It seems that everywhere you look, the America’s gone green. Products and their packaging proudly announce their sustainability. Recycling bins are prominently placed in public places. And of course, those hybrid vehicles seem to be just about everywhere. There are countless good reasons to think about environmental sensitivity, but it should also be said that it’s pretty easy to get caught up in the hype too. What am I implying here? I’m suggesting that it’s pretty easy to do small token acts – and then feel like you’re helping the environment a lot more than you really are. I’ll come back to this is a moment. I think it should first be said that there is a universal truth about automobiles. This universal truth is that people tend to buy vehicles that make them feel good. What makes people feel good varies with the times. Back in the 1950s, big cars with tailfins and jet-exhaust lamp clusters reflected the progress and optimism of the era; these attributes on vehicles made drivers feel good to be alive at that time. In the 1990s, gas was cheap and the economy was strong. These factors helped spur the growth of SUVs, which made owners feel independent and strong – and of course feel good.

As you've no doubt heard, the Pontiac G8 is but one example of GM's growing global strategy, built in Australia by GM's Holden division. Only fully approved in November 2006, production began in November 2007 and the first cars landed on U.S. shores and were being shipped to dealers this week. After seeing the car's introduction at the 2007 Chicago auto show, we were thrilled to get a chance behind the wheel. One of Pontiac's successes with this project we heard before we even got behind the wheel: The base price is only $27,595; moving to the G8 GT and its V8 engine means you have to shell out $29,995. Fully optioned, the car is less than $33,000. These prices make the G8 an exceptional deal, coming in with a lower MSRP its closest competitor, the Dodge Charger SXT and R/T. Don't let this lineup fool you, Pontiac does offer the G8 in colors other than black or red. We started the driving day with base G8 and its 256HP 3.6L V6 and five-speed automatic transmission. The V6 gives you usable power, whether merging onto the highway or passing an aged pickup truck on some California two-lane. It is responsive and strong, though a heavy right foot was sometimes necessary to keep the pressure on. The five-speed holds gears to high rpm under heavy throttle, enabling access to all 256HP when you want it, even in Drive. But both versions offer a sport shift. Manumatics aren't my cup of tea, but GM calibrated these to allow driver-controlled upshifts all the way to redline. Whether five gears of the G8 or six of the G8 GT, the transmissions allow you to pull all you can out of both very willing engines. Along with enough power for entertaining driving, the V6 delivers satisfying exhaust and engine notes.

There are two types of mainstream designers in the auto biz: classically trained individuals who create vehicles for major manufacturers, and independent creative gurus, who typically build custom or one-off masterpieces. The auto industry lost one of its best independents this week, with the passing of Boyd Coddington. Coddington, perhaps the leader in west coast “Hot Rod” design, died this week at a hospital in Whittier, California. Perhaps best known for his Hot Rod “Cadzilla” - created for ZZ Top, Coddington was also the host of the TV Reality show “American Hot Rod.” He started building cars when he was 13 years old, operated a gas station in Utah, and was always known as an individual dedicated to creativity, workmanship, and detail. He grew up in Rupert, Idaho, but by the time he was a teen, he knew his destiny was closer to the California coast. But it wasn’t the sound of the Beach Boys or the surf that drew Boyd west, it was his desire to build little deuce coupes, powered by a variety of then popular hot-rod motors. Years later, Beach Boy Al Jardine contracted Coddington to create a deuce coupe - a 409 Chevy woodie for him. Boyd opened his first hot rod shop, Hot Rods by Boyd, in Cypress in 1977. By the time of his death this week, his business covered more than 50,000 square feet, had more than 70 employees, and helped bring a number of talented designers into the light of stardom, including Chip Foose. As with most entrepreneurs, Coddington also had his challenges, including a 1998 reorganization (Chapter 11 bankruptcy), and more recently, some legal issues related to registering cars to avoid emissions and tax liabilities. Regardless, his designs were truely visionary - smooth lines, sharp edges, and a look that always communicated speed and class. Even his daily driver, a Mercedes CLS four-door coupe, had the door handles removed and featured other nuances that dictate the “Boyd look.” In addition to his custom car business, his reality TLC TV show, Coddington owned a popular wheel company, Boyd Wheels (started in 1988) offering up highly polished wheels designed to make any hot rod a bit hotter. The offices at VehicleVoice and AutoPacific are filled with models of cars built through the ages, including some fantastic hot rod examples. Tonight, we’ll raise our glasses and toast one of the masters: Boyd Coddington. We’ll miss you and your vision.

An Exclusive Interview with Mercedes Chairman Dr. Dieter Zetsche

The Jeep Renegade Concept

5 of 261 episodes displayed
View All Episodes >
(256 more)