2011 Ford Mustang GT: It's Got Its Mojo Back!

What’s New:

Although Ford reworked the Mustang inside and out for the 2010 model year, it didn’t take long for their engineers to realize that the vehicle was severely underpowered, as the new kid on the block, the Camaro, began to spank them in the new-vehicle sales race, month after month.

After Ford continued to be whipped by Chevy in sales and horsepower, the engineers got a mandate from the executive team to take the pony back to the stable to add a few more horses under the hood. The engineers put the 2010 model to rest, returning with a fast and furious 2011 Mustang earlier this spring.

Under the hood, the engineers dropped the Ford Mustang GT 4.6-liter for an all-new, kick-ass, aluminum 5.0-liter V-8 engine. Yes, the 5.0-liter was back! The new-engine now kicked out a whopping 412 horses, as opposed to the 315 it replaced. With the new engine also came, improved fuel-economy and a new 6-speed manual and automatic transmission, which now provides the flexibility for aggressive launches from the stop light.  Yes, trust us. We smoked everything around us, when pulling away from a stop light, with our highly optioned Mustang GT premium package.

And for the true Mustang enthusiasts, they’ll be glad to know that new 5.0 badges adorn the front side fenders of this upgraded pony.

Must Have Goodies:

When Ford re-tuned the 2011 Mustang, it also meant extra stopping power needed to be added to stop this monster. Ford addressed this issue, offering a Brembo brake package upgrade that’s available for serious enthusiasts. This package, which was on the vehicle we reviewed, included 14-inch vented front discs from the Shelby GT500, unique 19-inch alloy wheels and summer performance tires.

Also our super-fast sports car was outfitted with a few comfort features, too: dual zone temperature control air conditioning, a power passenger seat, heated front seats, a voice activated navigational system with a SIRIUS travel link and HD radio.

And, to protect the pony now that it included more horses flowing from underneath the hood, our vehicle was also equipped with an optional security package, which activated the anti-theft system and included a locking wheel kit for our upgraded factory ordered 19-inch premium-painted aluminum wheels, too. 

What Rocked:

The smooth-shifting , fun-to-drive, 6-speed manual transmission rocked! Also the 2011 Mustang GT continuous roar coming from the dual chrome exhaust pipes, which reverberated throughout the cabin of the vehicle whether we were idling or in motion, kept a constant smile on our face.

Six Must-Ask Questions Before Selecting a Repair Shop

How many of you enjoy getting your vehicle serviced? Ok,  I thought that's how you would answer. Since most vehicles are so highly-technical, there isn't much most of can do today beyond a basic oil change or a tire change. To help steer you in the right direction, we've put together several questions to consider, when choosing the right shop for you and your vehicle. 1) Is the vehicle under the factory (manufacturer) warranty? a ) If the answer is yes, it is strongly recommended you return to the dealer for the repair. If its a recall, it should be taken to the dealer, since the work will be performed for free. b) Most new-car dealers are just as competitive with pricing as independent shops or service chains. 2) Reputation a) What are friends and family saying? b) Do you have referrals?   c) Have they received any service repair awards? d) If it is a new-car dealer that is servicing your vehicle, ask about their customer satisfaction scores. 3) Mechanics Qualifications a) What type of training has the mechanic had? A highly skilled technician is required for most of today's advanced vehicles?  b) Is the mechanic ASE (Automotive Service Excellence) Certified? This is the gold standard for the industry. c) Are the technicians skilled to work on your vehicle?

Sneak Peak: 2011 Aston Martin Rapide

We recently found this all-new sports sedan making its debut in the Atlanta area. Yes, this is Aston Martin's first four-door sedan, the Rapide. The Rapide’s low roof-line combined with uniquely styled 20” wheels contribute to its sporting stance. The Rapide is outfitted with a 540-horsepower,12-cylinder engine. And as for pricing you really don't want to know.  If you have to ask, its probably out of your price range. Trust us. It's ridiculous. 

The Rapide is Aston Martin's answer to Porsche first four-door vehicle, the Panamera, which costs significantly less! Dream on and check it out as we did. If you win the lottery, this should be the first thing on your dream list. Ok, as for pricing, you only shell out a cool $200k.

2010 Nissan Frontier 4x4 PRO4X King Cab: A Rugged Off-Road Midsize Truck

What’s New:

After experiencing a mild makeover last year, for the 2010 model year, the design of Nissan’s midsize truck is virtually unchanged, with the exception of a few tweaks to the standard feature list. Nissan’s Frontier, also known as the baby Titan, referencing its larger sibling, now includes standard side and curtain air bags on all models (4-cylinder and 6-cylinder equipped models).

And for the 6-cylinder models, the Frontier also comes equipped with Nissan’s standard Vehicle Dynamic Control system. Moreover, Nissan’s Hill-Start Assist and Hill-Descent Control are now standard on all SE and LE 4X4 models outfitted with automatic transmission. Added to that, a 2-wheel drive or 4-wheel drive Active Brake Limited Slip (ABLS) system is now standard on all SE and LE 6-cylinder models. 

Must Have Goodies:

Nissan’s midsize truck is currently available in over twenty-seven different configurations as either a 4x2, 4x4, King Cab or Crew Cab. The vehicle we reviewed was a 4x4 Frontier with what Nissan’s termed as having ‘Off-Road Athleticism.’

Our Frontier, with its two-front bucket seats, included an optional technology package, which included XM satellite radio, an AM/FM/6-disc CD player, steering wheel audio controls, Bluetooth connectivity and a vehicle security system. Besides the options noted, the Frontier is also available with a sliding bed extender, a tow-hitch package and a portable navigational system.

How One of Baseball's Trailblazers Really Became BMW's 1st Black Dealer, Part II

Here's Part II of  the BMW story, revealing how Hank Aaron became the first African-American to be awarded a BMW franchise, as noted in the book entitled The Last Hero: A Life of Hank Aaron....... To read excerpts from Part I, click here.

But while industry insiders don't necessarily begrudge Aaron's accomplishment, some question the wisdom of appointing a high-profile franchiser with little no experience.

"Quite frankly, we were surprised," says Sheila Vaden-Williams,(former) executive director of the National Association of Minority Automobile Dealers. "Especially since we've provided BMW with names of established dealers with an interest in the Atlanta market."

Undaunted, Henry almost immediately recognized how powerful an asset the Hank Aaron name was. He had impressed skeptics by choosing a location, Union City (a city highly populated with African-Americans), that had no previous client base. He hadn't cherry-picked a ripe location, but he was determined to build a business. In the first twelve months, Hank Aaron BMW raked in $32.9 million in sales. Fans wanted to be associated with Hank Aaron, and for every new BMW he sold, he gave buyers a Hank Aaron-signed baseball. Hank Aaron Toyota followed (located in McDonough and Griffin, GA. And there was a Honda store, too.) As did Hank Aaron Range Rover (and Jaguar located in Augusta, GA.)

Henry was vindicated, but some of his people seethed at what they considered to be more jealousy on the part of fellow professional blacks, the crab-in-a-barrel mentality that often stifled success. "There were some black folk that he knows who were calling him 'Uncle Tom' behind his back, and he wanted to prove them wrong,''Allan Tanenbaum said. "He wasn't trying to prove anything to the white man; he wanted to prove it to other black people. I really resented that."

And it was a family affair. The kids never went into baseball, except for Lary, who became a scout with the (Atlanta) Braves. Henry Aaron, Jr., became part of the business, running the Toyota dealership. And Henry's son-in-law Victor Haydel oversaw most of the company.

Editor's Commentary: His 'Old School' Dad

(Jeff Fortson, editor of JeffCars.com, poses with his dad.)

As we celebrate Father's Day this weekend, I wanted to take a moment to highlight my dad. Yes, its not often that black men are celebrated or for that matter, even recognized for their good deeds, except once a year - Father's Day. While the world will tell you that black men don't stick around and how they're unfaithful (along with other groups too), I must honestly say my dad doesn't fit the typical stereotypes of  today's modern day dads.

Ok, some will say I grew up in a fantasy world. If that's the case, I prefer to remain in 'dream land', as opposed to the one today where we've been inundated with reality-TV, also known as trash TV, which rarely show men (and more specifically black men) in a positive light.

Boy, how I yearn for the day when we can have well-produced high-quality shows like The Cosby Show, Good Times or Father's Knows Best, which reflected strong men featured in a positive light, heading the household. Yes, the fathers in the shows cited would be considered 'Old School' dads.

Now I do realize due to the shift in the family structure and the current state of the economy most women are making more than men these days, calling the shots. It was just something about the 'Old School' dad's like mine that gave little boys and little girls a sense of comfort and an awareness about family life, values and morals. Moreover, we weren't forced to take on adult issues as a kid. Kids were just able to be kids, developing a sense of self.

2010 IS 350C: Lexus' 1st Entry-Level Hardtop Convertible

What’s New:

Lexus now offers the best of both worlds. If you’re wondered why Lexus didn’t offer the rear-wheel-drive sporty IS sedan as a coupe, well wait no more. For the 2010 model year, Lexus not only offers a two-door hardtop coupe, but in a matter of seconds the vehicle can easily be converted to a standout drop-top, at the push of a button. The new IS C, the C designates the vehicle as a convertible, becomes Lexus most affordable open-air vehicle to date. Until recently, the pricier and more mature SC was the only open-air vehicle in the Lexus product portfolio.

Must Have Goodies:

Like in the IS, the convertible is available with either a manual or automatic transmission, depending on if you opt for the 2.5-liter or 3.5-liter six-cylinder engine. The vehicle we reviewed was outfitted with the super peppy, smooth shifting 3.5-liter engine.

And as you would expect, the IS 350C we reviewed was well-equipped, even before adding on a variety of high-end options. Our vehicle included a $3,055 luxury package, which consisted of bi-xenon high-intensity adaptable headlights, heated (and ventilated) rotary dialed front seats, a front passenger memory seat, rain sensing wipers and a gadget to help rear occupants enter and exit the rear seats at the touch of a button. Added to our posh list of features, the vehicle was outfitted with a voice-activated navigational system, a rear back up camera, and Lexus intuitive parallel parking assist system. This system doesn’t park your vehicle like in the top of the line LS, but it simply acts as an additional parking aid.

However, our IS C didn’t come equipped with Lexus’ optional18-inch wheels and tires, and Lexus’ signature Enform system, which is similar to GM’s OnStar concierge and emergency assist system. Moreover, since we consider ourselves to be a connoisseur of music, we felt slighted that our IS C lacked the optional Mark Levinson 12-speaker, 300-watt audio system, although the standard 8-speaker system was quite adequate to say the least.

Furthermore, as far as added safety features, the sporty convertible also lacked Lexus’ factory equipped radar-controlled cruise control system, which automatically monitors and adjusts the speed of the vehicle. 

2011 VW Jetta: Bigger And Cheaper

If you're a fan of VW, you'll be excited to know that the German automaker is making waves again with the release of the 2011 Jetta, which is expected to go on sale this fall. The muscular-looking 2011 Jetta is not only larger than the current model, but it will cost less to own, too. The current Jetta starts out close to $18,500, while the 2011 Jetta is expected to come in at around $16,000.

And while the Jetta is the same width as the current-generation, the 2011 VW has grown close to 3 inches, which means more legroom.  Besides dramatic changes outside, VW has reworked the inside with new controls for climate, radio and a navigation system.

Under the hood  VW enthusiasts want be disappointed. Four engines will be available :a 2.0-liter turbodiesel direct injection (TDI), a 2.0, a 2.5 R5 and as of 2011, the 2.0 TSI.  All Jetta engines will be offered with a manual transmission as standard equipment.  An automatic transmission will also be available with each engine version as an option.  On the new 2.0-liter TDI and 2.0-liter TSI, Volkswagen will offer the 6-speed DSG – one of the most advanced and efficient automatic transmission systems in the world, according to the German automaker.

Fire Risk Leads BMW to Suspend Sales of 1-Series

Following on the heels of Toyota's series of recalls, BMW has become the latest automaker to suspend sales. According to Consumer Reports, a consumer advocacy magazine, BMW has instructed its dealers to hold delivery on 1-Series models produced between January 2010 and May 2010, until a recall can be performed. The manufacturer has not yet provided an owner notification schedule for this recall says NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration).

The recall also affects certain 2008-2011 model year 1-Series coupes and convertibles. The affected vehicles have insufficient clearance between the seat belt tensioners in the B-pillar and the insulating material surrounding it. Unfortunately, there is no exact account on how many vehicles that may be affected by this recall. In the event of a crash, the insulation could become overheated, resulting in a fire.

Owners will be notified to bring their vehicle to BMW dealers to fix the problem. Dealers will trim the insulating material around the seat belt retractors free of charge. Owners with questions should contact BMW at 1-800-525-7417. So if you're in the market for a 1-Series, hold off until all signs are clear again. In light of Toyota's recalls, its amazing how sensitive the automotive industry has become as it relates to consumer safety.

How One of Baseball's Trailblazers Really Became BMW's 1st Black Dealer, Part I

It was a piece of popular fiction that Bud Selig (the current baseball commissioner), was responsible for initiating Henry's (Hank Aaron) second act. Selig's family roots were in the car business and thus it made sense to think that when Henry created the Hank Aaron Automotive Group, the umbrella for a string of car dealerships he would begin in 1999, Selig had been the inspiration.

Not only was that not the case but Selig recalled warning Henry to think twice, and then think some more, before entering the car game. "Everybody was going to blame me if it didn't work," Selig said. "So I wanted him to know exactly what he was getting into."

It was Henry's old friend Jesse Jackson who indirectly got Henry involved in cars. It turned out that, even as the millennium neared, not a single American distributorship of Bavarian Motor Works, the great BMW, was owned by an African-American. When the situation came to light, the corporate types at BMW grew skittish, at first denying the charge, while refusing to name the black-owned distributorships. This was embarrassing, even so when Jackson began to advertise the fact. Like other status symbols, owning a BMW meant you had made it. It meant, class, speed, and enough disposable income to accept no substitute. An African-American who owned a BMW represented a significant financial achievement; thus Jackson did not relent in his criticism of the company. The criticism resonated especially in Atlanta, the city that came, not always accurately, the

2010 Golf TDI: VW's Answer to Hybrids

What’s New:

The sixth-generation Golf, which still retains its compact size, has a redesigned instrument panel and a new front-end design along with updated taillights. Besides the interior and exterior updates, the big news is that the Golf is now available with VW’s TDI (Turbo Diesel Injected) clean diesel engine, which is not only environmentally friendly, but also extremely fuel-efficient.

Must Have Goodies:

The Golf is available as a three-door or five-door hatchback, with either a standard five-speed manual or a six-speed automatic transmission. Just like with the TDI clean diesel engine, a manual or automatic transmission is available as an option in either model.

To further enhance the driving experience of the Golf, one can opt for the Direct Shift Gearbox, also known as DSG, with the Tiptronic feature, which has the performance of a manual, but the effortless precision of an automatic. With VW’s signature Tiptronic feature, the driver is allowed to shift manually with an up or down push of the gear level or through the use of the shift paddles mounted to the steering wheel… thus eliminating the need for a clutch.

On the inside of the vehicle one can opt for such options as a power sunroof, heated seats, a 300-watt Dynaudio premium sound system, Bluetooth connectivity and a touch-screen navigational system, which includes an integrated 30-GB hard drive and a MP3 audio CD playback.

New Designs, Increased Horsepower Drives Up Resale Values

2011 Jaguar XJ MSRP*: $71,650- $114,150

Category: 3-yr/5-yr Residual

  XJ's Average Residual: 53%/33% of MSRP

Jaguar's Average Residual : 48%/30% of MSRP

Premium Luxury Car Average Residual: 44%/28% of MSRP

2011 Highlight: new European limo-like design

2011 Infiniti M MSRP*: $45,800- $60,050

Category: 3-yr/5-yr Residual

M's Average Residual: 53%/37% of MSRP

Infiniti's Average Residual : 45%/28% of MSRP

Midsize Car Average Residual: 45%/29% of MSRP

2011 Highlights: new design, seven-speed transmission and more horses underneath the hood

Dodge's New CEO Unleashes New Viper ACR-X

Since Chrysler Group LLC emerged from bankruptcy, the automaker has developed a new brand logo for several of its brands, one being the new Dodge Car brand. Dodge cars no longer share a brand logo with the  the infamous Ram truck brand. Both brands now stand on its own, offering new logos. Also Dodge has a new CEO, which happens to be Ralph Gilles, who also oversees product design for Chrysler LLC, too. Gilles was also responsible for overseeing the design of the once, but now dated, ultra popular - Chrysler 300.

After several months over haggling if the Viper would remain with the once battered automaker, Dodge has finally built 25 units of the turn-key, non-street legal Viper ACR-Xs. All 25 have been purchased exclusively through Viper Race Headquarters and many will be making their on-track debuts in July 2010 as part of the newly formed Dodge Viper Cup series.

The SRT-developed 8.4-liter V-10 engine that powers the Viper ACR-X is equipped with factory headers and a low-restriction exhaust system that produces 640 horsepower (40 more than production model) and 605 lb.-ft. of torque (45 more than production model). Following the initial build at the Conner Avenue Assembly Plant, each engine is shipped to a dynamometer lab where it is verified for proper outputs and electronically sealed before being sent back to the plant for final installation.

2011 Hyundai Sonata GLS: A New Standard for Family Cars

What’s New:

With so many players in the midsize segment, the freshly redesigned sixth-generation Hyundai Sonata is bound to make everyone step up their game. Not only is the vehicle larger, the exterior design has moved upscale, bearing some likeness to Lexus and Mercedes. Unlike the previous generation Sonata, the 2011 model is available with only one-engine, a spunky, extremely fuel-efficient 4-cylinder.And every Sonata also comes equipped with Bluetooth, which is a first for a vehicle in this segment. 

  

Must Have Goodies:

The Sonata is available in three trim levels: the base GLS, the mid line SE and the upscale Limited. Depending on the trim ordered, the cool-looking Sonata can be outfitted with a power sunroof, an automatic dimming rear-view mirror, leather seats, automatic headlights, heated front (and rear) seats, 17 or18-inch wheels, dual automatic temperature controls, a rear-back up camera and a voice-activated navigational system. Ordering the navigational system will also provide one’s access to a 90-day complimentary subscription to real-time XM NavTraffic, XM NavWeather, XM Sports scores and XM Stock updates. This is another first for a vehicle in this segment.

HD radio technology, with multicasting, is also available in the Sonata.  And the Sonata is available with a 400-watt AM/FM/XM/CD/MP3 audio system.

The Perfect Family Vacation: An Auto Assembly Plant Tour

With the kids being out of school and summer officially in gear, why not take a family trip to an auto assembly plant. Several auto assembly plants throughout the Midwest and the South have tours designed  for one to experience how a vehicle is actually assembled.

Along Highway 101 in Spartanburg, South Carolina,  The BMW Performance Center, The BMW Zentrum, as well as, BMW’s Manufacturing Plant, “The Ultimate BMW Experience” extends the ability to offer a  unique opportunity that does not exist anywhere else except in Germany, where the majority of Bimmers are built. In this one location, a visitor can experience the heritage, the performance, and the awe-inspiring engineering that BMW is known for worldwide.

“From extraordinary driving programs to guided tours into previously restricted areas of the plant all planned by a personal concierge, The Ultimate BMW Experience transcends a traditional interaction by engaging visitors and revealing the sheer driving pleasure of a BMW,” said Bobby Hitt, Department Manager, Corporate Affairs at BMW Manufacturing. Initially, the program will be offered for $99 on Monday, Wednesday and Friday with limited spaces for a visit to the Zentrum museum, an exclusive guided plant tour followed by a 2-hour driving program.

To find out more information on The BMW Experience or to schedule your own experience, call 1-877-9BMW-EXP (1-877-926-9397) or visit www.bmwusfactory.com.

Mercedes also has brought the German experience to America, with its Alabama-based auto plant tour too.. Like BMW, Mercedes also charges a fee to receive a personal hands-on 1.5 hour tour of their facility. To find out more details about the Mercedes tour or to learn more information, click here.