Lamar

No problems with those either (heck, make them V-specific if they want). I'm talking about the electronic nannies that correct everything. Don't get me wrong, I think the GT-R is a great achievement by Nissan. But I don't pretend that the engine, transmission, drivetrain, and suspension are what make the car faster on a track than any competitors. Yes, the ATS-V should be blisteringly fast and handle like it's on rails... and do it with sophistication befitting a Cadillac. But, unlike the GT-R, someone who has no business behind its wheel should be allowed to screw up with much less leeway... nor should they be able to match its rated performance numbers if they're not that skilled.

The Bonneville is Dark Bronzemist Metallic, yet I have two friends who insist that it's silver. The Maxima is a scratched-up flat black.

Way to miss my point. The GT-R isn't faster because of any mechanical superiority, but rather the extensive computer programming that allows it to (seemingly) break the rules of physics. For the ATS-V to gain any credibility among the M3/C63/RS4 crowd, it has to be a driver's car in all aspects. Not a car that's programmed to allow any Joe Blow off the street to be able to snap off respectable 'Ring times (should they ever travel to Germany in the first place...).

The GT-R is a computer with AWD. That's why it can beat most other cars around the 'Ring. For analogy's sake, if the ZR1 is Ken Jennings, the GT-R is Watson.

Thanks, guys.

Yeah, I knew they had the I-4 across the ocean. But that doesn't matter to those who perpetually think "German cars good, American cars bad."

Oh dear... http://www.autoblog.com/2010/12/22/officially-official-2012-mercedes-benz-c-class-gets-new-four-cy/ http://www.emercedesbenz.com/autos/mercedes-benz/e-class/2011-mercedes-benz-e-class-engines-now-more-efficient/ Don't forget that BMW is heading that way too, starting with the Z4 and most likely moving to the 1- and 3-Series.

Charlottesville's not my cup of tea at all, but I do have friends/acquaintances who live(d) there and love(d) it. It has an old college town feel to it, which makes sense because it is an old college town (University of Virginia is there, founded by Thomas Jefferson). But just because it's a college town doesn't mean that you'll be surrounded by undergrads the minute you walk out your front door. Richmond, the state capital, is in the process of transforming its downtown, mainly due to Virginia Commonwealth University's aggressive expansion. There are still large parts of the city (mainly south of the James River) where you don't want to venture after dark. But north of that, there are sections that are really nice and historic, including the Fan District. If you want to live in the suburbs, there's Henrico County surrounding the city and Chesterfield County to the south and west if you're looking for more upscale areas. It all depends what you're looking for, though, because Richmond and Charlottesville have little in common. They are only an hour and a half apart, though, so it wouldn't be a strain on your gas budget to go visit your people in C'ville if you lived in Richmond.

This whole mess isn't over... ... but when you take out the head of a terrorist organization, that deals a significant blow.

I mean, that's what Jeeps are built for, right?

Real family, sure. Automotive family, not until someone's car dies. I'm trying to get ducks in a row for when my wife's car needs replacing (at 12 years and 135,xxx miles, it's a possibility).

I was downtown paying some bills this afternoon. On the block where I parked, among a few nondescript midsizers, there were: S-Class CLK AMG 3 Series x2 5 Series x2 previous SRX ... and a Jetta Turbodiesel. First-gen. Very first-gen.

When are we ever nice and polite about Toyota products?

Oddly enough, a 300C or Charger R/T. And all this after I swore off Dodge after my wife's previous Piece-o'-Crap®.

+1 And another +1.

Chrysler is doing big things these days. I remember reading an article a while back that said that Chrysler's new mission was to move further upmarket and distance themselves from Dodge. I do believe that they are on their way.

I'm "someone." This new 'Bu reminds me of the outgoing Passat, which isn't a bad thing. I completely agree that stylewise, the new 'Bu owns the new Passat (aka the previous Kia Optima).

Think "Charger." Aside from the magnetorheological shocks, nothing this car would offer can really be considered "premium" anymore.

Rear reminds me of the current/outgoing Passat as much as it does the Camaro. Good evolution/change in direction though. The interior appeals to me more than I thought it would based on the spy shots. Need to see it in person at some point... or at least in some live shots. And they FINALLY caught up with everyone else by offering a nav screen! Overall, I like where the car's design has gone.

On my drive from VA to GA today: Lotus Elise Porsche Panamera New Chrysler 300 VW Phaeton Previous Chrysler 300 with the Rolls-Royce treatment Maserati GranTurismo First-gen Corvette Intimidator SS

Parked beside an X5 30d today. First time seeing one.

THIS RIGHT HERE.

Really? I thought my wife's old Intrepid had the most spacious back seat of any sedan I ever sat in. And that's with the driver's seat positioned where I like it (read: almost all the way back).

Worldwide, you mean. We haven't seen one here since 2000, I think.

Word is that Ford and C&D collaborated on a one-off SHO wagon years ago. I've never seen any pictures though.