FORD FOCUS RS - WATCH FIFTH GEAR TEST

British television show Fifth Gear has given the Ford Focus RS the opportunity shine.... or be revealed as a sometimes-shallow car like the previous-generation Focus RS. The best line from the video you'll witness below comes at the 1:35 mark when the RS's tester says, "Oh she's... oh, she's a bit nervous on entry" with a twitch at the wheel and a nervous look on his face. Wait for it.

For another Ford Focus RS video, click here. Get Focus RS specs here. Shocking statistics are here.

MAZDA CX-9 RECALL

Another GoodCarBadCar.net Good 12 Supersize winner goes up on the NHTSA chopping block this week. 30,600 CX-9s built from the '07-'09 model years could have problems with their power seats and the power operation's associated pieces. In the end, the risk is that of certain uncontrollable functions (not bodily) that could make driving difficult. "Dealers will inspect the seat harness and fasten the seat frame with a cable tie," NHTSA says.

Wait for Mazda to contact you sometime in early March or contact Mazda at 1-800-222-5500.

ACROSS THE POND - TATA NANO

From the first week of April, residents of India will be able to purchase a Tata Nano for about 100,000 rupees. That's the equivalent of $1,958.74 USD as I type. The Nano isn't pretty, but it is the product of a massive industrial conglomerate that reaches from Tetley Tea to Jaguar and Land Rover automobiles. For The Good Car Guy's indivualized spec sheet of the new Tata Nano, keep reading.

TATA NANO SPECIFICATIONS

Horsepower: You mean foalpower? 33, if you're lucky

Cylinders: Dual

Curb Weight: Dwayne Wade, Shaquille O'Neal, Reggie Bush, Yao Ming and Zdeno Chara

Fuel Tank Capacity: Equivalent to toilet bowl

Transmission: Quad speed

Fuel Economy: Wicked sweet

Wheelbase: Almost as long as that of the Porsche 911

CADILLAC SRX VIDEO LOOKS AT ALL-WHEEL DRIVE

Cadillac's 2010 SRX follows up on the first-generation crossover that was impressive; but not impressive enough to take over its segment. General Motors has upped the ante with the design and has made an attempt to upgrade the all-wheel drive. Listen to the Cadillac employee in the video below as he drives the new SRX through snowy conditions for a bit of an explanation.

AUTO DEALERSHIPS CLOSING EVERYWHERE

Few methods depress a community like filling windows with brown paper and adding "For Lease" signs to the doors. It's discouraging enough when a downtown core is struck with music stores closing and restaurants giving up, but when huge parking lots sit empty and graffiti strikes the windows of large boxes in the middle of said parking lots, morale sinks to new lows.

Such is the case with car dealerships in the United States. For a mish-mash of facts and figures, check out the $$$ and Numbers below. The story isn't happy - but it's honest.

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881 - total car dealerships in the USA that began 2008 with their doors open but closed by the end of the year, according to data firm Urban Science; making 2008 the worst year for dealership shutdowns on record

4.2 - percentage of all automobile dealrships in the United States to have shutdown in 2008, 80% of which were dealers of the Chrysler/Dodge/Jeep or Ford/Lincoln/Mercury or General Motors variety

2 - average number of car dealerships shutting down in the USA every day, according to the National Automobile Dealers Association

1000 - anticipated number of automobile dealership closures in 2009

20,084 - total car dealerships open today, not counting possible closures since the data was released, helped no doubt by the fact that Hawaii and a few other states didn't lose any more dealerships then they gained in '08

2,000,000 - annual tax revenue, measured in USD, brought in to the city of Gilroy, California by Don Malinoff's Ford/Lincoln/Mercury and Pontiac/GMC dealerships that are now closed

3,000,000 - budget deficit, measured in USD, of the city of Gilroy, California before the closure of the two aforementioned dealerships which also resulted in job losses for 61 individuals

31 - percentage of total taxable sales earned on automobile selling in the city of Dublin, California in 2007 before dropping to 27% in the third quarter of last year before four Bay Area General Motors dealers abruptly closed up shop this year

640 - total Mazda North America dealers at this moment, down from 900 three years ago

GALLERY - ROLLS ROYCE 200EX CONCEPT - 29 PICTURES

The eventual release of a "smaller" Rolls-Royce has been stirred around as rumour for ages. The purpose of the 200EX you see below was to be "modern, lithe and dynamic", words not normally linked to BMW-owned; Goodwood-based Rolls.

However, the 200EX's wheelbase stretches almost 130 inches. Overall length is more than 17.5 feet. And its still over 5 feet tall. In other words, the 200EX has a wheelbase 6 inches longer than that of the Lincoln Town Car. The Rolls-Royce concept is a few inches taller than the Chrysler 300. Its length is even greater than the unwieldy Cadillac DTS. Put it this way: don't expect the RR4 to be a competitor for the Honda Civic, let alone the Honda Accord... not to mention the largest American cars in series production. Except that of President Obama's Beast. Take note of how many of the angles chosen for the 29-pic Gallery were chosen by Rolls-Royce to make the 200EX look as small as possible.

GALLERY - 2010 MERCEDES-BENZ E-CLASS COUPE - 30 PICTURES

Mercedes-Benz is traveling off its own beaten path with the introduction of the 2010 E-Class coupe. Traditionally speaking, at least as far as the last decade or so goes, Mercedes-Benz doesn't do a couple things you'd expect them to: Firstly, Mercedes doesn't name their coupes or convertibles after their sedans; and secondly, Mercedes doesn't build a coupe based on the E-Class architecture.

The C-Class generally gives way to the CLK coupe which is priced and styled as though it's an E-Class coupe. That's the way it used to be. The S-Class is the basis for the CL-Class, priced in a world where you and I don't belong. As you can see in the 30 pictures below, Mercedes-Benz ignores short-lived tradition and goes back to a midsize coupe which has very few direct competitors. Mercedes-Benz, as you'll recall, loves little niches where the 3-pointed star is the only player. See SLK hardtop convertible and CLS-Class "coupe' as supporting evidence.

Thus, the good-looking E-Class coupe will most likely use a 5.5L V8 in North America and perhaps a 3.5L V6. An E63 AMG version with the 6.2L naturally-aspirated V8 is beyond probable. Mercedes says this coupe is the most aerodynamically efficient production automobile with a CoD of 0.24. Fuel efficiency is helped not only by that figure but also by available diesel engines (for us? probably not) and such simplified technology as on-demand steering and fuel pumps and an alternator control system that takes into account current electrical needs. 

As far as the design, Benz's pillarless look with the side windows completely disappearing is the standout feature. Apart from that, this car is very E-Class at the front, very CLK in profile, and rather large. Classy and mostly current; but not the most innovative coupe design.

BMW's basic 6-Series is way more expensive than a basic E-Class sedan. Audi's A5/S5 duo competes beneath, as does BMW's 3-Series coupe. For your records, in the coupe world Porsche's Cayman, the Audi S5, and the Chevrolet Corvette come closest to the $53,200 base price of an E350 sedan as it stands today.

GALLERY - 2010 FIAT 500C - 3 PHOTOS

Sticking with the 75 horsepower diesel and two distinct 1.2L gasoline-fed four-cylinders with 69 or 100 horsepower, the most recent incarnation of the Fiat's 500 doesn't make news for power. That part of the story remains the same in this pseudo-convertible version of the 500, the 500C, as it is with the regular car. Nah, the 500 and 500C are all about style, and the car you see pictured hopes customers will enjoy the view upward enough to pay a premium.

The power softop that Fiat calls a "window to the sky" is available in three colours: ivory, red, and black. Leaving the rails in place, says Fiat, retains "all-round protection". That's another way of saying, "We saved money". But so will you. Had Fiat gone whole hog and engineered a car more faithful to the convertible genre, potential 500C customers would have most definitely seen a higher pricetag. Considering the 500's penchant for startling consumer's wallets, this is no bad thing. 

Could Chrysler's need for Fiat's help indicate a future for the 500C in North America? One would hope so, alongside the much cheaper Panda 100HP, a GoodCarBadCar.net favourite.

GALLERY - AUDI A4 ALLROAD QUATTRO - 3 PICTURES

Will this alternative to the regular Audi A4 Avant join the Avant in GoodCarBadCar.net's The Good 12 v3.0 next December? It seems unlikely, given The Good Car Guy's propensity for avoiding loftier price tags for the main purpose of styling advances. However, the A4 Allroad is a lifestyle choice that reeks of prestige and, with over seven inches of ground clearance, won't be an absolute joke when curb crawling.

In addition to the ground clearance increases, Audi has flared the wheelarches, added two-tone paint and a butch roof rack, and designed angular sills that are available in stainless steel. Vehicles like the Audi A6 Allroad, Volvo XC70, and Subaru Outback have proven this category of vehicle to be desirable to thousands. Will the A4 Allroad succeed? Not if the regular A4 Avant's pricetag has anything to say about it.

WATCH MITSUBISHI LANCER EVO X IN HYPER DORKY EURO COMMERCIAL

European regulators force automakers into awkward situations that we in North America can't understand. The small print we regularly see - "Professional Driver On Closed Course" and "Do Not Attempt" - isn't a part of what the nannies want viewers to see. In the end, rulings have been passed that severely limit the fun to be had by a professional driver on a closed course while filming a commercial for consumption in many European nations.

Why are we talking about this now? Check out the terribly lame advert below and try convincing me that it isn't an Evo X turnoff.

HONDA ODYSSEY RECALL SMALL IN NUMBER FOR SERIOUS BRAKE ISSUE

421 brand new Honda Odysseys from model year 2009 are being recalled, says NHTSA, because of "incorrect brake hoses" being installed during assembly. "The brake hose can contact the caliper bolt and over time a hole may develop which will allow brake fluid to leak". 

The obvious decrease in braking capability is dangerous, fortunately fixable, and thankfully possible on only a small number of Honda's Odyssey minivan. Any Odyssey fitted with incorrect hoses will have new hoses installed. Apart from receiving a notice, one other way to find out whether your Odyssey is involved in this NHTSA Recall is to call Honda at 1-800-999-1009. For the record, the Honda Odyssey is one member of the first ever Good 12 Supersize.

WATCH PAGANI ZONDA R TESTING

Pictures of Pagani's ultimate Zonda were shown on GoodCarBadCar.net recently. The beauty of the internet now allows you to listen to the Pagani Zonda R. Yowzah. Things get interesting at the 31-second mark. 2:40 is worth waiting for, as well.

We could thank evo magazine for putting the video together and sharing on YouTube. But we really ought to be grateful to Horacio Pagani. Dude has vision.

INFINITI CENTRE ROMA

Fassina SpA is handling the introduction of Infinitis to Italy. First up, the capital city of Rome. Seven others will be on their way spread across the land of Alfa Romeo, Lancia, and Maserati. Already in Europe fourteen other Infiniti centres have opened their doors.

Perched along the Tevere river along the Salaria road, this Infiniti dealer is a 1,750 square metre facility ready to play to the vain needs of luxury-minded European customers in a way no joint Nissan/Infiniti dealer in my neighbourhood can. Check out the pictures and hope that Infiniti's success in Europe comes quickly enough that Fassina SpA can pay off their furniture debt before the interest rates kick in. Read more about Infiniti's Euro incursion here and here or here.

FERRARI SALES AND REVENUE RECORDS IN 2008

Ferrari made lots of money in calendar year 2008. Relatively speaking, Ferrari sold lots of cars. They sold lots of cars in lots of places; thereby making lots of money in lots of places by selling lots of cars. But Ferrari also sells lots of stuff. That helps with the money making. Want details? Check out the Numbers and the $$$ below.

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17.6 - Ferrari's Return on Sales, measured in percentage points, registered in 2008, up from 15.9% in 2007

1,921,000,000 - Ferrari revenues in 2008, measured in €, an increase of 15.2% over 2007

18 - percent of revnues devoted to research and development in 2008

16 - total victories in the Formula 1 Constructor's Championship as of Kimi Raikkonen/Felipe Massa's team effort in 2008, with eight team championships in the last ten years

6,587 - total Ferrari sales deliveries in 2008

2 - percentage worldwide sales growth for Ferrari in 2008

1,700 - total Ferrari sales deliveries in 2008 in North America, 26% of the world total

23 - percentage growth in Ferrari sales in eastern Europe compared with 2007

366 - total Ferrari sales deliveries in the Middle East and South Africa combined, bumped up 12% from 2007

1,089 - total Ferrari sales deliveries in the Asia-Pacific region, with 433 in Japan and 212 in China, up 15 and 20 percent respectively

339,000,000 - Ferrari's trading profit in 2008, as measured in €, an increase of 27% over 2007

25 - total Ferrari retail stores across the planet which combined to post increased revenues of 16% with all licensing-related revenues up 35%

3,000 - total Ferrari employees to which €4,000,000 was devoted to new structural work at facilities and specialist training

4 - main models in Ferrari's vehicle lineup: F430 (with Spider, Scuderia, and 16M derivatives), 599 GTB Fiorano, 612 Scaglietti, and the California hardtop convertible which only began deliveries in 2009

GALLERY - PORSCHE PANAMERA INTERIOR - 3 PICTURES

As dramatically ugly as the new Porsche Panamera is and will continue to be, Porsche's release of pictures taken inside the Porsche Panamera show where the designers spent their time. Clearly ranking as one of the classiest and most modern interiors in a luxury sedan, these new Panamera pictures display something that looks straight out of a housing design magazine.

It's what's on the inside that counts, our mothers always told us. Don't judge a book by its cover, said our librarians and teachers. That's where you'll spend most of your time anyway, say the older automotive critics. In the Panamera's case, these sayings are especially true. Check out all Porsche-related posts here.

GALLERY - ACURA TSX V6 - 24 PICTURES

Typically a 201-horsepower car, the Acura TSX will potentially become a 280-horsepower car. That is, if you specify the new 3.5L V6 engine Acura will be making available for the 2010 model year. 

Previously, even top-tier TSXs didn't enter the Acura TL playing field; not the normal product plan in the luxury sector where, for instance, the BMW 3-Series overlaps with the 5-Series which overlaps with the 7-Series. With the V6 TSX, Acura spans the gap and provides something special for plenty of customers who were attracted to the TSX because of its gentle yet sporty demeanor but couldn't get over the lackluster acceleration.

In the USA, a TSX with a 5-speed automatic or 6-speed manual is just over $29,000. At the upper end, $32,260 nets you the technology package. The TL starts just under $35,000 with that same 280-bhp V6 and front-wheel drive. Check out all 24 pictures of the new Acura TSX V6 below.

GALLERY - MAYBACH ZEPPELIN - 13 PICTURES

The Zeppelin is ugly. You knew that already, because the title makes very clear that this car is a Maybach. Maybachs are inherently ugly, unless you count the Exelero, a concept never to be produced.

Maybach, a Mercedes-Benz division, wants to produce 100 of these Zeppelins. Considering past Maybach sales success, or distinct lack thereof, it may be difficult to sell all manufactured examples. Horsepower is bumped up by 28. Perfume atomiser - present and accounted for. Contrasting paint on the shoulderline is nasty but obvious. The Zeppelin can be had in either Maybach 57 or Maybach 62 guise, with the 62 Zeppelin adding €67,200 to the 57 Zeppelin's €406,000 pricetag. Check out all 13 pictures below, if you can stomach it.

GALLERY - SAAB 9-3X - 16 PHOTOS

During a period where certain automotive brands are having their very existence called into question, business must continue as usual. For Saab, that means endless derivatives of decent but uncompetitive vehicles. 

For the 9-3, that means a Volvo XC70esque, Subaru Outback-like 9-3X. Yes, when in doubt, add all-wheel drive and lower body cladding. Saab calls the 9-3X "the ideal alternative to large and heavy crossovers or SUVs". The Good Car Guy argues that the aforementioned Outback or XC70 would be.... more ideal?

You know the rest: Saab's typically turbocharged engine with a thoroughly conceived all-wheel drive system they call XWD. We all recognize that a car like the 9-3X will do little or nothing for a company that needs a massive sales increase and a large bottom line bump. But take a look at the 16 pictures below, anyway.

GALLERY - FORD TAURUS SHO - 36 PICTURES

It's SHOtime, Ford lovers. For 2010, Ford will be releasing more than just the regular run-of-the-mill (and very upgraded) Taurus. Indeed, the SHO is back for the first time since '99. Perhaps Taurus isn't a brand that reverberates well with ye; but SHO ought to.

365 horsepower and 350 lb-ft of torque are produced by a twin-turbocharged 3.5L V6. Up to this point, no other Ford product we know of makes more power than this EcoBoost embodiment. A six-speed automatic sends all that power to all four wheels. Want your Taurus SHO to play the game with even more talent? Specify the performance package and receive uprated brakes, retuned stability control, and a shorter final drive ratio.

On paper, this is a car to get Ford lovers talkin' again. Check out all 36 pictures of the stealthy but handsome 2010 Ford Taurus SHO in the gallery below.

GALLERY - MAZDA MX-5 MIATA FACELIFT - 77 PICTURES

We all know and love (or like) the Mazda MX-5 Miata. It's not difficult to appreciate a vehicle with well-rounded dynamics, a handsome design, and stats that show the little two-seater to be the best-selling roadster of all time.

Mazda says the rejigged design is more dynamic and strong, "harmonised with Mazda's lineup". The front end, say they, is more aggressive and aerodynamic. The headlamps have a new "quality look", Mazda suggests. New fog lamps are strong and sporty, we're told.

New side sills and garnishes are more sculpted than before. This helps the rear wheel wells pull off a sporty crouch, allegedly. Rear bumper thickness is  highlighted, which is supposed to be a good thing. Mazda says all kinds of other stuff, too. Gauge for yourself and spot the differences based on 77 pictures below.

GALLERY - MINI JOHN COOPER WORKS CONVERTIBLE - 31 PICTURES

The pictures below says BMW's Mini division, reveal the world's fastest small premium convertible. World sounds very inclusive. How many other small premium convertibles are there? Mini doesn't say. 

Oh but it's so cute, ain't it? And fast, too. 211 horsepower and an electronic differential lock control system see to that. In the UK, prices will be set at £23,470. In the USA, Mini typically adds about $5,000 to any hardtop model when it becomes a convertible. That should put the Mini John Cooper Works Convertible at about $34,500.

GALLERY - FORD F-150 HARLEY DAVIDSON - 26 PICTURES

While this is the first Harley-Davidson edition of the latest F-150 Ford pickup, Harley-Davidson's name has appeared on F-Series pickups going back to the year 2000 fourteen different times. 

Paint is optinally Harley Black or Ford Lava. 22-inch wheels help make a strong visual statement. Inside, the leather seating is based on Harley-Davidson branded clothing. Standard F-150s provide a wonderful cabin ambience - this top-of-the-line truck takes truck cabins to a pretty amazing level. Check out all 26 pics below.

GALLERY - HONDA INSIGHT BY MUGEN - 3 PHOTOS AND A VIDEO

Restoring the Honda Insight to its sportier concept debut form may not be too great a priority for most Insight customers. Apart from the Hollywood elite, most buyers of a sub-$20K car aren't overflowing with cash for aftermarket parts. 

However, for those that want their new Honda Insight to look less dorky and more dapper, famous Honda tuner Mugen has parts for you. A body kit, rear wing, exhaust tip, new wheels and a sportier suspension help the Insight fit in at the local A&W on Import Tuner Night. An entertaining little Japanese clip available below might.... maybe..... help explain the aerodynamic advantages. (Read about the Honda Civic Mugen Si here.)

GALLERY - 2010 KIA FORTE - 37 PICTURES

Apparently abandoning the Spectra nameplate, Kia has moved on to the Forte for its upcoming Civic/Corolla fighter. Ready for model year 2010, Kia applies clean lines and lofty horsepower ratings to a car that should be one of, if not the, roomiest car in its class.

Standard in the engine bay for North America will be a 156-horsepower 2.0L four-cylinder. 173 horsepower will be available via the 2.4L. The basic Forte offers 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmissions. Upgrading the engine and trim also upgrades the transmission offerings: a 6-speed manual and 5-speed automatic become available.

ABS, stability control, and disc brakes all around come as standard equipment along with Kia's exceptional warranty of 10 years/100,000 miles for the powertrain. That's peace of mind. For peace in your wallet, a special fuel mileage package will include the smaller engine with the 5-speed auto, special power steering, aero enhancements, and low rolling resistance tires. That Forte should see 36mpg on the highway without any punishing price barriers as is normally the case with hybrids and diesels.

Looking very much like the Mitsubishi Lancer, Kia will likely be able to separate itself from some of the pack if/when the two-door Forte arrives. Forte nomenclature originally arrived after the Koup concept previewed what Kia labelled a Spectra replacement, you may recall. Check out all 37 pictures in the gallery below.

PONTIAC G6 RECALL FINDS NUMEROUS ISSUES

8,012 of Pontiac's first G6 sedans have been issued a Recall notice. It may well be that some of these Pontiac G6s were given away on Oprah Winfrey's show in late '04. The '05 and '06 model year cars may suffer from a number of related maladies. 

Brake lamps may not illuminate. There could also be corrosion inside the brake lamp assembly. Sometimes the brake lamps will light up when the ought not to. Also, cruise control may not engage and immense brake force may be required to shift the G6 out of park and into drive or reverse. 

Dealers will be taking care of the problem with an application of "dielectric lubricant to the connector to prevent corrosion." If you're not sure whether your G6 is an affected car, call 1-800-620-7668 and ask General Motors.

BENTLEY CONTINENTAL FLYING SPUR RECALL AFFECTS MIDDLE REAR SEAT PASSENGER

"There is the potential for the center rear seat belt upper guide bracket to distort in the event of a frontal impact. This distortion could result in the centre rear seat occupant traveling further forwards than the design intends."

How often is the centre rear seat of a Bentley Continental Flying Spur full? One would think rarely. However, were a frontal impact occur whilst the Flying Spur was carrying a passenger in the centre rear seat, it sounds as though NHTSA believes their head will reach halfway to the front seat. Which is, by the way, a very great distance.

27 incarnations of the 2009 Bentley Continental Flying Spur and Bentley Continental Flying Spur Speed will undergo a replacement of the seat belt guide bracket.

2009 FORD RANGER RECALL RELATES TO BAD SPINDLES

Watch for weak spindles. Two-wheel drive 2009 Ford Rangers may have been equipped with front wheel spindles which were improperly manufactured. One would assume that after 712 years of production that Ford would have all the niggling issues worked out of the least expensive and cheapest truck in America, but.... no.

Fracturing spindles could lead a wheel to fly off. Or fall off, whichever may occur in the given scenario. Because of this Recall dealers will be replacing the spindles on as many as 11,134 Ford Ranger 4x2s quite soon, NHTSA says.

2009 MAZDA 6 RECALLED FOR STICKY DOOR HANDLES

Just like ancient Volkswagen Golfs and Jettas that seem to need a little extra work from someone "on the outside", the brand spankin' new 2009 Mazda 6 (29,000 of them) have sticky door handles. "The outer door handles may stick which may prevent the door from latching," NHTSA says. "This situation may allow the door to open while the vehicle is in motion."

Apart from the embarrassing issue of the Mazda 6 only recently introduced as a Good 12 v2.0 winner and now being in the GoodCarBadCar.net Recall section, we should also take note of how many times NHTSA writes the word "may". Couldn't they use might sometimes? Every now and then? No? Okay. 

This perilous situation "could lead to an unbelted occupant being ejected and could result in death or injury". Could. That's not bad.

Dealers will be checking these sticky door handles and, if necessary, reparing or replacing. Personally, I'd take the replacement. You do as you wish.

CHRYSLER TOWN & COUNTRY AND DODGE GRAND CARAVAN RECALLED FOR ELECTRICAL ISSUES

13,350 Chrysler Town & Countrys and Dodge Grand Caravans from model year 2009 will be recalled, NHTSA says because of unused electrical connectors. "The Blind Spot Detection System may become corroded and could short circuit." Apparently, "if the fuse for this circuit does not blow, the connectors could overheat and potentially catch fire." 

Not understanding electrical engineering, The Good Car Guy doesn't really understand the problem or the solution, which involves sealing "the power circuit at the subject connector" and replacing "the fuse for the circuit if necessary" Confused as to whether your T&C or Grand Caravan is involved in this NHTSA Recall? Phone 1-800-853-1403 and talk to Chrysler.

FERRARI F430 SPIDER RECALL RELATES TO CONVERTIBLE TOP

Proving the success of Ferrari and the necessity for all automakers to be on guard for quality issues, NHTSA is recalling 1,950 Ferrari F430 Spiders because "heat from the engine may cause hair-line cracks to form in the hoses which may result in fluid leakage from the convertible top hydraulic system".

Which hoses? See, the hydraulic hoses that operate the convertible top are located inside the engine compartment. Remember, the engine compartment in a Ferrari F430 is located aft of the cockpit. It appears obvious that hydraulic fluid leakage in the engine bay of a very expensive supercar with a 4.3L V8 and 483 horsepower could be bad. NHTSA spells it out: "This leakage in turn, will cause the convertible top warning light to illuminiate and if not remedied, could ultimately leak fluid into the engine compartment causing smoke and a fire, rendering the vehicle inoperable and possible resulting in a crash."

F430 Spiders involved are from model years 2005, 2006, and 2007. This Recall will begin sometime this month. Dealers are expected to install protective heat shields over the hydraulic lines.

GALLERY - BMW 5-SERIES GRAN TURISMO CONCEPT - 29 PICTURES

With a plea to BMW and all other automakers intending to delve into the answers to questions nobody asked, let's begin this post with a bit of frustration and finish it off with a mellow moment. Don't attempt to convince us that your car is revolutionary by naming it something no other automaker has ever named their vehicle. Progressive Activity Sedan, with a likely switch to Progressive Activity Saloon in the British Isles, is one of the stupidest car category titles ever. PAS ranks right up there with Sport Activity Vehicle (another BMW title) and Four Door Coupe from Mercedes-Benz and Volkswagen.... and others. It's a 5-door hatchback - simple as that.

Alright, moving on to more peaceful thoughts. This 5-Series GranTurismo concept isn't nearly as bad as it could've been. Considering recent BMW atrocities like the X6, a member of The Bad 8 Supersize, and even the 5-Series which we've grown accustomed to, the 5-Series GT could've been terrible. It is offensive on many fronts, don't doubt it. But as a whole, the outlandishness is consistent and thus, the 5-Series GT is good looking in the same vein as a Cadillac Escalade. Crazy.... but alright.

Check GoodCarBadCar.net every Sunday for Gallery day, where all recent 

vehicle debuts are showcased with plenty of pictures and a little dab of opinion

BMW pictures this hatchback 5-Series as the perfect car for long journeys while still offering a magnificent driving experience. One wonders what happened to the 5-Series Touring wagon? Oh, right, BMW will still sell you one. However, since this is a "new invention", BMW will likely consider charging you more for the hatchback - less is more - because some buyers are stunned enough to fall for BMW's nomenclature game.

The rear seats can move back and forth like the old Chevrolet Malibu Maxx. Only BMW X models are taller. Only the 7-Series is longer. Electrical this and that and luxurious everything should be standard when a car that looks very much like this reaches production. Where's the mellow moment? The 5-Series Gran Turismo concept represents everything that is right in the automotive market, in a symbolically odd way. Automakers, the ones with cash, are offering us more, more, and more. While I'm not interested in this car and suggest that buyers look carefully for what it offers that the 5-Series wagon can't, the simple fact that BMW offers us more options puts the control in our hands. New models are springing up everywhere. That's not a bad thing.

WATCH DAYTONA 500 STREAMING LIVE ONLINE FREE - KENSETH WINS

*Update: 7:34 PM EST.*

As seen thru links at GoodCarBadCar, Matt Kenseth won a shortened Daytona 500 today. Rain and crashes helped Kenseth to the victory after a 2008 season where he failed to win a single race.

GoodCarBadCar.net and Nascar don't carry on as well a working relationship as, say, GoodCarBadCar.net and Formula 1. However, getting up for the Daytona 500 isn't that hard. Read why Lars Anderson figures Dale Earnhardt Jr. to be the winner here.

Good news, good news. The Daytona 500 will be available for viewing live online for free. Hopefully, one player will even be available right here in the middle of GoodCarBadCar. Regardless, the lines you see below will turn into links before the race. The final link of those currently available below will be a 14-day free trial with NASCAR RaceView but will offer a far better viewing experience if you take the time to sign up. If a TVU player jumps up, it might be embedded here later.