SAAB Automobiles RIP | 1950 - 2011

Famously born from jet fighter planes, one of the quirkiest, most geeky car companies ever gave it up today. And it was a sad thing.

Sweden's SAAB Automobiles was not, after much time and effort, capable of sustaining its business model nor putting together the kind of deal to keep the company afloat in hard times. Management was in talks with potential Chinese white knights until the last possible moment. Then it all collapsed and the world lost a great and storied auto maker.

The author adored the 1976, red turbo 99 that graced more than one driveway for almost a decade. That was one wonderful car, one of the first to deploy a turbocharger, and a joy to drive and to look at.

So sure-footed on any kind of terrain. So nimble in the turns. So freaking much fun to drive. I can't tell you how many times that car got me out of nasty, slushy snow; or how it could virtually ford small streams. When on a skiing trip to Vail, Colorado, it was not surprising to find the local constabulary equipped with SAAB police cruisers. Uh-huh. That's right.

The best SAAB memory that remains with me these many years later, is driving all day through the southern Oregon forest and finding ourselves at dusk on an unmarked timber road.  But hey, we had the SAAB. No problem.

Ferrari SUV? WTF!

W T F!!

Fast Cars - And Electric!

Fast cars are a dream high for the terminally testosterone addicted. But the low-tech internal combustion engine, however, is a thing of the past. And it's about time. New diesel; hybrid, and all electric cars and trucks are starting to gain traction and soon they will rule the road. That's just where we're going. Get used to it. The good news is that we are not going to have to sacrifice speed in the process. By now, everybody has heard about the Tesla project and most have seen the sexy, low-profile, European-style racer that has lots of hearts pumping hard. Now if they could just get their financing and management team together, maybe we'd see some production models soon. Consumers ready to plonk-down $130,000 can sign-up for Tesla's promised new model, said to be even more powerful than the first prototype. Still won't be the fastest electric at the dance.

In Japan, work continues on the 8-wheeled electric monster on the block. The Eliica (pictured above) is definitely not Kawaii, but it sure does rock when it comes to speed. Just check out the video below.



ELECTRIC CARS

Would You Buy a Car from This Company?

According to news reports, GM chair Robert Lutz thinks global warming is a "...crock of shit." Yea, uh-huh. So my question is this. Why would anybody buy a car from General Motors? I don't know about you, but The Author would like to rest assured that companies he graces with his currency share his values. Just when the new Saturn Aura was really starting to look good.

But why should we be surprised? It was General Motors, along with their auto industry cohorts, that convinced many US cities (LA comes to mind) to abandon perfectly good, rail-based rapid transit systems in favor of busses and more freeways for cars. Seems counter-intuitive at this point in our history. Just another example of what happens when significant decisions with long-term consequences are based entirely on economic interests and lobbying. One thing the collective, progressive blogosphere can do to send a clear message around this issue is to refrain from spending with companies who hold stubbornly to old, discredited models and beliefs. So forget about that Saturn. I'm looking for some of those new European diesels with 60+ MPG and a new generation of hybrids to do the job until a real fuel-cell hits the market.

Honda FCX Clarity Rocks the World

Automakers appear to be getting the message. At least some of them, like Honda. The venerable automaker for the great American middle class (hey, everybody's had or owns a Honda) introduced on November 14th the FCX Clarity fuel cell vehicle at the Los Angeles Auto Show. I'm predicting a star on Hollywood's Walk of Fame in short order, because this car is a smash hit and an instant star.


The FCX Clarity's only emission is water, according to Honda's press release. Gives new meaning to the phrase "clean-running," doesn't it? For serious car lovers, and who isn't, this is great news. And the vehicle is good looking - inside and out. Buttoned-up with that traditional Honda fit-and-finish, the FCX Clarity is a sweet piece of work. And just in the nick of time. I want one.

The FCX Clarity is rated at approximately 68 mpg, with a range of 270 miles. Even interior materials are environmentally friendly. The vehicle uses Honda's V Flow fuel cell technology in combination with a new, compact and efficient lithium ion battery pack that is 40 percent lighter and 50 percent smaller than the current-generation. A 5,000-psi hydrogen storage tank takes care of the fuel, which must be purchased from an appropriately equipped service station. There's not many of those around yet and thus company plans call for a limited, three-year lease program for southern California drivers to get started. Thanks, Honda - for leadership and vision.

Postscript: Honda is forward-thinking enough to quickly grant press credentials to serious bloggers.

Chrysler's New Owners: Korean or Chinese?

Looks like Dr. Z knows when to hold em, and when to fold em. That's what Daimler Benz is getting ready to do with its Chrysler subsidiary. Germany's automotive powerhouse has confirmed the sale, saying that "...all options are being considered." According to the financial press, it's all over but the bidding. So just who is stepping up? Korea's Hyundai Kia Automotive Group for one. And the People's Republic of China's Chery and SAIC are also in the race, accoring to London's Sunday Times. General Motors would dearly like to acquire its long-time North American rival, it makes sense on a lot of logistic and resource-sharing levels, but the company's own financial realities will likely preclude that outcome. Old paradigms are definitely fracturing. The automotive industry is not alone in that regard. So get ready for your "Chery Charger."