al_beaton commented on Car & Driver: 10Worst Award Winners In Auto Buff Book History

"To be fair to the judges (some of whom are now grazing at the great PR buffet in the sky), most of the problems with most of these cars are related to reliability - hard to assess when new. CAR magazine blew the whistle on the political machinations of the European CotY award years ago, which went a long way to explaining Fiat's 9 awards and Renault's 6, compared to BMW's big fat zero."

al_beaton commented on Where Are Automakers Stashing Unsold Cars?

"I knew the weather had been bad in England, but Pic 10 is really something! The last time I went past Corby, it was at least fifty miles from the sea..."

al_beaton commented on Chrysler, Fiat To Create "Global Strategic Alliance"

"2005: Fiat pockets $2bn for NOT hooking up with GM 2007: Fiat launches the 500, platform sharing with Ford Ka 2009: Fiat acquires 35% of Chrysler. So Fiat and Opel/Saab/Cadillac/Suzuki share engines, Fiat and Peugeot-Citroen share an MPV and engines, Fiat and Ford share the Ka platform, and Fiat builds the Tata Indica. Amazing there's even room for a Chrysler alliance."

al_beaton commented on What's Your "I've Made It" Car?

"Bristol Fighter with bespoke Zagato coachwork."

al_beaton commented on New Toyota Prius May Get Larger Engine For US Market

"Here in jolly Yurp VW's Polo BlueMotion has CO2 emissions of 99 g/km and the Ford Fiesta Econetic 98 g/km, versus 104g/km for the current Prius 1.5 VVTi. Both the VW and the Ford manage this with conventional drivetrains - less cost, complication and energy to manufacture. Looking forward to the new ad campaign: "Toyota - Applying last year's technology to tomorrow's problems.""

al_beaton commented on Random Brit Tech Writer Claims UK Drivers Are Terrible

""I am a bad driver."

al_beaton commented on Is This The World's Fugliest Ferrari Enzo?

"Just like the old joke:   "Have you finished painting my porch yet?"   "Sure have, but it's not a Porsche, it's a Ferrari.""

al_beaton commented on Tesla Schooled By Tango In Electric Car Drag Race

"@The Name's Ash78, Housewares: "Fast Tango in Paris" because you might need a pound of butter to slip into something that tight?"

al_beaton commented on Porsche Panamera Official Photos, Details

"5-seater hatchback, V8 engine, and about the same size as a 5-series BMW?"

al_beaton commented on All-Electric MINI E Hits LA Auto Show Floor With "Hottest. Deputy Mayor. Ever."

"Trying to follow the photos..."