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Senate Approves Energy Bill, $7,500 Tax Credit For Chevy Volt Buyers

Yesterday, the United States Senate passed a new bill that will provide tax credits for plug-in electric vehicles, allowing GM to successfully achieve their goal of obtaining a $7,500 tax credit for Chevy Volt buyers. According to the new piece of legislation, tax credits for plug-in buyers will start at $2,500 and extend all the up to $7,500 for light-duty vehicle - with Volt buyers being eligible for the maximum allowance. Unlike the tax credits already established for alternative energy/gasoline electric vehicles which orders the credits be phased out for customers of a company once that company sells more than 60,000 qualifying vehicles, credits for plug-in electric buyers won’t be phased out until sales total 250,000.

Although no official comment has been made by the Senate on the matter, Toyota has voiced strong objections to previous editions of the bill. Without specifically naming the Chevy Volt, Toyota suggested that the legislation would unfairly benefit only the customers of one particular plug-in hybrid vehicle. The new bill may have rectified the situation, but Senate has refrained from speaking on the matter. [Source: AutoNews.com]

New Lamborghini Urus Teaser Shots Leaked, Hint At 4-Dr Sedan

Last week, Lamborghini released teaser photos of their new impending model, the Lamborghini Urus, while keeping all other details sparse, at best. No word on what the actual Lambo body itself will look like, though the guys over at Autopia have made the horrifying suggestion that the photos appear to be a preview of what would be Lamborghini’s first 4-door sedan. According to them, the Urus’ prematurely revealed b-panel is thick enough to indicate an engine that’s been moved to the front, most likely to clear space for a rear seat. Oh, we shutter to think.

Full Lambo striptease after the jump

Bottom line: At first we were downright shocked by Porsche branching out into the 4-dr market with the impending 2010 Porsche Panamera, but now that Lamborghini might also be throwing their hat in the performance sedan ring, we’re downright intrigued. With rich legacies in the sports car market, we’re sure that any new offering from either powerhouse [even if its a minivan], would be a force to be reckoned with on the asphalt. What we’re anxious to see is just how well they pull it off. Keys, please?

10 Cars That Are Guaranteed To Get You Laid

A question that man has feverishly wrestled with since the dawn of time: ”How can I score with that hot chick?” Pick-up lines are overrated and have a higher failure rate than an inner-city high school, and date-rape drugs have the potential to get you 5-10 w/o parole - so whatever is a horny guy to do?

Well looks will got you pretty far, and personality even more so, but if you’re bankrupt on both, a surefire way to get lucky is to drive a sweet ride. So on behalf of RideLust, I have taken it upon myself to compile a list of the top 10 surefire “panty peelers” - rides so undeniably lust-able, any man behind the wheel is guaranteed to score at least one piece of quality ass [by "quality" we mean anything from a 7 to a 10; below a 7 and forget a Lambo, you could score that with a Corolla].

1. Lamborghini Gallardo

Although less expensive [and slightly less powerful] than the Lamborghini Murcielago, the Gallardo is Lamborghini’s best selling sports car - and thus the most recognizable [well, subtle exterior colors like "Epilepsy Orange" and "Reflective Traffic Vest Green" help a little, too]. The Lamborghini Gallardo is a fool-proof way to score, we guarantee it.

2. Bentley Continental GT

An incredibly luxurious sports car, driving a Bentley Continental GT is as good as dipping your exhaust manifold [yeah, that one] in gold.

3. Porsche Carrera GT

The Carrera GT will get you laid, but you have to possess a certain “presence”. Porsche coupes, even the ridiculously expensive ones, have an unfortunate tendency to send mixed signals in the “orientation” area. So if you’re on the prowl in a Carrera; no silk ascots or driving goggles, and if you have a European accent, keep the rolling of your R’s to a minimum.

4. Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren

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Benz’s attract the fairer sex like moths to a flame, we’re pretty sure all you need to do is stand next to the McLaren and you should manage to snag a babe or two.

5. Ferrari 430 Scuderia

So fast it’s dangerous, taking those curves at white-knuckle speed will get the adrenaline rushing, and the lady in the passenger’s seat feeling wild.

6. Dodge Viper SRT10 ARC

You can never go wrong with 600-horsepower and sleek American muscle - it’s the automotive equivalent of the All-American quarterback, absolutely irrestible to the ladies.

7. Chevrolet Corvette ZR1

Alright, so we’ve got a ride crush on the new ‘vette, so sue us. Although Corvette’s usually have an unfortunate mid-life crisis stigma attached to to them, we’re willing to bet the Corvette ZR1 could jump those hurdles in a single bound [or, at the very least, will get you a semi-hot older chick].

8. Maserati Quattroporte

Maserati’s flagship model, the Quattroporte exudes power and grace, which, like the Corvette, might end up scoring you a few older chicks in addition to the usual gaggle of rubber rats [we mean that affectionately]. Unlike the Corvette, however, the Maserati’s well-established luxury super car status gurantees that any older chicks it attracts will be hot older chicks [think: Demi Moore circa Charlie's Angels, or Penelope Cruz circa any-f*ing-time].

9. Bugatti Veyron

Sort of making the list by default, the Bugatti Veyron is guranteed to get you some simply because it’s consistently ranked among the top 10 most expensive cars in the world. Even a chick who knows nothing about cars [or even just plain nothing - I mean lets face it, you're not after her for her scintillating conversational skills] knows a Bugatti [and a sex symbol] when she sees one.

10. Cadillac Escalade

Now hear us out - even though it’s not considered a “super” anything, the Cadillac Escalade is more of a chick magnet than it’s given credit for. Even though we know that some suburbanites are aggressively attempting to turn it into a grocery-getter, there are still some true mack daddies out there who are holding firm to their Escalades and the bad ass sex appeal they exude. And believe us, Escalades do radiate sex appeal. The big, bulky exterior inspires images of power and raw masculinity, so much so that many a female fantasy often revolves around “intimacy” that actually takes place in the Escalade [or on it, depending on how flexible you are]. So not only will the Escalade get you laid, but with plenty of interior space and rear-folding seats, it will get you laid anywhere, anytime.

Today In History: VW Produces Last Punch Buggy, No Punch Back

The last Beetle, currently on display at a museum in Wolfsburg, Germany, rolled off the production line at VW’s plant in Puebla, Mexico, five years ago today. On July 30, 2003, production of Volkswagen’s “classic” Beetle was officially squished [only bug-related pun, promise].

The decision to discontinue the VW classic came after several years of struggling to keep up with shifting trends. Banned in the US since 1977 after its rear-mounted engine failed to meet U.S. Department of Transportation safety standards, the ban delivered a fairly large blow to the Bug. Bouncing back, production and improvements of the Beetle continued and it eventually became a huge hit in Brazil while simultaneously maintaining its popularity in European markets.

Despite its popularity, however, the classic, inexpensive, Beetle was not living up to the new, upscale image VW was trying to cultivate. Already considering plans to scrap the production of the classic and move forward radically different design plans, the final nail in the classic Bug’s coffin came not from Germany, but from Mexico. After new laws passed by the Mexican government, the Beetle failed to meet emissions standards and was subsequently banned from use [Wait, Mexico has safety standards? And a government?]. Thus, on July 30, 2003, Volkswagen Classic Beetle No. 21,529,464 made it’s final journey off the assembly line, marking the end of an era.

The Classic’s successor, the new Beetle, was introduced in 1998 and is legal for use/distribution in the US. While the ”new” Beetle retains basically the same shape as its predecessor, its configurations are based on those of the VW Golf.

2010 Mazdaspeed3: The Most Hideous New Car Ever?

2010_mazda_mazdaspeed3

Look away, it’s hideous!

In one of the most disappointing debuts in the history of automobiles, the 2010 Mazdaspeed3 is almost laughably ugly. Uglier than an Edsel. Uglier than an Aztec. This car, based on the front end alone, is destined to land on every future top 10 list of ugly cars from now until eternity.

2010_mazda_mazdaspeed3_front2 The grinning front end looks like a combination of Ronald McDonald, that guy in the Smilin’ Bob commercials, and the inside of fish gills.

I’m shocked that the good people over at Mazda ever thought this was actually a good design strategy. Maybe all the effort went into the car’s performance, which I admit is impressive, and styling was just an afterthought left to an overly happy intern.

smiling-bob The thing is, I don’t care that the new Mazdaspeed3 is rated at 262 hp or puts down 280 lb-feet of torque at 3,000 rpm. Heck, I wouldn’t care if it had the engine from Aston Martin’s screamin’ new One-77, I’m not getting within 20 feet of a car that looks like a rolling Enzyte commercial.

The hood scoop looks out of place, and the bluntly rounded front end looks like a dead, bloated dolphin.

Reviewers really dig the Mazda’s exhilarating track performance, but that doesn’t change the fact that its ridiculously silly face looks like a pukey cutesy Pokemon character. Does Mazda seriously think a young hip adult will go for this happy-faced new 3 over a WRX or Mitsubishi Evo?

Studies have shown that buyers prefer cars with angry faces. That’s especially true with young, brooding 20-somethings, who won’t spend $25K on a car that looks like it belongs in a Candy Land game.

I sure hope disgusting front-end treatments don’t start getting popular. Acura did it and now Mazda. As much as I despise Acura’s cringe-worthy new beak, I think I’d rather have that than this new Mazda.

What do you think of Mazda’s new face on the 2010 Mazdaspeed3?

-tgriffith

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Pontiac G8 to Live On As…

Middle Eastern Chevy Caprice

General Motors came out of bankruptcy on Friday and already has some big surprises. First, formerly retired GM chairman Bob Lutz decided he wasn’t done yet and rejoined the company as vice chairman of marketing.

And then he brought back the Pontiac G8.

Can I have a big BOOOYAH please?!

2008 Pontiac G8 GT Not long ago CEO Fritz Henderson seemingly sealed the G8’s coffin when he responded to a question asking if it would be brought back as a rebadged Chevy by simply saying, “I’m not a fan of rebadging.”

Good thing Bob Lutz doesn’t mind a good rebadge every now and then! Okay, he likes terrible rebadges, too, but hey, I’m not judging him today, because he’s bringing back the best car America makes as a Chevy Caprice. Lutz realized what every auto writer in America already knew: The G8 is simply too good to waste.

I guess I should mention the G8 was a rebadge itself - a copy of the Australian Holden Commodore. So the new Caprice will actually be a rebadge of a rebadge. Still, though, as long as the Caprice is offered as an identical copy of the Pontiac G8 GXP, GM is going to make a lot of folks very happy.

Mr. Lutz is obviously a guy who appreciates V8 engines, as he has taken a lot of flack for putting an over-emphasis on them. Maybe with his influence, though, combined with Fritz Henderson’s excitement for economy, this new GM thing just may work. We’re excited to find out.

What do you think: Wait for the new Chevy Caprice, or go out and snatch up a remaining Pontiac G8?

-tgriffith

Is it time to buy a gas-guzzler?

2005-expedition I’m surrounded, I’m outnumbered, and I’ve finally had enough.

The people next door to me have a GMC Sierra and a Chevy Tahoe. Across the street from them are an ‘07 Tahoe and a Ford F-250 Super Duty. The people across from my house have a GMC Envoy XL, a Chevy Silverado, and just added a Ford Expedition. (Yes, I live in soccer-mom suburbia.)

Needless to say, I’m feeling inadequate as I pull out of the garage in my comparably minuscule Suzuki SX4.

When gas prices were over $4 a gallon, I was the one making fun of them and their outrageous fuel bills. While they were spending an easy hundred bucks per fill-up, I was driving out of the station for under 40.

The price of fuel isn’t that big a factor anymore, though, and I’m tempted to get something bigger. This morning I browsed through the CarGurus reviews of some bigger rigs and checked prices on some pre-owned vehicles in my area. Here’s what I found:

I know I could get one heck of a deal on any of these, and I’m pretty sure I’d be happy in one while making unnecessary road trips just to see how much I could pack into it.

I need your advice, though. I’ve read every comment that’s come through on our blog and I know there are a lot of smart car gurus out there. This CarGuru could use your advice.

Do you think it’s a good time to buy a bigger vehicle? Which one would you get?

-tgriffith

Eight Simple Rules to Getting the Best Deal on a New Car

I tend to change my car as often as I change my shirt. Much to some local dealers’ delight, I’ve owned 10 different cars in 11 years, which is more than my 62-year-old father-in-law has owned in his entire life.

screwed-copy Through it all, I’m comfortable saying that I’ve only been screwed on a deal once (which is a story I’ll save for another time).

Here are eight rules you can follow to make sure you protect yourself from a royal screwing, dealership-style:

1. Shop around at dealerships and research online

When you’re shopping, go ahead and visit dealerships, but let the salesperson know immediately that you’re not buying today. When he approaches and says, “Hi, I’m Dick,” you say, “Hi Dick, I’m not buying today, but I’m shopping for a…”

After you’ve driven the cars that interest you, look them up on every car web site you can find. Start at CarGurus.com and read the telling comments people have posted about the cars you want. Edmunds.com has a great real-world pricing tool that tells you what other people are paying for the same car. Also research your current car’s trade-in value, and have a firm idea what you should expect out of your old ride. Once your choice is narrowed down, it’s time to…

2. Get your financing approved at a bank or credit union

For God’s sake please don’t walk into a dealership needing to rely on their financing. Get approved on your bank’s best rate first, so the dealership will have to try and beat that.

3. When you’re ready to buy, know exactly what you want

Your shopping is over by now. When the day comes that you’re ready to buy, your focus at the dealership should be simply getting the best deal on the car you want. But…

4. Don’t fall in love with any car on the lot

Cars are a dime a dozen, and there’s ALWAYS another one. Even if your emotions do get the better of you, never let the salesperson know it.

5. Don’t let the salesperson sell you a car based on monthly payments

Write down the price you want to pay for the new car, the amount you want for your trade-in, and your bank’s interest rate. Negotiate one thing at a time, starting with the price of the new car. Once you’re satisfied with that price, move on to the trade-in value and stay firm (this is where my deals have either fallen apart or come together). Keep in mind that it can be hard to keep the salesperson focused, because he’ll keep disappearing then trying to move you back to negotiating the monthly payment. Truthfully that shouldn’t even be an issue, because your bank has already given that to you. Talk monthly payments only after the new car’s price and your trade-in’s value are set and the dealer thinks they can beat your bank’s interest rate.

6. Be patient with the salesperson, but also be willing to leave the building

Stick with your numbers, and wait for the dealership to meet them. If it looks like they’re not going to, be prepared to stand up and say never mind. That can be hard after hours of negotiating, but when you start leaving you just might get called back before you hit the front door.

7. Don’t be afraid of the guy in the small room, but don’t let your guard down yet

After you’ve agreed on the deal, you’ll probably have to wait another hour or two to meet with a “finance manager” or “sales manager” who will try to sell you a variety of add-ons (paint protectant, undercoating, etc.). Refuse all his or her offers except for one: GAP coverage. This protects you from owing money in the case of an insurance loss, and it saved my butt once when my 6-month-old Honda Pilot burned up in a fire.

The coverage only costs a few dollars per month and is good for the life of your loan. It prevents you from having to come up with any difference between what you owe and what the insurance company says your car is worth. Plus, you can stop the coverage when you owe less than the car’s value.

8. Go show your friends your new ride

And tell them you got the deal of a lifetime!

How have you negotiated a car well under sticker price? We want to hear your story in the comment section! And feel free to share your car-shopping tips, too.

-tgriffith

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