Electric Cars

A recent legal dispute has cast a shadow over Porsche and one of its authorized dealers. The controversy centers on the sale of a 2022 Porsche 911 GT3, which a customer purchased believing it to be a new vehicle with minimal mileage. However, the buyer later discovered evidence suggesting the high-performance car had previously been utilized for purposes other than direct sale, specifically as a training tool for mechanics, leading to significant functional problems and a subsequent lawsuit.

The owner's suspicions were confirmed upon finding a crucial detail: the car's window sticker, conspicuously marked "PCNA CAR NOT FOR SALE." This label, typically reserved for vehicles designated for press fleets or training, directly contradicted the dealership's representation of the vehicle as new. The complaint, filed in Seminole County Circuit Court in Florida, alleges that the GT3 had been extensively used and even disassembled at a training school, resulting in electrical failures and improper undercarriage repairs that have rendered the expensive sports car inoperable for an extended period.

This case serves as a stark reminder for prospective car buyers, particularly those investing in high-value vehicles, to meticulously scrutinize all documentation and vehicle history. The presence of a window sticker is paramount, providing critical information such as pricing details, vehicle identification numbers, and overall status. Any hesitation or inability from a dealership to furnish this document should be considered a significant warning sign, prompting further investigation before finalizing a purchase. The outcome of this lawsuit could have far-reaching implications for consumer protection in the automotive industry.

Experience American Luxury Performance: The 1990 Eldorado Touring Coupe.

Cadillac's Evolving Philosophy: Embracing the Enthusiast Driver

Initially, a high-performance Cadillac model might have seemed like an oxymoron. However, over time, our appreciation for Cadillac's sophisticated suspension systems has grown significantly, especially in vehicles targeting the discerning driver. We have observed that the Seville Touring Sedan delivers satisfactory performance, the latest Allanté offers exceptional quality, and even the Eldorado has proven surprisingly capable. This progress is primarily due to Cadillac's advancements in creating luxury car suspensions that are both firm and comfortable, avoiding harshness.

The Touring Coupe: A New Standard for Engaging Drives

The introduction of the Touring Coupe, Cadillac's newest model aimed at enthusiasts, further solidifies our positive perception of the brand's offerings. These vehicles are designed to do more than simply transport occupants to their destinations without any sensation of the road. They are crafted to provide a connection to the driving experience, a refreshing departure from purely isolated luxury. While Cadillac has not yet surpassed the driving prowess of European counterparts such as BMW or Mercedes-Benz, it has successfully demonstrated that an American luxury car can offer sufficient excitement and driving enjoyment to keep enthusiasts captivated.

Unveiling the Touring Coupe: Features and Financial Details

The Touring Coupe trim level adds an extra $2975 to the Eldorado's standard price of $28,855. Our evaluation model also included an optional sunroof, priced at $1355, and a premium Delco-GM/Bose audio system with a CD player, costing $872. With an additional $550 for destination fees, the total manufacturer's suggested retail price for this equipped model reached $34,607.

Powertrain and Performance: Blending Power with Refinement

For this premium cost, consumers receive an American luxury vehicle powered by a V-8 engine, paired with a four-speed automatic transmission and a four-wheel disc brake system featuring Teves anti-lock technology. The Touring Coupe is equipped with 215/60R-16 Goodyear Eagle GT+4 performance tires, a step up from the standard Eldorado's Michelins, mounted on 7.0-by-16-inch aluminum wheels. Additionally, its steering system is more responsive, with a quicker ratio of 15.6:1 compared to the standard 16.5:1. Inside, the car boasts standard leather seating, featuring six-way power adjustments for both driver and passenger, along with power recline and lumbar support. The interior leather is offered in an elegant, pleasant tan hue.

Engine Dynamics and Acceleration: A Responsive Heartbeat

Powering the Touring Coupe is Cadillac's transversely mounted, 180-horsepower, 4.5-liter V-8 engine. A 3.33 final-drive ratio ensures a more spirited throttle response than the base model's taller gearing. The engine achieves its maximum torque of 245 pound-feet at 3000 rpm, with peak horsepower reached at 4300 rpm. The Touring Coupe accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in a respectable 8.4 seconds and can attain a top speed of 118 mph, which is commendable for a luxury coupe. Its dual exhaust pipes produce a distinctly un-Cadillac-like rumble, a sound that may appeal to some drivers while not being to everyone's taste. Importantly, this more aggressive exhaust note does not permeate the cabin, maintaining interior tranquility.

Suspension and Handling: A Tauter Ride for Demanding Roads

The Touring Coupe's suspension system, specifically calibrated for a firm and responsive driving feel, represents a significant advantage over its more softly sprung counterparts. Virtually every suspension component has been reinforced, thickened, or strengthened, and this is evident in its road manners. Our test drive through the challenging, hilly terrain of eastern Kentucky demonstrated the car's competent performance under rigorous driving conditions.

Exterior Aesthetics: A Design Reflection of Its Era

The exterior design of the vehicle features the angular, sharp-edged aesthetic that General Motors later acknowledged might have been a misstep. The Touring Coupe could benefit from an exterior design that is less geometrically rigid and more fluid, akin to the cars it aims to rival. As a critical observation, one might ponder the positive impact a few more gracefully integrated curves could have had. This sentiment also extends to the dashboard and its surrounding elements, which are composed of numerous rectangular shapes, evoking the appearance of a basic storage unit.

Interior Comfort and Ergonomics: A Blend of Luxury and Quirks

Despite its somewhat dated exterior, the car's non-aerodynamic silhouette remains appealing to those who appreciate its classic lines. Cadillac's design team exercised commendable restraint in its badging. Only four Cadillac emblems are present—one on each C-pillar, and one each on the hood and trunk—along with a subtle "Cadillac" script on the grille. There is no traditional stand-up hood ornament. Although the car appears somewhat truncated due to the industry's downsizing trends of the era, it successfully retains an aura of dignity fitting its price point and intended purpose. The quality of the carpeting and seating, however, confirms its status as a genuine luxury vehicle. The wool and leather materials are of excellent quality and are impeccably installed. The seats, which feature side bolsters unlike the base Eldorado, still lack the aggressive lateral support many drivers prefer. Nevertheless, extended drives of 300 miles proved comfortable for both back and bottom. The six-way power seat adjustments are overly complicated; a more intuitive design, similar to Mercedes-Benz's simple seat-shaped controls, would be a welcome improvement.

Driving Dynamics: A Refined Experience

The discussion of seat controls naturally leads to ergonomics, a subject that Cadillac may find less comfortable to address. The windshield wiper control, located on the dashboard, is difficult to see and unnecessarily complex, especially when compared to the well-designed stalk controls found in numerous other vehicles, such as the Lincoln Mark VII. It remains perplexing why Cadillac has not adopted the ergonomic principles that have been evident in Mercedes-Benz products for decades. For those who frequently test-drive various cars, adapting to different layouts is common. However, what is unforgettable about the new Eldorado Touring Coupe is its significantly improved road manners, marking it as the most refined Cadillac in recent memory.