Mini Has Truly Lost Its Way

2015 Mini Cooper S. Photo courtesy of BMW.

Mini has completely lost its way. You can blame it on BMW management, stupidity, greed, groupthink or whatever else, but the fact of the matter is that the brand has forgotten what made it great. It's not the first time an automaker has done this (cough, cough, Honda) and it's not something Mini can't correct, it's just that I don't see anything changing in the near future. In fact, things seem to be getting worse.

The 1961 Austin Mini Cooper MK 1 was 120.25 inches long. It also weighed a mere 1,334 pounds. These dimensions justified the name "Mini" because the car was genuinely miniature in comparison to its contemporaries.

When BMW decided to reboot Mini, I was optimistic. While the modern Cooper was significantly larger, I accepted that fact. After all, with modern conveniences and safety requirements, it's difficult to create a vehicle with four seats and any cargo space that's as small as the old Coopers. Still, the car was smaller than its contemporaries and it was a blast to drive (even if it suffered from notorious transmission problems).

As time wore on, BMW started to introduce some troubling aspects to the brand. While the bonnet stripes, Union Jack side mirror caps and other add-ons that were launched with the new car had kind of a cool vibe, the company started going overboard. Today, most Minis have so much crap shoved onto them that they're almost dazzling to look at. I'm not talking dazzling like the Jaguar F-Type, which is simple and breathtaking in its presentation, but more dazzling like looking at a gigantic heap of horse dung. The designers, I believe, have engaged in the horror vacui sin, which is Latin for "fear of the empty." Instead of allowing for negative space on the vehicles, they're slapped all kinds of garbage on them, making them ugly.

The aesthetics have strayed far from what Minis were in the 1960s. While you don't want to and can't make carbon copies of the old cars, completely annihilating such a rich heritage is foolish. I believe Mini is headed on this path, even though I'm sure that management believes the exact opposite.

Then there's the issue of size. Mini just unveiled the 2016 Clubman and it's huge, not mini in any way. In fact, Mini brags in its official press release that the vehicle is longer and wider than any other vehicle it's ever made. It's 168.3 inches long and 70.9 inches wide. Where's the limit to how bloated the thing can get? At some point Minis should be considered obese, and I think we've arrived at that sad reality.

I get it, Mini's giving the people what it thinks they want. Hell, maybe it's really what the Mini fans want, a big car that doesn't manuever like a high-powered go-kart. If that's the case, then it's a truly sad world we live in these days.

Supposedly Mini is preparing five new models by 2020. I want to believe one of them is truly small and nimble, but the Roadster and Coupe were put out of their misery in short order, so I won't hold my breath. In other words, Mini will continue to be a giant irony as it doesn't even live up to its name or its legacy.

Volvo Starts Construction on First Factory in the USA

Image courtesy of Volvo.

I won't lie, I like Volvo. I've owned a few Volvos in my time and have seriously considered buying more in the near future. The company places a big emphasis on safety, and having been in two wrecks in Volvos, I can personally attest to how good the Swedes are at delivering on that. There are other things that I loved about my Volvos, but that's another post for another time. Today, I'm writing about a big event for the company: its first factory in the United States.

During the past few decades, automakers have started figuring out that the U.S. isn't a bad place to manufacture cars. For one, it cuts down on shipping costs, considering that this is the second largest car market in the world. In the past several years, the trend has increased dramatically, with Volvo now joining in.

The new manufacturing facility will be located in Ridgeville, South Carolina. Just a few days ago, the company held an official groundbreaking ceremony.

Once the facility is complete, the future Volvo S60 will start rolling off the production line. The cars will be used here domestically as well as shipped to other markets around the world. Total capacity will top out at 100,000 units per year, which could help Volvo reclaim a healthy portion of the U.S. auto market. Back in the day, the Swedish brand was pretty popular here, but under Ford management it fell out of favor with consumers.

Another, yet-to-be-named vehicle will also be assembled in South Carolina. It likely will be either the XC60 or XC90, both of which are popular in the U.S.

It's going to be 2018 when the facility is fully operational. When that happens, expect to see a rise in the number of Volvos on U.S. roads.

Ten Alternative Fuels for Vehicles

2016 Nissan Leaf charging port. Photo courtesy of Nissan. 

A growing number of drivers don’t like how dependent modern society is on gasoline. The fact is that gasoline use comes with many drawbacks. The prices can be volatile, meaning another gas crises could pop up at just about any time. Gasoline also produces quite a bit of air pollution when it's burned, which in turn triggers a number of other problems that affect everyone. There is also the issue that oil is often obtained from areas of the world where there is much political and social strife, which is why some people want to utilize energy sources that are closer to home.

There are quite a few alternative fuels in existence today.

10. Hydrogen. Despite the concerns about flammability that some have brought up, using hydrogen to power a car is actually safer than using gasoline, which is a highly volatile liquid. Hydrogen can power two types of vehicles: fuel cell cars and those that use a combustion engine that runs on hydrogen instead of gasoline. Some hydrogen vehicles are available to consumers right now, but they are restricted to markets like California.

9. Electricity. You likely have heard about electric vehicles like the Tesla Model S. Instead of using combustion to propel the car forward, the powertrain draws energy from a battery or an array of batteries. Electric motors come with many advantages, including full torque delivery from a standstill and quiet operation, which would also cut down on noise pollution in cities.

8. Hybrid powertrains. There is a large variety of cars on the market today that use both gasoline and electricity. Some run off gasoline engines and electric motors, while others use a gasoline generator to power the electric motor (like the Chevrolet Volt). The advantage of hybrid cars is that the allow drivers to go longer distances than most other setups, without having to stop for fuel.

7. Biodiesel. Diesel-powered vehicles are catching on at an increasing rate in the United States. They can be fueled by traditional diesel, or by a variety that is brewed using cooking oil and grease. Creating such a fuel mixture takes some expertise, but with the right training a car owner can become a pro before too long, making it possible to refuel in your own garage.

6. Liquefied natural gas. In areas like the United States, natural gas is actually plentiful. Even though it is a fossil fuel, it doesn't produce as much pollution as burning oil or coal. Liquefying the gas takes cooling it to the point it changes state, which also helps it produce more energy when it is burned. It is currently used to power large industrial trucks.

5. Ethanol. Corn is in high supply inside the United States, which has led to the creation of "corn fuel" or ethanol. Crops are used to create a type of alcohol that isn't fit for human consumption but that can power a vehicle. Some other countries create ethanol using other plant substances, like in Brazil where sugar cane is in high supply.

4. Compressed natural gas. You have likely seen vehicles on the road with a CNG sticker on them, indicating the car runs on this alternative fuel. It literally uses the same fuel as your water heater and maybe even your stove at home. CNG stations pressurize the gas so that it doesn't take up as much space. This alternative fuel is significantly cheaper than gasoline or diesel, but in some areas there are few fueling stations.

3. Liquefied petroleum gas. This fuel is used for camping stoves and even by some caterers as a way to keep large quantities of food warm. By keeping it under extreme pressure, the gas stays a liquid and contains more energy per square millimeter. The fuel isn't common in North America, but it is available in northern Europe as well as some parts of Asia.

2. Liquid nitrogen. Nitrogen is a common substance, making it a good candidate for a future source of fuel. It doesn't pollute nearly as much as fossil fuels. The fuel flows into an engine where it is heated up, and the resulting energy from the expansion turns mechanical parts like turbines to propel the car forward.

1. Compressed air. It might sound bizarre, but a vehicle can be powered by compressed air. High-pressure tubes store the air. The air is released into the engine, which converts the air's expansion into energy that moves the pistons. There are electric motors in the car that work to compress the air.

What Not to do After a Car Accident

Photo courtesy of Volvo

Fortunately for most drivers, car accidents are an occasional thing. Most people don't want to think about getting into an accident because they can be scary, but by not thinking about such a situation they put themselves at risk. You need to know what to avoid doing immediately after an accident on the road, because what you do in the moments after your car is wrecked can follow you for some time afterward. The following items are all things people commonly do, even though some are dangerous or even illegal.

Lose your temper

Never, ever, start yelling at or making aggressive moves towards the other driver. It's understandable that your emotions might be running high after being in a wreck, especially if it was a bad one. Even if it's blatantly obvious that the other driver was at fault, you cannot take the law into your own hands. Remember that you could be charged with assault if you do lose your cool and lay hands on the other driver, so if you're upset it's probably best to keep to yourself.

Admit any fault

Even if you feel bad about what happened to the other party in the wreck, never admit that you were at fault. Saying that you're sorry counts and it can be used against you in a dispute between insurance companies, or if the case goes to court. You can ask if the other party is okay and help them if they are injured, but keep the apologies to yourself.

Leave the scene of the wreck

Taking off after an accident is a very bad idea, even if you don't have insurance. The moment you flee the scene of an accident, you have broken the law, even if the accident was the other driver's fault. Going back to the accident after leaving still means you have violated the law and are subject to criminal charges. You must stop your car, check on the people in the other vehicle, and exchange insurance information with them.

Forget to call the police

You must contact the local police and follow their instructions about the wreck. Even if you swap insurance information with the other driver, you have no idea if that information is even accurate or current. There are some people who carry around falsified insurance information when they aren't even insured. The police can help sort things out so you're not left holding the bill for the wreck. Not only that, most insurance companies will not pay out on an accident that was not reported to the police because of the potential for fraud. Even if the police don't come to the scene of the accident, you still need to call them before you leave.

Neglect to document the scene

You might think the police or your insurance company will document the scene of the accident, but they might not even show up. Just about everyone carries a smart phone with them these days, so pull it out and start taking as many pictures as you can. Document where the two cars are, any damage on them, the license plate of the other car, and anything else pertaining to the wreck.

The 2013 SRT Viper: The Snake Strikes Back

2013 SRT Viper - images courtesy of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles

Chrysler took a short hiatus from producing its wonderfully potent Viper sports car, but for the 2013 model year the company brough the Viper back, causing a big wave in the industry. The car was housed under the SRT brand, which caused quite a bit of confusion since the earlier Vipers were Dodges. The changes didn’t stop there, with the Viper being completely redesigned for a more modern high-performance driving experience both on the road and on the track, while thankfully still retaining some of the raw and unbridled aspects of the car.

To start off, the 2013 SRT Viper receives plenty of power via a massive 8.4 liter V-10 engine, complete with overhead valves and variable timing. Output tops out at a deafening 640 horsepower and 600 pound-foot of torque, causing lesser cars to cower in the Viper’s presence. A six speed manual transmission helps transfer power to the car’s rear wheels, providing a pure American muscle driving experience.

New to the Viper line is stability control, which can be completely turned off if a driver wants to have a more “pure” interaction with the car. Launch control also comes standard. A double wishbone suspension in the front and rear give the car even better handling dynamics than before, making the SRT Viper a car that can be driven more often than past Vipers.

SRT continued adding modern touches to the Viper. Curb weight has been lowered to 3,354 pounds, making it 30% lighter than the previous Viper. This lower weight translates into brisker acceleration and better handling characteristics. The car’s new frame is lighter weight, but it is actually 50% stiffer than in previous Vipers.

Not only the driver will enjoy the 2013 SRT Viper, but the passenger will as well. Interior space has been enlarged upon, providing considerably more legroom and headroom to accommodate some of the tallest occupants out there. Instead of a Spartan interior as before, occupants sit on supple leather seats and are treated to soft-touch materials from the doors, dash and center console. Further showing the signs of the times, Chrysler has outfitted the SRT Viper with a navigation screen, heated seats, a Bluetooth connection for talking on the phone with a headset and a USB plug. 

To truly enjoy driving the Viper all the time, you would still need to be pretty dedicated to the car, because it's a handful, to say the least. If you want a constantly engaging drive that keeps you on your toes, this is a good option to consider.  

What to Look for in a Green Car

Lexus CT200h. Photo courtesy of Lexus.

Many car shoppers are looking for a greener car than the one they currently drive. For some it's about feeling like they are making a difference when it comes to the environment, while for others the desire for a green car is about saving money on fuel and other costs related to car ownership. Some car shoppers are concerned about dependence on foreign oil and its socio-political ramifications. There is also the benefit of various government purchasing incentives for certain types of vehicles that draw in buyers. Whatever your personal reason for purchasing a green vehicle, there are certain things you need to look for when evaluating your options.

One of the key areas to pay attention to is overall value. Some people fall into the trap of only looking at the price of a new car, while others are mesmerized by the estimated fuel economy and overall efficiencies. Value incorporates both factors and more, helping you ensure that your next vehicle is a purchase you won't regret. You must consider what you will be using the car for, such as only commuting, transporting your family, or even going on weekend excursions. Take close look at the different features and evaluate how those will affect your lifestyle. Research each model's reputation for reliability, as well as the included manufacturer's warranty, emissions information, an interior construction. You must also remember to purchase a vehicle that is the appropriate size for whomever will be riding in it regularly.

When it comes to fuel economy, you shouldn't necessarily always go with the more efficient vehicle. For example, if one model offers a five percent gain in fuel efficiency versus another, and the one car costs twenty percent more, you are not gaining much value for the extra money you spend, at least when it comes to fuel economy.

Range is another consideration, especially when you are considering purchasing an all-electric car. Most people overestimate how far they drive in a single day. You should research the estimated range of any models you are interested in buying, then watch the mileage of your car each day for a week or two. Compare how far you typically drive against the range of each model to evaluate if they would work with your lifestyle. Most electric car owners charge their vehicle at night, but if our employer has a vehicle charger on-site, that can also affect your decision about which car to purchase. You should research where different public chargers are located if you plan on using the vehicle for more than commuting to and from work and running a few errands here and there.

If you are looking for a green car as a way to minimize your impact on the environment, you also need to research how toxic the different interior components are. That new car smell some people love is actually the presence of toxins from the plastic as they evaporate into the air. Some automakers supply such information, but there are online organizations that compile lists of the least and most toxic vehicle interiors in an effort to encourage responsible purchasing decisions.

Horsepower Versus Torque: What’s the Difference?

Jaguar F-Type R Coupe. Image courtesy of Jaguar Land Rover.

Unless you are a big car enthusiast or an engineer, you likely have no idea what the difference is between a vehicle’s horsepower and torque ratings. Sure, you see them listed all the time with a car’s specifications, and you know bigger numbers are better, but just what is the difference between the two ratings?

A simple explanation is that horsepower measures the amount of power produced by your engine, while torque measures the amount of twisting force produced by the engine. Torque is the feeling of power when a car first launches off the line, which is what most buyers think of when they wonder how powerful a car is. In contrast, horsepower is the ability of the car to sustain that initial surge of power. People think they are buying horsepower, when in fact the torque is what they are feeling.

To be more precise, horsepower is a measurement of the engine’s ability to move a certain amount of mass. Specifically, one unit of horsepower represents the force needed to move 550 pounds a distance of one foot in one second, or 33,000 pounds the same distance in a minute’s time.

Torque is produced by the engine, transferred to a fly wheel which in turn transfers that twisting power to the transmission. The transmission in turn transfers that power to the drive shaft and then the axle, allowing the car’s wheels to turn.

When buying a vehicle to tow anything, whether it’s a boat or another vehicle that is stuck in the snow, the important figure to pay attention to is the engine’s peak torque output.  A high torque output at a low RPM provides plenty of pulling power when the vehicle first starts rolling forward.

In city driving, most people drive on torque since there is a lot of stop-and-go traffic. On the highway horsepower becomes much more important, since your car’s engine needs to ability to sustain the speed at which you are traveling. 

Did Volkswagen Make Fools of Us All?

2015 Volkswagen Golf TDI. Image courtesy of Volkswagen.

Just the other day, I posted on here a list of reasons to buy a diesel-powered car. Most people in the United States think of trucks when you talk about diesel, but I've repeatedly written about the many advantages of diesel cars, plus recommended them to friends and associates. Now, with the shocking new allegations against Volkswagen, I can't help but feel that the company made fools out of a lot of us.

While it's a fact that VW created a means to dupe the EPA's emissions tests, that doesn't mean that all diesel-powered cars in the United States are similarly gaming the system. Still, a big chunk of the non-truck diesel vehicles in this country come from VW (that includes Audi). It's pretty apparent that we all played into the German automaker's game, and I don't blame people for being upset.

The provisions that Volkswagen used to get around emissions regulations also mean that the cars in question put out 10 to 40 times of pollutants that have been linked to all kinds of respiratory problems, such as asthma attacks. Americans in general should be furious about this, because all of our health was put at risk to pad VW's pockets. That's not only unethical, but it's likely criminal, which is why the Department of Justice just opened up a criminal investigation into the issue.

Keep in mind that the people who are driving the Volkswagen vehicles in question are now going to be in a sticky position. The value of those models will likely drop significantly. They likely will be recalled, but the remedy to the problem could take many forms. It might involve a simple software update or other modifications, but that could significantly impact horsepower and torque output, potentially making the cars much more sluggish, as well as diminishing fuel economy, increasing the cost of ownership. Considering that people bought the cars on the premise that they would perform as advertised, and that's now likely to change, owners could have cause to band together and take legal action. Dealerships could also take damage in the fray, which would affect countless jobs.

If you think the potential for the EPA to fine VW $18 billion is unreasonable, consider everything above and then reassess that conclusion. This was not a systemic failure, like the GM ignition switch recall, but instead a flagrant attempt to pull the wool over the US government and its citizens' eyes. If proven true, such actions need to be punished, and the restitution could leave Volkswagen seriously crippled. This comes after several years of lagging sales in the United States, leaving me to wonder if the company isn't going to face a downward spiral in this market, at least for the short term.