Community Tire Wins 2008 Small Business Impact Award

Congratulations to Howard and Patty Fleischmann of Community Tire and Auto Service, The recipients of the 2008 Small Business of the year Impact award honored by the Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce. We are so proud of you and thank you for your continued support of Two for the Road USA.

(PHOENIX) — The Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce the winner of its 21st Annual IMPACT Awards 2008 Small Business of the Year: Community Tire & Auto Service Specialists, Howard Fleischmann, Sr.Community Tire & Auto Service Specialists has grown to more than seven stores in three cities through innovative marketing, honesty and integrity. Likewise with its commitment to community, whether hosting fundraising events or simply giving of their time, Community Tire & Auto Services Specialists has become synonymous with the word for which it is named.The Chamber’s IMPACT Awards honor business owners and leaders from companies with fewer than 100 employees for their outstanding efforts.

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.

Volvo is taking safety to a whole new level

Several years ago I heard the phrase “reach beyond the expected,” a thought that has always resonated with me. Reaching beyond the expected is something I think a lot of us don’t attempt to do very often, if at all. Over the 15 years or so I’ve been reviewing vehicles now, that phrase comes to mind from time to time when I feel a manufacturer has made a genuine effort—or as in many cases, made no attempt at all to go beyond the expected and comfortable norm.

Volvo has always been the benchmark for automotive safety, and during a presentation to several press members who had been invited to Volvo’s Proving Grounds outside of Phoenix, Thomas Broberg, Senior Technical Advisor, pointed out that in the U.S. alone some 43,000 people die on our highways every year and worldwide the number is a staggering 1.2 million. He then told us that Volvo’s mission for 2020 is that no one will be killed or injured in a Volvo. Needless to say there was a moment of silence around the table at such a seemingly impossible goal. But Broberg was, if you’ll pardon the pun, deadly serious.

Volvo is leading the way in trying to reduce the numbers of deaths and serious injuries with some very fascinating features that we had an opportunity to experience first hand. If you’ve listened to our radio show or read any of our reviews, you’ve heard us talk many times about the alphabet soup that is used today to describe safety innovations and features, from items you may be familiar with like ABS and ESC. Now on Volvos you’ll find acronyms like CWAB, ACC, DAC, and LDW, just to name a few. Fun, isn’t it?

There’s one other safety feature that is very important on several fronts that’s called Alcoguard: it’s a breathalyzer which tells you if you’re past the point of driving safely. Some other systems that really impressed us were CWAB for Collision Warning Auto Braking and DAC for Driver Alert Control and City Safety.

The CWAB is a refined warning technology that alerts the driver to an impending collision and makes the car brake by itself if the driver doesn't act when a rear-end collision with a moving or stationary vehicle is imminent. Here’s how it works: If the car approaches another vehicle from behind and the driver does not react, a red warning light flashes in the head-up display on the windscreen. Interestingly, they use the red warning light because of the instinctive response we have to brake lights.

There is also an audible signal that helps the driver react in many cases when an accident can be avoided. Volvo’s Jonas Tisell says, "The head-up display gives a clear and very efficient warning. The red light appearing on the windscreen in front of the driver produces the same gut-reaction effect as when you see a brake light in front of you." If the risk of a collision increases despite the warning, the brake support is activated. To shorten the reaction time the brakes are prepared by the brake pads being placed against the discs. The brake pressure is also reinforced hydraulically, ensuring effective braking even if the driver does not press the brake pedal particularly hard.

DAC is a very nifty system that monitors the cars position in the lane and reads when the driver allows the vehicle to drift in its lane but doesn’t go far enough to activate the Lane Departure Warnings system. You know, you’re driving, tired and the car just wanders a bit but nothing too serious right? Wrong, because it’s likely the beginning of a driver dozing off and possibly serious trouble. If you do it long enough the vehicle recognizes the movement and alerts the driver with several beeps and a coffee cup icon appears in the instrument cluster and it says it’s time to take a break. Honestly.

Alcoguard is a great feature that won’t necessarily work for the habitual drinker, but it is something that several companies that have taxi and limo drivers (and such) are using in their fleet. Many even use it in their advertising campaigns to let people know that their drivers are not impaired behind the wheel. That’s something that would get my attention.

There are several more systems that are coming on line in Volvos soon but a very exciting feature that will be standard on the 2009 XC60 is called City Safety. This system, much like CWAB, assesses that a collision is imminent; and the brakes are instantly prepared for action. If the driver does not respond quickly enough, the car brakes automatically. You’ve seen it a thousand times; cars pulled over to the side of the road because of rear-enders in stop and go traffic. This type of accident represents 75% of all reported collisions under 30 mph. With City Safety at speeds less than 9 mph, accidents can be avoided entirely, and at speeds between 10-18 mph the system applies brake force to reduce vehicle speed and help reduce occupant injuries and vehicle damage.
No one hurt or killed in a Volvo by 2020 is their mission and that is definitely reaching beyond the expected. Leave it to Volvo to kick it up a notch when it comes to safety.

www.twofortheroadusa.com

Audi’s sizzling S5 Quattro

I’ve had the good fortune to test drive cars for the manufacturers for almost 15 years now, and often said that I’ve driven a lot of beautiful cars; cars that stir the imagination and get the blood going. The truth is, my acid test of a vehicle that costs let’s say, over $40,000 is, will that vehicle make it on my short list of cars that I’d spend lots of dollars for. Well, the Audi S5 easily makes that list. Like a lot of others I’d seen the pictures, but this car is so much more up close and personal.
The S5 is, of course, the performance iteration of the A5 that joins the 2008 lineup and is the big brother to the TT coupe and R8 sports car a trio that gives Audi a pretty solid complement of performance coupes. The S5 does in fact incorporate a lot of the features of the Nuvolari concept car that debuted in 2003, and it offers a beautiful balance of sport and elegance that prompet VW Group Design head Walter de’Silva to describe the S5 as “the most beautiful car I have ever designed.” Walt, I couldn’t agree more.

The powerplant is Audi's 354 horsepower 4.2-liter FSI V8 mated to a 6-speed manual transmission that delivers power to the renowned Quattro all-wheel drive system. There is a Tiptronic automatic coming but I really like this car with the manual. The asymmetric all-wheel-drive system applies power on a 60/40 split which puts more power to the rear wheels to maximize cornering and handling dynamics.

The LED lights that frame the bottom and sides of the headlights are the daytime running lights and they give the S5 one of the coolest looks I’ve seen, and the stance on this car is perfect. It’s a great balance of form and function and while $57,000 is not inexpensive, you’ll get phenomenal bang for you buck if you buy this stunning car.
So, the word that describes the S5 for me is simply wow. It’s not the fastest or the edgiest car on the road and it’s not a classic beauty. But it is, paradoxically, a gorgeous automobile and a blast to drive. Check on out, I do believe you’ll like it.

More on the S5, including some video I shot coming soon to our website; www.twofortheroadusa.com.

JUST RELEASED TO TWO FOR THE ROAD USA

SCION REVEALS HAKO COUPE CONCEPT
AT THE 2008 NEW YORK INTERNATIONAL AUTO SHOW

NEW YORK, March 19, 2008 -- Scion unveiled its Hako Coupe Concept vehicle at a press conference today at the New York International Auto Show.
Scion’s Hako Coupe was developed by Tokyo Design Division, which studied global, youth-inspired trends. Japanese and American youth cultures often influence each other and are interpreted with a unique twist. The Hako Coupe Concept was inspired by the iconic xB and the emergence of American vintage style among young Tokyo trendsetters.
"Scion’s Hako Coupe Concept embodies a distinct global perspective on today’s youth," said Jack Hollis, Scion vice president. "This type of forward thinking complements the Scion philosophy of intently listening to our customers and being willing to take risks to help us see where our brand should be. We took the xB’s iconic boxy shape and explored something more vivacious, yet just as emotionally appealing. This concept is the sporty version of a box."
Tokyo Design developed the Hako Coupe with classic American coupes in mind. The car’s geometric profile conveys a powerful stance in a compact and bold package. Its trapezoidal LED headlights lie parallel with a large and aggressive, rectangular upper grille. The lower rectangular grille anchors the front fascia and continues to communicate the Hako’s aggressive attitude. Round fog lights, symmetrically placed high on the front bumper, have integrated turn signals.
The Hako’s silhouette is accentuated by slim, race-car-inspired side mirrors that also feature integrated turn signals. Powerful, flared fenders add dimension and contrast to the concept’s boxy shape and smooth surface planes. The Hako concept hugs the road with custom 18-inch deep dish five-spoke wheels and tires with a "Scion" custom tread.
The Hako Coupe features a vertical windshield as the concept sits upright and ready to attack the road. A high linear beltline along with a blackened and chopped greenhouse seamlessly wrap around the rear to provide a mysterious profile. As an example of potential personalization, the concept is equipped with a
flat, panorama roof that features a random, barcode-like pattern that can be seen on the exterior and from the interior.
The rear features LED taillights that echo the shape of the headlights. To complete the package, the rear bumper has an integrated fog and back up light on the left and exhaust on the right.
Inside, the Hako is accented with orange and metallic detailing that exudes a modern environment with entertainment possibilities. The front and rear seats are covered with urethane and rubber-like upholstery for easy cleaning. The contemporary front bucket seats flow to the floor and incorporate a geometric design on the seatback. The seats are separated by a center console that features a large storage crevice for storing magazines, cell phones, and other small items. Two cockpit-like rear seats also share a storage crevice.
The orange driver’s seat has a gaming theme. Instrumentation and warning lights cascade from the art inspired instrument panel to the steering wheel. The shifter, located on the center console, resembles a large joystick. On the steering wheel is a simple button to start the engine and a track-ball type control for the Hako’s entertainment system located on the passenger dash. The entertainment system consists of two video monitor screens mounted on the dash for radio, video, and music capabilities. Users can upload their videos and music through a Bluetooth® connection. The front passenger controls the system using a large rollerball mounted on the center of the dash. A black seat differentiates the front passenger area.
Video monitors located on each door and on each side of the rear seating area project distorted fish-eye images from orange filtered cameras mounted beneath the A-pillars. While the vehicle is parked the driver and passenger can edit the scenes captured by the cameras to show their friends where they have been and perhaps even post the clip online for others to see.
"As you know, polarizing style fits in well with our lineup," said Hollis. "And of course we love a good box. We’ll listen to the feedback from this concept to help us determine how our brand could evolve and grow over the next five years."

ALL-NEW 2008 G8 LAUNCHES AS PONTIAC FLAGSHIP SEDAN

That’s how the headline read in the press info we received in San Diego where we were invited to spend some wheel-time in GM’s all-new rear-wheel drive HALO car from Pontiac.

There has already been a lot written about this car, most of it positive, and a lot of that has to do with bang for the buck. The numbers are easy to understand; a plenty potent 256 horsepower 3.6 liter V6 with a 5-speed automatic transmission bases at $27,595. However, what's really exciting is that you can get the 6.0 liter 361 horsepower V8 GT iteration mated to a 6-speed automatic for under $30,000.

And if you think that loading the GT up with options will jack the price up significantly, guess again. Pretty well loaded out including a sun-roof the G8 GT still comes in under $33,000, not bad for what you get. I’m going to be addressing the GT in this blog because this is where I feel Pontiac really got it right.

The 6.0 small-block puts out the aforementioned 361 horsepower which is substantial, but more importantly it pumps out 385 lb-ft of torque which allows for a 0-60 time of 5.3 seconds. The 6-speed Hydra-Matic transmission is linked to a limited-slip differential and the Drive Shift Control feature works very well on twisties with its rev-matching down-shifts being very tight, but I must admit it doesn’t up-shift with the same tautness however that said, it does not upshift on it’s own so you can maximize performance but keep in mind, the rev-limiter will prevent the engine from exceeding redline.

The G8 performs as well as some of the best European performance sedans costing thousands more according to vehicle chief engineer Doug Houlihan, and I don’t think it’s a big secret that he’s referring to BMW’s 5-Sedan. In truth he's pretty much on target according to the numbers I’ve seen coming in but I want to be quick to point out that non of the exec’s we talked with are in any way comparing the G8 to the Beemer. They’re simply saying that the G8 GT performs in the same league, and having driving both cars I’m inclined to agree.

There’s a lot to talk about with this sedan and we’ll be doing just that on our website soon but the G8 seems to be another positive step that American manufacturers are making and that’s good news for the buying public and everyone in the industry.

For more information visit http://www.twofortheroadusa.com/.

Taking the shine off new cars

In the ever more difficult search to stand out from the maddening crowd car buyers are taking a shine to a car with a matte finish. While it isn’t surprising to think of some small concept cars like Chevy’s Groove or Jeep’s Renegade diesel-electric or Mazda’s concept Furai with a matte finish, how does a Lamborghini Gallardo Spyder or Audi R8 V12 sports car strike you?

Well, a matte finish is available in all the above, and according to a lot of people at the North American Auto Show in Detroit, people have well, taken a shine to matte finishes. Not that matte finishes haven’t been used on vehicles before, it’s just that it was mainly used to accent and highlight special features on a car like on this Jeep Renegade Concept.


Interestingly, a matte finish allows the design features of a vehicle to stand out because the eye is not drawn to the finish of the vehicle because there are no reflections to detract the focus from the car itself. Not surprisingly manufacturers understand that Millennial’s are used to matte finishes on their cell phones and laptops so it stands to reason that they’d look for the same finish in their cars.

Chevy Groove Concept

It will be interesting over the next few years to see the emergence of exotics that use more matte finishes to enhance the visual effects of their intricate design cues. These are just a few of the cars that you’ll find with a matte finish.


Mazda Furai Concept