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That’s the phrase BMW’s design head used to describe the old way of building cars. He was of course defending his decision to make each BMW look like it came from a different womb and was subtly knocking rival Mercedes.

Ever since the last generation Altima and Maxima came out I’ve been wondering what Nissan marketers are thinking. (When my ex’s insisted on paying more for an Altima in drag I realized that was not a family I would have much in common with). Now that the new Altima sits on an improved platform (30% stiffer, less torque steer, improved interior) you have to wonder who is going to buy the Maxima, especially with the G35 crowding in from above.

There’s now a lot of overlap lower’ in the lineup as well. Looking at the Versa at the Indianapolis Auto Show and then the new Sentra sedan, it seemed that there was too little difference in size to justify the difference in cost. Yes the Sentra looks more proportional, but when you consider that neither has stability control and the Versa is purported to drive with more composure, the Nissan product matrix gets more baffling.

Here are pics of the car the next Evo will be based on.

The dynamics of the recently revised Outlander the Lancer shares its platform with and rumors that Mitsubishi’s readying a dual clutch sequential transmission and an SH-AWD style drive system gives me hope for the new Evo (seen here in concept form). The fact that components are also shared with the Dodge Caliber, Jeep Compass and Jeep Patriot and that some form of active steering may be used gives me pause.

For a car that some of us thought might win going in, [last] place seems astonishing. the variable-ratio steering was… cited for its uncommunicative nature… and the electrohydraulic brakes were similarly peculiar in operation, producing longer-than-expected stopping distances. Persuading the Lexus to negotiate our famous lane-change test was akin to driving a coach. When the vehicle-dynamics system (VDIM) is switched off the LS460L indulges in long, wide slides. Leave the system on, and it still allows the car to get well out of shape before stepping in to confuse the driver. – Car and Driver

Commentary: The original LS was comfortable, yes, but when you whipped it it shrunk around you and cleaved resolutely to its intended path. But perhaps most surprising: after the flack BMW’s received for its Active Steering and Mercedes’ headaches with electrohydraulic brakes, Lexus pursued these imperfect technologies anyway…

Here is an excerpt from the first road test I’ve noticed of a vehicle based on GM’s new Lambda platform:

The steering is precise and accurate, the handling is poised, body control in the twisties is excellent, and the ride is well controlled and supple. Head toss is minimal compared with, say, a GMC Yukon. The brakes have a firm pedal feel, and are able to woe the 5000-pound Acadia with aplomb. – Car and Driver

A surprisingly positive first impression for a vehicle that’s roomier inside than a Yukon and from Mark Gilles, a Brit who’s not exactly easily impressed…

Rumour has it Volvo will unveil its XC 60 crossover at the detroit show in Jan. I expect it will be based on the same major components as Land Rover’s new Freelander replacement (a derivation of the platform that underpins the new S80).

If you want to extend the range of your car’s remote for the entry system, hold the remote fob to your chin and presto!

(Yes, seriously).

Did I mention free?

Click here... (note: not all cities are supported)

Before the phrase Electronic Stability Program was adopted, such systems were called yaw control because that’s exactly what they do – prevent unintended yaw.

But when you think of it that’s what ABS does under braking and traction control does under acceleration. Those two functions are included in ‘stability control’, the added benefit being you don’t have to be touching the gas (as with traction control) or brake too hard (as with ABS) to have the system stabilize the car.

BMW designed the current Range Rover to be an alternative to the S class, A8, etc. But traditionalists moaned that it had grown too large, so when Ford took ownership Land Rover introduced the smaller, sportier Range Rover Sport.

Now that the X5’s gained about 400lbs and a considerable amount of length and width, BMW is considering an X6.

For those who thought the last X5’s form factor was large enough but want the new X5’s front suspension and chassis technology, this should be just the ticket.