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(TTAC Hot Takes are video roundup posts which will occur whenever we can get Michael Accardi into hair and makeup. These posts are a mandate of our VerticalScope overlords, who are fascinated with the new video medium of YouTube. Watch our other videos here.)
Scandal and doubt were the primary motivators in the automotive news cycle over the past couple of weeks. After the jump, Michael Accardi wears a brown sweater and shares the Mitsubishis, corruption, fake news, and awful CUVs that drive us all to the brink in a special Christmas 2017 video installment.
From the video, here are the Top Ten Takes from the past couple of weeks at TTAC.
- Not surprisingly, our Diamond-Star Motors QOTD post got the Slack chat going, as old Mitsubishi and Chrysler vehicles interest TTAC staff more than any new cars could.
- Ford Fusion production might be shipped off to China, unless you believed Ford when it said, “No, it’s not.”
- Volvo’s Polestar brand is going to open up some shops in enlightened cities, where you’ll be able to manhandle the new Polestar coupe to your heart’s content.
- A financial man who knows financial… things predicts Tesla is not all that long for the world, and will falter and flop. But that hasn’t deterred Pepsi from ordering some Tesla semi trucks for its fleet — 100 of them.
- Managing editor Tim Healey went out west to drive the new off-road-ready Jeep Wrangler in some carefully controlled circumstances (like one often finds off-road).
- Nissan’s front-drive CUV, the Kicks, is coming to market soon, and it will be a sales success despite the “ugh” reaction from the B&B.
- Some police over in Detroit were fond of stripping, but there wasn’t a pole in sight.
- Volkswagen seems intent on lecturing Germany on the need to get rid of diesel subsidies, which is perhaps a bit self-serving given its past and present history with the subject.
- The Ford Focus RS isn’t reliable, and has head gasket issues like an old Subaru or Northstar Cadillac.
- Finally, Florida could get some new legislation to tackle idiots who also own a car, which could be a problem for a good number of people living there.
[Image via YouTube]
19 Comments on “TTAC Hot Takes: VW’s Diesel Excuses, Crooked Cops in Michigan, and the Focus RS Breaks Down...”
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I hate to be the first person to respond to this, but I much prefer to read my internet content than to watch videos. I realize this is mandated, but…
Yes. Reading is WAY WAY faster than a video linear exposition.
I too prefer to read than to watch videos. At least provide text mirroring for the video content.
But their is no luscious hair in the written version……..
Great summary.
If we were voting, I’d say the worst one is the Ford Focus RS engine issue.
Vote all you like!
Is there any truth to the rumor that Mr. Accardi is the long-lost love child of Frank Zappa?
I cannot comment on that per the legal department.
Honest opinion? The video’s more than a little rough.
But if I were voting on the story of the week, it’d be Chinese Fusions.
I recall reading over and over again a few years back, under Mullaly’s leadership, people insisting that Ford quality was then just as good as the Japanese! How naive!
I could not agree with you more!!!! You will NEVER see a Subaru or Toyota with head gasket issues, or a Honda with a glass transmission or a Nissan with one of those rubber-bandy things, or any of those other problems that Detroit has!!!! And the Japanese make such great airbags that Detroit should be using them in their cars!!!!
Not sure…..
T-Tac Hot Takes deathwatch.
That’s what Accardi looks like AFTER going for ‘hair and make-up’??? Dude looks like he’s waking up in day 4 of a coke-and-heroin bender. At least the brown sweater looks cozy.
Instead of pivoting to video, let us put images and videos on the comments guys! We can do the work for you!
I hope in future not ALL CARS moving plant to china l,it may cheap but also compromised quality
i guess verticalscope hasnt read all the news about how “new media” companies are actually abandoning video. its much easier to read/skim a story for those who know how. videos also suck limited battery power from mobile devices and are annoying to people around them. not everyone wants to carry headphones with them either.
The Jalopnikfication of THE TRUTH ABOUT CARS continues!
Corey is one of the wittiest writers I’ve seen, quick one-liners are his unique talent.
Jack is alternately annoying and awe-inspiring, especially in his ability to humble-brag.
That said, your site is spirally downhill rapidly, and video is not helping at all. There are thousands of car (reviews, commentary) videos out there. There is NOT need for another, especially one so substantially sub-par.
I want to read of cars/the business/its sales, NOT watch…
Good Luck with this month’s reboot. Your site view stats must be plummeting.
Why thank you.