Random Thoughts from a Random Car Geek

Ford
I'd like to see the smaller cars, and midsize offerings, too, equipped with diesel powerplants. For example, the Fiesta sold in Europe has a wide range of diesel offerings. I was thinking, to raise Ford's CAFE standards 9and blow GM out of the water, bring the Econetic diesels over here. Start off small. by bringing over Fiesta 1.4 Duratorq diesels (much like VW has done with its Golf/Jetta twins) and see how that goes. If it goes well, introduce the 2.0TDCi and put it, along with its 6 spd, into the Taurus. SHO TDCi anyone? Sure, it won't be outright as fast, but imagine having an AWD car with amazing off-the-line torque! One thing that could really help raise Ford's average fuel economy (and I know this would sacrilege to Mustang fans everywhere) is to add an Ecoboost 3.5 as an option. The trimlines would go as followed. 3.7, 3.7 Track (no real options besides speed parts, much like the 5.0 LX of the Foxbody years), 5.0, 5.0 Track (same as the 3.7), 5.0 GT, and 3.5GT+ and 3.5GT Track, which would be track oriented models that may or may not be street legal depending on what options are selected.

Hyundai
I think the 2006 Sonata was the start of good things to come from them. The arrival of the Genesis Coupe and sedan only enhanced their image and made them a household name. I honestly think, since Hyundai has played their cards right, that the new Sonata will steal sales from the Altima, Accord, Camry and whatever else it may be competing with. The 2012 Malibu should give it a run for its money. I'd be interested to know how those two stack up. Both have very different design languages, yet they both have extremely strong presence on the road.