The Crank: Nissan EV only selling to the oldies

By John LeBlanc

Here’s a good one: Instead of the young, hip buyers that you would think an electric-vehicle would attract—you know, the types of customers who are busy spending time updating their Facebook account and plotting ways to get Mom and Dad to pay for their next iPhone app—Nissan is saying that the average age of its Leaf electric vehicle pre-order U.S. buyer to date is above 50, while more than one out of three are over the age of 60. Read more

Comparo: 2010 Chevrolet Camaro RS vs. Hyundai Genesis Coupe 3.8 GT

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It’s an age thing

Can Korea’s first legit pony car take on one of the originals?

By John LeBlanc

At first glance, Hyundai’s Genesis Coupe and Chevrolet’s Camaro appear to have as much in common as apple pie and kimchi. One is a modern reinterpretation of an American icon born in the ’60s; the other is the first real attempt by a Korean automaker to lure driving enthusiasts to the Hyundai brand. Put aside the history books and cultural differences, though, and this pair has more in common than you think. Read more

Road Test: 2010 Mini Cooper S Camden

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One Mouthy Mini

BMW’s small car company rolls out its first talking Mini

By John LeBlanc

While parent BMW has introduced a convertible, the stretched Clubman wagon, and the über-performing John Cooper Works iterations to the original three-door Mini Cooper hatchback, the basic front-wheel-drive, ball-of-fun subcompact configuration hasn’t been messed with since its modern reincarnation back in 2002, where it’s been a perrenial Straight-Goods fave ever since. Read more

The Crank: Is Cadillac rethinking its definition of “flagship”?

By John LeBlanc

Despite the fawning from most media over Cadillac’s XTS luxury sedan concept, left, that popped up at last year’s Detroit auto show, I’ve never been a big fan of the Government Motors world-class luxury brands’ idea of a “flagship.” I mean please, when Hyundai (with titsis Equs) can make a legitimate flagship to take on the Germans and Japanese, what’s there to get excited about in the XTS? The car is essentially a stretched Buick Lacrosse. And now it looks like GM’s own head cheese, CEO Ed Whitacre, is having the same doubts about the XTS as Cadillac’s official lineup topper. Read more

The Crank: is China’s latest Buick our next Skylark?

By John LeBlanc

Like the debut of the Russian VW Polo, the release of a foreign market car gives away a new model coming our way. In this case, it’s the release of images of the Chinese-market Buick Excelle GT, a compact sedan that the Government Motors demi-luxury brand will sell in North America sometime next year. Read more

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