 text and images by Michael A. Marrs
After the first opportunity to work with a Dodge Dakota, reminiscing on how it could be considered the natural evolution of the pickup that the trucks seemed to get bigger and bigger until the compact truck was able to slip in and find a place in the market seemed appropriate. Then of course, it was not long till the market began to look for something to fill the gap between full size and compact. This is where Dodge stepped in to fill that gap with the 1987 model Dakota – and the mid-sized truck market was born.
Dodge trucks, now known as RAM, built a reputation as a working man’s truck over the years,  including the mid-sized market placement of the Dakota. It is a package that has continued to evolve with more choices in options and power trains. There was even a run at the high performance truck market a time or two, with the high performance Dodge Dakota creating a lot of interest.
For the 2010 model year, the Dakota only comes in two body designs, with the extended cab having two trim levels, and the crew cab having an additional two. There are only two engine choices for the Dakota, as well as two transmission choices, which keeps things simple.
 It even gets simpler with the Dakota Crew Cab TRX4 4X4. This trim model comes with a standard package that includes the 4.7L engine, which mimics the 5.7L HEMI by having two spark plugs per cylinder. This engine is able to generate 302 horsepower, along with 329 lb.-ft of torque, and is proclaimed to provide better fuel economy. On regular fuel, the TRX4 4X4 carries an EPA rating of 14 mpg city, 19 mpg highway, and it is capable of running on E85 ethanol fuel, making it a Flexible Fuel Vehicle. The 4.7L engine is combined with a 5-speed automatic that is the only choice for the TRX, and this configuration will handle up to 7,280 pounds towing, which provides best in class capabilities.
The second test TRX4 4X4 vehicle came with 4X4 related add-ons like one skid plate to protect  the electric Shift-on-the-fly Part Time transfer case, and another skid plate to protect the fuel tank. There are heavy duty shock absorbers on the corners, as well as heavy duty engine cooling provisions, and even a power steering cooler. The test vehicle also included options such as the trailer tow package, power 6×9 side mirrors, front tow hooks, and a Class IV trailer hitch. The TRX4 rolls on a set of 16X8 cast aluminum wheels from the factory, with a set of P265/70R16 off-road tires. There are fog lamps, and a black headlight bezel surrounded by chrome gives a big aggressive look of the Dakota front end.
 The interior of the TRX4 is nicely packaged, with the industrialized scheme still coming to mind, which is in alignment with the Ram working truck designs. The ‘soft’ approach to interior design and material that some of the other mid-sized entries use could be incorporated without sacrificing any of the work truck designs. Ram does like to boast that the Dakota has the biggest cab interior for a mid-size truck, with 37.1 cubic-feet of space that provides best in class status. The power front buckets provide a truck view that is comfortable and feels like a solid base for the driver and passenger, with a center floor console that has removable cup holders that expose an add-on electronics storage area. The rear seating area is the 60/40 split bench, with a unique crate under seat storage system that can be configured several different ways. On the dash, the white faced gauges are large, located directly in front of the driver, and very easy to see. There is plenty of interior storage, with an open storage area located above the glove box for those quick throw downs. The dash center stack houses the optional media center package the test vehicle was equipped with – CD/DVD/HDD/NAV Radio, along with a 30 GB hard drive. The audio was tied into the optional Premium Sound Group that has 6 Alpine speakers, and a 276-Watt amp tha t will provide quality sounds within the cab. The audio system includes the steering wheel mounted controls, which are becoming standard Detroit features. In the Dakota, the audio controls are on the back side of the steering wheel, which provides is easy finger access on each side once it is actually located, without changing the grip on the wheel.
The standard safety equipment on the TRX4 stays with the Ram reputation by having Advanced Multistage Front Airbags, Tire Pressure Monitoring, and Anti-lock brakes. There are several ‘security’ features on the test vehicle, with the standard Security Alarm and the Sentry key Theft Deterrent System getting supplemented with an optional Extra Security Package – which is where the Supplemental Side-curtain front and rear airbags are hidden for some strange reason.
The Flame Red Dakota TRX4 Crew Cab with a dark Slate Gray/medium State Gray interior carries a base sticker price of $31,365, and with options, is sticker priced at $35,935 as tested.
 text by Michael A. Marrs, images courtesy the manufacturer
It has often been hailed as the king of American sports cars, and in many circles, it is indeed a world class performer, having competed head-to-head with the leading performance cars around the World. Whether the performance interest is in racing a quarter-mile at a time, twisting and turning on a sports car track, or even some 24-hour endurance racing, the Corvette has been a part of it.
Like almost any hot rodder that has been around for a while, there seems to be a story involving a Corvette in some form or fashion – like the one that got away. It was the late ‘60s in a small East Texas town, where the local hot rod hero was about to head off to jungles on the other side of the World that most of us only knew about from the evening news. Sitting at the local Dairy Queen with his best girl politely listening to young hot rodders talk cars while they admired his ’60  Corvette hardtop convertible, the hero announces that he was selling the Corvette and putting his ’32 Ford in storage. A cherry one owner 1960 Corvette hardtop convertible with a 4-speed could be had for the simple price of $2,500, a mere pittance in the scheme of things, but more money than any of the local high schoolers with a girlfriend could fathom having at one time. So it was that another one got away…
Over the years, there have been other opportunities to drive a Corvette, with a 2010 GS convertible being the latest. On a crisp spring morning, with the black top down on the Jetstream Blue metallic GS, sliding into the Dark Titanium two-toned leather sport bucket seats with a six way power adjustable driver’s seat is smooth and easy. The test vehicle came with the optional Grand Sport Heritage package that delivered the custom seating, that includes a nice looking logo embroidered into the headrest. The GS was also equipped with the 4LT Optional Equipment  Group, which brings in a Heads Up display that is very user friendly, as well as heated seats, and a memory package for the seats. This is also where you will find the six way power passenger seat option, and the all important power convertible top that has a heated rear window glass. A look around the interior and the dash is clear, with the large oval speedometer and tach appropriately taking most of the space. The Driver Information Center is easily accessible, as well as the Auto Dual Zone Air Conditioning, which almost seems a waste in the small, yet spacious two passenger area. A quick push of a button and the LS3 6.3L engine brought the factory 430-horses to life, with a gentle rumble that sounds as good as the Corvette looks. While the GS comes standard with a manual six speed transmission, our test vehicle was equipped with the optional automatic, and easing the 6-speed into gear brings on a gentle nudge from under the hood as if to say it is time to ease on down the road – in a hurry. And then it is here, with only the tunes of the exhaust on the open air that every Corvette ever coveted came to life with the firm grip on the leather wrapped steering wheel – with paddle shifters within easy reach of idle fingers.
The ride in a late model Corvette is not like a Cadillac, this is a sports car after all. Even so, with the optional chrome aluminum 18 X 8.5 in wheels wrapped in run flat rubber, the ride is firm, solid feeling, but not ‘bumpy’ or harsh. Rolling with the top down on a cool day in the sunshine is what  makes any convertible so great, and in a Corvette, it only gets better to have the road tunes blowing in the wind. Of course, it is also particularly gratifying in a manly way to roll up to a stop sign, and a quick hit on the accelerator allows the pent up horses to stretch a bit, leaving proof that a Corvette has been there. An opportunity to make two laps on the infield track at the Texas Motor Speedway in the GS Corvette proved to be the highlight of the test drive. While getting situated in a helmet, and waiting on the track manager to give the thumbs up on merging with the traffic coming out of the last turn, there was a dang blasted Viper blowing into the front stretch of the course, mocking anyone sitting in the staging lane. It was with more than a little adrenalin that the inside voices began screaming that they we ain’t gonna’ take that! Like any red blooded American male who firmly believes that he can drive anything, anytime, anywhere, believing that even Mario Andretti could have learned a thing or two from our self-developed race car driving skills, we were ready. Now is the time to let it rip and show this Viper driver, who owns this track! A full adrenalin fueled launch finds the rpm way too low but the Corvette amply makes up for the momentary  lapse of attention. Making the first lap brings the GS back down the front stretch at a full run, at least what is thought to be a full run pushing down the stretch with the prey just ahead, going into the first turn. Drawing near, the overly race qualified inside voices think the opportunity is in the upcoming wide sweeping turn, and the push to catch the Viper before the back twisties. With the prey skillfully exiting the far end turn into the back twisties almost under full power, it seems escape is imminent. It is here, mid-way through the turn that the feeling of loss has the voices scream that it is time for that extra push with the right foot, instead of waiting until coming out of the turn! And of course, the inside voices go strangely quiet after muttering ugly words as the extra power at the wrong time causes the GS to break loose on the front end. In the movies it is artistically cool to watch a car slid sideways in slow motion, but this GS was quick, and almost as fast as it left the track throwing grass and rocks with a side fence jumping ever closer, it was over. Dang, that was quick, even with the massive four wheel disc brakes fully engaged in panic. Taking a deep breath, another push of the button, and the forgiving engine roared back to life. As I turned the car around and eased back to the track, I could see the track manager  standing on the far side, with his hands on the hips, ready to remind this errant driver that this is a test drive, not a race. Easing the car back onto the track, it was a much slower and an easy roll back around to the starting line, fully expecting the consequences to be the end of the day on the track. As the GS rolled up to the exit lane, with the track manager patiently waiting to provide his words of wisdom on how to behave on his track, Karma came to the rescue. Just as the track manager was about to unload, out on the back turn, the heavy footed Viper began screaming as all four of the heavily used tires tried to dig into the track sideways. The track manager ran in that direction, and the GS seemed to know how to quietly find its own way off the infield track, and back to the garage area.
Just another Corvette story.
 text by Michael A. Marrs, images courtesy of the manufacturer
From the early days of automotive history, the Cadillac name has been associated with luxury vehicles around the World. As the oldest continuous manufacturer of American automobiles, the Cadillac name has been sold around the world, while making major contributions to the automotive industry. It is on this type of innovative heritage that the 2010 Cadillac CTS V6 Premium Collection was designed.
With a direct injected 3.0L V-6 that produces 270 horsepower becoming the standard engine for North American CTS models, there is also the standard six speed automatic  transmission that provides clean, crisp shifting when in manual mode. There are standard features on the CTS such as Stabilitrak-Stability Control, and All-Speed Traction Control. Standard safety features that can be found throughout the Cadillac line include Front & Side air bags for both the driver and the passenger, as well as Active Front Head restraints. There are also head curtain side airbags up front and in the rear, along with belt pretensioners, child safety locks, and programmable power door locks that can be handy in a family use vehicle. The CTS models also come standard with a theft deterrent system, as well as the remote keyless entry which is one of those conveniences that is quickly missed when it is not there.
Our specific test vehicle is a Radiant Silver 2010 CTS Sport Wagon V6 Premium Collection with the available Ebony leather interior. The spacious front bucket seats are heated and cooled leather seats with a wide base that are fully adjustable with the power controls easily reachable, particularly for the memory seat adjuster. Both of the front windows are the increasingly  popular express up and down, while the Sapele Wood trim package provides a contrasting luxury touch to the overall soft stitched interior effect that is further enhanced by the use of LED ambient lighting. Add in the Dual Zone Climate Control to keep the interior temp comfy, and the roominess of the CTS interior seems to be more than comfortable, particularly with the quiet ride that was noted. The test vehicle was equipped with the split rear seats that provide almost as much hip-room as the front, and with the seats folded, there is room for 53 cubic feet of cargo. In the standard 5 passenger arrangement, there is room for 25 cubic feet of storage behind the seat. Getting access to that storage area is easy, as the test vehicle came with the Power Lift Gate that can quickly become habit forming, particularly in bad weather when it is so nice to hit the close button and run for cover.
The luxury and convenience list on the CTS Sport Wagon also includes the Driver Information Center with large easy to read gauges. The center stack provides a home for switches and buttons, as well as the large navigation screen that is programmable via the touch screen. The navigation screen also serves as a home for the audio controls, with includes  SIRUS/XM capability. The heart of the sound system is the BOSE 5.1 Surround System that has ten speakers around the interior that will fill the area with enough sounds to make it worth taking a midnight drive with the optional Ultraview Sunroof wide open just to see if those Dead Head memories are as real as they sometimes seem. Along with the CD, there is a 40GB hard drive to create personalized play lists for the long haul, which may be the best way to fully appreciate any of the CTS models.
The CTS Sport Wagon V6 Premium test vehicle came with the upgraded 3.6L engine that brings in another 34 horses to push the 304 mark, which is ample power to provide low-end around town power, as well as the more mid-ranged passing or freeway entrance ramp type of power. This engine transmission combination earns an EPA Fuel Economy of 18 MPG City, and 26 MPG Highway in the CTS Sedan. The engine easily responds to the manual shift points, if so desired, however, the automatic will more than meet the expectations of most drivers. The test vehicle also came with some optional Cadillac performance touches such as the 19-inch polished aluminum wheels, and 19-inch Summer only tires that work with the Sport Suspension System to provide a solid feel on the road without being overly ‘sporty’, where it seems every bump or  seam in the road can be felt. To further promote the feel of performance in the Sport Wagon, the test vehicle came with the optional shift controls mounted on the steering wheel that allow for manual shifting, which seems to be more for driver pleasure than a performance necessityTo round out the performance aspects, the test vehicle came with a performance cooling system, and performance disc brakes that most drivers won’t test to the max, however, always nice to have extra stopping power.
The 2010 CTS Sport Wagon V6 Premium Collection comes in with a standard vehicle price of $48,665.00, and with the $2300 in options and destination charges bringing the roll out sticker to $51,790.00 as tested.
text by Michael A. Marrs, images courtesy of manufacturers and Marrs Photography
It is that wonderful time of year again, with another Christmas in our memory, a New Year to look forward to, and of course, there are those year-end new car deals. While it is not the most convenient time to get involved with trying to make a new car deal, there are plenty of incentives to reconsider that concept, and of course, they all come with the seemingly mandatory ‘buy now’ come on. Here are a few of the deals we could find that might start your New Year off right
…visit the web sites or call the dealers for detailed information about any offers that may be specific to your area as well, and remember to read the fine print…
 Chevrolet Holiday Savings is offering several incentives that end on January 3, and generally involves dealer stock on specific 2011 models for qualified buyers;
- that can delay monthly payments till spring, PLUS 0% APR, PLUS a $1,500.00 Holiday Allowance for qualified buyers on vehicles such as the Avalanche, or the Equinox.
-there is also an offer for no monthly payments till spring PLUS 0% APR for buyers on the 2011 Express, HHR LS, Impala LS, and Silverado 2500/3500.
-while the third offer is for no monthly payments till spring for qualified buyers on the 2011 Aveo LS, Camaro, Corvette, and Cruze.
If you don’t ‘have to have’ the latest and greatest, check out the offerings on the 2010 models still in stock, like the Avalanche with a $5000 cash allowance, there is a $3000 cash back offer on the 2010 Tahoe, and the 2010 Traverse with a $2500 cash allowance for starters. There is also an offer of 2.9% APR for 36 months on the 2010 Equinox.
Buick Holiday Event is on with a 0% APR PLUS an available $1500 allowance with financing considerations – remember that fine print – PLUS there are no monthly payments till spring on qualified buyers of the 2011 Enclave, or the 2011 LaCrosse. There is a Sign and Drive lease offer on the 2011 Buick Regal as well. Still considering a 2010? There is a $4500 cash allowance OR 0% APR for the 2010 Lucerne, and 2010 Enclave has the $2500 cash allowance OR 0% APR for 60 months offer on the table for qualified buyers. Even the 2010 Lacrosse has a $1250 cash back OR 1.9% APR for 60 months offer.
 The GMC Holiday Event also has lease and sales incentives to consider such as the 0% APR PLUS an available $1500 allowance with financing considerations – again, read the fine print – PLUS there are no monthly payments till spring on qualified buyers of the Acadia, the Sierra 1500 Ext./Crew Cabs, Sierra Regular Cabs, the Terrain, and even the Yukon/Yukon XL, OR there is a cash back option. There are also offers of 0% interest OR cash back which varies from $1,000-$2,000, depending on the models.
Season’s Greetings from the Cadillac showroom, there are offers of 0% financing for up to 36 months to qualified buyers of the 2011 Cadillac CTS models, the Crossover SRX, and several of the Cadillac Escalade models. There is also a lease offer on the 2011 Cadillac CTS Sedan RWD 3.0L, DTS Luxury models, the Escalade SUV 2WD Base, the Escalade AWD Luxury, the SRX FWD Luxury model, and even the STS RWD V6 Luxury, The 1.9% financing for up to 36 months is available on the Cadillac DTS as well as the STS model.
The Year End Celebration over at Ford dealers is under way with a variety of offers starting at 0% APR for 60 months through Ford Credit, PLUS $1,500 towards the
 Writer's Choice for The Best New Design- ' Ford Fiesta' first three payments for qualified buyers of selected 2011 models such as Focus, Fusion, Taurus, the Ranger pickup, and even the Flex. Visit FORD.COM for a complete listing. There is an offer of $1500 back on the new Ford Mustang, as well as a cash back offer OR special financing on the all new Explorer. There are also special lease offers almost across the board, with variations based on models.
Toyotathon is underway at Toyota dealers and it also ends on January 3, with a wide variety of offers such as 0% APR on the 2011 Camry, and 2011 Tundra through Toyota Financial Services. There are also cash back offers combined with special financing such as the $1000 cash back PLUS 2.9% APR for 60 months on the 2010 Tacoma Regular or Access Cab. Better yet, there is $1000 customer cash PLUS 0% APR for up to 60 months for several models such as the 2010 Matrix or the 2010 Prius. Offer variations can be found on the 2010 Corolla, the 2010 Highlander, the Prius, the Venza, and RAV 4 as well. Even the New Avalon gets an offer of 1.9% APR for 60 months for consideration. If you are looking for a lease, there are offers to be found on almost all models, such as the 2010 4Runner, the 2011 Sienna LE V6, or the 2010 FJ Cruiser V6.
Happy Honda Days are here with 0.9% APR for 24-60 months for qualified buyers of the 2010 Accord Coupe, Sedan or Crosstour, as well as the Civic models that do include the Hybrid. Even the CR-V is included in this offer. The 2010 Ridgeline has available financing of 1.9% for 24-36 months, OR 2.9% that ranges from 37-60 months. Looking for a Honda lease? There are several 2010 and 2011 models to choose from with $0 down at the time of signing the lease, PLUS $0 first month payment, and 35 months to follow with the disclaimers and fine print holding all the details.
 KIA Motorsports has several Special Offers that include a special financial offer of 0% APR for 36 months PLUS $2000 bonus cash for qualified buyers of the 2010 Optima, OR a $3000 cash back offer. The is also a $500 Military cash back OR maybe the $500 Owner Loyalty cash back offer could be applicable. There are several lease options to consider, but keep in mind, it all ends 01/03/2011.
Share the Love with Subaru this year-end by taking home a new Subaru and they will donate $250 to one of five charities – buyer’s choice.
It’s the Big Finish of 2010 under the Chrysler banner, with several  varying offers on 2010 models, including the popular 300 models with offers ranging from $3000 to $4000 customer cash allowances to 0.0% APR for up to 60 months. The final bow of the PT Cruiser gets an offer of $2000 cash back or 0.0% APR for up to 60 months, while the 2010 Sebring Convertables get $2500 cash back or the 0.0% APR for 60 months. Similar offers can be found on the rest of the Chrysler vehicles.
 Luxury Pickup Truck - 2011 Ram 1500 Laramie Longhorn The BIG Finish of 2010 is also over at the house that RAM built,
with several offers that are a combo for consideration. For example, the 2010 RAM 1500 ST Regular cab short bed has a current offer of $3750 cash allowance PLUS $500 Ally Bonus cash PLUS $500 Bonsh Cash Allowance OR there is option 2. For option two there is a o.o%APR for 36 months PLUS a $500 allowance PLUS a $5000 Ally cash allowance. Or there is a 2010 RAM 1500 ST Crew Cab with the 5’7″ bed that gets an offer of $4250 cash allowance PLUS $1000 Ally Bonus cash PLUS $1000 Bonus cash allowance OR get the 0.0% financing up to 60 months PLUS a $1000 cash allowance PLUS the $500 Ally Bonus cash. There are a lot of variations based on the model, so be sure to do the research before heading to the dealer.
The BIG Finish of 2010 can also be found with the Dodge vehicles such as the really nice driving 2010 Challenger R/T Classic or a 2010 Charger SRT8 with a choice of $2500 cash allowance OR a 1.9% APR for up to 60 months. Of course not to be left out, vehicles such as the 2010 Journey SXT AWD has an offer of 0.0% APR for up to 60 months OR there is a $3000 cash allowance.
Regardles of where you want to look, there is some sort of deal at year end, but there is not much time to take advantage of any of these deals. Do the research and read the fine print before you go to any dealership, after all,you don’t want to ruin your Holiday Spirit.
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text and images by Michael A. Marrs
including the mid-sized market placement of the Dakota. It is a package that has continued to evolve with more choices in options and power trains. There was even a run at the high performance truck market a time or two, with the high performance Dodge Dakota creating a lot of interest.
It even gets simpler with the Dakota Crew Cab TRX4 4X4. This trim model comes with a standard package that includes the 4.7L engine, which mimics the 5.7L HEMI by having two spark plugs per cylinder. This engine is able to generate 302 horsepower, along with 329 lb.-ft of torque, and is proclaimed to provide better fuel economy. On regular fuel, the TRX4 4X4 carries an EPA rating of 14 mpg city, 19 mpg highway, and it is capable of running on E85 ethanol fuel, making it a Flexible Fuel Vehicle. The 4.7L engine is combined with a 5-speed automatic that is the only choice for the TRX, and this configuration will handle up to 7,280 pounds towing, which provides best in class capabilities. 
the electric Shift-on-the-fly Part Time transfer case, and another skid plate to protect the fuel tank. There are heavy duty shock absorbers on the corners, as well as heavy duty engine cooling provisions, and even a power steering cooler. The test vehicle also included options such as the trailer tow package, power 6×9 side mirrors, front tow hooks, and a Class IV trailer hitch. The TRX4 rolls on a set of 16X8 cast aluminum wheels from the factory, with a set of P265/70R16 off-road tires. There are fog lamps, and a black headlight bezel surrounded by chrome gives a big aggressive look of the Dakota front end.
The interior of the TRX4 is nicely packaged, with the industrialized scheme still coming to mind, which is in alignment with the Ram working truck designs. The ‘soft’ approach to interior design and material that some of the other mid-sized entries use could be incorporated without sacrificing any of the work truck designs. Ram does like to boast that the Dakota has the biggest cab interior for a mid-size truck, with 37.1 cubic-feet of space that provides best in class status. The power front buckets provide a truck view that is comfortable and feels like a solid base for the driver and passenger, with a center floor console that has removable cup holders that expose an add-on electronics storage area. The rear seating area is the 60/40 split bench, with a unique crate under seat storage system that can be configured several different ways. On the dash, the white faced gauges are large, located directly in front of the driver, and very easy to see. There is plenty of interior storage, with an open storage area located above the glove box for those quick throw downs. The dash center stack houses the optional media center package the test vehicle was equipped with – CD/DVD/HDD/NAV Radio, along with a 30 GB hard drive. The audio was tied into the optional Premium Sound Group that has 6 Alpine speakers, and a 276-Watt amp tha
t will provide quality sounds within the cab. The audio system includes the steering wheel mounted controls, which are becoming standard Detroit features. In the Dakota, the audio controls are on the back side of the steering wheel, which provides is easy finger access on each side once it is actually located, without changing the grip on the wheel. 
