Automotive Reviews
Editorial
2010 Nissan Z® Roadster
Aug 21st
It’s frequently the case that the things that make a car special have nothing to do with its ability to go fast, corner hard and look like a million bucks. There’s something else at play, some undefinable X-factor that takes a car to the next level, so to speak. It’s an automobile’s ability to create an emotional connection that helps it to become more than just a conglomeration of metal, glass and plastic pieces. Yes, it is possible for a machine to have charisma, and the best vehicles have it.
Of course, it doesn’t hurt if that emotional connection comes wrapped in a package that can go fast, corner hard and looks like a million bucks. Nissan’s new Z® Roadster stands out as an example of a car that combines both of these assets into a single package. The 370Z has been with us for a couple of years, and given that car’s sexy lines and general lust for performance it’s no surprise that it’s gone topless. Combining the 370Z’s retro-futuristic looks and fun-to-drive road manners with a bit of extra sun is practically a no-brainer. More >
Orphan Car Show, Ypsilanti MI
Jun 9th
I’ve managed to miss the annual Orphan Car Show in Ypsilanti every year for the past decade or so. Not on purpose–it’s just that something always seems to come up. This year, I was determined to attend the event, which as its name suggests is a gathering of “orphan” vehicles whose manufacturers have gone out of business. (The most recent inductee to the ranks would be Mercury, and it’s a fair bet that next year will see a collection of Cougars and Montereys joining the festivities.)
Unfortunately, this year’s show was rained out. A brace of thunderstorms squatted over southeast Michigan and dumped enough rain to flood the river-side park where the event was to take place. Even though the sun came out, the planned show grounds were a marsh. All was not lost, though. A few of the cars that had gathered for the show turned up in the parking lot of the nearby Automotive Heritage Museum, also known as the world’s last Hudson dealer–so I had some interesting vehicles to check out. And when will I ever complain about getting to do that?
Spirit of the machine
May 5th
Going to get a little metaphysical today.
I thought for a while about the strange life of cars. Well, not so strange; it makes perfect sense to me. A car’s more than just a transportation appliance (even if it’s a Toyota Camry). There’s a soul, a spirit of the machine if you will, that exists the moment a thing is put together and starts to work. A car is a big machine made up of lots of smaller machines–engine, transmission, windshield wiper motor, brake calipers, headlights, cigarette lighter, power door locks, etc.–and so its “soul” is the collective mechanical consciousness of all these things working together. All of these various components hanging together on the chassis and body work together and create the car’s spirit and its personality. More >