People have always tried to guess how things would be different in the future. The future of the automobile has been a much loved topic of TV shows and cartoons for years. How did you imagine we would travel in the year 2010? The self-driven taxi from Total Recall? Hovering craft like in Star Wars? The sky was the limit, literally, for what cars would look like. Continue reading »

Each year Car and Driver does a 10 of the Best Cars list.  Cars are judged on three points, the first being performance and functionality, second emotional engagement, and finally pricing and versatility. All cars that are new or significantly redesigned are eligible for the 10Best.  If a car consistently impresses year after year it is possible to remain on the list indefinitely, even without updates.  As a second runner up to BMW, Infiniti has always been a great competitor for the top spot in entry-level luxury sports sedans and coupes, but has never ruled this class. Continue reading »

The current recession is permanently changing the business landscape.  Companies that have been profitable for many years are going out of business.  The impact has been more pronounced in some industries than others, with big ticket and luxury items being the hardest hit. The automobile industry is suffering so much that the federal government is stepping in. All of this begs the question: Who will be left standing when it’s all over?

The top five auto manufacturers have been around for a very long time.  All have made it through tough economic times, many through the Great Depression. Ford, founded in 1903 is the old-timer, while newcomer Honda started making cars in 1963. It seems obvious that a company that survives for decades, even a century, must be pretty strong and flexible. They’ve adapted to changes in demand, technology and politics and continued to grow overall.

Will there be a 2013 Mazda Miata?

But things have changed. GM and Chrysler have accepted help from the federal government and will need more.  So far Ford hasn’t asked for assistance, but who knows?  Everything depends on how long this recession lasts. Eventually consumers will start buying cars in greater numbers again, but can the automakers survive until then?

Part of the answer depends on which companies are well-run and efficient. Like many companies in other industries, auto manufacturers who once weathered the great depression have become fat during the long periods of plenty. If they can adapt quickly, everyone will benefit in the long run.

Another related piece of the puzzle is about who can innovate quickly. While sales have fallen drastically, there are segments of the market that are doing relatively well. Hybrids, which should have been an economically viable option long before now, are popular. So are well-built cars that last longer and require fewer repairs. Automakers that excel in these areas will have more sales now, which will help them hang on. When the economy picks up again, their sales will be much better than those who lag behind.

So who is doing well right now? Toyota tops the list with 92,775 vehicle sales in the first two months of 2009. Ford comes in second at 84,072.  Rounding out the top 5 are Chevrolet at 75,025, Honda at 63,916 and Nissan at 47,890.  While these figures are around 40-50% lower than the same period last year, if they can reduce their costs enough, these automakers may live to see the end of the recession.

The new “luxury” 2009 Infiniti FX50 is billed as a luxury SUV but it is much much more than that! Sure the yuppies will buy this car. But it is those of us who are informed that really appreciate this MONSTER. These 3 little digits tell the whole story: 390. That is the amount of ponies raging under the hood! Almost 400hp in a luxury soccer mom yuppie suv, it’s not fair…I want one. Not only is the engine a beat…but this SUV is AWD. So controlling this auto is no problem. And speaking of performance this puppy is loaded. Continuous dampening Suspension, Intelligent All Wheel Drive, and Solid Magnesium Paddle Shifters….I just wet myself! Maybe the best part is the 21-Inch Enkei Rims and high performance Tires.

The New 2009 Infiniti G37 is one of the most gorgeous cars I have ever seen. Since the first g35’s were released a few years ago I have been in love. These cars not only look sophisticated, but they sound great too. I’m a car guy and I know that the engine in these monsters is the same engine that resides in the 350Z. The VQ engine is not only stout; putting out 330 hp, but the exhaust note that comes out of this car is heavenly. Here is a little blurb from the Infiniti Site:

3.7-liter V6 engine with 330 hp

The G Coupe’s powerful VQ engine has been named to Ward’s 10 Best Engines list for an unprecedented 14th year in a row. Its exclusive VVEL technology continually tunes valve lift and timing for quicker response and a broader torque curve, even while improving fuel economy and emissions.

What more could you ask for? 19-inch rims….yes please! Supple leather….um…ok. And sport tuned suspension…..time for a cold shower!