In the 2008 automotive line-up, more is definitely more.
This year in the automotive sector is one of transition and re-affirmation, with manufacturers generally choosing to go one of two ways: back to the past, falling back on nostalgia-rich tradition; or forward with new technologies and design formulations. The (fuel-electric) hybrids introduced just a couple of years back are seeing refinements and improvements, and more models in the line-ups offered in a hybrid version.
The Americans, not surprisingly, have introduced many re-issues of past higher performance classics, relying on brute strength, size, noise and horsepower to get the adrenaline pumping in an otherwise largely distressed manufacturing sector.
Representing the other extreme are the Japanese who lead the way in electric-hybrid technology in the broadest, most popular sense, pushing the Americans to follow suit and get greener.
In the middle – typically – are the Europeans, looking to design enhancements and improvements in styling, form, program and safety to distinguish – and sell – their line-ups.
Cars which have done well in tests and reviews tend to be established long-running makes and models, though it must be kept in mind that overall reviews take into consideration everything from price, innovation, reliability, styling, performance, program, safety, service, resale value and more; innovation therefore remains but one factor in the evaluative mix.
As a rule, however, vehicles – from cars and motorcycles through to mopeds and scooters – are getting sexier, sleeker, streamlined; their getting both bigger (Audi S5, A6 Avant, VW Passat) and smaller (Smart ForTwo); more powerful (Jaguar SK) more colourful (Porsche Boxster) and faster (Aprilia SportCity); and far more are offering convertible or cabriolet editions as well.
In other words it’s acceptable – if not downright mandatory – to get big, loud, outrageous, over-the-top and purely indulgent, big-time.
As the entire RV / SUV range is, generally speaking, low on fuel efficiency and environmental concerns, and innovations have been adopted across the board in other similar (non-RV / SUV models), and thus increasingly-widely deemed not particularly forward-thinking they are little represented here.
Lastly, most every manufacturer continues to build ever more important and influential design teams to create products that are stand out, are distinguished and create a strong and memorable user experience. Lead designers and strategists are now bought, sold and traded passionately across the industry, to the extent that big names in automotive design are gaining serious exposure and notoriety. The unremarkable drive is being left behind in the slow lane, quickly overtaken by the next new twist in automotive experience.
Positively Electric
Best of Automotive Experience: Tesla Roadster
Back in 2006, California-based Tesla Motors introduced the first prototype of the Roadster, generating big interest and excitement in electric cars as a high-performance alternative. This year, Tesla started delivering production vehicles – but just a few. At over $100,000 they’re expensive, not entirely convenient and distribution is extremely limited; but they’re also the fastest, most innovative and exciting thing to happen to cars since Nikola Tesla himself. And they’re changing the entire automotive experience.
The motor in Tesla’s Roadster employs (electric) alternating-current induction motors, first advocated in the late 19th century by Nikola Tesla, (for whom the company is named) as they’re simple, reliable, and efficient at a wide range of speeds.
The Roadster uses a single-speed transmission that rockets the car from 0 to 100 km/hr
in under four seconds to a top speed of over 200 km/hr. This revolutionary motor converts electricity from the battery into torque for acceleration, and helps slow the car during braking, converting some of the car’s kinetic energy into electricity that’s stored in the battery. More than 6,800 small, cylindrical lithium-ion battery cells enable a driving range of more than 300 kilometres, and an aluminum frame and carbon-composite body panels (inspired by Lotus designs) keep the car light and help extend the car’s range.
This unique electric engine is also near-silent, regardless of road-speed; if you hear it, you’re probably hearing the road-noise from the tires; and it produces no harmful emissions whatsoever.
The car, which will see a cheaper four-door sedan version out as early as next year, has created so much buzz it’s back-ordered for at least a year, with the first European shipment due some time next spring. Nikola would be dead proud.
Big Little Scooter
Aprilia SportCity 250
The Aprilia SportCity 250 is larger for a scooter, with big 38cm wheels offering enhanced stability at highway speeds. The SportCity’s 4-stroke, single-cylinder, fuel-injected 244cc engine produces 22.5 horsepower at 8,000 rpm. Aprilia claims 0-80 km/h acceleration in 7 seconds, top speed is 128kmh. It’s high-strength tubular steel frame is designed for responsive handling. Both of the SportCity’s left and right hand levers operate the brakes, with twin 260mm stainless steel discs. There’s an underseat storage area big enough for a half-helmet.
Back with Sporty Attitude
Audi TT
The Audi TT is back with more sports-car everything: horsepower is up from 180 to 200hp, (and fuel economy is higher by about 10%), it’s grown 15cm in length and now has a back seat; and you can upgrade (at a cost) to a 3.2-liter V6 with all-wheel drive.
Voted by some as Best New Sports Car, and most fuel efficient as well.
Retro Chic Italiano
Fiat 500
The new retro 500 from Fiat is enormously popular, and everyone loved it well before went on on sale. It copies the aesthetics of the legendary 500 of half a century ago, but is a modern vehicle in functionality and safety features. It’s fairly big for its size and shape, and sports efficient engines that perform and provide economy too.
This little Italian has claimed a handful of Car of the Year awards.
Dare to be Different
Lancia Thesis
The Lancia Thesis has been produced by Italian automaker Lancia since 2002 and was designed by Mike Vernon Robinson, with its appearance based on the 1999 Lancia Dialogos prototype. In the age of sleek, Lancia has chosen to turn to tradition, innovation and quirky Italian style to create the new Thesis, with hints of the pure, soft forms of the golden age of motoring decades ago. Lancia claims “surprising technological content” but it’s strength – like it or not – lies in difference, a bold step in today’s homogenous marketplace.
Sport & Style
Vespa GTS 300 Super
Vespa has used this design since the first model was introduced back in 1946 – the only one to do so. The side panels of the GTS 300 Super incorporate a horizontal grille like the Vespas of the 70s. Two-tone alloy wheel rims and splashes of red on the front suspension suggest sporty – which the single-cylinder 278cc, liquid-cooled 21hp Quasar engine is, making it ideal for both city life and commuting.
Safe in Style
BMW K 1200 S
The BMW K 1200 S is the first motorcycle in the world to eliminate manual suspension tuning, using its innovative Electronic Suspension Adjustment (ESA) system. The rider can adjust suspension preload to the level of load (rider only, rider with luggage or rider with passenger and luggage) at the touch of a button. Optional ASC (Automatic Stability Control) makes motorcycling even safer. And it’s gorgeous.
Best Gets Better
MAZDA3
The Mazda3 just keeps on getting better. It has something of the edgy styling and handling of more expensive European cars, the engine delivers good power, and the Mazda3 offers buyers a value package available in the sedan and hatchback. Good fuel economy, service record, standard features and more make it a popular candidate for economy car of the year.
Dreams Become Reality
Porsche Boxster
The Porsche Boxster accelerates, corners and brakes like a only a Porsche can. The Boxster is a mid-engine car, so there’s some storage both in front and back. Detailing, finish (like the sporty, sensuous orange), and simple, sophisticated design on both exterior and interior make it a strong contender for mid-priced sports car of the year.
Very Grand Touring
Audi S5
Audi’s refined new coupe competes with BMW’s high-end two-door models, but with a particular craftsmanship that few carmakers can match. Its curves are sensuous yet by no means gratuitous nor purely decorative, but work to hold the road smoothly and surely, even at high speeds. And it’s 354-horsepower V8 propels the car to 60 miles per hour in under 5 seconds. Due to its size it rides extremely comfortably yet handles like the contemporary grand touring car that it is.
Safe, not Sorry
BMW X3
When it first hit the market it was seen as the larger X5’s lesser cousin, but it’s quickly dispelled plenty of criticism and earned its due. The 2008 X3 is a top pick of the American Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, earning not only top, front, and side crash ratings but also rear crash protection scores. Smart all-round design makes it standard with all-wheel drive, stability control, six airbags and enhanced cornering and braking stability as well. It also beats all in the crossover class in resale value, at a healthy 62% after three years.
More Serious Fun
Volvo V70
Volvo has made a somewhat conservative exterior re-design, but inside it brings obvious big improvements, like more room and smart, fine detailing. A new six-cylinder engine has replaced the old five-cylinder giving it more, smoother power. The V70 has plenty of safety features typical of Volvo, but has added radar-based collision warning and blind-spot warning systems among others. Sporty, tasteful, refined and safe; not to mention Swedish.
Modesty and Indulgence
Smart ForTwo
After gaining popularity in Europe, the tiny Smart ForTwo is gaining ground in North America as well. Its three-cylinder engine gets better mileage than even many hybrids - the CDi version drinks an amazing 3.3litres/100km. It’s also cheaper than the hybrids, and is a whole 100cm shorter than the Mini Cooper, so head-in parking is not only possible but highly satisfying. And it’s great fun to drive.
Back to the Roots
Ford Mustang Shelby GT500
It may look like a standard Mustang, but the 500-hp supercharged V8 engine puts the Shelby GT500 in a whole other class altogether. Ford has turned to its racing roots, the past success of the Mustang model, a number of Mustang retro-cycles and the popularity of the retro-design market to arrive at this brute of pure American mass and horsepower. Fast as it sounds.
Once in a Lifetime
Ducati 848 Superbike
The Ducati 848 is unique. The highly-advanced 134 hp, 848cc twin-cylinder engine makes for a power to weight ratio that’s almost unknown. The 848 also sports a short wheelbase and can make absurdly tight turns. And the best thing is, it’s a Ducati: it has solid racing heritage, it’s high-revving V-twin engine sounds as good as it runs, and it looks like beautiful performance personified.