Motoring May 2009

TIMES ARE GRIM, BUT THERE ARE SOME GREAT CARS

By Kevin Ransom

Things are changing so fast here in Motor City, but as I write this Detroit and the US auto industry are still reeling from the news that Chrysler LLC was being forced to file Chapter 11 bankruptcy in order to survive. And a few days earlier, General Motors announced it was eliminating the venerable Pontiac nameplate in its effort to get leaner and burnish its own turnaround plan as it tries to qualify for another round of federal loans and avoid the same fate that befell Chrysler.

But after so many months of bad news coming out of Detroit, let’s just talk cars for a moment and I’ll ponder those historic events after we review three excellent vehicles.

The PT Cruiser was a big hit when Chrysler introduced it for the 2001 model year, due to a unique, retro body design that took its cues from both 1930s-era roadsters and ‘60s-era woodys. Eight years later, the Cruiser retains that look, which means it still exudes a combination of vintage charm and a “fun, fun, fun” vibe.

The fact that it is essentially a hatchback, with a generous and flexible storage area, didn’t hurt, either. In that sense, you could also look at the PT Cruiser is as one of the first “crossovers,” as it balances some of the comfort and convenience of an SUV with the efficiency of a small car. Indeed, it’s classified as a compact, meaning it’s also affordable and delivers attractive fuel economy. For ‘09, Chrysler has added a handsome new limited-edition PT Dream Cruiser Series 5, and the PT Cruiser continues to be one of the more unique -looking vehicles on the road.

The Limited comes in three trim levels – the LX, the Touring and the Limited. The Touring edition boasts chrome accents on the grille and headlamps with a scalloped bottom edge. The Touring and Limited models are also distinguished by the round fog lamps.

Aerodynamics are aided by a body-color spoiler on the liftgate, which provides smooth access to the PT Cruiser’s rear-storage area. Chrysler says the interior can be configured 160 different ways, due to the fold/tumble/removable seats and the optional fold-flat front passenger seat and movable rear shelf.

The fold-flat front-passenger seat can either increase the loading capacity or function as a “desk” area. The rear fold-and-tumble split-folding 65/35 bench also offer flexibility when loading larger items via the rear liftgate.

The instrument panel is set off by large gauges, standard compass and temperature displays, flush shutoff rotating air vents and a signature Chrysler analog clock. The radio is mounted high in the center stack, and a grab handle on the right side of the instrument panel eases entry and exit for passengers.

The centre console, which has a sliding armrest and covered storage space, includes a deep storage bin that holds six CDs, a coin holder and two fold-out cup holders for the passengers in the rear seat. The front cup holders on the Limited model feature bright accents. The optional Chrome Accents Group on the PT Cruiser Touring edition comes with spiffy chrome bodyside moldings, chrome door lock knobs and a chrome exhaust tip.

The Cruiser’s acoustic package -- which comprises sealants around doors, windows, rear floor pan and cavity area – helps reduce road noise. Additional sealing around the heating, ventilation and air conditioning system, plus insulation in the dashboard, minimise powertrain noise. Finally, the inner belt seals in the door and added foam in the A-pillar keep wind noise to a minimum.

Depending on which trim level you go with, the engine options are the 2.4-litre 150-hp naturally-aspirated plant that delivers 165 lb.-ft. of torque, and the 2.4-liter turbo-charged engine that boosts the power to 180 hp, and really pops up the torque, to 210 lb.-ft. The lower-line LX comes with a five-speed manual tranny as standard, while the Touring and Limited editions get a four-speed automatic.

I drove the Touring edition with the turbo-charged engine, and it delivered all the pep you’ll need for a relatively small vehicle. And, given its taut suspension and compact size, it also handled nimbly and responsively.

For drivers who want a sporty upgrade, the PT Dream Cruiser Series 5 adds some nice, meticulous design elements – like, for example, the contrasting two-tone theme with a “Brilliant Black Crystal Pearl” painted roof and hoop spoiler, and the all-new cross-hatched, upper and lower solid billet aluminum grilles, which are individually milled and machined, for that custom look.

The new 17-inch SRT Design wheels give the vehicle a more aggressive, sporty appearance, while also “filling out” the stylish large fenders. Additionally, the body is highlighted by chromed body-side trim moldings, and the new “PT” front-passenger and driver’s-side door badges is a nice, eye-catching flourish that conveys a “street cruising” vibe. Some of the standard features on the LX include seat-mounted side air bags, sport contour bucket seats with Bauhaus feature fabric, air conditioning, AM/FM stereo with single-disc CD player, MP3 play capability and auxiliary audio input jack, power windows with auto-down function on both front windows.

Upgrading to the Touring edition gets you such standard features as the power six-way driver seat with a manual lumbar adjuster, fog lamps , the Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC), deep-tint sunscreen glass, illuminated visor mirrors and power mirrors.

And, if you opt for the top trim level, the Limited, you also get ABS with low-speed traction control, premium leather-trimmed two-tone heated bucket seats, bright front-door sill scuff pads, leather-wrapped steering wheel with bright spokes, mini carbon centre-stack bezel, HomeLink universal home security system transceiver, chrome bodyside molding, chrome lock knobs, uconnect studios SIRIUS satellite radio and power express-open sun roof. If Chrysler emerges safely from its current financial crisis, here’s hoping the PT Cruiser stays around, because it really is a nifty, fun car to drive, with one of the more recognisable and distinct body profiles on the road.

Lexus GS 460

Toyota gets most of its attention for the success of its very-high-volume entries like the Camry and Corolla. But it’s the products offered by its Lexus that turn the heads of higher-income buyers who value luxe-line amenities, and have the wallets to pay for them. One of the more coveted Lexus road machines is the GS luxury sport sedan line, which comprises four entries - the V6-powered GS 350, the GS 350 all-wheel drive, the V8-powered GS 460 and the GS 450h hybrid.

I tested the GS 460, and I’m here to report that it was a delightful driving experience.

In terms of the body design, the current GS stable is distinguished by a longish hood, a cabin that sits back on the frame and a short rear deck. This synergy of design elements creates an elegant but sporty stance. The sloped, vertical grille is flanked by four independent headlamps – a design touch that’s a straight-line connection with the previous generation of GS offerings.

Inside the cabin, there are luxo’ pleasures aplenty, like ultra-premium wood, polished-metal accents and leather trim.

Lexus offers three interior leather color combos for the GS – light-grey leather with dark grey Bird’s-eye maple wood trim; cashmere leather with Golden Bird’s-eye Maple wood trim and black leather with red walnut wood trim. Each combination comes with a matching wood and leather-trim steering wheel and shift knob. And the unique instrument-panel lighting system employs variable-transparency glass to minimise reflections from the gauge faces and increase visibility.

Any vehicle in the sport-sedan segment had better deliver the goods when you stomp on the pedal, and the GS 460 does not disappoint. It’s powered by a 342-hp V8 that delivers 339 lb.-ft. of peak torque, and is matched to an eight-speed (!) automatic tranny that also lets you shift gears manually if you’re in a high-revving state of mind.

The GS 460 meets the EPA’s Ultra Low Emission Vehicle (ULEV-II) certification, and a direct fuel-injection system provides a finer fuel-mixture control, which translates into greater power and fuel efficiency. The Dual Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (VVT-i) goes to work on both intake and exhaust valves to further boost performance through a wide rpm range. Lexus reports that the GS 460 can sprint from 0 to 60 in 5.4 seconds.

And like any sport-sedan worthy of the moniker, the 460 offers crisp, dynamic handling, due in part to the double-wishbone front suspension and multilink rear suspension – a combo that practically eliminates those pesky wheel-angle changes during suspension movement.

On the safety front, the GS 460 offers a confidence-inspiring combo of Brake Assist, Electronic Brake-force Distribution and ABS. And the rear back-up camera, which is available with the optional navigation system, projects an image of vehicles that might be coming into your path when you’re backing up.

Aluminum-alloy 18-inch wheels are standard, as is the Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS) system, which automatically selects which of the four suspension settings will provide the proper “damping” for the driving conditions at the moment. Also, the Active Power Stabilizer system improves control during cornering, and the Electronic Control Unit (ECU) determines the amount of force needed to counter excess body sway - which is then applied to the stabiliser bars by the front and rear actuators.

All of this advanced technology working together delivers fabulous road manners – the 460 handles like a dream, whether doing the freeway slalom, or when down-shifting when going hard into a curve and then revving ’er up at the back end. Now let’s talk luxury accoutrement – like the 460’s Regency-leather-trimmed, ventilate, heated, 10-way power front seats; power-tilt and telescopic steering wheel; dual-zone climate-control system that filters the air, and the rear power sunshade, which helps cools the cabin on hot days.

The two electrochromic auto-dimming side mirrors are power-retractable and work in an “automatic tilt-down” fashion, to assist in parking when you’re backing up. And the power trunk-closer is a very civilized touch.

High-end audio buffs, meanwhile, will dig the sound cranked out by the stereo system, which combines AM/FM/cassette, a six-disc, in-dash CD changer, 10 premium speakers and an Automatic Sound Levelizer.

But if you really want to get jiggy, you can order the optional Mark Levinson Premium Sound system, which synergizes 11 channels of amplification, the power of 330 watts and 14 speakers - not to mention the option of watching DVDs on the color seven-inch touch screen - when the parking brake is engaged, that is.

And the optional Lexus DVD Navigation System lets you “enter” your desired destination simply by giving it a voice command.

To re-cycle on old expression, the GS 460 is one sweet ride.

Mercury Sable

Ford announced in January that more of the Lincoln-Mercury division’s efforts would be devoted to Lincoln, with the Mercury nameplate becoming more of a “niche” vehicle.

I hope that doesn’t mean the full-size Sable sedan is going to go away – or be “de-emphasised” - because the Sable has gotten high quality marks in recent years, and in typical Mercury fashion, it delivers many “extras” not found on its sister vehicle, the lower-priced Ford Taurus.

The Sable was redesigned for the ’08 model year, with much success, as the result was more sophisticated styling – both in terms of the body lines and the interior. Plus, the engine power was beefed up with a new 3.5-litre V6. Engineers also made a few tweaks to give the Sable a smoother, more quiet ride. The Sable, which comes in the base and Premier trim levels, borrows some of its more modern styling cues from other Mercury vehicles rolled out in recent years, like the Mountaineer, Milan and the new Mariner. Up front, Sable’s integrated design starts with Mercury’s satin aluminum waterfall grille, which is centered between a pair of nicely-detailed jeweled projector-beam headlamps that flow upward, over the front fenders.

The front-end design is also highlighted by chrome surrounds for the fog lamps and sparkly satin aluminum caps on the side mirrors. In back, the Sable’s signature LED taillamps are smartly accented by red stripes. The rear fascia features a cutaway to accommodate the chrome-tips on the dual exhaust system – a styling touch that conveys a brawnier engine.

The modernist look carries over to the cabin, with two-tone interior trim that includes distinctive accents. One, more high-tech look is “cyber carbon,” a deep, high-gloss accent that approximates the look of carbon fiber. Those who prefer a warmer look can go with a wood grain accents, like “Guitar Maple” or “San Macassar.” The Sable’s upmarket Premier Series, meanwhile, comes with plush, two-tone leather seats with contrasting stitching and a perforated pattern. The ’08 re-design included a new “sound package” that gives the Sable’s cabin a luxo-like quietude. That package includes advances like expandable foam pellets in the A-pillars and improved sound-deadening material in the doors, headliner and pillars. The Sable gets its power from a 3.5-litre 263-hp Duratec 35 V-6 engine that delivers 249 lb.-ft. of torque and is mated to a clean, six-speed transmission.

I put the Sable through its paces, and never found it wanting for power, whether high-tailing it on the e-way or cruising the winding country roads in Detroit’s exurbs. Contributing to the deft handling on the twisties is the MacPherson-strut front suspension – which was new with the ’08 redesign, and delivers 10 per cent more travel than the previous version –and a crisply-tuned independent coil-over rear suspension. The power-steering system employs an intelligent electric pump to deliver added steering assist when parking or making a hard turn – but backs off the assist level when it’s not needed, like straight-lining on the expressway.

And an optional all-wheel-drive system utilizes an electronically-controlled center coupling, which doles out specific amounts of torque from front to rear, as needed.

Helping make the Sable safer are standard-issue dual-stage driver and passenger front air bags, seat-deployed side air bags for driver and front passenger, and Ford’s Safety Canopy side curtain air bags, in front and rear. An AdvanceTrac electronic stability control system is optional.

The ’09 Sable’s generous standard-equipment package on the base model includes a 6-way power driver’s seat, two-way power-adjustable and -folding front passenger’s seat, power windows, mirrors and door locks, cruise control, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, auto-dimming rearview mirror, stereo with CD player and auxiliary input jack; and 17-inch aluminum wheels.

Options that can be added on the base model are an Interior Comfort and Convenience package, moonroof, rear window sunshade, navigation system, Microsoft SYNC voice-activated communications and entertainment system, Sirius satellite radio, cargo management system, heated seats, reverse sensing system, and remote start.Those who spend more to move up to the Premier trim level get standard features like 18-inch wheels; leather seats, heated front seats, 8-way power driver’s seat, 4-way power passenger’s seat, dual-zone automatic climate control, Bluetooth wireless capability, Sirius satellite radio and a six-disc CD player with MP3 playback and eight speakers. For ’09, the Sable Premier offers an VOGA package. “Voga” is a Spanish word conveying that something is “fashionable and trend setting,” so the Sable VOGA packages includes cashmere-leather seats and door trim inserts, a special color palette and more distinctive accents.

In short, a quality vehicle with those extra touches Mercury owners have come to expect. So, we hope the Sable doesn’t fade away as L-M focuses more on the Lincoln brand.

An Historic week

Okay, back to the historically bad, but hugely significant, week for Chrysler and General Motors.

Of course, many observers had been speculating for the better part of a year that Chrysler would not be able to avoid bankruptcy, and that Pontiac was on the bubble as GM tried to get leaner and survive.

Still, it was shocking news for the city, for the state of Michigan, and for everyone connected to the Big Three – suppliers, vendors, ad agencies, car enthusiasts and all of the businesses that count on the Big Three (or their employees) for much of their revenues.

The only nugget of good news in all of this is that Chrysler and Fiat SpA were able to hammer out an 11th-hour merger agreement that should bolster Chrysler’s long-term viability. Fiat will be able to provide Chrysler with much-needed small-car entries to balance Cryco’s current stable, which is heavy with larger entries - trucks, SUVs and crossovers.

Chrysler and the Obama administration predicted that the company will be able to emerge from bankruptcy court in 30 to 60 days, much leaner and better prepared to be more competitive in the long run. They’d better be right, because Michigan and the US auto industry was already feeling the pain the day after Chrysler filed, when the company announced it was closing all of its US plants for 60 days until the company comes out of bankruptcy.

A few days prior to the blockbuster Chrysler announcement, GM declared that it would idle 13 of its plants for up to nine weeks over the summer, due to the ongoing sales slump and bulging inventories – and that it had decided to eliminate the Pontiac nameplate next year. The latter is a blow to longtime sports-car enthusiasts, given Pontiac’s history of turning out speedy sportsters.

In the wake of the financial beating that the Big Three have withstood over the last several years, some felt that these outcomes were inevitable. Maybe they were.

But, when one of the three iconic, historic pillars of the nation’s auto industry has to file bankruptcy after 80-some years in business – and when another one has to euthanise a division that built some of the most revered muscle cars in history – well, in Detroit, that’s a pretty sad week all around.