Why Toyota is beating GM

In a project I have to complete for an IE class, I needed to collect information relating to a new car loan (interest rates, loan term, etc). I went to two seperate chevy dealerships, where I was instantly dismissed by the salesmen as soon as they learned I wasnt interested in buying a car. Dejected, I decided to try my luck at a Toyota dealership I had passed on the way to the second Chevy dealership.

Not only was the salesman at the Toyota dealership MUCH friendlier than either of the chevy dealership, but within five minutes, he had all the information I needed to complete my project. He understood, unlike the chevy salesman, that I am going to graduate college someday. Someday, a 30 year chevy is going to die. And on that day, I am going to want to buy a new car.

If it werent for my unbreakable bond with GM, I would be unlikely to ever set foot in a chevy dealership again. I am the exception, not the rule. The average consumer has no brand loyalty. Turning a student away today is as good as turning away a customer tomorrow.

Corvette ZR1

After years of rumors and speculation, the infamous "Blue Devil" is finally a reality. Packing a supercharged V8 putting out more than Six Hundred horsepower, this is, without a doubt, the most powerful corvette ever produced. It marks yet another upping of the ante in the new horsepower wars. A decade ago, it took a "mere" 400 horses to be considered for the supercar club; then 500, and now 600. One must wonder when this power craze will end. I think we are reaching the pinnacle of automotive performance now, and within a decade rising fuel costs and increased emmissions regulations will once again stifle these monsters. If you want to know what the big car at Barrett-Jackson will be in 40 years, you are looking at it. If you have the funds, buy one and put it in a garage somewhere. Bring it out in 40 years. It will probably sell for more than a million.

This car really pushes the limits of what the corvette's mission is. Intended as "The People's" sports car, it is rapidly rising out of the price range of many middle class Americans. The ZR1 will most likely cross the six-figure threshold. Its an awesome car, but dont expect your average guy to be able to bring one home.

Also, for a $100k car, couldnt they have made it just a tad better looking? Honestly, the carbon fibre roof and stupid clear hood section; what were they thinking. I much prefer the looks of the Z06 or even base model.

And So Ends the Muscle Car Renaissance

From the New York Times

I dont think many people realize it, but for the past several years we have experienced a rebirth of the muscle car. Nearly all the classic muscle cars were slain by increasing emissions regulations and rising fuel costs 35 years ago. We spent the next decades in the dark ages, with only an occasional offering that could reasonably be called a muscle car (Buick Grand National, Pontiac Trans Am, etc). As cars were downsized and lightened, RWD V-8s gave way to FWD fours and sixes, very few of which were even available with a true stick shift.

Flash forward to the early 2000s. GM decides the time is right to time to give back to the US market what the Aussies never lost: a true real wheel drive V-8 mated to a 6 speed manual, badged as the Pontiac GTO. Chrysler wasnt far behind with their enourmously successful 300/Charger/Magnum series. Ford's new Mustang with 60s styling cues was a home run as well. To be released within the next year are modern renditions of both the Challenger and the Camaro.

With increased gas prices and new CAFE standards requiring more efficient cars, these brutes simply arent going to be viable in the future. I predict that we are seeing the last of the muscle car, for a few decades of soulless, gas-sipping cars. At least we know in another 30 years, we will get back to our roots once again. Remember: There is no replacement for displacement!