and his team developed the all-new Ram: a vehicle which Chrysler calls a game-changer.

We got to get up close and personal with Gilles in Phoenix at a press preview of the Ram and the new Dodge Journey. Gilles talked about how the design shift in ’94 to the big rig look was very polarizing. I was one that didn’t care for it. The new truck is very refined, however, and much more appealing to me and for the hard core Dodge truck people, the original dropped fender big rig look is still there. But, the new Dodge Ram is a whole lot more than just a pretty face.

When talking about pickups, aerodynamics is rarely discussed, and yet changes in design are a noticeable improvement. Reworking the hood, grille and even the side view mirrors made a big difference, and air dams help direct air around the vehicle and improve engine cooling. I won’t bore you with the drag coefficient specifics but, suffice it to say, they’re pretty happy with the improvement.

The HEMI powerplant delivers an impressive 380 horsepower and, more importantly, 404 lb-ft of torque and delivers an estimated 13/19mpg in the 2WD iteration on mid-range 89 octane fuel.

I was very impressed with Ralph Gilles long before meeting him. After talking with him and seeing his true passion for designing exciting vehicles that not only look good but perform extremely well, I have even more respect for him. I know he doesn’t like to be called a genius, but what he’s accomplished in his relatively short career is groundbreaking. I'm betting that Gilles will be a very important part of the automotive industry along the lines of Harley Earl, Bob Lutz and, of course, lee Iacocca, for a long time to come.

There is a lot more to the all-new Ram and we’ll be talking more in depth when we drive the press vehicle later this year.

TWO FOR THE ROAD USA

PHOENIX AUTOMOTIVE JOURNALISTS CAN HELP YOU CAPTURE THE BOOMER MARKET

See why Manufacturers and Dealers are looking to these two
automotive journalists to seduce their over 50 market.

Go to, http://www.ebroadcastmedia.com/ for sample video.

News from Chevrolet

What’s coming up for Chevrolet as far as new product goes? Well for starters there is talk about restyling the Malibu for 2008 which finally shows some styling elan. While the new iteration is a very nifty looking car, for me, I can't help but think back to the days when the Malibu morphed into the ultra cool Chevelle line that brought us the likes of the 396 and 454 cubic inch rat motors in the Super Sport Chevelles of the 60’s and very early ‘70’s. While it would be nice to see something like that happen again, I'm not sure I’ll hold my breath on that ever happening again but who knows.

Clearly the big news for Chevy is what I hope will be a 2008 debut of the all new Camaro. Lines are forming as we speak for this renaissance of an icon that has been missing far to long. While Ford owners as well as Ford may not be quaking in their garages, you know they’re fully aware that with this new iteration of the F-Body, and Dodge’s Challenger coming back, the pony car wars will be on full force. For those of us fortunate enough to have been there at the beginning, it can’t happen soon enough.

Other plans for the lineup sometime in ’09 include refreshing the HHR and the Colorado, a new mid-size CUV will be debuted, and an even more potent Corvette will happen. While Pontiac and Buick are in a way trying to reinvent themselves, Chevrolet is not a brand that has that problem. GM is just trying to make their lineup even better. To that end some future improvements, beyond what I’ve already mentioned will include a rear-wheel-drive Impala which I truly hope happens, and a microcar that was introduced at the New York auto show in April, in a 3 and 5 door configuration.

The car is even smaller than the new Mini Cooper and the Aveo, which is the smallest car Chevy offers to date. There have been questions as to whether or not the car would sell in the U.S.
but to my way of thinking, with the Smart Car making such a splash, the Microcar may just work. Don’t expect it before 2010 or 2011 though.

Clearly aimed at the youth market, the models feature very interesting color schemes which to me clearly define not only the demographic but also the psychographic of the target buyer. ‘There is some concern in the upper echelons of the industry that hip young people have no aesthetic sense but when I think back to my youth, what we did with our cars could certainly beg the same question.


Unique color choices range from an electric green for the Beat to a blaze orange for the Trax, and the most understated of the bunch is the dark purple that’s on the Groove. And how about those names, Cath and I keep threatening to do a show devoted to names of cars past and present one of these days.

Truth is though, with the ecology and economy growing ever more important in our lives, this little trio may jump start the American manufacturer’s development of small fuel efficient yet fun cars. All I can tell you is that after spending a full day on an Arizona road trip driving the tiny Smart Car for an article we did in AZ3Sixty’s magazine recently, I found the Smart Car more than capable and not uncomfortable at all. Except for the times an 18-wheeler blazed by us on the highway making us feel very small indeed.

Only time will tell whether or not we’ll embrace the “little” fuel efficient cars. I for one hope we do, at least for buzzing around town in. It would save a lot of money and actually, they're kinda fun to drive.

More info at, http://www.twofortheroadusa.com

Chevy Volt, Hype or Hyperbole

According to a U.S. Department of Transportation report I read 0n GM's Chevrolet website, seventy-eight percent of commuters drive 40 miles or less back and forth to work.
What the General is trying to do is offer the Volt as an opportunity to save gasoline and money with the use of electricity, E85 and biodiesel along with gasoline fuels.

As you can see in pictures of the prototype, the Chevy Volt is one sexy little car, and Chevrolet is introducing it as a new kind of electric vehicle called, Concept Chevy Volt. What sets the Volt apart from previous electric vehicles, is its innovative rechargeable electric drive system, and range, and extended power source. It can be configured to run on electricity, gasoline, E85 or biodiesel. So, according to the information on the General Motors website, you have at least a couple of options for the most efficient drive possible all due to GM’s innovative E-Flex Propulsion System.

All that sounds wonderful but the question remains, will the Volt in actuality be built? In conversations that we had with GM Vice President Bob Lutz in Phoenix in may of this year, the answer is an emphatic yes. General Motors is very excited about the possibilities that the technology in the Volt offers albeit there is still the ubiquitous problem of battery technology that seems to be lagging.

Because Cathy and I test drive for the manufacturer we are often questioned about the development of alternative fuel technologies and what our thoughts are. I am a fan of hybrid technology today because I feel something is better than nothing. That said, I have to be quick to point out that the cost involved in aquisition of a hybrid vehicle most likely will not be recouped as quickly as the consumer may think, but it is a green car and does in a small way help.

The question of the day is, do you believe that the hype around the Volt is the real deal, or is it just more hyperbole from Detroit?