Another Big Brother Edition

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THE CAR COACH REPORTS: WEEK IN REVIEW 12-14-12
Another Big Brother Edition


I’m sure all of you are aware of the flight data recorders on commercial aircraft known as the black boxes.  They record every part of a flight and are used to determine the cause of a crash.  Well, now we’re getting them in our cars.
For better or worse, your driving habits are going to be recorded: http://www.thecarconnection.com/news/1081105_as-black-boxes-become-mandatory-aaa-raises-privacy-concerns
Actually, most of you who drive newer cars are already being monitored.  Why?  So that insurance companies, law enforcement and government agencies like NHTSA can determine the cause of a crash.  While this will actually help keep insurance rates down and provide crucial data to help determine who may be at fault in an accident, what’s the cost to the motoring public?
My worry is that since the black boxes in our cars can measure speed, they will be used against us for speeding infractions.  Could you imagine a cop sees you speeding, can’t prove it, but then just plugs in to your car’s black box to issue a ticket?
Just like the new TSA backscatter machines at the airport, out liberties are being taken away a little bit at a time in the name of safety and progress. 
Furthermore, what happens when we go to court to dispute an accident or speeding ticket?  How can we cross examine a black box?  This is akin to red light cameras.  You can’t question technology.
Think about this - do black boxes violate your 4^th Amendment Rights? The Fourth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution reads:
The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no Warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by Oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized.
Lastly, who’s paying for this technology to be installed in our cars?  We are.  We all know the manufacturers pass on the cost of government-mandated equipment to the consumer.
Pretty soon we’re all going to have to wear camera on our heads so that Big Brother can monitor our every move. 

What are your thoughts?
Post your comments at http://laurenfix.blogspot.com/





My Final Thought:
Chrysler had to rehire the union workers who were drinking and allegedly smoking marijuana during their lunch break as part of a union deal.  Really?!!!
http://jalopnik.com/5967123/chrysler-had-to-rehire-the-workers-caught-getting-stoned-during-lunch
How is this even possible?  The unions are thugs, plain and simple.  One only need to watch this video to get a load of their thug mentality (scroll down to end of article):  http://redalertpolitics.com/2012/12/11/rabid-union-members-tear-down-afp-michigan-tent-while-women-children-still-inside/


What are your thoughts?
Post your comments at  http://laurenfix.blogspot.com/

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

2013 Audi S-Line Models - Expert Car Review by Lauren Fix

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The 2013 Audi S-Line Models are all about performance, lightweight technology and the ability to have it all in one, but it comes down to the almighty dollar. Let’s take a closer look.

Models - 2013 Audi S6, S7 and S8

S6 and S7- 4.0 liter twin turbo V8
420 hp, 406 lb-ft torque
S6 and S7 - 20" wheels
0-60 mph - 4.5 sec

S8 - 4.0 liter twin-turbo V8
530 hp, 481 lb-ft of torque
S8 - 21" wheels
0-60 mph - 3.9 sec

Top speed in all 3- 155 mph or more.
MPG – (as if that matters in these cars)
S6 & S7 - 20 mpg combined
S8 - 19 mpg

Price - S6 $71,900 (night vision and heads-up display are optional)
S7 $74,800 (night vision and heads-up display optional)
S8 - $110,000

All three models are built around a performance that's more dynamic and efficient while staying true to a distinctive, sporty styling. Each is built with dynamic wings and body design for better looks and airflow.

The S-Models offer Quattro all-wheel drive with sport differential, adaptive air suspension, and Audi drive select.

The interiors come with carbon fiber, grey gauges, and sport seats. S6 & 7 have super sport seats that are very comfortable.

Technologies:
• Audi connect suite of online services including weather, traffic, and Google search
• Speech recognition
• Wi-Fi hotspot
• Bang & Olfusen—1,400 watts with 19 sealed speakers keep your calls private and your car soundproof.

Competes with:
• Mercedes AMG lineup
• BMW M-Performance lines
• Porsche Panamera

Likes:
• Fun to drive
• Daytime LED running headlights
• Easy-to-use technologies

Dislikes:
• Should offer Diesel performance

2013 Audi S-Line models have impressive agility, very precise performance and extremely sporty handling.

Remember, when shopping for a new car, test drive as many vehicles as you can in the class you are looking in to make sure you find the car that is best for you.

www.audi.com

Nissan Sentra: Car Coach, Car Review

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The 2013 Nissan Sentra is an all-new redesigned car that's got comfort, style and all the smart technology you want. Let’s take a closer look.

Model – 2013 Nissan Sentra
MPG – 30/39 mpg.
Engine – 1.8L 4-cylinder engine riding on 17” alloy wheels with all-season tires.
Price – starts at $15,990 (less than the previous model)

The 2013 Nissan Sentra is bigger and lighter with better fuel economy. The ride was quiet with nice control on the road. Although the Sentra isn’t a sports car, it was very responsive.

Nissan offers the new Sentra in four trims: S, SV, SR, and SL. The base S model comes with a six-speed manual transmission. All other Sentras use a continuously variable transmission (CVT). Drivers interested in saving even more gas can opt for the $400 FE package.

Technology features include Nissan Connect with navigation; Pandora radio capable’ Bose Premium Audio system; 5.8” touch screen with rear view monitor and Google Send-to-Car; plus Nissan Easy Fill Tire Alert.

Options include silver or maple wood tone trim; leather seating package ($1300); a driver package for $1000 with push button start; Navigation package ($650); and Premium package ($1200), which includes dual climate control.

Competes with:
• VW Jetta
• Honda Civic
• Hyundai Elantra
• Mazda3
• Chevy Cruze
• Ford Focus
• Suzuki SX4 LE

Likes:
• Backseat space
• Trunk space
• Fuel Economy
• Attractive design

Dislikes:
• Front-seat comfort needs lumbar
• Responsiveness with CVT
• Disappointing interior trims

The all-new 2013 Nissan Sentra has improved fuel economy, a more spacious interior and enhanced infotainment features, which make this car a more desirable choice.

Remember, when shopping for a new car, test drive as many vehicles as you can in the class you are looking in to make sure you find the car that is best for you.

Visit www.nissan.com.

Green Car Journal Gets It Edition

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THE CAR COACH REPORTS: WEEK IN REVIEW 11-30-12

Green Car Journal Gets It Edition

The Green Car Journal, a highly-respected authority on, you guessed it, green cars, awarded the 2013 Ford Fusion “The Green Car of the Year” yesterday at the Los Angeles International Auto Show. 
http://blogs.wsj.com/drivers-seat/2012/11/30/ford-fusion-wins-green-car-of-the-year-prize/
Heresy you say?  It should have been the new Prius or the Tesla Model S.  Not so fast.  The Fusion Hybrid trumps the Prius’s MPG ratings all around.  This is due to the fact that the Fusion can travel up to 62 mph on its electric engine alone.  Additionally, the Fusion doesn’t look like some strange EV experiment on wheels.  It is a gorgeous car, even striking, reminiscent of a Jaguar or an Aston Martin.
And while the Tesla is certainly a looker and a performer, it is unattainable for the vast majority of the driving public.  The Green Car Journal chose a car that is accessible to the masses, looks great, is super fuel efficient, practical, and which engages the driver in ICE (internal combustion engine) or hybrid form.
Additionally, the technology available in the Fusion will satisfy even the most hardcore geeks out there.  Laser guided adaptive cruise control, parallel park assist, lane departure warning, blind spot monitoring, backup camera with parking aid, remote start, three fully-customizable LCD screens with green driving coach, and a 12 speaker surround sound system with video playback are just some of the features available.
I say kudos to the Green car Journal for getting it right.  They didn’t choose an EV and for good reason.  They just don’t travel far enough on a charge, nor do they charge quickly…yet.  This relegates EVs to second car status for most owners and prohibits most eco-conscious buyers from even considering one.  EVs will eventually catch up in terms of the technology needed to satisfy most buyers but we’re not there yet.
I also say kudos to Ford for getting the Fusion right.  It is simply a spectacular-looking car in a segment of ho hum styling.  It also drives competently, quietly, and dare I say sporty when you need it to. 
Hey GM and Chrysler: Buy a Fusion and reverse engineer it.  This is what a midsize sedan should be.
What are your thoughts?
Post your comments at  http://laurenfix.blogspot.com/


My Final Thought:
Oh Honda, didn’t we learn a lesson regarding that ugly beak of a grille on the Acura TL a few years ago?  Apparently not, because your new RLX flagship sedan has it planted squarely in the middle of its schnoz. 
Why oh why are you continuing with this design?  Where are the inspired cars like the 2004 TL and the fun little RSX?  Remember when you made exciting cars like the Integra R and the TL Type S? 
I hope the upcoming NSX isn’t as much of a disappointment.
What are your thoughts?
Post your comments at  http://laurenfix.blogspot.com/

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

History of Audi: Lauren Fix, The Car Coach

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Audi’s logo of four rings symbolizes a merger of four companies back in 1932: Audi, Horch, Wanderer and DKW. Lauren Fix explains the history.

Born in 1868, August Horch has been the central figure in Audi’s past and a pioneer in German automotive history. The first Horch automobile was built in 1901. August Horch was a former production manager for Karl Benz.

Auto Union was an amalgamation of four German automobile manufacturers, founded in 1932 and established in 1936 during the Great Depression.

The four companies of Auto Union are:
Audi - August Horch founded Audi in 1909, which built inline-4, six and eight-cylinder engine cars.
DKW - This steam equipment company was founded 1916 and branched out into motorcycles, and then front wheel drive cars.
Horch - Founded by August Horch in 1904, Horch built cars starting from straight-two engines to luxury models with V8 and V12 engines.
Wanderer - Founded in 1911, this company built small four-cylinder cars and later more luxurious V6 models.

In 1932, with all four companies still losing money, Audi/DKW, Horch and Wanderer were brought together under the umbrella of communal shareholder company Auto Union. Although all four brands continued to build cars under their own names and brands, the technological development became more centralized, with some Audi models employing engines by Horch or Wanderer.

Dr. Ferdinand Porsche started as a contractor for many German car companies including Auto Union. He built the first Audi racecar, 1939 Audi Union Type C/D racecar with a V16 engine.

Only the DKW brand survived in postwar West Germany, continuing DKW's tradition of producing front-wheel drive vehicles.

Daimler-Benz acquired 87 percent of Auto Union, taking complete control in 1959. As prosperity began to return to West Germany, they sold off the shares.

In 1964, Volkswagen acquired the factory in Ingolstadt and the trademark rights of Auto Union.

In 1969, Auto Union merged with NSU, another German car company, NSU had been the world's largest manufacturer of motorcycles, but had moved on to produce small cars.

The company has evolved into present day Audi, a subsidiary of Volkswagen Group.

The Audi museum has an extremely impressive array of the cars that made Audi what it is today. The museum is a great way to understand the history of Audi and to admire its impressive cars. The tour guides speak English and make the tour informative and entertaining.

2013 Lexus ES 300h: Car Coach, Car Review

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The 2013 Lexus ES 300h is a beautiful, stylish vehicle with impressive performance and hybrid technology. Lauren Fix, the Car Coach, brings you a closer look.


Model - 2013 Lexus ES 300h Hybrid
MPG - 40/39 mpg.
Engine - 156-hp, 2.5-liter, 4-cylinder
combined with an electric motor and continuously variable transmission
Price - starts at $38,850
Test Vehicle - $46,070

The 2013 Lexus LS Hybrid is a stylish vehicle that is identical to the V-6 Lexus ES350 in every respect but its powertrain. The ES 300h will afford the driver four options for driving styles: Normal, Sport, Eco and EV. When EV is selected, it will allow the driver to make short trips using only the power built up in the hybrid battery pack. Sport mode provides more powertrain responsiveness, Eco allows for more fuel economy, and Normal is a mix of both Sport and Eco. The ES 300h has a combined fuel economy rating of 40 mpg.

Standard equipment for the ES 300h includes a dual-swivel adaptive front lighting system, dual-zone climate control, power tilt-and-telescopic steering column, 10-way driver’s and front passenger power seats with power lumbar, 8-speaker AM/FM/CD/MP3 stereo with Sirius XM satellite radio and Bluetooth hands-free accessibility, power tilt-and-slide moonroof, and 17-inch aluminum alloy wheels with all-season tires.

The stylish new ES has a comfortable ride with tight handling. Although no one will ever claim the ES is “sporty,” it offers a precise steering response.

Competes with:
•Lincoln MKZ Hybrid
•Mercedes-Benz E-Class
•Buick LaCrosse eAssist
•Toyota Camry hybrid
•BMW ActiveHybrid 3

Likes:
•Very efficient hybrid powertrain
•Spacious cabin
•Comfortable ride
•Luxurious and high-tech interior

Dislikes:
•Lexus' "Remote Touch" joystick control

The 2013 Lexus ES 300h is a nice blend of hybrid and gasoline technology with a quality interior, great ride and fantastic fuel economy.

For Whom The Road Tolls Edition

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   THE CAR COACH REPORTS: WEEK IN REVIEW 12-7-12
For Whom The Road Tolls Edition

Want to avoid traffic?  Then pony up and pay.  That’s the new trend in highway driving according to USA Today: http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2012/12/04/toll-lanes-create-another-option-to-avoid-traffic/1747307/
Here’s how it works: A special lane is reserved for those who want to avoid congestion.  Drivers use their EZ Pass or similar technology and are automatically charged according to traffic conditions should they decide to use the toll lanes. 
How much does it cost? That depends on traffic conditions.  The more traffic there is, the more it costs to drive in the toll lanes.  Some lanes charge more than $1 per mile. 
Never mind the fact that our taxes already paid for these roads; you now have to pay through the nose if you want to drive at highway speeds…on the highway. 
Let’s say you drive 10 miles each way in these toll lanes every day.  You could end up spending more than $20 a day.  That’s $100 per week, $400 per month, $4,800 per year!  Just for the privilege of being able to drive at or near the speed limit. 
Granted, you do have the choice of not using the toll lanes, but that means you sit in traffic.  So, those who can afford it can zip on by the masses who sit bumper to bumper every day.  Those who can’t afford it are SOL. 
Why do I get the feeling that this new trend is designed only for the wealthy? I also think it takes advantage of those who are running late due to traffic.
I wonder: Are they using already-existing left lanes for this?  If so, that means there is one fewer lane for drivers to use in overly-congested areas.
I get that states are starved for cash.  I also get that transportation departments are looking for ways to ease traffic congestion.  But to tax drivers to avoid traffic seems a bit over the top.  What’s next, making people pay to avoid waiting on hold for customer service?  How about a $5 lane at the grocery store to avoid long lines?



What are your thoughts?
Post your comments at  http://laurenfix.blogspot.com/


My Final Thought:
Dogs are driving cars.  Seriously, I’m not kidding: http://jalopnik.com/5966043/these-dogs-are-actually-driving-cars
Now if I could just train my dog to drive my car and do my job, he could sit in traffic and I wouldn’t have to worry about paying a toll just to get somewhere!
What are your thoughts?
Post your comments at  http://laurenfix.blogspot.com/

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