Subaru Thinks it's the Budget Audi

Subaru, that quirky little manufacturer from Japan, has issued a bold claim that radiates confidence within the organization.  With the introduction of the brand new 2017 Subaru Impreza, Subaru hopes that buyers will consider it to be a budget alternative to an Audi A3. 

Perhaps Subaru's desire to stand toe-to-toe with Audi comes from a Consumer Reports reliability survey in 2016 where both Audi and Subaru were ranked at the top among automakers who make the best cars.  This cumulative score is calculated from overall vehicle scores, road test scores, and predicted vehicle reliability scores for every model in an automaker's lineup.  Last year, both Subaru and Audi were among the top five brands for highest predicted new car reliability in Consumer Reports.  For 2017, Audi remains in the top five, but Subaru has fallen to 11th.  Multiple problems with the Legacy and the Outback as well as falling ratings for the WRX/STI are responsible for the overall drop.

I will assume that Subaru is serious about comparing itself to one of the finest automakers from Germany, even though I have only found this claim cited in one article from Car and Driver.  In this post, I will explore what similarities already exist between the two automakers and how the 2017 Impreza represents a new era for design, quality, and dynamics.

The 2017 Impreza wears some of the

most attractive bodywork yet seen on a Subaru.

All Wheel Drive
When you think of Audi or Subaru, chances are you think of both company's commitment to all wheel drive.  Every Subaru model save for the BRZ comes standard with all wheel drive.  Likewise, every model in Audi's lineup has all wheel drive as an option if not standard.  People in the Northeast and the Northwest appreciate this option to help them deal with inclement weather.  Other luxury and non-luxury manufacturers have adopted all wheel drive on their models to better compete in these particular markets.

Motorsports
Both Audi and Subaru also have a history in motorsports.  Subaru was a staple of the World Rally Championship in the 1990s and the 2000s before pulling out after the 2008 season.  Highlights of the Subaru World Rally team include three consecutive manufacturer championships from 1995 to 1997.  Legendary driver Colin McRae won the driver's championship in 1995 driving for Subaru, and the team won two other drivers championships with Richard Burns and Petter Solberg in 2001 and 2003 respectively.

Audi also has a rallying history.  The Audi Quattro won two manufacturers championships and two drivers championships between 1982 and 1984.  In addition, the automaker has seen great success in endurance racing for over a decade.  Since the first Audi World Endurance Championship prototype appeared in 1999, the manufacturer has gone on to win 13 overall victories at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Unfortunately, Audi closed its factory racing program at the end of this year due to regularly being outperformed by its sister Porsche team, plus a companywide tightening of budgets following the Volkswagen Group Dieselgate crisis.  Audi will instead compete with a factory race team in the FIA Formula E open-wheel series.  Costs should be significantly less than for WEC, and the series can only benefit from the money and reputation Audi brings to the table.  The Formula E Series also complements Audi's new focus on promoting electric powertrains as the way of the future.

The interior of the 2017 Impreza is modern and attractive.

You can see the Eyesight cameras above the mirror.

Technology
Audi's longtime slogan was Innovation through Technology, and the company prides itself on being at the forefront of the latest technological trends.  Audi was the first mass market automaker to produce 100% galvanized cars to prevent corrosion.  It was also the first to implement LED daytime running lights on a production car.  Audi's multimedia interface has been widely praised for its ease of use over several generations.  New Audi models feature a virtual cockpit where the entire instrument panel in front of the driver is a single TFT LCD screen.  Subaru's latest technological endeavor is its Eyesight driver assistance system.  Stereoscopic cameras situated above the rearview mirror determine the distance between the car and an object ahead of it.  If the object gets within 19 feet of the car, the brake pedal is automatically applied.  Other automakers such as Mercedes-Benz and Volvo have similar systems, but Subaru, which introduced Eyesight in 2012, brought the technology to a lower price point.

Design
Audi has produced some stunning cars over the years including the A5, the A7, and the R8; Subaru, not so much.  The best looking Subaru in recent memory is the BRZ, which was designed by Toyota.  That being said, the new 2017 Impreza is far more handsome than its predecessor.  The interior also makes big improvements in terms of fit and finish.  Available options include a Harman/Kardon stereo and an 8 inch high resolution touch screen.  Quicker steering and a stiffer platform help the new Impreza drive better, too.  Speaking of its platform, the 2017 Impreza is the first Subaru to ride on the company's new global platform which will eventually be used on all Subaru models.  This is similar to how the Volkswagen Group is able to put compact hatchbacks, SUVs, and sports cars on common platforms.

The new Impreza is a promising step forward for Subaru, and the Viziv-7 concept previews a lucrative three row crossover to replace the unloved Tribeca.  Although Subaru may not yet be the budget Audi it aspires to, the literal budget Audi, Volkswagen, lags Subaru significantly in sales despite having a very similar lineup.  Subaru is on a roll right now, so Volkswagen should better watch out. 

Corvette Who? - 2017 Camaro ZL1 Catches Up with its Big Brother

Sibling rivalry within an automaker's lineup is a sticky business.  Engineers try their best to keep a stable hierarchy in place.  However, particularly among sports cars, sometimes an insurrection against the status quo breaks out.  Chevrolet has tried to be a generous parent over the years.  The Camaro has traditionally been the recipient of hand-me-downs from its big brother, the Corvette.  For the sixth generation Camaro, enthusiasts have been eager to see what surprises await now that it has been on sale for a little over a year.

The Camaro SS has already received praise for its blistering performance at a relatively affordable price.  It can also become a serious supercar slayer when equipped with the 1LE package, as demonstrated at Car and Driver's latest Lightning Lap event.  That car was faster around Virginia International Raceway than several more expensive cars including the 2017 Audi R8 and the 2012 Lexus LFA.  Many factors contribute to this extraordinary feat, including a switch to the lighter Alpha chassis and an engine shared with the Corvette Stingray.  Now, Chevy has provided the Camaro with additional firepower in the form of the 2017 Camaro ZL1.

The ZL1 is powered by the exact same engine found in the Corvette Z06.  It makes a square 650 horsepower and 650 lb-ft of torque.  The only difference is a conventional oil pan instead of the dry sump lubrication setup used in the Corvette.  Aside from that, many other Z06 performance features are present.  The ZL1 has magnetorheological dampers, an electronic limited-slip differential, and GM's Performance Traction Management system.  To provide sufficient air to the engine, the front radiators have grown to almost ludicrous proportions.  The new ZL1 also employs the hollowed-out "flow tie" first seen in the last generation Z/28.

A six-speed manual transmission is standard, and a new ten-speed automatic developed in conjunction with Ford is optional.  Chevy says that the automatic's 7.39 overall ratio spread will help optimize gear selection for acceleration and when exiting corners.

At a starting price of around $62,000 when it goes on sale at the end of this year, the Camaro ZL1 is priced in prime Corvette territory.  It makes a compelling option for those who want Z06 power without the $100,000 sticker that car commands.  Sure you'd have to put up with some of the Camaro's shortcomings, such as a fairly pedestrian interior and limited outward visibility, but for some the sacrifices will be worth it.

Chevrolet has established a system in which the Corvette receives first crack at new technologies and more powerful engines.  Then the Camaro gets its turn to play.  To stay ahead, the Corvette will receive a ZR1 upgrade in 2018 with an estimated 700 horsepower.  Perhaps we can expect the next Camaro Z/28 to keep the friendly sibling rivalry going when it appears shortly thereafter.

Pokemon Genesect Mythical Collection Box Opening

Hello.  This is the first video I have uploaded to this blog.  I thought I would give it a try and see if people enjoy seeing me do something different.  As you might have guessed from the name of this blog, I am a big fan of collecting Pokémon cards.  I've pondered over how I can share that passion on this blog much like the PokeTubers on YouTube do.  I don't have the resources or the equipment to compare with them, but I will do my best with what I have.  I hope you enjoy the video, and I'll make some more as new trading card products are released.

Scooby Doo on Zombie Island Review

Happy Halloween everyone!  To celebrate, I am going to review one of the scariest cartoons I remember watching when I was younger.  That honor goes to the direct to video movie Scooby-Doo on Zombie Island.  This movie came out in 1998 and is credited for renewing interest in the Scooby-Doo franchise.  It paved the way for several new Scooby-Doo series, some live action movies, and a TV movie every year since.

This was the first Scooby-Doo production to not have Casey Kasem as the voice of Shaggy.  Kasem refused to voice Shaggy unless Shaggy was characterized as a vegetarian like he was.  In fact, Frank Welker was the only actor from the original series to reprise his role for this movie.  The original voice actor for Scooby, Don Messick, died nearly a year before the movie's release.  A dedication to Messick appears in the credits.

The movie is meant as a follow up to the original 1969 TV series.  The gang is slightly older, and they have gone their separate ways.  Fred and Daphne have their own television series, Velma owns a mystery bookstore, and Shaggy and Scooby bounce from job to job.  To celebrate Daphne's birthday, Fred organizes the gang to reunite and accompany him and Daphne while they are filming new haunted house segments for their show. 

The gang eventually arrives in New Orleans after a series of disappointing adventures where the monsters they encounter always end up being people in costumes.  They receive an invitation by a young woman named Lena to accompany her to her employer's mansion on Moonscar Island, which she says is haunted by the ghost of the pirate, Morgan Moonscar.  Soon, ghosts and zombies appear all over the place.  Everyone tries to come up with a logical explanation for what they are seeing based on their previous experiences with supposed supernatural beings.  However, as the movie goes on, they are forced to accept the horrifying truth: these monsters are real.

Scooby-Doo on Zombie Island is a significant departure from the original series.  It is much darker, which is due in part to the fact that the zombies are depicted as being real.  Scenes of death also appear throughout the movie.  The animators and sound designers didn't try to make the zombies less frightening either.  One terrifying scene in particular shows Scooby and Shaggy encountering a skeleton which grows skin, hair, and clothes to become a zombie.  A supernatural light causes other zombies to emerge from the depths of the bayou.  While trying to "unmask" one of the zombies, Fred accidentally pulls its entire head off, and the gang toss it around in terror.

Rotten Tomatoes gave Scooby-Doo on Zombie Island a rating of 88%.  Critics and viewers praised the voice acting, the animation, and the story's originality.  I remember when I first saw this movie, I was still scared for over a week afterwards.  Now that I am older, I can appreciate the good aspects of this movie.  It still ranks among the best Scooby-Doo movies I've seen.  Characterization is strong, and the surprise twist in the story is expertly done.

Scary imagery aside, the music for this movie totally rocks.  Two songs that play during the movie, "The Ghost is Here" and "It's Terror Time Again," were performed by the Los Angeles based rock band Skycycle.  The "Scooby-Doo, Where Are You!" title track was performed by Third Eye Blind. 

I would recommend this movie to children aged 10 and up.  Anyone younger might get too scared while watching it.  Please believe me when I say that I can attest to this.  For those who can handle the terrifying imagery, it is a great movie to watch with family and friends during Halloween.

Say Hello to Genesis

We all saw this coming.  Hyundai has finally realized its desire to offer a full line of luxury vehicles with the introduction of the Genesis brand.  It is pleasing to see how Hyundai has marched forward with this plan over the better part of the last decade to the point where most people do not raise their eyebrows at a Korean luxury car.  Anyone can throw some leather and wood in a car and call it luxurious, but it takes more than that to win over the opinion of the public who will ultimately purchase and support the product.  To that end, some major credit must be given to the marketing team, management, and engineers who made this possible.
 
 Hyundai began its climb up the luxury ladder in 2009 with the Genesis sedan.  It was positioned as more luxurious and sporting than the ho-hum Azera.  With rear wheel drive and an available V8 engine, plus Hyundai’s excellent warranty, the Genesis offered buyers a cheaper alternative to other entry level luxury sedans.  It scored favorably in comparison tests, and stayed in production until 2015 when it was replaced with a second generation model.

 The next Genesis featured noticeable improvements in design and performance.  Although the interior was still not quite up to the level of fit and finish seen in Audi, Lexus, or Mercedes, it was attractive and befitting of a $40,000 car.  More importantly, Hyundai worked diligently to address criticisms of the first car’s ride and handling.  To do this, Hyundai partnered with Lotus to sort out deficiencies with the car’s anti-roll bars, springs, dampers, steering calibration, and engine mounts.  A stiffer structure also helped contribute to a better sorted suspension.  Initial tests praised the 2015 Genesis’s steering as attentive and well-weighted; and its ride comfortable over rough roads.

 The second model of Hyundai’s luxury product assault was the Equus, a full size luxury limo.  It debuted in 2010 as a 2011 model.  Using the same platform as the Genesis, the Equus was sized and equipped to compete with the venerable Mercedes-Benz S-Class, Lexus LS, and Audi A8.  To differentiate itself from other cars, the Equus came with a unique ownership experience known as “Your Time, Your Place.”  An industry first interactive owner’s manual app provides a convenient and simple way for owners to become familiar with the vehicle’s capabilities.  Maintenance is completely free for three years or 36,000 miles.  When service is required, owners can schedule an appointment online, and can even have their vehicle picked up for them with a complementary loaner left in its place.  Once maintenance is completed, the owner chooses the time and place for their vehicle to be delivered.  Hyundai has introduced this program to all Genesis models, and it is likely other luxury brands will offer similar programs. 

Now in 2016, the Hyundai Genesis has become the 2017 Genesis G80, andis essentially the same as last year's model.  A few more optional equipment items are now standard such as lane keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, automatic braking, and blind spot detection.  Prices start around $40,000 for a V6 car and $54,000 for the V8. 

 The Genesis G90 is the successor to the Equus and benefits from a comprehensive refresh.  Much like the second generation Genesis, the new G90’s ride, build quality, and technology have been improved upon.  Pricing for the G90 should undercut the competition at around $70,000.  The G90 also has standard equipment items that are pricey options on German cars, further enhancing its value.

 For the time being, Genesis cars will be sold out of Hyundai dealerships, although the plan is for them to eventually have their own showrooms.  More models will be added to the lineup in due time, including a couple SUVs, a smaller sedan, and a coupe.  The big question remains though whether Hyundai's multibillion dollar investment in the Genesis brand will be worth it.

Hyundai likens Genesis as a Lexus for a new era.  Remember, Lexus was created by Toyota to take on the best of Europe at a more affordable price.  However, Lexus's real advantage was its superior build quality compared to its competitors.  The original Lexus LS shook the luxury market to the core with its hair thin panel gaps and bullet proof Toyota reliability.

 It will take years to see how much market share Genesis gains, but it can be expected that the new brand will build a healthy following for its value proposition and personalized ownership experience.  Hyundai has also demonstrated that it learns from past errors and continually works to improve its cars to stay in line with customer expectations.  Such diligence is admirable and can only be rewarded with success.

The Importance of Value

This blog post is going to cover a variety of topics, including cars, cards, and something else.  What I am going to do is share my thoughts on what it means to ascribe value to something.  How much is something truly worth?  Can the monetary value of something completely encapsulate its real value?

The thing that got me thinking about all this was a Lego magazine I received in the mail.  In addition to cars, cards, and cartoons, I am a big Lego fan.  The Star Wars line is undoubtedly my favorite.  When I was younger I enjoyed reenacting scenes from the movies and coming up with my own stories.  For example, what if the Empire decided to conquer the Throwbots?  Would the Insectoids align with the Separatists?  I used to play Legos with my sister, who has a lot of Harry Potter sets.  I would send my AT-ST to attack her Hogwarts, and things like that.

I haven't bought a Lego Star Wars set for some time now.  Part of the reason is that the sets and the figures have become so intricately detailed, they would clash horribly with the sets I already have.  The other reason is because Lego sets have become so darn expensive.  The magazine I just got features an X-Wing Starfighter for $79.99.  I have the original 1999 X-Wing, which retailed for only $30.  True, my X-Wing looks pretty flimsy compared to the new one, but it still gets the job done.

I know that Lego bleats continuously that they strive to maintain a 10 cent price per part ratio for all their products, and have been doing so even for the older sets.  I guess that makes sense on some level, but at the same time I can't help thinking that the finished product should have some factor in determining the value of the set.  For example, one of my most prized Lego Star Wars sets is the Ultimate Space Battle set #7283.  It includes a total of five ships and retailed for a price of $50 back in 2005.  I don't think Lego is capable of making something like that today.  To build the modern equivalent of this set, you would have to spend at least twice that. 

Today the Ultimate Space Battle sells online for around $300.  For the amount of enjoyment I got from it, I would go so far to call it a bargain in its day.  I truly feel sorry for kids nowadays.  I couldn't possibly buy all my Lego sets again if I had to.  My birthday and Christmas lists would have to be nickel and dimed to make sure everything on it is worth it.

The same value argument applies for cars.  Spending more money on a car used to mean that you were getting convenience and luxury items unavailable in cheaper cars.  August 2016 average car transaction prices were at a record high as consumers chose larger vehicles with more safety and convenience features.  However, there are still some cars whose lists of standard equipment have some glaring shortcomings considering the price.  In a comparison test between a $46,000 Chevrolet Camaro and a $81,000 BMW M4, Motor Trend concluded that the Camaro is not only a performance equal to the M4, it trumps the BMW in features and amenities.  The Camaro came equipped with features such as a backup camera, heated seats, and satellite radio.  To add those options on the BMW would lift its MSRP even higher. 

A new Audi A8 which starts at around $81,000 doesn't have a single USB port.  My mom's $15,000 Honda Fit has a USB port.  Another example of not getting what you pay for is the Rolls-Royce Dawn.  One model tested by Car and Driver lacked onboard WiFi and Apple CarPlay capabilities.  I understand that not everyone needs WiFi wherever they go, but you would think something like that would be standard equipment for a car that costs over $400,000.

At the end of the day, an object's value is determined more by how much it means to you than it does the monetary number assigned to it.  Whether it be a car, a trading card, or a toy, your connection to the object can overcome the number following the dollar sign attached to it.  Big purchases should not be taken lightly, and people should not assume that just because something is more expensive means it is that much better.  The feel good factor you receive from the object of your desire goes a long way in determining your long term satisfaction with owning it.

The End of the Ute

On July 29, the last Ford Falcon Ute left Ford's Broadmeadow plant outside of Melbourne, Australia.  Ford is scheduled to end all vehicle production in Australia by September of this year.  General Motors and Toyota have also made plans to end Australian production by the end of 2017.  Henceforth, all vehicles sold by these brands in Australia will be imported from elsewhere.  The strength of the Australian dollar and increasing production costs are major factors behind the decision to cease local production of automobiles.  Other factors include changing consumer tastes toward cheaper imported vehicles.  Ford has seen sales of its Falcon dwindle from a high of 81,000 in 1995 to around 14,036 in 2013, and has observed customers looking for a practical workhorse purchase its Thailand-built Ranger pickup truck.

The history of the ute dates back to 1932, when a wife of a farmer in Victoria, Australia wrote a letter to Ford asking them to build a vehicle "to go to church in on Sunday, and which can carry our pigs to market on Mondays."  Ford obliged the woman's request, and it was the beginning of a long standing tradition of Australian-designed and built coupe utility vehicles.  The current Ford Falcon Ute can tow up to 5,000 lbs when properly equipped, and has a payload of up to one ton.  All the while, it offers its passengers a smooth car-like ride.  General Motors' Holden division developed its first ute in 1951, and continues to build one based off the Holden Commodore sedan.

Ford and General Motors brought the ute to America in the late 1950s.  The Ford Ranchero was derived from different Ford sedans over the course of its lifetime, and stayed in production until 1979.  The Chevrolet El Camino was born in response to the Ranchero and outlasted its competitor until 1987.  Government restrictions and increasing production costs made car-based utility vehicles more unattractive from a manufacturing standpoint.  While American utes faded into obscurity, they thrived in Australia.  Each generation brought increases in refinement and capability.  High performance variants generated numbers to embarrass many a sports car, including the 435 horsepower Holden HSV Maloo and the 422 horsepower Ford FPV Pursuit. 

The end of Australian manufacturing and the ute are sad news for many in the automotive community.  Much like Australia is a refuge for unique indigenous wildlife, so it has become a bastion of cars that have, for the most part, gone extinct elsewhere around the world.  The Ford Falcon and the Holden Commodore are among the last mainstream family sedans and coupe utility vehicles to offer rear wheel drive and a V8 powertrain as an option.  They are also as important cultural icons to Australia as are kangaroos and koalas.  The emotional connection and overwhelming passion Ford and Holden fans felt for these homegrown cars is unlikely to be replicated with any imported models from either company's portfolio. 

It is difficult for car manufacturers today to distribute their resources between cars they want to build and cars they need to build.  Does Acura really need the NSX?  Does Chevrolet need the Corvette?  Some would say yes to those questions.  These cars serve as showpieces for their brand that cast their aura across the rest of the lineup.  Sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn't.  The Dodge Viper is about to end production after failing spectacularly with the buying public.  Cars brimming with passion still need to make some contribution to the bottom line in addition to creating a halo for the brand.  It is unfortunate that the Australian ute will soon be leaving us.  Australia and the rest of the world will not be the same without it.

Cars: 2017 Honda Ridgeline

After a two year hiatus, the Honda Ridgeline is back and better than ever.  The second generation Ridgeline rides on a completely new platform and has been redesigned inside and out to do battle with established heavyweights such as the Toyota Tacoma, Nissan Frontier, Chevrolet Colorado, and GMC Canyon. 

Honda positions the Ridgeline as a utility vehicle for those who do not need the capabilities of a full size pickup, and would like a comfortable ride.  To that end, the new Ridgeline continues to share its unit body underpinnings with the Honda Pilot crossover.  The original Ridgeline received criticism from some truck buyers for not being a real truck.  They say real trucks are built using body on frame construction to maximize towing ability. 

Although the Ridgeline lags its competitors in terms of towing capability, it offers a much better ride for its passengers and gets superior fuel mileage.  Honda quotes fuel economy at 18 mpg city, 25 highway, and a combined rating of 21 mpg for all wheel drive models.  Towing capacity is rated at 3,500 pounds for front wheel drive Ridgelines and 5,000 pounds for all wheel drive Ridgelines.  For comparison, the base four cylinder Tacoma can pull 3,500 pounds and is capable of towing as much as 6,800 pounds with the optional tow package.  The bed of the Ridgeline has grown four inches longer and can comfortably hold 4x8 sheets of plywood or a couple of motorcycles.  Payload is quoted at 1,584 pounds, among the best in the segment.     

Novel features include a tailgate that can swing out as well as down for versatility while loading the bed.  There is also a handy in bed storage compartment capable of carrying an additional 7.3 cubic feet of cargo.  Inside, the rear seats split 60/40, and can lift up to make room for groceries and even a bike.  A new feature for this generation is an in-bed audio system that uses speakers mounted behind the bed lining to play music.  An outlet in the bed allows hookup for a television or power tools. 

Of course, the Ridgeline comes equipped with Honda's latest safety and convenience technology.  Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard on higher tier models, as is HondaLink, which can stream music, access social media, and even make it easy to schedule service appointments.  A rearview camera is standard on all models, and other driving aids such as blind spot monitoring systems and lane keeping assist are part of the Honda Sensing package.

The Ridgeline does start on the expensive side of midsize pickups with an MSRP of around $29,475.  However, keep in mind that the Ridgeline is only offered with a 280 hp V6 engine.  Apples to apples, the Ridgeline is priced competitively with comparable models, and offers several class exclusive features that should entice prospective buyers.  Honda did its research when developing the Ridgeline, and built a truck that will suit the majority of people's lifestyles.

Back in 2005 when the first Ridgeline debuted, it was heralded as the right truck at the right time as gas prices started to climb.  Prices are lower now, but fuel economy remains a priority in the truck industry.  Ford has already made strides in weight reduction and fuel efficiency by offering a turbocharged V6 and aluminum bodywork on its best selling F-150.  With the innovative new Ridgeline, Honda stands to gain a healthy market share of those looking for a fuel efficient, comfortable riding, and versatile midsize pickup. 

First Speculations for Transformers: The Last Knight

Looks like Optimus had a rough flight

Finally we have our first idea of what to expect from the latest Transformers movie, now known as The Last Knight.  A pair of brief 20 second videos have been released showing what appears to be Optimus Prime and Megatron.  In addition, filming has begun this week and several new cars have been spotted on site.  I was planning to offer my thoughts on the latest installment of the Transformers film franchise, as well as what I was hoping to see.  Now seems as good a time as any, so let's get started.

I will admit that I generally like the Transformers movies.  The first one was a lot of fun, Revenge of the Fallen is passable, and Dark of the Moon is hindered only by the convoluted Sentinel Prime plot twist.  I will be going into The Last Knight on a sour note, as Age of Extinction was my least favorite movie.  It could have been good, but there are numerous problems.  The tone is way too somber, the product placement is annoying, the story makes no sense, and there are so many filming errors that it's hard to take this film seriously.  I still have yet to buy it on DVD, and probably won't unless The Last Knight blows my mind and I need Age of Extinction to fill in the story. 

As we know, Age of Extinction ended with Optimus Prime flying into space in search of his creators.  From the looks of this image, the trip didn't go too well.  Optimus's face is all faded and dirty.  I'm curious about the red on his left cheek, since he didn't have any red markings on his face when he left.  The most interesting aspect of this image is his eyes.  Instead of their usual blue, Optimus's eyes are purple.  The last time I saw a transformer with purple eyes was Megatron in the Transformers: Prime TV series.  Megatron was under the influence of dark energon at the time.  Dark energon is said to be the emanation of Unicron and can be used to increase one's power, revive the dead, and corrupt Transformers. 

Speaking of Megatron, his image also shows him with purple tinged eyes and a red stain on his face.  I'm still not sure if this is indeed Megatron, because Megatron became Galvatron in Age of Extinction.  Also, this looks nothing like any previous depiction of Megatron.  There will be some heavy duty explaining to do if Megatron returns and changes his appearance so comprehensively.  Although Michael Bay insists that this is Megatron, I am going to assume that this is misinformation and will continue my speculation as if Megatron's conscience remains in Galvatron.

It is possible that somehow, Megatron is able to extract his conscience from Galvatron's body, but I would hope that the writers don't go for something as crazy as that.  Ideally, The Last Knight should focus primarily on Optimus Prime's search for his creators.  A story about Optimus Prime travelling the universe would be quite entertaining.  He could encounter all kinds of alien species and have a Star Wars style adventure.  For that matter, he could meet other characters from the Transformers universe who have yet to make an appearance on screen.  Imagine if Optimus found Ultra Magnus as an obedient slave for the creators and is able to show him a greater calling as an Autobot.   

The Transformers still on Earth may go back to working for the government.  However, I find it more plausible that after everything from the last movie, they would just like to be left alone.  Bumblebee and the other Autobots could become the guardians of the Yeager family, as Optimus instructed.  They may be drawn into conflict as Galvatron, who survived the battle of Hong Kong, rallies all remaining Decepticons on Earth in a bid for revenge.  He would likely chase down the humans and Autobots until a final encounter where Optimus arrives with reinforcements from the creators' homeworld to drive off Galvatron.

The details can change and some character subplots could be introduced to spice things up, but I feel this is a logical story based on the events of the last film.  But, if I have learned anything, it's that the logical route is rarely followed in these films.  We'll probably end up with yet another poorly written, explosion-filled, product-saturated headache.  Only time will tell.  Until then, I anxiously await confirmation on new Transformers and will pour over all the new vehicles as more information becomes available.        

Redline Review

Hello readers.  Sorry for the delay in new posts.  I've had a lot going on this month such as moving to a new house and starting a new full time job.  I haven't had much time to sit and write in a while, but now that things are settling down, I'm going to get this blog up and running again.  Thank you very much for your patience.

Today, I am going to review one of my favorite anime movies: Redline.  Redline is about a type of racing that sort of combines the idea of Speed Racer with a dash of Podracing from Star Wars.  Racers from across the universe dream of competing in Redline, the most dangerous race of all.  Anything goes at Redline, and racers are lucky to survive.  Here we find our protagonist, Sweet JP.  JP is a highly skilled, yet goodhearted racer.  He doesn't approve of high tech weapons on his car, instead relying on his natural talents as a racer and a few caps of nitro to get the most out of his TransAm 20000.  JP almost wins the Yellowline preliminary race, but sabotage from his best friend and mechanic, Frisbee, costs him the victory.

Frisbee and JP are in up to their necks with the mob, and have been involved in various race fixing schemes.  Money from the mob pays for JP's bail bond funds.  Following Yellowline, JP is wondering what to do next when word come out that two racers decide to drop out of Redline, and fans vote JP into the race.  This time around, Redline will be held on Roboworld.  However, Roboworld's president vows to destroy the racers by any means necessary.  Not only do the leaders of Roboworld despise racing culture, the high levels of media coverage will likely expose Roboworld's illegal weapons buildup.  JP is ready to give the race his all, and hopes to get on better terms with fellow competitor and Yellowline winner, Sonoshee McLaren. 

The strength of Redline rests in the characterization of JP and Sonoshee.  Each of them embodies stereotypical racer tropes.  JP is the easygoing nice guy with a questionable past.  He allowed himself to be arrested so that Frisbee wouldn't get into any more trouble.  And Sonoshee is the strong willed independent female out to prove herself to all the boys.  As formulaic as their budding romantic relationship is, it works because the writers don't make it the sole focus of the story.  In addition, viewers get brief bios of the other racers, which range from satirical, to clichéd, to downright comedic.  Other plotlines involve Frisbee coming to terms with his involvement with the mob, and Roboworld's efforts to destroy all the racers. 

Redline is also a technical and artistic masterpiece of a film.  It was the first time I had been exposed to the work of Madhouse, and I have been impressed with everything I have seen from them since.  Every single frame is hand drawn, and it took the people involved in making this film seven years to finish.  I can only imagine how painstaking it was to render all 100,000 frames.  Fortunately, the result is completely worth it.       

I never saw the 2008 Speed Racer live action movie, but I feel like this is what that movie should have been.  The racing action is balanced by well developed lead characters, excellent humor, and an engaging story.  Racing anime tend to sit between a spectrum bookended by the fun, but campy, Speed Racer on one end, and realistic and overly technical Initial D at the other.  Redline rests just off center towards the Speed Racer end, but is able to keep audiences glued despite getting over the top ridiculous at times.  It's one fast ride of a movie, but audiences are going to enjoy every minute.  

Crisis at Fiat-Chrysler

Recently I read an article on Car and Driver about how Fiat-Chrysler CEO Sergio Marchionne is questioning the profitability of Tesla's new Model 3 sedan.  To this I say, Marchionne should worry about his own company's health before offering his two cents on others.  This is just the most recent in a line of news articles that have me really questioning if Fiat-Chrysler is going to survive the long run.  It seems to me that the company has become a house of cards just waiting for the right catastrophe to topple it over for good.

Fiat's return to the US has been less than successful,
with dealers struggling to sell inventory

Looking through monthly sales numbers led to my initial concern.  Jeep and Ram post healthy gains month to month.  This makes sense considering people's ravenous appetite for SUVs, trucks, and crossovers.  For 2015, 39 percent of all new cars that left Fiat-Chrysler showrooms were Jeeps.  However, it must also be noted that Dodge, Chrysler, and Fiat, in the same articles, usually post double digit declines month to month.  For the most part, Dodge, Chrysler, and Fiat don’t offer light trucks.  Exceptions include the Dodge Durango, which is kind of a niche product as the only remaining rear drive, V8 powered, three-row midsize SUV; and the Dodge Journey, which is mediocre in all criteria.  I'm surprised the Fiat 500X hasn't been a bigger sales success.  Its sister car, the Jeep Renegade, is selling like crazy.  Fiat desperately needed this car to ride the wave of sub compact crossover sales, but I'm guessing poor reliability and lack of dealership visibility have hurt sales potential.  Fiat has only 206 showrooms in the US, which is about the same number of Chrysler showrooms in New York and California alone.

For 2016, all five Fiat-Chrysler brands are in the bottom seven Consumer Reports new car predicted reliability positions.  Chrysler's nine speed automatic transmission has been a source of constant headaches, and don't forget the public hacking of a Jeep Cherokee through its infotainment system which led to a recall of 1.4 million Chrysler cars to fix the vulnerability.  Reliability has never been Chrysler's strong suit, and their shoddy reputation is turning away potential new buyers looking for a trouble free motoring experience. 

This leads to the next part of my concern.  I have addressed the past and the present, and now must look to the future.  Here is where I develop serious doubt as to Sergio Marchionne's leadership skills.  It was announced in January that the Dodge Dart and the Chrysler 200 would not be renewed for a second generation.  Instead, Marchionne is going to increase production of  Jeep and Ram vehicles, citing low gas prices as a permanent condition.  My first reaction to this was something along the lines of, "What an idiot."  Gas prices will go up eventually, and Fiat-Chrysler will be up a creek when they do.  Midsize and compact sedans are crucial to any mainstream automaker's lineup to keep fleet fuel economy high.  Even if gas prices stay low, the government will continue to pass increasingly stricter fuel economy regulations.

Once the next big thing, the Dodge Dart will
not be renewed for a second generation

The Dart was released to great fanfare in 2012 as a breakthrough for Dodge.  It was the same story with the 200 in 2014.  That car was supposed to end the nightmare that was the Sebring.  But, as Marchionne states, the Dart's and the 200's disappearance will not significantly hurt Chrysler's profits, which indicates that they can't be selling that many or making a profit off of those they do sell.  Nevertheless, announcing a car is to be discontinued while it's still got a few years left in production could really hurt consumer confidence and stifle whatever sales potential the cars have left.



I could ramble on forever about Marchionne's crazy schemes.  He expects Alfa Romeo to be selling 400,000 vehicles globally in 2020.  Alfa could launch an entire lineup tomorrow and it will still take years to reach those kinds of numbers, if they ever reach them at all.  The brand is positioning itself as an Italian alternative to Audi, and it took Audi the better part of a decade to shed its old image as a purveyor of slightly nicer Volkswagens to that of a legitimate luxury car maker in its own right.  Considering Alfa Romeo is starting from scratch, with a history of notorious reliability behind it, Marchionne's statements are hopelessly optimistic.  Marchionne also keeps looking for business partners; in particular he is constantly courting General Motors CEO Mary Barra about a merger.  Smartly, she isn't biting.  If Marchionne had confidence in his own business, he wouldn't keep asking others to join him.  Furthermore, Fiat-Chrysler has nothing valuable to offer GM.  GM has made tremendous progress following its bankruptcy.  There is no need for them to stoop back down to Chrysler's level.

A big part of GM's resurgence has to do with a significantly improved product lineup.  Chrysler's lineup is mostly the same since before its partnership with Fiat, and the company has remained quiet on the future of several key models.  The Dodge Charger, Chrysler 300, and Dodge Challenger desperately need a top to bottom update, and the current Durango should be nearing the end of its product cycle.  However, no test mules have been spotted and no announcements have been given regarding replacements.  There's still time, and I would expect there to be some announcement by the end of this year about some unveilings at the 2017 Detroit Auto Show.

So, all in all, things look pretty gloomy for Fiat-Chrysler.  A dearth of competitive products, poor reliability, and corporate mismanagement are appearing to stifle the group.  Then again, for Chrysler, that might just be business as usual.

One-Punch Man Review

Genos (left) and Saitama

Superheroes, they are not overused.  Just kidding.  They are terribly overused.  The superhero genre is one of the most saturated in the market.  The biggest culprits would be Marvel and DC Comics for churning out countless blockbusters nearly every other month, and don't get me started on their myriad television series.  This isn't to say their stuff is terrible.  It's just that superheroes are the easiest way to milk money from your audience.  They take little thought to create, and sometimes make up for lackluster storylines with state of the art special effects.  It takes something really unique to break through the fog that superhero media creates, and thankfully, there is just such a thing in the form of One-Punch Man.

One-Punch Man follows a man named Saitama, who always dreamed about becoming a hero.  After defeating a monster one day, he trained constantly for three years until he obtained the strength of a god.  The series follows Saitama as he searches for opponents whom he can defeat in more than a single punch, while looking for some recognition of his heroic actions.  It's a fairly interesting premise.  Of course, this also puts the show at a disadvantage.  If Saitama is invincible, there is little at stake in any of the fights.  Thankfully, there is more to the show that keeps viewers interested.  Chief among which are its rich cast of characters and its insightful look into the business of being a superhero. 


For a genre that has its share of creative bankruptcy, One-Punch Man does introduce a number of characters over the course of the series.  In addition to Saitama, the second main character is a cyborg named Genos.  He is younger than Saitama, and whereas Saitama has grown bored with his life, Genos is a hotshot young gun ready to make his mark on the world.  Genos was once a normal human, but became a cyborg after another cyborg killed his family.  Vowing revenge, Genos scours the land for foes he can test his strength against so that he will be ready when he confronts his nemesis again.  Unfortunately, Genos meets his match in Mosquito Girl, who makes short work of him.  Luckily, Saitama arrives and easily defeats Mosquito Girl.  Genos then pledges himself as Saitama's apprentice hoping to learn how to become just as powerful.  Other interesting villains appear over the course of the series, as do several heroes from the Hero Association. 


As seems to be the norm for superhero material nowadays, regulation of heroes makes its presence known in One-Punch Man.  The Hero Association was created by a multi millionaire in order to fight against crime, monsters, and other threats.  Both Saitama and Genos enroll in the Hero Association in order to gain more recognition as heroes.  The Hero Association presents what might be the most interesting aspect of the series.  The Association manages all registered heroes through a meritocracy.  It uses a class system to rank heroes from S to C based on their skill and by their number of heroic deeds.  This puts heroes not just in competition against evil, but in constant competition with each other to advance in rank, especially as you look further down the rankings.  C- Class heroes need to meet a weekly quota for heroic deeds, or else be expelled from the Association, whereas high ranking heroes can sit around as they please, only getting involved if they feel it is worth the risk and reward.  Meanwhile they encourage lower class heroes to work harder in order to climb up the rankings.  It's pure capitalist rhetoric, but it makes sense.  When we do see higher ranked heroes in action, there is little doubt left as to how powerful they are.  They probably had to work hard to get where they are, too, and are likely only repeating what they were told themselves. 


Fortunately, not all heroes only care about fame.  Some heroes do enjoy helping people.  The best example of this would be Mumen Rider.  He is the top ranked C- Class hero, and is always riding his bicycle to a conflict.  He doesn't have much for strength, but his willingness to constantly put his life on the line against overwhelming odds is to be commended.  During the final episode, Mumen Rider along with some other lower class heroes aid in the evacuation of civilians while Saitama and the S-Class heroes fight off an alien invasion.  There are many different ways to be a hero, even though some might be less glamorous than others.  That, and the show's message about the purity of motives are One-Punch Man's greatest strengths.  Heroes and villains ponder over why Saitama is as strong as he is.  The answer stems from Saitama's dedication to training himself and his sincere desire to help people.


The animation for One-Punch Man is superb.  Fights are expertly choreographed and are carried out with savage ferocity.  Every character has a unique design that serves to either compliment or contradict their personalities.  One shortcoming of the series I can think of is that civilians tend to be forgotten amid the action scenes.  Although there is massive destruction throughout the episodes and it is implied that there is often great loss of life, its hard to appreciate the gravity of the situation.  It's like this is several other superhero stories, so I can give One-Punch Man a pass in this regard.  It appears that some newer films such as Batman v Superman and Captain America: Civil War are going to address civilian casualties to some degree, which is good.  The actions of heroes and villains alike have consequences on everyday folks, and it appears that writers sometimes overlook that as they design over the top action scenes. 


I highly recommend One-Punch Man for anyone who is a fan of superheroes and is looking for something extremely funny and surprisingly thought provoking.  The superhero genre needs something new to balance out the sheer volume of products.  The 12 episodes shown leave a lot of questions unanswered and character development to be explored.  I excitedly await any future seasons of One-Punch Man to be produced.

We Need More TRD

Following Toyota's admirable showing in this year's Daytona 500, I am left pondering a topic that comes to my head from time to time, that being why Toyota doesn't use its NASCAR success to bolster its lineup of passenger cars.


In the past, manufacturers often used the slogan, "race on Sunday, sell on Monday," as a way to describe race cars that were very much akin to their road going counterparts.  That has changed in recent years as NASCAR instead now uses purpose built machines decorated with an assortment of graphics to help them better resemble street cars.  Improvements were made in 2013 with the current generation car, as manufacturers have been allowed to add creases to the bodywork in the same places as on their road cars.  They look good, but I am talking about taking bigger steps than that.  I want to see some of the manufacturer's motorsports technology trickle down into cars that average people can buy.


Of the three manufacturers involved in NASCAR, Chevrolet comes closest to bridging the gap between the race track and the street.  Both the SS race car and street car are powered by V8 engines and are rear wheel drive.  Neither the Toyota Camry nor the Ford Fusion are available with rear wheel drive or eight cylinder powerplants.  The Camry offers a V6 as its largest engine, and Ford is returning to the six cylinder group for 2017 after a four year hiatus with a monster 325 hp twin turbo unit.


Ford has been making significant steps to improving the connection between its road and motorsports programs beginning over a year ago with the introduction of the new Ford Performance brand.  Ford Performance unifies the Ford Special Vehicles Team, Team RS, and Ford Racing under one banner.  It plans to offer 12 new vehicles by 2020.  We already have some, including the Fiesta ST, the Focus ST and Focus RS, and the Mustang Shelby GT350.  Upcoming vehicles are the F-150 Raptor and the GT supercar.  Ford is serious about giving its street cars a performance boost, something Chevrolet did a few years back when it built Super Sport versions of almost all its mainline cars and trucks, one of which I'm fortunate to own.  Chevrolet still offers some performance cars such as the Camaro, the Corvette, and the SS itself.  Toyota has some off road focused Tundras and Tacomas, but that's about it.


This is a shame since Toyota Racing Development has proven motorsports success.  Besides NASCAR, Toyota teams compete in the World Endurance Championship, Super GT, and NHRA, and have competed in the past in rallying events and Formula 1.  TRD does offer a number of performance parts, but most of them are for Toyota trucks.  Next to nothing is offered for the Yaris, Camry, or Corolla.  Many parts are offered for Scion cars, however, so it is likely that they will carry over when Toyota absorbs Scion's models.  It's a good start, but there is so much more room to increase TRD's presence across Toyota's lineup.  Diehard Denny Hamlin fans would be proud to drive their Camrys on race weekend if the cars they use to transport their family and groceries were engineered with similar technology that's used successfully on the track.

Celebrating Pokemon Day and Where the Franchise Will Go Next

Happy Pokémon Day everybody!  To help celebrate Pokémon's 20th anniversary, Nintendo released a minute long advertisement during the Super Bowl earlier this month.  Unfortunately, the commercial didn't reveal much about upcoming products, but it does leave viewers with something to think about regarding how the Pokémon franchise might evolve over the next 20 years. 

The commercial begins with a young boy approaching a crowd who is apparently watching a Pokémon battle.  We see the glimpse of a wing and a flamethrower attack through the surrounding audience.  The boy, clearly inspired, whispers out loud, "I can do that," and begins training.  Footage of the boy running along a mountain is seen on television by a girl who afterwards says to herself, "I can do that."  She then goes on to win a series of chess games.  An internet video of the girl is seen by a football player.  He later gives an inspirational speech to his team, ending with a battle cry of, "We can do this!"  A news reel of the football player is seen by a young Japanese man who also says, "I can do that."  He then enters an arena that is shown to be a Pokémon battle field.  After seeing his opponent's Charizard, Gyarados, Magneton, and Mega Lucario, he throws out a Poké Ball of his own.  Before we can see what Pokémon he chooses, the image cuts to a father and son watching the match from home with their Pikachu.  The father whispers to his son, "You can do that," and the final shot lingers on the son's wide eyes before transitioning to the Pokémon 20th anniversary logo. 

It is the end of the commercial that raises the most interesting possibilities.  I think the idea of live action Pokémon is fantastic.  It would be a great direction for the franchise that would really shake things up.  Does Pokémon have the courage to do something like that?  Probably not, but they have taken small steps outside of their comfort zone before. 

I'll close by giving my thoughts about the final scene of the commercial, that being the father and son watching the Pokémon battle on TV.  I know I am not the only one who thinks that the father is meant to be Ash Ketchum.  For one thing, the man has dark hair, like Ash.  He is also wearing a blue shirt.  Blue has been a traditional color of Ash's outfits every season.  The boy sitting next to him looks almost exactly how I would imagine a real Ash Ketchum to look, especially with his dark, messy hair.  The Pikachu next to them is pretty much the final confirmation of this theory.  I know that the Pokémon anime is really pushing Ash and Serena's relationship.  This commercial would appear to be a look into the future of their family, with Ash getting their son ready to be a Pokémon trainer someday.

That being said, this is my challenge for Pokémon moving forward: After Generation Six concludes with Ash winning the Kalos league, he will start a serious relationship with Serena.  Several years later, they will have one or more children who are interested in becoming Pokémon trainers.  I would like Pokémon to make a movie or TV series following those children on their journey, while their parents provide wisdom and encouragement to help them along. 

The Pokémon franchise is now twenty years old.  An entire generation grew up with Pokémon, and is now of the age where they would be looking to have children of their own.  What better way to keep Pokémon in the family than to have a series that shows an older generation help a new one feel the rush that Pokémon brought to them many years ago.

Remembering Scion

A selection of Scions at the 2009 Boston Auto Show

I remember when I saw my first Scion on the road.  The model in question was an xB, and my initial reaction was something along the lines of, "What on earth is that?"  A boxy car was not a complete revelation at the time.  In 2003, Honda was also selling its Element small SUV; but this car took the straight edged two-box concept to a new level.  My first close look at one revealed this new mystery car to be a Scion, a name I had never heard before.  Some research on my part revealed that this was an entirely new brand created by Toyota in an effort to appeal to a younger demographic.


Today I learned that as of August 2016, the Scion brand will cease to operate.  All existing and upcoming products will be folded into the Toyota lineup.  Scion's demise was predicted by many pundits in the automotive industry, citing slumping sales and middling products, but the official announcement still comes as a shock.


The business plan for Scion was shrewd.  Scion dealers promised a haggle-free buying process for budget minded young car purchasers.  Many models were offered in one specification with a wide variety of aftermarket accessories available for those looking to personalize their car.  At first, the brand was successful.  Scion customers were indeed younger than average.  Even today, the average age of a Scion buyer is 36.  The tC coupe average buyer age is 29, and half of iA sedan and iM hatchback buyers are under 35. 


Toyota North America CEO Jim Lentz looks at the whole situation positively.  "This isn't a step backward for Scion, it's a leap forward for Toyota.  I was there when we established Scion and our goal was to make Toyota and our dealers stronger by learning how to better attract and engage young customers.  I'm very proud because that's exactly what we have accomplished."


Lentz has a point.  Scion, for its part, made Toyota relevant again.  Over 70 percent of Scion customers were new to the Toyota family.  At the time of the Scion's introduction, Toyota was a dowdy purveyor of soulless appliances.  The Supra was a distant memory, and the Celica and MR2 Spyder were on their way out.  In recent years, however, Toyota has given its cars sportier appearances with the J-Playful design language, and invested heavily in marketing cars like the Yaris and Corolla to younger audiences.  Bob Carter, senior vice president of operations for Toyota Motor Sales told Automotive News today that the time was right to close Scion.  "Today, youth buyers are in a completely different position than they were 13 years ago."  He acknowledges that Toyota has now become an aspirational brand for many, meaning that the reason for Scion to exist doesn't apply anymore.


The consolidation of Scion will have little impact from a consumer standpoint.  The iA, iM, and FR-S will wear Toyota badges for the 2017 model year, and the tC was on the chopping block after 2016 anyway.  The upcoming C-HR compact crossover will be sold as a Toyota, too.  What will be interesting to see is whether the model names themselves will change as well.  The iM is badged as a Toyota Auris in overseas markets, and the FR-S is also known as the Toyota GT86.  People could probably care less about the Auris, but I'm sure the prospect of the return of the legendary 86 name will have a good number of fanboys squealing.

Takeaways from the Boston Auto Show

The 2016 New England International Auto Show has wrapped up.  It was a big year for new cars and the display stands in the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center did not disappoint.  What follows is a selection of noteworthy cars from a variety of manufacturers.

First up is the Porsche Cayman GT4.  Porsche's junior track day car uses the 3.8 liter flat six engine straight from the Carrera S tuned to make 385 horsepower.  It's an increase of 45 horsepower over the Cayman GTS and 35 more than the base 911.  With a price of $85,595, it is by far the most expensive Cayman available.  If you needed any further conviction of this car's desire to be carving up race circuits, the GT4 is only offered with a manual transmission.

 
On the topic of high performance variants, here is a prototype of the 2017 Ford Focus RS.  This is the first RS model ever sold in the United States.  Like the GT4, the Focus RS is manual only.  It is also the only Focus to offer all wheel drive.  It's going to need it to get all 350 horsepower and 350 lb-ft of torque from its 2.3 liter turbocharged engine.  With a price around $35,000, it competes directly with formidable cars such as the Volkswagen Golf R and the Subaru WRX STI.

I've already covered the Lexus GS F here in my analysis of Lexus's hoverboard commercial, but this is my first time seeing the car in person.  I have to say it looks fantastic, and if you've seen the gorgeous Lexus LC500 recently unveiled in Detroit, you'll understand why I believe Lexus is a force to be reckoned with. 

It's a new Civic, which is a big deal considering Honda sold over 275,000 of them in 2015.  It also addresses the criticisms of the previous ninth generation Civic, especially regarding the dowdy exterior and the cheap interior trim.  The new model has a wheelbase 1.2 inches longer than before and rides on a platform shared with the next Accord.  New this year is a turbocharged 1.5 liter engine in upper level trims.  So far things are off to a good start.  The 2016 Civic was awarded North American Car of the Year. 

Call me surprised when I wandered by the Chrysler show stand and saw this on display.  The 2017 Chrysler Pacifica was just unveiled to the entire world at Detroit earlier in the week.  I never dreamed it would be at Boston for another year.  The Pacifica is the replacement for the outgoing Town and Country.  The Pacifica name last appeared on a crossover that died in 2008, about when Chrysler itself faced the grim reaper.  New sheetmetal is only the beginning of the improvements.  Chrysler promises class leading aerodynamics, ride and handling, and NVH levels.  Most interesting is a plug in hybrid model with an estimated 80 mpg-e city rating and up to 30 miles on pure electric power.  In total the Pacifica Hybrid should have a gasoline plus electric range of 530 miles.

Chevrolet has a lot to be proud about with the all new 2016 Malibu.  It puts its predecessor to shame in nearly every way.  I was excited to see what three generations of evolution had done to my car.  As you know, I love my Malibu Maxx SS.  Unfortunately, no high performance variant of this Malibu is in the cards, although there is a hybrid model with an estimated 48 mpg city and 45 mpg highway.  After sitting in one, I can comfortable say that I wouldn't pass up the opportunity to place this new one in my garage.

   Finally, here is the New England debut of the all new Lincoln Continental.  It is important to understand that Lincoln is desperately trying to reinvent itself.  Slowly but surely, it is shedding its decades old reputation as a purveyor of tinseled-up Fords.  The MKC and MKX were positive steps in the right direction, but things kick up to another level with the Continental.  In addition to a return to real names, the Continental is the only Lincoln without a direct counterpart in the Ford stable.  The car rides on a stretched Fusion platform and comes with an exclusive 3.0 liter twin turbo V6.  Lincoln places comfort as a higher priority than outright sportiness.  All seats feature heating, cooling, reclining, and massage functions.  A full suite of connectivity features including Ford's latest Sync 3, Apple Carplay, and Android Auto. It's a good showing, and the Continental is a worthy flagship for the Lincoln brand.   

Star Wars: The Clone Wars Review

One little word makes a lot of difference.  In this case it is the simple word "the" which separates the Star Wars cartoon series I reviewed last month with the one I will review today.  Although they take place at the same time in the Star Wars universe, they could not be more different.  As I will delve into during this review, this series has many things to applaud as well as some shortcomings.  Choosing which Clone Wars series is better becomes a matter of personal taste.  For today, I will focus on the 2008 CGI series created in house by Lucasfilm.


To introduce audiences to the new Clone Wars project, Lucasfilm released a theatrical movie in August 2008.  The film centered on Anakin Skywalker and his new Padawan, Ahsoka Tano, leading a mission to rescue Jabba the Hutt's son from the clutches of the Separatists.  Along the way, other characters such as Yoda, Obi-Wan Kenobi, Padme Amidala, Count Dooku, and Asajj Ventress play supporting roles in helping or hindering the mission.  The film received negative reviews from critics, with common complaints centering on the bland dialogue and the bizarre, wooden animation style.  It probably wasn't the best introduction to a new era in Star Wars, and put a lot of fans on their guard during the debut of the television series.  I watched the first episode of the TV show with an open mind and came away satisfied.  I was excited to see how the series would continue to develop.


As I mentioned in my last post, one of the things I liked about the 2003 Clone Wars series is how it shed some light on events that take place between the movies.  The newer series does the same thing in even greater detail.  With a full half hour to play with, characters, locations, and events can be developed thoroughly every episode.  Unlike the first Clone Wars series, battles are shown in their entirety.  Viewers see characters strategize and fulfill mission objectives to gain an edge in the conflict.  New planets are introduced in several episodes with great physical and cultural geography established so that viewers can build a complete picture of the world in their minds. 


We also get to see a new side of several classic characters which helps supplement existing material.  Obi-Wan is given a love interest in the form of Duchess Satine of Mandalore.  The big takeaway from this is that even though Obi-Wan can be tempted by love, he is able to keep his feelings under control and understand that his duties as a Jedi come first.  That being said, if Anakin had confided knowledge of his marriage to Padme with Obi-Wan instead of Palpatine, Obi-Wan might have been able to help Anakin sort through his conflicted emotions.  Asajj Ventress is given a more complete backstory and is better developed as a character in this series.  Anakin's dark side is explored in several intriguing story arcs, further foreshadowing his transformation into Darth Vader.  Boba Fett begins his career as a bounty hunter.  Even Jar Jar gets some chances to show his surprising competence.   


One thing I liked in this series was the level of character development given to the clone troopers.  Although the movies portray the clones not much differently than the droids they battle against, there are several episodes in The Clone Wars where the main focus is on the clones themselves.  We see clones who choose to betray the Republic, desert from the fighting, and make selfless sacrifices for their comrades.  These make for interesting plot points, but I think a greater message is trying to peek through here.  The clones were grown in laboratories, but they are still living beings.  Each episode that focuses on the clones brings out the personal struggle each one has about coming to terms with what it means to be human.  They are not programmed.  They are not droids.  They can make their own decisions and think on their own.  Humanizing the clones makes it fun to root for them, and viewers grow to care for the clones in ways that are simply impossible from just watching the movies. 


Aspects of galactic life outside the battlefield are given a look, helping better explain how the Galactic Republic crumbled from within.  One story arc follows Padme as she fights legislation to funnel more money to the military efforts at the detriment of Republic citizens.  Another deals with criticism of the Jedi, and how they have betrayed their ideals by fighting in the Clone Wars.  All of these storylines help explain how Palpatine successfully manipulated the galaxy to create an environment where the Empire can be born.


If I were to knock The Clone Wars for anything, it would be for the complications it introduced to the overall story of Star Wars.  Ahsoka Tano is a well developed character, and a great role model for young female fans of Star Wars.  Unfortunately, the writers had little choice but to get rid of her somehow before the series concludes.  Otherwise there would be a lot of explaining why someone who has been established as being so close to Anakin is not present during his final fall to the dark side.  I do not fault Ahsoka as a character, but I feel that making her Anakin's Padawan was not without its risks.  Other material from the Clone War era firmly establishes Anakin and Obi-Wan as the driving force behind the narrative.  They are, for all intensive purposes, the dynamic duo.  As I said in my last post, the movies don't elaborate too much on why or how Anakin sees Obi-Wan as a father, brother, and friend.  That relationship is explained in far greater detail in both Clone Wars TV series as well as the Expanded Universe novels.  However, with the movies as constraints, no other material placed another character front and center with those two.  Lucasfilm took a big gamble by giving Anakin a Padawan in this series, and it worked, for the most part.  I think the writers handled Ahsoka's departure from the series with as much respect for the fans as possible, but I also feel that it was a solution for a problem that didn't need to exist in the first place.


I may come off as a hater in that last paragraph, so I would like to stress that there is more to like about Ahsoka than there is to dislike.  In a way, Ahsoka's growth and development as a character is symbolic of the improvements made to the entire series over the years.  The early seasons had some goofy episodes that while fun to watch, didn't really feel like Star Wars.  Around the third season, the series really hit its stride, producing thoughtful and compelling story arcs that brought out the best in the animators, the actors, and the writers.  After five seasons, I thought The Clone Wars had got it all right.  When the sixth season of The Clone Wars was announced, I was excited to see how it would tie up remaining loose ends before the events of Revenge of the Sith.


It's therefore very sad that the series came to such an ignoble end.  The buyout of Lucasfilm by Disney resulted in the sixth season being the final season of the series.  In addition, many story arcs were cut out and the remaining episodes were released on Netflix.  The end of The Clone Wars was precipitated by Disney's desire for the team to direct its focus on a new series called Star Wars: Rebels.  On a positive note, arcs that did not get finished were released as story reels or print publications as part of The Clone Wars Legacy project.


If you are a fan of Star Wars, I highly recommend you watch this series if you haven't already.  It might seem a little silly at times, but the overall product is one of the most complete and engaging Star Wars projects ever created.