Now who's the Smart One?

It's not every day that you see this random pairing on the streets of any American city. I must say that I was surprised to see that the Smart Car is actually even shorter than the original Mini.  But I'll take the Mini hands down, thanks.

Kandy Blue Kaddy on Atlantic Ave.

Not my taste, but still a pretty sweet ride.

Stray Jag Moment of Zen

Spotted this sad scene in Long Island over the weekend.  Talk about an alley cat in need of a good home...

In defense of GM's Saab?

I think a lot of people have hated on GM's management of the Saab brand.  And with good reason.  Some of the cars were lackluster, and their overpriced WRX-based 9-2X, and bloated Envoy-clone 9-7X were boneheaded line extensions par excellence.  However, just as Pontiac bowed out with the surprisingly refined and competent G8 sedan, it seems like GM finally nailed it and produced something really gorgeous and compelling with the latest 9-5 sedan right before selling off the brand(Saab, you owe me big time for this plug!).

The new 9-5 really carries off the Nordic cleanliness that Saab should be about (clear influence from the stunning Aero X concept car can be seen throughout), while exuding the gravitas and presence that its German competitors have down to a science.  It's a pity that in both Saab and Pontiac's cases, the cumulative effects of years of mismanagement proved too great a burden to be saved by one great design. 

You don't see that many brand new Saabs on the road these days, but this 9-5 on the street in midtown stopped me in my tracks and took my breath away.  The stance, the detailing, the distinctive look. They really got this one right, at least from the outside. If Saab ever re-starts production, (they currently are so broke they can't pay their suppliers and are awaiting a government bailout in Sweden) it's a shame that Jason Castriota will probably ruin this understated, elegant new brand language before it even can spread across the whole product line. I'm glad GM survived the "carpocalypse" but it's a shame that Saab might be robbed of its potential as a result.

Is it nothing to you, all ye that pass by?

I can never understand how people just walk by cool cars without even breaking their stride...

This red 912 was parked on Broadway, right by ABC Carpet. Very cool!