http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com The Truth About Cars is dedicated to providing candid, unbiased automobile reviews and the latest in auto industry news. Fri, 21 Nov 2008 21:31:27 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.6.3 en ©Robert Farago robert.farago@thetruthaboutcars.com (Robert Farago) robert.farago@thetruthaboutcars.com(Robert Farago) Automotive 80320 car reviews,auto news,auto review,automotive news,auto reviews,used car reviews,auto industry news,automotive reviews The Truth About Cars The Truth About Cars is dedicated to providing candid, unbiased automobile reviews and the latest in auto industry news. Robert Farago Robert Farago robert.farago@thetruthaboutcars.com No no http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/12/cropped-mirror.jpg http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com 144 144 http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/reduced-as-we-have-8-other-cars-ex-saddam-family-to-come-and-we-need-to-turn-them-over/ http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/reduced-as-we-have-8-other-cars-ex-saddam-family-to-come-and-we-need-to-turn-them-over/#comments Fri, 21 Nov 2008 21:31:27 +0000 Edward Niedermeyer http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/?p=162472 http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/reduced-as-we-have-8-other-cars-ex-saddam-family-to-come-and-we-need-to-turn-them-over/feed/ http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/2010-ford-fusion-pricing-announced/ http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/2010-ford-fusion-pricing-announced/#comments Fri, 21 Nov 2008 21:10:53 +0000 Justin Berkowitz http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/?p=162392 http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/2010-ford-fusion-pricing-announced/feed/ http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/gm-ford-scrimp-and-save/ http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/gm-ford-scrimp-and-save/#comments Fri, 21 Nov 2008 20:50:42 +0000 Edward Niedermeyer http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/?p=162402 http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/gm-ford-scrimp-and-save/feed/ http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/2010-us-spec-kia-soul-announced/ http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/2010-us-spec-kia-soul-announced/#comments Fri, 21 Nov 2008 20:17:13 +0000 Edward Niedermeyer http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/?p=162352 http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/2010-us-spec-kia-soul-announced/feed/ http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/bailout-watch-233-gm-cools-its-jets/ http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/bailout-watch-233-gm-cools-its-jets/#comments Fri, 21 Nov 2008 19:39:36 +0000 Edward Niedermeyer http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/?p=162322 http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/bailout-watch-233-gm-cools-its-jets/feed/ http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/uaw-job-bank-not-gone-yet-but-its-almost-gone/ http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/uaw-job-bank-not-gone-yet-but-its-almost-gone/#comments Fri, 21 Nov 2008 18:59:42 +0000 Edward Niedermeyer http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/?p=162291 http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/uaw-job-bank-not-gone-yet-but-its-almost-gone/feed/ http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/whats-wrong-with-this-picture/ http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/whats-wrong-with-this-picture/#comments Fri, 21 Nov 2008 17:38:52 +0000 Robert Farago http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/?p=162221 http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/whats-wrong-with-this-picture/feed/ http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/gm-to-bow-out-of-the-dow/ http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/gm-to-bow-out-of-the-dow/#comments Fri, 21 Nov 2008 17:14:11 +0000 Edward Niedermeyer http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/?p=162202 http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/gm-to-bow-out-of-the-dow/feed/ http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/arizona-speed-cameras-under-attack/ http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/arizona-speed-cameras-under-attack/#comments Fri, 21 Nov 2008 16:56:24 +0000 The Newspaper http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/?p=162151 http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/arizona-speed-cameras-under-attack/feed/ http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/2010-gtr-losing-launch-control/ http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/2010-gtr-losing-launch-control/#comments Fri, 21 Nov 2008 16:54:02 +0000 Edward Niedermeyer http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/?p=162161 http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/2010-gtr-losing-launch-control/feed/ http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/we-have-met-the-enemy-and-he-is-alabama/ http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/we-have-met-the-enemy-and-he-is-alabama/#comments Fri, 21 Nov 2008 16:39:19 +0000 Edward Niedermeyer http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/?p=162042 http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/we-have-met-the-enemy-and-he-is-alabama/feed/ http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/gm-is-a-joke/ http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/gm-is-a-joke/#comments Fri, 21 Nov 2008 16:16:35 +0000 Robert Farago http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/?p=162011 http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/gm-is-a-joke/feed/ http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/bailout-watch-232-there-will-be-bankruptcies-or-not/ http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/bailout-watch-232-there-will-be-bankruptcies-or-not/#comments Fri, 21 Nov 2008 16:07:44 +0000 Edward Niedermeyer http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/?p=161982 http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/bailout-watch-232-there-will-be-bankruptcies-or-not/feed/ http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/ask-the-best-and-brightest-is-that-a-lexus-in-the-jet-gate-video/ http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/ask-the-best-and-brightest-is-that-a-lexus-in-the-jet-gate-video/#comments Fri, 21 Nov 2008 15:25:01 +0000 Robert Farago http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/?p=161882 http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/ask-the-best-and-brightest-is-that-a-lexus-in-the-jet-gate-video/feed/ http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/editorial-the-battle-at-midday-how-america-will-win-the-war-against-gm/ http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/editorial-the-battle-at-midday-how-america-will-win-the-war-against-gm/#comments Fri, 21 Nov 2008 14:29:42 +0000 Bertel Schmitt http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/?p=161692 Informa Global Markets (IGM) "is a world-class international supplier of real-time news and analysis to market professionals in the fields of foreign exchange, sovereign fixed income and corporate bonds." It's the stuff brokerage houses and investment bankers pay a lot of money for in order to look smart with their clients. Would definitely bust TTAC's budget. Some of my friends in high finance still hold a job, and one of them (you know who you are) was nice enough to forward me yesterday's IGM "Markets At Midday" issue. Reads like "Markets At Midway." With the appropriate ending: The bad guys lose.]]> http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/editorial-the-battle-at-midday-how-america-will-win-the-war-against-gm/feed/ http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/comparo-chevrolet-hhr-ss-vs-dodge-srt-4/ http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/comparo-chevrolet-hhr-ss-vs-dodge-srt-4/#comments Fri, 21 Nov 2008 14:04:33 +0000 Matthew Neundorf http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/?p=153952 In 1976, Volkswagen introduced the world to the Rabbit GTi. The German pocket rocket defined a whole new class for entry-level lead foots. The DNA was simple; a lightweight, nimble chassis coupled with a high-revving fuel efficient motor, a couple of doors and a lift-gate at the back. The hot-hatch was born. Since then, grace has been replaced by grunt. Two hundred horsepower is the starting line. The Mazdaspeed 3, new GTi, and MINI Cooper S lead the way from across the ponds. Stateside, the Dodge Caliber SRT-4 and Chevrolet HHR SS bring more mass and muscle to the party. They may be a two-door stretch to the original definition, but hot and hatched they are. So are either of the latter two worth your money?]]> http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/comparo-chevrolet-hhr-ss-vs-dodge-srt-4/feed/ http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/bailout-watch-231-jet-gate/ http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/bailout-watch-231-jet-gate/#comments Fri, 21 Nov 2008 13:43:27 +0000 Robert Farago http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/?p=161621 http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/bailout-watch-231-jet-gate/feed/ http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/wild-ass-rumor-of-the-day-gm-channel-stuffing/ http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/wild-ass-rumor-of-the-day-gm-channel-stuffing/#comments Fri, 21 Nov 2008 13:12:35 +0000 Robert Farago http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/?p=161551 http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/wild-ass-rumor-of-the-day-gm-channel-stuffing/feed/ http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/cbs-hearts-honda-toyota-and-nissan/ http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/cbs-hearts-honda-toyota-and-nissan/#comments Fri, 21 Nov 2008 12:26:49 +0000 Robert Farago http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/?p=161541 http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/cbs-hearts-honda-toyota-and-nissan/feed/ http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/bailout-watch-230-harris-vs-romney/ http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/bailout-watch-230-harris-vs-romney/#comments Fri, 21 Nov 2008 12:17:52 +0000 Robert Farago http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/?p=161521 http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/bailout-watch-230-harris-vs-romney/feed/ http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/while-america-slept-friday-november-21-2008/ http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/while-america-slept-friday-november-21-2008/#comments Fri, 21 Nov 2008 09:46:58 +0000 Bertel Schmitt http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/?p=161442 http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/while-america-slept-friday-november-21-2008/feed/ http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/bailout-watch-229-gm-ceo-our-plans-ready/ http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/bailout-watch-229-gm-ceo-our-plans-ready/#comments Fri, 21 Nov 2008 02:58:02 +0000 Robert Farago http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/?p=161271 http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/bailout-watch-229-gm-ceo-our-plans-ready/feed/ http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/edmunds-confused-by-jd-power-sales-satisfaction-results/ http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/edmunds-confused-by-jd-power-sales-satisfaction-results/#comments Fri, 21 Nov 2008 02:08:26 +0000 Michael Karesh http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/?p=161241 http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/edmunds-confused-by-jd-power-sales-satisfaction-results/feed/ http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/ans-edward-lapham-has-lost-the-plot/ http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/ans-edward-lapham-has-lost-the-plot/#comments Thu, 20 Nov 2008 23:54:39 +0000 Robert Farago http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/?p=161192 http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/ans-edward-lapham-has-lost-the-plot/feed/ http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/editorial-general-motors-death-watch-217-let-the-run-begin/ http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/editorial-general-motors-death-watch-217-let-the-run-begin/#comments Thu, 20 Nov 2008 21:47:58 +0000 Ken Elias http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/?p=161141 A run on the bank. That’s what will happen as soon as Congress adjourns without a bailout plan for the Detroit 3. Hard-pressed suppliers and creditors will force GM to do what must be done: Chapter 11. I guarantee it. GM and Chrysler will sink into bankruptcy before they even think about the annual Holiday shutdown. A few Senators and hundreds of thousands of workers within America's automotive industry don’t want to see that sad day arrive. But arrive it will. And as the Capitol Hill hearings proved beyond a shadow of a doubt, Detroit needs a thorough cleansing.]]> http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/editorial-general-motors-death-watch-217-let-the-run-begin/feed/ http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/la-auto-show-new-mazda3/ http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/la-auto-show-new-mazda3/#comments Thu, 20 Nov 2008 20:57:56 +0000 Alex Dykes http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/?p=161102 http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/la-auto-show-new-mazda3/feed/ http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/fiat-kills-yugo-dozens-bummed/ http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/fiat-kills-yugo-dozens-bummed/#comments Thu, 20 Nov 2008 20:42:55 +0000 Martin Schwoerer http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/?p=161061 http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/fiat-kills-yugo-dozens-bummed/feed/ http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/toyotas-saved-by-zero-ad-will-kill-you-dead/ http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/toyotas-saved-by-zero-ad-will-kill-you-dead/#comments Thu, 20 Nov 2008 20:23:52 +0000 Robert Farago http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/?p=161032 http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/toyotas-saved-by-zero-ad-will-kill-you-dead/feed/ http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/take-two/ http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/take-two/#comments Thu, 20 Nov 2008 20:14:32 +0000 Edward Niedermeyer http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/?p=160871 http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/take-two/feed/ http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/la-auto-show-new-infiniti-g37-convertible/ http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/la-auto-show-new-infiniti-g37-convertible/#comments Thu, 20 Nov 2008 19:49:34 +0000 Adrian Imonti http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/?p=160912 http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/la-auto-show-new-infiniti-g37-convertible/feed/ http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/bailout-watch-227-michael-moore-votes-nay/ http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/bailout-watch-227-michael-moore-votes-nay/#comments Thu, 20 Nov 2008 19:05:34 +0000 Edward Niedermeyer http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/?p=160782 http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/bailout-watch-227-michael-moore-votes-nay/feed/ http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/abn-is-pr-bs-cbs-news-in-the-tank-for-car-dealers/ http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/abn-is-pr-bs-cbs-news-in-the-tank-for-car-dealers/#comments Thu, 20 Nov 2008 18:56:33 +0000 Robert Farago http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/?p=160792 http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/abn-is-pr-bs-cbs-news-in-the-tank-for-car-dealers/feed/ http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/chrysler-could-endure-another-credit-rating-cut/ http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/chrysler-could-endure-another-credit-rating-cut/#comments Thu, 20 Nov 2008 18:24:59 +0000 Edward Niedermeyer http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/?p=160621 http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/chrysler-could-endure-another-credit-rating-cut/feed/ http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/china-could-buy-433-general-motors-with-their-t-bills-alone/ http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/china-could-buy-433-general-motors-with-their-t-bills-alone/#comments Thu, 20 Nov 2008 17:52:17 +0000 Bertel Schmitt http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/?p=160501 We made a huge mistake with our "SAIC may buy GM" story. We paid for our sins. The story created so much traffic that it literally melted two servers. TTAC's China Syndrome. As you are painfully aware, TTAC was out of commission several times yesterday. A day after the story broke, the story broke our servers. Hit counters for all stories are currently SNAFU; they just gave up and went home. A huge amount of traffic keeps pouring in from China. And no wonder: a Chinese search for the same story produces 76,500 hits. If we'd run this story a few months ago, a wagon would have pulled up outside of TTAC World Headquarters, and they would have taken us away in straitjackets and a Thorazine drip in our veins. Now, a lot of people think GM is crazy for not doing the deal. A Connecticut hedge fund manger, who we reached for comment, looked at the screen, said "Ugh, the market is ugly." When prodded to focus on GM and SAIC, he said: "If I'd be GM, I'd be in Shanghai right now, negotiating the deal. Then I would go to Congress and say: What are you going to do about it?"]]> http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/china-could-buy-433-general-motors-with-their-t-bills-alone/feed/ http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/tata-approves-xf-coupe-convertible/ http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/tata-approves-xf-coupe-convertible/#comments Thu, 20 Nov 2008 17:40:48 +0000 Edward Niedermeyer http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/?p=160401 http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/tata-approves-xf-coupe-convertible/feed/ http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/bailout-watch-226-the-final-nail-in-the-coffin/ http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/bailout-watch-226-the-final-nail-in-the-coffin/#comments Thu, 20 Nov 2008 17:36:35 +0000 Robert Farago http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/?p=160471 http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/bailout-watch-226-the-final-nail-in-the-coffin/feed/ http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/daily-podcast-yesterdays-podcast-today-2/ http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/daily-podcast-yesterdays-podcast-today-2/#comments Thu, 20 Nov 2008 17:26:41 +0000 Justin Berkowitz http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/?p=160361 http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/daily-podcast-yesterdays-podcast-today-2/feed/ 12:45 When there's less to do, it's harder to get things done. This is a rule. The same as the one about peanut butter and dogs. ... When there's less to do, it's harder to get things done. This is a rule. The same as the one about peanut butter and dogs. Anyway, Robert and I spoke about all things bailout on Wednesday. And in other news, the V8 version of the Pontiac G8 gets better pricing with every day - 2008 model year cars with under 10,000 miles are going for the mid $20k range on eBay Motors. This particular one, with 8900 miles, is marginally even broken in and it's only $23,900. Beats the heck out of the $32,000 MSRP this thing originally had. Imagine how cheap these beasts will be in a year. Daily,,Daily,Podcast,,News,Blog,,Podcasts Robert Farago no No http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/aussie-camera-company-banks-big-bucks-from-ailing-america/ http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/aussie-camera-company-banks-big-bucks-from-ailing-america/#comments Thu, 20 Nov 2008 17:10:10 +0000 The Newspaper http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/?p=160402 http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/aussie-camera-company-banks-big-bucks-from-ailing-america/feed/ http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/bailout-watch-225-die-another-day/ http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/bailout-watch-225-die-another-day/#comments Thu, 20 Nov 2008 16:38:22 +0000 Edward Niedermeyer http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/?p=160292 http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/bailout-watch-225-die-another-day/feed/ http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/compacts-top-residual-value-survey/ http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/compacts-top-residual-value-survey/#comments Thu, 20 Nov 2008 16:17:31 +0000 Edward Niedermeyer http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/?p=160211 http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/compacts-top-residual-value-survey/feed/ http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/la-auto-show-vw-jetta-tdi-wins-green-car-of-the-year/ http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/la-auto-show-vw-jetta-tdi-wins-green-car-of-the-year/#comments Thu, 20 Nov 2008 16:10:17 +0000 Adrian Imonti http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/?p=160241 http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/la-auto-show-vw-jetta-tdi-wins-green-car-of-the-year/feed/ http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/toyota-to-cut-executives-salary/ http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/toyota-to-cut-executives-salary/#comments Thu, 20 Nov 2008 15:48:08 +0000 Robert Farago http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/?p=160171 http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/toyota-to-cut-executives-salary/feed/ http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/la-auto-show-porsche-finally-kills-the-911/ http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/la-auto-show-porsche-finally-kills-the-911/#comments Thu, 20 Nov 2008 15:34:10 +0000 Robert Farago http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/?p=160152 http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/la-auto-show-porsche-finally-kills-the-911/feed/ http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/bailout-watch-224-gm-ceo-rick-wagoner-resigns-almost-but-not-quite/ http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/bailout-watch-224-gm-ceo-rick-wagoner-resigns-almost-but-not-quite/#comments Thu, 20 Nov 2008 15:03:19 +0000 Robert Farago http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/?p=160082 http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/bailout-watch-224-gm-ceo-rick-wagoner-resigns-almost-but-not-quite/feed/ http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/new-audi-q5-an-answer-to-a-question-lexus-asked/ http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/new-audi-q5-an-answer-to-a-question-lexus-asked/#comments Thu, 20 Nov 2008 14:41:33 +0000 Alex Dykes http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/?p=160012 http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/new-audi-q5-an-answer-to-a-question-lexus-asked/feed/ http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/bailout-watch-223-washington-post-rips-detroit-a-new-nsfw/ http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/bailout-watch-223-washington-post-rips-detroit-a-new-nsfw/#comments Thu, 20 Nov 2008 13:39:27 +0000 Robert Farago http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/?p=159901 While Detroit News columnist Daniel Howes gently chides Motown's hometown heroes-- even as they continue to bleed to death all over his carpet-- The Washington Post's Dana Milbank kicks the Big 2.8's CEO while they're down. But good. The WaPo scribe warms-up with a few gentle toe jabs, simply repeating the Big 2.8's testimony regarding their recent travel arrangements. "There's a delicious irony in seeing private luxury jets flying into Washington, D.C., and people coming off of them with tin cups in their hands,' Rep. Gary L. Ackerman (D-N.Y.) advised the pampered executives at a hearing yesterday. 'It's almost like seeing a guy show up at the soup kitchen in high-hat and tuxedo. . . . I mean, couldn't you all have downgraded to first class or jet-pooled or something to get here?" Fortress Detroit please note: no one mentioned the rejuvenating possibilities of a "convenient plane crash." Oops.]]> http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/bailout-watch-223-washington-post-rips-detroit-a-new-nsfw/feed/ http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/la-auto-show-new-lexus-rx-wildly-inoffensive/ http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/la-auto-show-new-lexus-rx-wildly-inoffensive/#comments Thu, 20 Nov 2008 13:16:03 +0000 Alex Dykes http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/?p=159782 http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/la-auto-show-new-lexus-rx-wildly-inoffensive/feed/ http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/while-america-slept-thursday-november-20-2008/ http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/while-america-slept-thursday-november-20-2008/#comments Thu, 20 Nov 2008 10:35:55 +0000 Bertel Schmitt http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/?p=159672 http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/while-america-slept-thursday-november-20-2008/feed/ http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/bailout-watch-222-senator-reid-cancels-bailout-bill/ http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/bailout-watch-222-senator-reid-cancels-bailout-bill/#comments Thu, 20 Nov 2008 03:47:17 +0000 Robert Farago http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/?p=159452 http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/bailout-watch-222-senator-reid-cancels-bailout-bill/feed/ http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/a-schnitzer-for-your-schnauzers/ http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/a-schnitzer-for-your-schnauzers/#comments Thu, 20 Nov 2008 03:32:15 +0000 Robert Farago http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/?p=159392 http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/a-schnitzer-for-your-schnauzers/feed/ http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/the-la-auto-show-must-go-on-mustnt-it/ http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/the-la-auto-show-must-go-on-mustnt-it/#comments Thu, 20 Nov 2008 03:16:39 +0000 Adrian Imonti http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/?p=159341 Auto shows are intended to be recipes for excess. Take one excessively large convention hall, fill it to capacity with excessive quantities of costly chrome and metal, mix in a few brigades of excessively attractive women, and cap it off with a cadre of excessively awkward journalists (present company excepted, er, we hope) to glorify the results with excessively vapid superlatives. But that was before Carmeggedon and the Great Credit Crunch of ’08 came to town, raining on the parade with an excessively nasty vengeance. Cars are a serious business, and 2008 is looking to be about as serious as it gets.]]> http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/the-la-auto-show-must-go-on-mustnt-it/feed/ http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/mini-e-has-more-trunk-space-than-a-tesla-roadster-just/ http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/mini-e-has-more-trunk-space-than-a-tesla-roadster-just/#comments Thu, 20 Nov 2008 02:08:37 +0000 Adrian Imonti http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/?p=159171 http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/mini-e-has-more-trunk-space-than-a-tesla-roadster-just/feed/ http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/nada-no-this-is-about-us/ http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/nada-no-this-is-about-us/#comments Thu, 20 Nov 2008 02:00:13 +0000 Edward Niedermeyer http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/?p=159132 http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/nada-no-this-is-about-us/feed/ http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/nardelli-wins-the-iacocca-challenge/ http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/nardelli-wins-the-iacocca-challenge/#comments Thu, 20 Nov 2008 01:48:56 +0000 Edward Niedermeyer http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/?p=159112 http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/nardelli-wins-the-iacocca-challenge/feed/ http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/gm-opel-not-for-sale/ http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/gm-opel-not-for-sale/#comments Thu, 20 Nov 2008 00:40:14 +0000 Edward Niedermeyer http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/?p=159031 http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/gm-opel-not-for-sale/feed/ http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/bailout-watch-221-mitt-mauls-motown/ http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/bailout-watch-221-mitt-mauls-motown/#comments Thu, 20 Nov 2008 00:00:20 +0000 Robert Farago http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/?p=158972 http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/bailout-watch-221-mitt-mauls-motown/feed/ http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/new-nissan-370z-finally-again-still/ http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/new-nissan-370z-finally-again-still/#comments Wed, 19 Nov 2008 23:16:45 +0000 Robert Farago 1757721378 http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/new-nissan-370z-finally-again-still/feed/ http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/editorial-the-2010-ford-fusion-why-its-good-but-only-good/ http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/editorial-the-2010-ford-fusion-why-its-good-but-only-good/#comments Wed, 19 Nov 2008 22:30:04 +0000 Justin Berkowitz http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/?p=158601 At today's LA Auto Show, Ford revealed its refreshed Fusion. In large part, the midsize sedan's in synch with one of TTAC's core philosophies: evolution before revolution. Manufacturers should continue to improve existing decent products rather than swing for the fences-- especially when it's the bottom of the seventh. That said, plenty of pistonheads reckon the Fusion isn't a patch (or is) on the Euro-Mondeo. In Fantasyland, that's the Blue Oval mid-sizer on dealer lots. And if there's still a Ford America in 2013, we'll have our Mondeo and drive it too. In the meantime, good is good enough. Or is it?]]> http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/editorial-the-2010-ford-fusion-why-its-good-but-only-good/feed/ http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/germanys-solarworld-springs-surprise-bid-for-gms-opel/ http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/germanys-solarworld-springs-surprise-bid-for-gms-opel/#comments Wed, 19 Nov 2008 20:43:09 +0000 Edward Niedermeyer http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/?p=158552 http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/germanys-solarworld-springs-surprise-bid-for-gms-opel/feed/ http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/carlos-ghosn-gm-non-chrysler-peut-etre/ http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/carlos-ghosn-gm-non-chrysler-peut-etre/#comments Wed, 19 Nov 2008 20:37:44 +0000 Adrian Imonti http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/?p=158492 http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/carlos-ghosn-gm-non-chrysler-peut-etre/feed/ http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/question-of-the-day-why-would-we-give-money-to-cerberus/ http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/question-of-the-day-why-would-we-give-money-to-cerberus/#comments Wed, 19 Nov 2008 20:36:55 +0000 Edward Niedermeyer http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/?p=158502 http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/question-of-the-day-why-would-we-give-money-to-cerberus/feed/ http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/ttac-called-it-nyt-slams-car-job-loss-numbers/ http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/ttac-called-it-nyt-slams-car-job-loss-numbers/#comments Wed, 19 Nov 2008 20:20:19 +0000 Edward Niedermeyer http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/?p=158351 http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/ttac-called-it-nyt-slams-car-job-loss-numbers/feed/ http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/rep-barney-frank-25b-not-enough/ http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/rep-barney-frank-25b-not-enough/#comments Wed, 19 Nov 2008 19:54:44 +0000 Edward Niedermeyer http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/?p=158382 http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/rep-barney-frank-25b-not-enough/feed/ http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/ttac-back-server-slammed-by-traffic/ http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/ttac-back-server-slammed-by-traffic/#comments Wed, 19 Nov 2008 19:38:12 +0000 Robert Farago http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/?p=158381 http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/ttac-back-server-slammed-by-traffic/feed/ http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/autoextremist-hates-everyone-with-a-vengance/ http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/autoextremist-hates-everyone-with-a-vengance/#comments Wed, 19 Nov 2008 16:36:53 +0000 Edward Niedermeyer http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/?p=158262 http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/autoextremist-hates-everyone-with-a-vengance/feed/ http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/west-virginia-legislature-concludes-ticket-quotas-exist/ http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/west-virginia-legislature-concludes-ticket-quotas-exist/#comments Wed, 19 Nov 2008 16:34:19 +0000 The Newspaper http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/?p=158291 http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/west-virginia-legislature-concludes-ticket-quotas-exist/feed/ http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/when-maximum-men-meet-minimum-times/ http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/when-maximum-men-meet-minimum-times/#comments Wed, 19 Nov 2008 15:34:06 +0000 Edward Niedermeyer http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/?p=158191 http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/when-maximum-men-meet-minimum-times/feed/ http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/bailout-watch-220-gm-fastlane-blog-vs-the-new-york-times/ http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/bailout-watch-220-gm-fastlane-blog-vs-the-new-york-times/#comments Wed, 19 Nov 2008 15:14:17 +0000 Robert Farago http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/?p=158192 http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/bailout-watch-220-gm-fastlane-blog-vs-the-new-york-times/feed/ http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/new-fusionmilan-hybrid-beats-camry-hybrids-mpgs-and/ http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/new-fusionmilan-hybrid-beats-camry-hybrids-mpgs-and/#comments Wed, 19 Nov 2008 15:04:14 +0000 Robert Farago http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/?p=158162 http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/new-fusionmilan-hybrid-beats-camry-hybrids-mpgs-and/feed/ http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/richard-wagoner%e2%80%99s-gotterdammerung/ http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/richard-wagoner%e2%80%99s-gotterdammerung/#comments Wed, 19 Nov 2008 13:39:52 +0000 Bertel Schmitt http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/?p=157911 http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/richard-wagoner%e2%80%99s-gotterdammerung/feed/ http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/comparo-2009-huyndai-elantra-vs-2009-kia-spectra/ http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/comparo-2009-huyndai-elantra-vs-2009-kia-spectra/#comments Wed, 19 Nov 2008 13:39:26 +0000 Anthony Erickson http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/?p=154011 In the last ten years or so, Hyundai decided it’d be fun to build things that resemble cars that people want to buy. In the process, the Korean automaker acquired struggling brother Kia. As you'd expect, the company offers the now-essential model in any current car range: the budget-priced, fuel-efficient compact car. In fact, American buyers hunting in that market segment can choose between Hyundai's Hyundai Elantra and the Kia Spectra. Is it a distinction without a difference, in the not-so-grand tradition of General Motors? Let's have a look to each model’s respective brochures...]]> http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/comparo-2009-huyndai-elantra-vs-2009-kia-spectra/feed/ http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/while-america-slept-wednesday-november-19-2008/ http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/while-america-slept-wednesday-november-19-2008/#comments Wed, 19 Nov 2008 11:50:12 +0000 Bertel Schmitt http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/?p=157751 http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/while-america-slept-wednesday-november-19-2008/feed/ http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/%e2%80%9csaic-and-dongfeng-intend-to-buy-gm%e2%80%9d-wu-ke-feng-gao/ http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/%e2%80%9csaic-and-dongfeng-intend-to-buy-gm%e2%80%9d-wu-ke-feng-gao/#comments Wed, 19 Nov 2008 08:34:06 +0000 Bertel Schmitt http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/?p=157652 http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/%e2%80%9csaic-and-dongfeng-intend-to-buy-gm%e2%80%9d-wu-ke-feng-gao/feed/ http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/motown-dirty-little-secret-is-out-detroit-on-the-brink-of-collapse/ http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/motown-dirty-little-secret-is-out-detroit-on-the-brink-of-collapse/#comments Wed, 19 Nov 2008 02:42:43 +0000 Robert Farago http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/?p=157461 http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/motown-dirty-little-secret-is-out-detroit-on-the-brink-of-collapse/feed/ http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/bailout-watch-220-well-be-back/ http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/bailout-watch-220-well-be-back/#comments Wed, 19 Nov 2008 01:13:10 +0000 Robert Farago http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/?p=157312 The table of Motown's CEOs facing Senator Christopher Dodd at today's Senate Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs Committee Hearing looked more than a little like The Last Supper. If only. When Senator Bob Corker (R, TN) pressed Ford, Chrysler and GM's top suits for a pledge that they won't be back for more money-- should they be granted $25b in taxpayer-backed loans-- only GM CEO Rick Wagoner answered. And then Red Ink Rick waffled, pegging his promise to an economic upturn that no one believes imminent. It was the moment when Motown's begging bowl brigade went seriously south, in that oh-so-public C-Span sort of way.]]> http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/bailout-watch-220-well-be-back/feed/ http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/hammer-time-oye-como-va/ http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/hammer-time-oye-como-va/#comments Wed, 19 Nov 2008 00:46:17 +0000 Steven Lang http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/?p=157272 http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/hammer-time-oye-como-va/feed/ http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/ttac-detroit-bailout-219-live-blog-not/ http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/ttac-detroit-bailout-219-live-blog-not/#comments Tue, 18 Nov 2008 22:16:11 +0000 Robert Farago http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/?p=157212 http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/ttac-detroit-bailout-219-live-blog-not/feed/ http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/bailout-watch-218-gettelfinger-blackmails-congress/ http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/bailout-watch-218-gettelfinger-blackmails-congress/#comments Tue, 18 Nov 2008 20:16:30 +0000 Edward Niedermeyer http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/?p=156842 http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/bailout-watch-218-gettelfinger-blackmails-congress/feed/ http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/breaking-news-chinese-may-buy-gm-and-chrysler/ http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/breaking-news-chinese-may-buy-gm-and-chrysler/#comments Tue, 18 Nov 2008 20:10:20 +0000 Bertel Schmitt http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/?p=156041 http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/breaking-news-chinese-may-buy-gm-and-chrysler/feed/ http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/tesla-death-watch-38-tesla-applies-for-400m-doe-loan/ http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/tesla-death-watch-38-tesla-applies-for-400m-doe-loan/#comments Tue, 18 Nov 2008 19:21:05 +0000 Robert Farago http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/?p=156791 http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/tesla-death-watch-38-tesla-applies-for-400m-doe-loan/feed/ http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/new-bmw-7-series-paves-the-way-for-speed-limiters/ http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/new-bmw-7-series-paves-the-way-for-speed-limiters/#comments Tue, 18 Nov 2008 19:04:49 +0000 Robert Farago http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/?p=156761 http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/new-bmw-7-series-paves-the-way-for-speed-limiters/feed/ http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/bailout-watch-217-gm-rallies-its-customers-for-bailout-billions/ http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/bailout-watch-217-gm-rallies-its-customers-for-bailout-billions/#comments Tue, 18 Nov 2008 18:41:50 +0000 Robert Farago http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/?p=156692 http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/bailout-watch-217-gm-rallies-its-customers-for-bailout-billions/feed/ http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/whats-really-killing-detroit-too-many-pom-poms/ http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/whats-really-killing-detroit-too-many-pom-poms/#comments Tue, 18 Nov 2008 18:04:50 +0000 Robert Farago http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/?p=156641 http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/whats-really-killing-detroit-too-many-pom-poms/feed/ http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/michael-karesh-is-insane-raise-the-federal-gas-tax/ http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/michael-karesh-is-insane-raise-the-federal-gas-tax/#comments Tue, 18 Nov 2008 17:02:52 +0000 Michael Karesh http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/?p=156591 http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/michael-karesh-is-insane-raise-the-federal-gas-tax/feed/ http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/bailout-watch-216-taxpayer-dollars-should-go-to-companies-that-can-show-viability/ http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/bailout-watch-216-taxpayer-dollars-should-go-to-companies-that-can-show-viability/#comments Tue, 18 Nov 2008 16:50:20 +0000 Edward Niedermeyer http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/?p=155681 http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/bailout-watch-216-taxpayer-dollars-should-go-to-companies-that-can-show-viability/feed/ http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/wha-do-you-call-that-color/ http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/wha-do-you-call-that-color/#comments Tue, 18 Nov 2008 16:44:36 +0000 Robert Farago http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/?p=156562 http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/wha-do-you-call-that-color/feed/ http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/new-nissan-cube-hits-autoblogosphere/ http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/new-nissan-cube-hits-autoblogosphere/#comments Tue, 18 Nov 2008 16:35:21 +0000 Robert Farago http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/?p=156502 http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/new-nissan-cube-hits-autoblogosphere/feed/ http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/tiger-tiger-not-so-bright-buick-pulls-cars-from-pga/ http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/tiger-tiger-not-so-bright-buick-pulls-cars-from-pga/#comments Tue, 18 Nov 2008 16:23:19 +0000 Robert Farago http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/?p=156482 http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/tiger-tiger-not-so-bright-buick-pulls-cars-from-pga/feed/ http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/general-motors-death-watch-215-man-u/ http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/general-motors-death-watch-215-man-u/#comments Tue, 18 Nov 2008 15:13:54 +0000 Ken Elias http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/?p=156381 GM’s at the cliff’s edge looking deep into the chasm and sees…nothing. How pathetic. Here's a company with $150b in annual revenues and all they can say is “give us the money or else.” How lame is that? Frankly, it speaks to the complete lack of leadership and direction at this company. GM has not advanced one shred of evidence that it knows what to do if it goes onto the government welfare roles. In fact, all we’ve heard is “more of the same” restructuring and downsizing that’s been completely ineffective to date in stemming the tide. That dog just won’t hunt. But if GM’s Board of Directors and executive managers had a clue, this is what they would do heading into the showdown with Congress...]]> http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/general-motors-death-watch-215-man-u/feed/ http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/volt-center-stack-stylistically-it-looks-mainly-final/ http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/volt-center-stack-stylistically-it-looks-mainly-final/#comments Tue, 18 Nov 2008 15:04:27 +0000 Robert Farago http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/?p=156332 http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/volt-center-stack-stylistically-it-looks-mainly-final/feed/ http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/bailout-watch-206-heres-the-deal/ http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/bailout-watch-206-heres-the-deal/#comments Tue, 18 Nov 2008 14:44:11 +0000 Robert Farago http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/?p=156011 http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/bailout-watch-206-heres-the-deal/feed/ http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/gmc-and-pontiac-today-announced-pricing-for-two-new-models-arriving-in-dealerships-in-early-2009-further-reinforcing-the-channel%e2%80%99s-reputation-for-value-combined-with-efficiency-and-capabili/ http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/gmc-and-pontiac-today-announced-pricing-for-two-new-models-arriving-in-dealerships-in-early-2009-further-reinforcing-the-channel%e2%80%99s-reputation-for-value-combined-with-efficiency-and-capabili/#comments Tue, 18 Nov 2008 14:16:02 +0000 Robert Farago http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/?p=156141 http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/gmc-and-pontiac-today-announced-pricing-for-two-new-models-arriving-in-dealerships-in-early-2009-further-reinforcing-the-channel%e2%80%99s-reputation-for-value-combined-with-efficiency-and-capabili/feed/ http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/wise-man-says-opel-should-be-nationalized%e2%80%8f/ http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/wise-man-says-opel-should-be-nationalized%e2%80%8f/#comments Tue, 18 Nov 2008 13:56:10 +0000 Martin Schwoerer http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/?p=156112 http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/wise-man-says-opel-should-be-nationalized%e2%80%8f/feed/ http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/capsule-review-1970-911-porsche-22s/ http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/capsule-review-1970-911-porsche-22s/#comments Tue, 18 Nov 2008 13:43:18 +0000 Robert Farago http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/?p=156032 http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/capsule-review-1970-911-porsche-22s/feed/ http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/while-america-slept-tuesday-november-18-2008/ http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/while-america-slept-tuesday-november-18-2008/#comments Tue, 18 Nov 2008 08:48:57 +0000 Bertel Schmitt http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/?p=155742 http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/while-america-slept-tuesday-november-18-2008/feed/ http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/new-ford-mustang/ http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/new-ford-mustang/#comments Tue, 18 Nov 2008 02:21:08 +0000 Robert Farago http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/?p=155602 http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/new-ford-mustang/feed/ http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/bailout-watch-205-gm-blackmails-dealers/ http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/bailout-watch-205-gm-blackmails-dealers/#comments Mon, 17 Nov 2008 21:42:22 +0000 Edward Niedermeyer http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/?p=155542 http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/bailout-watch-205-gm-blackmails-dealers/feed/ http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/ford-temporarily-idles-nine-plants/ http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/ford-temporarily-idles-nine-plants/#comments Mon, 17 Nov 2008 21:40:23 +0000 Robert Farago http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/?p=155552 http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/ford-temporarily-idles-nine-plants/feed/ http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/chrysler-fought-reality-and-reality-lost/ http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/chrysler-fought-reality-and-reality-lost/#comments Mon, 17 Nov 2008 19:52:45 +0000 Edward Niedermeyer http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/?p=155472 We've had a few confused comments on the Dodge EV vs. Challenger "drag race" video, so we thought we'd fill in some details. And post something between Bailout Watches. First of all, the stunt was choreographed by Chrysler. ENVI President Lou Rhodes is behind the wheel of the Dodge EV while a weak-ankled Chrysler employee handles a Challenger 6.1 with octegenarian restraint. Clearly this was intended as a PR two-fer. Chrysler gets to show off its Tesla wannabe and its muscle car, while giving the LA Times the opportunity to write about how Chrysler's EVs and EREVs are the future. And clearly the point was to give the Challenger the fuzzy end of the lollypop in order to show just how advanced the Chrysler EV program is. Maybe next time they could be a little more convincing. The video doesn't so much make the Dodge EV look like a muscle-car-beating dynamo, as it makes the Challenger look like a secretary special. The LA Times' Dan Neil admits that the Challenger was launched in second gear in both runs, and that it "seems to let up" on the second run. Nobody will say for sure if it was a lift-off or an audio effect caused by the rev limiter. Regardless of the actual details, the real point of these video stunts is to look cool, and it's in this crucial consideration that the video really lets down. Had the Challenger sat on the starting line, dramaticaly gasifying its tires while the EV scooted to victory, the PR "message" would have remained the same and it would have looked a lot better. As it went down, the stunt looked staged and neither car came out looking heroic. Better luck next time.]]> http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/chrysler-fought-reality-and-reality-lost/feed/ http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/new-audi-a2-brute/ http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/new-audi-a2-brute/#comments Mon, 17 Nov 2008 19:27:08 +0000 Martin Schwoerer http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/?p=155461 http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/new-audi-a2-brute/feed/