Motor Trend Just Doesn't Get It

OK this might seem like an odd topic for my blog, but today I'm going to criticize Motor Trend's selection for the 2008 Car of the Year.

This year's selection is the Cadillac CTS. Yes, it's gorgeous. Yes, they've done a phenomenal job of incorporating some very nice features into a well designed & well-appointed vehicle. Given it's competition, it's great to see an American car win. Surprisingly, there have been a number of positive steps happening in Detroit this year. The big three are finally starting to deal with their financial issues & are starting to focus on their products. Years of focusing solely on the bottom-line while forgetting that it's the products that drive a company not the stock options has taken it's toll on American car companies. It's good to see the things they are doing.

Unfortunately, the auto industry still doesn't get it. Yes, the CTS is "affordable" luxury. Yes, it's going to have some serious get-up and go. But with an EPA estimated MPG 17 city/26 highway, it just doesn't fit the bill. Yes, they are able to make a 304 HP 3.6L V6 get 26 MPG highway. But why not have a 204 HP engine get an average of 30?

The simple truth is that current tech is here to allow for a powerful & smooth driving experience while conserving fuel & lowering CO2 emissions. The ability to turn off pistons, use fuel-injection & integrate batteries into the vehicle aren't just possible, they are techniques used by General Motors. Heck, GM vehicles have used fuel-injection & engine performance techniques for decades. They even have vehicles using these options now.

But all this is beside the point, more than blaming General Motors for making one sweet ride, I'm blaming Motor Trend for failing to get with the times. I love a gorgeous car just like the next guy, but this is a new era.

With gas prices over $3/gal, Slick and I chose the vehicle for our Thanksgiving trip not on comfort or room, but on fuel efficiency. Yes, we are not the demographic for the CTS, but look at the big picture. Gas prices continue to rise. Consumer discretionary budgets are tightening as the economy slows. The Environment has finally become relevant. These are the things that should be on the minds of Automakers & the people who earn a living off the auto industry.

I'm beginning to see signs that Ford is starting to get this point. Several of their latest ventures have been around building quality into affordable & fuel efficient vehicles. This is what all of Detroit should be focusing on. And thus, Motor Trend should be giving their awards to those kinds of vehicles.

Perhaps, I should do my own research and pick my own car of the year.