Lamar

Two evenings ago, saw a few 300Cs in Atlanta. I wondered to myself, "it'd be nice to see an SRT8 sometime." A minute later, I pass a Charger SRT8 in downtown traffic. Also, finally saw a Sonata Hybrid and then a new Escape this afternoon.

No, but they do not view the V8 negatively compared to a turbo V6 either, especially when power output is comparable or superior. If a V8 can be similarly or more powerful, cost less, be less demanding on maintenance, and offer similar fuel economy, there is very little imperative to downsize displacement and go with forced induction. The big misconception is that there is a huge fuel economy difference between a 3.5 TTV6 and a 6.2 Pushrod NA V8. There isn't. An SHO Taurus is at 17/25 mpg, A Camaro SS is at 16/25 mpg -- both automatic. By itself, the V8 6.2 is actually lighter than the TT V6 3.5, with less plumbing under the hood and cost less to build. It makes 35 more hp and 50 more lb-ft of twist. That's without direct injection and closing that 1 mpg gap shouldn't be mission impossible. Of course, every 3.5TT Taurus, MKS, Explorer, Flex, and MKT comes saddled with AWD for obvious reasons. Comparing the two engines in truck applications (I know, but bear with me), the 3.5TT in the F150 dusts off the L92 in the Silverado with regards to fuel economy. It should be interesting to see what the numbers for GM's new engines (both this and the Gen V engines) look like.

Correct. Ford doesn't have a transverse transmission able to handle more torque than 350 lb-ft. No such problem with the F150.

It's raining down here in GA. And my Braves are getting thrashed by the Blue Jays. I may take a nap soon.

dfelt and GMTruckGuy, thanks for the affirmation. Gotta figure out a way to clear this one with the wife, however. She'd rather we get one of these. (warning: non-lusty picture below)

Since I'm shopping for cargo space these days.... I know it's not classic metal, but dagnabbit, I like it. Especially for $17k.

I'm pretty sure I'll be good with the exterior once they release it. What would really pique my interest is if the interior is up to more modern US standards than was the G8.

Jalopnik reports it's from the Ukraine. They don't ID it though... except for "ugly."

Good to hear about MFT. I only tried out once, and that was version 1 with the new Explorer. It didn't work and they had to reset the system. I understand about your son not being in the market yet "wanting" something new. I'm 29 and in the same boat. And yeah, from what my wife tells me, those prom preparations do require weeks of advance planning. So I won't rag on her hair anymore, lol. (BTW, my daughter is almost 1, so I have a little more time than you...)

Keep your head up, 'blu.

Nice review. You said nary a word about MyFordTouch (didn't even reference it by name), which is a good sign that you had a non-fussy system. People I see on BON still kvetch about it... probably for the sake of kvetching. Also, by the time your son gets into the buying public, Taurus will have moved to a stretched Fusion platform. I'd urge him to wait... unless he really likes this bodystyle. Nice-looking prom couple too... though I would think that your son's date could have found a more elegant hairstyle than a weave ponytail.

Miss seeing the old SHOs.

Captiva in a Wal-Mart parking lot. White, no less.

Volkswagen Type 3. First time I'd ever seen one, so I didn't know what it was and had to look it up.

A couple of days ago, 2013 Taurus in white. Can't recall if it was a SHO or not, as I was only barely paying attention. Also, today I saw a Mitsubishi Raider for the first time ever in life.

Fortunately, Impala competes with Maxima, not Altima.

So, then, the only difference between the engines is a tune? It's like they're taking pages from BMW now.

4.6 V8, the 550 has a 5.5 according to Wikipedia.. Everything that MB has put out recently with the 550 designation -- including the new GL -- has been powered by a 4.7L V8TT.

I'm trying to get all the engine sizes straight... The diesel is most likely 3.0, the GL550 has the 4.7. What about the GL450?

In my complex, someone has a silver WRX sedan. Last generation, I believe. I normally wouldn't mention it, but with the sea of Camcords and Corollivics that populate this place, a fast Subie stands out.

San Francisco/Los Angeles Giants vs Dodgers. This rivalry dates back to when both teams were still in New York. Stanford/Cal vs. USC/UCLA. Atlanta/New York Braves vs. Mets. Relatively new since both teams weren't division rivals until 1994. Atlanta/Philadelphia Braves vs. Phillies. The traditional division leader versus the new champ. Falcons vs. Eagles. Takes on new meaning since QB Michael Vick is currently the starting QB of the latter team. New York/Philadelphia Mets vs. Phillies. Giants vs. Eagles. Knicks vs. 76ers. Rangers vs. Flyers. (I'm not a hockey fan in the least, so I don't know how strong this is) Boston/New York Well... literally everyone versus everyone else...? Baltimore/Pittsburgh Ravens vs. Steelers. Always two of the most intense games each NFL season. Three if both make the playoffs.

So much for that.

Boom. Of course, you're preaching to the choir here... that said, the choir can spread the word to the masses. Just like I'm about to do.

And since he mentioned Nissan, it splits the Rogue and Murano as well.

Edge EcoBoost. I wonder how it drove... Almost forgot: a Camaro SS-RS convertible. Would have been MUCH cooler if it weren't silver...