60 Minutes calls Lamborghini: ‘Irrational Romance’

It isn’t often 60 Minutes reports on the auto industry, but the longstanding program’s segment on Lamborghini was varied and a comprehensive look at the high-end carmaker. The segment celebrated the 50th anniversary of the Italian automaker. Its cars the program reported cost as much as $4 million. The segment included the description of the design of the car as one continuous line. It was interesting to hear the history of the car, dating to its tractor days, and the original owner’s fondness for Ferrari. There was one exception: he didn’t like the clutch. Ferrari told Lamborghini to stick to

Read more

BMW, Hyundai, Mercedes-Benz: good riddance O’Reilly

Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Hyundai and Allstate Insurance Co., major long-time advertisers from the automotive industry, have removed their advertising campaigns from the controversial Fox political show “The O’Reilly Factor.” The abrupt reaction, which also includes several additional advertisers from various industries, has occurred over several days after the New York Times reported Fox and show host Bill O’Reilly paid five women to settle claims he sexually harassed them. According to a Reuters report, French pharmaceutical company Sanofi SA, direct marketer Constant Contact, men’s clothing company Untuckit, as well as T. Rowe Price are also no longer advertising on the show. “In

Read more

Lotus takes the lead with new cat helmets (April Fools)

Every car manufacturer looks for an edge against the competition. Lotus thinks it has found one — cat helmets. The luxury sports car manufacturer has introduced for a brief time (April 1) lightweight, optimized, ergonomically designed and stylish helmets for our four-legged friends. They’re called Pet Lids. According to Lotus, “Pet Lids are the ultimate accessory for animal-friendly sports car owners.” The innovative product was unveiled after “extensive and hair-raising time trials.” The new lifestyle range of stylish helmets is described as practical and desirable. Tipping the scales at a trim 25 grams, the wonderfully detailed lids can be personalized

Read more

For sale: 340 cars, 5 acres in British Columbia for $1 million

, ,

After 40 years of collecting vintage cars, Mike Hall has had enough. The rock scaler from British Columbia is selling more than 340 cars is various conditions as well as the property where the relics rest. Hall is the owner of the unique real estate listing. The combination of the five-acre listing includes the cars, a salvage business, storage property and a 900-square-foot stocked restoration shop. The asking price is slightly more than $1 million (converted from Canadian dollars). Hall explains further details of his obsession with old cars on the website www.driving.ca. While traveling often in his job as

Read more

2017 Ford Fusion Hybrid: handsome, comfortable, efficient

Ford introduced its alternative energy lineup, including the Ford Fusion Hybrid, in early 2009 as 2010 models. The midsize sedan is now well into its second generation with a healthy list of upgrades for 2017. The Fusion Hybrid has been the most attractive hybrid sedan on the market for several years. But it has a restyled front end and new headlights for 2017, further adding to its sleek exterior lines. The heavily touted MyFord Touch infotainment center has also been replaced by the simplified Sync 3 system. Like a few other manufacturers, Ford has dispatched an automatic standard transmission shifter

Read more

Enduring Dream Machines show supports adult health center

,

Viewing muscle cars, trailer queens, new cars, old cars, micro cars, dragsters and auctions of rarities and junkers is a pastime for some, a passion for others. Automotive enthusiasts can attend a car show of their favorites nearly every weekend in nearly every state. Nearly three decades ago, Bob Senz had a better idea. He decided to showcase nearly everything with an engine in one show. The result is the 27th annual Pacific Coast Dream Machines Show, scheduled April 30, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Half Moon Bay Airport. It’s located about 20 miles south of San Francisco.

Read more

Chicago’s new dubious honor, longest average car commute

How much would workforce efficiency improve if commuters didn’t have to commute or at least not spend as much time commuting? How long does it take you to get to work in the morning? No doubt you’ve been asked this question. Swapping stories about traffic, rush hour and secret shortcuts is as common as commenting on the weather at many workplaces. The commuting dilemma also often provides lunchtime competition. Who has the most grueling drive? While many co-workers are likely traveling through many of the same congested streets and highways, have you ever wondered how your commute compares to problem

Read more

2017 Volkswagen Passat: Versatile like a blue blazer

Among the manufacturer’s most enduring models, the 2017 Volkswagen Passat extends the eighth generation of the midsize sedan to its sixth year. The Passat, German for “trade wind,” is an elder automotive statesman well into its fourth decade. There’s little flash or overt technology, but the mainstream VW has plenty of appeal via its reserved, classy presentation. The Weekly Driver Test Drive Available in S, R-Line, SE and Premium trims, the 2017 Volkswagen Passat is front-wheel drive and offered with two engines. My test vehicle was the SE trim with a 1.8-liter turbo-charged, four-cylinder configuration with 170 horsepower and a

Read more

Tesla has reliability issues, owners passionate, forgiving

Tesla vehicles represent an automotive dichotomy. It’s the safest car ever tested, but more than one Tesla model has had reliability issues. Multiple issues have been reported by automotive publications and from owners of the Model S, which debuted in 2012. The Model X (2015) has also had reliability problems with its complex design. Tesla owners, however, have been more than forgiving, according to a new J.D. Power report titled: “Tesla: Beyond The Hype.” “Owners see themselves as pioneers who enjoy being early adopters of new technology,” said Kathleen Rizk, J.D. Power director, global automotive consulting, in announcing the study.

Read more

Robert DeNiro, Hugh Jackman in new Ferrari films

After several restarts and pre-race pitstops, the long-anticipated film on the life Enzo Ferrari, the founder of Ferrari, is back on track. And it will feature veteran Australia actor Hugh Jackman in the starring role. According a report on deadline.com, Jackman will share the screen with Swedish actress Noomi Rapace. She’ll play the carmaker’s estrange wife, Laura. The pending film has been considered for more than a decade. Michael Mann, the director and producer, and Academy Award winner Sydney Pollack collaborated until the latter’s death in 2008. Christian Bale in 2015 was associated with the film in the title role.

Read more

2017 Hyundai Veloster: sporty look, lackluster ride

The Hyundai Veloster was introduced seven years ago as the South Korean manufacturer’s first coupe. A year later, a turbo-changed edition debuted. The 2017 edition is the continuation of the first generation of the odd-looking compact with sporty ambitions. A modernized version of the Hyundai Tiburon (discontinued in 2008), the Veloster has an asymmetrical door configuration. There’s a large door on the driver’s side and two smaller doors on the passenger’s side. The rear passenger door opens with a high-positioned, flush handle that’s easy to miss but convenient to use. The Weekly Driver Test Drive Hyundai’s reputation in recent years

Read more

Lily Tomlin takes on General Motors nearly 40 years ago

Nearly 40 years ago, Lily Tomlin replaced Judy Carney on Rowan & Martin’s Laugh-In, the NBC Comedy Series. Tomlin portrayed many iconic characters during her four-year tenure on the program, including switchboard telephone operator Ernestine Tomlin. In one of her most well-remembered skits, Ernestine, in her nosy demeanor, nasal voice and condescending tone, calls General Motors. As she did in all of her Ernestine skits, she snorts, laughs at her own jokes and when the person on the other end of the line answers, she says: “Is this the party to whom I am speaking?” In her less than four-minute

Read more

2017 Toyota Avalon Hybrid: Stylishly efficient

When your older sibling is the most popular hybrid vehicle in history, the pressure is on. Could the Toyota Avalon Hybrid hold its own while its ever-expanding Prius family members thrive? The answer is a resounding yes. Introduced in late 2012, the 2017 Toyota Avalon Hybrid further separates current hybrids from their debut more than 15 years ago. Once awkward-looking and awkward-functioning sedans comparable to futuristic vehicles featured in movies and television programs, hybrids are now mainstream. Their superior gas mileage is equaled by overall attractive styling, performance and functionality. The 2017 Toyota Avalon Hybrid is an exemplary example. It’s

Read more

Ferrari F430 once owned by President Trump set for auction

The Pope prefers a Fiat 500. President Donald Trump prefers a Ferrari — at least he did for a few years. But the 2007 Ferrari F430 F1 Coupe, purchased new by the former businessman, is now up for auction by its second owner. The auction, conducted by Auctions America, in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla., will be held April 1. Introduced in September 2004 at the Paris Motor Show, the F430 is designed by Pininfarina. Formula 1 traits, including new aerodynamics and an electronic differential, were included as well as a steering wheel mounted manettino switch. It allowed for quick adjustment of

Read more

2017 Geneva International Motor Show: New cars galore

As arguably the most important international auto show, the Geneva International Motor Show will this year offer its usual complement of debuts and concepts in the ever-changing automotive industry. The year’s show, scheduled March 9-19, will be held in its traditional neutral location, the Palexpo in Geneva next to the international airport. Here’s a list of some of the manufacturers’ offerings in alphabetical order: Audi — The 400-horsepower RS3 Sportback debuts. Dendrobium — It’s a new hypercar from Singapore. Ferrari — The Superfast, with its 800 horsepower V112, will debut with plenty of fanfare. Kia — Say hello to tiniest

Read more

Mercedes-Benz breaks from tradition with first pickup

,

For some purists, viewing a Mercedes-Benz station wagon is odd. Now the German luxury carmaker is further expanding tradition with its first pick-up truck. The latest version of the Mercedes-Benz X-Class concept will be presented at the Geneva International Motor Show. It will be available later this year in selected global markets. One caveat: The new luxury midsize truck won’t be available in the United States — at least for now. Daimler, the parent company of Mercedes-Benz, has announced the X-Class will debut in “key markets” — Argentina, Brazil, South Africa, Australia, New Zealand and some European countries. A Mercedes-Benz

Read more