Larry Printz

Bad news, policy wonks: new hybrid models aren’t selling

lxp1840 — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 17:39:06 -0500

During the last week in January, the world’s automakers put on displays of fuel efficiency during the public policy days of the Washington Auto Show as bureaucrats of every description toured the show, huffing, puffing and pontificating over public policy as it applies to automobiles.

Chevrolet Malibu becomes an international citizen

lxp1840 — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 17:35:57 -0500

Austin, Texas

Five for the road: capsule reviews of recent test drives

lxp1840 — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 17:26:13 -0500

Kia Optima Turbo Base price $25,100 As tested $26,500 EPA rating (city/highway) 22/34 mpg Engine 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder Wheelbase 110 inches Length 190.7 inches Kia has climbed out of the bargain basement. Need proof? Look at the Optima sedan, a midsize car good enough to go fender-to-fender with the best in its class.

The new Civic? Good, not great

lxp1840 — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 17:17:34 -0500

Having grown up in an era when taking potshots at domestic automakers was considered de rigueur among my friends, Hondas, and the Honda Civic, was the car that we owned, or aspired to own. Call it our Civic duty.

Hyundai Sonata’s fresh design climbs to the top of the sale charts

lxp1840 — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 17:11:42 -0500

For the past few years, Hampton Roads car buyers have been fairly consistent, if conservative. They’ve remained faithful to Japanese nameplates. ¶

Set aside your preconceived notions. Chevy can build a great small car.

lxp1840 — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 17:00:13 -0500

It seems that every time GM redesigns a small car, it gives it a new name to keep the outgoing model’s bad reputation at arm’s length. The Vega was replaced by the Monza, which was replaced by the Cavalier, which was replaced by the Cobalt.

Set aside your preconceived notions. Chevy can build a great, small car.

lxp1840 — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 17:00:00 -0500

Audi A7: striking, sleek and sexy

lxp1840 — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 16:53:35 -0500

Automakers have been trying to make hatchbacks look sexy and luxurious, not always successfully. A little too much mass, and an oddly sloping rear can turn something sleek into an automotive hunchback. Consider the Porsche Panamera, Honda Accord Crosstour or BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo.

Quirky cars satisfy the soul despite their needs

lxp1840 — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 16:49:57 -0500

You might have missed the story, but just before Christmas, Swedish auto manufacturer Saab filed for bankruptcy. A number of Chinese investors attempted to gain control of the ailing automaker, but General Motors, Saab’s previous owner, blocked any deal that allowed the Chinese access to Saab’s technology, most of it engineered by GM.

The Class of 1987

lxp1840 — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 16:47:05 -0500

It happens every year: a fresh batch of cars turns 25 years old, making them eligible for antique status under state law and the bylaws of the Antique Automobile Club of America. This year, that means 1987 model-year cars and trucks are considered antiques. • Here are some of the significant new models from that year. • Get ready to feel old.