For some reason I immediately thought of ketchup chips.

I hear there are three grades, best to worst: 1) The stuff you get in Ireland; 2) the stuff you get in England, Scotland, Wales, and Bermuda; 3) the stuff the rest of the world gets.

Definitely agreed. Americans are simply not that interested in a fastback hatch. Not all hatches are failures, but it's usually a value sell, like the Golf or Impreza "wagon".

The high gas prices storyline is splayed out.

Note to BMW, Honda, Mitsubishi and Toyota. An attractive five-door fastback hatch is not impossible.

If it weren't for the broken AC it would be a nice candidate for an Angry Birds Seasons donk.

No need.

That's what I read, too!

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Wow, death or AOTD! I meant *that* Lumina-era drivetrain. It's better than the dreadful 3.8-liter from Ford, I guess. The 3800 was a much better engine.

Next up: The Surreal and Horrific Origin of the Speedo.

2000 I believe? For services to Motor Racing.

I'm really glad to hear you are back on the scotch wagon!

This is true. But the price isn't realistic anyway. An Elise, while more expensive in the UK, is still north of $40K in the U.S. The Evora is a whopping $70K and has a Camry V6. With the level of performance this concept promises (and all the expensive parts that go with a fast car from a small company), I expect a…

I really hate tearing into pauljones' beautiful but tragic defense, but I'm with you. I can't really enjoy anything with that Lumina-era drivetrain. But the real problem with the Aztek was the minivan platform it rode on. I mean, if you really wanted a practical and versatile GM wouldn't you just buy the 7-passenger…

I do hope they test this thing on American roads (haven't seen pavement that nice since my last trip to Europe).

I have no problem with the missing third pedal. I do have a problem with price tag that equals three MX-5s. Or a V8 Mustang or Camaro plus an MX-5. Or an entry-level Bugatti desk.

Which is validated by the fact that nearly every vehicle over, say, 10,000 pounds is diesel-powered.

This. That's not to say short-shifting isn't good overall...it saves a lot of gas. But, yes, most people equate high revs with discomfort. And everyone wants to be comfortable.

Or maybe we should call it The Metroflexual.