The Crank: Will Infiniti ever graduate into the luxury-sport big leagues?

By John LeBlanc You remember Infiniti, don’t you? Nissan’s premium brand that’s been chasing Germany’s BMW since 1989? Now, compared to Toyota’s Lexus—which seems happier chasing disgruntled Buick owners—ever since its original Q sedan arrived over 20 years ago, Infiniti has always wanted you to think of it as a Japanese alternative to the usual […]

The Crank: Should automakers “pay” for car awards?

By John LeBlanc A recent article at The Truth About Cars highlighted that some auto awards simply wouldn’t happen without the financial generosity of car manufacturers. The TTAC story via The Wall Street Journal, cites U.S.-based Consumers Digest and its “Best Buy” awards as an example of this questionable practice.

The Crank: How blasphemous is a FWD Land Rover?

By John LeBlanc Hold on to your Wellies: After its world debut at the Paris auto show this Fall, the production version of the Land Rover LRX concept will allegedly be available with traction to its front wheels only. 

The Crank: Can “sports car” and “diesel” ever be in the same sentence?

By John LeBlanc INGOLSTADT, Germany – It’s dawn, June, 2006. I’m watching the sun come up over the Porsche Corners during the running of the 24 Heures du Mans. And I’m witnessing history. On the way to becoming the first ever diesel-engine race car to win the historic event, Audi’s R10 swooshes by in relative […]

The Crank: Is Toyota’s luxury hybrid strategy a flop?

By John LeBlanc When Lexus launched its HS 250h last year, I was a bit befuddled. Why parent Toyota went to the trouble of stuffing the hybrid Prius’s drivetrain into the chassis of the European Toyota Avensis compact sedan (which less rear legroom than a Corolla), style it like a Lexus RX SUV, and price […]

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