Aramation Auto

As I commute every day, I’ve been clocking many kilometers regularly like, well, a clock. At slightly over 9,000km, I still haven’t encountered a significant mechanical or other troubles. However the other day, while trying to fuel up the car, I realized the string that keeps the cap attached to the car was loose. So far I haven’t figured out how to attach it back (probably a loose screw somewhere) so I’ll wait until the next scheduled oil change and get the dealership to fix it, which is at around 10,000km or October 2007.

Another issue I’ve encountered is with the Bluetooth integration with my phone (T-Mobile Dash, a.k.a. HTC Excalibur, a.k.a. Rogers S621). Few times the car would think I’m in a call even when the phone isn’t. All it takes to clear up the issue is to actually place a call on the phone and then hanging up promptly returns it to normal. I’m not sure if this is a bug in the Bluetooth implementation of my phone, or of the car. Another thing to discuss with the repair people!

Jaguar has been pumping out boring cars after cars. Jaguar XK was a step in the right direction and they’re finally ready to unveil their sedan that’ll make or break the company. So far, all the pictures show a sedan worth paying a premium for as the exterior features stylish lines, and the interior show modern refinement. A first for Jaguar is its gear selector that pops into the car when not in use.

Model year 2008 is upon us, and many manufacturers are debuting new models in order to entice more buyers to their dealerships. Here’s what Road and Track magazine considers the top 20 new cars for 2008. You can go read up on these cars or just look at their pictures.

(by the way, it’s not actually 20 cars… in the frenzy of making this list, they weren’t able to pick just 20 cars…)

• Audi R8: if you have the money for it, this is the best looking Audi ever 
• Audi RS4 Cabriolet: only 300 units of this topless version of RS4 are coming to America
• Audi S5: high-performance version of the new A5 is set to use a 4.2 liter V8 engine for that extra oomph 
• Bently Continental GT Speed: sportier version of the Continental GT will only be produced this year
• BMW 1-series: BMW’s least expensive model will give plenty of enthusiasts their first taste of BMW
• BMW M3: one of the fastest coupes ever built by BMW with almost 414 hp that’ll propel you from 0 to 60 in just 4.2 secs 
• Cadillac CTS: this make-or-break car improves everything from fit & finish, visuals and performance 
• Dodge Caliber SRT4: last seen as a Neon, SRT4 returns as a powerful wagon
• Dodge Viper SRT10: not an entirely new car but still exciting addition to the already powerful Viper
• Ford Shelby GT500KR: very limited edition “King of the Road” Shelby GT500 will have over 540 hp at your disposal
• Honda Accord Coupe: latest coupe finally looks better than the sedan and it promises to be sportier as well
• Honda S2000 CR: latest modest refresh brings better performance to the table
• Infiniti G37: Infiniti’s new 3.7 liter engine gives it 330 hp and exterior/interior are thoroughly improved
• Lexus IS-F: Lexus aims to take on Audi RS4, BMW M3 and MB C63 AMG with its new IS-F 
• Maserati GranTurismo: Maserati finally builds a 2-door sport coupe worth paying $110,000 for 
• Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG: even more powerful than the Audi RS4 and new BMW M3 
• Mercedes-Benz CLK63 AMG Black Series: only 350 units will come to America
• Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster: race inspired SLR drops its top
• Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X: latest Evo goes slightly mainstream with bigger size and even more performance for the purists
• Nissan GT-R: here’s a car that promises a lot of performance in a fairly affordable package
• Nissan Nismo 350Z: special edition 350Z doesn’t offer improved performance, only visuals
• Pontiac G8: Pontiac’s new flagship sedan built by Australia’s Holden
• Porsche 911 GT2: the most powerful Porsche ever with almost 530 hp
• Porsche 911 Turbo Cabriolet: all the performance of the coupe without the top
• Saturn Astra: Saturn is importing this car to replace its Ion
• Subaru Impreza WRX STI: now available only as a wagon, it’ll still deliver better performance than previous model
• Volkswagen R32: Golf V based R32 performs even better than the GTI 
• Volvo C30: Volvo’s entry into youth segment brings us a 2-door hatchback that’s all about customization

Clay Dean, best known for his design work on Pontiac Solstice and Saturn Sky will now head the newly formed Cadillac global design team. Apart from those 2 roadsters, he also helped shape Chevy Cobalt, Chevy HHR, the new Chevy Malibu and Saturn Aura. He’s rumored to be designing a sedan to be priced below the CTS as well as a new crossover (that may or may not be the replacement for the aging and ugly SRX)

As some of you may know already, I have a weakness for Infiniti vehicles, and the trend of producing desirable, powerful and reasonably priced continues with 2008 Infiniti EX35. As a baby FX35, it is smaller, slightly less powerful and probably cheaper. Its front end is very similar to 2007 Infiniti G35, and the overall styling remains truthful to the concept that debuted a few years back. Interior seems to be copied from the new G35 (which isn’t necessarily bad thing since it is one of the best car interior).

Pricing hasn’t been revealed yet, but expect it to be competitively priced compared to Acura RDX and BMW X3. More pictures:

Cars are such complex machines that a few parts are bound to break whether it’s design oversight or simple unforeseeable wear & tear. Business Week compiled a list of 15 most recalled 2007 models. The winner (or the loser) is VW’s New Beetle with over 1 million vehicles recalled in the United States. The list is compiled by looking at NHTSA data so it doesn’t keep into account any Canadian recalls.

1. Volkswagen New Beetle
2. Toyota Sequoia
3. Jeep Liberty
4. Nissan Altima
5. Hyundai Tucson
6. Dodge Nitro, Jeep Wrangler
7. Suzuki Forenza, Reno
8. Volkswagen Passat, Passat Wagon
9. Chrysler Sebring, 300, Dodge Caliber, Magnum, Charger, Nitro, Jeep Compass, Liberty, Commander, Grand Cherokee, Wrangler
10. Infiniti G35 Coupe
11. Chevrolet Aveo
12. Nissan Versa
13. GMC Acadia, Saturn Outlook
14. Ford Expedition

Apparently I already drove over 8,000km on my car 2007 Infiniti G35x! So far, it hasn’t given me any mechanical problems and it received one oil change.

The other day, I managed to “stall” the car. While stopped at a traffic light, I decided to shut off the audio, but instead I accidentaly turned off the car. (It was early and I didn’t have my caffeine for the day). I was surprised that engine On/Off button would work even when the car is on drive… hopefully drivers won’t be able to shut off the engine while on the go!

Another thing I noticed is I have to be careful when changing lanes and accelerating after a red light. Most of the other cars on the road do not have this fast acceleration so on a couple of occasions, I almost bumped into the car in front.

Cerberus Management Group is wasting no time in trying to make Chrysler attractive again… after unveiling lifetime powertrain warranty on new vehicles, Chrysler is now going back to the old pentagram logo. Newly rechristined Chrysler LLC is hoping to revitalize itself in the ever so competitive market. A new name and a new logo are great, but they haven’t unveiled what they really need: a compelling vehicle that’s ahead of the competition.