THE ENTHUSIAST’S GUIDE TO LIFE BEHIND THE WHEEL

CONTENTS MAY-JUNE 2006

SPECIALTY VEHICLE TOUR The Bionic Gloves Veggie Power Ballpark Tour...... 18 A Everybody’s talking about alternative fuels, but we’re doing something about it. Take one classic Mercedes, convert to run on biodiesel, take a comprehensive tour of baseball spring training, and meet a lot of french fry chefs along the way. By Joe Connor

TEST DRIVE New Chevy Tahoe ...... 26 The Tahoe has been incredibly popular, covering family fare to bling machine with equal ease. With gas prices soaring... they enlarge it and increase fuel economy. By Barbara and Bill Schaffer

VEHICLE INTRODUCTION New GMC Yukon and Yukon Denali ...... 28 You’ll find we were amply impressed with the above- mentioned new Tahoe. Sonofagun if GM doesn’t release a new Yukon right on the heels of the Tahoe. By Bill Schaffer

TEEN DRIVERS VW Challenges Teens on Seat Belt Use...... 30 Volkswagen teams with Scholastic to motivate teens to use their seat bels, working with a tool already in play: peer- to-peer influence, aka peer pressure.

EQUIPMENT Honda Civic Hybrid ...... 32 B Honda moved into the mainstram (compared with the Insight) with the original Civic Hybrid. Now they have given it a complete update. Find out why our test vehicle needs another complete update. By Barbara and Bill Schaffer, and Joe Sage

MOTORSPORTS Buy NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Tickets from the Drivers ....35 C Information on a range of upcoming NASCAR events at Phoenix International Raceway, including a chance to buy tickets from several stars in person, June 22.

MOTORSPORTS Wish List Machines...... 38 BMW M5, Corvette Z06, Dodge Viper SRT10, Mercedes- Benz CLS55 AMG. These are wicked high-end machines you see regularly in these parts. Here you can see them all in one place, all the easier to dream of owning one. By Barbara and Bill Schaffer

DEPARTMENTS FROM THE PUBLISHER : START YOUR ENGINES ...... 4 CAR SMARTS : QUIZ ...... 7 AUTO NEWS UPDATE...... 10 DESTINATION DIRECTORY...... 17 MOTOR RESOURCES DIRECTORY ...... 24 D THE INSIDE TRACK: BRIEFS & RUMORS ...... 36 UPCOMING FEATURES...... 42 E B C A

- COVER: Joe Connor has had this 1984 Mercedes-Benz converted to run on biodiesel (or conventional fuel). Photo by Joe Sage. START YOUR ENGINES : FROM THE PUBLISHER

pring is in the air here as we put this issue together, and green seems to be THE ENTHUSIAST’S GUIDE TO LIFE BEHIND THE WHEEL the theme as we visualize the crocuses soon popping up through the snow in S northern climes. Another sure sign of spring is baseball, as spring training gets MAGAZINE underway once again across the Sonoran Desert. And another sure sign of green is the booming interest in alternative fuels vehicles. So how does it all tie together at PUBLISHER/EXECUTIVE EDITOR: the offices of Arizona Driver magazine? Easy! Joe Sage Our colleague Joe Connor, head of modernerabaseball.com in San Diego, has tied CONTRIBUTING WRITERS: it together for us. Obviously an avid and knowledgeable baseball fan, and a bit of a Jill Amadio, Joe Connor, car buff as well (Joe’s original business portrait showed him at the controls of the Pilar Covarrubias, Mark Cox, Larry Edsall, Dan J. Gardner, startlingly diminutive Corbin Sparrow personal transportation module). With creden- Gary Goldzweig, Chip Keen, tials like that, and one finger always on the pulse of impossible adventure, Joe is Bob Kroener, Jim Rogers, embarking upon a tour of every Major League Baseball park, all season long, a new Bill & Barbara Schaffer, Tim Sharp one almost every day, starting of course with the first pitch of spring training at CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS: Tucson Electric Park, and ending in Anaheim on October 1 with the last game of the Jean-Pierre Brietta, Rich Cox, regular season. In between, not only will Connor be meeting, greeting, absorbing Luis DeBonoPaula, Larry Edsall, (and creating) statistics wherever he goes, as always .... but he will be covering the Dan J. Gardner, Randy Lorentzen, miles behind the wheel of a 1984 Mercedes-Benz that’s been converted to run on Jim Pyle, Dick Reed DESIGN & PRODUCTION: AdZoneAZ vegetable oil (or quite a few other things, as the need arises). We were able to spend ADVERTISING SALES: 480-948-0200 quite a bit of time with Joe and the car. The story unfolds within. And just to keep things green, we report on the nicely revised Honda Civic Hybrid. ARIZONA DRIVER MAGAZINE Enjoy the drive. PUBLISHED BIMONTHLY BY ADZONE ARIZONA LLC Arizona Driver Magazine PO Box 13387 - Scottsdale AZ 85267 Joe Sage www.azdrivermag.com Publisher/Executive Editor Arizona Driver Magazine and Arizona Rider Magazine are registered tradenames of AdZone Arizona LLC. WhereWhere thethe roads areare dry dry andand thethe cars cars areare slick. slick.

Arizona Driver Magazine PO Box 13387 Southwest Media Communications LLC - 602-748-4584 Scottsdale AZ 85267 6450 E Cave Creek Rd - Suite 105 - Cave Creek AZ 85331 480-948-0200 PO Box 5953 - Carefree AZ 85377 www.azdrivermag.com

4 • May-June 2006 • ARIZONADRIVER ARIZONADRIVER • May-June 2006 • 5 QUIZ : CAR SMARTS

9. What year was the first Dodge Challen- 20. What percentage of Rolls-Royce ger produced? owners drive their own cars, as opposed to a. 1970 b. 1972 having a driver? c. 1974 d. 1976 a. 65 percent b. 75 percent c. 85 percent d. 95 percent 10. How many Volkswagen Golfs are sold daily around the world? 21. What does BMW’s free maintenance a. 200 b. 600 program cost the company annually, per c. 1300 d. 2200 car, for the 5 Series sedan? a. $598 b. $1,285 11. How many vehicles does the average c. $2,339 d. $3,417 person buy in a lifetime? a. 8 vehicles b. 13 vehicles 22. What was the first manufacturer to offer c. 20 vehicles d. 27 vehicles a Bose audio system in their vehicles? a. Porsche b. Honda 12. How many “flex fuel” vehicles (vehi- c. Ford d. General Motors cles that can burn either regular gasoline or E85 Ethanol fuel) are currently operating 23. What is the average payroll of a US in the United States? auto dealership? 1. How many 2005 model vehicles were a. 1 million b. 4 million a. $875,000 b. $1.45 million considered crossovers. c. 8 million d. 12 million c. $2.33 million d. $4.81 million a. 14 crossovers b. 28 crossovers c. 41 crossovers d. 57 crossovers 13. What is the horsepower rating of the 24. What was the average pre-tax profit for all-new Toyota RAV4 3.5-liter V-6 engine? new car auto dealerships in 2005? 2. How many vehicles were recalled in a. 195 hp b. 222 hp a. $284,569 b. $531,033 2005? c. 240 hp d. 269 hp c. $947,996 d. $1,724,112 a. 5 million b. 11 million c. 17 million d. 31 million 14. What is the horsepower rating of the 25. What percentage of Taco Bell’s busi- new naturally aspired Porsche engine (the ness is from drive-thru customers? 3. Which auto company gave its share- most powerful naturally Porsche engine a. 25 percent b. 40 percent holders the largest percentage of return on ever) unveiled in Geneva in February? c. 55 percent d. 70 percent their investments for 2005? a. 350 hp b. 375 hp a. Hyundai b. Toyota c. 415 hp d. 450 hp 26. According to a recent study, how many c. Suzuki d. Honda vehicles are purchased by a family after 15. Which was the first production car to the head of household turns 50 years old? 4. How old is Robert Lutz, the General have a V-12 engine? a. 3 vehicles b. 5 vehicles Motors product chief? a. Lincoln b. Cadillac c. 7 vehicles d. 9 vehicles a. 68-years old b. 71-years old c. Maybach d. Mercedes-Benz c. 74-years old d. 77-years old 27. In what city will the new NASCAR Hall 16. How many people died from airbag of Fame be built? 5. When was the first satellite radio induced injuries in 2005? a. Talladega, AL b. Nashville, TN installed into a vehicle? a. 2 died b. 9 died c. Charlotte, NC d. Daytona, FL a. 2000 b. 2001 c. 15 died d. 24 died c. 2002 d. 2003 28. What is the minimum height at which a 17. What vehicle is featured in Harrison child no longer needs a booster seat when 6. Which car will the new James Bond Ford’s new movie Firewall? riding in a car? drive in the latest 007 movie, Casino a. Ford Mustang GT a. 4 feet b. 4 feet 3 inches Royale? b. Pontiac GTO c. 4 feet 6 inches d. 4 feet 9 inches a. Aston Martin DBS c. Chrysler 300C b. Morgan Aero 8 d. Chevrolet Impala 29. What is the least important decision- c. SLR McLaren making factor customers cite when d. Panoz Esperante 18. Which car manufacturer exported 5,000 shopping for a new car? tons of organic soybeans grown on the a. Fuel efficiency b. Insurance cost 7. When was the first drive-in movie company land where one of the factories is c. Vehicle color d. Safety features theater opened? located? a. 1923 b. 1933 a. General Motors b. Honda 30. On average, what does one minute of c 1943 d. 1953 c. Ford d. Toyota stopped production time cost a company producing automotive vehicles or parts? 8. What percentage of individuals repla- 19. How many of the nation’s 170,000 a. $200 b. $1,200 cing their wiper blades does so as part of a service stations currently offer E85 fuel? c. $12,000 d. $22,000 preventative maintenance program? a. 608 stations b. 1,587 stations a. 3 percent b. 9 percent c. 4,512 stations d. 9,508 stations c. 18 percent d. 22 percent ANSWERS ON PAGE 8 >>

ARIZONADRIVER • May-June 2006 • 7 CAR SMARTS : ANSWERS

>> ANSWERS (quiz on page 7) >> 8. Answer: c. www.aftermarketbusiness.com says that 18 17. Answer: c. The Chrysler 300C sedan is the car that percent of the individuals replacing wiper blades are Harrison Ford drives in his new movie Firewall. doing so as part of a preventative maintenance 1. Answer: c. According to Automotive News there were program. On the other hand, 77 percent replace their 41 crossover vehicles in the US market in 2005 and 18. Answer: b. Honda owns 8,500 acres of fertile Ohio wiper blades because they are performing poorly. several new models have already been introduced for farmland where one of their manufacturing plants is 2006. In 2000, there were 14 crossovers. located. Last year the company grew organic 9. Answer: a. The Dodge Challenger was introduced as a soybeans on the farmland and harvested 5,000 tons, 1970 model and more than 83,000 were sold that year. which were exported to Japan. That makes Honda one 2. Answer: c. There were 17 million vehicles recalled in It was discontinued after the 1974 model year. Dodge of the largest US exporters of organic soybeans. 2005. That’s significantly down from the 30.8 million is showing a new Challenger concept that is expected recalled in 2004. to be built in the next year or two. 19. Answer: a. According to Automotive News, only 608 of 170,000 US service stations offer ethanol fuel. 3. Answer: a. Hyundai investors received a 79.5 percent- 10. Answer: d. According to Steve Keyes, Director of age return on their investments in 2005 and 328.5 Communications for Volkswagen of America Inc., percent over the last three years. Toyota 29.6 percent. 20. Answer: d. Rolls-Royce says 95 percent of the Rolls- there are 2,200 Golfs sold daily worldwide. Suzuki 29.0 percent. Honda 11.5 percent. The industry Royce owners drive their own cars rather than having average was 9.4 percent. a driver. 11. Answer: b. According to Jim Press, Toyota CEO, the average person buys 13 vehicles during their lifetime. 4. Answer: c. Robert Lutz, the General Motors product 21. Answer: c. According to Edmunds.com estimates, the chief is 74 years old. He is still an active pilot and has BMW bumper-to-bumper free maintenance program a Czech Aero L-39 Mach 0.8 jet fighter trainer. 12. Answer: b. According to the San Jose Mercury there costs $2,339 annually for a 5 series. The generous are currently about four million “flex fuel” vehicles program includes oil changes, windshield wipers, and operating in the US. brakes – everything except tires. 5. Answer: b. XM Satellite Radio was first installed in a vehicle in 2001. The unit was made by Delphi, who has since sold more than 6 million satellite units. 13. Answer: d. The all-new 2006 Toyota RAV4 has a best- 22. Answer: d. According to Dawn Geary, Bose media in-class 269 horsepower 3.5-liter V-6 engine. marketing manager, the first automotive audio systems were installed in 1982 in the Cadillac Seville, 6. Answer: a. The new James Bond, actor Daniel Craig, Oldsmobile Toronado and the Buick Rivera. will drive a new model Aston Martin named the DBS. 14. Answer: c. To power the 2007 911 GT3, Porsche The movie, Casino Royale, will be in theaters in introduced a new naturally-aspired 3.6-liter engine November 2006. that produces 415 horsepower. 23. Answer: c. According to the National Association of Auto Dealers NADA, the average car dealership has a payroll of $2.33 million. 7. Answer: b. The first drive-in theater opened in 15. Answer: c. In 1929 Maybach introduced the first Camden, New Jersey in 1933, but closed in 1935. It standard-production V-12 engine. was followed by Shankweiler’s Drive-in, which opened 24. Answer: b. According to a survey done by the in 1934 in Orefield, Penn., and has remained open ever 16. Answer: a. Thanks to safer airbags, no adults and only National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA), the since. See more on the theater at shankweilers.com. two children died from airbag induced injuries in 2005. average net pretax profit for an auto dealer was In 1997 54 people died. For 1990 to 2005, 264 died as $531,033 in 2005. That’s 1.6 percent of total sales and the result of airbag injuries at the lowest level since 2000.

25 Answer: d. Bill Pearce, chief marketing officer of Taco Bell Corp. says, 70 percent of their business is drive- thru. With that in mind, to help reduce the mess caused by eating in a vehicle, they have created the Crunchwrap Supreme, which is designed to be “able to eat it, not wear it.”

26. Answer: c. According to a recent Auto Pacific (an automotive researching company) survey, an average American family buys seven more vehicles after the head of the household turns 50. The typical family buys 13 vehicles over a lifetime.

27. Answer: c. NASCAR selected Charlotte, NC for the home of the new NASCAR Hall of Fame. The current facility is in Talladega, Alabama.

28. Answer: d. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration children less than 4 feet 9 inches should be on a booster seat when riding in a car. Thirty-four states now have laws requiring the use of a booster seat. For more information go to boosterseat.gov on the Internet.

29. Answer: b. According to The Progressive Group of Insurance Companies’ online survey of visitors to NADAguides.com, the factor least important to people shopping is the cost of insurance (40 percent). Color 28 percent. Fuel efficiency 11 percent. Safety was listed by 7 percent of the respondents as least important.

30. Answer: d. According to a survey of 101 manufac- turing executives in the automobile industry commis- sioned by Advanced Technology Services, Inc. and conducted by Nielsen Research, the average cost of stopping production for one minute is $22,000. At that rate, an hour of down time would cost $1,320,000. ■

The Car Smarts quiz includes news and trivia from industry sources, trade journals and consumer magazines compiled for Arizona Driver by BILL & BARBARA SCHAFFER of Auto Digest.

8 • May-June 2006 • ARIZONADRIVER AUTO NEWS UPDATE

CHANGES COMING TO THE JEEP WRANGLER The Jeep Wrangler has evolutionary sheetmetal changes for 2007, but retains its classic Jeep off-road advantages of solid axles, folding windshield, removable doors and other body panels, but with some interesting new touches. The engine will be a 3.8-liter (205-hp) V-6 to replace both the previous 4- and 6-cylinder in-line engines. The removable doors will have power windows, thanks to a detachable coupling, and the top is modular with separate panels for each side. The front stabilizer can be electronically disconnected to provide extra suspension travel. Also, watch for Lexus ES 350 a new four-door version to appear later this year. Both models will be at dealers this fall. ▼

The popular Lexus front-driver ES strikes an elegant yet wicked pose as the sun sets on the desert but rises on the new generation from Lexus.

FIFTH GENERATION LEXUS ES ethanol, which is currently on sale in the system on the new Chevrolet Tahoe ▲ Lexus introduced their all-new entry some stations in the Midwest. Com- and GMC Yukon before being expanded level Lexus ES 350 claiming that it’s faster, pressed fuels powering concept vehicles to other vehicles. GM officials say when quieter and more powerful than the first have included compressed natural gas, mated with the Vortec V-8 engine with LS. As the fourth new Lexus designed with liquid hydrogen and gaseous hydrogen. Active Fuel Management™ there will be at the company’s new L-finesse design, the Diesels have been popular with some least a 25 percent gain in fuel efficiency. more sculpted ES shows a strong family manufacturers and are designed to run GM also is offering the new technology to resemblance. The front-wheel-drive ES on low sulfur diesel (reaching pumps this other auto companies. The system, which has a new 272-hp 3.5-liter V-6 with six- fall), a higher-octane premium diesel with works with both two- and four-wheel speed automatic transmission which no sulfur and biodiesel made from vege- drive vehicles, will also be going into the produce 0 to 60 mph times of 6.8 table oil and other natural substances. Dodge Durango, as well as into unnamed seconds. Standard features include Mercedes-Benz and BMW vehicles. SmartAccess keyless entry with push-to- TWO-MODE HYBRID TRANSMISSION start ignition. Safety features include A consortium including General Motors, ACURA OPENING NEW DESIGN STUDIO stability control with traction control and DaimlerChrysler and BMW Group have Acura plans to distance itself more from eight airbags with available rear-seat side developed a two-mode hybrid transmis- parent company Honda’s brands in the airbags. Navigation, full-length panorama sion that uses a variable transmission future by opening its own design studio to glass roof, vented front seats, high with two electric motors. One motor is for establish a more distinctive look. The idea intensity discharge headlights with low-speed driving, while the second is to make Acura more of a luxury and adaptive front lighting and radar cruise motor improves efficiency when the performance brand in the same vein as control are options. vehicle is at higher operating speeds. The Lexus and Infiniti. Dick Collier, executive two-mode system has the advantage of vice president of sales at American Honda Jeep Wrangler THE FUELING SMORGASBORD being less than half the size of single- Motor Co., says there are still no plans for The road to improved fuel economy and mode systems. It works similarly to other a V-8 engine, though the NSX sports car independence from foreign fuel sources hybrid systems, capturing electrical will be powered by a 10-cylinder engine. takes many routes, especially when it energy through regenerative braking, They also suggest that there is a leaning comes to the fuels. Recent concept vehi- shutting the engine off during idle and toward all-wheel drive in more of the cles have shown a smorgasbord of fuel deceleration, and providing an all-electric Acura vehicles. possibilities including the regular three launch and drive capability. General grades of gasoline we currently use and Motors is making the first application of KEEP RIGHT >>

10 • May-June 2006 • ARIZONADRIVER ARIZONADRIVER • May-June 2006 • 11 Volvo S80

TOYOTA IN FULL-SIZE TRUCK MARKET In an effort to appeal to “True Truckers,” Toyota pulled the wraps off the 2007 full-size Tundra pickup at the Chicago Auto Show in February. The new masculine design is bigger and more powerful than the last generation and has features that could challenge the supremacy of American brand trucks. Built in Texas and Indiana, the Tundra will tow more than 10,000 pounds using a new 5.7-liter V-8 engine with six-speed automatic transmission. It’s ten inches longer, five inches higher and four inches wider than before, making the final size near its three major competitors. With three cab configurations, three trim levels and three engine choices, it will be offered in more than 30 different models, doubling the current lineup. Typical of Toyota, the Tundra has innovative features like As Volvo’s lineup continues to evolve away from the box, more toward the sleek and fast, the new S80 is worth a new look, both inside and out. dampeners on the tailgate for easier opening and anti-bounce >> AUTO NEWS UPDATE - cont’d of the car even before it is unlocked. The BMW’S TURBOSTEAMER along with a wide-screen backup camera. The new Tundra audio system is state-of-the-art Alpine BMW has developed a steam system to ▼ arrives at dealerships early in 2007. VOLVO UNVEILS NEW S80 FLAGSHIP with DynAudio of Denmark speakers. The help boost power and fuel economy. ▲ When Volvo unveiled the first genera- S80 goes on sale this fall. Using a two-fluid circulating system, tion S80 in 1999, it suggested a dramatic BMW engineers have developed a way to change in the future styling of the entire CHANGE THE SOUND YOUR CAR MAKES capture heat from a conventional gaso- brand. Gone was the iconic boxy shape, The sound your car makes can have a lot line-powered engine and convert it to replaced by a car with strong shoulders to do with how you feel about your car mechanical energy, which helps drive the and unique front and rear fascias. The and how others “see” it. To that end, a engine. The company claims their second generation, which debuted San Francisco company has created a Tubosteamer converts more than 80 recently in Geneva, starts from that point product called the VroomBox. When percent of the heat energy in the exhaust and looks even more sophisticated and attached to your car, the VroomBox can into usable power. The biggest challenge polished than the first. Powertrains are make your car sound like a GTO, Corvette, with the system is the sheer size of expanded on the new model with the Cobra or a dozen others. The VroomBox components, but the company says it will addition of the advanced Yamaha design includes 15 standard sounds including be mounted mostly on the underside of V-8 engine (311 hp) which first appeared classics, even a Harley-Davidson motor- the vehicle so the only loss is ground in the XC 90 SUV a year ago. The base cycle or Vespa scooter, plus enough clearance. Company officials say if testing engine is an all-new small format in-line memory to hold 30 additional sounds proves successful, they could apply the six-cylinder rated at 232 hp. Both engines (extras cost $5 each). The system is Tubosteamer to production vehicles in as are mated to a six-speed automatic hooked up to your engine, so the sound few as 10 years. transmission. All–wheel drive will be mimics what the vehicle is doing: revving available with the V-8 engine. Luxury will the engine, accelerating, shifting, etc. It BMW ADDS NIGHT VISION be the hallmark of the S80, with a more can be played back through your stereo BMW 5 Series sedans and sport wagons Toyota Tundra Crew Max refined interior including a slim new system or you can mount speakers as well as 6 Series coupes and convert- console styling. Volvo safety features outside the car to share the effects with ibles now have optional night vision include stability and traction control, tire the world. Sounds are controlled and systems. The new infrared technology pressure monitoring, active cruise control, selected by a dash-mounted button or by incorporates a thermal imaging camera active Bi-Xenon headlights and a world- a special key fob unit. The VroomBox is to more easily “see” hazards, people or first Personal Car Communicator that priced at $159 and is available at allows the driver to check security status VroomBox.com. KEEP RIGHT >>

12 • May-June 2006 • ARIZONADRIVER ARIZONADRIVER • May-June 2006 • 13 FORD ADDS STRETCHED EXPEDITION As the new Ford Expedition goes on sale in the fall, it will be offered in two lengths: regular and EL. The new EL version adds 14.8 inches of length to the regular model and adds 24 extra cubic feet of cargo area. It’s built on a 131-inch wheelbase, 12 inches longer than the standard model. The 2007 Expedition has new rugged styling and a modified powertrain, with a 5.4-liter V-8 rated at 300 horsepower attached to a six-speed automatic trans- mission. Another important new feature is four-wheel independent suspension. A new wide range of seating options includes a split second row seat, using one lever to flip and fold the outboard seats Audi Shooting Brake concept for easy access to the optional third row seat. The center section of the second row can move forward up to 11 inches to allow easier access to a child seat. ▼ The Audi Shooting Brake concept car gives clues to the future, from the general form of the new TT, to the evolution of grille and headlight treatments.

>> AUTO NEWS UPDATE - cont’d the engine. Once he has fully tested the carefully to capture the drama of the gasoline and rainwater system, he plans original TT, but with a new elegance and animals in the darkness ahead, up to to do the same process with a diesel sophistication, in addition to a version of 1,000 feet. The system is not distracted engine. The six-stroke engine may have a Audi’s new trademark grille. by oncoming traffic, traffic lights, etc. The long way to go before it reaches produc- driver views a high-contrast black-and- tion, if ever, but it’s certainly an innova- TOYOTA CAMRY GETS TOTAL REMAKE white night image on the control display tive concept. Toyota’s goal for the all-new version of in the middle of the instrument panel. America’s best selling family sedan was BMW engineers say checking the system AUDI’S TT LEADS TO A FULL RANGE to redefine global standards for comfort, is comparable to glancing into the rear- ▲ When Audi introduces the next performance and design. Without chal- view mirror. Night vision will cost $2,200 generation TT sports car this fall, there lenging convention, Toyota designers in the 5 Series. will be a new body style added to the upped the styling factor, safety and roadster and coupe lineup. The coupe sophistication of the Camry. The CROWER’S SIX-STROKE ENGINE and convertible will cover the luxury end standard 2.4-liter four-cylinder (158-hp) 75-year-old performance parts manufac- of the model lineup with power coming was made quieter and more powerful. turer Bruce Crower (noted for his famous from the 3.2-liter VR6 engine. Joining the The all-new optional 3.5-liter V-6 is 268 Crower Cams and Equipment Company) dramatically styled pair will be a hp (58 horsepower larger than the engine has been busy in his shop developing a ‘shooting brake’ style two-door hatchback it replaces) is mated with a new six- new six-stroke engine. The engine, which with a long roof and nearly wagon-like speed automatic transmission. Seven he personally invented and patented, has upper rear section. It will also offer airbags are standard, now with one for a six-stroke cycle that he believes can cut genuine four-person seating. The shoot- the driver’s knees. All five models, CE, fuel consumption by 40 percent while ing brake is rumored to be the new value- LE, SE, XLE (available now) and the also reducing emissions. The engine adds priced model and conversely the per- upcoming Hybrid (which launches in two more strokes to a conventional four- formance model with a 260-hp version of May) have a long list of standard features stroke system. During the fifth and sixth the turbocharged 2.0-liter engine. Lower with base prices starting as low as Ford Expedition EL strokes, which he calls the “steam level models will probably be powered by $18,270 for the CE four-cylinder with a stroke,” water is injected into the hot the 200-hp four-cylinder engine. There manual transmission to $27,520 for the cylinder. The water flashes into steam will likely be an S model powered by a six-cylinder XLE. The XLE has advance and forces the piston down a second 330-hp turbocharged four-cylinder. time. When the steam is expelled, it cools Styling changes are being done very KEEP RIGHT >>

14 • May-June 2006 • ARIZONADRIVER ARIZONADRIVER • May-June 2006 • 15 >> AUTO NEWS UPDATE - cont’d the back is a seven-foot pickup bed with a two-ton payload capacity. The plush features like a 440-watt JBL audio system four-door crew cab has Cab Air Suspen- DESTINATION DIRECTORY with Bluetooth™, and Plasmacluster™ sion System, available leather seating for ionizer technology to help reduce five, with driver and passenger air sus- SAGE airborne contaminants and odors in the pension seats. It also has keyless entry, Arizona Nevada Mexico passenger cabin. power windows and tilt wheel. The MXT ADVERTISING ATTRACTIONS & EVENTS ATTRACTIONS & EVENTS RESORTS / LODGING joins the larger capacity RXT and CXT Chiricahua State Park Las Vegas Tourism Bureau Puerto Peñasco Mexico Online ▼ PONTIAC GETS GOOD NEWS-BAD NEWS which can be configured to tow up to 20 HCR 2, Box 6500 • Willcox AZ 85643 6120 W. Tropicana Ave. • Las Vegas NV Beachfront home rentals in Rocky Point. DESIGN Pontiac dealers will get a new entry-level tons. The new MXT is priced from 520-824-3560 www.lasvegastourism.com 623-935-0507 • www.puerto-penasco.com performance coupe in 2007, but will lose $69,900 to $85,000, with the other Grand Canyon National Park MOTOR MUSEUMS ATTRACTIONS & EVENTS ▼ PO Box 129 • Grand Canyon AZ 86023 Imperial Palace Auto Collections Baja California State Tourism Office the Montana SV6 minivan. The coupe will models going for as much as $135,000. 923-638-7888 Visitor Info Recorded Message be a rebadged version of the Chevrolet In the works is an RXT model design Fifth floor parking facility of Imperial Palace. Blvd. Diaz Ordaz s/n PUBLISHING Lake Havasu State Park 702-794-3174 Edificio Plaza Patria Nivel 3 Cobalt SS. Like the Cobalt SS, the small specifically for fifth-wheel towing. 699 London Bridge Dr. • Lake Havasu AZ 86403 www.imperialpalace.com/auto.html CP 22400 Tijuana BC 928-855-2784 Pontiac coupe will have a supercharged National Automobile Museum (66) 81-9492 engine, and it will get sporty Pontiac NEW DIESEL TECHNOLOGY Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument The Harrah Collection Chihuahua State Tourism Office 10 Organ Pipe Drive • Ajo AZ 85321-9626 design elements. The price is expected to Beru, a German automobile parts sup- 10 Lake Street South • Reno NV 89501 Calle Libertad No. 1300 520-387-6849 Visitor Information 775-333-9300 • www.automuseum.org Edificio Agustin Melgar, 1er Piso start just over $20,000. The Montana SV6 plier, in collaboration with Siemens Petrified Forest National Park CP 31000 Chihuahua, Chihuahua (14) 29-3421 is being dropped because it doesn’t fit VDO/Federal-Mogul, is developing a new PO Box 2217 New Mexico with the Pontiac performance image and glowplug system for diesel engines. The Petrified Forest National Park AZ 86028 Sinaloa State Tourism Office 928-524-66228 Visitor Information ATTRACTIONS & EVENTS sales have been declining. Pontiac’s top pressure-sensing glowplugs will provide Av. Camarón Sabalo esq. Tiburon Saguaro National Park New Mexico Department of Tourism Edificio Banrural 4 Piso performance coupe, the GTO, will also get dramatic reductions in nitrogen oxide 3693 South Old Spanish Trail 800-733-6396 x 0643 • www.newmexico.org CP 82100 Mazatlán, Sinaloa (69) 16-5160 the axe after the 2006 model year. Sales (NOx) emissions, possibly even allowing 520-733-5153 Visitor Info Rincon Mtn District Santa Fe Chamber of Commerce have never reached levels high enough to designers to eliminate bulky and costly Sport Compact Drag Racing PO Box 1928 • Santa Fe NM 87504 Sonora State Tourism Office support the development costs for exhaust treatment systems. They claim Every thursday at Firebird Raceway 8380 Cerrillos Rd. Suite 302 • Santa Fe NM 87507 Centro de Gobierno www.dragracing.com/phx 505-983-7317 • www.santafechamber.com Edificio Estatal Norte 3er Nivel building an entirely new version. the system will be able to meet strict new Comonfort y Paseo Río Wupatki National Monument RESORTS / LODGING CP 83280 Hermosillo, Sonora diesel emission laws in Europe and the Flagstaff Area National Monuments CHINESE GEELY 2008 INTRODUCTION Inn on La Loma Plaza (62) 17-0076 US and maintain the performance for up 6400 N. Hwy 89 • Flagstaff AZ 86004 315 Ranchitos Road • Box 4159 • Taos NM 87571 If events go as planned, the Chinese to 120,000 miles. The new glowplugs are 928-679-2365 Visitor Information 800-530-3040 • www.VacationTaos.com 928-526-1157 Visitor Information, HQ Of national interest Geely (pronounced JEE-lee) will go on expected to be on diesel engines of a Inn on the Alameda sale in America in the fall of 2008. It’s major, but yet to be announced, manu- 303 East Alameda • Santa Fe NM 87501 MOTOR MUSEUMS California 505-984-21221 • www.innonthealameda.com expected to sell for $10,000 as a fully facturer by mid 2007. Henry Ford Museum & Greenfield Village ATTRACTIONS & EVENTS 20900 Oakwood Blvd. • Dearborn MI 48124 functional car complete with power www.hfmgv.com • 313-271-1620 Palm Desert Visitor Information Center Utah windows, air conditioning and a compact FORD BACK WITH SPORT TRAC Imperial Palace Auto Collections 72-990 Highway 111 • Palm Desert CA 92260 ATTRACTIONS & EVENTS disc player. John Harmer, COO of Geely Ford’s SUV-style truck gets a total remake 800-873-2428 • www.palm-desert.org (see Nevada listings) San Juan County Tourism USA Inc. said the cars have met some of for 2007 picking up some length, safety Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum MOTOR MUSEUMS 117 S. Main Street • Monticello UT 84535 Pickerington OH 43147 the US and emission standards and the equipment and a V-8 engine with 6-speed 800-574-4386 • www.southeastutah.org Petersen Automotive Museum www.motorcyclemuseum.org • 614-856-2222 engineers are working to meet all the automatic transmission. The all-new 6060 Wilshire Blvd. (at Fairfax) • LA CA 90036 Southern Utah Scenic Tours National Automobile Museum 323-930-CARS • www.petersen.org PO Box 1113 • Cedar City UT 84720 standards along with fixing quality Sport Trac has a 17-inch longer wheel- (see Nevada listings) 888-404-8687 • www.utahscenictours.com issues. Harmer expects to start sales base than the previous model and boasts National Corvette Museum slowly with a target of 5,000 vehicles in a 4.3-foot-long composition bed. The Colorado RESORTS / LODGING 350 Corvette Drive • Bowling Green KY 42101 2008, but ramping up to 100,000 by four-door truck shares a great deal of ATTRACTIONS & EVENTS Desert Rose Inn & Cabins www.corvettemuseum.com • 800-53VETTE 701 W. Highway 191 • Bluff UT 84512 Colorado Activity Centers, Inc. Petersen Automotive Museum 2012. He has already had franchise equipment with the new Ford Explorer 888-475-7673 • www.DesertRoseInn.com 737 N. Tenmile Drive - Suite 35 (see California listings) requests from 200 dealers. SUV including four-wheel independent Brochures / Catalogs / Magazines PO Box 129 • Frisco CO 80443 Shelby American Collection Concept / Design / Production / Print Publishing suspension, stability and traction control 800-777-8642 - www.coloradoinfo.com (see Colorado listings) REALLY BIG PICKUP TRUCKS systems (to keep it upright) plus front, Media Planning & Placement MOTOR MUSEUMS After already dwarfing big Dodge, Ford side and curtain airbags. The base engine ▼ Shelby American Collection and General Motors trucks with its CXT, is a 4.0-liter 210-hp V-6 with 5-speed 5020 Chaparral Court Call to discuss individual projects or strategic needs. International Truck and Engine Company automatic while the new 4.6-liter 292-hp PO Box 19228 • Boulder CO 80308-2228 www.shelbyamericancollection.org AUTOMOTIVE / AVIATION / BOATING has introduced its third big truck, the new V-8 with 6-speed automatic is an option. 303-516-9565 MANUFACTURERS / IMPORTERS MXT™ 4x4 pickup. As the smallest of the Prices are expected to start at about INDUSTRIAL / CONSTRUCTION International trucks, the MXT boasts a $27,000 when it arrives at dealerships TOURISM / ACTIVITIES / EVENTS 16,000 pound towing capacity, 300 hp, about now. ■ RESORT / HOTEL / LODGING 530 lb.ft. of torque diesel engine and five- INSTITUTIONAL / FINANCIAL speed automatic transmission. Built with REAL ESTATE / DEVELOPMENT Auto News Update includes a summary of auto many of the same specs as familiar 18- news from industry sources, trade journals and 480-948-0200 wheeler tractors, the MXT is 8 feet wide, consumer magazines compiled for Arizona Driver 7.5 feet high and nearly 21 feet long. On by BILL & BARBARA SCHAFFER of Auto Digest. Information is derived from a variety of sources and may not be final or accurate; check all info. Listings do not necessarily represent any specific affiliation with nor endorsement by Arizona Driver magazine. ADZONE ARIZONA LLC ARIZONADRIVER • May-June 2006 • 17 SPECIALTY VEHICLE TOUR : VEGGIE POWER

hat do you get when you take a 1984 Mercedes 300 D Turbo W Diesel whose owner is a base- ball traveling diehard living on a lowly, freelance writer budget? With the ridic- ulously high gas prices, you get inno- vative, especially if you want to crisscross the country all season long and visit all of the Spring Training ballparks in the Grand Canyon State, too. Matter of fact, you convert your 1984 Mercedes to run on vegetable oil. Vegetable oil? Yep, you got it—grease is the word. On March 1, I left my home in San Diego, California at 4 am, to embark on the ultimate baseball fan’s trip of a lifetime: seven months of baseball, at least one game in every different state in the lower 48 of the fruited plain. And the first nine days would be in Arizona, beginning March 1 in Tucson and ending March 9 in Peoria. And the car’s exhaust would smell a lot like French fries. About six months prior to departure, I was at home one night, abusing my tele- vision remote control, when a story on a channel I still don’t remember caught my fancy. But I do vividly remember the content—it was about how diesel-fueled vehicles can be converted to run on used frying oil, the same oil most restaurants must pay to dispose of. I was immediately hooked, and then the light bulb really went off in my head—what if I could drive a car around the country promoting this alter- native fuel while at the same realizing one Going green: of my dreams? Ever since I was a little boy growing up in West Hartford, Connecticut as a fan of The Bionic Gloves the Boston Red Sox, I had always dreamed of visiting every professional ballpark. My parents had married in the 1960s and were free spirits, encouraging Veggie Power me and my younger brother to see the country and the world. My late father had been a pilot in the US Air Force and Ballpark Tour traveled all over, and he would share stories, not to mention his boyhood fascination with baseball Hall-of-Famer by Joe Connor Mickey Mantle. Photos by Joe Sage At 34 years old, living the single life as a freelance writer in San Diego with no mortgage payment or personal or financial obligations that would tie me

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18 • May-June 2006 • ARIZONADRIVER ARIZONADRIVER • May-June 2006 • 19 Louisville Slugger, Arizona Driver Magazine, my car stereo, so I could go from running Used vegetable oil is the way to go. groups like that—plenty of key entities were on diesel to running on fryer fat. And that’s the choice I made. Following happy to sign on as sponsors for the Tour. So as the sun rose over Yuma as I crossed my tour’s inaugural game, I went hunting

>> CONT’D into Arizona on Interstate 8 on the first day for grease. of March, I was burning vegetable oil—and Restaurants that use a non-hydroge- down, I decided to make my dreams since feeling like a king. Some three hours later, nated oil, such as straight vegetable oil, boyhood reality. I logged on the Internet I was seated at Tucson Electric Park, Spring soybean oil, canola oil, peanut oil or corn to learn more about what I had seen on Training home of the Arizona Diamond- oil, are best because they have a lower gel TV, and I also realized I would need to backs and Chicago White Sox. On an point. On the other hand, restaurants that secure sponsorships. That’s because you overcast day, I witnessed Chicago lose to cook their food using shortening or don’t become a freelance baseball writer the visiting Colorado Rockies, but I felt like partially-hydrogenated oil results in for the money—you become a freelance a winner—or shall I say, on cloud nine. In thicker grease, and that’s not good. baseball writer because you know how to just six months, I had gone from being In addition to a tank, I also had a filter write and love the game, and want to be uninformed about alternative fuels to installed in my trunk to block bacon bits as close to the game as possible if you being an unofficial spokesperson. Despite from going into my engine. This filter gets can’t actually be on the field. countless rejections, I had managed to heated with the radiator fluid, too, and is a Fortunately, I can also be a pretty good secure close to $25,000 in sponsorship for lifesaver but it also clogs easily, which salesman. I convinced a small Massachu- my journey, and I wasn’t going to let a few means I learned I had to get my hands dirty setts-based company to lend me a 13- obstacles get in my way. and clean it out. And that meant drips of gallon tank in exchange for a logo on my Obstacles? There are two key notes grease here, there and everywhere—from car, and paid a local mechanic to install it about running a car on vegetable oil I soon my clothes to my journalist notebooks. in the trunk where the spare tire usually learned. Number one, it isn’t always a After striking out at a few Tucson goes. Hoses are run from the car’s radiator picnic securing used frying oil from restaurants that either didn’t use the right to the trunk tank to heat the vegetable oil restaurants, and number two, no matter oil I was looking for or wouldn’t let me take via a heat exchanger. At start-up, the car how you slice and dice it, your arms, any, I hit a home run after about 30 minutes runs on diesel while the radiator fluid does clothes and your car’s body are going to get of hunting, just before happy hour, when I its work heating up the vegetable oil tank. greasy—literally. Translation: sometimes walked into Famous Sam’s, an Arizona By the time the internal temperature of the very time consuming and prepare to get sports bar institution since the early 1960s. car is between 80-100 degrees, the viscos- messy. Both can be primarily avoided if you The manager of the famous Grand Canyon ity of the vegetable oil has been reduced to go to your neighborhood Costco or Sam’s State franchise was happy to help, and my the point where it can run as a fuel. Club and purchase five-gallon drums of timing couldn’t have better. Later that night, The mechanic installed straight vegetable oil. But since you he was going to be cleaning out his fryers, a switch underneath have to pay at least $30.00 to and he told me to come back the next day do, financially you’d just be when he would have at least five to 10 better off sticking exclu- gallons ready to go. Bingo. sively with diesel. I headed off to my hotel for some rest, and “flushed” my vegetable oil, which is to say I ran diesel back through the lines, making sure the vegetable oil was purged from the fuel line and injectors so it wouldn’t become clogged at the next start- up when the engine is cold. The same switch the mechanic installed was all I needed to do the 30 second trick. The next morning, I went to Yokohama Rice Bowl in Tucson and filled up my tank with at least five gallons before heading over to the city’s historic Hi-Corbett Field, the Rockies Spring Training home. The Yokohama oil was needed because my plan was to hit the road for Phoenix post- game, after stopping by and filling up at Famous Sam’s. The young and exciting Rockies put another whooping on the White Sox at the oldest ballpark in Arizona on a glorious sunny desert after-

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20 • May-June 2006 • ARIZONADRIVER ARIZONADRIVER • May-June 2006 • 21 This gig meant a lot of late nights for the posing for pictures in the dugout. One of frustrated changing my filter, especially in author, in search of used veggie oil, and a lot my favorite Red Sox, Jason Varitek, was the hot Arizona sun of March. of early mornings to wow ’em on local TV. kind enough to grant me a one-on-one But running on vegetable oil certainly

>> CONT’D interview. did wonders to my wallet—like keep more I was in heaven. money in it! During my time in the Valley noon. Hi-Corbett has been hosting Actually, I was soon off to Tempe, of the Sun, I tried to keep a quarter of a baseball since the 1920s, and even was where the baseball gods apparently were tank of diesel (for start-up) and the rest of featured in the movie Major League, with me. I saw the home-team Angels my weight dedicated to burning vegetable starring Charlie Sheen. whoop the Padres silly at Tempe Diablo oil. I got about the same fuel economy on With two games in the books and plenty Stadium, and not only that, I caught a the vegetable oil as I did on the diesel, of vegetable oil in the car, the early foul ball! Would you believe it was the only I wasn’t getting great mileage overall evening drive up to the Valley of the Sun first foul ball I had ever caught, even because I had packed up the car pretty was a pleasant one. On the morning of though I had probably been to literally good with clothing for the seven-month March 3, I rose at the crack of dawn to be thousands of games? jaunt. Most folks also have a filtration a guest on live local television, showcas- Believe it. system set up in their garage, not trunk. ing the Veggie Power Mobile. I was The Padres’ Khalil Greene swung late on The highlight of the last week in the nervous but the interview went off without a Jared Weaver pitch and the ball sailed Phoenix area, though, was definitely the a hitch, and a few hours later I was on the down the first base line, bounced off a World Baseball Classic, and the enthus- fresh cut grass of Chase Field, aka, The couple of fans’ hands—and right into iasm and energy from the crowds at Chase BOB (named after its former namesake, mine. Later that night, I saw the Arizona Field and Scottsdale Stadium. Bank One Ballpark). Team USA was on the State Sun Devils whoop the Auburn Tigers By March 10, I was out of the state—and field for its first practice in preparation for silly at Packard Stadium in Tempe. It was still completely out my mind to most folks. the World Baseball Classic, an inaugural, 13-0 Sun Devils by the seventh inning! Six months and three weeks later—on 16-country tournament featuring Major My final six days in the Phoenix area October 1—I made it back home to San League players representing their nations. would be even better than my first three Diego. I had crisscrossed the country and I had secured a media credential for the in the Grand Canyon State. From driven more than 50,000 veggie miles, tournament because I was writing a story Maryvale Ballpark in West Phoenix, seeing 272 games in 215 days (yep, a lot of about the event for Padres Magazine, the Spring Training home of the Brewers, to double-headers). San Diego Padres game program. I had also HoHoKam Park in Mesa in the East Valley, It was the trip of a lifetime. But as one of written team profiles of the 16 countries Spring Training home of the Chicago my sponsors recommended, “Now, Joe, participating in the World Baseball Classic Cubs, I had yet to get off cloud nine. get some rest!” I retired to the couch and for ESPN.com. Sure, there were times over the next watched the baseball playoffs on tele- I felt like a kid in a candy store. Derek week when I got frustrated, especially when vision through October. And during the Jeter was warming up in I’d visit multiple restaurants in the Valley to commercials that ran between innings, I front of me along the secure used vegetable oil and get rejected couldn’t help but think back to the first first base line. Alex because the manager was only looking to great days of the trip, which all started in Rodriguez was time out, not to help someone. And there the baseball heaven of Arizona. ■ were times when I got Designed by an orthopedic hand surgeon, patented BIONIC GLOVES are ergo- nomically designed for maxi- mum comfort and performance.

No journalist in the world has witnessed more baseball in more places than JOE CONNOR. Since 2001, the baseball writer has annually updated his easy-to- use electronic travel guides, A Fan’s Guide To The Ultimate Spring Training Experience; A Fan’s Guide To The Ultimate Ballpark Tour: Fully Loaded! about MLB, Minor League and Independent League parks; A Fan’s Guide To The Ultimate Japanese Ballpark Experience; and A Fan’s Guide To The Ultimate Dominican Ballpark Experience. In November 2005, The World in a Ballpark: Baseball Goes Global was added, and in 2007, A Fan's Guide To The Ultimate College Ballpark Experience will debut. All guides are available for purchase at www.modernerabaseball.com

22 • May-June 2006 • ARIZONADRIVER ARIZONADRIVER • May-June 2006 • 23 MOTOR RESOURCES DIRECTORY

Performance Tires & Wheels Auto Dealers Automotive Fine Art

Tirexchange, Inc. Aston Martin North Scottsdale Automotive Fine Art by Don Evenson Tires • Wheels • Chrome Plating 18088 N. Scottsdale Road • 480-538-4200 Private commissioned paintings in oil or acrylic 15485 N. 84th Street • Scottsdale 11259 E. Via Linda • Suite 100-185 Audi North Scottsdale 1-800-766-2588 • 480-596-9655 Scottsdale AZ 85259 • 480-661-8410 18088 N. Scottsdale Road • 480-538-4000

Driver Tutoring BMW North Scottsdale Auto Spa / Convenience / Gas 18018 N. Scottsdale Road • 480-538-3900 DrivingMBA™ Lou Grubb Ford Cobblestone Auto Spa & Market Comprehensive simulator tutoring for teens 8555 E. Frank Lloyd Wright • 480-991-3333 SCOTTSDALE: A program of Accelerated Skill Builders • Frank Lloyd Wright & Hayden • 480-596-1200 MINI North Scottsdale • 15111 N. Hayden Road • 480-561-2622 480-948-1648 • www.drivingmba.com 18018 N. Scottsdale Road • 480-538-6464 PHOENIX: • Bell Road & Piestewa Parkway • 602-787-0035 Custom Garage Interiors Porsche North Scottsdale CHANDLER: 18000 N. Scottsdale Road • 480-538-3850 • Alma School & Germann • 480-814-9274 GarageTek SURPRISE: Scottsdale Lamborghini • Bell Road & Grand Avenue Call to visit our completely furnished garages Raintree & Hayden Road • 480-483-9300 623-580-0900 • www.garagetek.com Van Chevrolet 8585 E. Frank Lloyd Wright • 480-991-8300 Service & Repair Mobile Communications Airpark Auto Service NEXT Technologies, LLC Auto Dealers - Specialty 8115 E. Raintree • 480-998-1605 Integrated Mobile Media Environment (IMME) Dream Machines Greulich’s Auto Repair 602-370-0098 • www.NextTech.biz 14825 N. 82nd St. Suite C • 480-951-9524 8180 E. Raintree • 480-483-8186

Mobile Broadband Internet Gorilla Motorsports Select line of vehicles restyled for performance Motorcycle Dealers Sunangel Communications, Inc. 1425 S. Clark Drive • Tempe AZ 85281 Cycle-Moto 2-Way Mobile Broadband Internet 408-507-0999 • www.gorillamotorsports.net Aprilia - Ducati - Motoguzzi - Triumph 480-905-1663 • www.broadbandonwheels.com Motorsports of Scottsdale 330 E. Southern Ave # 37 • Mesa AZ 85210 480-898-0559 • www.azsbk.com The Finest Collection of Pre-Owned Luxury Autos Mobile Detailing Service Raintree & Hayden Road • 480-483-9300

Waxwerks Detailing Scottsdale Lotus Motorcycle Manufacturers Detailing - Valley Wide Mobile Service 8355 E. Raintree Suite 170 • 480-922-6242 Aprilia Motorcycles - Scooters Classic, Muscle & Luxury Autos www.apriliausa.com Ken Dickson • 602-788-9680 Online Classic Car Classifieds Dan Gurney Alligator Motorcycles, Inc. www.waxwerksdetailing.com ClassicCars.com Dan Gurney’s All American Racers, Inc. 2334 S. Broadway • Santa Ana CA 92707 Aftermarket Enhancements Put your classifieds online at 480-460-8800 • www.classiccars.com 714-540-1771 • www.allamericanracers.com Gorilla Motorsports Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A. Performance packages - superchargers - A/V Racing Events 9950 Jeronimo Road • irvine CA 92618 Custom interiors - wheels/tires - suspension 949-770-0400 • www.kawasaki.com 1425 S. Clark Drive • Tempe AZ 85281 SCO Nights Triumph 408-507-0999 • www.gorillamotorsports.net Sport Compact Drag Racing Every Thursday at Firebird Raceway 385 Walt Sanders Memorial Drive www.dragracing.com/sco Newna GA 30265 Vehicle Diagnostics 678-854-2010 • www.triumph.co.uk Phoenix International Raceway AutoXray 602-252-2227 • www.phoenixraceway.com EZ-Scan 6000 Automotive Scanner Information is derived from a variety of sources www.obd2can.com and may not be final or accurate; check all info. High Performance Schools Listings do not necessarily represent any Bob Bondurant School specific affiliation with nor endorsement by of High Performance Driving Arizona Driver magazine. Mention Code AZ803 for discounted multi-day 1-800-842-RACE • www.bondurant.com

24 • May-June 2006 • ARIZONADRIVER ARIZONADRIVER • May-June 2006 • 25 TEST DRIVE : 2007 CHEVROLET TAHOE LTZ GM gets it really right Chevrolet Tahoe LTZ

by Barbara STANDARD EQUIPMENT and Bill Schaffer 20-inch polished aluminum wheels, Heated front and second row leather seats; Power liftgate; RainSense wipers; Heated washer fluid; Autoride suspension; Power release on second row seats; All power, Cruise; XM Satellite Radio; Power adjustable pedals; Remote vehicle start; Ultrasonic rear park- ing assist; Sunroof; Tire pressure monitor- ing system; and much more. Base Price: ...... $43,140 Options: Second row bucket seats....$49 Navigation/radio ...... $2,145 Rear view camera ...... $195 Rear seat entertainment ...... $1,295 Total Options ...... $4,125 The Chevrolet Tahoe has a standard electronic stability control system that uses brake Freight...... $875 controls to help the vehicle maintain control in the event of a potential skid. The system also Price as Tested...... $48,140 uses software algorithms to predict vehicle “tip up” on a flat road and again applies the appropriate brakes to mitigate the chances for a rollover. DIMENSIONS EPA Size ...... Spec. Purp E85 fuel (E85 comprises 85 percent If we were blindfolded, we doubt that Weight...... 5,233 lb. ethanol, which is a renewable resource we could tell the difference between the Wheelbase ...... 116.0 in. fuel produced in the United States) and our Tahoe and one of the town cars that Length...... 202.0 in. vehicle had the $1,000 flex fuel option. transport people to the airport. It’s that Width...... 79 in. Even the two-wheel-drive LS model smooth and that quiet. The Autoride Height ...... 76.9 in. eneral Motors is spending time also contribute to the sleek look, and the for city driving and 22 mpg on the high- ($33,990 including destination charge) system in our test vehicle takes the Fuel Capacity ...... 26 gal. lately getting it right! We just raked windshield and smoother roofline way. In combined driving, we averaged has a long list of standard features includ- handling to a new dimension with real- Cargo Capacity ...... 16.9 to 108.9 cu. ft. G got out of the phenomenal all- accentuate its new length. Adding to the 18.7 mpg, which we thought was good for ing dual zone climate control, cruise time damping to reduce body motion and MECHANICAL new 2007 Chevrolet Tahoe (along with the sporty look are standard 17-inch and a 5300-pound vehicle and with our less control, StabiliTrak (stability control), tire the dip and dive of acceleration and Engine...... 5.3L V-8 Flexi Fuel Corvette Z06) and we just went to the optional 20-inch wheels. than economical driving style; however pressure monitoring and more. braking. Autoride also incorporates an Horsepower ...... 320@5300 introduction of the new and much The entirely new interior is filled with we would probably average 22 mpg if We drove the top-level LTZ model air-lift/auto-leveling system that automat- Torque ...... 340@4200 improved GMC Yukon, Yukon Denali and high quality materials and an excellent Barbara were the only driver. ($44,015), which adds features like ically raises the vehicles ride height when Transmission ...... 4-Spd. Auto Cadillac Escalade. These are all vehicles fit and finish. Six gauges fill the instru- The 5.3-liter V-8 produces a robust 320 leather, four heated seats, remote starter, carrying passengers or heavy payload. Drive ...... Rear wheel that GM “got right.” They appear to be on ment pod that sits below the arched horsepower and 340 lb.ft. of torque. The Bose speakers, XM Satellite radio, power The other driving elements of the Brakes ...... Disc ABS an incredible roll. dash. The center stack is well organized transmission in our rear-wheel drive test rear liftgate, Autoride Suspension, 20-inch Tahoe include a precise rack and pinion Tires ...... 275/55R20 The previous generation Tahoe was with the most used navigation screen vehicle was a four-speed automatic. Later polished wheels; heated washer fluid steering system and large four-wheel disc good and sold well up until the gas crunch and audio controls mounted on top over in the model year, the standard engine system, rain sensing wipers and much brakes. The brakes have a strong positive PERFORMANCE last year. When fuel economy starting the climate control. The bottom row of for the two-wheel drive will be a 290-hp, more. Our test vehicle also had a very feel with none of the mushy pedal feel of 0 to 60 mph...... 85 sec. dictating buying habits, GM rushed ahead buttons includes controls for the 4.8-liter V-8, but without the cylinder good navigation system ($2,145), rear previous models. Top speed ...... Limited 112 mph and brought out the newest generation of adjustable pedals, a shut-off for the deactivation. view camera ($195), and rear seat For a daily driver or on a road trip, we EPA economy rating ...... 16/22 mpg their highly profitable full size SUVs. The backup warning system and other con- As expected, the acceleration levels of entertainment system ($1,295), taking it enjoyed everything, except for the fuel Our actual fuel econ ...... 18.7 mpg impetus for the earlier introduction was trols not used as often. There are also the new engine were significantly to a lofty $48,140. However, it’s a very economy, about the Tahoe. We especially their improved fuel economy, which they dual plugs in the dash for cell phone or improved with 0 to 60 mph times of 8.5 impressive vehicle. appreciate the features like the backup COMPETITORS anticipate being the best in the segment, iPod chargers. seconds. We recorded 76 mph in our The Tahoe is new from the ground up, camera, heated seats, DVD system to Ford Expedition, GMC Yukon, Hummer H2, but that’s only the tip of the iceberg of the The heart of the new Tahoe is the latest unofficial acceleration test, which runs with a new frame and a choice of three entertain the kids, and the navigation Infiniti Q56, Nissan Armada, Toyota improvements and refinements. generation small-block V-8, which now about one-eighth mile. That makes the different suspension systems. The stan- system. In addition, it’s very comfortable Sequoia With the new leaner exterior design the includes an advanced Active Fuel Manage- Tahoe one of the best accelerating full size dard system is called Premium Smooth and easy to drive. Tahoe expresses a more sporty and agile ment system that shuts off four cylinders SUVs we’ve driven, except for some of Ride, while the LTZ we drove comes with Chevrolet planners have done an look. It features large wheels and a wider during low engine load conditions, in the new near 400 horsepower models the Z55 system with Autoride. For drivers excellent job on the new Tahoe. It reaches track that offer a more powerful and addition to many other refinements. The that have popped up recently. that go off road, the Z71 (available later in a new level of refinement, not seen capable stance. Improved aerodynamics two-wheel-drive version is rated 16 mpg General Motors is encouraging the use of the model year) will be the best choice. before on Chevrolet cars or trucks. ■

26 • May-June 2006 • ARIZONADRIVER ARIZONADRIVER • May-June 2006 • 27 VEHICLE INTRODUCTION : 2007 GMC YUKON AND YUKON DENALI

AndAnd rightright onon thethe heelsheels ofof thethe Tahoe...Tahoe... First out of the box was the fantastic new Chevrolet Tahoe. by Bill Schaffer Now the General Motors truck company GMC has the Yukon and upscale Yukon Denali.

ew from the ground up, the Performance was impressive, too with a unbelievable 0 to 60 mph time of 6.2 Yukon styling takes an standard 5.3-liter (320-hp) V-8 engine and seconds. That means this 5,500-pound N evolutionary approach with a four-speed automatic transmission. The hauler accelerates at the same rate as tighter-looking trimmed design that just new engine is enhanced by GM’s 5.3L V-8 cars like the Audi A6 4.2 V-8, Mercedes- happens to be a little larger. Up front, the with Active Fuel Management™ fuel-saving Benz E350 and Volvo S60R. Roll the attractive trademark GMC grille is technology. When the driver doesn’t need window down and the V-8 has a beautiful squared-off in the upper corners and now the extra horses, four of the cylinders shut deep-throated V-8 exhaust rumble. Denali resembles the silhouette of claw foot down to save fuel. When power is needed also gets a sophisticated Z55 Autoride bathtub without legs. The Denali grille is for passing or pulling the grade, the V-8 is suspension with real-time shock the traditional chrome honeycomb instantly active providing the full force of dampening to maintain a flatter, more design, while the Yukon is in black. The the powerful V-8. The result is best in class controlled ride. grille is flaked by large crystal-looking EPA fuel economy ratings of 16 mpg for The Yukon rides on standard 17-inch light modules. The smooth sides have a city driving and 22 mpg on the highway wheels, while the Denali gets 18-inches. smooth raised bumper strip that for the two-wheel drive version. The four- Both have available 20-inch wheels and corresponds to the top of the bumpers. wheel drive eats up one mpg on both tires. All models have an abundance of The Denali is distinguished in the rear by numbers. Later in the model year, the safety equipment include the StabiliTrak tall clear taillight lenses, while the Yukon’s standard two-wheel drive engine will stability control system and tire pressure are a more traditional red. become a 290-hp 4.8-liter V-8. The 5.3- monitoring. The interior includes a high level a liter engine is also offered with the Flex The two-wheel drive Yukon SLE starts at quality materials and excellent fit and Fuel option that allow the engine to use $34,690, while the upper level and very finish. I preferred the decor of Yukon E85 ethanol based fuel made from well equipped four-wheel SLT goes for because it used less wood trim and renewable farm products. $41,670. The top-of-the line full-time all- instead accented the center console The Yukon Denali gets a more wheel-drive Denali starts at $47,990. A surround with a clean aluminum look. substantial 380-hp 6.2-liter V-8 engine moonroof, rear entertainment system and The best features of both new with a new six-speed automatic DVD-based navigation system add about Professional Grade GMC trucks are their transmission with an exclusive tap $4,500 to the SLT or Denali price. All three on road operation. The solid, quiet ride up/down control for manual shifting models are at dealerships now. The XL combined with big plush seats rivals the located on the face of the column version, which is 20.4 inches longer, will comfort of many luxury sedans. mounted shifter. The pair produces and be available later in the model year. ■

28 • May-June 2006 • ARIZONADRIVER ARIZONADRIVER • May-June 2006 • 29 TEEN DRIVER : DRIVING SKILLS Fasten Your Seat Belt…Go Far! DRIVING SCHOOL ■ TEEN DRIVING ■ DEFENSIVE DRIVING VOLKSWAGEN CHALLENGES TEENS TO GENERATE A POSITIVE TREND FOR SEAT BELT USE, SAVING LIVES Education program developed with Scholastic encourages students to create PSA; Eight winning entries to be nationally broadcast Delivering olkswagen of America is launch- but a singular message: “Buckling up is the contest will receive a Volkswagen ing its award-winning Fasten Your cool.” An informal study conducted by baseball hat. Seat Belt…Go Far! program for the Volkswagen revealed the top reason teens The teacher of the grand prize winner V fourth consecutive year. don’t wear a safety belt is because they will receive a $1,000 Scholastic gift the driver’s edge The program challenges high school believe it is “uncool.” certificate and a digital video camera; the students to create their own public “Fasten Your Seat Belt…Go Far! uses a teacher of the runner-up will receive a service announcements encouraging very powerful tool – peer-to-peer influ- $500 Scholastic gift certificate and a their peers to buckle up. Vehicular acci- ence – in a positive way to change teens’ digital video camera; the teachers of the to teen drivers. dents are the leading cause of death attitudes about safety,” said Adrian second-place winners will each receive a DrivingMBA programs reduce the risk and magnitude of death, injury and property damage caused by among teenagers, killing more than 5,000 Hallmark, executive vice president, $250 Scholastic gift certificate and a teenage drivers. We accomplish this through the use of state-of-the-art simulators to teach students young people every year. Many of these Volkswagen of America, Inc. “The pro- digital video camera; and the teachers of how to drive through experience in a no-risk environment. Our students develop: deaths could be prevented, as more than gram teaches kids that it’s not cool to lose the third-place winners will receive a • A better understanding of the mental skills required to be safe, responsible drivers half of the teens involved in fatal crashes their chance to go far in life. Importantly, $100 Scholastic gift certificate. • Safe driving habits are not wearing seat belts. This kids learn that they have an opportunity Fasten Your Seat Belt…Go Far! earned a • Better decision making skills, particularly in hazardous or dangerous situations supplementary education program, devel- to make a difference in their peer group Halo Award in 2005 from the Cause oped with Scholastic, the global children’s and save lives by getting this critical Marketing Forum in the “Best Joint • A better understanding of personal and vehicle limitations publishing, education and media comp- message out to their friends.” Message Promotion” category. any, arrived in 7,000 classrooms in 150 “Fasten Your Seat Belt…Go Far! pro- cities across the country during the past gram offers an engaging way to infuse ABOUT SCHOLASTIC two weeks. this critical topic into classroom discus- Scholastic Corporation is the world's Fasten Your Seat Belt…Go Far!, a joint sions across the country,” stated Shelley largest publisher and distributor of educational effort between Volkswagen White, editorial director of Scholastic children's books and a leader in educa- and Scholastic, provides interactive Marketing Partners. “The program not tional technology, including children's educational materials that teaches high only teaches positive messages and books, magazines, technology-based MVD Licensed Driving School Programs school students how to use their important communication skills to teens, products, teacher materials, television communication and language arts skills but ultimately can help save their lives.” programming, film, videos and toys. The DrivingMBA’s primary objective is to keep teen drivers and all of us safer on the road. Stories about teen drivers continue to affect change and influence their peers Volkswagen and Scholastic will select Company distributes its products and to be featured in newspapers and publications across the country. DrivingMBA is the only driving school in Arizona that through positive messaging. As part of eight finalists, whose PSAs will appear on services through a variety of channels; uses state-of-the-art driving simulators to train its students. The airline industry has been using this type of technology for this program, participating students a national television broadcast. A grand see www.scholastic.com. decades to train pilots. The military also uses this type of technology to train soldiers, AND DrivingMBA’s equipment is the compete to develop PSAs that encourage prize winner will win a $12,000 U.S. same equipment that is being used by police academies throughout the country, including here in Arizona, for its advanced teens to wear safety belts. Specifically, Savings Bond; the runner-up will receive ABOUT VOLKSWAGEN driver training. The effectiveness of this type of driver training is indisputable, and DrivingMBA has documented results that lesson plans and activities help teens a $6,000 U.S. Savings Bond; two second- Volkswagen of America is a subsidiary of prove its driver education program works. build language and literacy skills, practice place winners will each receive a $600 US Volkswagen AG, of Wolfsburg, Germany. Whether your teen has never been behind the wheel, has driving experience or has their driver’s license, DrivingMBA oral and written communication skills, Savings Bond; and four third-place Volkswagen is one of the world’s largest is the only driving school with a driver training program to meet their specific needs. Don’t let your teen get their driver training and use creative expression. The resulting winners will each receive a $300 U.S. producers of passenger cars and Europe’s through trial and error. The errors are costly. They not only cost you in insurance rate increases, vehicle damage, but the PSA announcements feature a wide Savings Bond for a total of over $20,000 largest automaker, with more than 600 most significant cost, the loss of life. Whether it is you, your teen, friends or family, even someone you don’t know, a car variety of creative storylines and styles, in prizes. The first 500 students to enter independent US dealers. ■ collision can change lives forever. Make sure your teen is prepared to handle all types of driving situations. Driving is the most critical lifelong skill to learn—don’t take short cuts!

TEEN • MATURE DRIVER • REHABILITATION • CORPORATE PROGRAMS

9089 E. Bahia Drive, Suite 102 • Scottsdale AZ 85260 • 480-948-1648 • www.drivingmba.com 30 • May-June 2006 • ARIZONADRIVER TEST DRIVE : 2006 HONDA CIVIC HYBRID

OUR DRIVE

Besides the Civic Hybrid Barbara and Bill tested for a week on the coast, we Totally received one here at headquarters and certainly looked forward to it. We were TotallyTotally quite impressed with the original Civic Hybrid (see Arizona Driver, March/April on track 2005), so much so that we actively onon tracktrack anticipated the Accord Hybrid that followed (see AZD, May/June 2005). So a new Civic Hybrid? Full of improve- by Barbara and Bill Schaffer ments and a year’s new technology in he 2006 Honda Civic has dominated Driving the Civic Hybrid is no different this rapidly changing realm? Bring it the awards this year with its suite of than driving any other car, other than it’s on! And bring it on, they did. Honda T sedans and coupes. With its unique not necessary to start it, in the traditional delivered us the new Civic Hybrid on a Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) and Contin- sense. Once the ignition is on, and the beautiful late March afternoon. uously Variable Transmission (CVT), the CVT is in gear, the driver simply presses We oriented ourselves to its funda- Hybrid is capable of 49/51 mpg city/ the accelerator and the vehicle moves the mentals, and the next day we drove it highway making it one of the most fuel appropriate direction with the gasoline halfway across the Valley to a meeting. stingy cars available in the US. engine starting. The entire engine starting Having learned “defensive parking” as well as defensive driving long ago, we Powered by a highly-efficient 1.3-liter and stopping process is done silently and eyed a nice spot, in full view, nothing (110-hp) four-cylinder gasoline engine seamlessly with no driver intervention. much in front, behind, or side-to-side, with 20-hp electric motor assist, the Often the only way the driver can tell and plenty of room for others’ maneu- Hybrid maximizes fuel usage on the road. what is happening is by looking at the vers through particularly wide lanes. When it’s stopped, the gas engine shuts charge-assist gauge and the tachometer During our meeting, someone came at down to save fuel, plus it benefits with in the lower instrument pod. the door and asked, “Is that your other fuel-saving features like electric- The Civic Hybrid accelerates at a Honda outside?” Gee, we’re in a assist power steering. When the car starts respectable rate, producing 0 to 60 mph meeting, not a great time to discuss off again, the electric motor assists, as it times of 10.8 seconds. EPA fuel economy hybrid technology... but... “Yes, that’s does when more power is needed for, say, estimates are 49 mpg for city driving and ours.” Well, the gentleman was obvi- passing. The electric motor also doubles 51 mpg on the highway. Our actual mile- ously quite honest, but he wasn’t there to learn about hybrids—he was there to as the starter, and it assists in charging age during a week of combined driving let us know he hadn’t seen it as he got the battery. The battery is also charged averaged 41.7 mpg. in his full-size pickup from the other from regenerative braking and when the Civic Hybrid prices start at $22,700. side, then backed right into it. We were car coasts. Unlike electric vehicles, the With the DVD navigation system (the devastated—it’s not our car, it’s brand hybrid does not need to be plugged in. only option), the price goes to $24,200. ■ new, it’s on the rare side, it’s full of technology that might not take well to a good whack, and so on. We set up the accident report steps and drove back. We weren’t too focused on the hybrid aspects by then, but we can say they were as transparent as the situa- tion probably warranted. We were more focused on whether the car would track well at freeway speeds and generally hold together. Well, this little magic Honda is built very soundly. Despite high side winds, we tracked and maneuvered at normal speeds, all the way back to the office. Honda could not have been nicer about it all, but we certainly are disappointed. ■

32 • May-June 2006 • ARIZONADRIVER ARIZONADRIVER • May-June 2006 • 33 MOTORSPORTS : PIR NASCAR NEXTEL CUP TICKETS The Chase is On– NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Drivers to Sell Tickets

hoenix International Raceway President Bryan R. Sperber has announced that NASCAR NEXTEL Cup stars Kasey Kahne, JJ Yeley and Joe Nemechek will join the PIR staff, P selling tickets for the Checker Auto Parts 500 at the PIR Ticket Offices from Noon - 2 p.m. on Thursday, June 22. series where he sits in "This is a unique opportunity for NASCAR fans to purchase sixth place in the point standings. their tickets to the Checker Auto Parts 500 Weekend directly from Driving the #01 US Army Chevrolet, Nemechek has captured some of the top drivers in NASCAR," said Sperber. four wins, 18 top-5's and 59 top-10s throughout his 12-year Fans looking to secure tickets for NASCAR's Semi-Final career in the NEXTEL Cup series. Showdown Weekend at PIR can purchase their tickets directly It's the playoffs - NASCAR Style - this November at Phoenix from drivers beginning at Noon. Driver interaction is limited to International Raceway. Semi-Final Showdown Weekend at PIR selling tickets and they will only be signing autographs on roars into action Thursday night, November 9th with the purchased tickets. The PIR Ticket Office is located in Avondale, at Phoenix 125, NASCAR AutoZone Elite Division, Southwest 125 S. Avondale Blvd., Suite 200. Ticket windows are open Series race. Friday features NEXTEL Cup Series qualifying and Monday through Friday from 8 am to 5 pm. then the sparks will fly under the lights in the Casino Arizona Kahne has captured four career NASCAR NEXTEL Cup 150, NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series race followed by the PIR victories, three of them during the current 2006 season (Atlanta, After Dark fan festival Friday, November 10th. The best of the Texas, Charlotte). The 2004 Raybestos Rookie of the Year is Busch Series battle it out on Saturday, November 11, in the currently fifth in the NASCAR Point Standings and is expected to ARIZONA.TRAVEL 200, NASCAR Busch Series race. Sunday, be a contender in NASCAR's Chase for the NEXTEL Cup. November 12th a champion could be decided in the Semi-Final Yeley, a native of Phoenix, is currently running his first full race in the Chase for the NEXTEL Cup, the Checker Auto Parts season in the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup series and is in contention 500 Presented by Pennzoil, NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series race. for the Raybestos Rookie of the Year award. Driving the #18 Tickets and information for these events can be found online Interstate Batteries Chevrolet for Joe Gibbs Racing in the NEXTEL at www.phoenixraceway.com or by calling either 602-252-2227 Cup Series, Yeley is also running full-time in the NASCAR Busch or 1-866-408-7223. ■

ARIZONADRIVER • May-June 2006 • 35 THE INSIDE TRACK: BRIEFS & RUMORS ■ BMW announced they ■ Nissan is considering the production Honda Civic Si Sedan will once again use turbo- of a full-size van to compete with those chargers on a large scale for made by Ford and General Motors, which their 6-cylinder engines. The currently control 95.5 percent of the upcoming bi-turbo engines market. Discussions are centered on a ■ Ford has developed a supercharged V- ■ Chevrolet has an all-new Avalanche ■ Volvo may be planning a minivan will use an innovative direct van based on a platform being developed 10 engine for possible use in their F- based on the new full-size truck platform. style vehicle in the near future according injection system called High for the next generation Nissan Titan and Series trucks. The engine is called the With its new cleaner look, the sporty four- to insider information. Reportedly, Precision Injection with a Armada. If Nissan goes ahead with the “Super Chief tri-flex” and is designed to door truck is powered by a standard 5.3- someone familiar with the program said fully variable camshaft project, it would probably debut in 2009. run either on gasoline or E85 (ethanol/ liter V-8 with an optional 355-hp 6.0-liter the vehicle is going through cold weather control. The turbochargers In January, Nissan announced it would gasoline mixture), plus testing in northern Sweden. The uniden- are made from a highly heat create a division to sell light commercial Ford Super Chief V-10 it’s capable of running tified source said the vehicle shares resistant material from vehicles in North America. on hydrogen. Ford says components and architecture with the space technology. the ability to use more upcoming Volvo S80 sedan replacement, ■ Honda has added an Si performance ■ Pontiac may be dropping the GT and than one fuel enables it Ford Galaxy minivan and Ford S-Max version of the highly acclaimed new Civic ■ Mazda unveiled another cog in their all-wheel-drive versions of the Vibe to cruise for about 500 crossover shown recently in Geneva. sedan. Along with 18-inch cast aluminum Mazda Performance Series (MPS) at the hatchback. According to Reuters News miles before refueling. Power would likely come from the same wheels and four-wheel Brembo disc Geneva Motor Show. This time, the Service, slow sales and an expensive refit No announcement was 3.2-liter inline six-cylinder that drives the brakes with cross-drilled rotors, the Si performance upgrade made about actual S80. Volvo officials deny the project. sedan gets a 197-horsepower i-VTEC goes to the Mazda3. production or dates. engine and six-speed manual transmis- Power will come from Pontiac Vibe GT ■ Nissan fixed the Quest for 2007 by sion. Supplementing the the Civic Si the same turbocharged ■ Dodge SRT engi- making major changes to the unique, but coupe, this is the first time Honda will 2.3-liter four-cylinder neers have already put slow selling minivan. The most significant offer two body styles of the Si. engine that powers the their stamp on the new change makes the futurist-looking interior MazdaSpeed6, but with Caliber five-door, even before the original V-8 coming later in the year. It’s loaded more conventional. The exterior is fresh- ■ Porsche is rumored to be bringing selective detuning to arrives at dealerships. The high with great new features like a locking ened with a new Nissan-signature grille back the front-engine 928 in an updated make the extra power performance Caliber SRT4 debuted at the tailgate controlled by the key fob and a and stronger shoulder line. Available version, which looks more sleek and flat more manageable with Chicago Auto Show powered by the first backup camera to see what’s behind and features include a 7-inch display screen than the original. It will likely be derived the front-wheel drive turbocharged application of Chrysler’s to make aligning the hitch with a trailer for navigation and RearView camera, rear from the upcoming Panamera luxury configuration. (The new global 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, tongue much easier. sonar backup warning system, DVD sedan platform with rear- or all-wheel MazdaSpeed6 is all- which is attached to a six-speed manual entertainment with one or two screens drive driven by the V-8 engine from the wheel drive.) Prices will transmission. The result is an impressive ■ Volkswagen will build a sleek “coupe and power rear and side doors. Cayenne SUV. be forthcoming. needed to bring the engine up to new 300 hp and 260 lb.ft. of torque capable of style” sedan, emulating the Mercedes- emission standards are behind the move. a 5.9 second 0 to 60 mph run. It goes on Benz CLS. Based on the Passat sedan, the ■ Rumors are circulating once again ■ The Lincoln LS replacement, due in ■ A Dodge concept that should be built The Vibe is built in GM’s joint-venture sale in the spring of 2007. coupe will be offered for far less than the about a higher-performance version of 2007 and now showing as a concept, is is the Rampage that showed first at the NUMMI plant in Fremont, Calif. It’s still CLS and with a choice of engines the Chevrolet Corvette Z06. The so the striking new MKS. Built on the same Chicago Auto Show. The unibody four- possible the performance and AWD ranging from a 150-hp four-cylin- called Blue Devil has a supercharged 7.0- platform as the Volvo S80 and XC90, the door truck has sliding rear doors, a flexible versions will be added back into a future der to a 3.6-liter (280-hp) VR6 up to liter V-8 engine producing upward of 600- MKS should get the same transverse- mid-gate between the cab and cargo bed, generation. a 400-hp turbocharged VR6. A hp. If the rumors are true, the car would mounted 315-hp Yamaha V-8 engine, with hybrid version is also expected. be fitted with lightweight carbon fiber a six-speed automatic and all-wheel drive. Dodge Hornet concept ■ BMW’s next generation M3 The 2008 model should debut at body parts to reduce the weight to near The MKS has lots of chrome, a prominent should arrive with a 4.0-liter V- the 2007 Frankfurt motor show. 2,900 pounds. The rumored price is grill and rakish profile. The interior is 8 engine developed from the around $100,000. contemporary with no fake wood. new V-10 that powers the M5. ■ Lincoln’s Zephyr will be Look for 415-horsepower short lived, at least by name. Corvette Z06 ■ The Dodge Hornet concept first driving a BMW’s 7–speed SMG Lincoln says it will change the introduced at the Geneva auto show has sequential shift manual or the Lincoln Zephyr (MKZ) name to reflect the company’s some unusual proportions. The five-door six-speed manual. There’s also new alphabetic naming hatchback is 8.3 inches longer than the a rumor of a DSG-style twin scheme when the 2007 model Mini Cooper and 2 inches wider than the clutch, like the one in the ■ Rumors out of Detroit have Ford debuts this fall. Henceforth, the Chrysler 300 sedan. The rear doors are Volkswagen and Audi. The M3 working on a crash program to develop a Zephyr will become the Lincoln MKZ rear-opening, and only when the front should arrive at US dealerships high-volume rear-wheel drive four-door or ‘Mark Z’ as they hope it will be doors are open, as in many of the sometime in 2007. ■ sedan. According to Motor Trend maga- called. The MKZ will get a mild extended cab trucks. The concept engine a drop-down tailgate that doubles as a zine, it is being developed from a facelift and a larger 250-horsepower is a 170-hp supercharged four-cylinder. loading ramp and a compartment under Briefs & Rumors is a summary of auto news from Mustang platform, and would have a V-8 engine to differentiate it a little more Dodge did not indicate if the Hornet would the bed that can stow up to seven sheets industry sources, trade journals and consumer engine. Such a vehicle would probably from siblings, the Ford Fusion and be the next entry level model below the of 4x8 building materials out of the magazines compiled for Arizona Driver Magazine replace the slow-selling Five Hundred. Mercury Milan. recently announced Caliber hatchback. weather. Yes, the Rampage gets the Hemi. by BILL & BARBARA SCHAFFER of Auto Digest.

36 • May-June 2006 • ARIZONADRIVER ARIZONADRIVER • May-June 2006 • 37 VEHICLE FEATURE : M5 : Z06 : VIPER SRT10 : CLS55 AMG WishWish ListList MachinesMachines by Barbara and Bill Schaffer

BMW M5 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 The V-10 engine in the BMW M5 uses one throttle for each cylinder to provide For nighttime driving, the Chevrolet Corvette Z06 is fitted with bright high- the highest level of “breathing” and to eliminate a lag time. intensity discharge lights and fog lamps as standard equipment.

early everyone has a dream car, BMW, explained why the V-10 configuration automatic mode because the shifts seemed and split traction situations to provide the gear and the experience happens in just 3.8 Access and egress requires some agility, something they would buy if was chosen, “We wanted five liters. The slow and rough even after experimenting best traction. seconds. With the right track or an extremely but once in, the seats are comfortable and N they won the lottery, most ideal cylinder displacement is 0.5 liter. To get with the console-mounted adjustments and The M5 is fitted with massive 14.7-inch good road, we were told the Z06 has a top supportive, especially during hard cornering. likely fast and expensive. You see them every five liters, we needed 10 cylinders.” the iDrive settings. The only way it shifted front and 14.6-inch rear ventilated and cross- speed of 198 mph. Unlike many sports cars, the Corvette has a day in many parts of Arizona, but you may not Unlike some engines that use high torque smoothly and quickly, for us, was under full drilled compound disc brakes for maximum Two features make the Z06 the economy large cargo area with room for 22.3 cubic be ready to walk out and buy one. as the brute force to develop the power, acceleration, but those were momentary braking power and 255/40ZR19 front tires and car of the group: (1) the $65,800 base price feet or two sets of golf clubs and luggage We recently had a chance to drive four BMW chose to extract its performance by bursts because 100 mph arrives before you 285/35ZR19 in the rear to hold it on the road. and (2) the EPA rating of 16 mpg for city for a week. such cars that ranged in price from about “revving” the engine. As such, the V-10 has a can count to 10 slowly. The German sedan is loaded with a long driving and 26 mpg on the highway. As a We were impressed by how easy the Z06 $68,000 up to $98,000. Two of the cars were redline of 8250 rpms allowing the engine to We equated the SMG to operating a sophis- list of features including stability control, park bonus, this also happens to be the fastest car was to drive. The clutch didn’t require the leg American icons: sport cars synonymous with use relative light, low-mass reciprocating ticated single lens reflex camera that can be distance control, rain-sensing wipers, Xenon of the group. of a shot putter to depress – it was firm but speed and exotic design. The other two were components to keep the weight down and finitely adjusted to the most precise setting, or adaptive headlights with automatic control, all Engineers were able to augment comfortable. The shift linkage was positive, state-of-the-art high-performance German the vehicle balanced. it could be operated in a point and shoot power with driver’s memory and a Logic7 performance by keeping weight down to with gears easy to find. sedans: sophisticated, loaded with new tech- Performance levels have 0 to 60 mph mode. Unfortunately, we were not comfort- surround sound audio system. 3,130 pounds. The Z06 is built on an The Z06 is equipped with a head-up display nology, extremely fast and comfortable. times of 4.2-seconds and a top speed limited able, or smooth, in either mode. Getting the The BMW M5 has a base price of $81,895. aluminum and magnesium platform with system that projects the vehicles speed, Combined, these four cars had 1,984 horse- to 161 mph (but it would go far beyond that most out of the camera, or the M5, requires a Options include perforated leather seating carbon fiber fenders and door panels. The engine speed, cornering G’s, temperature, power; their average 0 to 60 mph acceleration speed without a governor). Fuel economy is lot of practice and experimentation. ($3,500); comfort access ($1,000); multi- cast aluminum engine is filled with racing- etc on the windshield. The system allows the time was just over 4 seconds. rated at 12 mpg in the city and 18 mpg on the The other distraction for the M5 is the function seats ($1,900); rear-electric sunshade style parts like dry-sump lubrication, titanium driver to configure the display to his or her highway. Those EPA numbers require the iDrive that controls audio, climate, entertain- ($575); front ventilated seats ($800); head-up connecting rods and titanium intake valves. preference. It’s a “must have” for a car that is BMW M5 buyer to pay a $3,700 Gas Guzzler tax. We ment, and other functions via a large knob display ($1,000); satellite radio ($595). All the exhaust is expelled from the car capable of 125 mph in a quarter mile. As one of the most anticipated BMW offer- averaged 15.3 mpg during our driving. on the console with choices displayed on through a pair of three-inch exhaust pipes and Bottom line for the Z06 is a base price of ings ever, the BMW 5 Series M5 comes from Initially, the M5 is only available with a the navigation screen. It’s too complicated Chevrolet automated mufflers that allow a less $65,800 including delivery. Our test car added a long line of “M” cars that have pushed the seven-speed Sequential Manual Gearbox and often requires several steps to do a Corvette Z06 obstructed passage during higher perfor- polished aluminum wheels ($1,295) and already impressive BMW cars to new levels (SMG), but a six-speed manual will be simple task. We concede that over time, the The economy car of the group is a special mance levels. special paint ($750). Other available options of performance. available in the fall of 2006. The SMG uses iDrive will become more intuitive, but the edition of the newest generation of the The fastest Corvette ever is fitted with include XM radio and a DVD based navigation The M5 may start life with all the great Formula 1 racing technology to maximize the learning curve is high. ‘America’s sports car’. As if the standard monster vented and cross-drilled brakes system. Missing from the Z06 is the Gas attributes of a basic 5 series sedan, but it adds full performance but we found it awkward to Along with the sophisticated engine and Corvette is not impressive enough with its measuring 14-inches in the front and13.4-inch Guzzler tax that usually plagues high about $22,000 of performance and safety drive around town even in the automatic transmission, the M5 is fitted with an 400-hp, the Z06 takes the brand to new brakes in the rear. To help keep it attached to performance cars. equipment over the top level BMW 550i. mode. It was easiest to shift using the electronic dampening control that levels of performance powered by a 7.0-liter the road it has Goodyear Eagle F1 Dollar for dollar, the Corvette Z06 is the best The heart of the M5 is the all-new 5.0-liter wheel-mounted paddles or the console seamlessly controls the shock absorbers small block V-8 engine producing 505 275/35ZR18 tires in front and 325/30ZR19 performance value available and in the Velocity V-10 engine (a first for BMW) developing 500 mounted shifter to shift manually, but between soft and hard to adapt to road and horsepower and 475-lb.ft. of torque. With its rear tires. The tires are Supercar Extended Yellow Tintcoat color, it’s a head-turner. horsepower and 383-lb.ft. of torque. Elmar without the use of a clutch. We felt as if we driving conditions. Another system, the M six-speed manual transmission, the car Mobility and can be driven up to 50 miles at Schulte, head of engine development for were just learning to drive when it was in the Variable Differential Lock, addresses low- reaches 60 mph before shifting out of first 55 mph without air. KEEP RIGHT >>

38 • May-June 2006 • ARIZONADRIVER ARIZONADRIVER • May-June 2006 • 39 Dodge Viper SRT10 Convertible Mercedes-Benz CLS55 AMG Once again the iconic Dodge Viper is available in both convertible and coupe To achieve the top performance levels, the supercharged engine powering the configurations. The hardtop version was created because some racing series Mercedes-Benz CLS55 is built by hand, by one person. When the engine is required the cars to have a top. complete, it receives a plaque signed by the technician.

Dodge Viper lower level. The aluminum look continues up AM/FM stereo with 6-disc CD changer, automatic transmission. The special super- under 3-minutes and 50-seconds. The CLS passengers and driver. For example, standard SRT10 Convertible the center of the dash where four instruments keyless entry, leather seats with suede insets, charger is designed not to be spinning all the just happens to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph equipment includes four-zone climate control, Just like the kid who moves to a town, goes are stacked on the left hand side and the Xenon lights and aluminum wheels. Options time, rather, depending on the load and in 4.2 seconds. The top speed is limited to 157 leather seating, sunroof, Smart Key keyless to a new school, gets into fights and earns a climate control and audio are on the right. are limited to stripes, polished wheels, Sirius speed, it is engaged and disengaged by an mph, but ungoverned it should be capable of entry and start, Harman/Kardon audio and rain reputation as the toughest kid in school, the Turn the key in the ignition; press the red radio and a choice of six colors. electromagnetic clutch as needed for more speeds in the 180-190 mph range. sensor wipers for the base price of $87,320. Dodge Viper has accumulated a reputation as starter button and the V-10 roars to life with power or better fuel economy. The CLS55 is easily the most civilized of Options on our test car included: Distronic one of the fastest cars around. The notorious massive exhaust pipes blaring from both sides Mercedes-Benz The modified Mercedes-Benz transmission the four cars featured here. It’s remarkably (radar-based cruise control that maintains dis- Viper name and the dramatic styling contrib- of the Viper just in front of the rear wheel wells. CLS55 AMG shifts 35 percent faster than the standard user-friendly and comfortable. The cabin has tance from the car in front) ($3,130); Lighting ute heavily to the tough car persona, too. On the road, the ride is rough with the big When first introduced in early 2005, the CLS unit, and is designed to handle the heavier easy access for four adults and treats them package (bi-Xenon headlights with active With its 8.2-liter V-10 engine producing 275/35ZR18 front tires and 345/35ZR19 rear surprised the public and quickly claimed our torque load. Unlike the standard model the like the passengers of a private business jet. Curve Lighting and washers) ($1,220); elec- 510-hp and 535 lb.ft. of torque, the spartan tires seemingly transferring the bump of personal “best looking car” rating. Breaking AMG transmission is designed to hold the The driver need only start the car and put it tronic trunk closing ($550); Premium package two-seater is a brute producing statistics like every pebble to the cockpit through the alum- from the traditional conservative Mercedes- gears without up- or down-shifting automat- into drive before enjoying performance levels (ventilated front seats, Drive Dynamic seats, 0 to 60 mph in just 3.8 seconds, 0 to 100 to inum suspension. The roughness pays great Benz styling the CLS looked more like an exotic ically to allow the driver better control of the similar to the jet (before it takes off). power rear-window sunshade, DVD COMAND 0 in the mid-12 second range and top speed dividends, though, in the form of remarkable Italian coupe with its sleek low design, than a shifting process. Like most Mercedes-Benz vehicles, the navigation system and 6-disc CD changer) of 190 mph. handling, just like a racecar. four-passenger sedan. Closer examination The CLS55 is something like a top fashion CLS55 is loaded with high-tech goodies that ($3,900). With the $1,700 Gas Guzzler tax the Even though the latest generation Viper is At speed, the thin top serves only to keep shows that it actually has four doors and so the model that just happens to run the mile in add to the comfort and convenience of the total price was $97,780. ■ a bit more civilized than the original, it is still the wind out of your hair and does little to cut four-door coupe nomenclature was started. It basically a street-ready racecar. Bold styling the noise. People don’t buy a Viper for the short time since that introduction several includes the signature Dodge crosshair grille, comfort; they buy it for the emotion and other manufacturers have announced plans to deep-cut side scallops, swept-back fenders exhilaration of driving a racecar. Under full build their own version of the four-door coupe. and lowered hood lines. It’s built on a tubular acceleration, you can actually feel the skin on A year later, the CLS received its AMG (racecar style) space frame with separate your face pull back. wings when the CLS55 was rolled out. AMG BMW M5 Corvette Z06 Viper SRT10 CLS55 AMG cowl structure composition. The body is To get the full feel of the power, try accel- engineers developed a stiffer sport suspen- made from resin injection molded compo- erating from 0 to 100 mph and then dyna- sion based on the Mercedes-Benz semi- Base price...... $81,895 ...... $65,800 ...... $82,745 ...... $87,320 nents and sheet-molded composite panels miting the brakes to bring it back to a stop. If active air suspension. Eight-piston 14-inch Price as tested...... $94,965 ...... $67845 ...... $85,745 ...... $97,780 that keep the weight at a trim 3,410 pounds. you have the guts and a safe place to do it, disc brakes were added to the front with 13- Horsepower ...... 500@7750 ...... 505@6300 ...... 510@5600 ...... 469@6100 Climbing into the Viper is a chore, as the the exercise takes less than 13 seconds and inch discs in the rear. Torque...... 383 @6100 ...... 470@4800 ...... 535@4200 ...... 516@2650 driver and passenger have to slip over a wide less than a quarter mile. We didn’t… In the engine compartment the 5.0-liter V-8 0 to 60 mph ...... 4.2 sec...... 3.7 sec...... 3.7 sec ...... 4.2 sec. exterior sill and drop into supportive leather The Viper SRT10 convertible has a base was replaced by a supercharged 5.5-liter V-8 Weight ...... 4,110 lbs...... 3,121 lbs...... 3,410 lbs ...... 4,324 lbs. bucket seats. The aluminum-look center price of $82,745 plus a $3,000 Gas Guzzler developing 469 horsepower and 516 lb.ft. of Cargo capacity...... 14 cu. ft...... 22.3 cu. ft...... 2.25 cu. ft...... 15.8 cu. ft. console is wide and high with the shift linkage, tax. Notable standard comfort and conven- torque. It was tied to the rear wheels by a Passengers ...... 5 ...... 2 ...... 2 ...... 4 a single drink holder and hand brake on the ience features include air conditioning, alarm, redesigned five-speed AMG Speedshift EPA fuel economy ...... 12/18 mpg ...... 16/26 mpg ...... 12/20 mpg ...... 14/20 mpg

40 • May-June 2006 • ARIZONADRIVER ARIZONADRIVER • May-June 2006 • 41 UPCOMING FEATURES

Honda Fit

The Honda Fit Sport will be in our test fleet in a couple of months. We look forward to just how well Honda is adapting one of their smaller domestic vehicles to the US market.

Audi Q7

We’re just back from the launch drive of this spectacular beast as this goes to press, but stay tuned for our experience driving it up the rough side and down the slick side of Mt. Palomar.

Porsche Cayman

Porsche is bringing the Cayman to us this month, so we’ll have a good hands-on look, as well as a chance to talk to their engineers about the whole program. More next issue!