Category: *PASSENGER CARS

Passenger Cars

“Little Deuce Coupe” 2012 Nissan Altima 3.5 SR

On By stuwright47In *PASSENGER CARS, NissanLeave a comment

Altima 3.5 SR

The 1963 Beach Boys hit was the b-side single opposite “Surfer Girl”, and was about a b-car, the 1932 Ford model B.  “Deuce” in the song title was a result of the last digit in that model year, and the Nissan I drove last week was another “deuce coupe”, the 2012 Nissan Altima 3.5 SR 2 door.  A lot of things have changed in eighty years, and as an example, “pink slip” in the lyrics of that song meant the title to the souped up Ford.  In today’s jobless recovery a “pink slip” would refer to the termination notice that might be found in one’s pay envelope.  “Little Deuce Coupe”, “409”, “Shut Down”, “This Car of Mine”, and “Fun, Fun, Fun” were examples of Beach Boy car hits of the 60’s, and like my kids, I loved them all.

I grew rather fond of the Altima in our time spent together, as well.  The Ford back then cost $490.00, so in inflation adjusted dollars, the Altima may be a little pricey ($32,165.00), but then again it’s pretty loaded with equipment not even dreamed of in 1932.  The M.S.R.P. included a base of $30,700, floor and trunk mats, and a rear spoiler.  The SR is the top line Altima with bolstered charcoal leather seating, dual-zone automatic climate control, heated front seats, Bose stereo, USB port, XM satellite radio, Bluetooth wireless cell phone link, rearview camera, auto-dimming rearview mirror, compass, moonroof, universal garage door opener, and xenon headlights.  Also included is, of course, power windows and locks, tilt/telescope steering column, a smallish leather wrapped steering wheel with lots of controls on it, pushbutton starting, real “hand” brake, keyless entry, and an excellent cruise control.  Back seat room is designed for three people, but by the looks of it back there, I think the less entrants the better.  It is, after all, a coupe.

Under the hood is a DOHC, 24 valve, 270 horsepower V6 with 258 lbs. ft. of torque.  It provides plenty of snap through a close ratio 6 speed manual transmission (a coupe exclusive) and front-wheel-drive configuration.  It’s fun to drive and provides fuel economy ratings of 18/city and 27/highway (my observance – 21.1).  I set sail for Cherry Creek mall in the “Red Alert” Altima and noticed a lot of attention being paid to me at stoplights in LaSalle, Platteville, and Brighton.  The styling of the car includes a re-designed chrome grill and foglights up front with a Maxima look, 18” ten spoke alloy wheels, and dual tip exhausts at the rear.  Ride is compliant, but firm, and as mentioned earlier, acceleration is fine (reportedly zero to sixty in 5.5 seconds).

The main competition for the Altima is the Honda Accord coupe with similar size, horsepower, and dimensions.  As I understand it, the Altima comes out on top relative to sportiness and handling.  I would certainly rate it as a top pick in this particular category.

“Twenty Years of Pride” 2011 BMW 328i

On By stuwright47In *PASSENGER CARS, BMWLeave a comment

2011 BMW 328i

In October of 1991, Motor Trend magazine selected BMW’s 325i as one of the “Ten Best” automobiles of the 1992 model year.  BMW had (and has) produced automobiles since 1929 and along the way also produced airplane engines (WWII)  and motorcycles.  The highly anticipated 325i had been totally restyled and featured a 2.5 liter, 189hp, DOHC in-line, six cylinder engine and five-speed manual transmission.  The reputation of BMW had been burnished into the minds of the motoring public with the production of the 2002 during the sixties and seventies.  That “New Class” compact sporting sedan featured the celebrated M10 four-cylinder engine as well as independent suspension, MacPherson struts, and front disc brakes.  The 2002 was the precursor to the famed 325i that was introduced twenty years ago this month.  The 1992 325i weighed a ton and a half, was 175” long, and reportedly accelerated 0 to 60mph in 8.0 seconds.

Twenty years have rolled by since the 325i introduction, and now the model most akin to that car is the 2011 BMW 328i.  I recently was able to drive around in one with all-wheel drive and a 3.0 liter, 230hp, DOHC six-cylinder engine and six-speed Steptronic automatic transmission.  I have never owned a BMW, but after some time behind the wheel, I see why the car has such a sterling reputation.  This 2011 BMW 3 series is superior in virtually every way when compared to one sold twenty years ago.  Consider that the 328i: will go an additional 2 highway miles on a gallon of gas,  will go zero to sixty in two seconds less, and will top out at an additional 15mph when compared with its 1992 counterpart.  And the price has gone from a base of $28,000.00 to a current $36,600.00, a REDUCTION when inflation is factored in.

The Tasman green four-door sedan I had the pleasure of driving had saddle brown Dakota leather upholstery, 3-way heated front seats, tilt-telescope steering column, and all the power accessories including moonroof.  The trunk is a rather large 14 cubic feet, and the wheels were 17”, ten-spoke alloys.  Other amenities too numerous to mention were present in this “Ultimate Driving Machine”, and the  MSRP, as equipped, was $42,550.00.

When behind the wheel of a BMW, you expect (and receive) a taut, supple ride, lots of acceleration, and crisp cornering capabilities.  The car met my expectations on this day, and I also enjoyed the firm, well-bolstered bucket seats and sensible instrument panel.  Rear seating is, might I say, limited, but the car is manufactured with the people up front in mind.  And up there the driver enjoys the aforementioned 0 to 60mph acceleration of 6 seconds and BMW’s Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) for braking. That system includes stopping functions for  deceleration, wet weather, incline, and heat control.  Bottom line; the BMW provides the GO! and the WHOA!.

For twenty years BMW has avoided any bankruptcies, bailouts, or boondoggles. Just steady progress that followed that 1992 Motor Trend Top Ten selection and proceeding to today’s sleek, technically advanced, fifth generation 328i.  Car & Driver magazine agreed with that 1992 selection, and tacked on 19 more in succession to include the car that I drove last month.  I’ll second that (those) notion(s).

2011 Volkswagen Jetta SEL

On By stuwright47In *PASSENGER CARS, VolkswagenLeave a comment

Jetta at Chapungu Sculpture Park

Volkswagen was originally founded in 1937 by the German Labor Front, a Nazi trade union.  The venture included production of an inexpensive car for the common man along with state-sponsored financing (“five marks a week you must put aside, if in your own car you want to ride”).  Previously, Germans could typically only afford a motorcycle, but with the advent of this new Wolfsburg factory, hundreds of thousands could afford this new “Beetle”, designed by Ferdinand Porsche.  World War II cut off civilian automobile production, but not before Adolf Hitler received a Cabriolet model for his 49th birthday (1938).

Fast forward to 2011, and we find that Volkswagen (People’s Car) has enjoyed almost 60 years of success in the United States, with sales peaking in 1970 at over a half million cars (7% of the U. S. market).  Current market share has been cut roughly to half of that,  but the company has a long-range U. S. target of a million cars and trucks, counting Audis, by 2018.  Audi is the premium automobile brand of Volkswagen AG.

The number one selling Volkswagen is the Jetta, produced since 1979.  It is currently in it’s sixth generation form, this new model having been introduced in June of last year.  A Candy White 2011 Jetta SEL2.5 four-door sedan was brought to my home on a recent Monday morning, and I immediately got inside to check out the amenities.  Heated seats and mirrors, plus color-screen navigation and Sirius satellite radio: check.  Power lumbar “V-tech” leatherette Titan black bolstered buckets  and leather wheel: check.  Metal pedal covers/ door sills and Bluetooth and IPod connection: check.  Pushbutton start (on the console) and six-speed automatic Tiptronic transmission: check.  Although most of the buzz this summer is about the new masculine (supposedly) Beetle introduction, this Jetta is almost the newest VW in the lineup and, as mentioned earlier, the most popular.  It’s easy to see and feel why, because this is a real nice car.

I jumped in and took off for Ft. Collins for some lunch and a test drive.  A real firm ride is in store for the operator; a feeling of quality (and quietness).  The steering wheel is rather thick with lots of buttons, and the transmission is a treat.  One complaint I had is that it travels up to top gear rather hurriedly, but two solutions exist for that problem – the sports mode and the Tiptronic (manual) selection.  Operating this car manually is a snap; the best I have driven.  Speaking of snap, the five cylinder, 2.5 liter, 170 hp engine provides plenty of that.  More, in fact, than would seem available with that horsepower rating.

Guiding the little Jetta up the Interstate is pleasurable.  Once again, the ride is a little firm with our beat up Interstate along the Front Range.  I had plenty of punch for changing lanes and running by service trucks and seniors.  At the Charco Broiler parking lot I stepped outside to view the styling of the VW.  It’s good, if not spectacular, and looks particularly nice from the front.  The mirrors have lighting stripes on them and up front are good-looking fog lights.  The new Jetta, brought out last year, is longer than its predecessor, resulting in an enlarged back seating area.  Indeed, there is legroom for a big human being.  Plus the trunk is the biggest in its class, at 15.5 cubic feet.  Also in the center of the back seat is a flop-down armrest/cupholder and this VW had a power moonroof.

After lunch, I drove to Centerra shopping area and took photos of the Jetta at Chapungu Sculpture Park.  This is the best-looking Jetta to date, and has 17”, fifteen-spoke alloy wheels to dress it up.  The back windows do not roll out of sight, as do those of many models that compete against it.  But bottom line; I’d own a car like this, perhaps in a more exciting color.