You read it right, self healing paint! We have been waiting ages for this on our cars. Is it finally here on the new Infiniti EX? Answer, Kinda'.
Infiniti calls their new paint the Infiniti Scratch Shield. However, it is not the paint that is the "miracle" news here, it's the clearcoat. Infiniti claims the clearcoat is able to repair fine damage such as fingernail scratches and swirl marks from washing. The clearcoat is able to restore the surface close to its original state while maintaining the car’s gloss level over time. Using a special highly elastic resin, the Scratch Shield process can take anywhere from one day to a week depending on the ambient temperature and depth of the scratch . This resin is combined with a conventional clearcoat to increase its flexibility and strength. The Scratch Shield will not be able to repair damage that gets past the clearcoat and into the paint.
Think of it this way, when it is warm enough out, the clearcoat can become just flexible enough to "stretch" back to its original shape. Guess up here in New England, we will have to wait a while in the winter for the technology to do its work. On the other hand, I do have a couple of questions. How will the body shops cope with this brand new product used on only one vehicle in the US. More importantly, how much will it cost to get body work fixed? Let me know what you think, comment back and don't forget to add us to your favorite RSS reader to keep updated on all new opinions.
"The MDX is the ultimate in performance, technology and style in the luxury SUV class," said Dick Colliver, executive vice president, sales.
I know.. kinda cheezy starting with a quote from a marketing director about his own car. But this is a little different; I agree with him. The MDX is at the top of my "Must have for 2008 list". There is no vehicle better suited for life in New England than this amazing vehicle. I am making some bold statements here, but I will back them up. The MDX of course looks great. For a vehicle that seats 7 (thats right...this beauty is a family car) this is one of the best looking vehicles out there. Who are we competing against? Ford Expedition?? Chevy Tahoe?? Seriously... the MDX is far superior to those vehicles in so many areas, and it looks much better. Also, we have all heard about the legendary Acura AWD system. This is an absolute must for those living in winter states. The SH-AWD that comes standard with this MDX is awesome. Of course, you have best in class power with the 3.7 liter V-6, and the active damper system for improved handling. This is a great vehicle! Oh yeah, and it is made by Honda so you know two things are true...great gas mileage, and awesome reliability. Can it get any better? Come on.... Name me some vehicles that are more fun to drive, more reliable, fits the whole family, and you still look like a stud driving it! I bet you can't... but if you think you can, comment!
Laugh and scoff...but you know where you will be on February 17th. Spool up your TiVo's and order a pizza, we will all be in front of the tube. Just go into this show with one thing in mind, this is a sequel to the '80's series, not a remake. Knowing that gives me hope!
Many people drool over BMW's. Granted, they do have some good exterior styling and some kickin' motors but they have a huge flaw. It's taken a few years but this week I finally figured out what is wrong with the BMW brand. THE INTERIOR. They simply never look as good as the Lexus, Acura and Infiniti interiors with whom they compete. Here's my expert opinion...
BMW's interior looks like a $15,000 car's interior in the way that all the dash components (radio/cd, climate controls, etc) look like "inserted, pop in" items. In an Infiniti for example, the whole dash looks like one piece of equipment. A BMW looks like some high school kid installed their own Panasonic CD player, a TomTom nav system and climate controls from a totaled junkyard car and air vents from a 1986 Ford Escort. BMW thinks they can slap some premium walnut wood trim around these disjointed parts and make it a premium car. Now many of you will defend this trait of BMW by saying that it is a clean, uncluttered design. I must say after my rantings, I can nearly accept that. You have a good point in regards to simple functionality in place of dozens of buttons and scroll wheels splattered everywhere.
OK, you may think that was harsh but now the good news about BMW. Their engines are only getting better! The newest twin turbo V6, although still new to the market, appears to be bullet proof with awesome response from the 300 horses. The 2 turbos eliminates most of the turbo lag since they are tuned to work at different speeds and therefore can cope with different driving situations. BMW's vehicles have not been the most reliable in the past but they seem to be coming out of that slump. Let's all keep our fingers crossed and wait.
This blog will be your place for solid usable information about cars. We want to focus on the Northeastern United States and the challenges that face motorists there. We are not as big on informing you of the world's auto news as much as throwing around our opinion of the news and reviewing new vehicles. Sit back, relax, and comment back whether you agree or not with our opinion; after all...this is Motorpinion!
Allow me to introduce the team:
Jonathan is our tech and reliability specialist. Not only will he will keep you up to date with all the tech advances in your cars, he will bash or praise the reliability of ANY automaker.
Andrew loves cars for their power and style and will keep you up to date on those fronts.
You read it right, self healing paint! We have been waiting ages for this on our cars. Is it finally here on the new Infiniti EX? Answer, Kinda'.
