Hot Flash! 2012 VW Beetle Revealed

Now known as just "Beetle," VW has released images and specs of the tasteful, contemporary and sporty replacement for the long-in-the-tooth New Beetle.  To be built alongside the Jetta in VeeDub's Puebla, Mexico, assembly plant, the Beetle also shares the Golf/Jetta's underpinnings, including the 200hp turbo 2.0-liter 4 from the GTI/GLI.
It reminds me of the first-gen Audi TT, which I really love!


Alright... Who left their Dale Jr. jacket in the shot?
Is this a hint as to VW's intentions of entering NASCAR?

Is This The Future of Motorsports?

I hope not!  As a race fan, I'm offended by Nissan posturing this Leaf NISMO RC concept as a zero emission race car.  0-60 in 6.85 seconds and a 93 mph top speed?  20 minute run time in race conditions and a 30 minute quick charge?  That makes for a longer pit stop than the actual race!  This race car can't even out perform a stock Tesla Roadster!
*SIGH* See it on display at the NYC auto show.

P.S. to Nissan:  When I see RC, I think REMOTE CONTROL.  Except scale R/C cars can actually out perform this thing.



Shanghai Surprise*: Buick Dresses to Impress

Well, I guess it's not really a surprise since China is a huge market for Buick.  More Buicks are sold in China than in the US!
Not exactly sure what this concept is suggesting but Buick does have a sub-Enclave SUV in the pipeline.  Most likely it's just eye candy to remind the upwardly mobile Chinese that Buick has the status they desire.
What I can tell you is that it's not my Grandfather's '65 Skylark!

* I also hope to work "Ancient Chinese Secret" into a future post.



Camaro at 45

Q.  What is a Camaro?
A.  A small, ferocious animal that eats Mustangs!

Is it coincidence that Camaro and I (JW) share the same birth year?  I think not!  Introduced in 1966 as a '67 model year, the Camaro reaches a milestone 45th anniversary this Summer with the roll out of the 2012 model and Chevy is commemorating the occasion with the special edition graphics/appearance/wheels/badging package shown below.  In addition, all Camaro receive a host of refinements/upgrades including a bump in HP for the V6 to 323(!).

Now had they only produced the Camaro continuously for 45 years...

Hot Flash! '12 Malibu Revealed Ahead of NYC Show

You have to admit, Government Motors is on a roll, especially the Chevrolet division.  The Malibu is the first model to receive GM's MyLink Infotainment System.  I'd love to see this feature migrate to the Camaro!

Fix It Again Tony Flips Its Lid

This car is going to be a hit!  I'd still hold out for the performance Abarth model though.

Greg Says:  "Initially, this was a bit of a letdown at the Detroit Auto Show but has me intrigued once again.

I like the whole concept.

I call it a HIT!"

Our Man Hersch on TalkHotRods.com

The inspiration for this blog came from our friend, Herschel, who started a great site recently, TalkHotRods.com.  Hersch is a man of great automotive knowledge and passion.  Women want him and men want to be him.

Check out:  http://talkhotrods.com/



Hot Flash! Lexus LF-Gh Concept Debuts Ahead Of NYC

Soon to be seen on the floor of the Jacob Javits Center, this concept previews the new design language that will appear on the next gen Lexus GS.

It looks like Lexus plans to go the oversized grille route with Audi-inspired proportions in an hourglass shape.

Detroit in the Rear View

Here's a gallery of iPhone photos from Cobo Hall.  All future live photos will be shot with a Canon EOS Rebel DSLR.