2007 Grand Caravan SXT
By Daniel Souza

Although most youngens may frown on aquiring one, minivans are all around us and are downright practical vehicles. They beat SUVs in the economic factor, they beat hatchbacks in the interior room reason, and some of them are challenging trucks with the haul aspect—by providing flat-folding seats while maximizing interior area.

Simply put, Utah is characterized by its gelatin casseroles and its big families; two items that comfortably fit in the interior of the sometimes-despised minivan. Hence I find myself testing its casserole capabilities and stuffing my friends in it—considering that I’m not married or have kids.

The hugely popular Dodge Caravan doesn’t require any sort of introduction. The vehicle—and minivan segment—was introduced to the public about 22 years ago when Dodge designed the well-embraced people hauler.

The 2007 Dodge Caravan SXT comes equipped with what the automaker calls it Stow ‘n Go®. That’s just a fancy way to describe the Caravan’s basement system for cargo or seats storage. It doesn’t necessarily mean that every instance you stow, you must go. Sure they could have called it Stow and Leave it, since you most likely will leave the items there until you retrieve them at a later instance. I know, I don’t work for Dodge, but just in case they need an extra idea for the next generation of their well thought out storage system, you as a reader can attest to them I thought of it.

Personal glories aside, the Stow ‘n Go®—which was the highlight feature of my test drive—offers second-row bucket seats that can be folded into the floor and a third-row, 60-40 split-bench seat that can fold into the floor or fold rearward to face out the tailgate when the minivan is parked. When seats are in the upright position, 6 cubic feet of covered storage space is available in the second row, and 6 cubic feet of storage space is available in the third row. Headrests do not need to be removed when seats are stowed, and seats can be stowed individually or together.

The ’07 Caravan SXT comes standard with a 3.3-liter V-6 engine with 170 horsepower and 200 lb.-ft. of torque, surely a more robust option when compared with the ’07 Caravan SE equipped with a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine with 150 horsepower and 165 lb.-ft. of torque. My test drive presented a 3.8-liter V-6 engine with 200 horsepower and 235 lb.-ft. of torque considering the Caravan SXT had a long wheelbase.

One option that lacked in the Caravan was illuminated mirror controls for the driver. Dodge engineers must have assumed that your fingertips would instantly recognize the controls located on the lower right hand side of the dash and through some unexplainable tactic be able to innately command the outside mirrors. Perhaps some, but definitely not most.

What it did present to its passengers was a 6-disc DVD changer. Assuming that each DVD contains 1 hour and 30 minutes of content (I’m not including special features in each disc here) you may pull off that nine hour journey to grandma’s house without hearing the dreaded “Are we there yet?” once.

The ’07 Caravan Dodge loaned me also packed what the guys from Detroit call ParkSense® Rear Back-up System. As you put the gear in reverse, the rear radar detects if anything obstructs the vehicle’s path. The sensors are discreetly placed just below the rear bumper, making the hideous noticeable black dots on any bumper to be nearly stealth on the Caravan.

Expect fuel consumption with the 3.8 V6 engine to stagnate around 18 mpg for city and 25 mpg for the highway. According with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Caravan owners with the 3.8 V6 engine trim should expect an annual fuel cost of $1718. Other engine options look a bit more promising in fuel consumption. For the 3.3 V6 anticipate 19 mpg for city and 26 mpg for the highway totalling an estimated $1635 in annual fuel consumption. As for the not-so-powerful 2.4L 4 cylinder, slight increase for in-city driving with 20 mpg while maintaining the same 26 mpg on the highway. Annual consumption should hover around $1563.

Base price - $19,420

Price as tested - $31,900

Daniel Souza can be reached at sixth.gear.herald@gmail.com or at his blog at http://sixthgearherald.blogspot.com

2007 Saturn Vue Green Line Hybrid

By Daniel Souza

Unless you are a history buff you may not know that the electric car dates back over one hundred and fifty years—and you thought electric cars were the thing of the future huh? Well, yes and no. No because they have been around for a long time. Yes because automotive manufacturers keep coming up with different types of more-effective, more-affordable and more-consumer friendly (and not-so-ugly-to-look-at) electric cars.

But it was really the gas vehicle—powered by the internal combustion engine (ICE) —that became massively produced in the last one hundred years or so. The resolution to produce ICE cars hinged on the very cheap and readily available fuel type: a petroleum-derived liquid mixture we usually refer to simply as gas.

Well, these are different days and I just don’t seem to find a station with 25-cents/gallon of gas anymore; for this reason automakers came up with the petroleum electric hybrid vehicle, or simply called hybrids. It combines a rechargeable energy storage system and a fueled powered source.

By now—the fourth paragraph of this column—you may be wondering if I am going to talk about this week’s car at all… Yes I am, but I often run into people that either ask me what a hybrid vehicle is or try to sound like a smart cookie by describing something they are not that familiar with at all. So to avoid confusion, I provided this service to you, the reader. Aren’t you glad you are still reading this? On with the car!

The 2007 Saturn Vue Green Line Hybrid is the first GM vehicle powered by a new, more affordable hybrid system that delivers an estimated 20-percent improvement in fuel economy, depending on driving conditions. It is expected to deliver an EPA estimated 27 mpg in the city and one of the best highway mileage for a SUV at 32 mpg. The Vue's hybrid system costs under $2,000. The full vehicle price starts at less than $23,000.

The Vue Green Line uses a unique electric motor/generator paired to a 2.4L VVT four-cylinder engine and 4T45-E four-speed transmission. GM calls it a “simple and flexible hybrid design” that provides additional power from the motor/generator during acceleration and allows increased fuel economy through engine shut-off at idle, fuel cut-off during deceleration and the capability to capture electrical energy through regenerative braking.

The Hybrid Vue showed a good pick up when needed and smooth engine shut-off. Often a hybrid vehicle will make itself known to the driver with the common wobble of restarting the internal combustion engine once you let go of the brake pedal—a very annoying byproduct of the engine’s restart. The Vue’s restart was almost imperceptible.

The Saturn Vue Green Line’s 2.4-liter hybrid powertrain is rated at 170 horsepower, a nice increase from the 143 hp provided by the 2.2-liter engine in the conventional four-cylinder Vue. The vehicle also provides an appropriate balance between fuel economy and comfort by providing a system with two driver-selectable operating modes. An economy mode favors fuel economy by limiting the affect of air conditioning, while the other mode favors maximum passenger comfort and defogging performance.

It will seat five passengers effortlessly and the interior provides nice polished-like plastic plates. But although SUV sized, the Vue is mostly for inner city driving, lacking an offroading-capable 4x4 system. Saturn says they decided to refrain from the 4x4 system to maximize on fuel economy; hence the Vue is a front wheel drive utility vehicle.

Base Price - $22,995

Price as tested - $ $24,711

Daniel Souza can be reached at sixth.gear.herald@gmail.com

2007 Subaru B9 Tribeca

Perhaps the most common reaction with this week’s car was, “What?” Many readers—knowing that I test drive a plethora of cars on a weekly basis—would ask if Subaru had just come out with their SUV version. Little did they know the Japanese maker has had the B9 Tribeca in the market for a little over a year now. It was introduced during year model 2006. And though the B9 Tribeca is the youngest family of the Subaru lineup, it has already undergone minor modifications for model year 2007.

Externally, the 2007 B9 Tribeca is distinguished by a new low-gloss black grille. On the inside, Subaru has further bolstered B9 Tribeca safety technology for 2007, equipping all models with a new Rollover Sensor System that deploys the standard side curtain airbags if it detects a potential vehicle rollover.

Also for 2007, the front and rear suspensions have been revised to deliver a smoother ride and improved after- shock damping on rough surfaces, without sacrificing the balance and sharpness of the B9 Tribeca driving characteristics. Revisions include revised front and rear strut tuning, adjusted spring rates and rear stabilizer bar rate changes.

As for added convenience, all 2007 B9 Tribeca Limited models ordered with the optional GPS touch-screen navigation system will now include a Rear Vision Camera, as well. When the driver moves the transmission shift handle into Reverse, the center color LCD display will show what the camera lens can detect within its field of vision behind the vehicle. The screen view features distance/width guidelines to assist the driver in the backing up the vehicle.

If coughing up money for a limited version may not be your thing, you can order the new Reverse Assist Sensors as an optional accessory for any B9 Tribeca model. Ultrasonic sensors mounted in the rear bumper detect objects behind the vehicle and emit an audible tone as the vehicle gets closer to the object behind it.

According to Subaru, the B9 Tribeca is powered by a 3.0-liter DOHC 6-cylinder Boxer engine that produces 245 horsepower at 6,600 rpm and 215 lb.-ft. of peak torque at 4,200 rpm. The SUV felt a little sluggish off the line, but it picks up with no problems on a stride down I-15.

The 6-cylinder Boxer engine is teamed with a 5-speed automatic transmission and the brand’s most advanced version of Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive. That system combines Variable Torque Distribution (VTD) All-Wheel Drive with the Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC) stability system and four-wheel traction control system (TCS). In plain English, the B9 Tribeca offers notable balance with active handling systems.

The measure has earned the Tribeca the highest rating in the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) New Car Assessment Program (NCAP) crash tests. The Japanese descent SUV earned 5-stars in the frontal and side-impact crash tests for the driver and passenger seating positions, as well as a 4-star rating in the NHTSA rollover resistance test.

For gas consumption, expect 18 mpg for in-city driving and 23 mpg on the highway.

Base Price - $29,995

Price as tested - $36,120

2007 Volkswagen Rabbit

It’s a practice repeated more often than you may imagine. Automakers look for Mother Nature creations to name their vehicles. Can’t think of any? Let me help: Include the following words to this sentence “I drive a…” The words are: Stingray, Barracuda, Hornet, Tercel, Eagle, Firebird, Sun bird, Thunderbird (am I missing any birds?) Bronco, Beetle, Cougar, Mustang, etc. I could go on and on with the animal kingdom. The German maker is not any different and instead of creating, it re-created an icon that lived for ten years—from 1974 to 1984 to be more specific.
The VW Rabbit is nimble and quick, requiring short stopping distances and small turning spaces. It proved ideal for squeezing through tight urban streets and sliding into small parking places. With a 2.5 L engine and a firm suspension system, the 2007 Rabbit is available with a choice of a five-speed manual transmission or a six-speed automatic Tiptronic® transmission. At the heart of the Rabbit is the 2.5-liter, inline five-cylinder, dual-overhead camshaft engine delivering 150 horsepower at 5,000 revolutions per minute. A 170 lbs.-ft. of torque develops at 3,750 rpm, with 90 percent available from 1,750 rpm to 5,125 rpm.

If you prefer a higher level of your own noise, Volkswagen has added an auxiliary audio jack to the Rabbit. Our test drive came equipped with an iPod adapter, which proved to be somewhat complicated to use. I found it difficult to use my own playlist on my iPod seeing that the radio display showed some confusing double digit track number instead of the artist name and song. I also couldn’t shuffle manually to my favorite playlist because all it showed on my iPod screen was VW’s logo with the song selected by the Rabbit. Good effort on VW’s part but a simple aux jack alone would have solved my musical frustration. As VW’s entry level car, the two-door Rabbit with five-speed manual transmission starts at $14,990. What it lacked with the iPod jack, it made up for in other areas. Its fuel efficiency is not compromised for driving performance in this latest version of the Rabbit. The EPA estimates fuel efficiency at 30 miles per gallon in highway driving, and 22 mpg in city driving.

2007 Lexus GS 450h Hybrid

I couldn’t resist. After spending one week with the 450h loaned from Lexus, I had to snap a few pictures of this magnificent sedan on an undisclosed grass patch. Sure it looks good on the road, but this sedan and its hybrid engine combination—gas + electric— has an extra “friendliness” to the environment, considering that it is a SULEV or for the rest of us normal people, Super Ultra-Low Emission.

With 80 percent fewer smog-forming emissions than the average new car, the GS 450h delivers an estimated 33 percent better fuel efficiency than its V8 competitors with a manufacturer's-estimated combined fuel rating of 28 mpg. Certainly 28 mpg is not the used-to-hear-about-hybrids 60 mpg, but if you are to compare the economy against its competition, the 450h beat the Jones’ by far.

A completely new Lexus hybrid powertrain propels the new GS 450h. The system combines a 3.5-liter V6 engine with a new compact, high-output, permanent magnet electric motor that drives the rear wheels. The transmission utilizes an advanced two-stage motor torque multiplication device for the Electronic Continuously Variable Transmission (ECVT) motor, delivering responsive and seamless acceleration with no power loss.

Now, I’m assuming that most of you reading this column may not be employed by Lexus on the hybrid-engine-transmission division. For you ECVT really means a transmission used on Lexus hybrid vehicles. While traditional transmissions use stepped gears, ECVT can produce an infinite number of gear ratios to help provide optimal performance for all driving conditions. This helps improve both acceleration and fuel economy.

With a combined system output of 339 horsepower, the new 3.5-liter V6 hybrid delivers the rocket-thrusting performance of a modern 4.5-liter V8 engine and is expected to be as quick or quicker than every V8-powered competitor in its class. The GS 450h accelerates from zero-to-60 miles per hour in approximately 5.2 seconds.

A full hybrid, the GS 450h is capable of operating in gas-only or electric-only modes, or a combination of the two. One of a new generation of Lexus engines, the gasoline V6 uses a "dual" fuel-injection system that combines the benefits of direct injection with those of port injection, and an Electronic Throttle Control System with intelligence (ETCS-i).

Dual Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (VVT-i) operates on the intake and exhaust valves to further enhance power and torque across a broad engine speed range.

Keep in mind that the 450h is a Lexus, and with it comes all the plush the brand has becomes famous for. My loaner came equipped with a deliciously sounding 7.1-channel Mark Levinson® audio system. Featuring 11 channels of amplification with a total of 330 watts playing through 14 speakers, the system allows users to play both CDs and DVDs. DVD movies can be viewed on the color seven-inch touch screen when the vehicle is in park. Although a magnificent vehicle, the 450h lacks in trunk space in order to accommodate its batteries. Seeing that I am not married or have any kids, the worst part of my encounter with the 450h was to see it go.

2007 Chevy Malibu SS There’s chips and salsa and then there’s chips, salsa and habanero sauce. If you are not familiar with the last item on this recipe, you should try the potent habanero sauce next time you go by a Latin store. It has a kick to it; or better, a kick, a punch and a few jabs.

By now you may be wondering how that relates with the ’07 Mailbu SS at all. Well, unlike the regular (and weakest) 2.2L four-cylinder Malibu available, this week’s test drive made me remember of the first time I tried habanero sauce. Considering that I don’t handle spicy food very well—now that I look back, it wasn’t a very wise decision—this is not the culinary section of this blog. As for the spiced up SS, I can take a 3.9L V-6 with variable valve timing rated at 240 horsepower and 240 lb.-ft. of torque any day.

According to Chevrolet, the SS models’ 3.9L V-6 is the first production variant of GM Powertrain’s sophisticated 60-degree V-6 OHV engine family, which is designed to deliver smoothness and quality while balancing strong performance and economy. The problem with the last statement hangs around the word economy. The Malibu SS didn’t prove to follow its EPA guide recommendation of 19 mpg for city. It stayed around 16.5 mpg. Sure I had to use up the spice available in its engine for that rocket-launch feel off the line—which is definitely not the most economical approach for in city driving—but let’s also keep in mind that Chevy Tahoe also hovers around 17 mpg for in city driving.

While Chevy has accomplished a “great job” rating with the SS powerplant, its interior still lacks refinement. Our test drive came equipped with leather seats, but a disappointing plastic-filled interior dash and components. As for the outside, the new front fascias incorporate the large and low grille opening, with a black crosshatch grille pattern with gold center Chevy bowtie emblem, projector beam fog lamps, and a prominent “chin” spoiler.

2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser: A grown up’s Tonka toy!

You may have seen them around. Some find it beautiful; others are not as fond of the new looks. When I first saw one I thought: either Lego had gotten in the SUV business by trying to reach the parents to buy their new toys or someone must have stolen a concept vehicle out of an auto show’s room.


This week’s test drive has proven me wrong in both instances. Toyota advances both the art and science of the off-road vehicle while recalling its own off-road heritage with the introduction of the 2007 FJ Cruiser sport utility vehicle.

The FJ Cruiser provides optimized off-road capabilities, value and styling clues reminiscent of Toyota's famed FJ40 4x4 utility vehicle, sold in the U.S. from 1960 to 1983. If you have seen one around town, you may think its colors—offset by the always filled white top—are truly a solid trademark, but as an indicator of the vehicle's unmistakable family DNA, several of the FJ Cruiser's available color choices are reminiscent of the colors found on FJ40s.

Trip to Kirkham Motorsports!!!

This morning I spent a couple of hours at Kirkham Motorsports on a live shot with our local CBS affiliate KUTV (Channel 2). I operate live camera for KUTV on the weekends.

Kirkham has worked on many projects on of which you see a picture of. This is the copper million-dollar car that Kirkham built for Ford and was featured at SEMA in Vegas.

Click here to find out more about the car from Kirkham's website

BUT...

What really caught my attention was the home-grown Atom-like Kirkham Rush.

This beast can pull some Gs on an impressive 0-60 mph in under 3 seconds according to Ford engineers. The best part about a car that goes so fast: When it's finished for retail, it will go for probably about $50,000; a bang for your buck considering the speed/dollar ratio!

I got to take a close look on this prototype (only one has been made so far).

I also shot some brief video of the Rush backing out of Kirkham's Garage by Tom Kirkham Jr. himself:

Crystal Clear!!

There were many accessories and tricked out rides at Sema (where I was for good part of last week) but I must say one of the big WOWs was this D'Vinci Forgiato clear wheel. I have never seen anything like. The company from South Gate, CA has snatched 11 International awards with its creative design and had loads of people stopping at its first time-Sema booth to inquire about the design...

SEMA Auto SHOW

Hello all... I have been a bit busier than usual and haven't had a chance to update the blog as I would like it. But here I am... in a media room on the second floor some where in the Las Vegas Convention Center to bring the latest happenings of Sema - the After Market Auto Part Trade Show; that's at least what I like to call it. The official name is "Specialty Equiment Market Association"
I have been here for about 1 hour and I have already rubbed shoulders with a few media people, including the beautiful AJ from the show Overhaulin'...


Later today I will post again with some of the wickedest cars from this year's show. I gotta run...

p.s.: Watch for the most affordable Acura out of the show room in this week's Wheels. It comes out on Friday in the Daily Herald.

I have taken over 400 pictures and there's just way too many to post over here.
Please follow this link to my personal online album... Enjoy it!

by montanha23

What happens when you put together a completely empty state-of-the-art racetrack, a brand new motorsport legend, and the desire to find out how it handles at ultra high speeds?

It was like a dream coming true. I remember my child days when I dreamed of racing a super sports compacts in a professional race track... Well, the day came! And to my enjoyment, much sooner than I thought.



As you read earlier here in the blog, Porsche loaned me their World Performance Award winning car; the Porsche Cayman S. But here you can read what happened (and see the pictures) of when we take this machine to the latest addition to world-class circuits; Miller Motorsports Park, located just 30 minutes West of Salt Lake City.

Who needs a trip to DisneyWorld? DisneyLand? Forget it. This is a rollercoaster ride on steroids!

I tried, but the perfectly balanced Cayman, with a 50/50 weight ratio wouldn't slide on the corners.

Do you want to read more about it? The story with the Daily Herald hits the stands on October 27. But until then, you can take a look at the pics. Who says you need to be rich and famous to have fun?

A FITted option!

Honda's smallest car in the U.S. made one the biggest impressions with my lineup of testdrives yet! The car is small enough on the outside, but yet extremely comfortable inside. Versatility also is present with its media option: aux Jack-for the ever-increasing-ppopular Mp3 player-easy to use dials on the stereo console, MP3 cd player and superior sound system for a subcompact car.

Already an established and hugely popular vehicle in Japan and Europe (sold as the Honda Jazz), the latest version of the Fit debuting in the U.S. has a 1.5-liter VTEC(TM) engine, six standard airbags, an anti-lock braking system (ABS) and a unique multi-configuration 60/40 split Magic Seat(R) as standard features, while a 5-speed automatic transmission with steering-wheel mounted paddle shifters is available.

I have included a video produced by Honda so you have a better idea of the thing in motion.

Watch for more information this coming Friday's edition of WHEELS in the Daily Herald.

Christmas will be earlier this year - thanks to Neiman Marcus and BMW
Read on...

Woodcliff Lake, NJ - October 3, 2006... Christmas is coming early this year, as BMW and Neiman Marcus partner to create the ultimate driving fantasy. BMW is offering, exclusively through the legendary Neiman Marcus Christmas Book, the 2007 Limited Edition Individual M6 Convertible. The luxury convertible comes with a custom Ruby Black exterior finish accented with an interior with Piano Black trim elements, power sports seats wrapped in our custom Gold Brown shade of supple BMW Individual Merino leather, and M-radial spoke alloy wheel. The car also comes fully equipped with an incredible 11-speaker Surround Sound stereo and six-disc CD changer. Only 50 of these custom-made automobiles, including the once-in-a-lifetime driving experience, will be available for purchase in this year's Christmas Book for $139,000.

As if the car itself wasn't enough, BMW is offering these fortunate fifty Neiman Marcus customers the pinnacle of the "ultimate driving experience." Each gift opportunity features an exclusive European adventure in which the purchaser takes delivery of their new M6 Convertible directly from the factory and drives on to tour the Bavarian countryside. And for the serious BMW-enthusiast, each customer will have the opportunity to meet with the automaker's famous car designers, and be given a private tour of the BMW factory in Munich. Also included in the package are two round-trip business class tickets on Lufthansa® to Munich, Germany, gourmet meals, and luxurious accommodations for four nights. Upon completion of the trip, their new vehicle will be shipped back to the States for immediate delivery. The trip is scheduled for Spring 2007.

Bold and uncompromising, the BMW Individual M6 Convertible stands alone. The unmistakable roar of its 5.0-liter, V-10 engine delivering 500 horsepower at your command and the precision handling, M Variable Differential Lock, and Electronic Damping Control make every trip extraordinary. Its on-board computer, GPS navigation, and Voice Command System merge driver and auto into one intelligent entity. At the heart of this incredible machine is a Formula 1 inspired, V-10 engine with 10 individual throttle butterflies capable of revving up to 8,250 rpm thanks to its sophisticated design and knock control systems. Coupled to a seven-speed Sequential Manual Transmission with Drivelogic®, it can launch you from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.5 exhilarating seconds.

A photo and description of the Limited Edition M6 Convertible appears on page 97 of the 2006 Neiman Marcus Christmas Book. The opportunity to learn more and order this magnificent machine and experience begins at 12 noon EDT on Wednesday, October 18th when you call 1-866-303-2696. Interested buyers are encouraged to program their speed dial now. After all, who wouldn't want to be first in line for this year's hottest Christmas gift?

Porsche increases North American sales

In a release by Porsche - Stuttgart. In September 2006, Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG, Stuttgart sold 2,339 vehicles in North America in a difficult market environment; this is a three percent increase over September of the previous year. In the first nine months of 2006, the manufacturer of sporty premium vehicles boosted deliveries by ten percent to 27,938 units. This is the first time that Porsche has sold so many vehicles in the USA and Canada in this period.

Porsche’s success in North America continues to be based on sports car model series. Sales of the 911 increased by 13 percent to 776 units in September. The Boxster model series accelerated by 60 percent to 763 vehicles, including 494 units of the new Cayman and the Cayman S. Deliveries of the Cayenne declined by 25 percent to 799 vehicles. It should be noted that the sales decline is due to lifecycles and the fact that Porsche still does not boost its sales with plant discounts.



I have included some photos of a Porsche I test drove and will soon hit the stands. Can you figure it out which one it is by looking at the pictures? It won many awards and it has some of the best 50/50 weight ratio in the industry. If you got the answer, post as a comment.