The Psychology of Cupholders
By Michael MartineckApril 10, 2008 - 26,729 views
For some people-– maybe not TTAC readers, but some people-– the cup holder is one of the most important parts of the car. Sure, torque between 4,000 and 6,000 rpms and brake fade are important. But when you’re crawling along at 15 mph with two antsy kids, your suspension’s settings simply don’t matter. The cup holder does.
The Psychology of Cupholders editorial continued »
Posted in Design | Editorials | 67 comments 
Green Concept Cars - Where’s the Fun in That?
By Alex KambasMarch 13, 2008 - 23,011 views
Do you remember when you couldn’t leave the table-- or have desert-- without finishing your vegetables? Personally speaking, the parental requirement didn’t make me any more likely to eat or enjoy vegetables. The same holds true when it comes to green cars. I’m as sensitive about saving the planet as the next guy, if not more. But ever since “planet friendly” jumped to the top of the list of PR-friendly attributes-- above performance and styling-- I’ve been turning back into a child that hates his greens.
Green Concept Cars - Where’s the Fun in That? editorial continued »
Posted in Design | Editorials | Green | 32 comments
Welcome to the Future: Tata Motors’ Disposable 1-Lakh Car
By Samir SyedJanuary 10, 2008 - 51,171 views
Carburetors, fuel injection, headlights, satellite radios, ECU, ABS, air conditioning, drive-by-wire— today’s automotive technologies are variations on well-established themes. If “Crazy Henry” Ford resurrected, he’d have little problem driving-- or understanding-- a modern car. While automakers continue to tweak automotive systems for greater ergonomics, power, fuel economy and reliability; the improvements are evolutionary, not revolutionary. Even alternative powerplants aren’t game changers. But something else is…
Welcome to the Future: Tata Motors’ Disposable 1-Lakh Car editorial continued »
Posted in Design | Editorials | Sales and Marketing | 67 comments
The Big 2.8: Babes in Toyland
By Michael MartineckDecember 4, 2007 - 27,380 views
The Power Wheels Jeep Hurricane is the car the American market has been screaming for: a sleek, zero-emission, gas-free SUV. AND, with its Ultimate Terrain Traction system, the Hurricane can go places “no other battery powered ride-on can go.” Yes, it’s a toy: a Fisher-Price product for middle class parents with automotively aspirational children-- and whose aren’t? But here’s the kicker: it’s based on a concept car unveiled at The North American International Auto Show back in 2005.
The Big 2.8: Babes in Toyland editorial continued »
Posted in Design | Editorials | 38 comments
A Modest Proposal for the Ultimate Alt. Fuel Automobile
By Andrew HellardOctober 26, 2007 - 34,591 views
I learned to drive in a 1985 Volvo 240. The Nordic boxcar's 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine deployed one hundred and fourteen horsepower against three thousand pounds of Swedish steel. For reasons best left to Roswell conspiracy theorists, the feds recently re-calculated the 240’s mpg: 19/26 (coincidentally the age of the average 240 driver). That’s not bad for rust, but let’s face it: a used 240 is hardly a Prius driver’s second choice. Even so, the humble Volvo recently inspired an automotive epiphany that could lead to The Mother of All Environmentally Friendly Automobiles.
A Modest Proposal for the Ultimate Alt. Fuel Automobile editorial continued »
Posted in Design | Editorials | Electric vehicles | Technology | 54 comments
Cadillac Flunks History. Again.
By Justin BerkowitzSeptember 19, 2007 - 33,005 views
Cadillac is something of a comeback kid. The first time the brand was on the ropes, its divisional president interrupted a GM board meeting with a winning proposal: sell Caddies to America’s burgeoning black population. In the ‘90’s, America’s African-American community once again rescued the struggling brand; their passion for a rebadged Yukon infused the ailing automaker with fresh marketing momentum and a pile of cash. Now that the Escalade’s a bomb instead of da bomb, and Caddy’s passenger cars can’t cut the transplanted and/or imported mustard, Cadillac has a new plan. I call it The Beginning of the End.
Cadillac Flunks History. Again. editorial continued »
Posted in Design | Editorials | Sales and Marketing | 47 comments
Frankfurt Auto Show: You Can’t Always Want What You Get
By Martin SchwoererSeptember 13, 2007 - 22,858 views
Carmakers spend millions of dollars on producing concept cars for the Frankfurt Auto Show et. al. But what is a concept car? Is it something a car company is going to do, wants to do, or might one day do? Yes. There are three main categories: teasers (cars that will eventually hit the market in castrated form), styling exercises (masturbatory, image-building efforts that showcase a carmaker's abilities) and science fiction (the shape of things not to come). Needless to say, teasers first.
Frankfurt Auto Show: You Can’t Always Want What You Get editorial continued »
Posted in Design | Editorials | Sales and Marketing | 21 comments
Jaguar XF: Love’s Labour Lost
By Justin BerkowitzAugust 29, 2007 - 42,721 views
Jaguar's embargo on pictures of their new XF midrange model expired over the weekend. After seeing the snaps, it’s clear the brand is set to follow suit. Whereas the Jaguar C-XF concept car was a stunning shape with brilliant details, the production version is... meh. Of course, the concept-to-production castration has afflicted many a dream car. But the transformation is particularly regrettable for Jag. While Porsche had 14 years to move production Boxsters back toward the spirit of the original concept, Jaguar is out of time.
Jaguar XF: Love’s Labour Lost editorial continued »
Posted in Design | Editorials | 78 comments
For the Love of Jeep
By Brad KozakJuly 24, 2007 - 32,084 views
The love of all things Jeep ranks high in the automotive pantheon of passion. Porschephiles, ‘Vettistas, Hemiheads, Scuderia-- they ain’t got nothin’ on Jeepaholia (Hi, my name is Brad and I love Jeeps.) Jeep devotees are a hardy breed, born to be wild. Other than domestic and commuter runs, they ALWAYS take the road untraveled; sneering at mud, chuckling at chuckholes, belly laughing at boulders. Hummers, Land Cruisers, 4Runners and other four wheel-drive pretenders to the throne are equally capable in certain situations, but they lack Jeep’s visceral appeal. So what is it about the brand that keeps the faithful faithful?
For the Love of Jeep editorial continued »
Posted in Design | Editorials | Sales and Marketing | 45 comments
Do Luxury Car Interiors Grow On Trees?
By Tony SterbencJuly 19, 2007 - 31,488 views
True story: as a kid, every fall I’d ride my single-speed bike three miles to the local Chevy dealer. Inexplicably, the dealer staff let this mouthy, curious kid sit in their expensive, newly launched iron. In the autumn of 1968, I clambered into a brand spankin’ new ’69 Impala. Its lines were angular where the old ones were bulbous. As a “Chevy man” (boy), I was ready to show it some major love. But one detail grabbed my eye and just wouldn’t let go. Unlike previous Impalas, the dash and doors were covered with very large expanses of fake wood. A pet peeve was born.
Do Luxury Car Interiors Grow On Trees? editorial continued »
Posted in Design | Editorials | 55 comments
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