I believe the Fusion still uses a torque-converter automatic.

Um, DCTs (DSG is trademarked by VW I believe) are available in everyday cars. The 'automatic' in the Focus is a DCT and I know you can get them on a lot of VW/Audi cars as well.

Tires can easily give you (or take away) a few mpg. I've seen gains of 2-3mpg (which on the vehicle was 15%) The ones that give good economy tend to suck from a performance aspect, though.

N- Steer by wire is another step in the evolution to autonomous cars. I wouldn't really want one but I can see the point in 'proving' the technology.

What? Are you talking about an automatic with "manual mode?" That is still an automatic.

It isn't just about the performance difference but also about the experience and feeling more connected to the machine. With a DCT you are asking the computer to change the gear for you versus manually engaging it yourself. With an increasing amount of your vehicle being controlled electronically this is just one more…

Re: Volvo. I had a 96 850 Turbo and to me the vast majority of their stuff has gone downhill since then. While never cheap to repair or maintain the older boxy Volvos were at least quite reliable. The boxy design also allows you to fit much more in, especially in the wagon versions. I drove a manual C30 that a friend…

Neutral: Trout should be the MVP. I've been pulling for the underdogs (O's and A's) in the ALDS but obviously the A's didn't get it done. I don't think Detroit really has the pitching depth to go all the way. As long as the Yankees lose I will be content.

Autonomous cars. That is all.

BMW Orient Blue.

3rd - This explains why everyone jumped on my back when I nominated white for the worst color ever last week...

When I was watching the olympics over the summer they were chock full of BMW ads. I noticed how even though they still ran the slogan of 'The Ultimate Driving Machine' the ads focused on other things like styling, gizmos and things that you know, have NOTHING TO DO WITH DRIVING.

Well, China does have the 1-child policy that they have only recently amended. I suppose you are right that we will have to agree to disagree. The more I research the topic the more 'interesting' it becomes.

Unabated growth has several names. The words 'cancer' and 'epidemic' come to mind..

$1,800 is definitely NP. Some of these craigslist people need to fix their keyboards, they keep typing too many zeros.

VW/Audi

Be careful, the wrath of the breeders is coming!

Absolutely. You should be able to do the entire thing online (if you choose to do so) and only have to show up the dealer to pick up the car. Hell, they could deliver it to your house or business!

Going up here, although slowly. Last fill up:

Little heavy on the Mustangs, IMO but the 93 Cobra R is definitely a nice piece. Lots of M3 goodness in there as well and an M1 no less.