ON THE TABLE

April 11, 2012

Bob Lutz. Fifty push-ups on the Colbert Report Monday night? And here we thought we'd seen it all.

Fuel-efficient vehicles. Average fuel economy of all vehicles sold in this country is now 24.1 mpg, according to a University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute study. Let's see, high gas prices + more efficient vehicles = more sales of vehicles getting better fuel economy. Who knew?

Hybrid sales. From the "We Couldn't Care Less" File comes word that most hybrid vehicle buyers don't buy another one, according to a Polk study. As a matter of fact, only 35 percent of them do. Pull the Prius out of the equation and that number drops to 22 percent. It seems that hybrids do attract new buyers to a brand, but after that they wander off somewhere else when the initial green aura washes off. We'd like to know how many of those people bought a car with rear-wheel-drive and a V8 after doing their green penance.

Editor-in-Chief's Note: Only in The Onion - Nation's Poor Bastards Never Even Saw It Coming - PMD

(Porsche)
Porsche will unveil the second-generation Cayenne GTS at the Beijing International Automotive Exhibition, also known as Auto China, on April 24, 2012.  The 420HP V8 in the Cayenne GTS delivers 20 additional horsepower over the Cayenne S, has a 20 mm lower ride height and a lower final drive ratio for improved driving dynamics. The Cayenne GTS features an active All-Wheel-Drive system coupled to an eight-speed Tiptronic S transmission with integrated Auto Start Stop function. The Cayenne GTS launches from a standing start to 60 mph in 5.4 seconds and achieves a top-track-speed of 162 mph. The Cayenne GTS also has high-gloss black trim, prominent side skirts and wider wheel arches as well as the hood and front fascia from the Cayenne Turbo.  20-inch RS Spyder wheels with a unique offset for the GTS are standard as are upgraded brakes from the Cayenne Turbo.  Two new colors are available for the Cayenne GTS; Peridot Metallic (above) and Carmine Red. A sport exhaust system with matte black twin tailpipes is standard. The 2013 Cayenne GTS will go on sale in the U.S. in August 2012, with a base MSRP of $82,050, not including a $975 delivery charge.

(Aston Martin)
The Aston Martin Vantage range for 2012 includes enhancements to dynamics, style and value. A seven-speed Sportshift II transmission replaces the six-speed Sportshift unit. Chassis and braking upgrades are said to deliver greater feel, response and control. And a aerodynamic package employing lessons learned from Aston's racing program tweaks the V8 Vantage’s bodywork. The 420 HP V8 Vantage starts at $118,370 for the Coupe and $132,870 for the Roadster.

(Mercedes-Benz)

Mercedes-Benz has significantly restyled the G-Class for the 2013 model year. The highlights include new engines, new appointments, a new, even more luxurious interior and a few discreet external modifications. It appears that with the changes, M-B has still managed to preserve the timeless, classic  design – virtually unchanged since 1979 - that has made the G-Class a true automotive style icon. The G550 and its 5.5 liter V8 will offer 388hp and 391 lb-ft of torque, while the G63 AMG and its V8 biturbo offers 544hp and 560 lb-ft of torque. The 2013 G-Class will be in U.S. showrooms this August.

 

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