From Dick Scott Automotive Group
Happy New Year
To All Our Loyal Readers And Customers!
Dick Scott Automotive Group has been serving the Detroit Metro Area for over 30 years. We are family-owned and operated and work very hard to prove, "You Always Get Your Best Shot at Dick Scott"
May you and your family have a safe and happy holiday season!
Congratulations to Nissan GT-R, Motor Trend's 2008 Car Of The Year! No other car this year could match the sensation and hype of the Nissan GT-R. Not only was it hyped but it stood behind ever last claim it made. This vehicle accelerates faster, stops faster and runs a track faster than any of it competitors and for a lower price. Nissan has given us an amazing car to sell and we're honored that it is the 2008 Motor Trend Car Of The Year!
Dick Scott Nissan
Best Shot Dealer
Dick Scott's Indian Motorcycle Detroit is looking for your stories. If you own an Indian Motorcycle or know someone who does, we'd love to hear your story. We will post these stories to our website and this blog. Please contact us at http://www.indianmotorcycledetroit.com/!
Dick Scott Automotive Group's Toys For Tots toy drive is going great! Don't forget the Toys For Tots even on Saturday, December 6, 2008. Nissan has just announced that they will also have Santa at their location! Here are some updated pictures.
Dick Scott Automotive Group will be hosting a Toys for Tots toy drive this Saturday, December 6th from 8am to 3pm. Toys For Tots requests that your donation be a NEW, UNWRAPPED toy. Please no stuffed animals as they can no longer be distributed because they can harbor germs. PLEASE NOTE: Toys For Tots is always in need of gifts for 9 to 12 year olds, both boys and girls. Craft or hobby kits, makeup kits, electronics and CD's, are always great choices!
Santa will be at our Dodge location in Plymouth and you can get your holiday picture taken by a professional photographer!
by Tim Joseph
I happened upon a picture of the forthcoming 370Z. Notice the NISMO kit on it! I'm unsure if this is an actual photograph or an artist rendition. Like everything else I'm sure this is just the beginning and we'll be seeing more details in the future.
Found on Michigan.Org
by Tim Joseph
The Los Angeles Auto Show is underway right now and here is a picture of the American Spec 2009 Nissan Cube. It is 10 inches longer and 4 inches wider than the previous model sold in Japan. Many critics said that this vehicle would never sell well here with only 95 HP so Nissan put the 1.8L Versa engine in and we get 122. It is lighter than the Versa so it should have a little bit of pep to its step. You will have the choice of either a 6-speed manual transmission or a CVT transmission. High end features such as push button start, blue tooth and rear sonar will be available. The Cube will come in an S and SL trim just like the Versa and Sentra. While pricing is expected to be just under $15,000, Nissan may surprise us when pricing in announced in February at the Chicago Auto Show.
For more information please check out the article at InsideLine.com.
Automatic, Air Conditioning, Cruise Control, Power Locks/Windows/Seats, My Gig Media Radio System and much more! (Stock #28022)
Call 800-486-2415 to set up your test drive today!
*Plus tax, title, plate, DOC Fee and destination charge. Must qualify for Lease Loyalty Rebate. Must provide valid Chrysler Employee or CDI Control Number. All rebates to dealer. See Dealer for all details. Prices subject to change without notice. Must buy from dealer stock for ad price. Offer Expire 11/30/2008
Silver with Black Freedom Hard Top, Automatic Trans., Air Conditioning, Power Locks & Windows, Remote Start and much more! (Stock #70961)
Call 800-486-2415 to set up your test drive today!
*Plus tax, title, plate, DOC Fee and destination charge. Must qualify for Lease Loyalty Rebate. Must provide valid Chrysler Employee or CDI Control Number. All rebates to dealer. See Dealer for all details. Prices subject to change without notice. Must buy from dealer stock for ad price. Offer Expire 11/30/2008
24C SXT Customer Preferred Order Selection Package. Stock #88152
*Plus tax, title, plate, destination and DOC Fee (due at signing). Must qualify for Employee Discount and provide a valid Chrysler Employee Control Number, must be a Returning Lessee and qualify for Lease to Purchase Loyalty and must qualify for the Military Discount. All rebates to dealer. See Dealer for complete details. Expires 11/30/2008. One at this price.
by Tim Joseph
The 2008 SEMA show is going on in Las Vegas right now and the pictures we're seeing are very interesting to say the least. SEMA is the self described premier automotive specialty products trade event in the world.
I found this photo to be particularly interesting. It's a V8 Hemi powered Jeep Wrangler. A 7.0L 426 HEMI with 665 horses under the hood. While I haven't seen anything to indicate that it's built for speed or torque, I'm sure it offers an ample amount of each. The Jeep is code named Orange Crush and they didn't say if it's because you'll have a crush on the vehicle or it'll crush you.
by Tim Joseph
I didn't know what I should write about first so I decided to write one post for two subjects. This has to be one of the most exciting announcements coming from the auto industry in a long long time. Let's face it, the economy is weak and history tells us that it'll rebound but for now we need to do some things to keep our heads above water. Vehicles are essential to our lives and sometimes you have to get a new one.
Nissan announced this weekend that it will have 0% financing for 5 different models through January 5, 2009. The Rogue, Murano, Altima, Sentra and Versa will all start at 0% financing, with approved credit. See Dick Scott Nissan for more information.
How about this one? A Nissan Versa for $9,900 brand new off the showroom floor? Nissan announced that the new "bare bones" Versa Sedan will go on sale November 18th for under $10,000 (minus delivery, tax, title, tag...). This is more than $2,000 less than the current model. Yes, there is a slight catch. You're going to get a smaller engine. A 1.6L, 107 HP engine which puts it on par with a Toyota Yaris and Honda Fit which sell for the price of the 1.8L Versa.
When I get more details about this Versa I will be sure to post them. The Nissan Versa is a vehicle you can't say enough good things about. It offers more HP, options and interior space than its Toyota and Honda competitors at the same price. Now you'll spend a lot less.
From IndianMotorcycle.com
Onward Indian Warriors: The Roaring '20s & Beyond
Of all the inspired "wrenches" who picked up Indian's engineering reins after Oscar Hedstrom's departure, the two most remarkable were Hedstrom's long-time assistant Charles Gustafson and Charles B. Franklin, an Irish immigrant who had ridden for the "Indian Rules" team that swept the Isle of Man TT in 1911.
Under their leadership, Indian celebrated the War's winding down by firing a broadside that resounded throughout the entire racing world, the introduction of the first dedicated board-track factory racer ever offered for sale directly to the public.
Featuring a four-valve-per-cylinder, overhead-valve engine and a lightweight rigid frame without such "nonessentials" as brakes, fenders or throttle (the bikes were run with the carbs wide open), the Model H carried a top speed of over 120mph and a sticker-shocking price of about $375, roughly a third more than a fully equipped Chief of the era. Because not many club racers were both wealthy and brave enough to buy and race one, relatively few were built, but those few --particularly when "loaned" to professional riders by the factory -- took home trophies and track records almost everywhere they competed.
Equally revolutionary, but a lot more practical and affordable, post-war Chiefs and Scouts were based on Gustafson's side-valve, 42-degree, v-twin Powerplus engine. Arguably the most influential motorcycle engine design in history, the Powerplus forced other v-twin makers, including Harley-Davidson, to abandon their OHV designs and develop side-valve motors to compete with the Indians' power and reliability.
The Powerplus platform, in displacements ranging from 37 to 74 cubic inches and chassis engineered by Franklin, remained the gold standard in v-twin design for decades and continues to inspire us at Indian today.
The first significant Powerplus-era street bikes were the 1920 Scout, featuring a 37ci motor, and the 1922 61ci Chief. The low-riding, long-wheelbase Scout , with its innovative semi-monocoque construction, three-speed transmission and helical-gear drive, was an immediate hit with street riders and dirt track and endurance racers and became even more popular after the frame was lowered and the engine bumped to 45ci in 1928.
During the same period, the Chief and the Big Chief, introduced in 1924 with a 74-cubic-inch Powerplus prime mover, began earning the reputation that would soon make the words "Indian Chief" synonymous with "world's best touring motorcycle."
Another Indian milestone of the era was the introduction of the Indian Four in 1927. Featuring an inline four-cylinder engine derived from a design Indian acquired in a buyout of the Ace Motorcycle Company, the new model was initially marketed as the Indian Ace and rebranded the Indian Four after being given an advanced suspension, high-stability frame and more durable motor in 1928.
(In one of the many ironies arising from Indian's pioneering role in motorcycle development, the Four was the progenitor of the transversely mounted inline fours with which Honda -- whose founder, Soichiro Honda, was an avid Scout rider before starting his own company -- revolutionized the sport-touring market in the early '70s.)
While Indian's engineers, assembly line workers, sales reps, factory racers, and customers were soaring through the '20s celebrating race wins and milestones such as becoming the first manufacturer in the world to produce over a quarter-million motorcycles (1923), the front office was equally busy roaring through the company's cash, credit and corporate goodwill.
Whereas Oscar Hedstrom's heirs in Indian's engineering and manufacturing departments were motorcycle devotees of ability, vision, and passion, those who succeeded George Hendee in the executive suite were mediocre mercenaries at best and white-collar pirates bent on looting and plundering at the worst.
Under their misdirection, the highly profitable Indian motorcycle division was bled white to support money-losing "diversifications" into non-motorcycle-related companies, many of which were suspected of being secretly controlled by cronies of the very Indian executives who made the decision to invest in them.
That Indian survived a full decade of financial machinations in the face of powerful competition from Harley-Davidson, Henderson, Excelsior, etc. -- not to mention the even stronger competition from the Model T Ford and other newly affordable four-wheelers -- is a testament to the quality and durability of its motorcycles, the pride and dedication of its dealers and riders and -- to be the truthful -- the gung ho, prairie oysters-to-the-wall economy of the Jazz Age.
Given the rot at the top, there is simply no way Indian -- which was already losing hundreds of thousands of dollars annually during the good years -- could have survived the Depression or even, in all likelihood, the first two years of the Depression, without a miracle.
Fortunately, miracles sometimes happen. Indian's miracle -- which went by the name of Eleuthere Paul duPont -- occurred on the very eve of what was, to the vast majority of American citizens and businesses, the start of an almost 12-year-long national nightmare.
In late 1929, shortly before the Stock Market's "Black Tuesday," E. Paul duPont persuaded his brother Francis to merge the family's luxury car business with Indian and cease production of -- surprise, surprise -- cars!
Though this decision seems bizarre, especially considering that many American motorcycle firms had already been bankrupted by the public's infatuation with the automobile, the fact seems to be that E. Paul, scion of one of America's wealthiest families, was simply more interested in bikes than cars. As a kid he had converted his bicycle into a motorbike by mounting a handbuilt engine of his own design to the frame and he later owned and modified several Indians while still in engineering school.
Then, too, he and Francis had been Indian shareholders since 1923 and had both seen enough to convince them that the only way to recoup anything on their original $300,000 investment was to take over the company and spend as many millions as it took to put it right.
One of duPont's first moves after becoming Indian's president was to the pull the plug on all non-motorcycle operations. One of his next -- and perhaps even more significant -- moves was to lure two extraordinary men, Briggs Weaver and Loren Hosley -- into the Springfield Wigwam.
Chief Designer Weaver eventually parented what almost every motorcycle fanatic alive considers the classic Indian look -- a sweeping, streamlined, timeless style which looks as vibrant and exhilarating today as it did 60-odd years ago. And Hosley, as production manager, converted Indian into a highly efficient manufacturing company with record-breaking income in less than a decade.
Along the way, they -- with E. Paul duPont working hands-on in every area from engineering to test riding -- introduced dozens of new technological advances, virtually dominated AMA Class C racing and made Indian an integral part of the march toward World War II preparedness.
Http://www.IndianMotorcycleDetroit
Check out our full like of 2009 Indian Chief Motorcycles, Indian Apparel, Rider's Pictures and more on our Indian Motorcycle Detroit website!
The 2009 Indian Chief Motorcycles are designed and engineered to be powerful works of art. Each Indian Chief features a factory built 105 cubic inch PowerPlus engine with electronic fuel injection. The head turning PowerPlus engine unites style and technology while delivering the heart-pounding torque and pavement ripping power you expect from America's motorcycle company.
From the tip of the Chief's deep-valanced front fender to the ergonomically designed, genuine leather seat, every detail of the motorcycle strikes a perfect balance between the legendary heritage of Indian and the comfort, style and performance you demand in a quality machine.
Since 1901, Indian Motorcycle has been known for innovation technology and unparalleled craftsmanship. We are dedicated to remaining true to that legacy and to building the highest-quality, handcrafted motorcycles. Each Indian Motorcycle is a labor of love.
The motorcycle itself was the inspiration for the entire design of our dealerships, and it is fit for a Chief. Colors, contours, textures and finishes throughout, from leather to chrome studs, are all part of the world of Indian Motorcycle.
Ultimate service delivered by knowledgeable staff is our promise to you. Whether you are attending an event or buying the Chief of your dreams, you can expect to be treated like a member of the tribe.
Available in three models:
Dick Scott Automotive Group is proud to add Indian Motorcycle Detroit to it's family of Best Shot Dealers
by Tim Joseph
There have been a lot of talks lately about Chrysler and thier future. GM and Chrysler are talking about a possible merger or takeover. Cerberus seems to want to get out of the auto business and now may be a good time. A deal like this would be good for GM because it could reduce their operating costs substantially. Now there are rumors that Renault-Nissan have had talks to buy Chrysler. The rumors go as far as saying that Nissan Executives have been to the United States and have even toured the Chrysler World HQ in Auburn Hills. Carlos Ghosn is said to have a team in America analyzing the potential purchase.
While Renault spokespeople have denied any such talks, Nissan had this to say. "We have three deals with Chrysler right now, for some cars and trucks, that have been reported earlier this year," said Fred Standish, spokesman for Nissan North America. "We are keeping lines open with Chrysler to discuss any other potential future deals. But we have nothing to announce right now."
A simple "We cannot confirm nor deny that" would have been sufficient.
"I think that when people talk about consolidation, they imagine company A buying company B. We know this does not work," Ghosn said at a grand opening celebration of the company's new North American headquarters in Nashville, Tenn. "Company A buying company B is guaranteed destruction of value after a while."
Ghosn went on to say that strategic alliances such as Renault-Nissan do work. Nissan owns 15% of Renault while Renault owns 44% of Nissan.
In July Ghosn commented on a possible Chrysler-Nissan alliance by stating "With Chrysler, we have OEM deals like we have with Mitsubishi, like we have with Suzuki," Ghosn said. "Nothing more nothing less." While earlier this month Bob Nardelli was reportedly quoted as saying he has met with Carlos Ghosn several times and Renault-Nissan could be a "strategic buyer" for Chrysler.
Most analysts agree that the Renault-Nissan-Chrysler deal makes more sence than selling to General Morots. Cerberus apparently doesn't want to break Chrysler up and sell it in pieces. I guess we'll have to wait and see.
Here is a picture I found of the Dodge Challenger SRT-10 concept. It is pictured with a Viper and has the same engine as the smaller sports car. It puts out 600 horsepower and has a carbon fiber hood complete with scoop. Who says the American muscle car is dead?!
by Tim Joseph
Nissan is becoming quite the innovator. They are scheduled to release an Electric Car in 2010, they've developed a paint that fills in it's own scratches and they have developed their ECO Pedal that pushes back when you push the gas too hard. They already have advanced technology like CVT transmissions, intelligent key and GPS navigation.
The big buzz on the internet today is Nissan's new BR23C robot. The robot is equipped with a collision avoidance system that works the same way a bee's eye does. It is able to detect objects in a 180 degree range in it's forward direction. While I would like to take one of these robots home with him to watch it run around, Nissan has no plans of selling it. It's more of a concept robot that they hope to integrate with their PIVO 2 electric concept vehicle. When the system detects an object it is able to quickly move around an object.
If you're interested in seeing what Nissan has to offer, please contact Dick Scott Nissan at (734) 495-1000. Ask for Terri Young!
by Tim Joseph
I read an interesting article today. You can click the below link to read it for yourself. Someone wrote in and asked a couple of car experts an interesting question I wondered about when I got my stick shift vehicle two years ago. The guy had just purchased a 2008 Nissan 350Z and let his friend drive it. When his friend would take off from a red light he would start off in 2nd gear. He said it was better for the engine and easier on the clutch and transmission.
The answer was the complete opposite. It is actually harder on the clutch and engine and will wear out 2nd gear quicker. Typically 1st gear does not get worn out and if any gear does, it's usually 2nd according to the article.
If you are interested in saving money at the pump, this is not the way to do it. We have several articles written here about how to save money. You can check some of them here: Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 3 1/2, Part 4
http://www.courant.com/business/yourmoney/hc-ymclick0928-ylif.artsep28,0,6207868.story
by Tim Joseph
There are three reasons why Chrysler is going to be okay through this tough time in the auto industry pictured above. A demonstration was given today outside the Chrysler World Headquarters in Auburn Hills, Michigan. The little yellow sports car was demonstrated on CNBC this morning by Chrysler chief executive Bob Nardelli. It is able to drive 150 miles before it needs charging again. It was unclear from my sources if this will be a production model or if another electric vehicle will grace the showroom floor. They did, however, say they would have an electric vehicle for sale by the end of 2010.
by Tim Joseph
A lot of saving money at the gas pump is knowing what factors affect your fuel economy. There may be things costing you money that you don't know about and that's why educating yourself is so important. Today I came across an interesting website (http://www.willyoujoinus.com) created by the good folks at Chevron. I don't believe we have any Chevron gas stations here in the Detroit area but this website can help us none the less. If you click on the MPG Optimizer you can move these little sliding icons around to see what is impacting your fuel economy.
The website asks you to set the icons based on a series of seven questions. By moving the icons I found that I save 15 miles per gallon. The questions are:
Most people are not sure how often they need to tune their car up. Usually it's 60,000 - 100,000 miles so most people would answer "Always" to question 6. By changing a few little things, you could save big just by knowing that you need to change.
2009 Chrysler Jeep Patriot FWD
Bright silver, 5 speed manual transmission, air conditioning, CD stereo, rear defrost & much more... Stock #: 16104.
Chrysler Employee: $13,648*
General Public: $14,417*
2008 Dodge Charger SE PLUS
Own, don't rent! Payments as low as $234/mo**
2008 Chrysler Sebring Sedan
$21,555 MSRP. Automatic, A/C, cruise control, power locks/windows/seats, my gig media radio system and much more. Stock #: 26129
Chrysler Employee: $15,551*
General Public: $16,421*
*Plus tax, title, plate, DOC Fee and destination charge. Must qualify for Loyalty Rebate and Military Rebate. Chrysler employee must provide valid Chrysler Employee Control Number for Employee deals. All rebates to dealer. See Dealer for all details.
**Plus tax, title, plate and DOC Fee. Must qualify for Employee Discount, provide a valid Chrysler Employee Control Number and be a returning lessee. Must finance through Chrysler Financial, qualify for A-Tier Credit and provide 10% down payment. All rebates to dealer. See Dealer for details. Offers Expire 09/30/2008
*Plus tax, title, plate, DOC Fee and destination charge. Must quality for College Grad Rebate. All Rebates to Dealer. Initial due at lease signing of $2,999 includes first payment, down payment and $0 security deposit. Payments are plus tax. To get the total of payments, multiply term x payment. Option to purchase at lease-end at pre-determined price. Based on 12,000 miles/year. 15 cents per mile in excess. Lessee responsible for excess wear and tear. Picture may not represent actual vehicle. Must take delivery from dealer stock. With approved credit. For well-qualified buyers; not all people will qualify. See Dealer for details. Prior sales excluded. Expires 09/30/2008.
2.5% APR plus $1,000 Bonus Cash for Qualified Buyers! Financing for A+ Credit only through KMFC. Program concludes 9/30/2008
Please call us at 800-730-9872 for more details!
* Plus tax, title, plate and DOC fee. Must qualify for Employee Discount, provide a valid Chrysler Employee Control Number and be a returning lessee. Must finance through Chrysler Financial, qualify for A-Tier Credit and provide 10% down payment. All rebates to dealer. See dealer for details. Offer Expires 9/30/2008.