TARGA TROPHY ITALIAN CAR FEST

It was a cloudy, hazy morning yesterday at Oakley Headquarters in Foothill Ranch, CA. My photographer/husband and I were one of the first to arrive at 7:30am (for the 8:00 start). Targa Trophy employees and the DJ were starting to set up. We wanted to be in perfect position for welcoming and photographing the most beautiful carz on the road.

                     Yours truly standing where the carz will be displayed.
                                                                 

We established our position at the check-in point and impatiently awaited the arrival of some of the most beautiful and sexiest carz of all time. One of the fun parts of waiting was listening to the sounds of the engines as the carz whipped around the bends and curves. I love to challenge myself  by matching the sound with the car before it appears. Kudos to me cuz I nailed it!

And here they come...

 A whole row of GTR's!

                                     The rare Qvale Mangusta.

                                     Interior of Qvale Mangusta.

After 3 hours of oohing and aahing it was time to grab a meal and make a grand exit in our non-exotic but ever-so-loved Arctic Edition Jeep Wrangler.

DODGE FEVER RETURNS

Remember the Dodge Dart from the '60's and '70's? I saw a few in my High School parking lot but preferred my 1973 Olds Delta 88. My friends Candy and Gary had one in army green. She despised it, he loved it. Gomer Pyle drove a couple on his television series. Several hundred movies showcased the Dart. But the fourth generation Dodge Dart ceased production in the U.S. in 1976.

Thirty-six years later the Dart has returned to replace the (deplorable) Caliber as Dodge's entry-level vehicle. This is the very first Chrysler Group car infused with Italian DNA, based on the Alfa Romeo Giulietta platform.

According to Reid Bigland, President and CEO of Dodge Brand, "this is optimal timing for the return of the Dart due to fuel prices and the uprising of the compact car. Midsize roominess with a compact car footprint makes Dart ready". He added, "Dodge wants to bring features and content to the compact car segment".  That's exactly what Dodge did with the Dart.


COMPETITION FOR DART

Some of Dart's competitors have raised the bar for the compact car class by offering convenience and tech features. Compact segment competitors include Ford Focus, Mazda 3, Chevy Cruze and Hyundai Elantra. Reid Bigland says, " Dodge's quality is rapidly improving; prior to 2009 (when Chrysler formed an alliance with Fiat), the quality of our interiors were sub par". With the Italian influence, Dodge clearly refined its' vehicles.


FIRST IMPRESSION

The exterior styling proves that Dodge is going in a brand new direction. The sleek lines, flared front and rear fenders and sloping roof give it a more spirited and agile look. The "racetrack" LED taillights and crosshair grille are similar to the Charger. I'm not a big fan of the Challenger or Charger from an aesthetic point of view, but the Dart's softer lines certainly enticed me.

INTERIOR QUALITY

The Dodge Dart has one of the nicest and roomiest cabins I've seen in a compact car. It has a modern feel with a hint of European flair. Two features that I love are the extra-large glovebox and the extra storage located inside the front passenger seat (see picture below). The soft-touch dashboard, stitching and higher quality materials prove that Dodge is in it to win it.

TRIMS, STYLES AND OPTIONS, OH MY!

With the 2013 Dart, there are over 100,000 ways to customize; 12 exterior colors, 14 interior colors and trim combos, six wheel options, three engine options, three transmission options and over 150 Mopar accessories. Talk about personalizing a vehicle - whew!

Five trim levels are available. For $15,995 the SE (base) is equipped with the standard engine: 2.0L 160hp/148 lb-ft Tigershark (29mpg combo), 10 airbags, power windows, 16" wheels, height-adjustable driver seat, tilt/telescoping steering wheel, CD player with 4 speakers and folding rear seat. What doesn't come standard in this trim? Keyless entry and A/C. Hmmmm.

For $2,000 more you get the SXT trim - everything from the SE trim plus 17" alloy wheels, power mirrors and door locks, remote keyless entry, 6 speakers, A/C, upgraded cloth upholstery, upgraded instrument panel, sliding front arm rest and a 60/40 front folding rear seat.

The Rallye ($18,995) includes everything in the SXT plus projector fog lamps, integrated dual exhaust, leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls and a unique performance front fascia with black chrome headlamps.

Both the SXT and Rallye trims can be rigged out with several option packages: 8.4-inch touch screen multimedia center, ParkView Rear Back-up Camera and navi.

The Limited trim ($19,995) is equipped with Uconnect Touch, 10-way power driver seat, 7-inch reconfigurable TFT (Thin Film Transistor) cluster display, bright grille and door handles. Options for this trim are premium Nappa leather seating, heated front seats and polished aluminum wheels.

The high-end R/T ($22,495) includes all that the Limited has to offer plus 18" aluminum wheels, Nappa leather heated seats, heated steering wheel, the larger engine: 2.4L 184 hp/171 lb-ft Tigershark with MultiAir II, unique Hyper Black grille and black fascia and integrated dual exhaust. Options for this trim are Hyper Black aluminum wheels, Keyless Enter 'n Go, HID Headlamps and a 506-watt sound system.

Optional on all trims except the R/T is the 1.4L-4 cyl, 160hp turbo (184 lb-feet of torque). This is the same engine in the Fiat 500 Abarth.


THE DRIVE, THE FEEL

I tested the 6-speed automatic and was very disappointed in the lack of robustness. I imagine the turbo would provide that. The suspension handled bumps with suppleness but when taking corners I felt the weight of the car. Steering was quick and sharp, thanks to Fiat. All in all the Dart was fun to drive, very responsive with solid handling and excellent visibility.

SAFETY FEATURES (No crash test ratings are available yet.)

Ten Standard Airbags
Blind Spot Monitoring
Rear Cross Path Detection
Reactive Front Head Restraints (Driver and passenger)

WRAPPING IT UP

Consumers purchase compact cars for three reasons: 1) price, 2) reliability and 3) fuel economy. The Dodge Dart offers all three. For a compact sedan with plenty of convenience, tech and comfort features, you get a lot of bang for your buck.

The 2013 Dart certainly gives Dodge a stronger entry in the compact car segment. With all the unique features, craftsmanship and refinement, the Dart is sure to stand out.

MANUFACTURED IN BELVIDERE, ILLINOIS
EXPECTED IN SHOWROOMS: END OF SUMMER 2012

SUMMERize YOUR CAR!

With summer only seven weeks away, there are a few things you should do to care for your car, especially if you've got a summer road trip planned. Most people can handle #2 - #5 on their own.


1) OIL CHANGE
If you live in an area with extreme temperatures, it's a good idea. Running oil through different temperatures takes a toll on your vehicle. (See my blog post "Time For An Oil Change? Maybe not.") You don't have to go to your car dealer for an oil change, unless of course it's free.

2) TIRE PRESSURE
Changes in temperature affect the air pressure in your tires. A change of just ten degrees can cause the tire pressure to change by 1 psi. Most people overlook checking their tire pressure, but it's the easiest form of maintenance. Invest in a tire pressure gauge and keep it in your glove box (if you don't have an automatic tire pressure alert system). Most carz have a sticker located either on the inside of the driver side door or inside the glove box to let you know what the tire pressure should be for your vehicle. Or check your owner's manual!

3) COOLANT/ANTIFREEZE LEVEL
This magical fluid prevents your engine from freezing in the winter and overheating in the summer. Make sure the level is full - no tools needed.

4) BATTERY
Make sure the fluid level is at the proper level. Hot weather is tough on batteries. All you need is a flathead screwdriver to pop the cap on top of the battery and you'll be able to see the fluid level. If low, fill with distilled water ONLY (to avoid mineral build up).

5) WINDSHIELD WASHER FLUID/WIPERS
Check to see if your blades are worn down from overuse, freezing temps and salt from the roads. If your visibility is reduced, you shouldn't be driving. When the summer heat hits, the rubber on the blades tend to get dry -  they can crack and separate from the frame. The washer fluid should be topped off (use a funnel). You can easily make your own washer fluid too.

Here's what you'll need to make your own windshield washer fluid:

10 cups of warm water
3 cups of rubbing alcohol
1 Tablespoon of mild liquid dishwashing detergent
1 clean empty milk jug (1 gallon)

Pour the ingredients in the milk jug and shake vigorously. VOILA!!! If you have leftovers, you can use this solution for the mirrors and glass in your house - just pour the solution into a spray bottle. WARNING: don't use the homemade version in the winter time due to the lack of methanol, which prevents it from freezing.


As the Boy Scouts say, "BE PREPARED". And I say, "BE PROACTIVE". You don't want to be driving on a rural highway without cell service when your battery light comes on. Take care of your car now so she takes care of you and your family every day.

ESTROGEN BASED CAR BUYING

J.D. Power and Associates recently compiled sales figures which show the top 9 vehicles women chose. Three out of the nine carz are Volkswagen, no surprise there (I'm one of them)!

The compact crossover Volkswagen Tiguan (a mix between a Tiger and an Iguana) has taken over the number one spot from the new VW Beetle, making it the top choice for chix.

The VW Beetle, with the flower vase on the dash  (eliminated for newer models), has been the quintessential "chix car" since it returned to the market in the late 90's. 

Here is the complete list showing the percentage of buyers who are female:

1)  Volkswagen Tiguan, 61.7% female buyers

2)  Volkswagen Beetle, 57.9% 

3)  Hyundai Tucson, 55.7%

4)  Kia  Sportage, 53.5%

5)  Nissan Rogue, 53.1%

6)  Volvo V50, 52.6%

7)  Volkswagen Eos, 51.3%

8)  Honda CR-V, 50.9%

9)  Nissan Sentra, 50.1%

Did you notice how all 9 of these carz are foreign? The domestic automakers are making some headway with women, but not fast enough. 

Women aren't just influencers. They've been steadily growing as prime car buyers since the early 80's. Although car manufacturers still heavily market to men, women buy 52% of all new cars. C'mon ad agencies - wake up and smell the motor oil!

What are women looking for when selecting a new car?

1) Safety (visibility, side airbags, outside mirrors)

2) Good Value (affordable, fuel-efficient)

3) Four-Door Models (no explanation needed here)

4) Positive Reviews (women are more likely to do more research, visit dealerships and rely on referrals from friends and family)

Here's what guys are looking for:

1) Styling

2) Horsepower

3) Engine Design

4) Front Visibility

While the popular car choices for men (Porsche 911, Vette, BMW M3, Ford F150) have a higher price tag, are more sporty, impractical and not fuel efficient, the women's more practical and economical choices certainly mean lower insurance premiums. It could also mean that your teenage driver would most likely ask to borrow Daddy's car.

2013 FORD FUSION, A HANDSOME CHAP!

Yesterday it was me and the boys (okay, there were other women there too). I had the pleasure of attending the Motor Press Guild Conference at the Ford Design Center (in Irvine, CA) to showcase the 2013 Fusion. The ever-so-knowledgeable Erich Merkle, U.S. Sales Analyst for Ford, opened with this statement: "Ford is redefining the mid-size sedan segment, they're trying to create something much more inspirational". To that I say, "finally".

I've never been a huge fan of Ford (not even Mustang - no growls please) but after seeing the fully redesigned Fusion, this may be a game changer for me.

Immediately I was taken aback by the sleek styling and wide, athletic stance. The front grille resembles the Aston Martin (Ford sold Aston Martin in 2007) while the tail resembles the VW Pasat.

I love the fastback rear end and the narrow headlights. Overall, it has the look of a Jaguar (Ford sold Jaguar in 2008), a handsome chap it is.

The interior is open, roomy and sporty with soft leather seating and a high center console. It looked and felt like "quality", a term often used during Mr. Merkle's description of the Fusion. He emphasized one of Ford's main goals is to engage all five senses, although he couldn't come up with how "taste" would be engaged. hmmm.

Some techy and convenience features for the Fusion are:

Lane-keeping system
Blind spot warning
Active park assist
Adaptive cruise control (uses radar to slow vehicle down when traffic is detected)
MyFord Touch system (I've heard about ongoing issues with this)
SYNC - newest version (voice activated control system)

Buyers will have their choice of 3 models: 1) Gasoline, 2) Hybrid and 3) Plug-In-Hybrid. Three trims will be offered: S, SE and Titanium.

With an estimated 47mpg city and 44 mpg highway, Ford is claiming the Fusion hybrid can outperform the 2012 Toyota Camry hybrid and the 2011 Hyundai Sonata hybrid. According to Erich Merkle, "Ford is trying to take share of the Japanese and Korean markets". What took them so long?

As far as safety goes, the Fusion has a 10% increase in body strength (boron is used) and added 1st row knee airbags (Ford Fiesta has knee airbags for driver only; VW Routan also has 1st row knee airbags.)

Delivery of the Ford Fusion won't take place until the fall. No pricing is available yet, but when I "built my own" 2012 Fusion hybrid it was close to $35k. I have a hunch the 2013 will be closer to $40k.

I give it a thumbs up on style, safety, convenience/techno stuff, efficiency and practicality. I'll have to take a test drive to make my final determination on whether the 2013 Fusion will take Ford to the top of the mid-size sedan market.

PICK ME, PICK ME, PLEASE PICK ME

I've made it clear time and time again that I'm turned on by sexy, beautiful carz that get my endorphins rolling. I like clean lines, dreamy headlights, European interiors and nice butts, to name a few. I must be attracted to the outside of the car before I get to know the inside. I know, so shallow.

Yesterday my shallowness dissipated some. And I owe it to the Subaru Forester. That's right, the Subaru Forester. That geeky, rugged looking cross-over vehicle that screams "pick me, pick me"!

I didn't wake up yesterday morning and decide to test drive a Subaru Forester. It was never on any of my automotive "must" lists: must see, must test drive or must buy. My gal pal Annie asked me to accompany her on her quest to find the perfect vehicle for her daughter and son-in-law (both doctors, both outdoorsy). Both are interested in the Forester but don't have time to run around test driving carz (boards are coming up). Annie had a Subaru back in the day, was crazy about it and felt this could be the one.

We arrive at South Coast Subaru in Costa Mesa (http://www.southcoastsubaru.com/index.htm) and were greeted by Jehu Alvarado, our friendly and somewhat knowledgeable salesperson. Jehu's fiance just purchased a Forester. Isn't that a coincidence?! Annie tells him she wants to test drive the most maxed out Forester. Five minutes later he pulls up in a turbo charged version with a funny looking, bulbous hood. Looks like a rhino to me.

After Annie and I gawked at the hood, I sarcastically questioned Jehu, "this car really comes in turbo, why?" He chuckled and said, "Subaru doesn't sell many turbo versions".  Understood. We asked Jehu to swap the rhino for a Limited trim. "Sorry", he says, "we don't have any in stock". I asked him to bring us a Forester, any Forester with the standard engine (gas flat 4 cylinder, 2.5L, 170 hp). He arrives with a medium blue Touring trim. We're ready to roll.

Annie takes a quick test drive and loves how it feels (although the braking sensitivity threw her for a loop). A Chinese fire drill ensues and I'm now at the helm. I'm completely taken aback. Although I'm not a fan of the bland and mediocre interior (with the exception of the extra large sunroof), the Forester makes up for it in other important areas (safety, comfort, cargo space, overall roominess).

Now for the ride. I love the balanced and sporty handling and the softness of the ride. The strong acceleration allowed us to climb a hill with ease and I even beat the car next to me right off the line. It felt very stable when taking tight corners and winding roads. The soft cloth seats enveloped me as if I were ready to curl up with a good book (i guess too much comfort can be a bad thing when driving). Am I really driving a Subaru Forester? Yes, yes I am.

Other specs for the Forester Touring:

Standard AWD (great for ski trips)
Gas Mileage: 21 mpg city/27 mpg hwy  (pretty decent)
17" wheels
Heated seats (cuz you need that in California)
USB connection
Back seat folds down flat (room for surfboards)
Sunglasses storage (love)
Consumer reviews: 4 1/2 stars out of 5
Pricing: around $28,000 (excellent price point)

The Forester I drove yesterday whispered to me, "see, you shouldn't judge a book by its cover".

So Sarah and Noah, what color do you want?

5 WEEK SABBATICAL FOR CHEVY VOLT

I've seen a few Chevy Volts on the road and only once did I take a second look - I didn't know what it was when it first entered the market. It wasn't love at first sight. It doesn't have the sexy lines, cute butt or pretty halogen lights. The interior is bland at best. But overall, it isn't a bad looking vehicle.

What the Volt does have is the ability to help save the environment, room for a family of four and stellar fuel economy. It received rave reviews on handling and its' high-tech power train. According to Consumer Reports, the Chevy Volt tops the list in customer satisfaction. So what the heck happened?

In 2011 only 7,700 units were sold. That's 2,300 units shy of GM's targeted goal for that year. So far for this year only 1,626 units have been sold. That's not nearly enough to keep pace with the targeted goal of 45,000 units for 2012.

Sluggish sales have caused GM to temporarily suspend the production of the Volt for 5 weeks starting March 19th, laying off 1,300 workers. This is the 2nd production halt in 3 months. GM claims the lagging sales is caused by the negative publicity (an isolated post-crash battery fire in a test vehicle). Although no actual Volts purchased by consumers have set fire, the media did some major collateral damage.

Another major concern, albeit an important one, is the pricing (base price $40k): not very attractive to the average consumer. And how about the fact that it only goes 35 miles before it taps into the gasoline engine? Perhaps GM needs to take a look inward and stop pointing fingers.

In the television commercial, Tim Allen insisted the Chevy Volt is the car "America had to build". Obviously it's not the car Americans want to buy.

Chevy Volt Commercial with Tim Allen