2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid making the Detroit Streets

I’m all too happy zipping around metro Detroit in a 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid, soaking up the better days of June. The secret of Detroit is late June. June always finds a way to sneak up with its big, gaping blue skies, rising thermometers and the lush rose petals peeking out. For these stalwart Michigan folks that have endured an especially hard winter, June is relief and refuge. June is weddings, graduations, endings. June is when real summer begins and life is best savored. In... Read More

Abarth: Small, But Bad

Suddenly little cars have found some swagger. Is the Abarth headed for U.S. soil? Fiat revived the brand best known for ’60s style racing to create the latest funky tuner. We’ve seen some slick looking Abarth footage lately and the European press has good things to say about the Fiat Abarth. Perhaps Fiat will out-Smart the competitors with extra bad abilities particular if it dips into the SRT range. Tweet This Post Read More

Chrysler: The little small block engine that could

If I had a penny forever supposed automotive expert that told me Chrysler would be dead by spring, I’d have a full tank of gas. I couldn’t help it — I bet for Mopar every time. While the dangling Pentastar has taken a few nicks, it’s still glimmering with hope for Michigan people who lean tough on some aspect of the domestic automotive industry. Here it is June, and the assembly lines are cranking up for first, second and third shifts, and pension checks... Read More

20th Century Cars: Poetry in Motion

I first stumbled upon the quixotic writing of Phil Patton during my short tenure at AutoWeek, when I had the opportunity to review Bug. I wrote, “Phil Patton traces the metamorphosis of this legendary little car. Bug explores the design, engineering and social history of the VW Beetle.” One chapter of the book was devoted to the makeover of Volkswagen Bug from Nazi origins to it’s more endearing friendly persona by a New York ad agency. Patton and editor Jim... Read More

Teen Drivers Find their Edge

It’s no secret that teens are often in a hurry. Yet, most teens don’t know that mindful driving skills are the fast track to race car driving and car control. Everybody’s got to start somewhere and this weekend New York teens have their opportunity in one of four free sessions conducted by Driver’s Edge sponsored by Bridgestone Americas Tire Operations. When it comes to driver safety, there is no better way to keep drivers’ safe than to cultivate... Read More

Nice and Nissan: 2010 Nissan Murano LE

guess what’s inside. Sunny afternoon outing with a couple ladies and baby in tow and the 2010 Nissan Murano LE was an ideal partner. Let me clarify – these are not the average ladies. We’re talking fly, discerning and sophisticated ladies, the kind of ladies who will tear down your vehicular pleasure principle with a blunt blow. When the Murano first came into being in 2003, it was an early adapter in the middle-ground CUV game. Now that the competition... Read More

Take a peek at the 2011 Grand Bentley

“The reason I bought a Bentley was because of its exceptional performance in all respects on the road. Such features…leave nothing to be desired.” A memorable quote from Noel Van Raalte, W.O. Bentley’s first customer, mostly because he said it in October 1921. Imagine the heady decadence of driving in 1921. It was certainly long before the days of the average family two car garage. At that time there were over 1800 automobile factories in the United... Read More

Mission Possible: Mission One looks to change the motorcycle experience

photo: fuseproject Clear Magazine Managing Editor and former Editor of Graphis Anna Carnick explores the electrifying world on two wheels. Combining style and substance: Mission One is the first 100% electric motorcycle to go up to 150 mph (twice the range of any other electric motorcycle, according to its makers) and a distance of 150 miles on a single charge. It’s an apt name for a motorcycle aspiring to change the playing field: a sleek, green-minded bike that offers... Read More

Obama to GM, Chrysler, & Detroit: If All Goes According to Plan

If all goes according to plan, we as Americans, are making an investment. We are making an investment in the future of the American car, the global vehicle. If all goes according to plan, GM will be put back together again in a structure more efficient than the former bloated structure. If all goes Chrysler will make bella cars for small-car seeking American drivers, the way Fiat does across Europe. If all goes according to plan, we are moving toward an energy efficient future. If... Read More