Okay, so, remember when I told you about the Internet Car and Truck of the Year, and how consumer voting closed on November 16th? Well, what I neglected to tell you in November was that the voting date has been extended. Voting actually closes tomorrow, December 11th, 2009. So if you haven't voted yet, there's still time -- vote now! As a reminder, the finalists in the consumer category -- the vehicles that you and your fellow consumers picked -- are as follows:
The judges (one of which would be me) picked a slightly different set of finalists; I'll tell you which ones I voted for next week. The winners will be announced at this year's Chicago Auto Show in February. Now, go forth and vote! -- Aaron Gold
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Here it is, better late than never: Our long-term Honda Insight November update. Thanksgiving was a milestone in our twelve-month test: Our first road trip. I knew getting two adults, two kids, a dog and luggage into a subcompact Insight was going to be a squeeze, but I didn't know exactly how much squeezing would need to be done. How'd it go? Find out in my 2010 long-term Honda Insight November 2009 update. -- Aaron Gold
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Photo © Honda
Whenever a brand-new model comes out, I usually post a long-form review -- you know, the big one with First Glance, In the Driver's Seat, etc. But in the case of the 2010 Audi A5 Cabriolet, the truth is that I don't have a whole heck of a lot to say. Or maybe I do have a lot to say, but it doesn't take a whole lot of space to say it. Check out what few words I've devoted to Audi's new convertible in my 2010 Audi A5 Cabriolet test drive. And if that leaves you wanting more, I've got plenty of pix in my 2010 Audi A5 Cabrio photo gallery. -- Aaron Gold
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Photo © Aaron Gold
One of the most interesting reveals of the Los Angeles Auto Show has to be the 2011 Buick Regal. The new Regal is basically a rebadged version of the European-market Opel Insignia, just as the Saturn Aura was a rebadged Opel Vectra. Basically, all GM did to Buickize the car was slap on some Buick bling (badges, grille, and those stupid portholes).
But the Regal sure as hell looks great on paper: 182 horsepower 2.4 liter direct-injected four-cylinder for starters, with a 220 hp 2-liter turbo engine as an option. The turbo model will offer an optional 6-speed manual (a 6-speed automatic comes standard) and three driving modes that adjust suspension, steering, transmission and throttle response.
Clearly, this has the potential to be a great sport sedan. The powertrains sound fantastic and I know from previous experience that GM can build suspensions that can hang with the best in the world. I have no doubt that if a car of this description came from Audi or Honda or Saab or Suzuki, or even Saturn, everyone would praise it to high heaven.
But it's coming from Buick.
The way I see it, one of two things could happen. One, the car could totally change Buick's image, like the Navigator did for Lincoln and the Escalade and CTS did for Cadillac. Or, two, people just won't accept it as a Buick, and the car will fall flat on its nose. What do you think will happen? Click the "comments" link below and share your thoughts, oh autointelligentsia! -- Aaron Gold
Take a closer look at the Regal: 2011 Buick Regal photo gallery
Photo © General Motors
