Renault Wind and Choro Q Lamborghini separated at birth?

The new Renault Wind is on the left. The Choro Q Lamborghini is on the right, in case you couldn't tell.

More info on the Wind at Autoblog. No more info on the Choro Q.

Motor Trend drives the 2010 Suzuki Swift

Yes, I've been heavy on the Suzuki content lately, but there's Suzuki news to be shared.

Case in point: The folks over at Motor Trend have taken a spin in the 2011 2010 Suzuki Swift (I think it should be 2011, though). Off the bat, they comment on how it might not make it to the U.S. A brief e-mail exchange with American Suzuki proved that the company remains tight lipped regarding the Swift's arrival, or at least its continued absence.

Anyway, the magazine says the 1.2-liter engine is a bit low on grunt, but does well on economy. They also say it's more quiet and refined than the outgoing model; apparently a welcomed addition. They also allude to the idea that its reflexes are "terrier like" (their words, not mine). However, I guess that's a good thing. Check out the full article for the entire scoop.

LINK
First Drive: 2010 Suzuki Swift

FOR SALE: Pabst Blue Ribbon Beer Tap Shift Handle

You know you want it.

This is a genuine Pabst Blue Ribbon tap handle that I've "re-tapped" to M12x1.25 to fit a variety of car shifters including Toyota, Suzuki, Subaru, some Nissans, and probably more.

The tap handle itself was used as a tapper at a bar, so there is some wear. A bit of the silver plating around the logo is missing, but it's not very bad, IMHO. Also there are some scuffs on the brass fitting at the bottom. Overall, it's in very good shape. The way you see it in the photos is fully attached and fully screwed on. This was probably the best way to grip the shifter. Click on the pics below to see more.

Yes it's tall, but it's a heck of an attention getter.

I'm asking $40 + shipping from Beer City, USA (Portland, OR). Interested? Contact me here.

Nobuhiro "Monster" Tajima and Suzuki take top time at Pikes Peak Hill Climb

Suzuki's Nobuhiro "Monster" Tajima piloted his Unlimited Class SX4 up Pikes Peak today to set the fastest time on the mountain, and bring in a fifth consecutive victory to the Japanese automaker and Japanese race car driver. Times for the three Unlimited Class entries looked like this:

Nobuhiro "Monster" Tajima	10:11.490	Suzuki SX4
Paul Dallenbach	10:39.534	Chevrolet
Rhys Millen	11:06.208	Hyundai RMR JE09

Congratulations to Suzuki!

LINKS
American Suzuki Motor Corporation

VIDEO: "Monster" Tajima's SX4 and Millen's Genesis Pikes Peak practice runs

Here are a few clips from YouTube of Nobuhiro "Monster" Tajima and Rhys Millen driving their respective Suzuki SX4 and Hyundai Genesis hill climb vehicles. Apparently, Tajima is dominating the practice sections. Looking forward to tomorrows results!

Suzuki to battle Hyundai at the 88th Pikes Peak International Hill Climb

The 88th Pikes Peak International Hill Climb will be held Sunday, June 27. You know, that frantic scramble up to the top of a mountain in Colorado. This event showcases some extreme vehicles designed to do one thing: Go fast up the hill.

One of the most famous marques to go up the hill in the past several years is none other than ... wait for it ... Suzuki. Anyone that's ever played Gran Turismo remembers the Pikes Peak Suzuki Escudo. It was darn near the fastest car in the game. And at this year's Pikes Peak Hillclimb, Suzuki hopes to keep its "fastest" title for a fifth straight year.

Representing Suzuki will be the master himself: Nobuhiro "Monster" Tajima (pictured above) yet again piloting an insanely modified Suzuki SX4. Tajima has posted the fastest time up the mountain for the past four years in a row and hopes to make it five.

The biggest challenge for 2010's hill climb will be well-known motorsports driver Rhys Millen driving an equally highly modified Hyundai Genesis. I think Monster will get him again this year! Go Suzuki!

Scion speculation: What will the next xB be? (Maybe the bB?)

By now, you might know that one of my favorite rants (e.g. beating a very dead horse) is the up-sizing of the xB, and no, I'll probably never get over it. This is a vehicle that went from subcompact icon to a much larger, heavier, and thirstier (read: bloated) vehicle in 2008 when it was redesigned. Although it might be a bit early to speculate on the third-generation xB, I'm going to speculate anyways, or at least have a running monologue.

In 2004, when the xB debuted, we still hadn't hit the global economic downturn and xB sales were surprisingly good up until 2006. If anything, it was at least proof that a subcompact tall wagon could be a hit in the U.S. Then, in 2008, the global economic downturn hit, just as the second-gen xB was being launched. Unfortunate for Scion (and everyone else in the auto industry, for that matter). This begs the question: Is the current xB a slow seller because of its redesign, or simply due to the economy?

But let's look ahead to the next generation xB, which I assume will be either a 2012 or 2013 model. So will Scion go big again or purposely downsize the vehicle?

If you look at the current lineup, you've got the new tC about to drop; the Yaris-based xD; (which replaced the xA); and the new iQ (A-segment/microcar) debuting soon. So what is Scion to do about its flagship xB model?

I think there are three options. The first two are re-dos: Import a Japanese domestic market vehicle like they did with the original xB, or, design a vehicle more suited to the U.S. market (ala the current xB, although it is sold in a few other markets). The third option is to build a global vehicle (ala Toyota Yaris) that is sold everywhere in the world.

Personally, I'd love to see another JDM-like xB that is small, fuel efficient, and practical, just like the original version. (Current bB anyone?). If I want something larger and want to stay with a Toyota, I'll get a Matrix. If I want really small, I'll get an iQ. This is the perfect opportunity to rekindle the original love affair I had (and many others had) with the first-gen xB.

What direction do you think the next generation xB should take? Sound off in the comments section.

More miscellaneous 2011 Suzuki Swift images

Here are few more photos of the European-spec 2011 Suzuki Swift, including interior photos. Shockingly, I love it. And by "shockingly" I mean "not-shockingly." Oh yes—I await your arrival!

Something is different ...

Well, I decided to change a few color things around the place. The colors were getting a bit stagnant. I think the new look is a bit more modern looking; hopefully still easy to read. Hopefully you like it.

- The Management

A visual: How Cash For Clunkers jumpstarted Chevy Aveo sales

Ah the venerable Chevrolet Aveo. It's been on sale in the U.S. since 2003, when few automakers were offering a subcompact. Darin Cosgrove, admin at AveoForum.com, sent me this graphic illustrating the big-ol' spike in Aveo sales during last year's Cash For Clunkers program. The Aveo had the second largest spike in subcompact sales (+159%) during this time, and helped the Aveo become the sixth best-selling subcompact in the U.S. in 2009, with 38,516 units sold.

Since then, the Aveo has continued to sell well for Chevy, possibly spurred on by the renewed interest in buying American (athough the vehicle is manufactured in South Korea). As of June,1 2010, the Aveo had sold a respectable 14,749 units. And, with a redesign on the way, the Aveo should continue strong into the next decade.

LINK
AveoForum.com

Autoblog drives the Honda CR-Z

Have you been waiting to read a first-drive of the Honda CR-Z? Well, wait no longer. Autoblog has driven the CR-Z. So is it the next CRX, or is it tepid at best? Unfortunately, the answer will probably not surprise you.

LINK
First Drive: 2011 Honda CR-Z (Autoblog)

What the Hell? Yaris Batmobile = superhero downsizing

Is this a sign of the times? Has the "Caped Crusader" downsized to a Yaris? I'm certainly hoping not. If this truly is Batman's new car, can someone tell me how to get a hold of Superman instead? Maybe the Green Lantern? Hell—Ace and Gary?






SOURCE
YarisWorld.com

Header? Hell, I lover 'er! My latest Yaris modification

So as you probably guessed, I bought a header for the Yaris: The DC Sports 4-1 header to be exact. The installation was pretty straightforward—certainly one of the easier header installations I've performed, despite the location on the back side of the engine.

The DC Sports header is a very nice piece with outstanding build quality. The only snag I ran into was that the support (the tab at the lower right hand corner) didn't 100% line up with the Toyota support bracket. Solution? Dremel tool to the Toyota bracket, of course (removed about 1/8").

Performance results are noticeable, too. The car seems to rev more freely after 4,000 RPM. I'd expect a couple of horsepower out of this mod. Naturally, I bought my header via Micro Image.

A recommended product to all those that have a 1NZ-FE under the hood (aka Yaris, xB, xA, Echo).

2011 Volkswagen Polo Sedan

I'm a bit late to the game with this "news," but better late than never. Volkswagen may have the same thought regarding the 2011 Polo Sedan, too. Well, at least in the U.S.

The photo above is the Polo for the Russian market, however, the North American market is supposed to get the Polo, too. The Russian market variant will be powered by a 103 horsepower 1.6-liter mated to an automatic or manual transmission.

VW hasn't had a model under the Jetta/Golf in the States since the Fox, which ceased U.S. sales in 1993. VW would join a few other mainstream companies (e.g. Mazda, Mitsubishi, Ford) that are about to reenter the b-segment. It's likely the States will get the sedan. No word on whether VW will release the hatchback version here. This is where the rumors start.

Now that Volkswagen holds a 20% stake in Suzuki, there has been chatter about VW not importing the Polo hatchback for fears the (hopefully) upcoming Suzuki Swift hatchback might cannibalize sales of a Polo hatch (vice versa?). Whether there's an ounce of truth to that, I can't confirm. All I know is, we'll likely see the Polo at dealers within the next year.

Micro Image Toyota Yaris runs a 12.80 @ 107 mph

Here's a video of the Micro Image Toyota Yaris running a 12.80. Garm Beall, the owner of Micro Image, has put a ton of work into his Yaris, and this 12.80 run proves it! Love the flames shooting out the tailpipe, too. Wicked.

SOURCE
AutoGuide.com

What the hell? Awesome find at Goodwill. And by awesome I mean terrible.

Well, this isn't something you expect to find at Goodwill. My buddy Scott found this awesomely huge terribly huge spoiler at the Goodwill in Franklin, WI (outside of Milwaukee). They wanted $50 for it. Apparently someone hadn't heard of craigslist.

Review: 2010 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback Ralliart—A practical rally car for the streets

Nestled between the standard Lancer and the fire-breathing Lancer Evolution is the Lancer Ralliart. New for 2010 is the Sportback—a versatile cargo-carrying hatchback bodystyle. With many of the accoutrements of a sportscar, the Ralliart Sportback variant is a nice combination of performance and practicality. Plus, with its all-wheel drive system, drivers can use the Lancer Ralliart’s athleticism to its fullest in all four seasons.

THE SHORT STORY

Pros: Outstanding performance; good practicality; unique but attractive looks; Recaro seats.

Cons: Some chintzy interior bits; thirsty engine; getting in and out of Recaro seat can be difficult

Overall: A rally car for the streets that can not only haul ass, but hauls groceries and cargo, too.

EXTERIOR STYLING: Handsome raciness meets practicality
Even before the Sportback came out, I thought the Lancer was one of the more attractive compact cars on the market. The Sportback maintains its good looks, but adds an interesting twist with its rear end styling. Up front, you get that distinctive shark-like front end, and an attention grabbing hood with a functional hood scoop, which directs air onto the turbocharger. You can also see the intercooler in the lower grille. I like. The Sportback also has great looking 18-inch alloy wheels wrapped in high-performance ADVAN tires. Its stance is aggressive, too. I can’t tell you how many under 30-somethings males ogled this car.

INTERIOR: Part race car, part economy car

The interior of this car works well and yet, has a bit of a multi-personality disorder. There’s no denying the practicality: Good cargo capacity thanks to a hatchback configuration. Fold the spacious rear seats down and you’ve got scads of storage. The optional Recaro front seats are a boy-racer’s dream. You sit very low and are hugged by the giant side bolsters. The seats put you in what feels like a race-ready position. However, several people complained about entry/exit with the Recaros, which are much better suited to young, agile bodies than those in their 60s, such as my parents. Plus, due to the maneuvers required to get into the seats, I can see the side bolsters wearing quickly. But, consider me a boy racer: I love ‘em.

But there’s more to this interior, and not in a good way. There’s a lot of cheap feeling items. The vinyl-covered visors look and feel like they came out of a 1989 Mitsubishi Mirage. The climate control system, while easy to use, feels cheap. The radio is very simple—almost too simple—with Bluetooth, satellite radio, regular radio, and CD controls, this system needed more buttons. The interior design is good, practical, and functional. However, it’s a bit chintzy. But those Recaros—oh yes.

TECHNOLOGY: Techy drivetrain; amazingly loud stereo
The Lancer Sportback Ralliart features many of the amenities buyers will want inside the vehicle from a tech standpoint: Bluetooth, available satellite radio, automatic climate control, and CD/MP3 player with auxiliary input. Speaking of aux input, the Lancer Sportback Ralliart was the only car I’ve been in that uses RCA inputs (like the ones on the back of a TV) vs. a standard 1/8” input, like on an iPod. My car was equipped with the optional 710 watt Rockford-Fosgate stereo, which includes a 10” subwoofer. What a stereo! Possibly the loudest factory system I’ve ever heard, and it sounded awesome.

The Lancer Sportback Ralliart is also packed with drivetrain technology. You get limited-slip front and rear differentials (helical and mechanical, respectively); full-time all-wheel drive; front and rear stabilizer bars, fully independent suspension; selectable All Wheel Control (tarmac, gravel, or snow); and of course the turbocharged, intercooled engine. This is essentially a practical rally car for the streets—and this isn’t even the higher-end Evolution model!

ENGINE/DRIVETRAIN Power and sophistication
There’s no doubt about it: The 2.0-liter turbocharged/intercooled MIVEC (Mitsubishi Innovative Valve-timing Electronic Control) engine is a screamer. It’s smooth, not the quietest, but racy for sure.

This was my first experience spending time with a twin-clutch geartrain. It’s a unique experience. You can place the car in full automatic mode and simply aim and drive the car. You can also put it into the manual mode and change gears with the shifter, or tap the magnesium paddles located on the steering wheel. This is not an automatic transmission you shift manually: This is a Twin-Clutch SST setup (simply put, it’s like two manual transmissions put together in one gearbox that is shifted electronically).

There are two modes to choose from in full automatic mode: regular and sport. The sport holds gears in corners, and downshifts for you. However, even in regular mode, it held gears a bit too long for my taste. I couldn’t help but think if fuel economy is suffering because of this. In manual ”sport shift” mode, however, shifts are quick, revs are matched, and it makes driving fast very easy. During hard acceleration, the combination of the all-wheel drive system and the twin-clutch transmission would make some noticeable clunking while shifting. It should also be noted that drivers can select from three road conditions using a switch near the shifter: tarmac, gravel, or snow. How “rally car” is that? Overall power delivery is smooth, strong, and downright exciting under full throttle.

DRIVING: Fast, fun, and tightly sprung
Make no mistake about it: This car is fast and fun. And with the limited slip differentials, all-wheel drive, and plenty of power on tap, all this performance can be enjoyed all year round. I’ve seen 0-60 estimates of about 5.5 seconds, which is pretty quick. Off the line, until the car comes into the turbo boost, it does lack a little. But once the boost comes on, hold on! The Sportback Ralliart is also a corner carver. Dare I say unrelenting grip? Plus, the large four-wheel disc brakes are fantastic. This is a very fun, practical car! However, don’t expect to save much gas. Rated at 17 city and 25 highway (and drinking premium fuel), this isn’t the miserly version of the Lancer. I got the advertised 17 MPG during my week-long stay with the car with 50% city driving.

Ride quality and handling are two different things. While this vehicle’s handling is stealer, the ride quality borders on harsh. This car rides extremely stiff and every bump, crack, and imperfection is felt. This is not the car to buy if you’re looking for a smooth ride. However, you are rewarded with outstanding grip, handling, and little body roll.

OVERALL: A practical rally car for the streets
There is a high level of performance with this vehicle. However, if I pay $31,000 for a car, I’d like a bit better visors and switch gear inside; the Lancer's economy car roots did show through here.

With that being said, Mitsubishi’s Lancer Sportback Ralliart is essentially a practical rally car for the streets. With great performance, admirable practicality, and capable all-wheel drive system, this car is both fun and sensible. It’s a head turner, too, especially with the under 30 crowd. If you don’t mind the fuel economy and the somewhat cheap-feeling interior, the Lancer Sportback Ralliart makes a lot of sense for those looking for speed and cargo carrying ability.

LINK
Mitsubishi Motors

Official 2011 Suzuki Swift photos and my thoughts

A day after spy photos of the Swift appeared from Hungary, Suzuki has released official images of the redesigned 2011 Swift. This new model, which goes on sale in the UK this fall, will get 47 mpg (U.S. cycle), and be powered by 93 horsepower 1.2-liter gasoline engine. Although smaller than the outgoing 1.3 liter mill, it's more powerful and gets better fuel economy. And even though the wheelbase is longer than the previous model, as Autoblog.com points out, the Swift is still 9.5 inches shorter than the new Ford Fiesta.

So now the big question looms: Will the Swift appear in the U.S.? Autoblog reports there are no official plans at this point. And although it's true thatAmerican Suzuki has not made an official announcement about the Swift in the U.S. since 2007 (which is when they said it'd be here by 2010), there has been a lot of speculation that this smallish Suzuki will show up on U.S. soil.

MY THOUGHTS
Personally, I don't think Suzuki can afford not to bring the Swift over here (unless they, literally cannot afford to bring it here). With its sales down nearly 20% each month for several months, the company needs to try something else. Although the Kizashi is a fine sedan that has much praise from the automotive media (including in my review), it hasn't been selling very well. Albeit, sales have been increasing a little each month.

But cash-strapped Suzuki (at least in the U.S., well only in the U.S.) needs a car to get people in the door. Although the SX4—another favorite of mine—is a good car, and actually based on the outgoing Swift's chassis, it may still be too niche for some, plus the AWD models get unfairly pegged for its fuel economy. Perhaps the Swift could be an inexpensive way to get people to look at Suzuki again. Look at the Versa. The Aveo. The Accent. The Yaris. The Fit. These are all the entry-level models, and all sell pretty well for subcompacts. The SX4 currently doesn't come anywhere close to the sales numbers of these vehicles. But, if Suzuki can offer the Swift at a very attractive price, stand by it with it's 100,000 mile powertrain warranty, and promote it, I'd think it'd have a winner on its hands. It seemed to work for the above-mentioned subcompacts.

Then you've got Suzuki's small (and getting smaller) dealer network. It's hard to sell a lot of cars when you don't have a lot of dealers. Then gain, it's hard to have a lot of dealers if you don't sell a lot of cars.

Hopefully, American Suzuki Motor Corporation decides to give the Swift the thumbs up for the U.S. market, and perhaps Suzuki can right the ship.

Thanks to Sean Murphy for the tip!

A timeline video of a Datsun 610 project, and a farewell. Oh yeah, and KA24DE turbo goodness.

Several months ago, I featured my friend Aaron's 1974 Datsun 610 in a Subcompact Showcase. Since then, Aaron found a buyer for the KA24DE-powered 610. However, the buyer had one request before taking delivery: Make it fast. So, Aaron went ahead and turbocharged his vintage Datsun to nearly 300 horsepower.

As a final hurrah, Aaron made this video timelining the evolution of his Datsun build. Not only is this a cool car, but it's a very well-done video!

2011 Suzuki Swift caught undisguised in Hungary

Well, well, well. What do we have here? Possibly the 2011 Suzuki Swift. These cares were caught on the back of a trailer in Hungary where Suzuki has its European manufacturing. Definitely not the current generation, this alleged '11 model has a very Renault-like rear. I wonder what the front looks like? Unfortunately, there aren't any pics of that yet.

Here are a couple more pics:




SOURCE
PaulTan.org

Rumormill: Mini planning larger, seven-seat Countryman?

"Rumormill: Mini planning larger, seven-seat Countryman?" is the heading on Autoblog for this article. Is MINI seriously considering a seven-passenger vehicle? How MINI could it be? Maybe MINI should also have a MAXI line ... then again MAXI might conjure up a different kind of product.

SOURCE
Autoblog via Auto Express

Photos from 4th-Annual Mt. St. Helens Cruise

The weather wasn't optimal for a cruise up Mt. St. Helens—or anywhere for that matter—but those of us in the Pacific Northwest know that if you let a little rain stop you from doing something, you'll never do anything. At some points on the Interstate, however, I thought I might need and outboard motor: It was pouring.

Rain and all, we had a total of 36 cars including 23 Scions, nine Toyotas, three Hondas, a Nissan, and a VW. The event started in Castle Rock, WA (about an hour-and-a-half from Portland, OR), but we had people come up from San Diego (albeit, on the way to Yakima, WA) and come down Vancouver Canada! The BBQ/picnic afterward was fantastic, too, and the rain let up just in time to eat.

Thanks to everyone that helps make this happen! Next year is the 5th Anniversary of this event and it will be on June 5, 2011. In the meantime, here are some of my pics, with links to others.


View all of Subcompact Culture's Photos from Mt. St. Helen's Cruise


LINKS
2010 Northwest Annual Mt. St. Helens Cruise (via YarisWorld.com)
Mt. St. Helens Cruise Pics (via ScionLife.com)
4th Annual Mt Saint Helens BBQ (Gideon417's Photobukcet album)

4th Annual Mt. St. Helens Cruise: This Sunday (June 6)

So the big cruise is almost here! Just to recap, everyone is meeting at the Shell Gateway Food and Fuel in Castle Rock, WA at 10:00am. We'll drive up to Johnston Ridge Observatory, then back down to Seaquest State Park for a picnic. If you're coming and staying for the picnic, be sure to bring some food to share.

FYI, a few of us are going to be meeting at the Fred Meyer at Hazel Dell Marketplace at 8:30am to caravan up to Castle Rock. The address is

7700 Northeast Highway 99
Vancouver, WA 98665-8890



Hope to see some of you there!

A cagey little Austin

Oh, you poor thing. Unable to get out of that cage. Well, at least until someone picks you up. I ran across this cherry late '60s Austin America on Alberta St. in Portland, OR. I unfortunately have no idea if it was for sale, being repaired, or what. Cool car, though.

What the hell? Very strange SX4 "Carbon Fiber Dash Trim"

I don't think I'd pay the $289.95 for this Suzuki SX4 accessory, which is listed on SuzukiAuto.com as "Carbon Fiber Dash Trim." I mean, would he even fit on the dash? However, I guess if he ... er ... it bought a couple of six packs of beer or maybe some car parts, I'd buy it ... him ...er. What?

Obviously, something is slightly off on SuzukiAuto.com. I'm sure they'll get it fixed soon. In the meantime, here's the link.