A Sweeter Lemon

When life gives you a lemon, and lemonade is out of the picture, the next best thing is probably to make that lemon as sweet as possible. This seems to be Chrysler's philosophy as it desperately waits for its Fiat-sourced product wave hits the market in 2012/2013. In an amazing feat, Chrysler has improved every vehicle in its 2011 line-up. While putyourhandsup4detroit cannot endorse many Chrysler products, competitors should take note of this aggressive assault. We have a hunch that Chrysler is going to be the new poster boy in a few years. Chrysler already previewed most of its 2011 lineup, and we don't blame them for being a little too giddy to wait for the Detroit Auto Show. Since almost the whole 2011 lineup was on display, here is a highlight.

2011 Chrysler 300

The biggest news for the 2011 Chrysler 300 is that the 2.7 and 3.5 liter V6s have finally been replaced with the brand spankin new 3.6 Pentastar V6. We can't emphasize how shitty those engines were much of an improvement this is. The new V6 will be accompanied by the familiar 5.7 Hemi V8. The 3.6 makes a healthy 292 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque, up significantly from the wheezy 178 hp in the old 2.7. The Hemi is good for a rubber-burning 360 hp. Unfortunately, the 5-speed automatic transmission remains. A ZF 8-speed transmission will eventually make its way into the 300, as well as a new SRT-8 performance package (the SRT-8 goes on hiatus for the 2011 calendar year). Putyourhandsup4detroit will definitely be waiting for those goods to drop into the 300 before we make our purchase. You would be wise to do the same.


Apart from the all-new V6, other changes include an interior worthy for retail sales, updated styling, and improved driving dynamics. We generally approve of the new looks, especially the LED-headlights. Some critics feel that the lights are a cheap knock-off of Audi, but we disagree. LEDs are the future and in our opinion, expensive (looking) headlights are one of the best ways to improve the quality perception of a vehicle--just ask VW. The interior is also a huge improvement; worthy of the 30-40K price range. Speaking of which, when the 300 goes on sale in Q1, it will start at $27,995 and go up to $41,145--a significant jump from last year's model. Expect to see more 2011 300s in consumer's driveways and less in airport rental fleets.












2011 Chrysler 200/ 200 Convertible


Confession time. We kind of liked the old Sebring. Not like in a serious, recommend-to-your-friends kind of way, but in the we-are-really-embarrassed-for-the-car kind of way. We liked to get our kicks by like, just driving the old Sebring around and pretending it was real car while keeping a straight face. But seriously we feel bad for the victims who purchased one. We encourage them to seek counsel from a consumer fraud attorney.

Anyway, that was then this is now. The 200 is Chrysler's best shot and making a real midsize vehicle. Gone is that old V6 we are no longer going to talk about and in place is the Pentastar V6. The same underwhelming 2.4 4 cylinder plugs along as the base power plant. We cannot wait for a Fiat engine to make its way under the hood. We certainly hope that you do. Shockingly, the base engine still comes standard with the a four-speed transmission. We assume this is the model destined for Hertz. But seriously Chrysler is the only manufacturer is still offering four-speeds. Opting for the 5 or 6 speed transmissions is imperative. Naturally, the V6 is only equipped with a 6-speed. Fuel economy also lags behind competitors. The base engine will yield 20/31 (city/highway), and the 3.6 is good fro 19/29. In this day in age, most mid-size shoppers opt for a four-cylinder engine. Its a pity this one is so bad.


We are happy to report that much work has been spent on the mechanics. Engineers have reworked the chassis, suspension geometry, and steering for a much improved ride/handling that is on par with competitors. Likewise, the interior is all-new and about what we would expect from any legitimate manufacturer. As for exterior styling, the 200 looks like an anonymous Japanese car. Maybe that was the point. We see bits of Subaru, Hyundai, Saab, Jaguar, Suzuki, and Ford Focus in the new sheet metal. While no longer offensive, the exterior is certainly not groundbreaking. We recognize the huge constraints that Chrysler faced, and overall the 200 is a big improvement for a mid-cycle refresh (and rename). We still don't feel good recommending this vehicle, but hey, at least its no longer a joke. Hopefully the 200 can hang in there until its all-new replacement engineered by Fiat arrives for the '13 model year.




















2011 Jeep Compass


Talk about going from an ugly ducking to swan. Ok swan may still be an exaggeration, but Chrysler made a smart move by ditching the old frog-eyed look and adopting a baby Grand Cherokee face. Its just too bad they stopped at the A-pillar. We think the new look is handsome, but it will take a full redesign before the Jeep Compass becomes anything mouth-watering.



Similarly to every vehicle in the Chrysler stable, the Jeep Compass underwent major chassis improvements. It makes for a much better vehicle. The engine stays the same but the vehicle is now trail-rated, some thing achieved by the new CVT transmission which has a low-range mode. The new interior further moves the Compass towards becoming a competitive vehicle. It actually nice. We would still choose most other compact crossovers on the market, but the refresh will be enough to buy time until the Compass's replacement is ready in a year or two.

The Green Blue Oval is on a roll

Sorry for the break. Putyourhandsup4detroit took a trip to New York and started up school again so we won't be posting as often. Anyway, back to the Detroit Auto Show.

Ford pulled out all the stops for this year's Detroit Auto Show. In particular, Ford unveiled some impressive green vehicles in the pipeline. In addition to the Ford Fusion, Escape and Lincoln MKZ hybrids, Ford will soon sell the all-new C-Max, C-Max Hybrid, and C-Max Energi (aka plug-in hybrid). Ford also previewed an electric version of the Focus (also to be available in hybrid and plug-in hybrid). To top it off, there is the chic Ford Vertrek Concept, which will become the 2012 Escape. A closer look at Ford's new goodies:


2012 C-Max.

First off, we just have to put it out there that Ford could have chosen a better name. We're not sure what image "c-max" conjures for you, but Ford should have stuck with an "F" name. We would recommend an oldie but goodie like Falcon. Fairlane or Futura are also appropriate choices. Heck, as long as we are on the topic of dumb-Ford-names-and-vehicles-that-start-with-an-"F", we can't help but wonder if a "Ford Fourplay" has ever been tossed around.


Anyway, Ford describes the 2012 C-Max is a 5+2 seater. What Ford means is that it's jumping into the mini minivan segment--not to be confused with the "big boy" minivan market. The MPV/mini minivan market may be unfamiliar since the Mazda 5 is only current entry. Mazda moves about 15-20K units a year. So what is the big hoopla? Well first, the segment is quite popular in Europe, where the C-Max is already on sale, and Ford's development cash spent. And second, many analysts predict that as gas prices rise, Americans will warm up to the C-Max's favorable fuel economy and high level of functionality/utility. Interestingly, the C-Max is actually about the size of the original Chrysler Town & Country.


The C-Max will come equipped with two engines, a 2.5 liter 168 hp, 167 pound-feet of torque base engine and the all new, 1.6 "Ecoboost" 168 hp, 173 lb-ft. Ecoboost is Ford talk for turbo FYI. The goal is 30 mpg on the highway, which we think Ford will out do. On a high note, with premium fuel the Ecoboost puts down 180 hp. For 12 extra horses, premium gas might be the best couple bucks ever spent. With a brand new 6-speed transmission, and base price around 20K, the 2012 C-Max may just be a winner. We are particularly pleased with how well the interior has turned out.




2012 C-Max Hybrid/Energi

Along with the production C-Max, Ford unveiled the C-Max Hybrid and Energi Concepts. So on a side note, you need to know that the European C-Max comes as a five-seater vehicle and long wheelbase 5+2 seater. The later is dubbed the Grand C-Max. Ford will only sell the 5+2 Grand C-Max in the U.S. We assume that either Ford decided American's don't go for anything too small or 5+2 seating is clever marketing. We see the only practical application of the "+2" seats as punishment for disobedient children. Trust us, they will not be a fun place to be on road trips. However, the U.S. spec Hybrid and Energi C-Maxes are based on the short wheelbase, five-seater C-max. Are you confused? We are. Our best guess is that the shorter, lighter version gets better mpg and therefore a better candidate to be hybridized.


But back to the C-Max Hybrid. The hybrid system is the same system employed on the Fusion. Ford is promising better mpg (if you recall, the Fusion hybrid puts up 41 mpg city, 37 highway).

As for the Energi, this will be Ford's first plug-in hybrid model, not dissimilar to the Prius PHV and Chevy Volt. Ford is staying mum on specifics, but it will fully recharge overnight on a regular 120-volt outlet, which is faster than the Volt and Nissan Leaf, ya know, in case you are keeping score.



2013 Focus Electric

Not content with just hybrids, Ford is really embracing its green side and previewed the Focus Electric. The electric Focus will be available only in the handsome 5-door variation. Ford promises a 100 mile range, half the charging time as the Leaf (with a 240-volt outlet), and twice the fuel economy as the Volt. You can even order a 240-volt charger from Best Buy for $1,499, which includes a 240-volt outlet installation courtesy of the Geek Squad. While it sounds like a tall order, expect Ford to pull this off with a sticker around 35-40K pre-government rebate. Did we mention that this will be one of the most attractive electric vehicles on the market?











Ford Vertrek Concept.

The debate is over. In case you missed that debate, for the past several months auto enthusiasts and car-junkie nerds with too much time were blowing up the forums on how the new Ford Escape will look. Everybody knew that the 2012 Escape would be a crossover, and that the U.S. Escape and European Kuga crossover would converge to become one model. The debate centered on whether the 2012 Escape/Kuga would look more SUV (Escape) or crossover (Kuga). Well, with the Vertrek Concent, we know that the crossover look won. And may we add that the Vertrek Concept is total crossover porn. Part of us is a little let down. The idea of a baby Explorer (supported by some awesome sketches) seemed clever. However, in the end, we think that the adaption of this sleek and muscular design will do Ford well. The crossover shape also is five percent more efficient than the boxier SUV design. Go figure.



The 2012 Escape will go on sale hopefully by the end of the year with the 1.6 Ecoboost as standard as well as an optional 2.0 Ecoboost. For now enjoy the photos and tell us, would you have rather seen a more SUV like Escape? Note: the last photo is a sketch of what the Escape could have looked like.

One Prius, Two Prius, Small Prius, MPV Prius

As the Detroit Auto Show continues, Toyota officially unveiled the long-expected Prius MPV dubbed "Prius V." Thats V for vendetta, not five. This will be the second addition to the Prius line. The big surprise was the unveiling of a new compact Prius dubbed the Prius C. WE think both models are exciting and a move in the right direction for Toyota. So first, the Prius V:



The 2012 Prius V (for versatility actually) is pretty much a Prius with more space. Toyota says it has 50% more cargo room than your regular Prius. The Prius V also uses the same 134 hp drive train as the regular Prius. Given the extra size and heft, the V gets 'only' 38/42 mpg in the city/highway. In case you forgot, the regular Prius gets 51/48. That is still pretty damn good considering the Mazda 5 (a non-hybrid vehicle in this segment) gets a meager 20/28. One neat fact is that the panoramic roof is made of resin instead of glass to save weight. Cool. Drop by your local Toyota dealer this summer to pick one up.



The Prius C concept (for city-centric) is said to get significantly better fuel economy than the normal Prius. It is also mcuh smaller so lets hope that it will also be significantly cheaper. Don't expect the show-cary headlights to carryover on this neat-o design. The production version should go on sale sometime in the first half of 2012.



Also FYI, a Plug-in hybrid version of the regular Prius is also in the works for 2012--called the Prius PHV. A limited number have already been leased out. This brings the Prius family up to four models. With the addition of competitors like the Ford C-max, C-max Hybrid, and C-max Energi (aka plug-in hybrid) the compact minivan/MPV segment looks like it may finally be heating up.

Attached is an interesting shoot-out between the Chevy Volt and Prius PHV. The Prius wins, but kind of loses too because you can't actually buy one yet until late 2012 when it will be sold as a '13 model.

http://www.insideline.com/chevrolet/volt/2011/comparison-test-2011-chevrolet-volt-vs-2010-toyota-prius-phv.html

What's in a name?

Verona, Murano...Verano. Do Americans really fall for these Latin names? It's a mixed bag--the Suzuki Verona, lasted for three years. Yes, it was that god-aweful. Nissan's Murano, while not a segment bestseller, is certainly successful. Hell they are even adding a convertable version. So drumroll...welcome the all-new 2012 Buick Verano. The Verano will be Buick's first compact since it's beloved Skylark ceased production in '98. Ok maybe the Verano isn't so bad of a name, even if it reminds us of an Italian village named after a female body part.

The Verano, which will go on sale in Q4, is already on sale in China as the Excelle. And the Excelle/Verano is rebadged Opel Astra, except the Opel is a lovely 5-door hatch and the Buick will be available as a sedan only. Though the Astra is a great compact car, GM unsuccessfully tried to sell it in the US (remember the Saturn Astra). So will the Buick Verano succeed? We think it will for several reasons, but first the deets.


The 2012 Buick Verano will come equipped with a 2.4 four banger that pumps out 177 hp, gets 31 mpg on the highway, and should get you up to 60 mph in about 8 seconds. Not too impressive, except when you compare it to the Chevy Cruze (which this is based) and the 138 hp 1.8 and 1.4 turbo engines. A turbo model with an optional 6 speed manual is on the way. Base price is supposed to start around 21-26K, which seems suspiciously like a lot of room to fudge numbers once the actual price is annouced.


Where the Verano does succeed is the well appointed interior and handsome, if not slightly overly cute, exterior styling. We would put the two-tone interior on par with anything else out there. We think the Verano is entirely the right direction for Buick to go. We hope they remember that nobody in the targeted demographic has Buick on their radar (if even know about the Brand at all). Competitors include the pricier Volvo S40, Audi A3, Lexus CH 200, as well as well-optioned Mazda 3s, Ford Foci, and VW Golf/GTIs. We find this a tight line to walk, but luckily the compact luxury segment is expected to be the next big thing, or something like that. Some analysts just said that stuff so we will see.

On one hand, the Verano is trying to undercut the Audi, Lexus, and Volvo as (excluding the not-yet-on-sale Lexus, neither the Audi or Volvo have sold too well) but also outdo fully loaded compacts. The problem is that the Buick is heavy on the price (you will most definitely be on the wrong side of 25K once you drive off the lot), and light on performance (0-60 in 8 seconds, snooze). And we don't see many people paying a premium for the Buick badge.

Our recommendation for the Verano is add the turbo model ASAP and keep the premium as minimal as possible. At the same time, like the 2012 LaCrosse hybrid, Buick needs to add its light hybrid system to the base 2.4 (ditto for the Regal which also shares this base engine). If Buick can do that without raising the base price substantially, we think the Verano would be a winner. It would be slightly quicker and have much more impressive mpg for this segment. Finally, bring over that 5 door hatch because it looks SO much better than the sedan. Until then, lets hope this thing handles like dream. Attached are some reviews, as well as photos of the Verano and 5-door Excelle.


http://www.insideline.com/buick/verano/2012/2012-buick-verano-2011-detroit-auto-show.html

http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/sedans/1101_2012_buick_verano_look/index.html

"Do you think I am fucking stupid?"

No Sergio, we do not. Unlike some Chrysler execs who's questioning of Mr. Marchionne led to such outbursts, we have always had faith in Mr. Marchionne's Fiat-led takeover. With the results of Sergio's leadership finally bearing fruit, things are starting to look good for Chrysler. Take for example the new Jeep Grand Cherokee.

We haven't had the opportunity to actually drive it yet, but we have sat in both the base Larado trim level as well as the top of the line Overland trim. You'll come away pretty impressed. We'd put the quality of the interior on par with any competitor. Attached is Automobile Magazine's review. The biggest criticism is the dated transmission, which will be replaced for the '13 model. The major spot where we disagree with some critics is the steering wheel, who give Jeep some flack for its thickness. We actually like the meaty steering wheel. It makes the vehicle feel sturdy and powerful. Maybe over long drives it becomes uncomfortable, but we honestly don't know what the big fuss is. If Sergio can continue rolling out products as good or better than the new Grand Cherokee, Chrysler's future looks pretty good. Attached is a like to a review. We hope this is the first of many posts!

http://www.automobilemag.com/reviews/driven/1006_2011_jeep_grand_cherokee/index.html