March 2, 2009

Hello, Driving Range fans. This time around we will be checking out the new Volkswagen Routan, a vehicle that runs on air and one of the most desirable cars on the planet.

New vehicles
Volkswagen Routan – When it comes to cagey sales practices, Volkswagen certainly qualifies as a leader. Its recent success with the “city” versions of its Jetta and Golf – old platforms with a facelift and low prices – demonstrate that consumers are willing to pay for something marketed as new that really isn’t. The Routan follows the same philosophy with a twist. Essentially this “new” VW minivan is a Chrysler Town and Country in disguise. Exterior body panels have been replaced front and rear to comply with VW’s current styling theme and interior bits have been swapped out for higher-quality Volkswagenish replacements, as have the seats. (Chrysler’s Stow 'n' Go and Swivel 'n' Go seats are not available in this VW version). Some suspension components have been replaced or retuned as well to allow for a more sporting, European feel at the wheel (in a minivan?). Other than that the Routan is pure Chrysler. The drivetrain, underpinnings and all other platform stampings are interchangeable with the Town and Country. Not that this is a bad thing. Chrysler invented the minivan concept and has been a leader in development and innovation ever since. Millions of units have been sold over the years so consumers obviously want and need a product of this nature. Four trim levels are available with more standard features and creature comforts added as you up the price scale. Volkswagen's desire to increase sales in North America was a key factor in this badge-engineering endeavour as it will save millions of dollars in development costs because of it. Whether consumers will flock to showrooms and buy into this “new” Volkswagen product remains to be seen.

Available – now
Trendline – $27, 975 Execline – $49,975
Engine – 4.0 L V6 – 253 hp – 262 lb-ft torque (13.2 L/100km C, 8.5L/100km H)


The Green Scene
Air-powered car? – With the majority of companies vying to produce the next best hybrid or electric car to save on fossil fuels, an innovative French inventor, Guy Negre, has been steadfastly developing a vehicle that runs on an abundant, affordable, non-polluting commodity – air. That’s right, Negre’s company, Moteur Developpement International (MDI), has been concentrating its efforts for the past 17 years on a compressed-air-driven engine. The compressed air comes from a group of carbon fibre reinforced tanks under the vehicle floor that are pressurized to 4,500 psi. Simply speaking, this compressed air forces the engine cylinders to move – as opposed to a combustible fuel performing this function – thus providing the power to turn the crankshaft and ultimately drive the powered wheels. Special high-powered filling stations would recharge the air tanks in about four minutes and cost around $2. An on-board electric compressor can also be used to recharge the tanks on the go and would take about four hours to do so. In its current iteration the Air Car has a range of 200 km (128 miles) and can achieve a top speed of 109 kph (68 mph), so realistically is suitable for urban commutes only. However, Negre and company are currently working on faster, longer-range models using a unique heater fuelled by gasoline, ethanol or some other biofuel. This dual-energy system is used to preheat the compressed air at speeds above 55 kph to increase its volume and thus provide longer distances. One such U.S. spec Air Car – costing around $18,000 – will use a 75 HP dual – energy compressed air engine that is expected to hit over 150 kph and travel over 1,350 km on eight gallons of fuel. That’s 106 mpg or 2.2L/100km. There’s nothing else on the market that gets this kind of gas mileage. Let’s hope this vehicle gets the attention, and sales, it deserves.


If Only!
Aston Martin DBS – This storied British automaker may not build a lot of cars in any given year but the ones it does are fast, gorgeous and very desirable. Of the current lineup, the DBS is the ultimate expression of the mark. Based on the DB9, the “S” is extensively reworked with carbon fibre the material of choice for the hood, doors, trunk lid and other components for a weight saving of around 200 lb (yet it still weighs in at over 3,700 lb). The car's V-12 engine output has been bumped up from “only” 469 HP for the DB9 to 510 for the DBS. These enhancements allow this uber Aston to complete the 0-100 kph sprint in just 4.3 seconds, on its way to a 190 mph top speed. A new six-speed paddle-shifted automatic is now available if you don’t enjoy rowing through the gears of the standard issue manual. All of this can be enjoyed in the comfort of a well-appointed cabin featuring swaths of leather, Alcantra suede and solid aluminum trim pieces. If you would like a reprieve from the DBS’ sonorous exhaust note, the high-end Bang and Olufsen sound system will satisfy any audiophile’s desires. At a cost premium of $100,000 over the DB9, acquiring one of these rare jewels is a costly venture indeed.