FORMULA DRIFT KOIN 6

2017 NISSAN ROUGE AND OTHER COOL CARS FROM THE MIAMI AUTO SHOW

NEW LUXURY HYBRIDS HITTING THE MARKET!

best car deals for Labor Day

2017 SUV'S HITTING THE MARKET

first drive 2017 KIA CADENZA

WOODWARD DREAM

Test Drive Of The 2017 Mercedes-Benz G550

BEST TRUCKS IN AMERICA

First Drive 2017 Nissan Titan, Now America's best truck warranty

First Drive 2017 Nissan Titan, Now America's best truck warranty

First Drive 2017 NISSAN ARMADA

SUMMER TIPS ON CAR RENTAL

First drive : The 2017 Aston Martin DB 11

FIRST DRIVE OF THE ASTON MARTIN DB11

SAYING GOODBYE TO THE MUSCLE CAR

First Drive 2017 Nissan Armada

First Drive 2017 Nissan Armada

Mini Takes the States : Day One : Test Miles Vlog

COPS SWITCH BACK FROM SUV TO SEDANS

First Drive of the 2016 Toyota Prius including 0-60

First Official Test Drive 2017 Jaguar F-Pace

2016 Mazda CX-9 First Drive (4K)

2016 Jeep Concepts

Comparing the Last 3 Generations of Camaro

First Drive the all new Jaguar F-Pace

First drive of twin turbo 2016 Cadillac CT6?

2016 Mazda CX-9 First Drive

First Official Test Drive 2017 Jaguar F-Pace

2016 Mazda CX-9 First Drive

2016 Toyota Prius

2016 BMW 340I REVIEW

What To Check Out At The Chicago Auto Show

New Cars Trucks and SUV's at NAIAS 2016

Tech and this years NAIAS

The Come Back City "Detroit"

All Roads Lead to the Detroit Auto Show

All-New Range Rover Evoque Convertible Breezes Through Ultimate All-Terr...

First Test Drive Of The All New 2016 Ford Explorer

2015 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 4X4

2015 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 4X4

A reader asked us if the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 4×4 van really as capable as Mercedes-Benz say it is. Yes it is and to prove it we are going to put it through it’s paces in British Columbia. You might think of Mercedes-Benz as a luxury brand, but in fact their commercial division defines the segment in many parts of the world. These large cargo vans are just known as Sprinter vans regardless of the manufacturer. Mercedes-Benz showed off their latest luxury vehicles in New York last week including the replacement for the ML, the new luxury passenger 5 seater SUV the GLE.

So when it comes to 4X4 vans how does the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter stack up? These vehicles are tough, 60% of the buyers are construction companies. The Mercedes-Benz Sprinter serves multiple user needs. 5 models, and no competitor offers a 4X4. 30% of vans in New York are Mercedes-Benz Sprinters and I like the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter as much as the next guy. But the fact that you only have to service them every 20,000 miles. A 7 foot tail person can stand up in one and the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter has 600 cubic feet of space. Added to this the rough and ready 4X4 capability makes them a great business choice.

The Mercedes-Benz Sprinter will be a star of the new Jurassic World movie, which I am sure will make it more popular. Now for the bad news, the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 4X4 are sold out until September. The success is so high that Mercedes-Benz are bringing a new smaller van to America in October the Metris. It will start under $30,000. The 4X4 system will cost you an extra $6,500 but since the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter is the only one that offers a 4X4 system it’s the best in class.

2015 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 4X4

Test Miles Radio Episode 66

Test Miles Radio Episode 66

TestMiles Radio is heard on KXL/101.1 FM radio every Sunday at 10:00am PST

Test Miles Radio Episode 66

Day 2 Of The New York Auto Show

Day 2 Of The New York Auto Show

New York is the last of the big auto show of the season and of course the one of the biggest. All the auto manufacturers have been saving their big releases for this show. 60 national and world wide debuts are shown at the New York Auto Show. Chevrolet revealed the the 9th generation of the Malibu today. Larger and more fuel efficient and the Hybrid is expected to get 47 MPG. The Malibu will be available late fall. Nissan showed off a brand new Maxima that was inspired by the Blue Angels. The designers took at them and design the interior and exterior from it.

Infiniti showed off a new concept with the QX30. It’s a sports meats hatchback, meats SUV it’s going to be the future of crossovers and luxury. Really nice interior and nice on the outside. Infiniti is saying that this is a concept but it will be built.

Ford final brought something that we all have been waiting for a long time for. The Ford Focus RS, this is the hottest hatch Ford has ever brought to the United States. It will have 315 horsepower and 0-60 in under 5 seconds. Also there will be a drifting mood if you would like to drift it. Jaguar has always been the royals car company and they showed off the 2nd generation of the Jaguar XF. all weather all wheel drive and it has a really cool feature. Intelligent speed limiter where if it comes across a change in speed. The XF will speed up or speed down. The thought is you can go into a construction zone and the XF will slow down to help you not get a ticket.

Day 2 Of The New York Auto Show

Day 1 Preview Of The New York Auto Show

2015 New York Auto Show

New York is the last of the big auto show of the season and of course the one of the biggest. All the auto manufacturers have been saving their big releases for this show. 60 national and world wide debuts are shown at the New York Auto Show. Infiniti showed off a new concept with the QX30. It’s a sports meats hatchback, meats SUV it’s going to be the future of crossovers and luxury. Really nice interior and nice on the outside. Infiniti is saying that this is a concept but it will be built.

Ford final brought something that we all have been waiting for a long time for. The Ford Focus RS, this is the hottest hatch Ford has ever brought to the United States. It will have 315 horsepower and 0-60 in under 5 seconds. Also there will be a drifting mood if you would like to drift it. Jaguar has always been the royals car company and they showed off the 2nd generation of the Jaguar XF. all weather all wheel drive and it has a really cool feature. Intelligent speed limiter where if it comes across a change in speed. The XF will speed up or speed down. The thought is you can go into a construction zone and the XF will slow down to help you not get a ticket.

Day 1 Preview Of The New York Auto Show

Test Miles Radio Episode 65

Test Miles Radio Episode 65

TestMiles Radio is heard on KXL/101.1 FM radio every Sunday at 10:00am PST

Test Miles Radio Episode 65

Test Miles Radio Episode 63

Test Miles Radio Episode 63

TestMiles Radio is heard on KXL/101.1 FM radio every Sunday at 10:00am PST

Test Miles Radio Episode 63

Test Miles Radio Episode 62

Test Miles Radio Episode 62

TestMiles Radio is heard on KXL/101.1 FM radio every Sunday at 10:00am PST

Test Miles Radio Episode 62

Test Miles Radio Episode 61

Test Miles Radio Episode 61

TestMiles Radio is heard on KXL/101.1 FM radio every Sunday at 10:00am PST

Test Miles Radio Episode 61

Test Miles Radio Episode 64

Test Miles Radio Episode 64

Test Miles Radio Episode 57 TestMiles Radio is heard on KXL/101.1 FM radio every Sunday at 10:00am PST

Test Miles Radio Episode 64

Why Buy An All Wheel Drive

Why Buy An All Wheel Drive

Went to some of the roughest condition we could find in North America. Montreal the roads are packed with snow and the temperatures were 25 below freezing so this is the perfect condition to test some All Wheel Drive systems. All Wheel Drive or four wheel drive systems are not just becoming popular with those people that have to navigate freezing icy and snowy conditions, sales are up in the entire country since the vehicles are actually more controllable.

Dealing with unexpected weather or even driving your vehicle onto the beach is much simpler with an all wheel drive system. The on road handling is much more controlled. This is why companies like Audi have all wheel drive in supercars like the R8. The rough conditions in Montreal allow me to test the these vehicles in the worst conditions possible. So who are the winners and who are the losers.

Ram trucks, a no brainer, especially when you include an Eco-Diesel version. the 1500, the 2500, and the Power Wagon eat the snow almost as if it didn’t exist. Needless to say, playing with a snow plow on the Ram 2500 was like being five again in the sandbox. The same goes for the Jeep lineup. It’s almost like the snow didn’t exist and we didn’t play nicey nice. Jeep built an off road course that tested the limits of the vehicles. This course tested hill climbing and dissent, traction control and articulation. The vehicles that got top marks included the all new Jeep Renegade, Jeep Cherokee and the Ram Power Wagon on this “not found in nature” off road course.

Why Buy An All Wheel Drive

2015 Ford Edge

2015 Ford Edge

We went down to Scottsdale Arizona to test drive the brand new Ford Edge. Completely remodeled for 2015 this vehicle has a lot of interesting new features but the most impressive thing to me was the drive and handling. A large family SUV from Ford suddenly got a huge boost in handling and driving capabilities. Ford engineers have been working on making the all new Ford Edge better for well over a decade and the result was worth the wait.

Ford have had 4 years of record sales for the Ford Edge. This is a vehicle that help create the segment now known as a CUV, or Crossover Utility Vehicle; and has maintained its status as #1 in the segment for some time. Crossover vehicles will make up 29% of vehicles sold in the US in 2020 a growth of 4%. 50% of those buyers are women and 60% will keep coming back to the brand for new cars year after year after year.

The Ford Edge has some startling technology in it obstacle avoidacne systems. Vehicle assed parking systems and part out systems that will help get you out of a parking place. The Ford Edge has 3 engine choices, up to 315HP and incorporates Ford’s EcoBoost Technologies. We noticed when looking at the 0-60 times that the Ford Edge on paper loked faster than a BMW X5. So you know we had to put it to the test. The Ford Edge beat the X5 with .1 seconds to spare, and for about $15,000 less that is a very impressive buy.

Pretty immersive vehicle, starting price for the 2015 Ford Edge is just under $29,000 fully loaded the vehicle could be way up into the 30’s and even the $40,000 dollar range and they should be in dealerships shortly.

2015 Ford Edge

GREEN CARS LIVE FROM 13NEWS

GREEN CARS LIVE FROM 13NEWS

TestMiles Radio Episode 59

TestMiles Radio Episode 59

TestMiles Radio is heard on KXL/101.1 FM radio every Sunday at 10:00am PST

TestMiles Radio Episode 59

TestMiles Radio Episode 58

Test Miles Radio Episode 58

TestMiles Radio is heard on KXL/101.1 FM radio every Sunday at 10:00am PST

TestMiles Radio Episode 58

Test Miles Radio Episode 57

Test Miles Radio Episode 57

TestMiles Radio is heard on KXL/101.1 FM radio every Sunday at 10:00am PST

Test Miles Radio Episode 57

2015 Subaru Legacy

2015 Subaru Legacy

When we buy something we like it to last, especially when it’s a big purchase like a car. Subaru have the longest lasting midsize sedan in America right now. 96% of Subaru Legacys sold are still on the road. Maybe that is why the company is experiencing good financial times. Well Subaru having some record sales right now, they reported a 22% increase last month from that same time period last year that is 29 months year over year increase in sale. Subaru’s best selling vehicle, is the Forester.

The 2015 Subaru Legacy has four different trim levels. A 4-cylinder and a V6. The best fuel economy that you can possibly get is 26 in the city and 36 on the highway. that is a combined fuel economy of 30 MPG and that is the best combined All-Wheel drive in America. Now the truth is Subaru have had pretty poor interiors of their vehicles, but the 2015 Subaru Legacy has a 7 inch large display. That is new for them. Now it goes on sale for just over $21,000 starting price.

2015 Subaru Legacy

The History Of The Volkswagen Beetle

The History Of The Volkswagen Beetle

Every kid know the most famous road trip game in the country, “Slug Bug”. When you see a Volkswagen Bug on the road you call out the color and tap your travel partner lightly on the arm, “Slug Bug Red.. or White, or Green”. The Volkswagen Bug has come a long way in the last 77 years. It was originally called the Type 1. Europe needed a mass produced economical vehicle that could transport it’s population. Porsche were originally contracted to design and build this new vehicle. Little did Ferdinand Porsche know that this would become the longest running most manufactured car of a single design platform worldwide.

Although it was originally designed in the 19th it is the Beetle was only produced in civets, significant numbers. Starting in the year 1945. The Volkswagen Beetle was always a multipurpose vehicle. It could sustain high speeds on the motorway or autobahn. It could be used for racing and it was clearly a trendsetter. Vehicles like the Fiat Cinquecento and the Mini were all inspired from the Volkswagen Beetle.

In 1998 Volkswagen introduced the new Volkswagen Beetle and even in the 2015 model year, the vehicle retains an unmistakable look. The Volkswagen Beetle is still on the list of affordable subcompact and affordable convertible cars in America. It has become more manly in recent years with wider hips and wider shoulders, a more plummeted stomps animal menacing look. The new Volkswagen Beetle comes in multiple different configurations gasoline, diesel turbocharged, and even a Volkswagen Beetle R line which inherits some racing characteristics from Volkswagen’s long associated relationship with the track. The 2015 Volkswagen Beetle can get up to 41 MPG with the diesel version. The two ups and one down for this car is great starting price at $20,695, spirited drive, and the down would have to be back seat is a little hard to get into.

The History Of The Volkswagen Beetle

What"s New In Showrooms This Year

What’s New In Showrooms This Year

Thanks guys well whats hot in showrooms for the beginning of 2015. This is one of the vehicles. The Toyota Camary. Toyota also bringing the Mirai to market. The Mirai is their first fuel cell vehicle and their showing leadership in a new kind of fuel for America. It will be initially sold in the North East and then California but will drift out to the rest of the Country in the next year or so. Also Toyota showed off a new Tacoma. It was announced at this years Detroit International Auto Show and this smaller tuck is going to be in showrooms at the end of the year.

Another car that is fresh and hot in showrooms this year is brand new Fiat 500x. Now it has a disconnecting rear axle which allows for better fuel economy. It is all wheel drive but disconnect that axle and the fuel economy goes up. Plus there is a drive selector and five different trim levels. This is a small little Italian car that took a little blue and got a hole lot muscly.

Also hitting showrooms this year is a bran new Chevy Volt. Now Chevy put a new engine in the Volt. It also has 5 seats instead of 4. This new Chevy Volt will do 50 miles on electricity alone and 420 miles of total range. And finaly one of the cars that is hitting showrooms this year is the Golf R. This is the most powerful Golf ever sold. 292 horsepower this vehicle goes up against Subaru WRX and the BMW 335i. It’s an all wheel drive vehicle. The Manual will be coming next year but this year we have VW DSG transmission which is an automatic. Starting price is $36,495 dollars. Looking at some fo the new cars that will hit showrooms this year.

What"s New In Showrooms This Year

Preview Of The 2015 Portland International Auto Show

Preview Of The 2015 Portland International Auto Show

The 2015 Portland International Auto Show will take place at the Oregon Convention Center and this year they have some surprises at the show. Including electric cars from Kia, BMW, and Volkswagen. The The Portland International Auto Show will also have the new Chrysler 300 and for first time in Portland a Bugatti Veyron.

When we do well in life we like to reward ourselves. Often those rewards are cars. Now the ultimate reward is obviously a luxury car. It has to have supple leather seats and all the latest gadgets and bits of flashy modern technology, and lets not forget it needs to perform like a thoroughbred racehorse. With a starting price of $54,000 dollars and a combined gas consumption of 18 miles a gallon, the new Kia K9000 is about $20,000 dollars less than some of it’s European competitors. The K900 is definitely fit for a King. Kia has become known as the challenger brand in America, breaking down the ideas of what we thought a luxury car was, and showing us a different road. The price is not the only thing that makes the K900 attractive. Exquisite interior materials and let’s not forget the reclining rear seats. That’s the cherry on the top of this luxury cake. At this years Portland International Auto Show you can get up close and personal with a new premium Land Rover, The Discovery Sport. Starting at just $37,995 dollars. This it looks like the best small Land Rover the company has ever produced. What sets it apart from it’s competitors is a two liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. A nine speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive that promises controlled and precise all weather performance. Of course, it’s has Land Rover’s terrain response system which can cope with sand, snow, rocks, mud and on the inside there is seating for seven. The Jaguar F-Type, is at this top of my list of what to buy with my lottery winnings. The F-Type Coupe starts at just $65,000 dollars, which is a highly competitive price in the premium segments, and with its power, agility and distinctive drive the F-Type is a true sports car engineered for high performance and responsive handling a beautiful distinguished body. Supercharged engines, lightweight aluminum construction and advanced driving technologies all deliver an experience that is intuitive, instinctive and definitely makes me feel alive.

All green cars are going to be in one place at this years Portland International Auto Show. The clean Tech Center will have some of the most expensive green cars like the Porsche Panamera Hybrid to every day cars like the all electric Nissan Leaf Last year Nissan sold over 30,000 Leafs. The leaf is becoming a go to car for people who have never considered an electric car and is even attracting customers as far away as Iceland. The Volkswagen E-Golf makes it’s debut at the Portland International Auto Show this year. Hot off the heals of the Golf winning North American Car Of The year, the E-Golf was also named as the North West Electric Car Of The Year. The Golf Platform was designed to fit almost any power train diesel, gas, or electric. One of the biggest attraction of the E-Golf is that it looks just like the gas Golf, but under the god is much greener. The dimensions of the Volkswagen E-Golf are almost identical to the regular Golf. The E-Golf’s 700-pound, 24.2-KWH Lithium Ion battery pack fits flat under the floor, and doesn’t impinge on cargo or passenger interior space. With quite running the 115HP engine is quite enough to pass other cars on the freeway and get you up to speed when you put your foot down. Ford will be showing off their C-MAX at the show with seating for 5 and an fuel economy of 42 MPG in the city and 37 MPG on the high way it’s a penny saver. The C-Max is perfect for North West Living with ample cargo space, a small foot print and the size that is easy to park in the city. American car maker Chevrolet will have the Spark electric on display. Starting at under $20,000 the spark can go 82 miles on a charge and brings home the Kelly Blue Book cost to own award.

Preview Of The 2015 Portland International Auto Show

Best Car Superbowl Ads of 2015

Best Car Superbowl Ads of 2015

One of the biggest parts of the Superbowl is the advertisements. This year fewer automakers placed ads in the big game. The controversy of ads in the big game started well before this years match with TV’s Katie Couric. She was a BMW ambassador for the new BMW i3 add but she admitted that she actually drives an Audi. The BMW ad showing off the i3 was a bit of a miss. If the past hosts of The Today Show can’t figure out an electric car, what hope does the rest of mankind have?

Kia comes into the game with a stacked deck after being our choice for winner last year, and this year they pulled even more from the magicians hat with James Bond actor Pierce Brosnan. Pierce is being pitched a new roll that includes him driving the new Kia Sorento. Lots of special effects are finished off with pierce asking if he can keep the car. Jeep pulls at our heartstrings with their rendition of this land is your land. But this commercial was far from just about America. It shows the new Jeep Renegade all over the world. With new Jeep manufacturing plants being built in China and Brazil. This was Jeep telling us they are an international company. Dodge had some words of wisdom from those people who are older and told us they have learned a lot in a 100 years.

The clear crowning glory goes to an ad for the new Fiat 500x. When an Italian elderly lover lose his little blue pill. It pops into the gas tank of a Fiat 500. The result is the 500x. Only Fiat could do this. This was my best automotive ad of the Superbowl. Who would not want to drive a car that had taken a little blue pill. Although I pick a car commercial winner each year. Manufacturers hope they will all be winners with big sales from the Big Game.

Best Car Superbowl Ads of 2015

TestMiles Radio Episode 56

TestMiles Radio Episode 56

TestMiles Radio is heard on KXL/101.1 FM radio every Sunday at 10:00am PST

TestMiles Radio Episode 56

TestMiles Radio Episode 54

TestMiles Radio Episode 54

TestMiles Radio is heard on KXL/101.1 FM radio every Sunday at 10:00am PST

TestMiles Radio Episode 54

TestMiles Radio Episode 53

TestMiles Radio Episode 53

TestMiles Radio is heard on KXL/101.1 FM radio every Sunday at 10:00am PST

TestMiles Radio Episode 53

Drifting Americas Newest Automotive Sport

Drifting Americas Newest Automotive Sport

We are all familiar with motor sports like Formula One, NASCAR, and Rally Racing. But a new motor sport is emerging in America, imported from Japan. Films like the Fast and Furious first introduced Americans to the sport of drifting. This new sport has gone from grass roots, all the way to PRO/AM enthusing a whole new generation of Americans. You will find everyone from weekend warriors to full time professionals drifting on anything from small town tracks to full on professional circuits. Loren Haleston got bitten by the drifting bug and formed a film company. LORENINHD that specializes in capturing the breath taking moments of drifting.

There is no shortage of smoke, noise and horsepower. Drivers have to a toolbox of skills and be able to execute precision driving maneuvers at high speed. These skill are evaluated by judges who choose a winner. One form of racing is the 32 car elimination style similar to drag racing. Fans are exposed to everything from graceful moves to the real dangers of a high speed racing.

Crowds are beginning to flock to see this new sport. Part of the attraction to drifting is the super modified cars with power ratings from 500 to 1200 horsepower. Theses cars never fail to rip tires in an smokey display. It is a highly competitive sport, the sound, the smell and the high octane fuels create fierce rivalry. It’s becomes a recipe for spectator entertainment.

It may look easy, but drivers coordinate between traction, shifting, braking and steering putting their vehicle at a precise positioning on the track. It doesn’t always go smoothly. With speeds up to 100 miles an hour one missed step could put a driver into the wall. The amazing pit crews can rebuild these cars somethings in just an hour or two. It’s exciting for the fans. A cross between drag racing, ballet, and destruction derby. Drifting at this level touches every region of the country. Look up the schedule at formulad.com for a race event near you.

Drifting Americas Newest Automotive Sport

Rolls-Royce Wraith

Rolls-Royce Wraith

Rolls-Royce proudly presents the world debut of Wraith, the most powerful and dynamic Rolls-Royce in history. At its heart lie hallmark Rolls-Royce attributes of luxury, refinement and hand-craftsmanship, but the new model from the world’s pinnacle super-luxury marque also presents a unique character defined by power, style and drama. With just a hint of the noir.

Rolls-Royce Chairman and BMW Group board member Harald Krüger added the following: “The BMW Group today reconfirms its full commitment to the future of Rolls-Royce. Growth and a prosperous future lie ahead thanks to continued investment, careful brand stewardship and the launch of groundbreaking new models like Rolls-Royce Wraith, a magnificent addition to the product range.”

In profile, Wraith’s sweeping fastback design gives the car its unique character. Bold lines, tension in the panels and a raked rear screen evoke the image of a world class athlete poised in the starting blocks. Further expression of dynamic intent can be seen in Wraith’s deeply recessed grille, wide rear track and dramatic two-tone presentation.

Coach doors open to reveal a sumptuous interior complete with softest Phantom-grade leathers and expanses of wood called Canadel Panelling. Named after the famous cove in the South of France where Sir Henry Royce and his design and engineering teams spent their winters, this contemporary and tactile finish sweeps through the interior, cosseting four occupants in a space bathed in light and warmth.

The interior ambiance is complemented by Starlight Headliner, a Bespoke feature available beyond Phantom family cars for the first time. 1,340 fibre optic lamps are hand-woven into the roof lining to give the impression of a glittering, starry night sky.

Performance delivers on the promise of Wraith’s styling. Power delivery is effortless, but dramatic, thanks to a V12 engine married to 8-speed automatic ZF transmission. 624 bhp / 465kW is available to the driver while the 0-60 mph sprint is achieved in 4.4 seconds, compared with 563 bhp / 420kW and 0-60 in 4.7 seconds for Ghost.

From 1,500 rpm 800 Nm of torque is available (780 Nm for Ghost), while a wide rear track, shorter wheelbase and lower roof height further contribute to the most powerful, involving driving experience of any Rolls-Royce in history. The car’s suspension has also been tuned to minimise body roll and discreetly amplify feedback when cornering; while steering weight is heavier at high speeds and lighter at low speeds adding to the spirited drive.

However, Wraith is no GT bruiser. Agility improvements have been achieved with absolutely no compromise to the sensation of riding on a bed of air. Furthermore, the debut of Satellite Aided Transmission (SAT) technology takes the powertrain to a new level of effortless delivery, one that perfectly suits the Rolls-Royce brand.

Rolls-Royce Wraith

2015 CES Show

2015 CES Show

At this years CES show there was loads of new auto technology to show off. Sony showed off a new action camera that will compete with GoPro. It’s a 4K camera that you can stick on the front of you car and get all your racing footage. Then you can use a HDI cable to upload it right to your TV screen. Chevrolet showed off a camera that is in the front of their new Corvette Z06. This camera is will record all of your on track racing, as well as show your stats. After your done racing you can then upload the video right to all your social media right from your car. It also has a really cool feature called valet mode. Type in your pin number before giving the car to the valet and it will record how the valet drives your car. No Ferris Bueller Ferrari moments now.

Hyundai was showing off a new APP that combines with a smart watch. This APP will allow you to turn you car on right from your watch. If by chance you are in a parking lot and can’t find your car you can also use the watch to locate it. Will pull up a map and use GPS to show you how to get to your car.

2015 CES Show

Year In Review

Year In Review

2014 will definitely be a year to remember in the Auto Industry. With record recalls, record sales, and record-breaking vehicle power. Especially in the recall department over 60,000,000 vehicles are being recalled, that’s double the previous peak in 2004. The most notable recall is the General Motors ignition switch recall which has already been linked to 42 deaths. It’s been an especially rough year for General Motors, with 27,000,000 recalls out of the 60,000,000 coming from their stables.

But all those recalls haven’t slowed new car sales. December is expected to be up by 10.4% over last year and US consumers will have purchased more than 16.5% million vehicles in 2014. That’s 5.8% higher than 2013 and the trend is expected to continue into 2015. New cars have got away from Mid-Size and become either bigger or smaller than in previous years. A new Full-Size Escalade, a new Lincoln Navigator, a new Chevy Tahoe, and a new Volkswagen Touareg all appeared on the larger end. On the smaller end of the scale this year sees a new Honda CR-v, a Mini Four-Door, a Fiat 500X, and Mercedes-Benz brought their small SUV, the GLA to the market. Mazda promised to make a mini SUV called the CX-3 as well.

Horsepower went up and engine size went down. Small EcoBoost engines will be available in the Ford Mustang which is celebrating 50 years. Dodge threw down the gauntlet with their 707 horsepower Hellcat, upping the acceptable horsepower for an everyday driver.

My car of the year for 2014 is the all new Hyundai Genesis. The most perfect car the company has ever made in every aspect. On the Truck side the Ram 1500 Ec0-Diesel. At 25 miles a gallon and all the amenities of a luxury vehicle. This outstanding Ram breaks the barriers of what most people considerer to be a truck.

Year In Review

TestMiles Radio Episode 51

TestMiles Radio Episode 51

TestMiles Radio is heard on 101.1 radio every Sunday at 10:00am PST

TestMiles Radio Episode 51

TestMiles Radio Episode 50

TestMiles Radio Episode 50

TestMiles Radio is heard on 101.1 radio every Sunday at 10:00am PST

TestMiles Radio Episode 50

TestMiles Radio Episode 52

TestMiles Radio Episode 52

TestMiles Radio is heard on 101.1 radio every Sunday at 10:00am PST

TestMiles Radio Episode 52

TestMiles Radio Episode 48

TestMiles Radio Episode 48

TestMiles Radio is heard on 101.1 radio every Sunday at 10:00am PST

TestMiles Radio Episode 48

December Car Buying Strategies

December Car Buying Strategies

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i3mDrRlz1Hs&feature=youtu.be

We often hear that December is the best time of the year to buy a car, but is that true? It looks like between today and then end of the year the perfect storm is here for the car buyer. Where every element will make prices the lowest they have been all year. High inventory levels and lots of new incoming 2016 model year vehicles means dealers are ready to give you a mighty good deal at the end of 2014.

So how do you get the best deal on a new car, truck, or SUV? it’s often better to shop late at night closer to the end of the day. Car dealers are often likely to give you a better deal when it gets close to closing time. Of course December is they very last month of the year for Automakers to bring you buying opportunities. They’re looking to have great sales for the year and would be willing to do a lot to make you a new customer. This sets December up for a record price cutting about half a percent better than any other month of the year.

Consider all brands that are having sales this holiday season. Years ago Lexus started their December to remember sales event. Now everybody’s is jumping on the bandwagon and slashing prices of new vehicles. So be informed and learn about vehicles that would fit your needs and budget. Look at brands you may not usually consider. You might get one incredible year-end deal. If you are buying for your business don’t forget to think about tax benefits. Your tax consultant will be able to fill you in. But if you buy before December 31st remember that it counts as part of this year’s tax purchase.You should also consider leasing versus buying for your next vehicle. Leasing a vehicle can mean tax breaks every year you pay versus buying a vehicle which is often counted as one lump sum. Several manufacturers are offering 0% for up to 60 months, and Buick is offering that 0% finance with $3,000 allowance on the 2014 Buick LaCrosse. There is a rule of thumb when buying a new vehicle. this year you should be out to get 0% financing to .09% financing and between three and $5,000 off the MSRP

December Car Buying Strategies

2015 Nissan Murano

2015 Nissan Murano

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A931HRWCgFg&feature=youtu.be

Nissan have announced they have they best full-line manufacturer fuel economy of any car maker in America. Giving them an overall 36 miles a gallon and those figures don’t include that all electric Nissan Lear. The Nissan Murano looks very similar to the concept car they rolled out earlier this year. Now they’ve dropped 146 pounds for the new year given it a 2-% fuel economy savings added 28 miles per gallon that’s a pretty good miles per gallon for a vehicle that size.

Almost 85% of Nissans on the road in the US today are produced in America, and that’s part of the strategy that has given Nissan that best ever sales year in the US to date. The New Nissan Murano is the most social vehicle Nissan has ever built. Aimed at empty-nesters or couples without kids. It transforms the SUV into a social lounge. It was designed at Nissan’s San Diego design studio. This third-generation vehicle has always been visually closer to a spaceship that a crossover.

Nissan wanted to have the same impact as the original adding a first-class cabin. the V motion front-end, and a roof that looks like it floats above the vehicle. This is Nissan’s flagship, and design with such precision that it cuts through the air with the same drag coefficient as a Porsche 911 Turbo. Inside an available panoramic sunroof a 7 inch full-color display. Best in Class rear cargo volume, best in class total cubic feet and an acoustic laminated windshield that keeps the outside out. and the inside in. To help with fule economy. There is that 146 pounds in weight reduction, active frill shutters tha change the shape of the car at speed and low rolling resistance tires to allow the new Murano to sip instead of drink fuel. Driving the new Murano was the most pleasure I have had in a long time. Smooth responsive and carefree make it perfect for even the most mindless driver and at a starting price of just $29,560.

2015 Nissan Murano

New Benchmark In Audi Technology

Audi Technology

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5IZ8vnoE4oY&feature=youtu.be

Along with Audi’s sleek design and spirited driving dynamics comes a new benchmark in vehicle technology with a virtual cockpit. A fully digital instrument cluster which means a high-tech futuristic dashboard. We will have to wait almost a year for the new Audi TT to arrive in showrooms, but every indication is this new car is worth the wait. One of the biggest excitements is the new technology on the inside. It features the entirely digital instrument cluster that Audi likes to call their virtual cockpit.

Where you would normally see your gauges between the steering wheel and the windshield, instead in the new 2016 Audi TT you have a 12.3 inch screen. This will provide the driver not only driving information like speed and fuel use, but also entertainment info. The eyes are not the only thing that will be pleasantly surprised in the new Audi TT. The new vehicle will be able to read news headlines aloud. Also verbalize Facebook and Twitter alerts access more then 7,000 web radio stations and the vehicles user will be able to personalize news feeds and more. This version of Audi’s new connect system will also feature high-speed 4G LTE connectivity and a Wi-Fi hotspot. The new Audi TT will arrive on us shores during the second half of 2015 as a 2016 year model. We not find out the pricing and the equipment until closer to the vehicles on sale date.

New Benchmark In Audi Technology

New Cars & Concepts from Mini

New Cars & Concepts from Mini

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dOf8USkNoaI

Mini has always tried to look forward and inspire, it’s part of their DNA and has been since the brand was conceived in 1959. The Mini Superleggera is a British sports car with Italian style and shows the potential behind the Mini brand. Mini still has not told us what will be powering this vehicle. It’s a mystery but it will be green, economic and sip fuel whether that be Electricity, Hydrogen, Gasoline, or a mixture of all three. But lets not get ahead of ourselves. This is a concept and Mini have not said if they will even build it.

What is not a concept and is being readied for market is a new car for Mini. Building on the success of the Mini two door this new Mini comes with two extra doors. Now Mini introduce a four-door version of their hardtop. Mini is looking to refine what is expected from the premium small car segment. With added cargo space the new Mini hardtop four-door maintains the dynamic character and Go-Kart handling of the two-door model while adding functionality and interior space. The new four-door hardtop will go on sale sometime in 2015.

New Cars & Concepts from Mini

Black Friday Deals

Black Friday Deals

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XayK69gLJBk

Just because it says it says Black Friday deal on the sticker on it doesn’t mean it’s a good deal, but good deals are out there. Dealers are trying to shift some 2013 and 2014 models, but I don’t recommend them since you can find some great deals on a 2015 year model. When you come to resell your vehicle those 2015 will have a much better resale value.

Also just because it is a Black Friday deal doesn’t necessarily make it a good car, truck, or SUV. What are the good deals this Black Friday? One of my top picks this Black Friday is the 2015 Ford Fusion. This stylish midsize family sedan handles extremely well in fact even better than some vehicles in it’s class that cost much more. Ford is offering savings of up to $2,963 on a 2015 Fusion and that deal will be in place until December 1st. Ford also offers a hybrid and a plug-in hybrid version of the Fusion which have outstanding fuel economy of up to 47 MPG.

Buick are offering almost $3,000 off the most luxurious 3rd row crossovers, the Enclave. It’ll tows up to 5,100 pounds but a notable downside is it gets just 15 miles a gallon in mixed driving on regular fuel. Buick are also offering discounts on their Regal, a sports sedan with the european feel. The Buick Regal is one of my top picks for this Black Friday cause you can get up to $1,500 off of it.

GMC are discounting the Arcadia by almost $3,000, But by far my best pick for Black Friday discounts is the Kia Optima. Built in Georgia it has a respectable 25 miles per gallon fuel economy overall. Great styling and is well equipped in the mid #30,000 range. For this holiday season Kia are offering $2,565 off of the MSRP but these deals are only available until December 1st.

Black Friday Deals

Will China save the luxury car market?

Luxury car makers are thanking China for a boost in sales. China is reporting monthly car sales of 1.5 million units this year equaling that of U.S. vehicle sales. This has pushed some car makers well into the black and is giving them much needed capital to develop new models for a world market.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ss2BKsaoZNY

Luxury cars like Bentley are more common on the streets of China and what a difference a decade makes. It wasn’t too long ago when Chinese cities were filled with bicycles, but thanks to a booming economy the luxury car market is growing fast. China’s luxury segment is seen as the next biggest boom for car makers around the world. Some analysts predict that within the next seven years China will outgrow the American luxury market and be the world number one.

What does a growing car market in China mean for American consumers? More sales in China will push some companies who have been struggling like Lincoln into profitability. This will give them more capital to develop new and more advanced vehicles and meet the needs of an expanding market. The result is that over the next ten years we are going to see luxury models and more advanced vehicles available for sale. Because of the larger volume the price may come down for some models. Super luxury cars like Bentley and Rolls-Royce may become harder to find as companies can only build a certain amount per year.

Before the year 2000 Rolls-Royce was selling as few as 600 cars a year. Now with some new models they are expected to pass the 4000 sales mark next year and it is thanks in part to the new rich Chinese buyer. Bentley’s growth is almost 20% in 2014 to 7,786 cars up from 6,516 cars in the same period of 2013. It is thanks in part to cars like the Continental GT and the Flying Spur.

America still has dominance with luxury cars sales.

Will China save the luxury car market?

TestMiles Radio Episode 47

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c3GjqWjtWZc

TestMiles Radio is heard on 101.1 radio every Sunday at 10:00am PST

TestMiles Radio Episode 47

Did Motor Trend Get It Right?

Did Motor Trend get it right by picking the Volkswagen Golf as it’s car of the year?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v9Mr9vnnEJg

The 7th generation of the Volkswagen Golf family is Motor Trend Magazine’s Car of the Year winner for 2014. This is yet another award for Volkswagen just adding to it’s trophy cabinet for the Golf. Motor Trend chose the Volkswagen Golf over a number of other vehicles including the much loved baby of the Honda family the Fit. It also beat out Audi’s A3, The Hyundai Genesis which is one of of my favorites, and the much anticipated 2015 Ford Mustang. Also passed over were the Maserati Ghibli, Mercedes-Benz C-Class, and the Lexus RC-F.

All these vehicles were strong contenders. Which left some industry reporters questioning did Motor Trend get it right?

The morning of the announcement Motor Trend spokes people were on hand to explain their choice and justify why they thought the Golf family was a good choice for their car of the year. It used to be the case that even being nominated for car of the year by an organization like Motor Trend was big sales numbers for the car maker. Last year the Mazda3 was one of the final 3 making it to the list of Car of the Year nominees. Even thought it had no chance of winning the nomination did not visibly dramatically boost sales of the car.

It seems like Americans are not as influenced by awards as they once were. The Volkswagen Golf has been hot in Europe on the sales scale, but buyers have been less impressed with it this year in the United States. It has only returned sales figures figures that puts it in the middle of the pack for buyers. It’s a solid car, with a 40 year heritage and definitely should be on the short list of test drives for car shoppers this year.

This Volkswagen Golf GTI has been on sale since spring and was joined by the other family members later in the year. The base Golf starts just under $18,000. The GTI Electric Golf and Diesel Golf will be joined by a new Golf R in early 2015. So Please go out and test drive on and tell us if Motor Trend got it right.

Did Motor Trend Get It Right?

TestMiles Radio Episode 46

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cSIhqbch-_M

TestMiles Radio is heard on 101.1 radio every Sunday at 10:00am PST

TestMiles Radio Episode 46

TestMiles Radio Episode 44

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BpPdBEXA_2M

TestMiles Radio is heard on 101.1 radio every Sunday at 10:00am PST

TestMiles Radio Episode 44

TestMiles Radio Episode 41

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w1fLaObteOM

TestMiles Radio is heard on 101.1 radio every Sunday at 10:00am PST

TestMiles Radio Episode 41

TestMiles Radio Episode 40

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YxjR5V9GHGo

TestMiles Radio is heard on 101.1 radio every Sunday at 10:00am PST

TestMiles Radio Episode 40

TestMiles Radio Episode 39

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NDN2fBB9k8A

TestMiles Radio is heard on 101.1 radio every Sunday at 10:00am PST

TestMiles Radio Episode 39

TestMiles Radio Episode 38

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PKqisTq9TgY

TestMiles Radio is heard on 101.1 radio every Sunday at 10:00am PST

TestMiles Radio Episode 38

TestMiles Radio Episode 36

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XxELS2E_ya8

TestMiles Radio is heard on 101.1 radio every Sunday at 10:00am PST

TestMiles Radio Episode 36

TestMiles Radio Episode 35

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lEZNXJd-xuw

TestMiles Radio is heard on 101.1FM radio every Sunday at 10:00am PST

TestMiles Radio Episode 35

TestMiles Radio Episode 34

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SD6AO_0VO4c

TestMiles radio is heard on 101.1FM KXL radio every Sunday at 10:00am.

TestMiles Radio Episode 34

Best compact trucks that GM has to offer

The Biggest Compact Trucks Just Got Bigger

Mid-size pickups were invented to bridge the gap between the traditional full-size V8-powered half-ton or better trucks and the imported mini-trucks that had been around since the 1960s. The first real mid-size was the 1987 Dodge Dakota, and its success led other automakers to respond by bringing out their own mid-size offerings or growing their mini-trucks to mid-size proportions. Eventually the compact trucks and even the Dakota simply died out, but that’s not the end of the story. 

“Eventually the compact trucks and even the Dakota simply died out, but that’s not the end of the story”

For 2015, the only surviving mid-size trucks on the American market are the Nissan Frontier, Toyota Tacoma, and the twins from the General: the Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon. Neither the Frontier nor the Tacoma have had a serious refresh in nearly 10 years, which makes this fall’s complete redesign of the Colorado and Canyon all the more significant.

Proven yet Fresh Engine Lineup

The new Chevy Colorado and GMC Canyon are built to take advantage of the fact that the last major work done in this segment happened before anyone had even heard of smart phones. GM has brought everything in their catalog to these compact trucks in order to squash the competition and dominate this market. And they just might succeed.

Start with the heart – the most basic of the new compact trucks offers a 200-horsepower, 191-pound-foot, 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine. The engine is DOHC, with variable valve timing and direct injection, but it’s still naturally aspirated. This aluminum beauty bears no relation to the old “Iron Duke” 2.5-liter boat anchors in GM’s past – it’s a brand new player with substantial room for the aftermarket to boost power. There’s plenty of space in the truck’s cavernous engine bay to fit that engine with whatever may be developed.

The other engine is an aluminum 3.6-liter V6, also with DOHC, VVT, and direct injection. This one comes in at 305 horsepower and 269 pound-feet of torque. This is the engine you want for towing, performance

Both these engines have seen prior duty in other vehicles, but have been retuned for the specific needs of the truck market. That’s apparent when you see that even the 4-cylinder models have a basic tow rating of 3,500 pounds. When you add the tow package and the V6, that jumps to an impressive 7,000 pounds.

Flexible Transmission and Driveline Options

Regardless of the engine you choose, expect it to be backed up by GM’s capable Hydra-Matic 6L50 6-speed automatic transmission. The new truck is available with 2WD or 4WD, and it’s a fully automated shift-on-the-fly design. One of the great things that comes along with ordering the Colorado Z71 or Canyon SLT off road trim levels is that you get an automatically locking rear diff. The diff decides when to electronically lock itself up based on wheelspin, but unlike mechanical lockers, doesn’t put any additional drag on the system when it’s not in use. You can order the locking diff separately without the top 4WD trim level, too.

Redesigned Body and Bed

GM has done a bunch of work on these compact trucks to give you a quieter and more SUV-like driving experience, and it has paid off. It starts with the chassis. The new generation uses a fully boxed frame with freshly designed body mounts that keep the cab and the bed in line and isolated from the road. Then they put new triple seals around the doors to keep things quiet inside. Finally, extensive use of adhesives and sealants throughout the build process helps keep the Colorado or Canyon of your choice peaceful and pleasant.

You have your choice of two cab designs – extended or crew. There’s no basic cab any more. But GM isn’t going to put you between a rock and a hard place with a decision about bed space versus cabin capacity, either. You can have the 5-foot 2-inch short box, or a 6-foot 2-inch long box with the crew cab, or just the long box with the extended cab. The extended cab offers the traditional shorty rear-hinged doors for back seat access.

Chevy and GMC are particularly proud of their adaptable bed design in the new compact trucks, and they have a wide range of accessories that let you partition the bed or carry anything from bicycles to boats back there. One feature that deserves mention is the “cornerstep” in the rear bumper. This is a recessed step at each end of the bumper that makes it a lot easier to step up into the bed. Points for convenience. The bed also has an optional EZ-lift and lower system that stops the tailgate from slamming down.

Luxury Interior and Technology Showpiece

The inside of the Colorado or Canyon shows how far the pickup truck market has come from the days of metal dashboards and flat bench seats. The interior treatments are the same that you’d expect to find in an upscale SUV. This is where the Canyon departs from the Colorado. As you’d expect in a GMC, the luxury touches are a cut above Chevy, with soft-touch surfaces and a generally nicer presentation. You can get leather, heated seats, and the whole luxury deal.

Both of these compact trucks are really going to beat on Nissan and Toyota in the technology story. Your new Colorado or Canyon comes with a 4G/LTE receiver and three months of service to hook you so you’ll sign up your truck for its own data plan. You can use that 4G to broadcast a wi-fi signal around the truck for your use. That’s a nifty luxury for families, but could be a critical benefit for work purposes as well.

Everything is controlled through an 8-inch color touch screen. You can play your tunes, get your OnStar navigation and services, and watch your bumper while you’re backing up with the standard tailgate-mounted backup camera. Pair up your iPhone and the screen will give you text message alerts and Siri eyes-free services. You also get 4 standard USB ports on all the trim levels except the base model.

On the safety side, you get all the usual stuff – the trucks are as safe as anything on the road. But you can also order the optional lane departure warning and forward collision alert if this is your kid-hauler. The off-road package gets you hill start assist and hill descent control, and you can have trailer sway control along with the overall Stabilitrak stability control system.

Bottom Line: What’s it Going to Cost?

The literature will tell you that the basic Colorado or Canyon starts at $20,995, plus the usual destination charge. That’s a true statement, but it’s not really real. That truck is only a 4-cylinder, only manual transmission, and has none of the great stuff you really want. Change anything in the configuration – V6, Automatic, Crew Cab – and your price jumps up to the $28,000 range. Add several of those features and you’re already up to $35,000 before you can say “tow package.” Then ponder the fact that the top of the line models are about $40,000. That’s with the leather and the whole option book dumped in. Chevy and GMC have structured the pricing to get you up the option ladder quickly and efficiently, so if you’re going to do it, you might as well go big or go home.

In fact, “go big” might well be the slogan for the 2015 Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon, because they’re about the same size as a classic 1970s C10. On the test drive, we pulled up next to a last-generation Ford Ranger and towered over the poor, frightened compact truck like it was a Prius. A touch of the accelerator and the V6 pulled us away from the light with authority.

The bottom line on the 2015 Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon is this – they drive like a nice SUV, have plenty of power, and the future looks bright for the aftermarket. If you’re looking for something smaller than a full-size but with a fully modern feature set and design, one of these two options is your truck. There is simply nothing (yet) on the market to touch them.

Best compact trucks that GM has to offer