3 <img id="image10" alt="Panamera.jpg" src="/images/blog_archives/2007/02/Panamera.jpg" /> <img id="image12" alt="Rapide.jpg" src="/images/blog_archives/2007/02/Rapide.jpg" /> Sure, we all expect powerful, elegant sedans from the likes of Mercedes Benz, BMW, Audi and now even Maserati. But do we need super sedans from companies such as Porsche and Aston Martin? Mercedes is trying to position their CLS as a "four-door coupe." Porsche is trying the same thing with their upcoming 2009 Panamera. Aston Martin is doing it with their new flagship, the Rapide. Will anyone buy a four-door coupe from Porsche or Aston Martin? Porsche is betting on it, having invested more than $1.2 billion in the new front-engine, rear-drive platform and expects to sell 20,000 units per year. <!--more--> Purists still think Porsche should have never created an SUV, but until recently, sales have been strong. For my money, I'd rather see this new platform in true coupe form, possibly as the new 928. Then again, with $1.2 billion invested, it's only a matter of time before Porsche sees the same thing. 0 2007-02-28T04:04:47-05:00 14 porsche, aston martin, panamera, rapide four-door-sports-cars 2007-02-28 active /uploads/blog_images/0000/0043/4door.jpg 2008-07-29T02:03:41-04:00 4 723 3 <img id='image5' src='/images/blog_archives/2007/02/2008_Challenger_3-4_front.jpg'/> It's no secret that Daimler is looking to sell off its money losing Chrysler unit and said they would even consider taking stock in lieu of all cash if GM was interested. What would this mean for the competition between GM and Chrysler if they merged? <!--more--> On the other hand, there is talk of a merger bid coming from Magna International, a Canadian automotive systems supplier. This company has the ability to design and produce anything from door latches to complete vehicle engineering and assembly. Perhaps with Magna's cash and manufacturing stability and Chrysler's strong advertising and distribution, a better, stronger Chrysler will emerge. Of course I would love to see a comeback from Ford, GM and Chrysler. I enjoyed the competition and product innovation from the aftermarket that came from the "Big 3" sports car wars and I look forward to 2008/2009 when the new Camaro and Challenger hit the streets. 0 2007-02-27T01:09:34-05:00 7 dodge, challenger daimler-desperate-to-ditch-chrysler 2007-02-27 active /uploads/blog_images/0000/0038/2008_Challenger_3-4_front.jpg 2008-07-29T02:04:54-04:00 4 562 3 <img id="image6" src="/images/blog_archives/2007/02/gas_pump.jpg" alt="gas_pump.jpg" /> A lot of things have changed since the EPA created a way to calculate gas mileage 20 years ago. Road conditions are different, highways speeds have increased and nearly every car now comes with A/C as standard equipment. 2008 will bring a change that will be more accurate to real-world driving conditions, so expect ratings to drop an average 2-4 MPG. <!--more--> Additionally, the EPA will be implementing a "phase 2" to MPG calculations in 2011. Some vehicles will be subject to additional testing to calculate MPG. High-speed driving, acceleration tests, the use of A/C and heat will be used to calculate MPG. Expect new MPG labels on new cars starting in 2008. 0 2007-02-27T02:45:32-05:00 9 epa-to-change-how-gas-mileage-is-calculated 2007-02-27 active /uploads/blog_images/0000/0040/gas_pump_th.jpg 2008-07-29T01:59:40-04:00 4 485 3 <img id="image8" src="/images/blog_archives/2007/02/Black_Roush_Mustang.jpg" alt="Black_Roush_Mustang.jpg" /> Limited to only 100 examples, the BlackJack is a black-on-black 2007 Mustang GT that starts off as a Stage 3 Roush, and then is further upgraded to Jack's specs. The BlackJack boasts 430 HP via a ROUSHcharger and smaller pulley to boost the PSI. Further enhancements include 38lb injectors, intercooler, Roush ECM calibration, Stage 3 suspension, 14" brakes, electroluminescent gauges and a black shifter ball. <!--more--> "I am involved with all the vehicles that ROUSH Performance builds, but the Stage 3 BlackJack is really the first one which was entirely my design and I am quite proud of how well it turned out," said Jack Roush. "When I drove the prototype around the NASCAR tracks last season it got a lot of attention, mainly due to the intimidating theme of the car. Of course, the distinctive rumble of a ROUSHcharged V-8 engine turns a lot of heads, too." For more information, check out the official press release <a href="http://www.roushperformance.com/news.cgi?type=rel_story&sid=147" target="_blank">here</a> 0 2007-02-27T03:01:48-05:00 11 roush, blackjack, roush blackjack, roush mustang, blackjack mustang roush-announces-the-release-of-the-stage-3-blackjack-mustang 2007-02-27 active /uploads/blog_images/0000/0021/Black_Roush_Mustang_thumbnail.jpg 2008-07-29T01:59:04-04:00 4 4314