Parked too far from curb

This is kind of a rant blog about my misfortune with a traffic cop. I parked my car and went inside of a Jewel Osco. I exit the store maybe less than twenty-minutes later. Noticed a traffic cop was walking around my car. I walked up to the officer and asked what's the problem? Apparently I'm too far from the curb. I never thought that you could get a ticket for parking too far from the curb. I didn't even notice that I was too close from the curb. The traffic cop let me go with a warning. But out of my curiosity has anyone ever heard or recieved a parking ticket for parking too far from the curb. If you notice the car in front of the white van in the photo to the left. That's the closest picture I could demostrate of how far I was from the curb. I may have been a little bit closer. But what do you think? Leave a comment below.

2009 Worst

Here are a list of vehicles that are either pointless or horrible. Enjoy!

(In no particular order)

Cadillac Escalade EXT

Avoid: If you're going to buy a pick-up truck. To do things that normal pick-up truck drivers do. Why not buy a Chevy Silverado? Or maybe a Nissan Titan? Why one earth would anyone spend $60,000 on a pick-up truck that won't be used for it's real purpose?

Saab 9-7x

Avoid: Just because you put Swedish styling on a Chevy, does not make it a Saab. This has to be one of the worst Saabs to ever see production. It was so embarrasing that Saab never sold it in Europe. If you want a true Saab SUV. Wait for the 9-4x. It's promised to be a real Saab inside out.

Chevy Aveo/ Pontiac G3

Avoid: You'd think that small cars couldn't get any worst than this. You're very wrong! Very wrong indeed. The Chevy Aveo is one of the worst economy cars you can buy. It's poor handling, medicore power and steller styling makes it feel like a nightmare on four wheels. Makes you wonder, do people buy this to torture themselves? Pontiac offers a rebadged version of the G3. No wonder Pontiac is going out of production. With cars like that in it's line-up.

BMW X6

Avoid: The BMW X5 is pretty nice looking. The X3 is outdated in design. But still nice looking. The X6, well I don't know where the X6 fits in this picture. But the biggest question is, what is it supposed to be? A four-door SUV coupe? If you really want to stand out and have hefty pockets. You can buy one. But why would you when the X5 is much roomier, more practical and cost less.

Mercedes CLS

Avoid: This was the first four-door coupe. A coupe is a two-door car. So why would anyone want a sedan with a coupe profile? With a hefty price tag and limited headroom for rear passengers. It makes the rear doors pointless. The whole car maybe attractive in design. But if you want a coupe buy a coupe. Want a sedan buy a sedan. Why on earth would you want a four-door coupe?

Smart Fortwo

Avoid: The whole concept of a urban city car is great! The idea of having a small carbon foot print while having a stylish safe car is also a plus. But why did Smart have to attach the most awful transmission they could find? When you accelerate, the transmission pauses then shifts. The jerkiness of the shifting makes the idea seem horrible. You see one and love it. But when you drive it, you hate it.

Jeep Compass

Avoid: Jeep has a hertiage known for off-road vehicles. But if you ever came across this in Jeep's line up. You'd be embarrased for Jeep. It's a very bad poseur. It should be good for some off-roading like the Land Rover LR2 (which stays true to the brand). Why would anyone want to buy a Jeep that doesn't do what Jeeps are supposed to do? Pointless!

Volkswagen Routan

Avoid: Some ideas should be left ideas. The Routan is one of those ideas. Using the Dodge Caravan to design a minivan with 'German Engineering'. But in reality both vans are made in the same factory. The only difference is the cosmetic changes to both exterior and interior. Plus the handling is slightly better on the Volkswagen. But what minivan driver will be testing the handling? And who on earth would spend $40,000 on a minivan?

Mercedes R-Class

Avoid: You'd think minivans couldn't get more expensive. Nope you haven't seen the R-Class. Based on the now gone Chrysler Pacifica. Supposedly a luxurious crossover for those who don't want to drive a minivan. But seeing the many cheaper better options. It makes you wonder, are you really that fearful of your image? And do you really need to pay $50,000 for a crossover that any other crossover can do better and are cheaper to buy and own? The only thing it has going for it is the badge.

Mazda Tribute

Avoid: You have the Ford Escape. You have the Mercury Mariner. So where does the Tribute fit in this equation? All three are identical and all three use the same engines. So why do you need three copies of the same vehicle?

Kia Borrego

Avoid: It would've been nice if Kia relased this vehicle in 1990. When body-on-frame SUVs were popular. But with many SUVs switching to car platforms. You wonder why would anyone give up the smooth ride of a crossover, for the harshness of a body-on-frame SUV?

Hummer H3

Avoid: It was supposed to be the 'Baby Hummer' with easy to park size. Softer and more aimed towards city dwellers. But the blind spots are huge. It drinks gas like a Hummer. It's slow and heavy like a Hummer. With a strictly four-seat cabin. There are better SUVs out there that are better to drive. Good on gas and are much less 'in your face' styled.

Dodge Nitro

Avoid: Based on the Jeep Liberty platform. Both vehicles are horrible. The blind spots are large, the ride comfort is harsh. Thanks the large 20 inch alloy wheels. The interior quality is only so-so. The engines are only so-so. Fuel economy is below average. Almost like you're isolating yourself from the road and the world.

Pontiac G5

Avoid: The Chevy Cobalt (I did a little test drive of that in a earlier blog) is pretty much terrible. So Pontiac thought it would be a good idea to add an entry-level coupe to their line-up. It seemed like a good idea? Wrong! First of all, Pontiac is supposed to be a performance car company. Honestly we see why Pontiac is dying. Look at the products it has to show in it's line-up. (The G8, Vibe and G6 are the only good Pontiacs.)

BMW Hybrid, Land Rover updates it's line-up.

BMW wants to build the worlds most powerful Hybrid SUV. But does it really matter if you have a hybrid that has over 480hp under the hood? Well to answer a question that no one really asked. Nor did they ever decided they wanted one. The BMW ActiveHybrid X6 will be heading into production in 2010. Making an already purposeless SUV even more useless. The Jeep Cherokee's redesign is in jeopardy. Chrysler and Daimler are still entwined with each other. But Daimler doesn't want to share parts with Chrysler. Which means that the Jeep Cherokee which uses many parts from Daimler may cause a dispute. Which could result in the the launch of the next generation Jeep being pushed back or not even happening altogether. So far there isn't any ofical word as to the fate of this fairly nice looking SUV. The Smart Forfour could get another go. Yes the small compact hatchback that ever got a chance in the United States may have a chance. Mercedes is apparently talking to Renault with a possible partnership. This partnership could lead to a new Smart Forfour. But if Mercedes just simply keep the Mitsubishi Colt platform and redesign the current body design that was used between 2004 - 2006. Mercedes will cut cost of a new platform as well as have an attractive hatchback that will pull people from the dreadful Chevy Aveo and Kia Rio. Providing better more attractive alternatives for those who truly desire an urban city car. FYI please don't put a semi-automatic in this one. That's what made the Fortwo very undesirable to drive. Land Rover has decided that the LR3, Range-Rover and Range-Rover sport needed a little oomph under the hood. The LR3 which only had a V8 with 300hp was more of a lesiure vehicle. Land Rover has upgraded the engine to a 5.0Liter V8 with 375hp! All three will be using this engine in their base form. The Range Rover and Sport model will get an optional (I'm not joking when I say this) 5.0liter supercharged eight-cylinder with 510hp!! Just when you thought the 555hp BMW X5 M and X6 M weren't enough. You've got the Porsche Cayenne Turbo S with 55ohp. Don't forget the Mercedes ML AMG with 503hp from a 6.2 liter V8 engine. If Ferarri were to ever develop a SUV, it will probably have close to 600hp. Probably making it one of those SUVs you question their existance. What's next? The most powerful diesel SUV?

Similar design?

Does anyone else think these two SUVs are similar in design? One is a Lexus and the other is a Kia. Leave a comment below if you think these two trucks are simiar in design.

Say goodbye to Saturn and Pontiac

On September 30, 2009, Penske terminated its discussions with General Motors Company ("GM") to acquire the Saturn brand. The tentative agreement was for GM to continue to produce the Saturn line until 2011; after that time, an undisclosed third company would assume production responsibilities. Penske's decision to back out of the sale came after this undisclosed company's board rejected plans to take over production of the Saturn line. The undisclosed company was later reported to be Renault. Subsequently, GM stated they will shut down the brand and dealers will have to shut down by October 2010. Saturn owners will still be able to take their cars to Saturn dealerships for service until closure in 2010, after which point Saturn vehicles will be serviced at other GM dealerships.

On December 2, 2008, General Motors announced that it was considering eliminating numerous brands, including Pontiac, in order to appease Congress in hope of receiving a 25 billion dollar bailout. On February 17, 2009, GM originally proposed the elimination of its Saturn division, the sale of Saab, and either the sale or elimination of Hummer, depending on whether a buyer could be found quickly. In the original plan GM also clarified that Pontiac would have begun to focus on "niche" models aimed at the "youthful and sporty" segment, but did not provide specifics. Pontiac was to trim its number of models to four, although there was talk of retaining only one model. By April 2009 several automotive websites and business publications were reporting that GM was doing a study suggesting it might eliminate the brand altogether, along with sister truck brand GMC. On April 23 a report was published stating the company would be dropping the Pontiac brand while preserving the GMC truck line, as well as the Chevrolet, Cadillac, and Buick brands. The decision to eliminate Pontiac was made primarily due to the increasing threat of a bankruptcy filing if the June 1 deadline could not be met.

On April 27, 2009, GM officially announced that Pontiac will be dropped and that all of its remaining models will be phased out by the end of 2010.

General Motors will cut an additional 7,000 to 8,000 factory jobs in the United States and shed 2,600 dealers by 2010 under a revised business plan developed with the Obama administration. GM Chief Executive Officer Fritz Henderson said the Pontiac brand would be closed by 2010, calling it an “extremely personal decision.” In addition to speeding up decisions on Saturn, Saab and Hummer, GM will be left with four brands – Chevrolet, Buick, GMC and Cadillac.

Pontiac will become the second brand General Motors has eliminated in six years. Oldsmobile met the same fate in 2004 after being more slowly phased out over four years. Pontiac also becomes the eighth North American automobile brand since 1989 to be phased out, after Merkur, Passport, Asüna, Geo, Eagle, Plymouth, and Oldsmobile.

In early May, 2009, Jim Waldron, a Davison, Michigan Pontiac dealer, announced that he was interested in purchasing the Pontiac brand and logos, and had found financing to purchase them as well as some soon-to-be shuttered GM plants in order to build cars. Initially, GM said that, unlike Saturn, the brand was not for sale. But that statement was made before the official GM bankruptcy. As of mid June, Waldron indicated that GM has softened this stance, and that talks with GM relating to the purchase of the brand are continuing.

15 vehicles sold In Europe that achieve 56+ mpg

Power/ Running cost Avg. cons.

Mileage

mpg U.S.

Fiat 500 1.3 JTD Multijet 16V Pop 75 4.2 56

VW Golf 1.6 TDI BlueMotion 105 4.1 57

Skoda Fabia 1.4 TDI GreenLine 80 4.1 57

Opel Corsa 1.3 CDTI ecoFlex CO2 Pack 75 4.1 57

Audi A3 1.6 TDI Attraction 105 4.1 57

Toyota iQ 1.4 D-4D 90 4.0 59

Renault Twingo 1.5 dCi Rip Curl 84 4.0 59

Volvo S40 / V50 1.6D DRIVe Start/Stop 109 3.9 60

Volvo C30 1.6D DRIVe Start/Stop 109 3.9 60

Toyota Prius 1.8 Hybrid 136 3.9 60

Mini One D 90 3.9 60

VW Polo 1.6 TDI BlueMotion 90 3.7 64

Seat Ibiza 1.4 TDI Ecomotive 80 3.7 64

Ford Fiesta 1.6 TDCi ECOnetic 90 3.7 64

smart fortwo coupé 0.8 cdi pure softip 54 3.4 69

Volkswagen BlueMotion

Our BlueMotionTechnologies let you enjoy driving while knowing you’re helping to lessen your impact on the environment. The badge already identifies the cleanest, most eco-friendly cars in our range: now we’re extending it to cover all our innovative energy saving and fuel efficient technologies, such as the DSG dual-clutch gearbox and TSI and TDI engines. Why? Because when the car you drive is efficiently designed there’s no need to give up on driving excitement while being kinder to the environment.

So when you see this logo you can expect industry-leading technologies that increase efficiency, reduce emissions - and cut the cost of your driving. BlueMotionTechnologies demonstrate Volkswagen's commitment to the future.

You can feel good about driving a BlueMotion Volkswagen, knowing you've made a thoughtful choice for the environment. But straight away you'll also notice the difference to your pocket. With BlueMotion you could:

Save on fuel. The new Golf BlueMotion delivers an impressive 68.9mpg. Fewer visits to the pumps resulting in lower fuel costs.

Save on tax. The new Golf BlueMotion, with CO2 emissions of 107g/km, is in Band B with a tax duty of just £35 a year. Compare this to the annual road tax bill of more than £400 for the most highly polluting cars.

Blue - the Volkswagen colour - symbolises the elements water and air, while Motion represents a move forwards towards the future. BlueMotionTechnologies have one very important aim: to reduce the impact of our cars on the environment for future generations.

Our engineers are constantly striving to produce cleaner, more efficient cars that still offer great performance. The result of their work is an impressive range of refinements and innovations that save fuel and cut CO2 emissions. We've grouped these all together under the badge of BlueMotionTechnologies. So the environmental technologies of today are meeting the driving challenges of tomorrow.

At the heart of BlueMotionTechnologies are our advanced TDI & TSI engines and DSG dual-clutch gearbox.

TDI engines

Our Turbocharged Direct Injection (TDI) diesel engines are responsive and fun to drive, as well as being very efficient. They offer more power, good fuel economy and lower emissions. We've achieved this by:

Linking the engine to longer gear ratios to cut revs and improve fuel economy.

Developing new engine management software that reduces idling speed.

Fitting a highly efficient Diesel Particulate Filter to cut emissions.