Clean diesel engines coming to a road, and track, near you

lean diesel technology is beginning to take root. Friday at our "Future of the Car" event I drove a couple of clean diesel SUVs, an Audi Q7 and a Mercedes-Benz ML320D. In both, the powertrains were very impressive: quiet, smooth, powerful, and quick. The Q7 is a stretched cousin of the Volkswagen Touareg while the ML320D is a diesel version of the familiar ML.

Since these were just trial laps around our swoopy mile-long ride evaluation course, and not instrumented runs, I can’t tell you what the timed acceleration numbers would be. By the seat-of-the-pants feel, these SUVs felt good, and if you weren’t told, you wouldn’t guess these were diesel engines. They felt punchy and responsive and there was no clatter, no smell, and no slow-motion takeoff. They will soon be joined on American roads by diesel versions of the Mercedes R320, GL320 (with the new Bluetec technology) SUVs, and the BMW 335 and X5. The Volkswagen Jetta diesel is already available.

It’s hard to overstate the potential significance of clean-diesel technology. The superior thermal efficiency of a diesel engine promises about 30 percent more miles per gallon than an equivalent gasoline engine, right from the get-go. If a big chunk of the current American fleet switched over to diesel, the cumulative fuel-savings would be gigantic. Essentially, it would cut fuel demand by one third without sacrificing space, power, or utility. The Audi and Mercedes-Benz reps who brought these vehicles to our test track told us that the cruising range of each was about 600 miles on a  tank.

The arrival of these first few clean diesels coincides with a milestone in air-quality standards, as well. Next year marks the completion of a phase-in period when all passenger vehicles -- both cars and light trucks, gasoline or diesel powered -- must meet the same stringent emissions standards, technically known as Tier 2 regulations. The rules put strict limits on smog-forming or otherwise toxic emissions, including carbon monoxide, non-methane organic gases, hydrocarbons, and particulate matter.

Particulate matter, or soot, has been a special concern with diesels, since fine particulates have been linked to lung disease. The Tier 2 standards reduce allowable particulate matter emissions to zero.

The other emissions hurdle that diesels have had to overcome to make the grade here is on oxides of nitrogen, or NOx emissions. NOx is one of the smog-forming pollutants. Engines that run lean, meaning they run using lots of air and relatively little fuel, tend to create lots of NOx just as a result of combusting the oxygen portion of atmospheric air and the chemical reaction that creates. Part of the Bluetec system jointly developed and used by Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Chrysler, and Volkswagen/Audi have a special method for dealing with NOx emissions.

Some vehicles will use a urea-injection system that combines with catalytic action to filter out NOx, while others, such as the Jetta, use a soot and NOx trap that is periodically flushed by running the engine a little rich and catalytically burning the accumulated soot.

This technology enables the smooth, powerful diesel powertrains like those sampled at the test track. But could diesels go even further to improve vehicle fuel economy? I’ll explore that in my next blog.

—Gordon Hard

Car, pickup truck, SUV, and tire recalls

Recently, there have been several recalls worth noting from Audi, Bridgestone Firestone, General Motors, Hyundai, Jaguar, Mazda, and Mercedes-Benz. But first, a major one from Ford:

Ford, Lincoln, Mercury – Nearly five million unrepaired vehicles could pose serious fire hazard

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is urging owners of certain Ford, Lincoln, and Mercury SUVs, pickup trucks, vans, and passenger cars to take their vehicles to a local dealership immediately for a corrective repair. The vehicles contain a defective cruise control switch that could lead to a fire at any time, even while the vehicle is turned-off, parked and unattended. Repair parts are readily available.

NHTSA remains concerned that many owners have yet to respond to multiple safety defect recall notifications from Ford. Of the 12 million vehicles involved in the recall, nearly five million have not yet been brought to Ford for repair.

The involved vehicles are:

1993–2004 Ford F-150
1993–1999 Ford F-250 (gasoline engine)
1993–1996 Ford Bronco
1994–1996 Ford Econoline
1997–2002 Ford Expedition
1998–2002 Lincoln Navigator
1998–2002 Ford Ranger
1992–1998 Ford Crown Victoria, Lincoln Town Car, and Mercury Grand Marquis
1993–1998 Lincoln Mark VIII
1993–1995 Ford Taurus SHO with automatic transmission
1994 Mercury Capri
1998–2001 Ford Explorer and Mercury Mountaineer
2001–2002 Ford Explorer Sport and Explorer Sport Trac
1992–1993 and 1997–2003 Ford E-150-350 gasoline or natural-gas vehicles
2002 Ford E-550 gasoline engine vehicles
1996–2003 Ford E-450 gasoline or natural gas vehicles
1994–2002 Ford F-250 through F-550 Super Duty trucks (gasoline engine)
2000–2002 Ford Excursion (gasoline engine)
2003 F-250 – F-550 Super Duty, Ford Excursion
1995–2002 Ford F53 Motor home chassis
2002–2003 Lincoln Blackwood

Consumers with questions should contact their local Ford/Lincoln/Mercury dealer, or call 1-888-222-2751. Additional information is available at Ford.com.

Audi is recalling nearly 14,000 A8 vehicles equipped with a five-speed automatic transmission. The locking cable may slide out of position over time, allowing the shifter to be moved out of the "Park" position even if the ignition key is not in the ignition lock. This could allow the vehicle to roll, risking a crash. Dealers will make the necessary modifications to secure the locking cable in place. The recall is expected to begin this month. Owners may contact Audi at 1-800-822-2834.

Bridgestone bias-ply motorcycle and scooter tires

Bridgestone Firestone (BFNT) is recalling over 4,000 Bridgestone bias-ply motorcycle and scooter tires that fail to conform to the labeling requirements of a federal safety standard. BFNT will notify owners and replace the noncompliant tires free of charge. The recall is expected to begin this month. Owners may contact BFNT at 1-615-937-3442.

2006-2008 Buick Lucerne, Cadillac DTS and Hummer H2; 2007-2008 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Escalade EXT, Chevrolet Avalanche, Silverado, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Acadia, Sierra, Yukon, Yukon XL, Saturn Outlook; 2008 Buick Enclave – heated wiper washer fluid system

GM is recalling over 850,000 Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, GMC, Hummer and Saturn vehicles equipped with a heated wiper washer fluid system that could overheat. Dealers will install a wire harness with an in-line fuse free of charge. GM has yet to announce when owners will be notified. In the meantime, owners may contact Buick at 1-866-608- 8080; Cadillac at 1-800-982-2339; Chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438; Saturn at 1-800-972-8876; GMC at 1-866-996-9436; or Hummer at 1-800- 732-5493; or MyGMLink.

2008 Buick Enclave and 2007-2008 GMC Acadia and Saturn Outlook – windshield wipers

GM is recalling over 88,000 Buick Enclave, GMC Acadia and Saturn Outlook vehicles currently or previously registered in the following states: AK, CO, CT, DE, ID, IL, IN, IA, ME, MD, MA, MI, MN, MT, NE, NH, NJ, NY, ND, OH, PA, RI, SD, UT, VT, WV, WI, WY and DC. Snow and ice buildup on the windshield or wipers could cause the wipers to become inoperative. Dealers will install a new wiper mechanisms. The recall is expected to begin during October. Owners may contact Buick at 1-866-608-8080, GMC at 1-866-996-9463, Saturn at 1-800-972-8876, or at MyGMLink.

2008 Hyundai Elantra – fuel pump

Hyundai is recalling 65,000 Elantra vehicles with 2.0-liter “beta” engines. The fuel pump motor may produce less pressure than required to supply the fuel-injection system. Dealers will replace the fuel pump subassembly free of charge. The recall is expected to begin this month. Owners may contact Hyundai at 1-800-633-5151.

2009 Jaguar XF – rear safety belt

Jaguar is recalling nearly 8,000 XF vehicles due to a problem with the rear safety belt. In the event of a crash, a seat occupant may not be properly restrained, increasing the risk of personal injury. Dealers will correct the condition. The recall is expected to begin this month. Owners may contact Jaguar at 1-800-452-4827.

2007-2008 Mazda6 – fuel tanks

Mazda is recalling 7,200 Mazda6 vehicles with California emission specifications. The metal fuel tanks on the affected vehicles may have been damaged during the assembly process, which could lead to a fuel leakage. Dealers will inspect and repair or replace the fuel tank, if necessary. The recall is expected to begin this month. Owners may contact Mazda at 1-800-222-5500, Option 2.

2001-2006 Mercedes-Benz CL-Class (Model 215), 2002-2006 S-Class (Model 220)
2003-2007 SL-Class (Model 230), 2007-2008 CL-Class (Model 216), 2007 S-Class (Model 221) – acceleration sensors

Mercedes-Benz is recalling over 4,500 CL-Class, S-Class and SL-Class vehicles equipped with Active Body Control (ABC) acceleration sensors on the front struts. The ABC sensors may have been installed improperly, which can adversely influence the vehicle's directional stability and could lead to a vehicle crash. Dealers will inspect and replace, if necessary, the front ABC sensors in all potentially affected vehicles. The recall is expected to begin this month. Owners may contact Mercedes-Benz at 1-800-367-6372.

—Desiree Calamari

Car, SUV, and tire recalls

There have been a few significant recalls announced in the past few weeks affecting Dodge, Land Rover, Mercedes-Benz, and Volkswagen, plus a Toyota safety enhancement and a recall on tire valve stems. If your vehicle is listed here, you will be contacted by the manufacturer with the information on what you need to do or we provide a number to contact yourself. However, the valve stem recall requires action on the owner’s part.

2009 Dodge Journey

Chrysler is recalling almost 6,700 Dodge Journey SUVs equipped with a 3.5-liter engine due to a problem with the engine wiring harness that could contact the left transaxle mount and cause an engine fire.

Dealers will inspect the engine wiring harness for damage and repair to secure the harness away from the left transaxle mount.

Chrysler has yet to announce when owners will be notified. In the meantime, owners can call Chrysler at 1-800-853-1403.

2005-2006 Land Rover LR3 and Range Rover Sport

Land Rover is recalling over 37,000 LR3 and Range Rover Sport vehicles. The relative motion between the steering wheel hub and/or steering column cowl with the clockspring, which contains air bag circuitry, could cause a fracture in the driver-side air bag wiring connection. The SRS warning light will illuminate to alert the driver that a repair is necessary, but if a driver ignores the light and gets into a crash, the air bag may not deploy properly.

Dealers will make the necessary repairs to fix the alignment. The recall is expected to begin around July 21st. Owners may contact Land Rover at 1-800-637-6837.

2006-2008 Mercedes-Benz GL & ML class

Mercedes-Benz is recalling over 52,000 GL and ML class vehicles equipped with the Flex-N-Gate trailer hitch. Some of the seams connecting the hitch to the attachment bar used to connect it to the body frame do not meet specifications and may result in the hitch separating from the attachment bar.

Dealers will repair the trailer hitch and owners are urged not to use the hitch until it is repaired. Owners may contact Mercedes-Benz at 1-800-367-6372.

2008 Volkswagen Passat & 2009 Volkswagen Tiguan

Volkswagen is recalling over 4,000 Volkswagen Passat and 2,500 Tiguan vehicles equipped with 2.0T FSI ULEV II engines. The problem occurs when the engine is in idle and the air conditioning is turned on, the software may not control engine idle. As a result, the engine could surge unexpectedly.

Dealers will inspect and update the engine control module that contains the software, free of charge.

The recall began at the end of May. Owners may contact Volkswagen at 1-800-893-5298.

2004-2006 Toyota Sienna

Toyota is conducting a safety improvement campaign on over 196,000 Toyota Sienna minivans equipped with power rear liftgate struts. The gas struts used to help lift the rear power liftgate could wear out earlier than expected and could eventually cause the liftgate to fall a few inches or completely close.

Dealers will replace the gas struts with new ones that have a longer life. Owners can contact Toyota at 1-888-270-9371.

Tech International tire valve stems

Tech International is recalling 6 million snap-in valve stems manufactured between July and November 2006. The rubber portion of the stem could crack and cause a loss of tire pressure, potentially leading to a crash.

Tech International will replace the valve systems and the tire if necessary. Owners may contact Tech International at 1-740-967-9015.

For more information about this recall, read the Safety blog’s report: "Warning issued on faulty tire valve stems following rollover death."

—Liza Barth

Behind the wheel: fuel-cell vehicles

We recently had the chance to drive some fuel-cell vehicles that aren’t for sale to the general public, giving us a behind-the-wheel view of the possible future. Many of these research vehicles  impressed us and show the promise, and appeal, of electrically powered cars, in this case through fuel-cell technology.

A potential alternative to gasoline-engine-powered cars, these electric vehicles produce their energy on board via a chemical reaction in a fuel-cell stack. Hydrogen is consumed in the process, with water as the only tailpipe emission.

In spring 2007, we drove the impressive Honda FCX sedan. It has since been renamed the FCX Clarity, and was shown at the Detroit auto show. Since then, we drove a hydrogen-powered BMW 7 Series, which is propelled by an internal combustion engine rather than an electric motor.

This past fall, we hosted an unusual guest here at our track in Connecticut. For a few hours, we got to experience the Chevrolet Equinox FC fuel-cell vehicle. It looked like a regular Equinox, except for the slightly raised floor that was concealing three hydrogen tanks and a symbol of a blue water drop on the shifter. The tanks hold 4.2 kilograms of compressed hydrogen at 10,000 psi. The claimed range is 200 miles. That translates to about 48 mpg in terms of gallon-of-gas-equivalent (gge) consumption. (One kg of compressed hydrogen is about equal to one gallon of gasoline in terms of energy density.) With the electric propulsion, the Equinox FC was much quieter than a regular Equinox V6. There was a noticeable, but unobjectionable, whine when accelerating on a highway ramp and the vehicle felt responsive. The car kept making all sort of whirrs and fan noises after we parked it and left a small puddle of water under its tailpipe.

Late last year, at the EVS23 (Electric Vehicle Symposium) in Anaheim, CA, I drove several electric vehicles. Also on hand, were several other fuel-cell vehicles.  I sampled them on a short driving loop and some of them were quite impressive:

Nissan X-Trail: The X-Trail is a small SUV that was never offered for sale in the United States. This fuel-cell version had a tank of compressed hydrogen at 10,000 psi and a relatively long claimed range of 300 miles. The tank holds about four kilograms of compressed hydrogen, which translates to 75 miles-per-gallon-of-gas-equivalent (mpgge). The X-Trail was quiet and refined. From a standstill, it launched decisively and kept accelerating smoothly. It handled and rode soundly. All that was happening underneath was rather transparent without intruding into the cabin. The car was free of strange and unpleasant noises.

Toyota Highlander FCHV: Based on the previous-generation Highlander, this fuel-cell vehicle is able to propel itself only on battery power, without drawing directly on energy from the fuel-cell stack and depleting the hydrogen. That’s the reason for the H (for hybrid) in the FCHV name. It has a claimed range of 350 miles, and Toyota says it can sprint from 0-60 mph in 10.5 seconds. The compressed hydrogen is stored in two tanks under the floor at 10,000 psi. With a little more than four kilograms of compressed hydrogen, it would consume 88 mpgge. It drove like a Highlander hybrid, which is quite slick with a comfortable, quiet ride and smooth acceleration; The hum of the traditional V6 engine was conspicuously absent.

Mercedes-Benz A-Class: The A-Class is the smallest Mercedes (not counting the Smart-branded products) and was never offered in the United States. The company boasts that through its fleet of 60 A-Class fuel-cell vehicles, it covered over four million test miles in four years. The A-Class stores 1.8 kilograms of compressed hydrogen in two tanks at 5,000 psi. It has a claimed 100-mile range, which translates to about 55 mpgge. The design of the A-Class fuel-cell research vehicle dates back to 2002. From behind the wheel, it  felt rather slow and noisy. The stiff ride was probably inherent to the A-Class. The slow acceleration and noisy whirs and swooshes, however, were attributable to the fuel-cell conversion. Mercedes is now in the midst of phasing its fuel-cell efforts into the larger B-Class. (Read the B-Class first look. Our B-Class road test is available to online subscribers.) The B200 we tested is sold in Canada but not in the United States.

Hyundai Tucson: The Tuscon fuel-cell vehicle has three tanks of compressed hydrogen at 5,000 psi and it holds 3.5 kilograms of the gas. This small SUV has a claimed range of 190 miles, which translates to 54 mpgge. Kia also featured the same technology in the essentially identical Sportage. The Tucson didn’t feel as slick as the Nissan or Toyota but better than the Mercedes-Benz A-Class. It drove pretty much like a regular Tucson, which is pleasant enough. Acceleration wasn’t quite robust and the vehicle was considerably noisier that a regular Tucson.   

Bottom line
In the effort to wean us off petroleum and slow global warming, at this point, it is safe to say that in the long-term future we will see vehicles powered by either hydrogen or electricity (or some combination of both). Automakers are reluctant to put all their technology eggs in one basket and are developing more hybrids and plug-in hybrids, which are likely to proliferate in the short-term. For now, electric vehicle development is mostly relegated to the aftermarket or specialized manufacturers.

Before these cars of tomorrow reach consumers, there are several obstacles to each technology as they race to go mainstream. For example, hydrogen lacks storage and delivery infrastructures; the fuel stacks (which use expensive platinum) are costly and may not last as long as gasoline engines; and the public remains skeptical. Further, batteries for plug-in hybrids or electric cars are still too expensive, and effective thermal control strategies have not been verified.

At this year’s Detroit Auto Show, GM Chairman and CEO Rick Wagoner said he expects fuel cells to be the long-term solution, while plug-in hybrids will fill the gap in the medium term. Some electric-car advocates and environmentalists, however, have suggested that fuel cells are just a distraction from development of battery electric vehicles.

It’s too early to tell who is right. But we’d like to hear your opinion on fuel-cell and electric cars. Let us know what you think by posting your thoughts in the Comments section below.

—Gabe Shenhar

Learn more about fuel cells and alternative fuels in our fuel economy special section.

Detroit - Small lux SUVs, the next big thing?

The question of "What's the next big thing?" often hovers at every auto show and is the topic of every chat during press days. After attending endless press conferences and walking the floor until my feet ached in Detroit, I came away with this: upscale SUVs are getting smaller. The new ones certainly gave me a "Honey, I shrunk the SUV" impression.

Small SUVs are not a new thing. In fact, it's a category that's now quite saturated in the $20,000 to $30,000 price bracket - playgrounds of the successful Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V. But not just "affordable models, but also compact, sporty, upscale versions, such as the BMW X3 and to some extent the Land Rover LR2. Now, an entire wave of these versatile lux-boxes is coming. The Acura RDX arrived in 2006 and the Infiniti EX35 is just hitting the streets. In Detroit, the Cadillac Provoq, Mercedes-Benz GLK, and Saab 9-4X were shown in concept form, and provided the decor for the obligatory token green power of hydrogen, diesel, or ethanol powertrain. Tucked in a corner, was a production version of the Volkswagen Tiguan. The list grows with the imminent Audi Q5 and the Volvo XC60. (The latter will be unveiled at the Geneva auto show in March.)

Some say that this is too small a niche, but with the current aura of guilt surrounding SUVs, this move makes a lot of sense. I don't know anyone who has owned an SUV in the last decade who wants to give up the versatility, raised stance, and AWD in their next vehicle. But virtually all of these owners are eager to get better fuel economy and a more manageable SUV that is easier to park and more maneuverable. I'm also hearing a lot of owners asking that their next vehicles have high levels of luxury amenities and sporty on-road dynamics. Models in this emerging sub-category might fulfill these demands.

This year's Detroit auto show theme was in stark contrast to years past, where bigger was most certainly better. But now, instead of high-horsepower V8s, big performance and size, there was more greenness and downsizing in the air. The "next big thing" seems to actually be downsizing, which might be the right thing for many consumers.

—Gabe Shenhar

See our complete coverage of the 2008 Detroit auto show. And discuss the event in our auto show forum.

                                                                                                           

                   

 

Cars as status symbols

With cars, you wear your status on the road. Everyone knows which ones are the most expensive. The brand marking is clear. In our recent Mercedes E-Class sedan, I was constantly reminded of what vehicle I was driving, because the emblem on the hood was staring right at me, as well as several Tri-Star logos throughout the interior. With clothing, you can buy cheap knock offs and still look presentable. There is no hiding a brand while driving a car. Removing the trunk-mounted badge doesn't fool anyone.

A friend of mine recently learned a thing about rolling status symbols when he purchased a Lexus ES350. He was previously driving a Corolla and spends a lot of time on the road. He was looking for something roomier and more comfortable. He bought the 2007 ES used and got a great deal, spending about as much as one would for a new, well-equipped Toyota Camry. He drove the new car to work and immediately got many comments from co-workers like, "Nice car, you must be doing well." His colleagues inquired about his increase in status and remarked on his assumed financial situation. He told me he felt very uncomfortable by everyone's comments and didn't expect those reactions.

Of course, many people buy expensive cars (even if they can't afford it) just to show-off or project an image or wealth or importance. Those people would probably welcome the comments my friend received. However, not all wealthy people prefer driving expensive cars. For Sam Walton, founder of Wal-Mart, he preferred practical over showy. He commented on his choice of vehicle: "Why do I drive a pickup truck? What am I supposed to haul my dogs around in, a Rolls-Royce?"

The hybrid image
Besides buying a car for status, now people buy cars for the image or message it makes. Take the Toyota Prius, for example. It has become a rolling bumper sticker for the environmental movement. Driving one makes a strong statement, proving the owner practices what they preach. In a recent New York Times article Prius owners said they liked the fact that they drive a car that is known as a hybrid rather than buying, for example, a Ford Escape with a small hybrid logo. They like that it is obvious and clear. It seems others agree since sales of the Prius are up almost 70 percent so far this year. At a time when conscious environmentalism has become cool and politically correct--and high fuel economy desirable—a hybrid vehicle serves as a symbol of commitment to saving fuel and preserving the environment.

As learned from my automotive personality experiment, whether you buy a car for status, fashion, comfort, or the environment, you are what you drive. For me, it's nice to drive various test vehicles that I wouldn't normally have the opportunity to, but I still enjoy getting back into my own cars. They are more a reflection of me. I don't need to be showy, bold, or flashy. I opt for safe, reliable, affordable and fuel efficient. Of course, there are cars on my list that I would like to own someday, but in the meantime, I'll enjoy taking on these temporary personalities.

—Liza Barth 

What does your car say about your personality? Is that the image you want to convey? Or does image not matter to you? Post your comments below.

You are what you drive

Cars are like clothing. They make you feel a certain way when you are in them and convey an image to the world. To many, they are an extension of who you are—whether it’s fashionable or not. Driving a big truck or beat-up old car could be the equivalent to wearing sweat pants and T-shirt, whereas driving a fancy luxury vehicle feels like you should be wearing a tux or evening gown. Of course, people buy cars with function in mind, but we all like to look good while doing our chores.

Recently, I started the conscious exercise of considering how I feel when I’m driving each Consumer Reports test car. In my Walter Mitty psychological experiment, I take on a different personality, whether it’s confidence, a feeling of importance, or a bit of shame or embarrassment if I’m driving a gas-guzzling machine.

We recently tested luxury vehicles costing upwards of $50,000, plus two ultra-luxury vehicles that topped out at just over $90,000. As I got into this premium sedan, a feeling of confidence came over me. The ride was quite smooth, like I was gliding over the road. The seats cradled me in comfort. I felt very fancy—like a wealthy executive. This car definitely attracts attention. I noticed other drivers checking me out, probably to see who was driving such an expensive car. After a while I felt uneasy with my newfound status, interrupting my mobile method acting. No surprise the S-Class could call me out, since my normal commuting car is a low-profile, 10-year-old sedan.

When we tested pickup trucks, I received different stares from drivers. While driving the Toyota Tundra, other motorists weren’t checking me out the same way as when I drove the Mercedes. The curious looks revealed more confusion or possibly amusement. Perhaps I looked a little out of my element in the pickup. Drivers probably noticed my uneasiness maneuvering the monstrous truck. I felt like the towering Wizard of Oz looking over his subjects (only to find out in the end I wasn’t so big and powerful after all). I got a good laugh when I not-so gracefully had to get in and out in a skirt. In a time when there is so much talk about fuel efficiency, I was a bit uncomfortable commuting in a vehicle that wastes so much gas (especially since I clearly wasn’t using it for what it was made to do—haul stuff).

When I drove the Chrysler minivans recently, I felt an uncontrollable urge to yell “quiet down back there” even though there were no passengers with me. The “soccer mom” persona was overwhelming.

Whatever the model you drive, it conveys your personality and perhaps even shapes it. Cars also convey status, suggesting wealth, importance, or a practical nature. I’ll explore automotive status symbols in a future post, once I shake the budget-minded, active-lifestyle persona from the December-issue small SUVs test.

—Liza Barth

2007 SEMA - The most decadent car

I wish Liberace was here.

You might not know it, but Liberace was quite an automotive enthusiast and often incorporated cars festooned in rhinestone, tiled mirrors, and gold flake into his Las Vegas act. Is any city more appropriate to find a vehicle so ornate?

On the floor at the Las Vegas convention center, we stumbled upon the booth of Garson, an aftermarket company that specializes in garnishing luxury vehicle components that would make even Liberace self-conscious. Their SEMA centerpiece was a 2005 Mercedes SL600 slathered with Swarovski crystals to make what they called "The Million Dollar Car." The exterior is completely covered with the crystals, even the exhaust pipe is covered with them. Inside, black leather seats are trimmed with white mink and Swarovski crystals line the shifter, cup holder, and seat controls. Even Elvis might have found this one over-the-top.

There was no word on how much it would cost to have this blinged ride cleaned at the local jewelers...

--Cliff Weathers

Discuss SEMA in our Auto Show and Aftermarket forums.

Personal Picks: Luxury sedans, part 2

Our auto test engineers provide further insights into their personal views on the recent luxury sedan tests, highlighting the models they would most like to own in the Picks below. (See "Luxury sedans, part 1.")

Share your thoughts in the Comments and in the Cars forum.

Tom Mutchler: Every time I fly, I pick up a copy of Flying magazine at the airport newsstand. You see, I still dream about owning a Cessna Citation private jet when I win the MegaLotto. But I just don't dream about owning an executive-class sedan like the new Mercedes S-Class or a Lexus LS. They're simply too much metal for me. OK, I admit--if I had to commute in stop-and-go traffic for hours a day, a used LS would be a cosseting (if boring) way to travel. A used 2002-2003ish LS430 is more reliable than some new cars and costs around $25,000-$30,000. But that's more of a tool than a dream.

Nope. My dreams align with something smaller, but the engineer in me still requires a semblance of practicality. The way I figure it, what good is luxury without having the utility to use it everyday? In order to maintain cabin isolation, most luxury sedans don't have a folding rear seat, which really limits practicality.

Thus my pick: a Mercedes E350 4Matic wagon. (What I REALLY want is an E63 AMG wagon, but I'm not sure that even snow tires can tame that 507 hp, rear-wheel-drive beast come winter.) The E350 wagon gives me the wonderful ride/handling balance of the E-Class sedans we tested plus the AWD and cargo space of a SUV. Too bad you can't get the great BlueTec diesel engine in a wagon in the United States. The one cloud in this blue sky dream is Mercedes' recent record of poor reliability, but I guess it's still cheaper to fix a Mercedes than a plane. You might ask "Why not a BMW 5 Series wagon?" It's simple: BMW's iDrive makes Mercedes' annoying COMAND control system look like child's play. Also, I still pine for the last-generation 5 Series.

Mike Quincy: For my tastes, there was a time (2000-2002) when BMW made great cars. I mean, I loved them all. But since then, a good many of its redesigned models (including the just tested 5 Series) - with the company's iDiotic iDrive - the magic is gone. Likewise, the latest X5 isn't as good as the previous model, and the 6 Series we tested rewrote the definition of boring for me. I'm still geeked up for the 3 Series because you can get one without iDrive, but the rest of the line leaves me cold. Is it possible that one (albeit critical) design flaw can crush an entire company? In the iDrive's case, I would say, "Yes." It's so bad that I don't want to drive the cars that come with it any more than I have to.

But if one of the models from the November test group was going to follow me home, I'd chose the Mercedes E320 diesel. It's not quite as quick as the E350 (which I also love), but the fuel economy is otherworldly. I love the E-Class's seats, visibility, and excellent combination of ride, quietness and handling. Mercedes reliability is a roll of the dice, but the E-Class is so good, I'd risk it.

Personal Picks: Luxury sedans

This month's test groups allow us to visit the rarified field of luxury sedans. The prices--ranging from $45,700 (Infiniti M35) to $90,200 (Mercedes-Benz S550)--are so far out of reach for "normal" people that a few of wondered if these cars could possibly live up to expectations. Is $50,000 too much to spend on a car? Sales figures show there are thousands of consumers with the cash (or a fairly substantial credit rating) to buy or lease them. We measured, tested, and rated collection of such cars, reporting in the November issue and online.

Now, it is time again for our intrepid engineers and editors to answer the daunting question: Which one would you want in your garage? Our initial answers are below, with more to follow in a future post. We look forward to reading your thoughts in the Comments and in the Cars forum.

Rick Small: In this class, I like the Infiniti M35 and Mercedes-Benz E-Class. I was never a diesel fan, but the new E320 BlueTec is a very nice car--it has no diesel smell, plenty of performance, and none of the usual diesel clatter that you're used to hearing. In fact, both the E320 and E350 are a pleasure to drive, with a fine combination of sporty ride and handling, good isolation, and quiet interiors. The M35 is even sportier and delivers more road feel for the enthusiast. All of these now are more of a driver's car than the BMW 5 Series, which seems to be losing its niche. The big Mercedes-Benz S550 is a wonderful car that does every thing well, but is just too cost prohibitive for most. Plus, Mercedes' reliability leaves much to be desired. The M35 will save you money and is more reliable. For even less money, the Infiniti G35 delivers fun, agile performance. I also would be very happy with the sporty Acura TL, which is very reliable, a good value, and has a better driving position for taller people than most of the more expensive models here.

Gabe Shenhar: I may be a minority opinion here, but our top-rated midsized luxury car, the Infiniti M35, doesn't feel special enough to me despite its many virtues. My gripes stem from the M's ride and noise isolation, which aren't on par with the comparable Mercedes and BMW models.

I think the E-Class is truly an impressive car, whether you choose the E320 diesel or E350 gas model. It also looks good and is really worth more than the sum of its parts. But, alas, I personally don't perceive of myself as a Mercedes-Benz owner. And I don't see myself in one of the two super-luxury cruisers we tested, the Lexus LS 460 and Mercedes S550. Both are impressive in their own right, but neither appeal to me at this phase of my life. They are just too large and ostentatious for my humble needs.

That leaves the BMW 5 Series. [Now there's a car for "humble needs" - Ed.]. Not that the car is flawless, but the 535i would be my choice. The 300-hp, twin-turbo, 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder makes for a peach of an engine; the turbo is so well-integrated that you never know it's there. The agility and the feedback of the handling, ride control, interior quality, and seat comfort are all BMW. This car cooperates no matter your mood: It can be a docile cruiser with its quiet interior and supple ride, or, when the shifter is slapped into manual mode and the stability control turned off, the car is game for being sporty and involving. (See our BMW video for a demonstration.) Unfortunately, I'd have to deal with iDrive.