Got rid of the big, ol' cop car. Served me well for the past nine or so years, but it's spring and everyman's fancy turns to things automotive.

The new car is all-American, built in Huntsville, AL. Hyundai Sonata 2.0T Limited. The Ford Crown Victoria was built in Canada -- go figure.

Square, two-litre engine (88mm x 88mm). 9.5:1 compression, so is comfy on 87 octane. Dual o'head cams with continuously variable valve timing and fuel injection directly into the combustion chamber.

Add a twin-scroll turbo that produces 17.4 psi boost and you get 274 hp (269 ft lbs torque) and a highway EPA estimate of 35 mpg.

Six-speed, close-ratio auto tranny and every option from soup to nuts, including the 'roof and GPS, HD/XM/CD and full bluetooth phone support. Also voice recognition -- say "CD track one" and the CD player turns on and plays track one.

Haven't been so damned confused by geekery in years. It'll take me some time to figger all this stuff out, but it's fun to do.

Total less than $30k (incl tax and tags) and it has 10yr/100k miles powertrain, 5yr/60k miles everything else and a 5yr/unlimited miles roadside assistance.

Also saw Hyundai's all new Equus V8. Extraordinary car. Was tempted to take it for a spin, but chickened out. Priced at $64,000.