John's Journal: John McElroy's multimedia blog about the automotive industry

Archive for the ‘Instant Impression’ Category

Instant Impression – Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart

August 12th, 2010 at 11:54am


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Mitsubishi is a company that is going nowhere. But could the Lancer Ralliart finally help the company get back to its roots and become successful again? A look at the bold styling and powertrain under the hood indicates that it might just be headed in the right direction.

Instant Impression – The Overreaching Safety of BMW’s 5 Series GT

August 10th, 2010 at 8:15am


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Welcome to the ridiculous circumstances produced by nanny statery in the luxury car market. While the safety measures in contemporary automobiles are generally a good thing, sometimes it can be downright annoying as we found in the BMW 5 Series GT. Watch what happens when we try to idle the vehicle forward with the door open.

The Quest for America’s Cheapest Car: Nissan Versa Edition

August 5th, 2010 at 9:30am


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As journalists, we usually review cars that are optioned up about as high as they can get. Still, these options are the things that most of us take for granted these days: air conditioning, power windows … floor mats. But, if you are a person in America who wants a new car as cheap as it’ll come, what do you get? That was our mission, and we started with the Nissan Versa.

Instant Impression – BMW 5 Series GT Styling

August 3rd, 2010 at 11:03am


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The BMW 5 Series GT has received more than its fair share of criticism, especially regarding its looks. But take a look at this functional vehicle in person and you’ll probably find it’s not as bad as you think. Here’s an analysis of the styling decisions that went into BMW’s latest crossover.

Instant Impression – European Cars

July 29th, 2010 at 11:56am


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When you go to Europe, you’re immediately struck by how vastly different the cars are from the ones you’ll find in the wide open United States where the gas, relatively speaking, is as cheap as water. Isaac Bouchard takes us on a brief walking tour of just a few of the unusual cars parked downtown in Trollhättan, Sweden. They come in all shapes and sizes, but there’s generally a theme: small and fuel efficient.

Instant Impression – Nissan 370Z Sport Mode

July 15th, 2010 at 9:35am


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Nissan’s Z car has come a long way since the early days. Overall it’s a solid, impressive sports car, and it even has a piece of technology that we haven’t seen anywhere else.

Instant Impression – BMW 335i Seat Belt

July 14th, 2010 at 9:36am


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A two-door car presents an engineering challenge that we don’t often think about. The doors have to be bigger so that passengers can squeeze more easily into the back seat. This is all well and good, but it usually means the front passengers have to strain to grab their seat belts. BMW has solved this problem in the 335i.

Instant Impression – Rolls-Royce Ghost

July 13th, 2010 at 11:00am


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You’re in the market for a Rolls-Royce (who isn’t, right?), but you only have $340,000 to spend. Well, let’s have a look at how we can spend that money for you. Perhaps you’d be willing to settle for the brand new Ghost?

Instant Impression – Driving the Cadillac SRX

June 22nd, 2010 at 10:36am


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We had the turbo version of the SRX, and it is certainly an enjoyable experience to drive. Combining a 2.8L engine with a 6-speed transmission and all-wheel drive, Cadillac has produced a vehicle with dynamics worthy of the nameplate. As you’ll see, the application of the turbo is particularly well-executed.

Instant Impression – Cadillac SRX Interior

June 9th, 2010 at 10:05am

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Sure the Cadillac SRX has a luxurious interior, but heck, Buick has that these days too–any luxury marque should. So, what else can Cadillac bring to the party? How about excitement and drama? Little touches can go a long way as you’ll see here.