Put Fisi in the Ferrari

The musical chairs continue at Ferrari in the wake of Massa's accident. First it was supposed to be Schumacher, but his neck injury precluded him from racing. Currently they are running their test driver Luca Badoer, who just isn't cutting the mustard and will likely be taken out of the car after the race in Belgium this weekend. Rumors are swirling that they will put Giancarlo Fisichella in the car. I love Fisi...he is nice guy who loves racing and is passionate about Ferrari. The guy has had a long F1 career and driven for half a dozen different teams, but never had a chance to drive for his "national" team. For him, driving a Ferrari would be like someone who grew up in Boston getting the chance to pitch for the Red Sox. Here's what he had to say:

“For sure, it’s a dream for all the drivers,” Fisichella said. “Especially for me, as an Italian driver, let’s say at the end of my career, so it’s a very good opportunity. It would be nice. I have 220 grands prix so far, it would be very good pressure for me. It’s not a big problem, it would be a very good opportunity but so far I can’t say anymore.”

Saab needs this one...

Saab was saved from the automotive scrap heap by Koenigsegg but for it to be a viable long-term brand they need to update and expand their product line. The first effort on this front is the new 9-5. Although still leveraging GM underpinnings, Saab is working on getting more "Saabiness" (also known as quirkiness) back into its products. This is a good looking car that has some of the traditional Saab design elements and some interesting technology underneath. Let's hope the buyers haven't been scared off by the company's tenuous situation.

Arrivederci Clunkachino

So the cash-for-clunkers program is over already! I am biased, but I like any program that gets fuel-efficient, commute-appropriate vehicles on the road and stops people from driving unnecessarily in over-sized gas guzzlers. That said, there are plenty of folks, like my friend Jim, who think this is a waste of government cash. Fair enough, but I say compared to some of the places the government spends its (our) moolah, providing incentives for people to make smart decisions regarding their second-largest purchase, isn't a bad idea.

Anyway, to prove that this process worked as intended (i.e., taking clunkers off the road in favor of fuel-efficient vehicles), take a look at this list of vehicles "clunked" and purchased. I'd guesstimate about a 10-15MPG average improvement...

Top 10 New Vehicles Purchased
1. Toyota Corolla
2. Ford Focus FWD
3. Honda Civic
4. Toyota Prius
5. Toyota Camry
6. Hyundai Elantra
7. Ford Escape FWD
8. Dodge Caliber
9. Honda Fit
10. Chevrolet Cobalt

Top 10 Trade-in Vehicles
1. Ford Explorer 4WD
2. Ford F150 Pickup 2WD
3. Jeep Grand Cherokee 4WD
4. Jeep Cherokee 4WD
5. Dodge Caravan/Grand Caravan 2WD
6. Ford Explorer 2WD
7. Chevrolet Blazer 4WD
8. Ford F150 Pickup 4WD
9. Chevrolet C1500 Pickup 2WD
10. Ford Windstar FWD Van

Bonus: Here's an interesting video of how they "kill" the engines on the clunkers with sodium silciate:

Mystery Car of the Week

This one isn't too hard. Leave your guesses in the comments. Good luck.

Update: This is the Ferrari Daytona-inspired Rover SD1. A real looker for a big saloon (that's British for sedan), but a mechanical nightmare.

Clunk

By all accounts, the “Cash for Clunkers” program seems to be a success. Sales are up at dealerships to levels not seen in a couple of years. Plus low-MPG cars are being taken off the road and being replaced by more fuel-efficient models.

Unbeknownst to many, this program is based on programs launched in Germany (Strudel-for-Clunkers) and France (Crepes-for-Clunkers) late last year and earlier this year. Those programs were also wildly successful, although they offered much higher amounts for trade-ins and didn’t have as many restrictions as the US programs. Those programs were more about taking high-polluting cars off the road rather than reducing low-MPG cars (since cars in Europe have been much higher-MPG for a long time).

There were two criticisms of the European programs that we haven’t heard much here in the US. The first was from independent mechanics who complained that taking older cars off the road was affecting their livelihood. Fewer old crappy cars mean fewer trips to the local mechanic. The second criticism was from the enthusiast community. Folks were turning in cars that could be considered “future classics” which were then destroyed.

I am not sure why we are not hearing from mechanics in the US. Although, if my local mechanic is any indication, they have more business than they can handle and a few less clunkers probably isn’t affecting them at this point. As for the silence from US enthusiasts, I think they are largely silent due to the fact that the majority of clunkers being taken off the road are pick-ups and SUVs, which have little likelihood of becoming classics. Even so, I am sure there is the odd future classic that is being crushed. Too bad there is no flexibility in the government guidelines to allow a knowledgeable dealer/junk yard to exempt a vehicle if it has significant potential for parts or future collector status.

(Thanks to Scott Snyder for inspiring this post.)

A Modest Proposal

From time to time I have to head to work on a Saturday morning to clear up some loose ends. I usually leave at about 6:30am when traffic is non-existent and enjoy blasting down Storrow drive. This experience has often led me to daydream about an actual car race on the streets of Boston. Monaco-on-the-Charles, if you will.

Before you dismiss the idea of the Grand Prix of Boston as half baked, think about it. Boston is a great spot…within hours of millions of people and plenty of accommodations. A course could be created down Storrow and Memorial Drives using the Mass Ave. Bridge and Museum of Science Way as connectors for a total of 3.8 miles. It would basically be two long curving straights broken up by a several sharp turns. Pits could be set up along the Memorial Drive access road in front of MIT with grandstands lining both sides of the Charles. There’s plenty of parking for motor homes and transporters in Kendall Square just behind the pits, and space for hospitality areas at Teddy Ebersol fields and in from of the Museum of Science. I see tie-ins with MIT and the MOS on the “science of F1.” Just imagine cars blasting down the banks of the Charles on a beautiful summer day with boats, yachts and Duck Boats plying the river. This would seriously be an awesome event.

Boston is a world-class city… let’s get a world-class event! All I need is approval from the Mayors of Boston and Cambridge, the Back Bay Preservation Society, Turnpike Authority, BRDA, Big Dig, Museum of Science, MIT, CambridgeSide Galleria, DEP, DOT, DCR, State Police, Boston Police, Cambridge Police, Chamber of Commerce…

DS Reborn

I was reading Top Gear magazine this weekend by the pool (thanks Melissa and Tobe for a kidless weekend). TG is one of those guilty pleasures I rarely indulge in these days due to its US cover price of over $10...I can get Automobile and Car and Driver for the same price. Anyway, it is a great magazine and allows me to keep up on all the cool European cars we don't get to see here in the US. There was a feature on the new Citroen DS Inside concept.

Citroen has chosen to resurrect its "DS" moniker not for a single model, but for a range of models that will sit above its basic line-up. Citroen has really been on a roll lately with its designs and the DS Inside (the smallest of the DS lineup) is no exception. It is intended as a Mini-fighter and has all the right design touches. Apparently it will drive less "go-karty" (my word not theirs) than the Mini and have slightly more space. The design is definitely compelling for a small hatchback with lots of unique touches like the shark fin B-pillar and gaping front end.

The French have really been designing and producing some great cars lately. It's a shame we can't find away to get some of these cars (Citroen C3 Picasso, C5 and C6; Renault Modus and Scenic; Peugeot 1007, 308, 407) to the US. Business plan, anyone?

Behind the Wheel

Schumacher got behind the wheel of a 2007 Ferrari to start his expedited training regimen. Reaction from fans and pundits to his de-retirement has been generally positive.

Willi or won't he?

Although Michael Schumacher's manager Willi Webber is "200%" sure that he won't, rumors persist that Ferrari will put the seven-time world champion back in a Formula One car to replace Massa. Given the recent performance of "old guys" Lance Armstrong and Tom Watson, this may not be a bad idea. First, it would give Formula 1 a real PR boost after a year of political silliness. Second, it will give Schumi a chance to prove himself against the new generation of drivers (Hamilton and Vettel). Finally, it would be a touching tribute to the student/teacher relationship that Massa and Schumacher had during their time together at Ferrari. I, for one, am for it.

UPDATE: Holy crap! He's back, baby! Just hours after I posted this Scurderia Ferrari confirmed that the winningest driver ever will substitute for Felipe Massa.

Reflection...

This weekend’s Formula One qualifying saw something that has become increasingly rare in modern motorsports: a nearly fatal accident. After a heavy spring fell from Rubens Barrichello’s car it bounced down the track and hit Felipe Massa on the helmet. This is far from a regular occurrence (i.e., debris falling from a car, let alone hitting another car) and can be labeled as “freak” accident. Regardless, this incident serves to remind us of the inherent danger in motorsport and the courage and fitness of the athletes (yes, athletes) who choose this profession.

I was in attendance at the Montreal Grand Prix two years ago when Robert Kubica hit the wall at over 150mph destroying his car. In the time between the accident and the update that Kubica had suffered only minor injuries, fearing that Kubica might have been gravely injured, I can admit that I questioned whether it is right to support such a (sometimes) brutal sport. In fact, the entire grandstand went silent – I am sure thinking similar thoughts. Ultimately, we have to accept that the possibility of injury exists in motorsport and also know that the drivers accept that possibility. We are drawn to this sport because of the grace with which drivers guide their cars at over 200mph often on the limits of control. It is inevitable that from time to time the humanness of the drivers will be revealed. When this does happen, we can be thankful that the dramatic improvements in car (and helmet) safety over the last several decades have made injury and death a rare occurrence.

Best wishes to Felipe for a speedy recovery. As the Ferrari team said yesterday, “Forza Felipe.”

Weekend Preview

I am looking forward to an exciting Formula 1 weekend. I can truly say that there is not clear picture of who has the advantage this weekend in Hungary for the victory. Red Bull and Brawn are obviously both in the hunt, and the McLarens looked very strong in practice today. Let's hope the Rosberg can get his Williams into the mix as well. Going out on a limb, I predict a Hamilton victory, but would love to see another win from Webber.

My plans for the weekend include a stop by the Triumph get-together on Sunday at the Larz Anderson Auto Museum in Brookline. This is usually a good show, and I hope to see a few of my preferred Triumph...the GT6 (see photo above). This is basically a hard-top Spitfire designed for endurance racing events. It is a great looking little car, and (I have heard) a blast to drive.

Have fun with whatever you do this weekend!

A Tale of Four Sebastians

Confirming its strange fetish for drivers named Sebastian/Sebastien, rumor has it that Scuderia Toro Rosso, the Red Bull-owned second string F1 team, is considering putting World Rally Champion Sebastien Loeb (left) in a Formula 1 car for the final Grand Prix of the year. OK, now try to follow along...last year Sebastian Vettel partnered Sebastien Bourdais on the Toro Rosso team. Vettel did so well (actually winning a race for the small team) that he was promoted to the better-funded Red Bull Racing team for 2009. Toro Rosso decided to replace Vettel with Sebastian Buemi for 2009. Buemi has proceeded to embarrass Bourdais so far in 2009, so as of this week, Toro Rosso fired him. (He is threatening to sue, but that's a different story). For the next couple of races, Toro Rosso has confirmed that Spaniard Jaime Alguesauri will take the race seat. However, there is talk that once Loeb is done with his rally commitments for the year that he will take over from Alguersauri. This will return Toro Rosso to an all Sebastian line-up.

Frankly, I'd love to see Loeb in an F1 car...he's an amazing rally driver and did a great job in a test earlier in the year. It's always interesting to see someone try to cross over from another series. Let's hope that Loeb can do better than other recent transplants.

Spottings

I've been lucky enough over the last two days to spot two Maserati GranSports - one in Boston, the other on the highway in New Jersey. Maserati is not one of those brands that I think about very often perhaps due to the fact that they always seem to be hanging on by a thread and just scraping by. However, since Ferrari took them over in 1997 (although Maserati is now out of Ferrari control) they've upgraded their product line and seem to be on a more stable footing both in the US and worldwide. As an aside, in a mash-up of two of my interests (cars and U2), Bono's daily driver is a Maserati Quattroporte.

Anyway, back to the GranSport...this has to be one of the most beautiful cars on the road today. The proportions are terrific giving the car real presence. Although the styling is an evolution of prior Maseratis, they really nailed it with this car. Plus, it's got Ferrari guts so you can't go wrong.

R&R

I am heading to the Jersey Shore for a couple of days of R&R, so don't expect any posts over the next few days. Speaking of R&R, "RR" is the designation sometimes used to indicate a car is "rear-engined, rear-wheel-drive." To the best of my knowledge, the only cars currently in production to have the RR designation are the Porsche 911, Tata Nano and Smart ForTwo...definitely an intersting trio. If anyone knows any others, I'd love to hear about it in the comments.

Mystery Car of the Week

Here's this week's mystery car. I will give you a hint and let you know that, yes, it is French. Good luck!

Vive la France

In honor of Bastille Day, I thought a list of top ten French cars would be in order. Some may question whether French cars are indeed worthy of a top ten list. I say check out the innovative, stylish, quirky and just plain cool autos on the list below, then try to deny that the French have made some real contributions to the motoring world. Remember, this is my list and it largely ignores some great pre-War cars. If you disagree with me, make your own list and post it to the comments.

Citroen DS – Shown above, it is difficult to understand today how radical this car was at its launch in the 50s. So iconically French that the Griswolds drove one in European vacation.

Citroen 2CV - An umbrella on wheels, this is the car that got the French back on the road after WW2. It remained in production for forty years virtually unchanged.

Peugeot 205 GTI – Peugeot’s answer to the VW Golf GTI. Try finding one today that hasn’t been absolutely destroyed by teenage heroics.

Citroen SM – Basically a DS coupe with a Maserati engine. Maybe not the most reliable mechanically, but it sure was stunning.

Renault Alpine A110 – I can still remember seeing these in rallies when I was a kid in France. Based on a Renault 8, this was France’s answer to the Porsche 911.

Citroen Traction Avant – The first mass produced unibody front wheel drive car. It may not look futuristic, but its basic layout underpins most of today’s cars.

Bugatti Type 35 – A beautiful and wildly successful race car introduced in 1924 with over 1,000 victories to its name.

Renault 5 Turbo – Take a run-of-the-mill econobox, stick a monster motor where the back seat should be, connect it to the rear wheels and hold on for dear life.

Citroen C6 – Citroen rediscovered its design heritage in 2006 after 25 years of building bland cars. This car has real presence; too the bad public hasn’t discovered it and they only sell about one a week.

Car Show Weekend

I had busy weekend of musical car seats in order to take the kids and the cars to a couple of different shows.

On Saturday we went to the Larz Anderson Auto Museum for the Micro/Mini Car day. As usual, this was a lively event with lots of people who are passionate about little cars. I took my Citroen 2CV, which although not tiny qualifies based on its 602cc two cylinder engine. There were plenty of cool Isettas (unfortunately now known as the Urkel car), Minis, Metropolitans and a few other 2CVs.

On Sunday, Gavin and I took the GTI to Lebanon, CT for the Connecticut VW club's annual summer meet. This was mostly an air-cooled affair. Frankly, I was a bit disappointed with the turnout...I expected a lot more cars. Anyway, we had fun checking out the amphibious 1943 Schwimmwagen and cool collection of campers, Beetles and Ghias. We also got to drive some great back roads through the Connecticut countryside.

For more photos of both events, please click here.

Good On Ya, Mate...

Fantastic result at the German Grand Prix this weekend for Australian Mark Webber. After years of bad luck and bad machinery, he finally broke his duck, as they say in Britain, and won his first Grand Prix. It's always nice to see someone who seems like a genuinely nice bloke finish first.

In fact, all four title contenders this year seem like guys you'd want to sit down and have a beer with. (Although Button may prefer a Red Bull and Vodka, and I'm not sure Vettel is of drinking age yet.) Unlike the last four world champions (Schumacher, Raikonnen, Alonso and Hamilton), these guys seem to be pretty well grounded and recognize the importance of the fans. No matter who wins, I am sure they will be a good ambassador for the sport...it could sure use one.

This Weekend

Be sure to check out the German Grand Prix on Sunday on Fox. It should be a good race...my prediction is a victory for Sebastian Vettel in front of his home crowd. Although, I would love to see a victory for either Barrichello or Webber.

On the local front, I will be attending the Micro and Mini Car Day at the Larz Anderson Auto Museum in Brookline on Saturday with the kids and the 2CV. On Sunday, Gavin and I will be heading to Connecticut in the GTI for the CVA's New England Volkswagen Meet. I'll give you my thoughts on each on Monday.

Whatever you're up to this weekend, have a blast!

Q-Ships

The term Q-ship originally referred to ships created during WW1 to act as decoys for German U-boats. They looked like normal fishing trawlers or cargo ships, but when the U-boats got close, they revealed their serious firepower hidden below deck. The term has been appropriated by the automotive community to refer to cars that appear to be everyday, run-of-the-mill sedans, but are in fact hiding serious firepower under the hood.

I’ve been thinking about these a lot after German Car Day at the Larz Anderson Auto Museum a few weeks ago. In attendance were a couple of the quintessential Q-ships – the mid-eighties Mercedes 190 2.3-16 and the early nineties Mercedes 500E. The former took the entry-level 190 sedan and dropped in a Cosworth 16-valve engine. The latter was hand-built by Porsche for Mercedes-Benz and had a wicked V8. Neither car had much that gave away their true potential other than badging and subtle flares and skirts. Both of these cars remain relatively affordable today (compared with their BMW counterparts from the era)…as long as you can find one that hasn’t had the snot driven out of it.

Some of my other favorite Q-ships include the Vauxhall-Lotus Carlton, Mitsubishi Galant VR-4, Volvo 850R, Ford Taurus V8 police package (not to be confused with the Taurus SHO). If you have other faves, please post them in the comments.

UPDATE: As if to prove my point that these cars tend to be flogged by the yobs who own them, look no further than this video from You Tube wherein a 190 2.3-16 gets mistreated (love the primer on the fenders).