Chicago Car News with LB Archive

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Cadillac to offer Wi-Fi system in their CTS model

3/29/2009

GM scores a home run with this system that turns your car into a Wi-Fi hot spot!

Cadillac WiFi uses technology from Autonet Mobile, the world's first Internet service provider designed exclusively for cars. Cadillac WiFi by Autonet mobile turns the car into a WiFi hotspot and works with any operating system supporting any Wi-Fi enabled device, It delivers an easy-to-use and seamless Internet experience, with 3G mobile technology that maintains Internet connections while the car is in motion. The system can support several devices at once, enabling one passenger to update a Facebook page, while another is gaming on-line or watching YouTube videos, for example.

The Cadillac CTS features a 40 gigabyte hard drive with USB port, a pop-up navigation system featuring real-time traffic and weather reports and the exclusive ability to pause and rewind live radio. Designed for use by passengers the system requires no special software and achieves speeds up to 800kps. The dealer installed option will retail for $499, with a monthly subscription charge of $29.

I'm sure that it's just a matter of time till GM has the system available in other models as a extra cost option. With so many people using the Internet as tool to conduct business, I'm sure this would be a popular option. It's good to see GM taking the lead in offering this technology, proving that American car companies can innovate and compete on a global bases.

Spring is finally here? You could have fooled me by the weather outside today.
LB

Red light cameras

3/15/2009

Red light cameras.
Traffic safety device or just a cash cow for municipalities?

Big brother is watching you and wants to put his hand in your pocket in the name of traffic safety. The red light camera is now installed at over 132 intersections in Chicago and another 330 of them are planned for the near future. Why? In one word MONEY! Over $100,000,000 in fines have been collected by the City since 2003. Can you imagine what the revenue number will be with 500 of these installed?

Here's how it works. If your vechicle is in the intersection when the light turns red a camera takes three photographs. One of the front of the vehicle, one of the rear, and one of the drivers face. Within days the registered owner of the vehicle gets a $90 ticket in the mail and is faced with two choices, pay the fine in which case it won't be charged against your driving record, or contest it in court (maybe your car was stolen?) where a guilty verdict gets you BOTH the fine and the points.

What your not hearing is that red light cameras have been linked to a large increase in rear end collisions when drivers panic brake after realizing that the upcoming intersection is camera equipped. But I expect the huge revenue numbers will overshadow any attempt to remove them, money trumps safety any day in todays world.

60 degrees never felt so good!
LB

Navigation Systems

3/8/2009

Navigation Systems: Worthwhile accessory or just another expensive in-car toy?

I used to think "I'd never use something like that". That was my attitude till my family bought me a portable Garmin system. While I don't use it every day I certainly can't imagine traveling without it, the voice commands allow you to concentrate on driving instead of reading a map.

Factory in dash units are a bit pricey but expect to recoup much of the cost come trade in time, especially in high line vehicles. Aftermarket units like the one I have adhere to the windshield via a suction cup and plug into your accessory power outlet like a cell phone charger. However, should you buy and use an aftermarket unit DO NOT leave the unit on the windshield in an unattended vehicle. I guarantee you it won't be there when you return as these units have replaced car stereos as the number one stolen auto accessory!

There is a huge price variation in the aftermarket units and like every other electronic accessory the features change with lighting speed. The New Garmin Nuvi 785 T ($699 MSRP) comes fully loaded with MSN Direct (49.95 a year for a subscription) Talk about information overload, this thing delivers stock quotes, airline arrival and departure times, traffic and weather updates,sports results,and a bunch of other useful information. Don't let price scare you away from buying an navigation system, entry level units work very well and can be had for as little as a couple of hundred bucks.

Modern cars have an array of high tech accessories. Blue Tooth, I-Pod linkup, navigation systems, satellite radio, DVD players and even Internet access are just a few of the ever growing list of "must have" in-car devices. Makes me wonder how that poor car battery powers them all.

60 degrees never felt so good!
LB

Are certain vehicles cop magnets?

3/1/2009

I found this to be an interesting story put out by U.S. News & World Report. The data was compiled by a company called ISO Quality Planning which helps insurers spot risks,in other words, it helps insurers spot YOU! The results in the survey may surprise you as they did me.

The top five most ticketed vehicles.

1. Hummer H-2
2. Scion TC
3. Scion XB
4. Mercedes Benz CLK63 AMG
5. Toyota Solara Coupe

The five least ticketed vehicles

1. Jaguar XJ
2. Chevrolet Suburban
3. Chevrolet Tahoe
4. Chevrolet Silverado Pickup
5. Buick Park Avenue

I have to give credit where credit is due. My buddy Tom Appel from "Consumer Guide" publications guessed the Hummer H-2 as the most ticketed vehicle, a pick I would have never made. I do have a theory on the Jaguar XJ, the body is made entirely of aluminum and might make a poor radar target.

I found it interesting that an American made vehicle topped the list on "most ticketed" followed by four foreign makes, while on the "least ticketed" is was a foreign make heading the list followed by four American made vehicles. I'd like to think traffic cops tend to give American made vehicles a break when issuing tickets, wouldn't that be nice?

Will winter ever end?
LB

Is there an electric car in your future?

2/15/2009

Maybe yours, but certainly not in mine (unless I drive one around a golf course).
When gas hit $5 a gallon last year Americans panicked and began trading in their SUV's and pickups for smaller cars. By doing that many people incurred losses that ran into many thousands of dollars. Dealers had lots filled with vehicles that suddenly nobody wanted.

The "Greens" blamed the car companies for not reading their crystal balls properly and investing millions into electric car development. No one took the time to study what Detroit had to offer, well built cars at affordable prices and getting great mileage. Instead they demanded to know why no American car company was building a car that could simply be plugged into an outlet at home, then driven to work or school the next day. GM announced they had been working on the Chevrolet "Volt", a true electric vehicle that would be on sale sometime in 2010. Problem was the retail cost of the vehicle continued to climb while the projected profit was declining. GM was strapped for cash, sales of all of their brands were falling, yet they couldn't afford to pull the "plug" on Volt development for fear as being branded as "pro oil and anti environment". Millions of precious dollars were being pumped into a project that was going to add little to the bottom line. When GM went to Washington to ask for a loan, our brillant "leaders" demanded to know where the electric car was. No one asked how many consumers were willing to pay $35,000 to $40,000 for an electric car or how it would add to GM's profitability. Why? Nobody cared, no one wanted to anger the "Greens" who had recently taken over the White House. Gas pumps had to be replaced with extension cords, cost be dammed!

As I write this GM is rumored to be within weeks of filing BK, the ramifications of that will shake an already weak U.S. economy. No one will remember that GM builds a great little car that get 37 miles per gallon on the highway and retails for less then $16,500 ( The Pontiac G-6 ). Instead they'll say that the Volt should have been available sooner.

The real loser in all of this will be the American consumer who will be forced to pay thousands more for cars that are "politically correct".

Spring is coming, slow down and live to see it!
LB

George Barris, King of the Customizers!

2/1/2009

Recently, Geoff did an phone interview with George Barris, one of the most influential car customizers of the 20th Century. Because George was at the airport catching a flight back to California, the interview had to be cut short. I'd like to give you a little more insight into a very remarkable man.

George was born in Chicago in the mid-twenties. In 1928 his parents passed away and George and his brother Sam were sent to California to live with relatives. As they got older, both brothers became obsessed with cars and sought a way to personalize their vehicles. In a short time, the Barris Brothers became well known throughout southern California as the people to see if you were serious about changing the look of your ride. The result was a string of incredible custom vehicles, many of which still exist 50 years later, and are in hands of private collectors or museums.

While George is best known for his TV and movies cars such as the Batmobile, Munster Coach, and General Lee, serious car guys like myself remember the Ala Kart, Hirohata Mercury and Chico Catallo's 1932 Ford which was featured on the cover of a Beach Boys album. And as always seems to be the case, George's wife Shirley ( a Joliet native) took an active role in supporting her husbands career and was responsible for a lot of his success. Sadly, she passed away in 2001.

While attending the annual LA Roadster show in Pomona California last year, I returned from the car show area to find my wife and daughter engaged in a conversation with George, and he couldn't have been nicer to the two of them. Do you think a stick and ball legend would have been so gracious?

George Barris, living legend and one hell of a nice guy!

LB

Just what is a "Zipcar"?

1/25/2009

Let's say you live and work downtown and don't really have a need for a car everyday but would like to take an occasional trip out of town to visit friends or relatives, a Zipcar is ideal for you! Here's how it works. Zipcar has over 300 very cool cars (BMW's, Mini-Coopers, Volvo's etc) parked at various sites around the city. You pay a $25 application fee (yes, their going to check your driving record, but they'll allow a few sins in your past). Once approved you agree to pay a $50 annual fee that gets you a "zipcard", a high tech credit card that you just waive at the I.D. reader on the windshield. The car will unlock itself and allow you to start the vehicle (the key is already in the ignition and remains with the car) and off you go. Rates start at a very reasonable $9.25 per hour or around $60 per day should you need it all day. But get this, gas and insurance are INCLUDED in the rental rates and you can rack up to 180 miles per day before facing any additional charges. You can also check car availability and book a reservation right from your computer or blackberry. Hmmmm....this is a great idea. No maintenance or insurance worries, no need to pump your own gas! Zipcar is also available at over 100 college campus's nationwide and will rent to students under the age of 21. It's easy to see why 65% of their members are under 35.

As car ownership becomes more expensive "car sharing" in densely populated areas will become more popular. Zipcar makes it easy to enjoy a variety of makes and models without the hassles of ownership. I plan on using it on a upcoming trip with my family to San Francisco and can't wait to run a Mini-Cooper up and down those hills!

Check them out at www.zipcar.com

Is it Spring yet?
LB

Why you need to read your owners manual

1/18/2009

It's that little book buried at the bottom of your glove box or center console. You know, the one nobody ever reads! But read it you must if you are to fully understand how to maintain your vehicle and operate many of its features. If you purchased a pre-owned vehicle (www.smartpeoplebuyusedcars.com) and the books were missing don't worry, you can get them from a variety of sources such as E-Bay or the parts department of any dealer selling your marque. Once in your hands you won't want to put it down till you've read it cover to cover. You'll discover such interesting things as where the jack is hidden in the trunk and where to put it under the body to change a flat tire (most cars can only be lifted in specific spots or you can do major damage). It will also contain a complete guide to the approved maintenance schedule along with exactly what type and volume of fluids your vehicle requires. This is important information you should know BEFORE your car goes in the shop.

Many high end luxury cars will come with three books. One that covers the operation and maintenance of the vehicle, another for operating the navigation system ( I can't tell you how many people I sold cars to told me their Nav system wasn't working properly when it turned out they just didn't know how to operate it), and a third covering the audio system. Accessories such as Blue Tooth and I-Pod's required the third book and your dreaming if you think you don't have to read it to make those features work properly.

It might not be as interesting as the book at the top of the New York Times bestseller list, but your owners manual is required reading if you want to maximize the life of your vehicle.

I hate winter!
LB

The myth of the $19.95 oil change.

1/11/2009

On the surface it seemed like a great idea, an oil and filter change in ten minutes or less and without leaving the comfort of your car. Friendly "technicians" would swarm over your vehicle performing a variety of needed services while two of their finest would concentrate on the actual oil change. Windows would be cleaned, tire pressures checked, washer fluid topped off. The air rang out with numerous commands "oil drained?" "check!" "filter off?" "check!" "windows cleaned?" "check!".

What a great concept! Why didn't I think of that?
Problem was the business plan had a major flaw, there was no profit in an $19.95 oil change, even with paying the "technicians" minimum wage. What was an owner to do? Most had layed out hundreds of thousands of dollars buying a franchise that promised them dirty oil was going to put lots of clean money in their bank accounts. Then the light bulb went off! Why not check various other components while the hood was up and offer to replace them while the oil change was taking place? The guy who used to clean the windows suddenly became an expert on PVC valves and air cleaner replacement. Ditto for the guy who used to check the tire pressure, his new job was "inspecting" your windshield wiper blades. Another "technician" would stick his head thru the passenger window barking orders to turn on your headlights, he was checking for burned out bulbs! The whole process would now be orchestrated by the center "manager" who's sole job was convincing you all of these components needed immediate replacing!

Hmmmm....Maybe this new business plan would work and produce the needed profits? Where upon problem number two surfaced, the "technicians" had no experience in actually working on cars, most had flipped burgers or delivered pizza before signing on with their present employers. Even removing the air cleaner on most cars required some type of mechanical skill. The result was broken or loose fasteners, stripped screws, broken windshield wiper blades. Worse yet, if you declined to purchase the suggested replacement parts the old ones were merely jammed back in place with little thought. Having an "check engine" light come on minutes after leaving the "Quickly Lube" was not uncommon and the resulting repairs could run into the hundreds of dollars.

Bottom line? Avoid these places like the plague. Next week I'll tell you a couple of relationships every owner needs to establish to keep their vehicle in top running condition at a reasonable cost.

Spring's coming soon, slow down and live to see it.
LB

Ford got it right on this one!

1/4/2009

I had the opportunity to drive a 2009 Ford Mustang "Bullitt" Edition last week (thanks to Terry's Ford Lincoln Mercury in Peotone Illinois) and was really impressed. In case you haven't heard Ford came out with this model to celebrate the 40th Anniversary of the release of the movie "Bullitt" which featured Steve McQueen driving a 1968 Mustang in the greatest car chase ever filmed. Believe me when I say the 2009 edition would blow that 1968 model into the weeds in every aspect of performance. With a 4.6 liter V-8 pumping 315 hp coupled to a five speed manual transmission, four wheel disc brakes, and an a exhaust note that will bring tears to a car lovers eye, Ford has created a world class muscle car here. Younger drivers will order the optional 1000 watt stereo system featuring 10 speakers (I don't need a radio, those exhaust pipes play all the music I need to hear) and will enjoy the look of the standard 18" wheels. The interior reminded me of a Porsche, stark but classy, with no unnecessary frills. How does it handle? Glad you asked, this thing drives like its on rails and responds to every turn of the wheel without any body roll or lean. You'd have to spend a lot more then $29,000 to find this type of performance in anything built in Germany or the Far East.

Ford's only going to build 3000 of these limited production vehicles in 2009. Call my friend Jason Pixley at Terry's Ford @ 708-349-3400 and get yours today!

LB

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