2007 GMC Yukon

Mike: Dick, if you have been doing your maintenance all along, and continue, 250k reliable miles is a good number. As far as your transmission goes, take it to a shop or dealer, have the transmission flushed, and go back with synthetic fluid. Doing this should dramatically extend the life of that transmission. Changing to synthetic fluid is almost always better in the long run. This goes for all of the fluids, including the differential fluid.

Dillon writes: I have a 2006 Toyota Tacoma Extra Cab with 110k miles and what they tell me is a failing universal joint. The rear one is bad, but would this be a good time to replace the other ones, even if they are ok?

Mike: Dillon, a u-joint failure can be costly and strand you in a heartbeat. I recommend replacing them all and not worry about it for another 110k miles. Most of your labor is paid by doing the first one, so when the driveshaft is on the bench, go ahead and replace the others. -MH

Kevin writes: I have a 2004 Chevrolet Truck with 102k miles. I have a pulse in the brake pedal when stopping. I was told it was warped front rotors, but I have replaced the front rotors twice with no change in the problem. I have also put on a new master cylinder without making any difference. It is getting expensive, Help!

Mike: Kevin, a pulse in the break pedal tells me the problem comes from the REAR rotors. Have someone check the runout on the rotor to confirm the diagnosis. I’m sure you will find your problem there.

Here is a tip: With holiday travel happening this week, be sure to travel safely. One of the best ways is to that is to have your vehicle checked before you leave. Don’t let an unexpected failure leave you stranded. Get your regular service department to check your fluids, tires, belts, hoses, and brakes. That way if you find a problem, it can be repaired by someone you trust, not someone that happens to be working during the holiday weekend. -Mike

I invite you to listen to my radio program on Saturday mornings from 10:00-1:00 (new time!) on KGOW 1560 “The Game.” The show is called “In Wheel Time.” You can also listen live on our website: www.inwheeltime.com. I also encourage you to “like” us on facebook under www.facebook.com/InWheelTime Thanks!

Mike is a ASE Certified Technician and auto shop owner for 31 years. If you have questions or comments, E mail me: mikeh@inwheeltime.com or go to www.inwheeltime.com to read more articles. -MH

Texas Auto Roundup - Photo by STI

Every year the Texas Auto Writers Association (TAWA) hosts a big gathering of new cars called the Texas Auto Roundup. All manufacturers are invited to bring some of their best and newest vehicles for automotive journalist to test drive. At the end of the day, they choose winners in different categories, including the Car of Texas.

This was our second year attending the Auto Roundup and what a year it was! We’ll be posting up ‘Quick Drive‘ reviews of some of the best cars we had the chance to drive.

Here is a list of the categories and winners for this years Auto Roundup. For the record, many of the winners were not exactly who we chose. If you disagree with a winner, leave a comment below! We like to hear what you guys think more than other journalist.

The Nissan GT-R sports car and Chrysler’s Town & Country minivan took “best of show” honors at the 2012 Texas Auto Writers Association Auto Roundup.
By resounding margins, TAWA’s writers selected the 2013 GT-R is the 2012 Car of Texas, while the 2012 Town & Country was named Family Car of Texas.

Performance figured heavily in the Car of Texas category. The legendary GT-R, making its second appearance at a TAWA event, packs 545 horsepower. The second-place finisher, the Hyundai Equus, has 429 horsepower for 2012. Subaru’s BRZ, a brand new rear-wheel-drive sports car co-developed with Toyota, came in third.

In the family category, the Ford Taurus and Nissan Quest were the next highest-scoring vehicles.

Dodge’s new Dart hit the mark with a majority of TAWA members, earning first-place finishes in three categories. (And as many TAWA members know, calamity struck Sunday evening when the Dart originally brought to the track was damaged in a freakish accident. We drove the 145-hp 2.0L. The one Chrysler had planned was a turbocharged 160-hp 1.4L.

Thank you for making the 2012 Roundup a huge success. Here are your verdicts (first-place in bold and next highest-scoring competitors):

Compact Car of Texas: 2013 Dodge Dart, 2012 Buick Verano; 2012 Hyundai Veloster

Subcompact Car of Texas: 2012 Fiat Cabrio; 2012 Chevrolet Sonic; 2012 Scion iQ (The Sonic had just one point less than the Fiat)

Mid-Size Car of Texas: 2012 Buick Regal GS; 2013 Chevrolet Malibu Eco; 2013 Volkswagen CC Sport Plus

Full-Size Car of Texas: 2012 Buick LaCrosse eAssist; 2012 Dodge Charger SXT; 2012 Hyundai Azera

Minivan of Texas: 2012 Chrysler Town & Country; 2012 Toyota Sienna; 2012 Nissan Quest

Green Car of Texas: 2012 Chevrolet Volt; 2012 Nissan Leaf; 2012 PriusC

Performance Compact of Texas: 2013 Subaru BRZ; 2012 Fiat 500 Abarth

Performance Coupe of Texas: 2013 Ford Mustang GT; 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK55 AMG; 2012 Dodge Challenger SRT8

Performance Sedan of Texas: 2013 Ford Taurus SHO police package; 2012 Jaguar XFR; 2012 Dodge Charger SRT8

Performance Utility Vehicle of Texas: 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8; 2013 Volkswagen Tiguan; 2013 Mazda CX-5

Supercar of Texas: 2013 Nissan GT-R Black Edition; 2012 Cadillac CTS-V Coupe; 2012 Jaguar XKR-S Coupe

Mid-Size Luxury Vehicle of Texas: 2012 Cadillac SRX AWD; 2012 Infiniti M35h; 2012 Audi A7 3.0

Full-Size Luxury Vehicle of Texas: 2012 Chrysler 300 Luxury Series (lone entry)

Best New Feature: 2013 Dodge Dart; 2012 Hyundai Veloster; 2012 Hyundai Genesis Coupe

Best New Interior: 2013 Ford Taurus SHO; 2012 Chrysler 300; 2012 Hyundai Azera

Best Value: 2013 Dodge Dart; 2012 Fiat 500 Abarth; 2012 Hyundai Equus

2012 Ford Focus Electric

“Ford research shows the majority of Americans would consider buying an electrified vehicle but do not yet understand the different technologies,” said Mark Fields, president of The Americas. “Highlighting the Focus Electric as a pace car is a fun way to educate consumers about the kinds of benefits our electrified vehicles deliver and show people our commitment to provide Ford customers the power of choice for leading fuel economy in the vehicle that best meets their needs – from EcoBoost-powered gasoline vehicles and hybrids to plug-in hybrids and full electrics.”

“Our fans are customers,” said Jamie Allison, director, Ford Racing. “And just like in racing, they expect both fuel economy and performance from their daily drivers, and that’s what Ford is delivering.”

The all-new Fusion range, which includes EcoBoost, a hybrid and the Energi plug-in hybrid version, is the best example of how Ford is giving customers true power of choice for fuel-efficient vehicles.

This year, Ford will offer nine vehicles reaching an anticipated 40 mpg or more. Plus, the company is building six new electrified vehicles by the end of this year.

Ford will offer fuel-efficient EcoBoost engines in 11 vehicles in 2012, up from seven in 2011, tripling the production capacity of EcoBoost-equipped Ford vehicles. This expansion of fuel-efficient offerings will be led by the 1.6-liter EcoBoost engine in the high-volume Escape compact utility vehicle and Fusion sedan.

Delivering up to 20 percent better fuel economy than conventional engines, EcoBoost uses smaller overall size combined with turbocharging and gasoline direct injection to bring customers the power they want and the fuel economy they need.

Ford was also first to use a hybrid to start a NASCAR event when the Fusion Hybrid served as pace car for the Ford 400 at Homestead-Miami Speedway in 2008 making this yet another groundbreaking marketing campaign for Ford and NASCAR.

Update: New Images of the 2012 Ford Focus Electric Pace Car

Ford Focus Electric

[source: Ford]

2012 Toyota Tacoma Baja

We’ve talked about the Tacoma TRD T/X Baja Series Package before but now we have official pricing from Toyota. The Baja Package is offered up at $5,015 over the cost of your Tacoma pickup. You can add the package to either a Tacoma Access or Double Cab 4×4 models already equipped with the TRD Off-Road Package. THe Tacoma T/X Baja Series is equipped with a 4.0-liter V6 engine matched up with either a 6-speed manual or 5-speed automatic transmission. The package includes enhanced suspension, graphics, a redesigned hook, grille, headlamps, front bumper, unique center-instrument panel, new steering wheel, and more!

Check out more below!

• Inspired By Toyota’s Baja Racing Heritage
• Enhanced Suspension For Greater Off-Road Performance
• Special Package Adds to Updated 2012 Tacoma

TORRANCE, Calif., April 23, 2012 – - Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), USA, Inc., announced prices today for the TRD T|X Baja Series Package. Inspired by Toyota’s Baja racing heritage, the truck reveals bold graphics with its name “Baja Series” and enhanced suspension, elevating the capability of Tacoma’s TRD Off-Road pickup to a new level of fun and function. The special limited edition package will be available on select Tacoma 4×4 pickup trucks.

The TRD T|X Baja Series Package provides the customer with a great value and high level of capability that is backed by Toyota’s standard vehicle warranty. The TRD T|X Baja Series Package is offered at an MSRP of $5,015 less a $650 Factory Credit. There is an additional savings because the package the Baja Series is built on top of, TRD Off-Road Package for the Baja Series, is priced below the regular TRD Off-Road Package.

Toyota has a rich Baja racing heritage that dates back nearly three decades and includes numerous titles at the legendary Baja 500 and 1000. Toyota’s desert racing program has inspired the development of numerous TRD off-road focused products and packages over the years including the Tacoma PreRunner and TRD Off-Road packages for both Tacoma and Tundra. Last year, Tacoma’s Off-Road Package was enhanced with the launch of the TRD T|X and T|X Pro packages. TRD now takes Tacoma off-roading to the next level with the development of the T|X Baja Series.

The T|X Baja Series will be available on both the Tacoma Access and Double Cab 4×4 models equipped with the TRD Off-Road Package. The Tacoma T|X Baja Series is equipped with a 4.0-liter V6 engine with either six-speed manual and five-speed automatic transmissions. In addition to an electronically-controlled locking rear differential, Active Traction Control (A-TRAC), Hill-Start Assist Control (HAC) and Downhill Assist Control (DAC) currently equipped on the TRD Off-Road package, the limited edition T|X Baja Series adds BF Goodrich T/A KO tires (LT265/70R16) and bead-lock style off-road wheels with an exclusive Gun-Metal Gray finish, TRD Cat-back Exhaust, increased front ride height of nearly two inches and unique Baja Series graphics.

The front suspension has been upgraded to include Ø66mm piston Bilstein race shocks with TRD coil springs that feature a protective zinc plated body and a one inch increase in wheel travel. The rear suspension is equipped with Ø50mm piston Bilstein race shocks with a remote reservoir to increase shock oil capacity for greater heat dissipation and damping sensitivity. The rear shocks also include a zinc plated body and a 1.5-inch increase in wheel travel.

The T|X Baja Series will be part of a Tacoma line that was updated for 2012 with a restyled front end and a refreshed interior in all models. Exterior changes included a redesigned hood, grille, headlamps and front bumper, among other changes. Inside, Tacoma received a new center-instrument panel design with a revised gauge cluster, along with a new steering wheel. A redesigned center stack added new air conditioner/heater controls and power point locations.

The 2012 Tacoma interior also received a new look with a black high-contrast center console, switch plate covers, dash and upper door trim, while the SR5 grade featured a new seat fabric design. Tacoma offers new heavy-duty all-weather flooring option for 2012 on Tacoma Access and Double Cab models equipped with a V6 engine. The more specialized TRD Sport and Off-Road packages also feature new water-resistant fabric protection seats.

All Tacoma TRD T|X Baja Series models will be built exclusively at Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Texas (TMMTX) in San Antonio and will reach dealer showrooms in May 2012. Prices for the Baja Series Tacoma do not include delivery, processing and handling fees (DPH), which are $810. The DPH fee for vehicles distributed by Southeast Toyota (SET) and Gulf States Toyota (GST) may vary.

Tacoma TRD T|X Baja Series Features
Off-Road tuned front and rear TRD Bilstein racing shocks
Electronically-controlled locking rear differential
Active Traction Control (A-TRAC)
Hill-Start Assist Control (HAC)
Downhill Assist Control (DAC)
BF Goodrich T/A KO tires (LT265/70R16) with bead-lock style off-road wheels with exclusive Gun-Metal Gray finish
TRD Cat-Back Exhaust
Increased front ride height by nearly two inches
Matte Black T|X Baja Vehicle Side Graphics
Exclusive TRD Tailgate Badge

Scion FR-S Speedster

We’ve actually seen a lot of manufacturers and tuning shops looking back at those roots as well with cars like the Mercedes-Benz SLR Sterling Moss, the Callaway C16 Speedster, the Mazda MX-5 Speedster concept, and track day cars like the Arial Atom. You also have attempts like the Porsche Boxster Spyder that isn’t really a convertible; it’s made to be driven with no roof. I love all of these cars and would love to drive any one of them as much as the next.

When I see another manufacture showing off what they are toughing as a true speedster sports car, it perks my ears right up. The Scion FR-S hasn’t even hit showroom floors yet and we already have a one-off. Built in conjunction with Iacona Design and Cartel Customs, this Scion FR-S Speedster was made to embody Toyota’s years in Indy Car racing.

They will be showing this car at the 38th annual Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach. It will be on display in the Lifestyle Expo lobby and will only be driven as a parade vehicle. We might actually get an up-close and personal look at the FR-S Speedster in a few weeks as it’s supposed to be attending an event we’re attending. Getting seat time with this car is very unlikely though.

And that’s the big problem with a speedster/roadster. They are almost always one-offs or concept cars or they cost a ton of money. Also they can’t really be everyday cars. They are always going to be a gimmick car or a toy car for the person that has enough money to own a third or fourth car for the fun of it.

Let us know what you think about this car and Speedsters/Roadsters in general. Do you like the idea of manufacturers building these? Do you like them? Would you just rather have a coupe? Let us know in the comments below.

Scion FR-S Speedster Specifications

Length: 166.7 in.
Width: 69.9 in.
Height: 40.2 in.
Wheelbase: 101.2 in.

Powertrain:
Flat 2.0L boxer engine
6-speed transmission
Maximum output: 200hp @ 7,000 rpm
Maximum torque: 151 lb.-ft @ 6,600 rpm
TORCO Synthetic SR-5 Racing Oil
ACT Clutch
GReddy SP Elite Exhaust System

Chassis / Suspension:
KW Suspensions Clubsport Coilovers (independent rebound and compression adjustability)
Wilwood SUPERLITE 6-piston radial mount calipers in custom red on 13”
SRP drilled and slotted two-piece rotors & BP-10
Wilwood Smart Pads

Wheels & Tires:
Front: 18 x 8.0 Forge Line center lock wheels
Back: 18 x 9.5 Forge Line center lock wheels
Front: 225/40/18 TOYO Proxes R888
Back: 245/40/18 TOYO Proxes R888

Dallas Auto Show TAWA meeting

There was only a few things at the Dallas Auto Show this year that were really newsworthy.

Be sure to follow us on our social network sites to get up to date info when we hit up local auto shows! Follow us on Twitter and Like us on Facebook!

Also check out our Quick Drive review of the 2013 Buick Regal GS we drove after the Dallas Auto Show.

2012 Ram 1500 Lone Star “Texas-big” 10th Anniversary

One newsworthy event was the reveal of the 2012 Ram 1500 Lone Star “Texas-big” 10th Anniversary edition. That’s right, the Lone Star Ram was started back in 2002 because the people at Ram knew how special the Texas market was for Trucks. The Lone Star Ram was so popular that it was expanded across the U.S. It’s the top selling Ram in Texas and we see why with great interior and exterior addons. This 10th anniversary Lone Star has special commemorative logos and badging to let it stand out.

Our first look at the 2013 Buick Encore:

The Buick Encore was released at the Detroit Auto Show, and of course we don’t go that far north so we didn’t get a chance to see it in the flesh. Well, the team at Buick was nice enough to bring it along to the Dallas Auto Show where we got our first real look at the 2013 Buick Encore.

The Encore is a small crossover that integrates Buick’s signature style. They are really excited to be the first to the American market with this type of vehicle. Buick is looking at the European BMW X1 and Audi Q3 as competitors which have yet to make their mark in the U.S. You’ll be looking at a 1.4-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine matched up to a 6-speed automatic gearbox. Expect pretty good fuel economy numbers and a great interior which is standard in Buicks today.

We’re excited to see the technology in this small SUV and see how well it does for the Buick brand. Also, expect to see a Chevrolet version within a few years.

Checking out the all new Chevrolet Spark:

We posted our full review of the 2012 Chevrolet Sonic a few months ago, be sure to check that out, but this Spark is even smaller than the Sonic. The Spark is an A-segment car which competes with cars like the Fiat 500, Smart fortwo, and the Scion iQ. We weren’t able to check out the interior of the car, but we’re expecting it to be youthful and cheap, but packed with technology. Chevrolet was quick to show off the plethora of unique color options offered on the Spark. You can have your Spark in Salsa, Jalapeno, Denim, Lemonade, or Techno Pink. They will also offer a Grey Area, Black Granite, Silver Ice and Summit White. All to appeal to the all important youth market.

Powering the Spark will be a 1.2-liter 4-cylinder engine and 5-speed manual transmission straight out of Europe. This shouldn’t make the Spark that fun and sporty to drive, but will give you very competitive fuel economy.

The production version of the Scion FR-S:

We saw the FR-S at the Houston Auto Show, but it was still a pre-production version with a 5-axis body kit. It really looked good, but we were still anticipating our first look at the true production FR-S. Well here it is!

Seeing the Scion FR-S in the flesh didn’t take anything away from the hype. We’re still excited to drive this thing – and that review will be coming soon enough – but we already noticed a few things. The FR-S at the Dallas Auto Show was equipped with an automatic transmission. We know they’ll have to sell them, but it didn’t even have paddle shifters on the steering wheel. My opinion, if you have an auto in your sports car, it better have paddle shifters, otherwise just give me a manual. Second, this is a small car. I drive a Genesis Coupe and this is much smaller than that. This means the back seat is basically a shelf. It would be incredibly uncomfortable to have more than 2 people in this car.

You already know all the stats on this car, I’m sure, but the other thing I noticed was how nice the engine is laid out. It’s really low in the engine bay and pushed behind the front axles. This is going to make its center of gravity really great and it seems there’s plenty of room for…say a turbo?

The Abarth 500 brought by Fiat:

Fiat showed off its Abarth 500 and I’m actually really excited to drive one of these as well. The team at Abarth did a lot to make this not just look really cool, but go really well. This should be a true track-day fun car. Drive it normal and get great gas mileage during the week and able to hoon it on the track during the weekend. Look for a 1.4-liter MultiAir turbo engine, Abarth-tuned suspension and brake system, and race-inspired design.

We checked out a lot more cars than just these, but these were some of the bigger ones we haven’t seen yet. Check out all or our photos below!

2013 IZOD Indy Car Racing

Check out Don Armstrong’s post on In Wheel Time for more info on the return of Indy Car Racing to Houston.

Published March 29, 2012 | By Don Armstrong
IZOD IndyCar Series to race in Houston in 2013

The announcement March 28 confirmed an IZOD IndyCar Series race weekend that INDYCAR CEO Randy Bernard and Mi-Jack Promotions principal Mike Lanigan had sought for more than a year. The Oct. 4-6 event will be known as the Shell and Pennzoil Grand Prix of Houston… read more »

Fuzzy's EPS Logo White

Fuzzy’s will transform the look of the infield café – formerly known as Hot Rod’s Café – with the chain’s traditional décor, complete with its signature 14-foot sailfish that is featured at all its locations. Fuzzy’s President Chuck Bush, Texas Motor Speedway President Eddie Gossage and members of “The Great American Sweethearts!” unveiled the giant sailfish as part of the special announcement during media day.

Fuzzy’s Taco Shop at Texas Motor Speedway – which will debut during the March 16-18 Goodguys car show – will feature a specialized menu complete with its usual favorites that include breakfast tacos, Baja tacos, jumbo burritos and chips sprinkled with its signature Fuzzy dust.

“We see racing as a continually emerging sport, much like Fuzzy’s is a growing restaurant concept,” Bush said. “We are thrilled to be a sponsor of Texas Motor Speedway and to serve the dedicated fans that come out to the exciting events here.”

Fuzzy’s Taco Shop’s infield café location is part of the restaurant’s rapid growth that now boasts 52 stores in 11 states. The operation also has more than 100 additional restaurants on the books to open across the country in the coming year.

[ Author:TMS Media Relations]

Goodguys 2nd Spring Lone Star Nationals

Coming up this weekend, March 16th-18th:

Classic American nostalgia rolls into town when Goodguys Rod & Custom Association returns to Texas Motor Speedway March 16th-18th for the Goodguys Spring Lone Star Nationals GIANT car show! Don’t miss three big days of hot roddin’ fun Texas style! See over 2,000 ’72 and earlier rods, customs, muscle cars, trucks and classics. Plus, vendor exhibits, Texas-sized swap meet & car corral, Goodguys Autocross, track cruises, live entertainment featuring country music’s rising star Mark Monaco, model car show, and so much more! Get your tickets and all the details now at lonestarnats.com or purchase your tickets at Texas Motor Speedway on event day. Remember, kids six and under are free! Goodguys – The biggest and best hot-rodding association in the USA!

[ source:: TMS Media Relations ]

There hasn’t been a street race in Fair Park, Dallas, since 1984. March 17th will be the first race, raced on the legendary track in 28 years. This isn’t a F1 race, or an Indy race; this will be a Karting race.

We will be there checking out all the excitement so be sure to Like us on Facebook and Follow us on Twitter for up-to-date information! If you end up going yourself, which we encourage you to, be sure to hit us up!

For more information and to purchase tickets online go HERE!