2013 Infiniti JX35 Car Coach, Car Review

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The 2013 Infiniti JX35 is a seven-passenger CUV loaded with sophisticated technology, plenty of driving comforts, and a curvy design. The JX35 has road presence, from the stylized chrome grille to the crescent shaped rear pillars. Lauren Fix, the Car Coach, takes a closer look.
  Model - 2013 Infiniti JX35
MPG - 18/24 21 mpg combined
Engine - 3.5L V6 engine with 265 hp. riding on 18-inch alloy wheels
Built in: Smyrna, TN
Price - starts at $40,450
Test Vehicle - $54,070 was equipped with the Technology package including Back-Up Collision Intervention and Forward Collision Warning, remote engine start, heated steering wheel, Blinds Spot and Lane Departure Warning and Prevention Systems and Intelligent Cruise Control.
The 2013 Infiniti JX35 also offers a Theatre package with dual 7-inch color screens and 2-wireless headsets. The Deluxe Touring package includes 20” wheels and Bose Cabin Surround Sound system with beautiful sound, especially when you add the Premium package to the shopping list.
Infiniti’s goal with the 2013 JX three-row crossover is volume. The interior is a huge space with plenty of storage and comfort for the whole family.
The JX35 has road presence, from the stylized chrome grille to the crescent shaped rear pillars. Infiniti has always done an amazing job with body design.

Competes with:
•Audi Q7
•Lincoln MKT
•Mercedes-Benz GL-class
•Acura MDX
•BMW X5

Likes:
•Easy access to roomy third row
•Plenty of high-tech safety
•Very comfortable seats
•Pleasing ride quality
•Easy to use technology systems

Dislikes:
•Engine needs more power
•Not a fan of the CVT transmission
The 2013 Infiniti JX35 is an excellent luxury CUV for someone who wants everything from style to technology to a smooth quiet ride. It's a great family vehicle if it fits your budget.

KNOCK-OFF AIRBAGS EDITION

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THE CAR COACH REPORTS: WEEK IN REVIEW 10-12-12

KNOCK-OFF AIRBAGS EDITION

Last week I wrote about the seemingly endless stream of auto recalls that have plagued the automotive industry in recent years. This week, The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration issued a warning about the dangers of counterfeit airbags: http://www.nhtsa.gov/About+NHTSA/Press+Releases/2012/Safety+Advisory:+NHTSA+Alerting+Consumers+to+Dangers+of+Counterfeit+Air+Bags
These phony airbags have been traced back to China. Just like fake designer purses and knock-off Ray Bans, counterfeit airbags are close imitations of the real thing, often complete with the insignia of major automakers. Unlike your bootleg DVD and fake Rolex, however, a counterfeit airbag can kill you.
It’s very lucky that no deaths or injuries related to fake airbags have been reported so far. Best-case scenario: the fake airbag never deploys. Worst-case scenario: the airbag explodes and bombards you with shrapnel. Check out this grim footage from NHTSA of a phony airbag deploying: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8HhZsAPl2d8
I don’t know about you, but that’s enough to make me wince.
According to the NHTSA, these counterfeit airbags have only been introduced in the last three years and so only affect a small percentage of cars. If you bought your car new or haven’t replaced your airbags in the last three years, you should be in the clear. If, however, you suspect you’re at risk, you should have your airbags inspected immediately. Visit http://www.safercar.gov/ for more information.
In other news, The Christian Science Monitor reports that Italy’s bicycle sales exceeded its automotive sales for the first time since World War II: http://www.csmonitor.com/World/Global-News/2012/1003/Arrivederci-auto!-Italy-s-bike-purchases-outstrip-car-sales

Cycling advocates argue that bikes offer Italians a healthy, cheap, and green alternative in a nation that’s still waiting for an economic rebound. Something tells me that Italy’s infamously narrow and chaotic streets aren’t exactly cyclist friendly.
All roads may lead to Rome, but you won’t catch me riding a push-pedal on the Autostrada.
What do you think?
Post your comments at http://laurenfix.blogspot.com/
My Final Thought:
Do battery cars actually contribute more to global warming? Check out this article by The Detroit Bureau: http://www.thedetroitbureau.com/2012/10/could-battery-cars-pose-environmental-threat/
According to a new study, electric car technology requires more energy to produce, which can result in more CO2 emissions than internal combustion engine vehicles. In fact, the report concludes that, “the global warming potential from electric vehicle production is about twice that of conventional vehicles.”
So remind me again why the government insists that this is the only way to a healthier environment? The plot thickens…
Love your car!  See you next week!
--Lauren Fix

Tires Myths: Lauren Fix, The Car Coach

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Tires are arguably the most important component of your vehicle. They are, however, among the least understood features. There are many myths when it comes to your tires. Here are just a few.

Myth 1: The tire-pressure monitoring system (TPMS) in my new car ensures that my tires are adequately inflated.

Truth: TPMS isn't required to issue a low tire-pressure warning until pressure is 25 percent below the vehicle manufacturer's recommendation. That's well below the pressure required for safe driving and barely adequate to carry the vehicle's maximum load. TPMS is intended as a last-minute warning before imminent tire failure, not as a monitor to make sure your tires are properly inflated. Buy a quality digital tire pressure gauge and check your tire pressure at least once a month, matching the gauge with the proper tire pressure located inside the driver's door jamb.

Myth 2: When replacing only two tires, the new ones go on the front.

Truth: Rear tires provide stability, and without stability, steering or braking on a wet or even damp surface might cause a spin. Whether you own a front-, rear- or all-wheel-drive car, truck, or SUV, the tires with the most tread go on the rear.

Myth 3: A tire is in danger of bursting if pressure exceeds the "max press" number on the sidewall.

Truth: The "max press" number has nothing to do with a tire's burst pressure. The "max press" and "max load" numbers indicate the pressure at which the tire will carry the maximum amount of weight. A new, quality tire will not pop at even a multiple of the "max press."

Myth 4: All-season tires are so good that winter tires are never needed.

Truth: In some parts of the country, this may be true, but if you live in the northernmost states or in Canada, the traction provided by winter tires can't be beat. Winter tires reign supreme in rural areas where snow remains on the road for days. They provide 25-percent-improved traction in deep snow over all-season tires. Metal-studded tires deliver up to 40 percent greater traction on hard-packed snow and ice over all-season tires, but many locales have restrictions regarding the use of studs.

Myth 5: Before you buy a car, kick the tires.

Truth: It might not tell you much about the vehicle or its tires, but it could tell you whether your shoe padding is adequate.

www.rma.org

2012 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid: Car Coach, Car Review

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The 2012 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid is a four-door sedan that has great driving dynamics and excellent fuel economy. Lauren Fix, the Car Coach, takes a closer look.

Model - 2012 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid
MPG - 35/40 37 mpg combined
Engine - 2.4L Hybrid engine with 206hp. joined with a 270 Volt Lithium Polymer batter riding on 17-inch alloy wheels.
Transmission - 6-speed Shiftronic
Price - starts at $25,850
Test Vehicle: $32,225 with the Ultimate Package that included a panoramic sunroof, leather seating surfaces, heated seats, navigation, rear backup camera, Infinity Premium Audio system, and more.

On the road, the 2012 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid offers a nice combination of nimble handling and a smooth, composed ride quality. It had great pickup and was quite responsive from a stop and in traffic.

Hyundai went its own direction on hybrid technology by developing original proprietary hybrid architecture to reduce weight and to improve highway fuel economy.

The 2012 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid offers standard BlueLink safety, service and infotainment telematics system.

Overall, the Hyundai Sonata Hybrid is just a great, affordable midsize car. We found that there are hardly any performance trade-offs compared with the gas-only Sonata. If you’re shopping for a stylish hybrid sedan, take one for a test drive.

Competes with:
•Toyota Camry Hybrid
•Ford Fusion Hybrid
•Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid
•KIA Optima Hybrid

Likes:
•Bold exterior styling
•High fuel economy
•Comfortable interior
•Smooth ride
•Long warranty
•Top safety scores.

Dislikes:
•Hybrid powertrain
•Significant price premium compared to regular Sonata

The 2012 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid has all the right stuff, and good driving dynamics, packaged in a fuel-efficient, hybrid-powered family sedan.

EV NOT FOR ME EDITION

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THE CAR COACH REPORTS: WEEK IN REVIEW 10-19-12

EV NOT FOR ME EDITION

Do you want an electric vehicle?  How about an EV with a gas motor for extended range like the Chevy Volt?  What about a hybrid like the Prius?
I can unequivocally say no to all three and here’s why.  For one, pure electric vehicles just don’t travel far enough yet on a single charge.  What if you forget to plug it in at night?  You’re up the creek without a battery.
Secondly, cars like the Chevy Volt have an anemic electric motor coupled with an even more wimpy gas motor.  Great, you get the worst of both worlds.  I’m sorry, but I like to be able to mash the gas pedal when needed and get out of the way, especially in emergency situations.
Hybrids like the Prius are a little better than EVs but they’re expensive and make you drive like a grandma due to their low resistance tires and wimpy motors.  Push them hard and your gas mileage goes way down.
Apparently I’m not the only one who feels this way about these alternative-fuel vehicles.  Fisker can’t even bring their “affordable” model, the Atlantic, to the market and their Karma sales are dismal at best: http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/2012/10/fisker-atlantic-delayed-until-2015/
Additionally, A123, a major battery supplier for EVs that took millions in TARP money, filed for bankruptcy this week: http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2012/10/19/a123-goes-chapter-11.html
So, EV sales are sluggish, Volt sales go up and down but never reached expectations, and hybrids are bought by only a tiny fraction of the driving public. 
What does this all mean? We don’t want these cars!  Not yet anyway.  Build an affordable EV with a 1,000 mile range that doesn’t leave a huge carbon footprint during the manufacturing process and I’ll consider possibly buying one.
Also, make sure it can tow what its traditional fuel counterpart would and ensure proper and spirited handling.  Until this can happen, I’ll stick with my gas and diesel cars and trucks.  In fact, I just bought a diesel vehicle: 700 miles per tank, plenty of power and torque, and it will last forever!

What do you think?
Post your comments at  http://laurenfix.blogspot.com/



My Final Thought:
Worried about gas prices? Jalopnik.com readers provide the top 10 ways to get better fuel economy without replacing your car.  I’ve been talking about most of these for years—they really do work!
http://jalopnik.com/5953195/how-to-increase-your-fuel-economy-without-replacing-your-car



Love your car!  See you next week!
--Lauren Fix

Better Fuel Economy with DynoValve: Lauren Fix, The Car Coach

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We can take positive steps to reduce the amount of gas we use monthly and cut emissions. There are so many gadgets, gizmos and widgets that simply do not deliver. Lauren Fix, the Car Coach, takes a closer look.

There are so many gadgets, gizmos and widgets that simply do not deliver. I’ve tested most of them and so has the federal government. Guess what - they don’t work. When I do find something that does work as promised, it’s important to me to help others.

While we’re all squeezing our budgets and looking for ways to save money on everyday costs like these, there are some obvious ways that we can improve our fuel economy.

Some ways to preserve fuel economy include correct tire inflation, using clean air filters, changing your engine oil and ensuring your gas cap is tightened securely. However, there is also excellent news on the crankcase ventilation front - a patented PCV valve that replaces the original equipment manufacturer (or “OEM”) PCV valve. It’s called the DynoValve®, and it optimally regulates the flow of engine blow-by gases with an electronically controlled switch. Or, put more simply, it makes your car breathe more efficiently and captures emissions in such a way that fuel and oil is preserved.

The result? MPG improvement by at least 10 percent in most makes and models, reduced emissions from your vehicle by up to 90 percent, and improved engine performance.

Cars not passing emissions tests are becoming more common. If your vehicle doesn’t pass emissions, your state may not let you pass inspection. Rather than parking your car, the DynoValve® eliminates the vacuum problems associated with today’s standard PCV valves by optimally regulating the flow of engine blow-by gases. This unique ventilation is an electronically controlled switch. The electronically controlled valve precisely regulates the flow of blow-by gases returning to the engine intake system.

In the 1960s, the Positive Crankcase Ventilation (PCV) System appeared on new American domestic cars. Not since the first engine exhaust emission control system has there been such a significant advancement in PCV valve technology.

The EPA laboratory has tested and accepted this part. Tests show that there were reductions of all exhaust emissions, including reduced pollutants (carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons and nitrogen oxides) while simultaneously reducing fuel and oil consumption.

DOMO CARIGATO EDITION

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THE CAR COACH REPORTS: WEEK IN REVIEW 10-26-12

DOMO CARIGATO EDITION
Remember that old “Mr. Roboto” song about the guy who was actually a robot?  Well, we’re many years from that scenario thankfully, but our cars are becoming the robots it seems.
Take this video from Volvo for example: http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/24/watch-volvos-autonomous-car-system-in-action-before-it-shows-u/
It shows technology that will drive the car for you in traffic situations and it’s just over a year away.  How does it work?  It basically follows the car in front of you.  While adaptive cruise control, which has been around for a few years, will do this in terms of acceleration and braking, it will not steer for you.   
My questions are many: What happens if you engage this technology while driving in bumper-to-bumper traffic on the highway and fall asleep?  How long will your car follow the one in front of you?  Indefinitely?  Will it follow the driver in front of you to his house?
Also, what happens if the car in front of you is also using the same technology?  Will the two of you follow the third lead car?  This could end up causing quite the freeway fracas if a number of cars are all following one driver.  Imagine if the lead driver ends up driving off a bridge? 
As preposterous as that may seem, stranger things have happened.  For example, there are a number of well-documented cases where drivers blindly followed their GPS systems off a cliff or into a wall. 
While I’m all for the reduction of traffic and having to sit in it, we would need to eliminate human error altogether to truly make it happen.  That would mean cars that really drove themselves.  Luckily, there’s no plan for this.  Oh wait, Google!  Alas, the future of driving may just be robotic car.
To this I say domo arigato (thanks) but no domo arigato (no thanks).

What do you think?
Post your comments at  http://laurenfix.blogspot.com/




My Final Thought:
Looks like we could have one heck of a Nor’easter heading our way folks.  In fact, much of the Eastern seaboard is bracing for some nasty weather with Hurricane Sandy on the way along with a cold front from the North.  It’s a recipe for the perfect storm.
My advice to you: Stay home!  If you have to go out, do NOT drive through flooded streets.  Find a different route.  This particular storm could bring some cold along with it and you do not want to be stuck in freezing water.

Love your car!  See you next week!
--Lauren Fix