IntenseDebate - Adam Barrera

14 years ago @ Speed:Sport:Life - Rich Corinthian Leathe... · 0 replies · +1 points

G-Zilla and AKADriver have this one right, Derek. *Any* display of enthusiasm and passion for the automobile -- whether you or I judge it as a superficial meme or an authentic return to roots -- is elementally good. It has rarely been S:S:L's M.O. to pass judgment on the myriad facets of car culture. As ar culture guardians, we have a duty to analyze trends and "what makes cars relevant to emerging generations" -- not condemn the trend drivers.

Personally, I'm much more turned off by the "go fast or suck" forum meme. Whatever happened to "Love your car"?

14 years ago @ Speed:Sport:Life - S:S:L Event Coverage -... · 0 replies · +1 points

I want to see BYD.

14 years ago @ Speed:Sport:Life - Avoidable Contact #29:... · 0 replies · +1 points

I can't agree with the vehement Saab purists who accuse Jack of being pro-Lexus, because I know that doesn't accurately describe his analysis. Some of the views expressed above are a little venomous and unfair. And that's totally OK. Saab enthusiasts were given a shit deal. They have a right to be angry and grieve.

I spent meaningful time in the 9-3 and Turbo X with Opel's Stefan Weinmann and the late, ever-gentlemanly "J-Dub" Vester. The cars were safe, engaging, special, and near the end, a great value. Saabists made covering these cars a joy. Each time I produced a Saab news piece, I could depend on honest feedback from the 'guardians of the brand', some of the most dedicated I've seen. I admire them.

I'm overemotional — the kind of guy that visited a local Saab dealer to pay his last respects by shooting a gallery of photos to remember the brand. Don't blame Jack. Though it's tough to hear, his analysis is exact. It's up to you to stay close-knit and continue to defend Saab's history. It's up to me to figure out why commoditization is ruthlessly threatening auto culture altogether — and to stop this.

14 years ago @ Speed:Sport:Life - Avoidable Contact #28:... · 0 replies · +1 points

I was the third passenger. Every phrase crafted about the MKT's driving dynamics is true.

Good lord, Jack. What a driver.

14 years ago @ Speed:Sport:Life - Lord Byron -- Driven: ... · 0 replies · +1 points

Nice 'fleet' shot! I'm currently evaluating [and adoring] a 3i Touring 5AT, so I couldn't read your review -- but I'm piecing together a Kia Forte vs Mazda3 comparison video. Compact buyers have several choices for good content and value -- they're just not badged with Ts or Hs these days.

14 years ago @ Speed:Sport:Life - Fast Forward: 2009 Che... · 1 reply · +1 points

Thanks for the critique. I'm shifting audiences :) At ExpoTV, our demographic wasn't car guys -- obviously, that's different here! The trick is to balance tone -- jargon-dropping for pseudo-hardcore dudes might alienate those who are looking for real livability information. Sort of like taking a test drive for a hoon, and taking one because you're genuinely interested in buying the car.

It's a balance I'm workin' on! More specific feedback is certainly welcome. :)

14 years ago @ Speed:Sport:Life - Fast Forward: 2010 For... · 0 replies · +1 points

Wish we could be there, ORE -- in fact, we might be! You never know!

14 years ago @ Speed:Sport:Life - Behind Domed Doors: At... · 0 replies · +1 points

Steve, bummer we didn't run into each other -- I saved my kickass Typhoon launch shirt for a special event like this. Back into the special reserve it goes.

Fight for GMC's future, mate.

//A

14 years ago @ Speed:Sport:Life - Avoidable Contact #27:... · 0 replies · +1 points

I agree with Jeff's point -- BMWs seem to sweeten with age as well. I have no opinion on the VQ. The 370 is lighter -- and what goes unreported is that even the Z33 was 300 pounds lighter than the Z32 -- but both vehicles are tinged with the "severity" I mentioned. And ask any guy my age whether they'd rather have an early '90s Accord coupe or the latest. Its styling was simpler. We lived for wishbones, man.

14 years ago @ Speed:Sport:Life - Avoidable Contact #27:... · 0 replies · +2 points

Jack: thank you for neatly packaging the automotive sentiment of an entire generation. Japanese car enthusiasts have been abandoned. However, as an owner of two EKs and the driving force behind six Honda purchases in my family, I have to say that I harbor exactly zero faith for a Japanese renaissance. That would take a giant loss of market share and profit, twin tablespoons of hubris, and sudden, total Product Religion. You might say, "that sounds exactly like Ford and GM's resurgence!" There's one difference: Kuruma Banare. There are fundamental, society-driven reasons why Honda and Toyota will never again produce vehicles devoid of what I call "severity" -- innocent, non-pretentious vehicles built to please the driver.

As you said, most people my age aren't interested in anything in a new Honda or Toyota showroom -- they'll buy used instead until they absolutely have to buy new to cart around their family. I was of that breed, too: abandoned by the companies I'd placed faith in, and always grasping for the past. I had no optimism for the automotive future. But then, I realized that there are indeed cars out there that offer good value, are "socially important", and not pretentious. I realized that there *is* a future for enthusiasts to look forward to. It's just not inside a Honda or Toyota showroom.

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