So, someone stuck an air compressor hose into the Gwagen's tailpipe ad inflated all of the creases out of the old style body.

Yes, but they can be built into serious beasts. Also, an understressed big block like that produces gobs of torque all over the rev range.

Nah — the old Caddy big blocks are SUPREMELY capable engines. Not nearly as much parts support as any generation of the GM small block, but it just wouldn't have the same feel without the big heaving lump underhood.

Jesus god, it's true. You could never date the girl because no matter how nice the goods may be, you can't see anything but Jezza when you look at her!

Exactly.

I understand it's not that difficult to replicate such a beast with an aftermarket tune, freer-flowing exhaust, and some coilovers.

Well, with that attitude...

Why do you say that? I knew any number of girls growing up that, had cells been more prevalent when I was in high school, I could see doing this.

The only consideration that matters to whom? The accountants? Sure. But there's a reason that accountants don't have the final say in all choices. Marketing, brand image/reputation, and environmental considerations do play a role, especially when your brand is one known for maximizing off-highway fun with minimum…

Was anyone else surprised to see there's such a thing as Ford of Japan? I don't know why, but until this moment, I had no clue the Blue Oval had any presence whatsoever in the land of the Rising Sun.

I can think of some reasons...

You think being in Olathe is infuriatingly close? Try being in Roeland Park! I can see WyCo from my front lawn, but I couldn't rouse my retiree neighbors into caring about fiber, so we aren't even on the list as a future "fiberhood."

Eh, barring a total loss accident, we'll never replace this van. Anyway, I only actually need to remove the second row captains chairs about once per quarter, so stow-and-go would be more of a place for kid stuff to disappear than anything :)

I'm the same way about our Odyssey. Yes, it's dull to look at, but it's such a great appliance that I just can't help but love it (sort of like our Fisher-Paykel fridge). With three kids in car seats, we still have room to haul everyone's stuff when we take our road trips to the grandparents (~1000 miles away) with…

No pity. Either he was parked illegally or he defaulted on his loan payments — and don't tell me there's nothing you can do if you lose your job and can no longer afford a car. Repo is the final option, not the first, of most banks.

Motherfucking #COTD

As an amateur photographer and shameless manual transmission elitist, let me offer a better film/digital analogy:

It's amazing how ill-informed car salespeople are, as a whole. Sure, there are enthusiasts who take a true interest in their product, but most of them learn just enough to be able to speak to non-enthusiasts.

Absolutely fucking yes. The Veyron is more or less a Passat with two engines stuffed where the backseat and trunk should be, in terms of driveability, comfort, maintenance, and so forth.

Maybe I'm thinking of the last-generation Camry SE. I know that it used to mean something, at least, because I remember test driving one and not being put to sleep.