AUDI DESIGN - The Wagons

Earlier today, GoodCarBadCar.net allowed Audi to explain the nature of its design. Where it comes from, how it gets here, why they look the way they look. It's the belief of The Good Car Guy that Audi wagons, Avant in Audi's terminology, look terrific. Sure, there's a wagon and hatchback bias at GCBC, but The Good Car Guy is unapologetic. Practicality can look good. At Audi, it really does.

Just for the sake of viewing the exterior of handsome and useful vehicles, have a look below at the Audi A3 Sportback and its S3 Sportback hi-po sibling. Caught somewhere between hatchback and wagon, the A3 is currently Audi's smallest super-practical option. Next up is the A4 Avant and its hi-po sibling, the S4 Avant. Finally, the A6 Avant; S6 Avant; and extreme RS6 Avant at the top of the Audi wagon wing. Curious about the possibility of an A8 Avant? Check out this GoodCarBadCar.net Rendering.

AUDI DESIGN DESCRIBED - by Audi

Only minutes after determining that posting a gallery of current Audi wagon images was a good idea, lo and behold, Audi has released a full rundown of its design process; themes; and raison d'etre. True, Audi's information was geared towards different vehicles, but the German luxury manufacturer insists that these principles apply across the board.

Audi believes that their design is a clothing of its "technical superiority in sporty elegance". Items such as the single-frame grille, the sweeping curve of the roof and the taillight design are all "pivotal elements" seen in every Audi. The company's design studio in Munich is a modern space in a trendy neighbourhood, "a haven for open communication and unconventional ideas". 

Audi's head of design, Stefan Sielaff, says it's all about proportions. What designer suggests anything to the contrary? "It is the proportions, the sculptures of our automobiles which portray the interplay of technology and design."

Wolfgang Egger, another member of the Audi design executive, describes the differences in the ostentatious grille. "The cars in our A family, from the A3 to the A8, exhibit a single-frame grille which is classically wide. As for the models in the Q series, the Audi Q5 and Audi Q7, the single-frame grille appears considerably higher. And on sports cars such as the R8 and the TT, it is particularly flat in execution and takes up a position low in the face.” 

Audi says the wavy outline of the headlight underside on the A4 leaves a lively impression. The Q5's hood line, which cuts just slightly from above into the headlight edge, is invigorating. Audi's use of LEDs as daytime running lights "express bold determination when they traverse, as an arc, the bottom edge of the headlights." Ah, but, "If, however, the diodes are – as on the Audi Q5 – closer to the upper edge, then they result in a more relaxed look."

Air inlets are another part of what makes an Audi face an..... Audi face. "Parallelograms seem more authoritarian than trapezoids. Furthermore, a prominently three-dimensional and sharp-edged rendition of the air inlets’ edges and of the front spoiler intensifies sportiness." Apparently, three-dimensionality "gives the face character and symbolizes the power of the engine."

You probably didn't bother counting, but the side of every current Audi has two light-refracting edges. "The upper edge is the pronounced shoulder, which comes into sharp focus in the tornado line." Meanwhile the dynamic line beneath "rises toward the vehicle's tail end, contrary to the tornado line may go upward (A3), sweep (A5), or be calmly strung horizontally as on the A4 Avant.

Audi believes the body should comprise two-thirds of the height of the vehicle, with the glass area comprising the remainder.

Moving to the rear, Audi makes use of horizontal lines to emphasize width. Generally, a concave surface underneath the taillights enhances this effect. Inside, Audi wants to echo the lines of the exterior with a low-slung cockpit that accentuates horizontal lines. Whether or not you analyze why (or perhaps why not) an Audi looks good each time the four-rings make an appearance, all the reasons above contribute to your opinion. Whether you knew it, know it, or believe it.

CARBON MOTORS RELEASES DATA ON ITS POLICE CAR

She ain't pretty, but in relative comparison with the Dodge Charger and Ford Crown Victoria, pretty doesn't top the list of desirable characteristics. Carbon Motors has attacked this large segment of the automotive marketplace with a completely new approach.

With help from Lotus, says Carbon Motors, "this special purpose vehicle will provide a superior performing product with a much safer and more efficient operating environment for law enforcement officers, and offer a significantly lower total cost-of-ownership. A significant reduction in CO2 emissions is targeted in addition to a 30% - 50% fuel economy improvement."

The Carbon Motors police car should use a diesel engine that makes 300 horsepower and 420 lb-ft of torque. Helped by a six-speed automatic, acceleration to 60mph should be brisk: around 6.5 seconds. Fuel economy of 29mpg would be a big help to every police department on the continent. On the inside, everything will be geared towards absolute usability, perfectly geared toward the clientele. 360-degree surveillance capability, video and audio surveillance of the rear seat area, fully-fitted law enforcement equipment up front, shotgun mounts, head-up display, backup camera - it all sounds great. It sounds terrific when you realize that all of that is integrated; a car designed from the outset to work with these systems.

Carbon Motors Corp. will develope, manufacture, distribute, and service these purpose-built patrol cars. Their mission goes as far as to offer a 24/7 call centre and a predictable end-of-life process. The Carbon Motors vehicle will be geared towards fleets, quite obviously, but most clearly to the public sector.

Find out more at www.carbonmotors.com.

SUBARU RECALLS '09 FORESTER, '08 IMPREZA & '07-'08 LEGACY

Some recent Subarus "may have the cylinder head-side oil supply pipe and turbocharger-side pipe improperly assembled." The vibration that ensues could lead to the cracking of pipe(s), allowing oil to leak in dangerous and very hot places.

The 2009 Subaru Forester, 2008 Subaru Impreza, and 2007 and 2008 Subaru Legacy - 16,715 of them, NHTSA says - fall under this Recall. Subaru's available at 1-800-782-2783 to answer your questions about your Legacy, Impreza, and Forester. 

RENAULT KANGOO BE BOP TRULY... UMM... UNIQUE

One great difference between French and German automobile manufacturers can be described in this'a'way: Renault; Peugeot; and Citroen introduce weird vehicles automatically and think nothing of placing said vehicles in series production while BMW; Mercedes-Benz; Audi; VW and the gang are forced into conceptualizing strange stuff and struggle to consider production. 

The Renault Kangoo isn't a typical vehicle in its own right. Take the strange up a notch and you have the surprisingly desirable Renault Kangoo Be Bop. In Renault terms, it's the Kangoo be bop. Itty-bitty diesels displacing less than two litres and generating a smidge over 100 horsepower - or less - power a vehicle that's significantly less than four metres long. 

Renault says the Kangoo Be Bop has 16-inch wheels and thus, "holds the road with precision". That's funny. One can assume the Kangoo Be Bop will never be linked to the RenaultSport Megane in terms of handling acumen.

Unique elements and features are clearly visible in the gallery below. The regular Kangoo is pictured above.

TERRIBLE RACE FOR FERRARI - SINGAPORE F1 GRAND PRIX RESULTS

Looking through recent history, rarely (if ever) has Ferrari posted such terrible results as Felipe Massa and Kimi Raikkonen managed today in Singapore.

Of all the races these two Scuderia Ferrari drivers have started together as Ferrari F1 drivers, last year's Canadian Grand Prix looks similarly dreadful.... but not as bad. At that race, despite Massa's disqualification, Raikkonen managed fifth and some points. The Australian Grand Prix of 2008 saw Massa retire before the finish, but again, Raikkonen grabbed eighth place, a point(s) position. Fourth and thirteenth in the British GP at Silverstone this year was bad. Eighteenth and first in Belgium was ironic. Ninth and sixth in Italy wasn't tragic. 

But this.... Singapore watched as Felipe Massa drive out of the pits with his fuel hose still attached, injuring a crew member and forcing the pole sitter to slide to thirteenth spot at the chequered flag. Kimi Raikkonen finished fifteenth after an accident on the 57th lap.

Ah, but look to the generously coiffed Fernando Alonso for the good news of the day. One year after his last F1 win, Alonso built on his Renault's excellent practice sessions (and rough qualifying) to cross the finish line first. And who's that in second place? Nico Rosberg? The Toyota-powered Williams was just a few seconds back. Even Kazuki Nakajima drove his Williams into the points - eighth place.

A Toyota engine didn't help Jarno Trulli, a factory Toyota driver. He failed to finish. Timo Glock, however, Trulli's teammate, finished eight seconds back of Alonso in fourth. BMW's Nick Heidfeld was sixth; Robert Kubica's BMW dropped from a well-qualified fourth into eleventh spot.

Opposite of race winner Alonso, the other Renault driver, Nelsinho Piquet, crashed out early on and was the first to suspend his Singapore campaign. Rubens Barichello's Honda lasted only one more lap. Mark Webber's Renault-powered Red Bull finished more than twice as many laps (29) but of course, failed to complete the race. Adrian Sutil, a Force India driver with Ferrari power on his side, lapped only 49 times.

Barichello's Honda teammate, Jenson Button, was ninth, only one place out of the points. Webber's Red Bull teammate, the soon-to-retire David Coulthard, grabbed seventh. The other Force India driver, Giancarlo Fisichella, started from the pits but ended up in 14th. 

Ferrari engines reside behind the drivers of Scuderia Toro Rosso: Sebastian Vettel, last race's victor, and Sebastien Bourdais. Vettel finished fifth, one spot up on his grid position. Bourdais turned his 17th-place qualification into 12th.

Heikki Kovalainen and Lewis Hamilton had a great opportunity, given Ferrari's lapse, to make great inroads in the constructor's championship. Alas, the Finn finished tenth, out of the points. Hamilton dropped one spot from his starting position of second. Inroads or not, McLaren-Mercedes now leads Ferrari by one point in the team standings. BMW is just 14 points behind Ferrari. Hamilton's 3rd and Massa's 13th helps the British McLaren driver to a seven-point lead in the driver's standings. Fernando Alonso is now seventh in that area.

MASSA QUALIFIES HIS FERRARI ON POLE POSITION IN SINGAPORE GP

Ferrari, McLaren-Mercedes, Ferrari, BMW, McLaren-Mercedes: that'll be the starting order of cars at the first night race in Formula 1's history in Singapore tomorrow.

Felipa Massa leads Lewis Hamilton from the chequered flag. After early struggles, Kimi Raikkonen drove his Ferrari well in Q3. Robert Kubica continues to contend for poles and race leads with his BMW; Heikki Kovalainen sits fifth.

Click here for the race watching page for the Singapore GP

A number of problems arose during practice sessions and qualifying. Entering the pits is a bit dangerous with cars traveling at half the speed of other cars on the racing line. Eek. Curb troubles weren't as severe in qualifying as in practice - a number of adjustments had been made prior to this evening's Singapore Grand Prix qualifying.

The remaining qualifying results are below.

Felipe Massa - Ferrari: 1:44.801

Lewis Hamilton - McLaren-Mercedes: 1:44

Kimi Räikkönen - Ferrari: 1:45.617
Robert Kubica -  BMW: 1:45.779
Heikki Kovalainen -  McLaren-Mercedes: 1:45.873
Nick Heidfeld -  BMW: 1:45.964
Sebestian Vettel -  Scuderia Toro Rosso Ferrari: 1:46.244
Timo Glock -  Toyota: 1:46.328
Nico Rosberg -  Williams Toyota: 1:46.611
Kazuki Nakajima -  Williams Toyota: 1:47.547
Jarno Trulli -  Toyota: 1:45.038
Jenson Button -  Honda: 1:45.133
Mark Webber -  Red Bull Renault 1:45.212
David Coulthard - Red Bull Renaut=lt: 1:45.298
Fernando Alonso -  Renault: no time
Nelsinho Piquet Jr. -  Renault: 1:46.037
Sebastien Bourdais -  Scuderia Toro Rosso Ferrari: 1:46.389
Rubens Barrichello -  Honda: 1:46.583
Adrian Sutil - Force India Ferrari 1:47.940 

Giancarlo Fisichella - Force India Ferrari: no time

WATCH SINGAPORE GRAND QUALIFYING STREAMING FREE ONLINE FRIDAY

At an unpredictable race, guessing as to the importance of qualifying at the Formula 1 Singapore Grand Prix as about all you can do. Will the glaring lights and rough curbs prevent passing or make accidents, spins, and overtakes so frequent that this becomes the Daytona 500? Or will we see the pole position become Monaco-essential?

One way or another, check here just before the start of qualifying for live action. Windows/IE users should be able to tune in to a player in the midst of this text. Any difficulties? Follow this link to catch live Singapore qualifying action in an unaffiliated place. The official GoodCarBadCar.net race post you'll need for tomorrow morning is located HERE.

THE EVOLUTION OF THE NEW, MODERN FIAT 500

In an era when spy shots of upcoming vehicles weren't plastered across Google Image search results and preliminary specifactions failed to grab the attention of blogosphere comment sections, Fiat, the Italian Automobile Factory of Torino, manufactured the 500. Between 1957 and 1975, the diminutive 500 was equipped with similarly diminutive engines. Generally, with capacities under 1 litre, the 500 wasn't fast but was driven on Italian highways and village roads as though it was Ferrari-like in its ability. 

There's a new Fiat 500 now. Fiat calls it "bumper-to-bumper cool". At first glance you will assume the new 500 is a retro imitation of the original, but in size alone, the new 500 clearly diverts. Fiat has extended the length of the modern 500 by nearly two feet, in part to deal with current safety regulations. 

While still inexpensive, the Fiat 500 caters slightly to the premium small-car buying crowd that loves the Mini Cooper. Fiat's Panda, the car on which the 500 is based, is left to mop up the truly economical segment. Times are moving quickly in Turin, however, and even the new 500 is moving on. For a better understanding, take a look at the evolution of the Nuova 500. 

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FIAT TREPIUNO CONCEPT: Technologically advanced in a way that couldn't lead anyone to believe Fiat was aiming for the bargain basement with the modern incarnation of the 500.

FIAT 500: Maximum horsepower sits at 100bhp from a 1.4L, but if you can make it under the bar, one can go as low as a 69bhp 1.2L.

FIAT 500 ABARTH: Bumping horsepower up 35% is nothing to sneeze at, even if 135bhp sounds small. Abarth is now to Fiat what AMG is to Mercedes-Benz.

FIAT 500 ABARTH ESSEESSE: If Abarth is the equivalent of AMG, the esseesse is the equivalent of the AMG Black series. Its kit will hit your dealer in a famous Abarth box with perforated and ventilated front brake discs; lowering springs; and white or titanium wheels. Oh, and 160 horsepower. The Fiat 500 Abarth esseesse should be able to top 130mph.

FIAT 500 ABARTH ASSETTO CORSE: 49 examples of the Assetto Corse will be built for track users. Ultra-light racing wheels are just one of multiple weight-saving measures that stripped away 180kg (396 lbs). Owners also receive their own Assetto Corse overalls, helmets, gloves, and shoes.

UPDATE ON HUSKER BMW RIP-OFF OF M3 BUYER

Back in March of this year, a BMW dealership in Lincoln, Nebraska made trouble for themselves. It became a fairly big consumer rights story and the world wide web became an important player in the quest to get a man his promised BMW M3. 

Unfortunately, the eBay seller (Husker BMW) created two problems that afflict more than just themselves. For skeptics who were frightened by the process of purchasing online - proof was gained. For the countless multitudes who are routinely sickened by automotive dealership practices - yes, more proof was discovered.

However, long after this story died down, The Good Car Guy became an investigative reporter for.... oh, five minutes, and discovered that, quite commonly, Husker BMW is an all-around wonderful eBay user.

This link takes you to their eBay feedback page. Over the last month, they've received two instances of positive feedback; nothing else. Over the span of the last six months, eleven positives are all there is to see. Over the last twelve months, thirty-three positives and one negative instance of feedback are plain to see. Husker has a feedback rating of 97.1% and has been a member since 2004. Not perfect, considering the ease with which you can find perfect ratings on eBay, but pretty stinkin' close.

Was Husker BMW way out line in the March situation? Surely. But are they the most awful, wicked, wretched BMW seller on eBay? It doesn't appear as such.

YOUR AUTOMOTIVE OTT OVERLOAD TRIO OF THE DAY

Conveniently released in close chronological proximity to one another, for Ford F-450 Harley Davidson; Bentley Arnage Final Series; and TechArt Porsche 911 GTstreet RS are all absolutely over the top in multiple ways.

That's not to say The Good Car Guy can't cast an appreciative eye towards the Ford, Bentley, or TechArt tuned Porsche. The trio just happens to be..... wildly averse to the goings-on around the globe. Other recent debuts include: the next Volkswagen GTI, a subtle performance car with a normal appearahce and surprising efficiency; the Jeep Patriot Back Country Concept, Jeep's small Jeep in tough drag; and the 2009 BMW 3-Series, a vehicle that capably mixes performance; luxury; and efficiency. 

Yet from Ford, Bentley, and Porsche you have the complete opposite. Consumption, both of space and stuff, is the order of the day. Ford calls their F-450 Harley Davidson the "Big Hog Daddy" of the road. Um-hmm. TechArt "offers a virtually endless range of possibilities to meet all tastes in furnishings." The special edition of the Arnage has a steering wheel tha requirest "16 hours of double-stitching" and the car needs 17 hides. The brake discs are the largest fitted to any production car on sale today.

But somebody wants to buy a gigantic pickup where the blue-flame paint scheme "starts at the side vents and runs down to the box side of the truck" and is then carried inward to the gauges in the IP. Indeed, oh yes, somebody wants a gigantic Ford truck with Harley-Davidson badges on the fenders, tailgate, and box side.

TechArt believes some customers demand a 911 GT2 with 690 horsepower and 634 lb-ft of torque. A car which has undergone egregious exterior modifications like the rear apron with carbon diffuser, air outlet and carbon air wings.

Meanwhile Bentley will find buyers for the Final Series, a car that'll be bult just 150 times in a farewell to the Arnage. To be a fond farewell, a Bentley needs a jewel fuel filler cap made from billet aluminum and polished stainless steel treadplates. There's a new rear cocktail cabinet, three optional woods for the picnic tables, 42 exterior colours, 25 interior leather shades, and a top speed of 179 mph. You read that correctly: 288 km/h.

Quite clearly Bentley, Ford, and TechArt are of the belief that an automobile manufacturer can never go too far. Somebody... somewhere... somehow, will want you to step it up a notch.

DRIVER QUOTES LEADING UP TO THE F1 SINGAPORE GRAND PRIX

As F1 seasons approach their end, tensions always rise. Blood pressure; too. Previously-held negative beliefs regarding your teammate have likely grown stronger. Relative to the pit crew, reactions to their ineptitude have likely been of the temper tantrum variety. 

Including this weekend's night race in Singapore, only four challenges remain. Japan, China, and Brazil follow in succession. After fourteen races, the quotes usually get better and the stories are more significant. Here's a collection of F1 driver quotes from the very recent past leading up to the Formula 1 Singapore Grand Prix.

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"I’ve never raced at night before, but I don’t think it is going to be a problem." Lewis Hamilton, McLaren-Mercedes: currently #1 in the chamionship.

"I am really looking forward to competing in it and, hopefully, making a little history." Felipe Massa, Ferrari: currently #2 in the championship. (Photo top right, AP)

"Visibility is no problem, just a slight glare from the lights, but no problem." Nico Rosberg, Williams: currently #14 in the championship.

"At a new circuit the first lap you walk with the team is very important as you assess the corners and try to guess what speed will be needed at that corner, where will be the breaking point and which gear you will use." Fernando Alonso, Renault: currently #7 in the championship.

"We should never underestimate what Toro Rosso has done this year. If you look at their pace in the last few races, especially in qualifying, I think they have been seriously fast. We can't take anything for granted." Heikki Kovalainen, McLaren-Mercedes: currently #6 in the championship.

"The kerbs are like little tortoises and if you get something wrong you wreck the car." Ferrari's Felipe Massa.

(Click here for the Singapore GP online viewing page)

"We work with each other and want Ferrari to be world champion, but we are not friends. We have no private relationship. If we are together in a meeting, when it is finished he opens the door and is gone." Again, Ferrari's Felipe Massa in reference to Kimi Raikkonen.

"I've said it many times - victory is the only objective, the essence of motor racing. I'm not just here for driving - I want to win." Ferrari driver Kimi Raikkonen: currently #4 in the championship.

"Normally you would be resting in an evening but in Singapore the race will start at 8pm." Toyota driver Timo Glock: currently #11 in the championship.

"They say it's a night race but for the drivers it will be really bright." BMW driver Robert Kubica: currently #3 in the championship.

"Rain combined with the artificial light is the great unknown for me with this race." BMW driver Nick Heidfeld: currently #5 in the championship.

"My thoughts are still on next year, but when you jump into a Grand Prix you have to give it everything, otherwise it is unsafe initially. There is no point thinking otherwise. My focus is not on next year. It is on every race I go for. I think the team's focus should be on next year." Honda driver Jenson Button: currently #18 in the championship.

ALL THE VOLKSWAGEN GTI GENERATIONS - PICTURES AND STATS

Way out in advance of its North American on-sale date, the sixth-generation Volkswagen Golf GTI has been revealed online. The GTI MKVI is no slouch, and for a full rundown of the next GTI, it'd be worth clicking over to the GTI post.

Below you'll find a brief rundown of each and every GTI generation, from MK 1 through to the MK 5 that sits outside your local VW dealership to the MK 6 'concept' introduced today. While special editions may be pictured and specifications may've varied from model year to model year, the brief spec rundown below refers to the original of each GTI.

MK1 VOLKSWAGEN GTI

Introduced in Europe: 1976

Introduced in North America: 1983

Engine: 1.6L, 108 horsepower

U.S. MSRP: $8,000 in 1983

MK2 VOLKSWAGEN GTI

Introduced in Europe: 1983

Introduced in North America: 1985

Engine: 1.8L, 137 horsepower

U.S. MSRP: $11,280 in 1992

MK3 VOLKSWAGEN GTI

Introduced in Europe: 1991

Introduced in North America: 1993

Engine: 2.0L, 115 horsepower & 2.8L V6, 172 horsepower 

U.S. MSRP: $19,375 for VR6 in 1995

MK4 VOLKSWAGEN GTI

Introduced in Europe: 1998

Introduced in North America: 2000

Engine: 2.0L, 115 horsepower &  turbo 1.8L, 150 horsepower & 2.8L V6, 174 horsepower

U.S. MSRP: $19,225 for 1.8T in 2000

MK5 VOLKSWAGEN GTI

Introduced in Europe: 2002

Introduced in North America: 2006

Engine: turbo 2.0L, 197 horsepower

U.S. MSRP: $22,990 today

MK6 VOLKSWAGEN GTI

European Introduction: 2009

North American Introduction: est 2011

Engine: turbo 2.0L, 207 horsepower

VOLKSWAGEN GTI MK VI UNVEILED IN CONCEPT FORM

From the start, Volkswagen brass knew they were onto something. In an era when fuel prices necessitated fuel efficient automobiles but people weren't yet weaned off of hi-po muscle cars, Volkswagen merged two things: efficiency and fun. The first GTI is legendary; not just for being a trend-starter, but for being a good car.

The third generation Golf-based GTI was a bit of a letdown. Weight increases led to a need for more power. But the V6 in the front of a small car did it no favours. Late last decade, the GTI MK IV improved in so many ways, but compared with some of its more nimble competitors, that GTI was a sluggard.

Presently we have the fifth-generation GTI, a car that takes a refined and technologically advanced engine and pairs it with a willing chassis. Yes, it is a big car and yes; it is a heavy car. But now it's hidden. The GTI is fun to drive, and its iconic and memorable characteristics have landed it on GoodCarBadCar.net's The Good 12. 

For the sixth-generation GTI, a hatchback completely based on the Golf (Rabbit in North America), VW won't mess with a successful formula. A humble hatchback package is enhanced with stunning wheels (the current telephone dial wheels are ranked #2 in autodom), tartan seats, and bits of red trim splashed throughout the exterior and interior. The 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder will be bumped upwards by 10 horsepower. The real engine advancements come in terms of efficiency and cleanliness.

Check out the new Golf/Rabbit here

Volkswagen has found a way to drop the GTI's CO2 rating by 11g/km. Its fuel economy rating on the EU cycle should go up by 2.3mpg. The gallery for the new GTI - officially still in concept form - is below.

OLDER MERCEDES-BENZ M-CLASS RECALLED FOR POWER STEERING PROBLEM

The first-generation of Mercedes-Benz M-Class wasn't exactly renowned for its quality feel. It's no surprise to see the 1998-2003 M-Class called up to the front by NHTSA for power steering problems more than a decade after it was introduced.

102,954 Mercedes MLs could have problems with a hose clamp that's used to secure the power steering fluid cooling hose to the fluid cooler. Without sufficient clamping for this connection, there could be a loss of fluid and, over time or quite suddenly, a degrading power steering pump.

Suddenly losing power steering on a beast of this size is no joy. The fact that it could result in an ML320 or ML500 crash won't surprise you. All vehicles previously repaired for this issue on an earlier Recall should be brought in again because the first repair might not've cut it. Confusion as to whether or not your M-Class Benz is included can be cleared up with this M-B number: 1-800-367-6372. 

2009 MASERATI QUATTROPORTE AVAILABLE WITH 4.7L V8

Named by The Good Car Guy as the third-best looking car for the company CEO in a GCBC Top 5, the Maserati Quattroporte is being upgraded.

Two new leather options replace beige: Marrone Corniola and Sabbia. The new grille is more GranTurismoesque. LEDs are present at both the front and rear. A new centre console ought to be more ergnomic and the new Maserati Multimedia System incorporates a new (and one would hope, incredibly improved) navigation system. 

But you kind of don't really actually truly care at all. The Q'Porte S is now fitted with a 4.7L V8 generating 430 horsepower, a pleasant bump over the standard and significantly less torquey 400-bhp 4.2L V8. The gallery for the 2009 Maser Q'Porte is below.

WHAT IS THE CHRYSLER ELECTRIC VEHICLE?

Like the Jeep EV that was discussed on GCBC already, the Chrysler Electric Vehicle is capable of 40 miles on electric power alone that's also able to travel 400 miles with the help of a gasoline engine. Power for the Chrysler EV, a Town & Country minivan, is rated at 255 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque.

Minivans are perfect family vehicles and prone to deep consideration from those who need both space and environmental friendliness. Chrysler will be able to use the T&C as a mule for other front-wheel drive applications. ChryslerGoesElectric.com explains all of this more thoroughly.

Check out the GCBC posts on the Dodge EV and Jeep EV here

WHAT IS THE JEEP ELECTRIC VEHICLE?

New fuel-saving technology isn't hitting the SUV market quite as quickly as it's taking over the small car segment. You'll soon be able to purchase a very inexpensive Honda Insight. The Toyota Prius is known to all. Upgrading significantly to the Chevrolet Volt isn't too far off. In the sport-ute world, the soft crossover Lexus RX400h is way too expensive and not financially beneficial. The Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid is based on a vehicle - the Tahoe - that doesn't conform with the habits of a huge chunk of the populace.

Read about the Dodge EV here

But Chrysler has a plan with the Jeep EV, based on the Wrangler four-door, to take a classic vehicle into the new world. Jeep calls it a range-extended electric vehicle that "uses an electric motor, an advanced lithium-ion battery system, and a small gasoline engine with an integrated electric generator to produce additional energy to power the electric-drive system when needed." 268 horsepower and 295-lb-ft of torque power the Wrangler EV, but the powerplant can work, like the Chevy Volt, up to 40 miles without the internal-combustion engine. Overall, a range of 400 miles is anticipated. Chrysler LLC sees the Wrangler is the perfect type of vehicle to work with in-wheel electric motors, an idea the Lightning Electric Car has brought to fruition.

Check the news on the Chrysler EV here

WHAT IS THE DODGE ELECTRIC VEHICLE?

Lotus is as much an engineering firm as they are a mass manufacturer of automobiles. The Elise, Exige, and Europa all stem from the same aluminum tub; not one of them contends for sales crowns in any nation.

So when Chrysler LLC comes to Lotus for engineering work, of course Lotus agrees to take on the project. You may be very familiar with some of Lotus' work while much of it goes un-praised. For instance, as was made clear in pictures earlier this month, the Tesla Roadster is oh-so-very-much a Lotus Elise made to work with electric-power only. The weight of extra batteries forced changes that Lotus is adept at making.

Read about the Chrysler EV and Jeep EV here

As Chrysler rolls out a trio of EVs, the Dodge version is oh-so-very-much a Lotus Europa made to work with lithium-ion battery technology that should offer a range up tp 200 miles. Along with range comes extreme speed - the Dodge EV can hit 60mph in less than five seconds and travel upwards of 120mph. Thank 480 lb-ft of torque for impressive off-the-line quickness. 

Around the time Tesla's Roadster becomes a more frequent sight in wealthy communities in SoCal, Chrysler LLC wants to have 100 of these EVs in the hands of government, business, and Chrysler fleets. That's before 2010; before the Chevrolet Volt rolls in to mass production of 10,000 units in its first year.

Tesla is asking over $100,000 USD for their Roadster. Were Dodge to build an EV just like this one, it'd be expected to cost significantly less even if Chrysler had to lose money in the process.

VOLKSWAGEN PICKUP CONCEPT REVEALED AS A SEARCH & RESCUE TRUCK

Years and years of rumour and innuendo has eventually led to a moment where Volkswagen has released images of a truck in beach-side search and rescue form. A truck that could be called the Robust in production can be seen underneath and behind the light bar, lift kit, graphics, defibrillator, and life jackets.

Details are sketchy at this point but for the fact that Volkswagen plans to build the truck in Argentina and introduce it on that continent as well as Europe, South Africa, and Australia late next year. VW Group's range of diesels are the first powerplants of choice. Interior design is recognizable as Volkswagen-like but simpler than any North American-market VeeDub.

Compared with a Chevrolet Silverado crew cab/short box, the Volkswagen concept is 24 inches shorter from bumper-to-bumper and five inches narrower. That makes it about as wide and a smidge shorter than a Toyota Tacoma Access Cab.