What would Santa drive?

December 21, 10:03 AMGreen Car ExaminerEvelyn Kanter

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What if this is the year all the reindeers call in sick, even Rudolph with his nose so bright? What if Santa has to leave the bright red sleigh parked at the North Pole, and he has to drive something with four wheels instead?

What would Santa drive to deliver toys to children everywhere, and those adults, too, who still believe?

Something fast, because he has a lot of deliveries to make in a short time.   Like the Mercedes McLaren SLR Roadster, a  617-hp, 5.4-liter supercharged V-8. 

Something with ots of cargo capacity, because he has a huge load of gifts to deliver.  Like the Ford F-150, just named Motor Trend Truck of the Year for its combination of power, handling and efficiency,

All-wheel drive, because there’s lots of tricky terrain he has to negotiate.  Like the Audi Q7 SUV, with the brand’s legendary Quattro system.  The model has been rated a ‘top safety pick’ by the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety for the third year. 

Energy efficient, because it’s a very long trip, and we don’t know how much gas costs at the North Pole this season.  The Cadillac Escalade Hybrid, the world’s first luxury hybrid SUV, which incorporates GM’s Active Fuel Management technology, which allows the hunky V-8 engine to operate on only four cylinders when that’s all that’s needed.

Automatic doors, so the elves can get in and out quickly to help.  Like the Chrysler Town & Country, whose doors slide open and shut with an easy touch, especially helpful when your arms are filled with gifts.  Or squirming toddlers.  And the ‘stow and go’ storage units inside are perfect for stashing small gifts.  Or, Santa's elves can wrap them at the optional table.  And don't we love the seats that swivel around so the elves can face one another.   

Stability control to help him land safely on rooftops.  This safety feature is standard on every Toyota and Lexus model, from the low-priced Toyota Venza to the flagship Lexus LS460.  Stability control works together with traction control and anti-lock brakes to prevent skidding when Santa has to stop quickly or turn sharply on slippery surfaces, whether that is a snowy rooftop or a rain-slicked highway.

Navigation system, to help him find his way in the dark to the homes of all the good boys and girls.   Like the Nagivon 8100T, with an extra-wide screen that allows a panorama view.  Ideal for Santa’s needs, it is a unique 3D view, so he can see exactly where the chimneys are on top of the house.

Heated seats, to keep him toasty warm throughout his busy night.  Like on the Saturn Vue Hybrid, one of the few hybrids to offer that feature. 

Satellite radio, to keep him company with his favorite music or talk, except for Howard Stern, who is more naughty than nice.  Better yet, it should have the award-winning XM NavTraffic service, to alert Santa to avoid traffic jams.  It will be available as a factory-installed feature on the 2009 Porsche Cayenne.

The color should be red, because that’s the color of his sleigh, although the annual survey of the most popular car colors by paint-maker DuPont says white is the best-selling color. 

So what should Santa drive?   And what would the reindeer drive?  Find out in this article by Auto Review Examiner John Matras.

The rest of the year, NORAD is the joint U.S.-Canadian military effort to protect the two countries from airborne attacks.  But, one day a year, the mission is to protect the gifts Santa is delivering.  You can check Santa's progress on the  NORAD Tracks Santa website.

Photos courtesy Mercedes-Benz, Chrysler, Navigon

For more articles by Green Car Examiner Evelyn Kanter, check my website, www.GreatDrives.net.  Email me at greencarexaminer@yahoo.com.