“It drives like a car with the utility of an SUV,” says Ken Thompson of Doxon Toyota of Auburn. ” But with the Venza you don’t have the stigma of having a big bulky SUV, yet it has all the features that you’d need in a utility vehicle, most notably having the carrying capacity of an SUV.”

Toyota based the Venza, not on a RAV4 or a Highlander, but on it’s most popular car. The Venza’s chassis is based on that of a Camry, in theory making it very maneuverable. What’s the most impressive could be the efficiency of the engine. The 6 cylinder AWD will get  roughly 18/25hwy while the front wheel drive 6 cylinder will get 21/29hwy. With a 1000 lb. towing capacity and 268 horsepower, the numbers are impressive.  Toyota dealerships are getting in a few at a time, starting with the 6 cylinders followed by the 4 cylinder sometime in January.

Looking at it, and considering all the cross features like gas mileage and the sleek lines, the Venza was built for the Seattle driver. It handles like a sedan, has the Star safety system for security on those long trips over the pass, and has the efficiency for everyday use. Since it’s a true crossover, you can drive it like a car or SUV, it has versatility for almost anything.

“Wow is the word I hear from people who ask about,” claims Thompson standing by the Venza display at the Seattle Auto Show. ” I just heard one guy say to another, ‘looks like Toyota came up with another winner.’ ”

The folks at Toyota call it a crossover sedan, not an SUV. It’s similar to that of the Nissan Murano and Subaru Tribeca. Starting price for a new 2009 Toyota Venza is between $25,000-$29,000 based on FWD or AWD.

Toyota may have taken it’s time to enter into the true crossover category, but it’s Venza may end up of being the best of them all. 

Check out the specs

• 2.7-liter double overhead cam (DOHC) 16-valve dual independent VVT-i 4-cylinder; 182 hp @ 5800 rpm, 182 lb.-ft. @ 4200 rpm    
• 3.5-liter double overhead cam (DOHC) 24-valve dual independent VVT-i V6; 268 hp @ 6200 rpm, 246 lb.-ft. @ 4700 rpm
• Seating Capacity for 5 Adults
• 1000lb Towing Capacity
• 70.1 Cubic Feet of Cargo Capacity
• P245/55R19 Tire Size – 4 Cylinder
• P245/50R20 Tire Size- 6 Cylinder

See the full 2009 Venza specs

(The test drive feature article is coming soon. Dealerships are just having a hard time keeping them in stock.)

Usually the ATV and UTV’s of the world have next to nothing to do with being earth conscious or eco-friendly. The Bad Boy vehicle brings both worlds together.

“This electric buggy option is great especially when it comes to wildlife,” explains Selah Willard, Executive VP of Bad Boy Enterprises. “The Bad Boy is so quiet it won’t disturb the environment. It’s like going to a petting zoo when I’m on it, I can get real close and not threaten or scare the wildlife, like if I was on an ATV.”

The Bad Boys efficiency gets about 35 miles per battery charge and can reach up 20mph. There are actually two 15.5 DC motors on the front and back which provides power and a drive train that is nearly silent. The low noise decibels have become the biggest selling point. In fact, the company’s slogan is, “They’ll Never Hear You Coming.” 

Going into their sixth year, the Mississippi based Bad Boy Enterprises has sold well over 11,000 of their electric charged buggies in the United States. However, the majority of their sales are coming from the South where the vehicle is primarily used for hunting. However, Bad Boy wants to expand their client base and connect with an eco conscious demographic as well.

“This [Seattle] is the perfect area for it,” says Willard at the Seattle Auto Show. “We certainly have a built in customer base with folks who like to hunt, but we would love to expand that and be considered by Earth conscious urban dwellers who want to vacation at the beach or mountains.”   
 
At $9,995 for the base model, the Bad Boy Buggy is competitively priced. In terms of popularity, the electric Bad Boy has star appeal. On the company’s website, there are celebrity testimonials from various country music stars and hunting experts. ESPN’s Bow Hunting Pro Tom Miranda says “If you think the Bad Boy is a golf cart of steroids you haven’t driven one. A better definition is a “mini electric Hum-Vee.”

 
Bad Boy Buggy Specs (website)
Engine
Engine Type: Dual Electric DC Motors
Horsepower: 2 – 15.5 hp – 31 hp total
Torque: 170 foot pounds
Drive Train
Drive: Direct drive front & rear
4WD: Auto & full time 4WD, switch on the fly
Tires
Front Tires: 22 x 9 -10
Rear Tires: 22 x 9 -10
Dimensions
Wheelbase: 69 in
Length: 113 in
Width: 53 in
Height: 83 in
Dry Weight: 1650 lbs
Turning Radius: 14.58 ft
Ground Clearance: 8.25 in
Clearance @ Center of Frame: 16.5 in
Load Capacity
Cargo Bed: 800 lbs
Front Basket: 40 lbs
Roof Rack: 75 lbs
Vehicle Payload: 1000 lbs
Colors
Camo, Hunter Green, Red, B

Do you know how many hourly jobs GM has laid off from 2006 to July 2008? Take a guess. How about 34,000? And now, they’re talking about another 5,500 layoffs.

…

OK, here’s a better question. How many hourly jobs has Toyota’s American production system laid off in the same time frame? Zero. That’s right. ZERO. How? Isn’t Toyota experiencing the same slow down in auto sales as GM is? Yes, it is. And yes, Toyota has halted production at its Texas and Indiana plants for the past 3 months. But the 4,500 people who work at those plants have not been laid off. 

 

The answer: Toyota has a special culture, deep-rooted values, and respect for their workforce. Toyota’s tradition is to NOT lay off employees during hard times. This tradition hasn’t really been put to the test until now. And Toyota has stuck to its guns and its values.

“This was the first chance we’ve really had to live out our values,” says Latondra Newton, general manager of Toyota’s Team Member Development Center in Erlanger, Ky. “We’re not just keeping people on the payroll because we’re nice. At the end of all this, our hope is that we’ll end up with a more skilled North American workforce.”

 

For the full article: What Toyota knows that GM doesn’t

My thoughts on this is two fold. First, I’m impressed with Toyota as a consumer. Second, I’m sentimental to the fact that this really is the end of the American car industry. 

Back in the 80s, when America stopped importing “cheap” Japanese cars and Lee Iacocca was making history at Chrysler, the American car industry seemed pretty much unstoppable. The “Big Three” were called that because they were actually the biggest – not because they are the only ones left standing – as is the case today. 

Through mergers and acquisitions, the industry, even with all it’s clashes with the union, the auto industry had the history of supporting it’s workers and ensuring a career out of tens of thousands of skilled laborers at a time that many corporations dumped their workers en masse. 

But that was then and this is now. 

In a surreal flip, it would now appear that those clunky Japanese car companies are the industry leaders today; and have been for more than a decade. While Detroit was drinking the oil-is-forever koolaid and pumping out beefier and bigger engines, the Japanese were hard at work perfecting their engines and builds to six-sigma and improving efficiency.

With gas hitting $4 a few months ago and the credit crisis, it wasn’t so much that the Japanese won the bet, but rather, Detroit found itself with an empty hand. Saddled with factories meant to churn out beefy SUVs, Hummers and trucks, the new paradigm in energy and economics poured cold water all over the roaring party up until this point. 

GM is losing a billion dollars a month and will likely buy out Chrysler. Layoffs in the 30,000 – 40,000 range are to be expected, along with 12 factories closing. Morale is no doubt at an all time low, with every worker wondering if he’s next on the cutting block. Even if GM is able to magically survive with an infusion of cash (bailout), the Volt is still years out and a grasp for straws.

Meanwhile, Toyota has taken a page straight out of the American automaker book by proving its loyalty to the company workforce. Though Toyota is halted on much of its production, they are taking the down time to train their workers to be even better skilled, educated and efficient workers. When the economy picks up again, Toyota will be the equivalent of a fully rested team going to the playoffs against a miserable and beat-up team that has just played 10 losing games in a row. It’s no contest who will win. 

If the Seattle Auto Show was any indication, the consumers have already voted, as we saw crowds around Toyota, Honda and Jetta. All the while, the sprawling 2-ton Ford F150 rotating 360 degrees might as well been invisible. Chevy and Escalade Hybrids were looked on more with a sense of derision or perplexed bewilderment rather than consumer curiosity (though this is Seattle). 

The new automotive landscape is already here – it’s just across the sea. 

The ECH is unique even compared to other electric cars out in the market today. Fraik’s company Evergreen Electromotive designed it specifically not to go on highways or freeways. The ECH’s top speed is just over 35 mph (fast for electric vehicles). That extra power means the ECH can climb hills easier than other electric cars.

“I was tired of the gas guzzlers just like everyone else,” explains Fraik. “But the electric cars out on the market were kind of weak too. I’m a car guy and I like to drive. This (ECH) offers it all. You can do a lot at 35 miles per hour.”

Washington State’s House Bill 1820 back in 2007 made all the difference for Fraik and his electric car. The bill allowed zero emission vehicles to travel city and county roads up to 35 MPH without having to undergo federal highway crash testing.

“It costs a fortune to do federal crash testing,” Fraik says. “For the major car makers out there, the Fords, and Chevy’s of the world, they can pay millions for just the testing. It just wouldn’t be cost effective to build anything faster. That’s why it doesn’t go faster than 35 miles per hour.”

Along with the legislation and the possibility of reducing the national speed limits as a way to conserve, led to the creation of the ECH. But with a top speed at just over 35 MPH, how many people would want to buy?

“It’s the perfect Seattle car,” tells Fraik, getting into salesman mode. “I can get on the ferry with it, drive through downtown and get anywhere I want on the streets. Yeah there are other electric cars out there built in France and China, places like that . But this one, is built right here. It’s not just American built, it’s Washington built.”

As of right now, there’s only one ECH, the prototype seen at the Seattle Auto Show. Fraick’s goal is to have them in production in the early part of 2009, and he has eyes on making his ECH vehicles for the city and state.

Electric Composite Hatchback Stats
• Plugs into 110v Outlet
• Option of 80-10,000 miles per charge
• Top speed at 35MPH
• Can Seat 2 in front/2 in back
• Zero Emissions
• Estimated 2 cents per mile

“Hey what’s that?!”

That’s usually what you hear when people see the Smart Car Fourtwo in the Seattle area. The size, the way it handles, and overall appealing looks makes the Fourtwo a unique vehicle for the road.

It wasn’t just the unique cars that caught our attention however, as we spent hours at the show interviewing both dealers of all types, from startups like Zenn Motors, a Washington based all-electric car manufacturer, to the possibly soon-to-be-gone Chrysler reps. With hundreds of photos, video, business cards and frantic scribbles, we’ll be gunning out quite a few articles in the coming weeks.

In the meantime, here’s a quick round-up of some quick observations we had during the 2009 Seattle Auto show:

Cars to Make Your Head Turn
Park Place LTD always has an impressive collection of exotic autos and this year was no different. This is where we found the eye-candy Lotus Exiges and an army of expensive Aston Martins, including the 007’s famous Aston Martin DBS. Audi stepped up to the big boys league with their rubber melting R8, while Mercedes drew a constant crowd with their raw meets refined CL 63 AMG. Oddly, the Maserati section was a ghost town, as if people suddenly realized these and the other head turners cost more than what most people make in year. That’s why we also nickname these the “museum cars” – great for looking, but no touching unless you can afford it!

The Big Hit: Green Cars
Not surprisingly, the green machines are getting a lot of love this year. In past seasons, most of the electric and alternative fuel vehicles would be stuck in the back or in some lonely (and probably inexpensive) corner.

Not this year. In fact, some of the big boys are pushing their fuel efficient autos, while it seems most automakers have a hybrid of some type in production or development. Surprisingly, Chevrolet has one of the most prominent green displays in the whole building, pushing their hybrid SUVs and prototype hydrogen fuel cell vehicle.

Being stuck in the corner didn’t seem to hurt Mercedes owned Smart Car, which drew oohs and aahs from guys and girls alike. The Green Car Company, based in Bellevue and various other electric car companies were getting a good share of attention. Ferrari won the competition for most photographs, but the green cars were the winner in popularity it seemed.

Subaru’s Gran Turismo Simulator
With three monitors and a seat that makes you feel the experience along with every bump, Subaru’s Gran Turismo Simulator will be popular with kids of all ages. The wait may be long, and everyone sees you crashing all over the place, but it’s a fun diversion when you need a quick break from the propaganda machines.

Things to Keep an Eye On
There was a constant buzz surrounding the Toyota Venza. The sales reps were constantly busy fielding questions on when it would hit the market for sale (early 2009) and how much it would cost. Those kind of questions are usually indicators of serious consumer interest. If the Seattle Auto Show is any indication, the Venza will sell well when it’s out of hush-hush mode and in production.

It might be hard to keep an eye on, because it makes almost no noise. We’re talking about The Bad Boy Buggy, which is an electric off road vehicle built in Mississippi. Will the off-road crowd buy (literally) into a plug-in ATV is up to speculation.

Potential Disappointments
Chrysler has one of the coolest looking concept cars in the Akino. With a space age looking exterior, Scion xB style frame, right-side steering wheel, curved back seats and rear-facing passenger seat, it made for one heck of an impression.

But, despite this all and despite being displayed smack dab in the middle of the event center, the Akino remains a the big mystery. None of the Chrysler people were allowed to comment on it, or give any type of information. They wouldn’t even tell us the fuel efficiency of this futuristic vehicle. While automakers have every right to be secretive about their concepts, this felt like yet another routine Detroit ploy to build up intrigue.

Lastly, in a world of green and hybrid cars, there is the Cadillac Escalade Hybrid. Visually it’s still a monster. And looking at the specs, it only offers 20MPG. Seriously, a 20MPG hybrid? We were hoping for more from the American automakers in the green category, but Lincoln and Dodge didn’t really go green at all. They kept with the big car, big horsepower approach that has worked well in the past. But if observation is any indicator, they sorely missed the spot with this crowd.

How much emphases will there be on fuel efficiency in this years show?

What exhibits will get the most attention?

Of the new vehicles, which ones will stand out?

Here’s a list of the things to look for at the Seattle Auto Show

The New Toyota Venza-Toyota has always been successful with their family vehicles i.e. the Sienna, Highlander, and Prius. The newest member to the family brings a different body style than their traditional SUV’s. Where it actually fits into their fleet and will consumers respond? Those questions are still unanswered.
 
The Smart Fortwo-You can’t help but notice the small compact energy efficient looks, but what about inside the car itself. There aren’t that many out there, so to get a look and sit in one should be interesting.

The Latest Hybrids- Besides the Prius, and Civic Hybrids, it will be interesting to see if any of the other automakers steps up to the plate in the hybrid category. It’s a constantly emerging market, so I would say there should be something.

The Super Cars-The super cars are the biggest draw. These are the Lamborghini’s, and Bentley’s of the world that most people can’t afford. It’s why a lot of people even go to auto shows in the first place. The Lotus Elise SC, the Ferrari F430 , and the Bentley GTC Convertible are in the Seattle Auto Shows Top 10 in Super Cars.

The Bad Boy Buggy- It’s almost a contradiction in terms, a “green” off road vehicle. It’s the first of its kind and the Seattle Auto Show website says it, “saves 75% on fuel costs. Travels 25 miles on one charging. And its sound rating is 0 dB, compared to 87 dB for most gas utility vehicles.”

Now if we can only get the Qwest Field people to let us test it in the stadium. It’s the most action the football field has seen all year Seahawk fans!

Here’s a sampling of some of the cars that will be at the show:

Eight cars at the show under $25k

1. Mazda MX-5, $21,305
2. Dodge Charger, $21,995
3. Chevy Cobalt, $22,775
4. Honda Civic Si, $22,475
5. Pontiac G6, $23,100
6. MazdaSpeed3, $23,310
7. VW GTI, $23,670
8. Subaru WRX, $24,995

Ten high gas mileage cars (combined MPG)

1. Toyota Prius (46.6)
2. Honda Civic/Si (42.1)
3. Nissan Altima (34.1)
4. Volkswagen Jetta/GLI (34)
5. Toyota Camry (33.4)
6. Toyota Yaris (31.8)
7. Mini Clubman (31.4)
8. Mini Cooper (31.4)
9. Toyota Corolla (31.4)
10. Honda Fit (30.4)

Of course, what would an auto show be without some exotic supercars? Even with the dismal economy, it’s fun to google at some insanely fast cars that you can dream of owning:

1. Lotus Elise SC
2. Bentley GTC Convertible
3. Chevrolet ZR1 Corvette
4. Dodge Challenger SRT8
5. Ferrari F430 Spider
6. Lamborghini Gallardo LP 560-4
7. Maserati GranTurismo
8. Nissan GT-R
9. Porsche GT2
10. Rolls-Royce Phantom

Tickets are $11 for adults, $9 for college students with ID and children 12 and under are free with paid admission. Hours are: Wed-Fri, 12pm-10pm; Sat, 10am-10pm; Sun, 10am-7pm.

For more information, go to: www.seattleautoshow.com